Lots happening here in the chaos...
New stove delivered this morning...check...last photos of old one taken...check...photos of new one taken...check...
Package from Grandma delivered today as promised by UPS...check...don't open until Xmas...duly noted and check...dammit...
Researching latest rules and regulations about traveling overseas since I haven't done that in 15 years...check...rules have definitely changed...duly noted and check...dammit! No problems knitting on the way there, but can't have knitting on UK to Chicago flight when I return. Argh. They must have heard about my threats to the local justice system here in California. Since "No sharp objects whatsoever - no exceptions - and that means YOU" are allowed on flights leaving the UK, looks like I break out the crochet - didn't say anything about hooks. Can't needlepoint, cross stitch, sew/quilt, knit...crafters must be overly agressive and just plain unruly on transatlantic flights. Honey is hoping I don't get myself in trouble on the way home...or lose any precious crafting supplies.
ACK. All I want to do is keep myself busily occupied and not in anyone's hair. And if I'm busily occupied, no one will get in my hair...which is of course more important in this situation.
Lots of work piling up...check...and ACK!!!! Will be working late the next few days to get it all done.
Lots of pictures piling up in the digi camera...will eventually post.
Knitting Content:
Honey's Dalek is coming along well. 85% complete as of last night. Spencer's Surefire hat was sneakily confiscated Saturday night after soccer, properly blocked, and lined with lightweight fleece last night. Looks awesome. So proud of myself on both projects. Yay!
Some day, I will get all this into Ravelry. I should be thankful I haven't gotten really sucked into it yet, altho I did discover that they also have crochet stuff! Guess where I'll be looking for ideas for the trip home.......let the sucking begin...
Monday, December 17, 2007
Friday, December 14, 2007
In order to distract those who come here for knitting content...
...or any coherent content for that matter....
First a knitty update...still haven't properly finished off Spencer's Surefire hat. He takes it off to sleep or shower and that's it...and quite honestly, I haven't had the energy this week to argue with him or wrestle him to the ground to take it off him...he is a bit bigger than me now you know...
Next update...the Dalek for Honey is coming along quite nicely...but will not be ready in time for Xmas...maybe his birthday in January?
Had a few other projects on the needles that just aren't working out, so those will be re-thought and most likely switched out for others objects d'knitting. Definitely not going to make it for Xmas either...
Damn those knitting muses...I have a few successes and bammmm! Total blockage...gah...need a brain plunger!
Work has been busy, lots of stuff happening with school and Spencer left and right...
ooooh! Have some tickets on Hold for my visit to go see Honey as of this afternoon. Have until Dec 24th to either buy them or find something better. I'm so excited I can't stand it.
OOOH! Getting a new stove/vent-a-hood combo on Monday. Sure will miss my avocado green "That 70's Stove"...well, not really.
Ok here's something for the WTF file...saw it on someone else's blog, but can't remember who...and then shut it all down before I decided to post it here, so had to go digging for it...wasn't hard to find tho...
Kept hoping one of them would fall off the catwalk or run into another model...can you just imagine what the models were thinking under those?!?
First a knitty update...still haven't properly finished off Spencer's Surefire hat. He takes it off to sleep or shower and that's it...and quite honestly, I haven't had the energy this week to argue with him or wrestle him to the ground to take it off him...he is a bit bigger than me now you know...
Next update...the Dalek for Honey is coming along quite nicely...but will not be ready in time for Xmas...maybe his birthday in January?
Had a few other projects on the needles that just aren't working out, so those will be re-thought and most likely switched out for others objects d'knitting. Definitely not going to make it for Xmas either...
Damn those knitting muses...I have a few successes and bammmm! Total blockage...gah...need a brain plunger!
Work has been busy, lots of stuff happening with school and Spencer left and right...
ooooh! Have some tickets on Hold for my visit to go see Honey as of this afternoon. Have until Dec 24th to either buy them or find something better. I'm so excited I can't stand it.
OOOH! Getting a new stove/vent-a-hood combo on Monday. Sure will miss my avocado green "That 70's Stove"...well, not really.
Ok here's something for the WTF file...saw it on someone else's blog, but can't remember who...and then shut it all down before I decided to post it here, so had to go digging for it...wasn't hard to find tho...
Kept hoping one of them would fall off the catwalk or run into another model...can you just imagine what the models were thinking under those?!?
Friday, December 07, 2007
Desperate Knitters...
...take desperate measures...
Well, not really that dramatic, but we got tired of waiting for the last color of Lamb's Pride to come in so we could start the infamous hat for Spencer...
Into the stash we dove...and came out with some leftovers from Honey's Leeds United scarf. Namely the white and yellow. Combined that with the dark brown and turquoise we had ordered just for the hat and viola!
One finished Surefire hat! Welllll....one not-really-finished-quite-yet Surefire hat because Spencer put it on to test the size and never gave it back.
It still needs to be blocked and I think we are going to line it with some lightweight flannel. But first it had to go to school today and over to Dad's house for the weekend. It will be back on Sunday night at which time I will confiscate it so I can finish it off properly!
Once the other yarn does actually arrive, I will make him another. This time I think I'll use a size smaller needles so it'll be a bit more fitted.
Can't believe I finished the knitting up part that quickly. I started Wednesday night and finished weaving in the last ends and doing the crochet edge last night. Wow. Have never finished knitting anything so quickly in my life.
Well, not really that dramatic, but we got tired of waiting for the last color of Lamb's Pride to come in so we could start the infamous hat for Spencer...
Into the stash we dove...and came out with some leftovers from Honey's Leeds United scarf. Namely the white and yellow. Combined that with the dark brown and turquoise we had ordered just for the hat and viola!
One finished Surefire hat! Welllll....one not-really-finished-quite-yet Surefire hat because Spencer put it on to test the size and never gave it back.
It still needs to be blocked and I think we are going to line it with some lightweight flannel. But first it had to go to school today and over to Dad's house for the weekend. It will be back on Sunday night at which time I will confiscate it so I can finish it off properly!
Once the other yarn does actually arrive, I will make him another. This time I think I'll use a size smaller needles so it'll be a bit more fitted.
Can't believe I finished the knitting up part that quickly. I started Wednesday night and finished weaving in the last ends and doing the crochet edge last night. Wow. Have never finished knitting anything so quickly in my life.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Then and Now...where has the time gone?!?
Good grief...time sure flies....where's the tissue box....sniff sniff sniff...
Baby photo courtesy of the hospital where Spencer was born, school photo from this year's photographer - whoever it was this year...
Baby photo courtesy of the hospital where Spencer was born, school photo from this year's photographer - whoever it was this year...
Monday, December 03, 2007
Knit happenings...
Hi everyone,
I was a little out of this weekend...if it's not one thing, it's another! But...I did manage to get some knitting in...
Started this...and it's been cool so far...altho...ask me again after I've finished making all 58 bobbles....
Would really like to start this...so far I have the dark brown and the blue that we ordered, still waiting on the cream color. Our version will not look like that tho...we are going for something along the lines of this...but without the pompom. We are trading in stripes for snowflakes... We were going to go with Swell, but we didn't like how things were starting to look. Earflaps just weren't right...and I couldn't get the damn thing to stop being so curly. Next!
Spencer and I are excited to get going on this...He graphed out the snowflake pattern from the American Eagle hat and now I've got to do some math to get it to work on the Surefire Hat. Now all I need for him to do is graph out the little wave pattern at the top for me and I'm in business. And...if the wool is too itchy, she has instructions on how to line the hat! How cool is that?!? It was intended to make the hat warmer, but stopping itchies will be it's mission here in the house of Chaos and Wool Sensitivities.
Been surfing and reading lots of magazines and books and blogs and websites lately...so many wonderful patterns out there! Waaaannnnnt to make so many. Realistically tho, some are way out of my league, some I'd get bored with and would never finish, and then there are some that I could totally do! And those I will do...eventually. In-between life.
Lamb's Pride, Lamb's Pride...where for art thou Lamb's Pride?!?
Hurry up and get here dammit!
Oooh...If anyone out there has any recommendations of anything knitty that's English, I'd appreciate it. Going to ask Honey's Mum (the only English knitter I know), but thought I'd put the question out there into blogland as well. Honey (bless his heart) has agreed to take me yarn shopping. I told him we needed to wait until my visit was almost over because I didn't want to blow all my spending money on yarn on the first day...poor dear has no idea what he's getting into...but now he does wink wink...wonder if he'll get too embarrassed if my eyes roll up into my head and I just dive into the yarn? Sensitivities be damned!!!
Ooooh...and when I mentioned I wanted to learn how to spin, he mentioned that Wales is famous for it's spinning wheels. Oh my...how will I get this all home?!? hee hee
You know, I'll probably be so overwhelmed, I'll come home with nothing (nothing but blotchy, itchy skin anyway)...but I promise I will at least take pictures...
I was a little out of this weekend...if it's not one thing, it's another! But...I did manage to get some knitting in...
Started this...and it's been cool so far...altho...ask me again after I've finished making all 58 bobbles....
Would really like to start this...so far I have the dark brown and the blue that we ordered, still waiting on the cream color. Our version will not look like that tho...we are going for something along the lines of this...but without the pompom. We are trading in stripes for snowflakes... We were going to go with Swell, but we didn't like how things were starting to look. Earflaps just weren't right...and I couldn't get the damn thing to stop being so curly. Next!
Spencer and I are excited to get going on this...He graphed out the snowflake pattern from the American Eagle hat and now I've got to do some math to get it to work on the Surefire Hat. Now all I need for him to do is graph out the little wave pattern at the top for me and I'm in business. And...if the wool is too itchy, she has instructions on how to line the hat! How cool is that?!? It was intended to make the hat warmer, but stopping itchies will be it's mission here in the house of Chaos and Wool Sensitivities.
Been surfing and reading lots of magazines and books and blogs and websites lately...so many wonderful patterns out there! Waaaannnnnt to make so many. Realistically tho, some are way out of my league, some I'd get bored with and would never finish, and then there are some that I could totally do! And those I will do...eventually. In-between life.
Lamb's Pride, Lamb's Pride...where for art thou Lamb's Pride?!?
Hurry up and get here dammit!
Oooh...If anyone out there has any recommendations of anything knitty that's English, I'd appreciate it. Going to ask Honey's Mum (the only English knitter I know), but thought I'd put the question out there into blogland as well. Honey (bless his heart) has agreed to take me yarn shopping. I told him we needed to wait until my visit was almost over because I didn't want to blow all my spending money on yarn on the first day...poor dear has no idea what he's getting into...but now he does wink wink...wonder if he'll get too embarrassed if my eyes roll up into my head and I just dive into the yarn? Sensitivities be damned!!!
Ooooh...and when I mentioned I wanted to learn how to spin, he mentioned that Wales is famous for it's spinning wheels. Oh my...how will I get this all home?!? hee hee
You know, I'll probably be so overwhelmed, I'll come home with nothing (nothing but blotchy, itchy skin anyway)...but I promise I will at least take pictures...
Friday, November 30, 2007
PIF is happening...and an FO!
Wow, I have two people signed up so far...my friend Cherry...and someone I don't know - Suz - from all the way over in Scotland!
How exciting! I'm already thinking of stuff to make...I'll be reading Suz's blog to find out more about her and will be asking both a few questions to help me make them something not only crafty, but that they will enjoy. Once the gift knitting is done, and the Holidaze are over, I'm going to get going on this. Whee!
Now need only one more person! Hello - knock's on screen - anybody else out there wanna play?
And now for bed...just getting over the head cold and I've been blind-sided by some sort of stomach bug. Gah!!!! Didn't make it to the treadmill today...headed to bed for a short nap instead and then went back to work.
This weekend will most likely be filled with many hours in bed being taken care of by my 13 yr old. About time, don't you think?!?
Ooooh...FO ALERT! The cable project is done...needs the ends woven in and a good blocking. Still waiting on the rest of the yarn for Spencer's hat. In the meantime, I have started the Honey's Dalek. I'm making it out of the leftover yarn from his Leeds United scarf. Going good so far as I've been managing to keep count despite my current state. Also going to start on a few other gifts 'cause I like to have a few projects in varying degrees of difficulty on the needles to switch around to if I get bored or tired of counting.
OH, and we've switched up the plan for Spencer's hat...it will be loosely based on Swell now and we're adding a third color. Once I get all the yarn, I'll show you the colors he picked out. He's found a different graphic pattern that he likes, and I'll be making the earflaps a bit differently, and there will be a color work pattern at the top of the hat as well, and , and, and... Once I'm feeling better, I've got a lot of numbers to crunch to make sure the new design and extra design work in with the amount of stitches I've got to work with...gah...so many numbers, so few coherent brain cells...
Honey visit update...Looks like it's been pushed back to Feb...Spencer is in the school play and they've finally set the date for January 27th. We've been working on his lines for a few weeks now, and there's no way I'd miss his stage debut. But you better believe I'll be jumping on a plane soon afterwards...
How exciting! I'm already thinking of stuff to make...I'll be reading Suz's blog to find out more about her and will be asking both a few questions to help me make them something not only crafty, but that they will enjoy. Once the gift knitting is done, and the Holidaze are over, I'm going to get going on this. Whee!
Now need only one more person! Hello - knock's on screen - anybody else out there wanna play?
And now for bed...just getting over the head cold and I've been blind-sided by some sort of stomach bug. Gah!!!! Didn't make it to the treadmill today...headed to bed for a short nap instead and then went back to work.
This weekend will most likely be filled with many hours in bed being taken care of by my 13 yr old. About time, don't you think?!?
Ooooh...FO ALERT! The cable project is done...needs the ends woven in and a good blocking. Still waiting on the rest of the yarn for Spencer's hat. In the meantime, I have started the Honey's Dalek. I'm making it out of the leftover yarn from his Leeds United scarf. Going good so far as I've been managing to keep count despite my current state. Also going to start on a few other gifts 'cause I like to have a few projects in varying degrees of difficulty on the needles to switch around to if I get bored or tired of counting.
OH, and we've switched up the plan for Spencer's hat...it will be loosely based on Swell now and we're adding a third color. Once I get all the yarn, I'll show you the colors he picked out. He's found a different graphic pattern that he likes, and I'll be making the earflaps a bit differently, and there will be a color work pattern at the top of the hat as well, and , and, and... Once I'm feeling better, I've got a lot of numbers to crunch to make sure the new design and extra design work in with the amount of stitches I've got to work with...gah...so many numbers, so few coherent brain cells...
Honey visit update...Looks like it's been pushed back to Feb...Spencer is in the school play and they've finally set the date for January 27th. We've been working on his lines for a few weeks now, and there's no way I'd miss his stage debut. But you better believe I'll be jumping on a plane soon afterwards...
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Keeping pace...
Really enjoying the treadmill experience these past two days. Going to stick with it for about a week or so longer before I start switching off to other machines. My body is definitely adjusting to this whole alien exercising thing. There are some aches and soreness and all, but it's all ok...the knee is doing well.
And yes AmpuT...it's in my jeans...and so is about 14 years of pie, bread and butter, and other yummy things. hee hee...
Lots of knitting and drawing and sneezing (yep still have the cold) and tea drinking going on in the chaos lately. Finishing up projects left and right...really needing to post this stuff up on Ravelry...cos there won't be like posting up on here cos they're all like gifts...and recipients aren't like up on Ravelry...hee hee...
OOOOOH...so forgot to mention...I've learned how to cable without a cable needle. It's like the coolest thing ever...seriously...kept reading knit blogs about how people are cabling without an extra needle...and decided to check it out...for me cabling is cumbersome...can't handle the extra needle very gracefully and needles slipping out of stitches and all that and of course my almost finished project is just covered in cables...don't have to worry about that anymore... Try it, you'll like it...just Google 'cable knitting without a cable needle'...lots of tutorials and even some YouTube videos will come up...practice and enjoy your new-found liberation.
Now...what else knitty can I learn today?!?
And yes AmpuT...it's in my jeans...and so is about 14 years of pie, bread and butter, and other yummy things. hee hee...
Lots of knitting and drawing and sneezing (yep still have the cold) and tea drinking going on in the chaos lately. Finishing up projects left and right...really needing to post this stuff up on Ravelry...cos there won't be like posting up on here cos they're all like gifts...and recipients aren't like up on Ravelry...hee hee...
OOOOOH...so forgot to mention...I've learned how to cable without a cable needle. It's like the coolest thing ever...seriously...kept reading knit blogs about how people are cabling without an extra needle...and decided to check it out...for me cabling is cumbersome...can't handle the extra needle very gracefully and needles slipping out of stitches and all that and of course my almost finished project is just covered in cables...don't have to worry about that anymore... Try it, you'll like it...just Google 'cable knitting without a cable needle'...lots of tutorials and even some YouTube videos will come up...practice and enjoy your new-found liberation.
Now...what else knitty can I learn today?!?
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
My 70-something year old Mom is in better shape than I am...
...I should be ashamed of myself...and I am.
One hour and 9 minutes to workout time.
And yes, she walks a few miles every morning, eats right and takes very good care of herself.
Hanging my head in shame and signing in to work now...
One hour and 9 minutes to workout time.
And yes, she walks a few miles every morning, eats right and takes very good care of herself.
Hanging my head in shame and signing in to work now...
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
There is no try, there is only "Do"
...ok, so anyone who's been reading this blog for the last year or so knows I struggle with weight loss. I have done well, I have done not so well, but I continue on.
Just updated the ticker up top with the latest info...up 4 more pounds. Oh well. What's a girl to do?
Well for starters, she can get off her ass and exercise more. Watching what I eat is not enough. I've been doing well enough watching what I eat though: paying attention to calories, fat, salt, and sugar content and so on. Some days I'm better than others, but I'm getting back on track and want to stay there for a while. My problem is with exercising. I just don't want to do it.
Things have changed though. I have the encouragement of loved ones once again and a very hunky workout partner to help things along, so I'm getting back into it.
Today, after living in this complex for over 8 years, I entered the "Exercise Facility" over in the main clubhouse/manager's office building. It's basically a room with a mirror on one wall, a wall of windows overlooking the pond area, a universal gym, a stair stepper, 2 treadmills, an elliptical, a scale, and a TV suspended in the corner. I nice place for a complex as old as this one.
It's open from 9am to 10pm. Every day. I've never gone. 8 years people. And I've never taken advantage of 'free' equipment. Sigh...8 years...
Went today at 9am. Hopped on the elliptical for 30 minutes. Just about died. Pretty much crawled back to my apartment. Will soon take Ibuprofen and put up my feet...oh, and don't forget the ice pack for the knee. I hurt. Everywhere. And I did the lowest level workout.
Pitiful.
But I'm doing something about it. The weight must come off, no if's and's or but's about it. My health (and let's face it, my doc) demand it. So it shall be.
It's going to take a lot of work...and oh my GOD does it hurt...damn...I'm getting old, aren't I...but I will perservere. I must.
Tomorrow? I dread tomorrow. Oh the aches when I wake. Even with all the stretching I did before and after and continue to do...I will ache. That's what happens when you carry almost 200 pounds on a 5ft 2.5in frame. It wasn't meant for that...and it's been reminding me a lot lately...and it hurts.
Am I going to go again tomorrow? Yes, I said I would. So I will. Elliptical again? No...not just no, but HELL NO. I will move over to the treadmill for a while and get myself used to moving again. Lots more knee friendly over there. Walking I can do... I am walker hear me roar. Just need to be nice and level for a bit before I go all incline and high resistance on myself. Knee needs healing time, but I must continue to move. As long as I keep it level and consistant, knee will be just fine...and in a few weeks, I will climb back aboard that damn elliptical and show it who's boss.
And next month, the weight loss ticker will show progress. If I keep up the 30 minutes of daily exercise (and I mean daily), there will definitely be weight loss. Which is good because my jeans are tight and there's this really cute little black dress that's two sizes too small hanging on my door that I will wear soon. I don't care if it's just to go check the mail. I will fit into it damn it and I'll look fabulous...cos that's just the kind of dress it is...
Just updated the ticker up top with the latest info...up 4 more pounds. Oh well. What's a girl to do?
Well for starters, she can get off her ass and exercise more. Watching what I eat is not enough. I've been doing well enough watching what I eat though: paying attention to calories, fat, salt, and sugar content and so on. Some days I'm better than others, but I'm getting back on track and want to stay there for a while. My problem is with exercising. I just don't want to do it.
Things have changed though. I have the encouragement of loved ones once again and a very hunky workout partner to help things along, so I'm getting back into it.
Today, after living in this complex for over 8 years, I entered the "Exercise Facility" over in the main clubhouse/manager's office building. It's basically a room with a mirror on one wall, a wall of windows overlooking the pond area, a universal gym, a stair stepper, 2 treadmills, an elliptical, a scale, and a TV suspended in the corner. I nice place for a complex as old as this one.
It's open from 9am to 10pm. Every day. I've never gone. 8 years people. And I've never taken advantage of 'free' equipment. Sigh...8 years...
Went today at 9am. Hopped on the elliptical for 30 minutes. Just about died. Pretty much crawled back to my apartment. Will soon take Ibuprofen and put up my feet...oh, and don't forget the ice pack for the knee. I hurt. Everywhere. And I did the lowest level workout.
Pitiful.
But I'm doing something about it. The weight must come off, no if's and's or but's about it. My health (and let's face it, my doc) demand it. So it shall be.
It's going to take a lot of work...and oh my GOD does it hurt...damn...I'm getting old, aren't I...but I will perservere. I must.
Tomorrow? I dread tomorrow. Oh the aches when I wake. Even with all the stretching I did before and after and continue to do...I will ache. That's what happens when you carry almost 200 pounds on a 5ft 2.5in frame. It wasn't meant for that...and it's been reminding me a lot lately...and it hurts.
Am I going to go again tomorrow? Yes, I said I would. So I will. Elliptical again? No...not just no, but HELL NO. I will move over to the treadmill for a while and get myself used to moving again. Lots more knee friendly over there. Walking I can do... I am walker hear me roar. Just need to be nice and level for a bit before I go all incline and high resistance on myself. Knee needs healing time, but I must continue to move. As long as I keep it level and consistant, knee will be just fine...and in a few weeks, I will climb back aboard that damn elliptical and show it who's boss.
And next month, the weight loss ticker will show progress. If I keep up the 30 minutes of daily exercise (and I mean daily), there will definitely be weight loss. Which is good because my jeans are tight and there's this really cute little black dress that's two sizes too small hanging on my door that I will wear soon. I don't care if it's just to go check the mail. I will fit into it damn it and I'll look fabulous...cos that's just the kind of dress it is...
PIF
Not pffft, but PIF as in Pay It Forward...
Saw this on No-Blog-Rachel's blog and then today on Amputeehee's blog. Decided to think about it and well...I'm in...so here goes...
First we have the pledge:
Here's the deal:
I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days. That is my promise. The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.
And then we have the...omg what have I done?
Well, for starters, I'm going to get something handmade by non other than the Amputee. She's a wonderfully creative lady and can't wait to see what she comes up with...met her in person last year and she's just as lovely in real life as on her blog.
Next, I get to make something for 3 different people that I most likely have not made something for before...at least I hope it'll be 3 people...do 3 people actually read my blog?!? hee hee
Something different and definitely fun...oh, and please realize, I do all sorts of crafting, so it may or may not be knitted, but it will definitely be made by my own two little hands. Once someone signs on and pledges, I might ask you a few questions to help me decide what I should make and send to you.
OK? s'alright...let the crafting begin...oh and the 365 day time limit? No problem.
Saw this on No-Blog-Rachel's blog and then today on Amputeehee's blog. Decided to think about it and well...I'm in...so here goes...
First we have the pledge:
Here's the deal:
I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days. That is my promise. The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.
And then we have the...omg what have I done?
Well, for starters, I'm going to get something handmade by non other than the Amputee. She's a wonderfully creative lady and can't wait to see what she comes up with...met her in person last year and she's just as lovely in real life as on her blog.
Next, I get to make something for 3 different people that I most likely have not made something for before...at least I hope it'll be 3 people...do 3 people actually read my blog?!? hee hee
Something different and definitely fun...oh, and please realize, I do all sorts of crafting, so it may or may not be knitted, but it will definitely be made by my own two little hands. Once someone signs on and pledges, I might ask you a few questions to help me decide what I should make and send to you.
OK? s'alright...let the crafting begin...oh and the 365 day time limit? No problem.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
what the?!?
Hey everyone,
Yeah, I'm still here. Seems I'm right in the middle of a cold and something else decides to join in as well. WTF I say, WTF! Lovely way to spend a 4 day weekend, isn't it?!?
Anyways, I've been getting some knitting done, some online chatting with the Honey (of course) and some texting in with the kid while he's in Vegas living it up. Told him not to come back unless he won 6 figures on the slots. heh heh...
Have one color of the yarn I need to make Swell for Spencer. He picked out a dark brown and an oatmeal color of Lamb's Pride Worsted. Yes folks, I continue to knit with wool. I still have a bit of a reaction to it, but I'm definitely getting better with it. Still can't wear it myself, but I'm not having any issues knitting with it! Yay!
And that's good news because when I go soon to visit the Honey in England, I intend to pick up some knitterly goods...wool included of course!
Yes, that's right. I'm going to visit the Honey in England. We're shooting for Jan/Feb, but judging from the prices I've been coming up against, looks more like Feb. Now to convince the bossman he doesn't need me for 3 weeks (yes 3).
But Donna...won't it be cold?!? Well duh, of course! But now I'll get to wear all the winter clothes that I can never wear here because it just doesn't get cold enough!
I am so excited I can't stand myself. I haven't been to England in soooo long. This is going to be great!
OK...back to reality, my chilly apartment, some nice, hot, freshly brewed, mint tea, and Viggo II. Time to chill in front of the boob tube and knit out the rest of the night.
Yeah, I'm still here. Seems I'm right in the middle of a cold and something else decides to join in as well. WTF I say, WTF! Lovely way to spend a 4 day weekend, isn't it?!?
Anyways, I've been getting some knitting done, some online chatting with the Honey (of course) and some texting in with the kid while he's in Vegas living it up. Told him not to come back unless he won 6 figures on the slots. heh heh...
Have one color of the yarn I need to make Swell for Spencer. He picked out a dark brown and an oatmeal color of Lamb's Pride Worsted. Yes folks, I continue to knit with wool. I still have a bit of a reaction to it, but I'm definitely getting better with it. Still can't wear it myself, but I'm not having any issues knitting with it! Yay!
And that's good news because when I go soon to visit the Honey in England, I intend to pick up some knitterly goods...wool included of course!
Yes, that's right. I'm going to visit the Honey in England. We're shooting for Jan/Feb, but judging from the prices I've been coming up against, looks more like Feb. Now to convince the bossman he doesn't need me for 3 weeks (yes 3).
But Donna...won't it be cold?!? Well duh, of course! But now I'll get to wear all the winter clothes that I can never wear here because it just doesn't get cold enough!
I am so excited I can't stand myself. I haven't been to England in soooo long. This is going to be great!
OK...back to reality, my chilly apartment, some nice, hot, freshly brewed, mint tea, and Viggo II. Time to chill in front of the boob tube and knit out the rest of the night.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Hope everyone who celebrates had a wonderful day with family, friends, and turkey.
Spencer is off in Vegas with his Dad, and I've spent most of the day chatting online with the Honey (best. day. ever.), and called Mom and Sis in the morning...could almost smell the turkey and dressing. mmmmmm...let me tell you Mom makes the. most. bestest. dressing. Ever.
Did this all from bed. Yep...woke up with a cold. weeee. Not a bad one, so not so bad. Propped myself up with lots of pillows and enjoyed life on the innernets almost all day.
Kept myself full of tea, juice, and pizza. An unorthodox Thanksgiving yes, but a well deserved rest as well. And there will be much knitting tonight as I watch movies on TV...or whatever I can find on TV to amuse myself while I knit.
Rest well all you Day-After-Thanksgiving-Shoppers. You guys are crazy, but more power to you. Happy bargain hunting and may you get everything you set out for...
Spencer is off in Vegas with his Dad, and I've spent most of the day chatting online with the Honey (best. day. ever.), and called Mom and Sis in the morning...could almost smell the turkey and dressing. mmmmmm...let me tell you Mom makes the. most. bestest. dressing. Ever.
Did this all from bed. Yep...woke up with a cold. weeee. Not a bad one, so not so bad. Propped myself up with lots of pillows and enjoyed life on the innernets almost all day.
Kept myself full of tea, juice, and pizza. An unorthodox Thanksgiving yes, but a well deserved rest as well. And there will be much knitting tonight as I watch movies on TV...or whatever I can find on TV to amuse myself while I knit.
Rest well all you Day-After-Thanksgiving-Shoppers. You guys are crazy, but more power to you. Happy bargain hunting and may you get everything you set out for...
Friday, November 16, 2007
Psychotic Knitting lives...
Whoops, I've frogged it again...
I was um working on a gift thing and like I um didn't like how it was turning out and like I am so frogging it...it's still going to like be the same like thing, but you know, like it's going to be a different stitch pattern, like ok? I've already started the new thing and like it's totally awesome. Cool!
You'll have to excuse me. Spencer's friend HWFT (he who floods toilets) is here for the weekend. They are like saying the word like, like every other word. Dude. It's annoying and I'm like finding myself like saying it too. GAH!!!
The cat is totally traumatized. She hissed, and growled, and spit at the boys the second they walked into the apartment. She has hidden herself in my room and probably won't come out until HWFT leaves on Sunday afternoon. Don't blame her, last time HWFT came to stay with us, not only did he flood the toilet, but the two of them teased her so much. Poor baby kitty girl.
Quite a few baby booties coming off the needles lately. I really have to post pix of those and update my Ravelry...
Ooooh...beep beep beep...laundry is ready to come out of the dryer. Yay. I just like totally like doing laundry. Like NOT!
Dude.
I was um working on a gift thing and like I um didn't like how it was turning out and like I am so frogging it...it's still going to like be the same like thing, but you know, like it's going to be a different stitch pattern, like ok? I've already started the new thing and like it's totally awesome. Cool!
You'll have to excuse me. Spencer's friend HWFT (he who floods toilets) is here for the weekend. They are like saying the word like, like every other word. Dude. It's annoying and I'm like finding myself like saying it too. GAH!!!
The cat is totally traumatized. She hissed, and growled, and spit at the boys the second they walked into the apartment. She has hidden herself in my room and probably won't come out until HWFT leaves on Sunday afternoon. Don't blame her, last time HWFT came to stay with us, not only did he flood the toilet, but the two of them teased her so much. Poor baby kitty girl.
Quite a few baby booties coming off the needles lately. I really have to post pix of those and update my Ravelry...
Ooooh...beep beep beep...laundry is ready to come out of the dryer. Yay. I just like totally like doing laundry. Like NOT!
Dude.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Post #301
Wow...can't believe I missed making a big deal out of post 300...
Oooh...Look!!!! A quiz...
ummm...commune? Don't think so...
Vow of silence? As if...Once I get comfortable with you...you can't shut me up.
Night owl? You betcha. Hoot Hoot!
Oooh...Look!!!! A quiz...
| You Are Midnight |
 You are more than a little eccentric, and you're apt to keep very unusual habits. Whether you're a nightowl, living in a commune, or taking a vow of silence - you like to experiment with your lifestyle. Expressing your individuality is important to you, and you often lie awake in bed thinking about the world and your place in it. You enjoy staying home, but that doesn't mean you're a hermit. You also appreciate quality time with family and close friends. |
ummm...commune? Don't think so...
Vow of silence? As if...Once I get comfortable with you...you can't shut me up.
Night owl? You betcha. Hoot Hoot!
Lookie what I did!
OOOh...she lives! Yes, I've been uber lazy about the blog lately. Lots of things piling up to post about...and a few finished objects as well. We won't even go into how much I've been ignoring Ravelry...
Anyhoo....
Last month, I participated in Claudia's Stricken Sie Deutsch swatch contest thing. And I have yet to post about it.
Well, now I am. First off, for the entire month of October, Claudia put up a German Knitting Word every day. At the beginning of November, she put up a pattern for a swatch. Anyone who wanted, could knit up the swatch, post a picture of it somewhere on the internets and comment on Claudia's blog.
I can't tell you how much fun I had doing this...my German is very rusty, so having her 'dictionary' of words was very helpful. One night last week, think it was Thursday, I finally sat myself down and knitted it up. After a few bad starts - somehow last week, I lost all abilities to count - I did it!
Hmmmmm....vat have ve hier....vas ist das? Wolle? Mmmmm....yum...
Ya...es ist eine deutsche Maschenprobe (a German Swatch)...ya ya...(can I eat it now? huh can I? Can I?)
Die deutsche Maschenprobe...post inspection...pre snackage...
She actually didn't eat it, but did lick it a few times.
Materials used: frogged swatch from the Honey Scarf, size 8 bamboo circular needle from WalMart.
Anyhoo....
Last month, I participated in Claudia's Stricken Sie Deutsch swatch contest thing. And I have yet to post about it.
Well, now I am. First off, for the entire month of October, Claudia put up a German Knitting Word every day. At the beginning of November, she put up a pattern for a swatch. Anyone who wanted, could knit up the swatch, post a picture of it somewhere on the internets and comment on Claudia's blog.
I can't tell you how much fun I had doing this...my German is very rusty, so having her 'dictionary' of words was very helpful. One night last week, think it was Thursday, I finally sat myself down and knitted it up. After a few bad starts - somehow last week, I lost all abilities to count - I did it!
Hmmmmm....vat have ve hier....vas ist das? Wolle? Mmmmm....yum...
Ya...es ist eine deutsche Maschenprobe (a German Swatch)...ya ya...(can I eat it now? huh can I? Can I?)
Die deutsche Maschenprobe...post inspection...pre snackage...
She actually didn't eat it, but did lick it a few times.
Materials used: frogged swatch from the Honey Scarf, size 8 bamboo circular needle from WalMart.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
YAY! and another YAY!
First of all, Spencer passed his latest Karate test at the Dojo last night. He now has two blue stripes on his purple belt. Next test? Full blue belt. The kid is movin' on up... Will add photos this weekend.
Next YAY! - no jury duty. Off the hook for another year. 'Nuf said.
Next YAY! - no jury duty. Off the hook for another year. 'Nuf said.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Courthouse Knitting Update
OK, so I've decided to not try and think of something 'clever' to use as knitting needles when I maybe go next week. It hurt too much. Instead, I'm going to take actual needles. This past week, Antonella and I headed out to In N Out for some yummy burgers and then went on down the highway to Wal~Mart.
While at WM, I found a 16" size 8 bamboo circular needle. It cost me $2.44. This lovely, possibly disposable needle will accompany me to the courthouse. Along with some stitch holders. Just in case "they" decide that these wee, little needles are the most dangerous things ever and they get confiscated. I'll be upset, but not as upset as if they were some of my vintage needles, or the ones my Mom bought me in Alaska, or some of my other precious needles (that were my grandma's).
Only time will tell. I get to phone the courthouse the night my son is testing for his next stripe in Karate to see if I have to go in...I'd better hear "Group 8 does not need to report. All members of Group 8 have been excused." Otherwise, I will be one cranky Mother.
While at WM, I found a 16" size 8 bamboo circular needle. It cost me $2.44. This lovely, possibly disposable needle will accompany me to the courthouse. Along with some stitch holders. Just in case "they" decide that these wee, little needles are the most dangerous things ever and they get confiscated. I'll be upset, but not as upset as if they were some of my vintage needles, or the ones my Mom bought me in Alaska, or some of my other precious needles (that were my grandma's).
Only time will tell. I get to phone the courthouse the night my son is testing for his next stripe in Karate to see if I have to go in...I'd better hear "Group 8 does not need to report. All members of Group 8 have been excused." Otherwise, I will be one cranky Mother.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Who's your Mummy?
Happy Hallowe'en everyone!!!!
As usual, we are celebrating here in the Chaos by getting all dressed up and such. Not me this year, as I am passing on the whole Trick or Treat thing...not cool to have your Mom walking around with you ya know.... and dressing up for work is well...boring since it would just be me and all...
Anyways, the 8th graders had a bake sale on Monday, and in the spirit of the impending Holiday, we made a few dozen of these....
Ooooh, spooky, scary....eeek! Oh, and Spencer made some lemon bars...which ended up being quite popular.
And now for some dressing up fun...may I present "Mountain Man"...
Here we see Mr. M. Man chillin' at home watchin' some of that there TV...
Mr. M. Man also likes to keep in shape...and quite a shape he has....
"Ugh...Can't touch my toes...."
C'mon Mr. M Man, give us a pose...
Check him out ladies!
And here's what the cat thinks of the whole thang...
"You're just as bad as the damn squirrel, therefore, we are still not amused..."
Edited to add: He kinda looks like a squirrel from the neck up too...don't he?
As usual, we are celebrating here in the Chaos by getting all dressed up and such. Not me this year, as I am passing on the whole Trick or Treat thing...not cool to have your Mom walking around with you ya know.... and dressing up for work is well...boring since it would just be me and all...
Anyways, the 8th graders had a bake sale on Monday, and in the spirit of the impending Holiday, we made a few dozen of these....
Ooooh, spooky, scary....eeek! Oh, and Spencer made some lemon bars...which ended up being quite popular.
And now for some dressing up fun...may I present "Mountain Man"...
Here we see Mr. M. Man chillin' at home watchin' some of that there TV...
Mr. M. Man also likes to keep in shape...and quite a shape he has....
"Ugh...Can't touch my toes...."
C'mon Mr. M Man, give us a pose...
Check him out ladies!
And here's what the cat thinks of the whole thang...
"You're just as bad as the damn squirrel, therefore, we are still not amused..."
Edited to add: He kinda looks like a squirrel from the neck up too...don't he?
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Shake it shake it shake it baby...
Yep...more earthquakes. All is well here in the Chaos though. A bit shaken, but doing OK. Poor Kitty cat is still freaked out - the news says there have been several (as in over a dozen) aftershocks from this last quake and I'm sure she can feel them. I can't though...which right now, is a very good thing.
OK, here's the nitty gritty:
Felt this one at 12:55 pm...pretty sure this is on the same fault line as this one I just felt tonight at 8:04 pm. First, a 3.0 er....then a 5.6 er. Rumble. rumble. rumble. Definitely shook me up. If you check out the recent quakes map on either of these links, you'll notice several smaller quakes all down towards the big one...in a nice purdy kind of row...has to be the same fault line.
Finally finished checking around with my boy and friends and all...everyone is safe, no damage or injuries. News says there was some minor damage near the epicenter and we should all prepare for aftershocks...some of which could be large. Lovely. Just checked the emergency supplies. I'm doing pretty good. Just need some more batteries for our flashlight and need to restock some of our first aid supplies. Guess a trip to Target tomorrow morning is in order. Have plenty of canned goods for us and kitty is well stocked with food and treats (very important those treats) and a new bag of catnip (also very important).
I was at home working and chatting with my Honey during the first one. We talked about it for a while and I sent him all the links and stuff and we looked at it together on the Google Earth map that the USGS is using now. Way cool. Told him a little about the area. It was actually centered across the highway from Black Diamond Games. Going to have to check in with Gary over the weekend and see how they're doing over there...and check on my friends at the ARF Mart Thrift Store (I used to volunteer there, it's two doors down from BDG).
During the second, I was at the JoAnn Superstore (in the same area as the epicenter of the first quake) waiting in the checkout line. Shelves and wall displays shook for a few seconds. I was wondering if I was just imaging things when a woman at the checkout kept telling her friend "I know I felt something. Didn't you feel it?" When she looked over at me I shook my head "Yes, you felt it cos I did too!" Other people were "Felt what? I didn't feel anything!"
Right after, my phone buzzed with a missed call from Spencer. I tried calling him back, but the mobile network was busy "PLease try again later." Got a bit scared at this point since that only happens when something big happens...so knew right away it was a big one and was hoping to God it wasn't centered in San Francisco where Spencer was with his Dad...after several tries and 20 minutes later, he finally got through. "OH MY GOD MOM! Did you feel that? That was SOOOO COOOOOL!" Right. Guess I worried for nothin'... He filled me in on all the details and said they were all OK and there was no damage.
Well it's off to bed to cozy up with my freaked out cat to read my new knitting magazines and hope to God I can fall asleep soon.
OK, here's the nitty gritty:
Felt this one at 12:55 pm...pretty sure this is on the same fault line as this one I just felt tonight at 8:04 pm. First, a 3.0 er....then a 5.6 er. Rumble. rumble. rumble. Definitely shook me up. If you check out the recent quakes map on either of these links, you'll notice several smaller quakes all down towards the big one...in a nice purdy kind of row...has to be the same fault line.
Finally finished checking around with my boy and friends and all...everyone is safe, no damage or injuries. News says there was some minor damage near the epicenter and we should all prepare for aftershocks...some of which could be large. Lovely. Just checked the emergency supplies. I'm doing pretty good. Just need some more batteries for our flashlight and need to restock some of our first aid supplies. Guess a trip to Target tomorrow morning is in order. Have plenty of canned goods for us and kitty is well stocked with food and treats (very important those treats) and a new bag of catnip (also very important).
I was at home working and chatting with my Honey during the first one. We talked about it for a while and I sent him all the links and stuff and we looked at it together on the Google Earth map that the USGS is using now. Way cool. Told him a little about the area. It was actually centered across the highway from Black Diamond Games. Going to have to check in with Gary over the weekend and see how they're doing over there...and check on my friends at the ARF Mart Thrift Store (I used to volunteer there, it's two doors down from BDG).
During the second, I was at the JoAnn Superstore (in the same area as the epicenter of the first quake) waiting in the checkout line. Shelves and wall displays shook for a few seconds. I was wondering if I was just imaging things when a woman at the checkout kept telling her friend "I know I felt something. Didn't you feel it?" When she looked over at me I shook my head "Yes, you felt it cos I did too!" Other people were "Felt what? I didn't feel anything!"
Right after, my phone buzzed with a missed call from Spencer. I tried calling him back, but the mobile network was busy "PLease try again later." Got a bit scared at this point since that only happens when something big happens...so knew right away it was a big one and was hoping to God it wasn't centered in San Francisco where Spencer was with his Dad...after several tries and 20 minutes later, he finally got through. "OH MY GOD MOM! Did you feel that? That was SOOOO COOOOOL!" Right. Guess I worried for nothin'... He filled me in on all the details and said they were all OK and there was no damage.
Well it's off to bed to cozy up with my freaked out cat to read my new knitting magazines and hope to God I can fall asleep soon.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
When Ex's get along...
Life is good. Cooperation is good.
The high school madness has officially begun. Yes, when ex's get along, it's a good thing. Especially when you're going to be spending lots of insane hours together trying to decide the next step in the future of your spawn.
Friday morning was our first High School tour. After the tour, Spencer's dad (the ex of course) let me keep his car for the night. (sweeet) Early this morning, we needed to be in the City for a Public School Fair. We were able to sleep in and drove into the City with ummmm....just a slight getting lost bit on my part...but with the help of Spencer's mad map reading skills, we made it on time.
To be greeted by utter chaos. Public schools grades K-12. Gah. Families everywhere. Gah. Our family, such as it is, dove in... It was worth it though, because we talked to Principals and students of all the schools we were all interested in and got a shitload of info about it all. Along with dates for yet more craziness. More tours, shadowing...ack.
November is going to be totally. Insane. I mean...totally. insane. The first two weeks are already full, the last few are filling up quickly. Did I say insane? Thought I did. Yes. Insane.
So to celebrate the insanity and take advantage of the fact that we had a car for the night, we made the rounds... Off to Spencer's fav game store Black Diamond Games. The owner, Gary, has moved the store to a new spot. Great for him, not so great for us...he's further away and we're not driving anymore. Hence, first destination, check out the new digs. Awesome, simply awesome. If you are local, and a gamer, check it out. You won't be disappointed.
Second destination...Yokoso Sushi. Why this sushi? We like it there, and it was next to Kohl's of course and Spencer needed some shoes and jeans. I swear, I will go broke keeping this kid clothed. Oh, and fed. Can't forget how much he eats....
Anyway, after a very yummy dinner, we walked across the parking lot to cruise the jean and shoe racks. Last night's Kohl's haul? Van's skater shoes $34.99 on sale. Polo jeans $17.99 on sale from $42. And some Urban Pipeline jeans $16.99 on sale from $32. Spencer actually bought one pair of the jeans using part of his gift card from Grandma M....which made me very happy.
Next up, back to Ross Dress for Less. Needed to return some shoes. Did that, used that money plus the remaining gift card I had left to buy some flat sheets. Going to sew them up to make duvet covers for our new quilts from Ikea. Going to add some cool buttons as closures, because of course, as a crafter, I have a stash of those...and they are mostly vintage. And if I ever get around to the sewing, I shall post pictures. Somehow I think that's not going to happen until after November is over. Just sayin'.
Our last stop of the night was getting two cases, two very heavy cases, of bottled water. We brought up one case last night. Left the other for this morning. Of course, we forgot about it, and now the Ex has not only a topped off tank of gas for so generously let us tool about in his new car for the night, he also has a case of bottled water.
Today...on the way home after the Fair, we got off the train in Downtown Oakland and visited End Game who was celebrating 6 years of gaming fun. Met up with Spencer's good buddy ...he who floods toilets...and the boys spent some time gaming. I sat in a comfy chair knitting and chatting with a gaming widow. Her hubby is a book author...gaming manuals or whatever for role playing games.
Got home, took nap...but am still exhausted, so it's off to bed now for me.
Tomorrow, we bake for a bake sale at Spencer's school on Monday. The kids are raising money for a Washington DC trip in the Spring. There will also be laundry, a walk across the street for groceries, ummm...and I'm sure something else that I'm totally forgetting about.
And the most important of all, calling Grandma M and Auntie L. And some prime chat time with the Honey. Looking forward to both.
The high school madness has officially begun. Yes, when ex's get along, it's a good thing. Especially when you're going to be spending lots of insane hours together trying to decide the next step in the future of your spawn.
Friday morning was our first High School tour. After the tour, Spencer's dad (the ex of course) let me keep his car for the night. (sweeet) Early this morning, we needed to be in the City for a Public School Fair. We were able to sleep in and drove into the City with ummmm....just a slight getting lost bit on my part...but with the help of Spencer's mad map reading skills, we made it on time.
To be greeted by utter chaos. Public schools grades K-12. Gah. Families everywhere. Gah. Our family, such as it is, dove in... It was worth it though, because we talked to Principals and students of all the schools we were all interested in and got a shitload of info about it all. Along with dates for yet more craziness. More tours, shadowing...ack.
November is going to be totally. Insane. I mean...totally. insane. The first two weeks are already full, the last few are filling up quickly. Did I say insane? Thought I did. Yes. Insane.
So to celebrate the insanity and take advantage of the fact that we had a car for the night, we made the rounds... Off to Spencer's fav game store Black Diamond Games. The owner, Gary, has moved the store to a new spot. Great for him, not so great for us...he's further away and we're not driving anymore. Hence, first destination, check out the new digs. Awesome, simply awesome. If you are local, and a gamer, check it out. You won't be disappointed.
Second destination...Yokoso Sushi. Why this sushi? We like it there, and it was next to Kohl's of course and Spencer needed some shoes and jeans. I swear, I will go broke keeping this kid clothed. Oh, and fed. Can't forget how much he eats....
Anyway, after a very yummy dinner, we walked across the parking lot to cruise the jean and shoe racks. Last night's Kohl's haul? Van's skater shoes $34.99 on sale. Polo jeans $17.99 on sale from $42. And some Urban Pipeline jeans $16.99 on sale from $32. Spencer actually bought one pair of the jeans using part of his gift card from Grandma M....which made me very happy.
Next up, back to Ross Dress for Less. Needed to return some shoes. Did that, used that money plus the remaining gift card I had left to buy some flat sheets. Going to sew them up to make duvet covers for our new quilts from Ikea. Going to add some cool buttons as closures, because of course, as a crafter, I have a stash of those...and they are mostly vintage. And if I ever get around to the sewing, I shall post pictures. Somehow I think that's not going to happen until after November is over. Just sayin'.
Our last stop of the night was getting two cases, two very heavy cases, of bottled water. We brought up one case last night. Left the other for this morning. Of course, we forgot about it, and now the Ex has not only a topped off tank of gas for so generously let us tool about in his new car for the night, he also has a case of bottled water.
Today...on the way home after the Fair, we got off the train in Downtown Oakland and visited End Game who was celebrating 6 years of gaming fun. Met up with Spencer's good buddy ...he who floods toilets...and the boys spent some time gaming. I sat in a comfy chair knitting and chatting with a gaming widow. Her hubby is a book author...gaming manuals or whatever for role playing games.
Got home, took nap...but am still exhausted, so it's off to bed now for me.
Tomorrow, we bake for a bake sale at Spencer's school on Monday. The kids are raising money for a Washington DC trip in the Spring. There will also be laundry, a walk across the street for groceries, ummm...and I'm sure something else that I'm totally forgetting about.
And the most important of all, calling Grandma M and Auntie L. And some prime chat time with the Honey. Looking forward to both.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Cat vs. Squirrel
Ahhh...the sounds of nature. My 'boyfriend' the crow, wakes me every morning with his CAWWW CAWWW CAWWWWWWW...and taunts me throughout the day. The dog in the adjacent neighborhood howling...the birds in the trees singing. The squirrels running about gathering up nuts for the winter...
Ever since I've been here all day with the working from home thing, there has been a daily confrontation between my cat and a local squirrel. Also known around here as the "Evil Squirrel". My Kitty is not bothered by the other squirrels running about preparing for winter...just the one. Because this one insists on climbing up into the tree just outside my bedroom window and doing this all day (you might need to turn up your volume a bit to catch all the chattering):
Usually, my precious little Angel is in the window, muttering at him, making delicate cat noises which I'm sure can be translated as: "I'm going to get you Evil Squirrel." Just now, he did this for at least 15 minutes before the leaf blower dude came round the corner and scared him off.
Isn't she just so "We are not amused." Ha Ha Love it.
Ever since I've been here all day with the working from home thing, there has been a daily confrontation between my cat and a local squirrel. Also known around here as the "Evil Squirrel". My Kitty is not bothered by the other squirrels running about preparing for winter...just the one. Because this one insists on climbing up into the tree just outside my bedroom window and doing this all day (you might need to turn up your volume a bit to catch all the chattering):
Usually, my precious little Angel is in the window, muttering at him, making delicate cat noises which I'm sure can be translated as: "I'm going to get you Evil Squirrel." Just now, he did this for at least 15 minutes before the leaf blower dude came round the corner and scared him off.
Today, she decided to hell with him, this bed cover is oooohhhhh, so comfy, so piss off Evil Squirrel, you do not amuse me today (leave the volume up):
Isn't she just so "We are not amused." Ha Ha Love it.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Calgon...get the heck over here and drag my ass to somewhere else but here...
Ugh...just feeling a bit like my brain will explode lately. Lots of information is making it's way in via phone calls, emails, texts, instant messages, snail mail, internet....ack.
Just what is all this info for? Spencer. Spencer is going to high school next year. And if the fact that my 'baby' is growing up (and you all know exactly how I feel about that...) wasn't enough to make the ol' gray matter want to scatter about the room...well...let's throw in researching high schools. Don't go thinking it's just me doing all the work either. Spencer, his Dad, and I are going through the madness as together as we can get these days.
This Friday is our first school tour. Saturday, there is a high school fair in San Francisco. There is also a gathering for 8th grade families on Saturday afternoon. And this is just the beginning of what is sure to be a few months of scheduling hell.
The 8th grade families are always wanting to get together...to commiserate having teens, to share high school information, to talk to others going thru the same shit. To just reinforce every so often that they're not the only ones going thru it. To try and get some sanity back.
And this is just the research phase.
Next up we have more tours, standardized testing, and then the forms start...Oh the glorious friggin' forms. I hate forms. Hate them with a passion. Unfortunately, you can't do anything in this world without pushing a bit o' paper around.
I just want to run screaming sometimes when all the info comes flooding in...'cause you know it would be just way too convenient for all us parents if the universe could just spread it out just a wee little bit. So we get slammed every few days. With loads of crap from every direction. I need to remember to NOT check my email before bedtime until this is all over with... Gah.
Oh...and the Superior Court system here has decided to reject my excuse to get out of my jury summons. Fools! I'll show them. I'll get knitting needles in that court house somehow, stand up in court and yell "I have needles and I know how to use them!" and then demurely add "would you like to see what I've done so far on this lace shawl your honor?"
Oh, and I've already warned the Honey that he might get a message from Antonella saying I'm in jail for contempt of court...'cause I'm going in packing needles and an attitude. I soooo do not want to do this...I've got too much brain clean-up to do.
bwahahaha...just had a fabulous idea...I have some very very very thin mechanical pencils...they would be perfect to use to make some fabulous baby booties and maybe a dishcloth or two while I'm waiting. Can't wait to see what happens when "they" search my backpack. Nothing but yarn and a few mechanical pencils...what could I possibly do with that?
Geez...maybe I should have had that glass of wine after all...
Edited to add: First of all, damn, I REALLY need to go to bed. Second, OK so the mechanical pencil thing didn't work out...very very very thin wasn't as thin as I thought it was...equivalent to US size 11 needles actually. That won't do, won't do at all. Enter plan B: I have an absolutely lovely pair of fancy pants chopsticks (US size 7) - ready and waiting to go to court. Encased in a lovely chopstick holder thingy so they are obviously chopsticks and not weapons of mass destruction. I'm having waaay to much fun with this...or is it obsessing now...ok ok...going off to bed now.
Just what is all this info for? Spencer. Spencer is going to high school next year. And if the fact that my 'baby' is growing up (and you all know exactly how I feel about that...) wasn't enough to make the ol' gray matter want to scatter about the room...well...let's throw in researching high schools. Don't go thinking it's just me doing all the work either. Spencer, his Dad, and I are going through the madness as together as we can get these days.
This Friday is our first school tour. Saturday, there is a high school fair in San Francisco. There is also a gathering for 8th grade families on Saturday afternoon. And this is just the beginning of what is sure to be a few months of scheduling hell.
The 8th grade families are always wanting to get together...to commiserate having teens, to share high school information, to talk to others going thru the same shit. To just reinforce every so often that they're not the only ones going thru it. To try and get some sanity back.
And this is just the research phase.
Next up we have more tours, standardized testing, and then the forms start...Oh the glorious friggin' forms. I hate forms. Hate them with a passion. Unfortunately, you can't do anything in this world without pushing a bit o' paper around.
I just want to run screaming sometimes when all the info comes flooding in...'cause you know it would be just way too convenient for all us parents if the universe could just spread it out just a wee little bit. So we get slammed every few days. With loads of crap from every direction. I need to remember to NOT check my email before bedtime until this is all over with... Gah.
Oh...and the Superior Court system here has decided to reject my excuse to get out of my jury summons. Fools! I'll show them. I'll get knitting needles in that court house somehow, stand up in court and yell "I have needles and I know how to use them!" and then demurely add "would you like to see what I've done so far on this lace shawl your honor?"
Oh, and I've already warned the Honey that he might get a message from Antonella saying I'm in jail for contempt of court...'cause I'm going in packing needles and an attitude. I soooo do not want to do this...I've got too much brain clean-up to do.
bwahahaha...just had a fabulous idea...I have some very very very thin mechanical pencils...they would be perfect to use to make some fabulous baby booties and maybe a dishcloth or two while I'm waiting. Can't wait to see what happens when "they" search my backpack. Nothing but yarn and a few mechanical pencils...what could I possibly do with that?
Geez...maybe I should have had that glass of wine after all...
Edited to add: First of all, damn, I REALLY need to go to bed. Second, OK so the mechanical pencil thing didn't work out...very very very thin wasn't as thin as I thought it was...equivalent to US size 11 needles actually. That won't do, won't do at all. Enter plan B: I have an absolutely lovely pair of fancy pants chopsticks (US size 7) - ready and waiting to go to court. Encased in a lovely chopstick holder thingy so they are obviously chopsticks and not weapons of mass destruction. I'm having waaay to much fun with this...or is it obsessing now...ok ok...going off to bed now.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
More Art and a Biiiig Project
Hi Everyone,
Finally posting the pictures of Spencer's latest art pieces that I've been teasing about for a week...
City Park:
The Bridge:
And now for the Biiiig Project. He's hoping to use this as his independent art project for school this year. And when that's all done, we're going to hang it along the very long, very empty wall in the living room.
First...the plan....draw a picture of a tree in six panels...six panels will become six canvases...
The drawing:
And now the canvases...with the drawing lightly penciled in...don't know if you'll be able to see it all that well...
He is still deciding on colors and all that. He'll probably start the actual painting next weekend when he's back over at my place. The canvases are 16x20 inches each, so that'll be quite a big piece of art when it's done. I can't wait to see it. I'll post pictures of progress if he'll let me. But you know I'll definitely post the finished artwork!
Finally posting the pictures of Spencer's latest art pieces that I've been teasing about for a week...
City Park:
The Bridge:
And now for the Biiiig Project. He's hoping to use this as his independent art project for school this year. And when that's all done, we're going to hang it along the very long, very empty wall in the living room.
First...the plan....draw a picture of a tree in six panels...six panels will become six canvases...
The drawing:
And now the canvases...with the drawing lightly penciled in...don't know if you'll be able to see it all that well...
He is still deciding on colors and all that. He'll probably start the actual painting next weekend when he's back over at my place. The canvases are 16x20 inches each, so that'll be quite a big piece of art when it's done. I can't wait to see it. I'll post pictures of progress if he'll let me. But you know I'll definitely post the finished artwork!
Links and Buttons and Blogs, Oh My!!!
Ok folks, time for some clean up on the ol' blog here...going to delete some old buttons (knit from your stash anyone?), add some new ones, put some more links up there, yada, yada, yada...
First off links and buttons.
Was going to delete the "Knit from Your Stash" button, but seems I already have...wonder when I did that?
Anywhoo...adding one for Ravelry, of course, but don't click on that one unless you're a beta person, 'cause otherwise you can't get in and that would just be cruel. They hope to open it up soon, but I'm not sure when. They are still taking sign-ups for their waiting list to get an invite into the Ravelry Beta - just in case any of you knitters/crocheters out there don't know. Once they are done with Beta and it gets opened up, I'll let you all know.
Adding other buttons/links for books written by bloggers whose blogs I regularly read. They are the Yarn Harlot, Crazy Aunt Purl, and My Boyfriend is a Twat.
The Yarn Harlot writes humorous knitting books, of which I have read two, and I even saw her in person last year and got one of them signed.
Next up is Crazy Aunt Purl. Her book is about getting divorced, and moving on, and learning to knit, and living with 4 cats. Haven't read it yet, but if it's anything like her blog, it'll be good.
And then there is Zoe, from My Boyfriend is A Twat. (Honey told me about this one - she's a Brit living in Belgium.) Her book is how to recognize, deal with, and live with an utter Twat and has nothing whatsoever to do with knitting. But I want to read it anyway. Again, because if it's anything like the blog...
Anyway, check them out, read their blogs, buy their books. I'll eventually get them all myself. When I do finally read them all, I'll try and post reviews.
Oh, and I'll eventually put up a list of blogs I read...have been meaning to do that for a while now...
First off links and buttons.
Was going to delete the "Knit from Your Stash" button, but seems I already have...wonder when I did that?
Anywhoo...adding one for Ravelry, of course, but don't click on that one unless you're a beta person, 'cause otherwise you can't get in and that would just be cruel. They hope to open it up soon, but I'm not sure when. They are still taking sign-ups for their waiting list to get an invite into the Ravelry Beta - just in case any of you knitters/crocheters out there don't know. Once they are done with Beta and it gets opened up, I'll let you all know.
Adding other buttons/links for books written by bloggers whose blogs I regularly read. They are the Yarn Harlot, Crazy Aunt Purl, and My Boyfriend is a Twat.
The Yarn Harlot writes humorous knitting books, of which I have read two, and I even saw her in person last year and got one of them signed.
Next up is Crazy Aunt Purl. Her book is about getting divorced, and moving on, and learning to knit, and living with 4 cats. Haven't read it yet, but if it's anything like her blog, it'll be good.
And then there is Zoe, from My Boyfriend is A Twat. (Honey told me about this one - she's a Brit living in Belgium.) Her book is how to recognize, deal with, and live with an utter Twat and has nothing whatsoever to do with knitting. But I want to read it anyway. Again, because if it's anything like the blog...
Anyway, check them out, read their blogs, buy their books. I'll eventually get them all myself. When I do finally read them all, I'll try and post reviews.
Oh, and I'll eventually put up a list of blogs I read...have been meaning to do that for a while now...
Saturday, October 20, 2007
I really shouldn't be online right now...
'Cause I'm tempted to sign on to instant messenger and see if Honey is around...Hi Honey!
Anyway, lots to do today. Ms. Puffy needs a little work. Her handlebar keeps coming loose, so I'm taking her over to the bike shop down the road. Plus there will be a stop at the Ace Hardware and Walgreen's stores while I'm over there. Lot's of plans for the blog here, but that will have to wait until later. Have some pictures to post and some buttons to add on the sidebar, so stay tuned for that...also need to go post on Ravelry about my FO Honey Scarf and my current WIPs. One is a gift project which is safe to post on Ravelry, since not one of my gift recipients will be on Ravelry. hee hee The other is my first pair of baby booties for Charity Knitting.
OK, well it's off to get myself clean and decent and then I'm off on my adventure for today.
Anyway, lots to do today. Ms. Puffy needs a little work. Her handlebar keeps coming loose, so I'm taking her over to the bike shop down the road. Plus there will be a stop at the Ace Hardware and Walgreen's stores while I'm over there. Lot's of plans for the blog here, but that will have to wait until later. Have some pictures to post and some buttons to add on the sidebar, so stay tuned for that...also need to go post on Ravelry about my FO Honey Scarf and my current WIPs. One is a gift project which is safe to post on Ravelry, since not one of my gift recipients will be on Ravelry. hee hee The other is my first pair of baby booties for Charity Knitting.
OK, well it's off to get myself clean and decent and then I'm off on my adventure for today.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Still plugging away at work...
Last few days have been hectic. Today is much more mellow, but still busy. Fedex finally delivered my color ink cartridge, so I can get back to making CD labels and all that...and get on with shipping out the new release.
Been having fun with shipping, toilets, bikes, late buses, meetings at school, printers running out of ink and no one around here having what you need in stock...seems like the list is endless.
Spent over an hour on the phone with Fedex fixing my account, called the apartment manager, fixed the bike, finally caught the bus, went to the meeting, rec'd a box today.
Now I can ship, flush, ride, ride, send my child to High School and print. All is right in this part of my little world. Well, as good as it can be for right now seeing that I've got lots of stuff to ship...I am just grateful that it's not coming out of my pocket to get it shipped...
Got a lot of knitting in yesterday as I spent lots of time on public transit getting to and from Spencer's school for the meeting. Yay. It felt good to sit back, relax and get a few pattern repeats done.
It's chilly out and cloudy and rainy. Would love to curl up on the couch with a warm blankie, the kitty, my knitting and a movie. Must work instead...but the couch is calling...nope, customers waaaaannnntttt, so must deliver. Guess I'll save that other stuff for the weekend. Plus more high school research and updating the blog with some photos of artwork. Spencer is on a roll.
Been having fun with shipping, toilets, bikes, late buses, meetings at school, printers running out of ink and no one around here having what you need in stock...seems like the list is endless.
Spent over an hour on the phone with Fedex fixing my account, called the apartment manager, fixed the bike, finally caught the bus, went to the meeting, rec'd a box today.
Now I can ship, flush, ride, ride, send my child to High School and print. All is right in this part of my little world. Well, as good as it can be for right now seeing that I've got lots of stuff to ship...I am just grateful that it's not coming out of my pocket to get it shipped...
Got a lot of knitting in yesterday as I spent lots of time on public transit getting to and from Spencer's school for the meeting. Yay. It felt good to sit back, relax and get a few pattern repeats done.
It's chilly out and cloudy and rainy. Would love to curl up on the couch with a warm blankie, the kitty, my knitting and a movie. Must work instead...but the couch is calling...nope, customers waaaaannnntttt, so must deliver. Guess I'll save that other stuff for the weekend. Plus more high school research and updating the blog with some photos of artwork. Spencer is on a roll.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Jury Duty
OK, so have decided I'm going to try and get out of Jury Duty. The courthouse is a good 30 minutes drive and further than the recommended trip length for the car in it's current condition. So, technically, I don't have reliable transportation - which means I'm busing it to the court house if I get called in...according to the Jury Summons, if you don't have a reasonable means of transport and/or it takes more than 90 minutes to get to the court house, you can be excused from duty. Since I don't know if I'll have another car by then, we'll all just say I won't. (Works better for the whole getting out of it scenario you know.)
Thanks to http://www.511.org/, I now have two print outs saying it takes 83 minutes to get to the court house and 97 minutes back if I take public transit. They requested this as proof of trip as well as print outs of the bus schedules. And since we all know public transit will most likely be late, even a few minutes will get me over the 90 minutes on the way there...and I have more than enough on the way back home. Hope it works. I really don't want to go.
Why not? Don't you want to fulfill your civic duty Donna?
Reasons:
Thanks to http://www.511.org/, I now have two print outs saying it takes 83 minutes to get to the court house and 97 minutes back if I take public transit. They requested this as proof of trip as well as print outs of the bus schedules. And since we all know public transit will most likely be late, even a few minutes will get me over the 90 minutes on the way there...and I have more than enough on the way back home. Hope it works. I really don't want to go.
Why not? Don't you want to fulfill your civic duty Donna?
Reasons:
- It's voting day, and I forgot to send in my absentee registration again, so I have to go in person and vote. (So lame this one, I'm sure the Court would allow me to do this, no?)
- They don't allow knitting needles in the court house. Not only can I not knit while I'm waiting, I can't knit on the bus there since they won't let me bring the needles into the building...even if I promise not to try and take over the world with my size 7 bamboo circulars.
- OK...I really really don't want to go. I get summoned all the time, it's someone else's turn...someone who has a functioning car and doesn't knit. One can only read so much before they get bored out of their minds.
'Cause you know all us knitters are dangerous when we've got needles in our hands...you could take someone's eye out with those!
And now if you'll excuse me, resident artiste Spencer should be biking in any minute from the train station...hope it's soon! There are some nasty looking rainclouds out there! We're going to walk across the street for a nice Italian dinner at my new favorite restaurant - Evana's Italian Kitchen. We haven't done anything special together in a long time, so why not.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Still around...
Hey everyone,
Still here, just coming off two of the worst work weeks in a long time. Crashed hardware, nasty deadlines, stupid mistakes, sneaky co-workers...all combined and everything else that could go wrong pretty much did. But, we managed to somehow make our deadline and now I can breathe a bit and enjoy life again.
Got a walk in, a bike ride (just the one last week unfortunately), some belly dancing this past Tuesday (just in the living room here), and a lot of knitting.
Not touching the old projects yet...I know, I'm bad. But I'm going to frog them anyways...shush.
One new gift project on the needles in the new yarn that arrived the day before Honey did. I'm quite impressed with the yarn and the pattern...and patting myself on the back (cast on and knitted - haven't restarted - at all)...it looks great so far. It's a wool/soy blend that I got on sale and it's oooooh sooooo verrrrry sooooofffffttttt. Love it. Hope I have enough left over, I will make myself some fingerless gloves out of it. Yum.
Speaking of Honey, today he helped me look over and pick out some patterns so I can start on my Charity Knitting projects. Can't wait to dive into the acrylic stash and get going. Got some cute bootie patterns off the net. Hope to show those off soon. Found the pattern I was using for baby hats when I did the preemie hat knitting a while back. OOOh, also went through some of my pattern booklets. Found some great baby/kid sweater patterns in my vintage books. I have books from 1950, 1956, 1960, 1970...and one from 1947! Got them at the thrift store for 10 cents each. Total. Steal. These booklets are priceless to me.
Anyways, the 1970's book is hilarious. Good grief some of those patterns are just awful. So I will be scanning/posting photos just to prove it. I know you'll all get a kick out of them too. Don't think I'll ever knit any up, so this pattern booklet is strictly for entertainment purposes. And it delivers.
In other news, Spencer is gathering up stuff for his Halloween Costume. He looks awesome so far and I'll post a photo when he finishes getting everything together. He's still biking to the BART station and tonight went to his first school dance of the season. Sniff. Sniff. And he's just about 2 inches taller than me now. Stop growing up already...I can't take it. Sniff. Sniff.
It's been raining this past week...and today we had quite the downpour. So I knit. Went to Antonella's for pizza and some TV watching, and I knit some more. It's getting chilly out, so I'm all about the knitting. Been having some aches and such with the arthritis in the hands, so knitting with the yummy soft yarn and wooden needles really helps them feel better. Just need to use size 7's for everything now. It's the 'just right' size for my hands. Not too big, not too small. Keeps them moving, keeps 'em warm, chases away the aches, and doesn't cause pain. Perfect.
Oh, and I just received a Superior Court Jury Summons the other day. You gotta know I'll be knitting. If I can't get out of it, I'll be taking along a whole backpack full of yarn...last time I did this, I waited. A lot. Took knitting and books and it still wasn't enough. Finished the project and the books and still had time left over to balance my checkbook. Three days of waiting people. Three. Friggin. Days. Gah.
OK, it's ridiculously late and I'm finally getting sleepy, so I'm off to bed.
Tootles.
Still here, just coming off two of the worst work weeks in a long time. Crashed hardware, nasty deadlines, stupid mistakes, sneaky co-workers...all combined and everything else that could go wrong pretty much did. But, we managed to somehow make our deadline and now I can breathe a bit and enjoy life again.
Got a walk in, a bike ride (just the one last week unfortunately), some belly dancing this past Tuesday (just in the living room here), and a lot of knitting.
Not touching the old projects yet...I know, I'm bad. But I'm going to frog them anyways...shush.
One new gift project on the needles in the new yarn that arrived the day before Honey did. I'm quite impressed with the yarn and the pattern...and patting myself on the back (cast on and knitted - haven't restarted - at all)...it looks great so far. It's a wool/soy blend that I got on sale and it's oooooh sooooo verrrrry sooooofffffttttt. Love it. Hope I have enough left over, I will make myself some fingerless gloves out of it. Yum.
Speaking of Honey, today he helped me look over and pick out some patterns so I can start on my Charity Knitting projects. Can't wait to dive into the acrylic stash and get going. Got some cute bootie patterns off the net. Hope to show those off soon. Found the pattern I was using for baby hats when I did the preemie hat knitting a while back. OOOh, also went through some of my pattern booklets. Found some great baby/kid sweater patterns in my vintage books. I have books from 1950, 1956, 1960, 1970...and one from 1947! Got them at the thrift store for 10 cents each. Total. Steal. These booklets are priceless to me.
Anyways, the 1970's book is hilarious. Good grief some of those patterns are just awful. So I will be scanning/posting photos just to prove it. I know you'll all get a kick out of them too. Don't think I'll ever knit any up, so this pattern booklet is strictly for entertainment purposes. And it delivers.
In other news, Spencer is gathering up stuff for his Halloween Costume. He looks awesome so far and I'll post a photo when he finishes getting everything together. He's still biking to the BART station and tonight went to his first school dance of the season. Sniff. Sniff. And he's just about 2 inches taller than me now. Stop growing up already...I can't take it. Sniff. Sniff.
It's been raining this past week...and today we had quite the downpour. So I knit. Went to Antonella's for pizza and some TV watching, and I knit some more. It's getting chilly out, so I'm all about the knitting. Been having some aches and such with the arthritis in the hands, so knitting with the yummy soft yarn and wooden needles really helps them feel better. Just need to use size 7's for everything now. It's the 'just right' size for my hands. Not too big, not too small. Keeps them moving, keeps 'em warm, chases away the aches, and doesn't cause pain. Perfect.
Oh, and I just received a Superior Court Jury Summons the other day. You gotta know I'll be knitting. If I can't get out of it, I'll be taking along a whole backpack full of yarn...last time I did this, I waited. A lot. Took knitting and books and it still wasn't enough. Finished the project and the books and still had time left over to balance my checkbook. Three days of waiting people. Three. Friggin. Days. Gah.
OK, it's ridiculously late and I'm finally getting sleepy, so I'm off to bed.
Tootles.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Finished Object and Some Culture...
And now, for the finished object...
I present the "Honey Scarf"...
tadaaaa...yes folks, I still knit on occassion...in case anyone is wondering about my choice of colors, they are the colors of Honey's fav soccer team (or football as they say over there), Leed's United. He was in on choosing the colors of course, as I don't make a habit of choosing colors for men's gifts...or males of any age for that matter - unless the male is a baby. They also get to approve the object or pick out one. So much easier that way. I get final say on the stitches and/or the pattern tho...hee hee. Gotta leave something as a surprise...
Anywho...specifics high level...ummm....3 skeins of New England Highland Wool from The Yarn and Fiber Company, one each of colors White, Marigold, and Royal. Size 9 needles, cast on 24 stitches and knit seed st until you're cross eyed... Switching colors every so often to make purty stripes... oh, and don't forget to add a four-strand fringe when you are done...and don't forget to weave in all the ends...oh the ends...gah. Oh, and I slipped the first stitch of every row to keep the edges all nice and all. And I um, can't remember when exactly, I started it, but if you really want to know how pathetically long it took me to knit it up, you can look back in the blog here...I know I mentioned starting it at some point. For those Ravelry folks out there, I will eventually be adding this as my first project over there...when I get more time.
OK...now on to 'Some Culture'...as in Art.
Spencer had Friday off (and is off today as well) and spent a bit of time in the morning drawing.
May I present now, "Retro Chair":
This is just the beginnings of it, as he has added much more to the composition. It's a "Shades of Grey" drawing of my retro swivel rocker (one of a set of two), which is actually an authentic 1956 chair. Love my chairs, love his drawing. Even makes my half-dead plant look more alive than it actually is...
Gotta love it.
I present the "Honey Scarf"...
tadaaaa...yes folks, I still knit on occassion...in case anyone is wondering about my choice of colors, they are the colors of Honey's fav soccer team (or football as they say over there), Leed's United. He was in on choosing the colors of course, as I don't make a habit of choosing colors for men's gifts...or males of any age for that matter - unless the male is a baby. They also get to approve the object or pick out one. So much easier that way. I get final say on the stitches and/or the pattern tho...hee hee. Gotta leave something as a surprise...
Anywho...specifics high level...ummm....3 skeins of New England Highland Wool from The Yarn and Fiber Company, one each of colors White, Marigold, and Royal. Size 9 needles, cast on 24 stitches and knit seed st until you're cross eyed... Switching colors every so often to make purty stripes... oh, and don't forget to add a four-strand fringe when you are done...and don't forget to weave in all the ends...oh the ends...gah. Oh, and I slipped the first stitch of every row to keep the edges all nice and all. And I um, can't remember when exactly, I started it, but if you really want to know how pathetically long it took me to knit it up, you can look back in the blog here...I know I mentioned starting it at some point. For those Ravelry folks out there, I will eventually be adding this as my first project over there...when I get more time.
OK...now on to 'Some Culture'...as in Art.
Spencer had Friday off (and is off today as well) and spent a bit of time in the morning drawing.
May I present now, "Retro Chair":
This is just the beginnings of it, as he has added much more to the composition. It's a "Shades of Grey" drawing of my retro swivel rocker (one of a set of two), which is actually an authentic 1956 chair. Love my chairs, love his drawing. Even makes my half-dead plant look more alive than it actually is...
Gotta love it.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Still hanging round...
Hey everyone, I'm still here. I've finished the Honey Scarf, fringe and all, but I need to show it to my Honey first before I post here. Things I need to post about are piling up, but I've been busy with work.
Really busy.
If I'm not busy at work, I'm being 99% lazy. Work and getting used to my Honey not being here has taken a lot out of me this past week.
Now I'm off to wash some dishes (they've been piling up all week), and then fold the last bits of laundry from last week. Told you I've been lazy...
Might not have any posts of substance this week. Work is still rough, and things are starting now with High School research, tours, and applications for Spencer. Time to get that rolling. ugh. ugh. ugh. ugh.
Check the ticker above. I've lost two pounds. Wee.
Really busy.
If I'm not busy at work, I'm being 99% lazy. Work and getting used to my Honey not being here has taken a lot out of me this past week.
Now I'm off to wash some dishes (they've been piling up all week), and then fold the last bits of laundry from last week. Told you I've been lazy...
Might not have any posts of substance this week. Work is still rough, and things are starting now with High School research, tours, and applications for Spencer. Time to get that rolling. ugh. ugh. ugh. ugh.
Check the ticker above. I've lost two pounds. Wee.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Ms. Puffy finally goes for a spin...
...but I was not destined to be her first rider.
That priviledge went to Spencer. Last Tuesday night, we pumped up the tires, adjusted the seat and Wednesday morning he set off to the BART station with my Ms. Puffy and his own set of house keys. I cried.
Seeing as the car was acting up, he pushed to be able to ride the bike to the station on his own. I relented...it was a good idea...and it was time. Oddly enough, he was ok riding the 'girlie' bike, but he will soon have his own 'manly' bike thanks to some very generous friends who have an extra one.
Good thing Honey was here. He held me close while I dealt with Spencer growing up yet a bit more (as in crying like a baby) ...further and further from me. It's inevitable, but I still don't have to like it.
He rode again on Thursday, again with me in my robe at 6:45am walking him down the hallway to the front door and waving (and yes, crying) as he rode off to the station. Don't know if I'll ever get used to seeing him ride away from me. Sniff sniff...
Friday, I took him since he wouldn't be coming back to my house for the weekend - it was Dad's weekend.
Since then, Ms. Puffy has had a nice rest...peeking in through the patio doors...looking sad and lonely...until today.
Yes folks, I finally rode Ms. Puffy.
I rode her to the bank and back - about a 2.5 mile round trip. Had plans to go to one other place, but I couldn't take it. I'll save that ride for tomorrow. My legs are still a bit noodle-ish, and my bum hurts a bit, and damn did I look like a dork (and no, there will be no photos thank you very much), but I will get up on Ms. Puffy tomorrow and take her out again.
If it wasn't for the pain in my legs and bum, and the wheezing and huffing and puffing, I might even say I had fun. Oh yeah, and the heat. Tomorrow I won't go during the hottest part of the day. I'm going before work instead of waiting for lunch. D'oh. I should know better.
Oooh! Did I tell you all I walked across the street to Trader Joe's after work yesterday? I went grocery shopping on foot! Unfortunately, I went while hungry (very bad idea) ...spent way too much...and ended up with two very full, heavy bags. Oh well, I wanted to be more active. It wasn't all that bad, but I need to control myself if I'm going to be doing that more often.
Some day, I hope to work up to biking to Target...that's quite a haul from my place, but eventually, I'll be able to do it. Just not anytime soon...
Getting a good start on being more active. Hopefully I can wipe out those 10 pounds I gained before I go see the doc again...only time will tell.
Well that's all I've got for today...going to go veg on the couch. It's been a loooong day working and it ended on a terrible note, just about 20 minutes ago actually. Decided I just needed to shut it all down. It'll still be there in the morning, and there's not much I can do tonight anyways.
Maybe I'll finish the fringe on the Honey Scarf, maybe I'll do a small Etsy craft project. Maybe I'll just park my butt and grow roots for a few hours...
That priviledge went to Spencer. Last Tuesday night, we pumped up the tires, adjusted the seat and Wednesday morning he set off to the BART station with my Ms. Puffy and his own set of house keys. I cried.
Seeing as the car was acting up, he pushed to be able to ride the bike to the station on his own. I relented...it was a good idea...and it was time. Oddly enough, he was ok riding the 'girlie' bike, but he will soon have his own 'manly' bike thanks to some very generous friends who have an extra one.
Good thing Honey was here. He held me close while I dealt with Spencer growing up yet a bit more (as in crying like a baby) ...further and further from me. It's inevitable, but I still don't have to like it.
He rode again on Thursday, again with me in my robe at 6:45am walking him down the hallway to the front door and waving (and yes, crying) as he rode off to the station. Don't know if I'll ever get used to seeing him ride away from me. Sniff sniff...
Friday, I took him since he wouldn't be coming back to my house for the weekend - it was Dad's weekend.
Since then, Ms. Puffy has had a nice rest...peeking in through the patio doors...looking sad and lonely...until today.
Yes folks, I finally rode Ms. Puffy.
I rode her to the bank and back - about a 2.5 mile round trip. Had plans to go to one other place, but I couldn't take it. I'll save that ride for tomorrow. My legs are still a bit noodle-ish, and my bum hurts a bit, and damn did I look like a dork (and no, there will be no photos thank you very much), but I will get up on Ms. Puffy tomorrow and take her out again.
If it wasn't for the pain in my legs and bum, and the wheezing and huffing and puffing, I might even say I had fun. Oh yeah, and the heat. Tomorrow I won't go during the hottest part of the day. I'm going before work instead of waiting for lunch. D'oh. I should know better.
Oooh! Did I tell you all I walked across the street to Trader Joe's after work yesterday? I went grocery shopping on foot! Unfortunately, I went while hungry (very bad idea) ...spent way too much...and ended up with two very full, heavy bags. Oh well, I wanted to be more active. It wasn't all that bad, but I need to control myself if I'm going to be doing that more often.
Some day, I hope to work up to biking to Target...that's quite a haul from my place, but eventually, I'll be able to do it. Just not anytime soon...
Getting a good start on being more active. Hopefully I can wipe out those 10 pounds I gained before I go see the doc again...only time will tell.
Well that's all I've got for today...going to go veg on the couch. It's been a loooong day working and it ended on a terrible note, just about 20 minutes ago actually. Decided I just needed to shut it all down. It'll still be there in the morning, and there's not much I can do tonight anyways.
Maybe I'll finish the fringe on the Honey Scarf, maybe I'll do a small Etsy craft project. Maybe I'll just park my butt and grow roots for a few hours...
Monday, October 01, 2007
For all those Moms who swore they'd never say any of this and sound like their own Moms...
...ok NOW I can go back to bed...once I stop the laughter of course...
Watch this...first spotted over at Major Knitter...who has written down the words if you are interested...
Watch this...first spotted over at Major Knitter...who has written down the words if you are interested...
Going back to work after vacation...
...totally bites.
But that's what I get to do today. And yeah, I know, it's in the middle of the night and I really should be sleeping. Can't. So zip it and read. At least I'm not working...
Not-so-Quick update:
Honey's visit was awesome. We had a wonderful time together. He survived my cooking, and living with my teen, and the 'evil cat from hell who hates men' has totally accepted him, so he's a keeper. I am very sad that it's done with so soon. Didn't seem like enough time together, but it usually feels that way doesn't it...many plans for the future have been talked about, but not set in stone, so won't reveal anything until it starts to come together.
Have some great photos from this Honey visit, and the last, which I need to share with you all. Guess I should post something about the first visit first, eh? Getting very lazy about doing big story posts...still need to do Mythbusters and Kublacon...and probably a few others as well...gah.
Finished knitting on the Honey Scarf, need to finish adding the fringe. Yes, he saw it, and loves it. With the leftover yarn from the scarf, I'm going to make him one of these...and then one of course for my sister, and myself...all of us big Dr Who fans...EXTERMINATE!
Need to set up a Flickr account and get things going on Ravelry. My first project listing will be the Honey Scarf.
I think I'm going to frog everything I've got on the needles (which quite honestly is only 3 things, so don't think it's a total tragedy) and get things going all over again. I've decided I don't like how the cotton shawl is going and don't really like the yarn, so I'm going to frog it and give the yarn away. Easiest way to reduce your stash actually. Gave lots of other yarn away as well during that last big give away thing before Honey's visit. Really need to be more selective when I buy sweaters to recycle. Thought about selling it, but it's not really usable, so gave it away, someone might be able to do something with it...
The Phoenix rectangle shawl is going to be frogged and reborn as a new shawl (if I can ever find the pattern, it's called something like "Cat's Eye Beaded Shawl"). Still beaded, but different pattern.
I'm still undecided about the mohair shawl I'm working on. I think I might keep that one, I need to find it and see what it looks like first. Maybe I'll do that as a Cat's Eye Beaded Shawl as well. Sure wish I could find that damn pattern...gah.
Oooh...and here's my latest favorite online yarn store The Yarn and Fiber Company...free shipping, great customer service, and good sales/prices. Did I say free shipping? Oh yeah, I did... Did I say no minimum order to qualify for free shipping? Just did. Go check them out. Got my Honey Scarf yarn here and some more yarn for a gift project. Very happy so far, so thought I'd pass along the info.
Have lots of acrylic laying about in the Chaos Stash, so need to get working on some charity knitting. Booties and Baby hats a-go-go in the Chaos here soon...as soon as I find my favorite patterns...think I'm going to work on learning color work on the caps...do some basic stuff to 'cut my teeth' so to speak. Have been wanting to learn color work for a while and seeing the work of Honey's Mum on his sweaters has really made me want to do it. Will do larger caps and scarves as well. Need to check with the Community Charity Knitters over at Stash Yarns and see what they need.
Need to get going on my Etsy Idea List. Lots of crafting to do...most of it for the Holidays which are rapidly approaching, so if I want to even think about selling that sort of stuff, I'd better get my tush in gear...
Lots of catching up at work...and it's about to get very, very busy. Lots of crafting, sewing and knitting to do at home...oh wait...it's the same place for both...oh well, you guys know what I mean...now that I don't have all the boxes laying around getting in my way and stifling my creativity, I think I'll be able to get rocking on everything. All this should keep me busy and out of trouble and not dwelling on the fact that I'm missing the Honey so much. Not going to do too many projects at once tho, that's just asking for burn out. Have decided no knitted gifts this year cause I'm concentrating on the Charity knitting and Etsy stuff for a while. I will do something small that is handmade tho, with lots of gift cards. Easy way out, but that's what's best for this year.
Oh yeah, and then there is school stuff for Spencer. He's in 8th grade now, so we've got to get going on selecting a high school and getting applications and all that wonderful crap....GAH!
Oh yeah, and then there's the transport issue. Car is on the fritz, possibly going to kick the bucket and go toes up on me. Need to decide if I want to fix it, or trade it in...in the meantime, not using it all that often - guess I should get it in the shop for estimates... Spencer and I are well versed in the Art of Using Public Transit and use it whenever we can and we have the most wonderful friends who will assist us with rides if necessary, so it's not that big of an issue right now. Ask me again tho when rainy season starts...hahahaha... Spencer is all transit to school every day, and karate twice a week - I'm so proud of him. If I still worked in San Francisco, I'd be riding my bike to the BART station right along side him. Sniff. But, I'm at home, so his "Cool Factor" isn't threatened by the fact that he rides BART with his Mom...even tho none of his friends would ever see it...teens!
Well, Honey should almost be back home (wah!) and sleeping off his full day plus a bit of travelling. Don't expect to hear from him for a while, and he'll probably read this before we make contact...so...Miss you...hope you rested well...you know what I'm really thinking...
Speaking of sleeping...guess I'm off again to bed...starting to feel tired again...yeah! And this is getting long...and I'm rambling...and most likely boring you all to tears...
Later everyone...
But that's what I get to do today. And yeah, I know, it's in the middle of the night and I really should be sleeping. Can't. So zip it and read. At least I'm not working...
Not-so-Quick update:
Honey's visit was awesome. We had a wonderful time together. He survived my cooking, and living with my teen, and the 'evil cat from hell who hates men' has totally accepted him, so he's a keeper. I am very sad that it's done with so soon. Didn't seem like enough time together, but it usually feels that way doesn't it...many plans for the future have been talked about, but not set in stone, so won't reveal anything until it starts to come together.
Have some great photos from this Honey visit, and the last, which I need to share with you all. Guess I should post something about the first visit first, eh? Getting very lazy about doing big story posts...still need to do Mythbusters and Kublacon...and probably a few others as well...gah.
Finished knitting on the Honey Scarf, need to finish adding the fringe. Yes, he saw it, and loves it. With the leftover yarn from the scarf, I'm going to make him one of these...and then one of course for my sister, and myself...all of us big Dr Who fans...EXTERMINATE!
Need to set up a Flickr account and get things going on Ravelry. My first project listing will be the Honey Scarf.
I think I'm going to frog everything I've got on the needles (which quite honestly is only 3 things, so don't think it's a total tragedy) and get things going all over again. I've decided I don't like how the cotton shawl is going and don't really like the yarn, so I'm going to frog it and give the yarn away. Easiest way to reduce your stash actually. Gave lots of other yarn away as well during that last big give away thing before Honey's visit. Really need to be more selective when I buy sweaters to recycle. Thought about selling it, but it's not really usable, so gave it away, someone might be able to do something with it...
The Phoenix rectangle shawl is going to be frogged and reborn as a new shawl (if I can ever find the pattern, it's called something like "Cat's Eye Beaded Shawl"). Still beaded, but different pattern.
I'm still undecided about the mohair shawl I'm working on. I think I might keep that one, I need to find it and see what it looks like first. Maybe I'll do that as a Cat's Eye Beaded Shawl as well. Sure wish I could find that damn pattern...gah.
Oooh...and here's my latest favorite online yarn store The Yarn and Fiber Company...free shipping, great customer service, and good sales/prices. Did I say free shipping? Oh yeah, I did... Did I say no minimum order to qualify for free shipping? Just did. Go check them out. Got my Honey Scarf yarn here and some more yarn for a gift project. Very happy so far, so thought I'd pass along the info.
Have lots of acrylic laying about in the Chaos Stash, so need to get working on some charity knitting. Booties and Baby hats a-go-go in the Chaos here soon...as soon as I find my favorite patterns...think I'm going to work on learning color work on the caps...do some basic stuff to 'cut my teeth' so to speak. Have been wanting to learn color work for a while and seeing the work of Honey's Mum on his sweaters has really made me want to do it. Will do larger caps and scarves as well. Need to check with the Community Charity Knitters over at Stash Yarns and see what they need.
Need to get going on my Etsy Idea List. Lots of crafting to do...most of it for the Holidays which are rapidly approaching, so if I want to even think about selling that sort of stuff, I'd better get my tush in gear...
Lots of catching up at work...and it's about to get very, very busy. Lots of crafting, sewing and knitting to do at home...oh wait...it's the same place for both...oh well, you guys know what I mean...now that I don't have all the boxes laying around getting in my way and stifling my creativity, I think I'll be able to get rocking on everything. All this should keep me busy and out of trouble and not dwelling on the fact that I'm missing the Honey so much. Not going to do too many projects at once tho, that's just asking for burn out. Have decided no knitted gifts this year cause I'm concentrating on the Charity knitting and Etsy stuff for a while. I will do something small that is handmade tho, with lots of gift cards. Easy way out, but that's what's best for this year.
Oh yeah, and then there is school stuff for Spencer. He's in 8th grade now, so we've got to get going on selecting a high school and getting applications and all that wonderful crap....GAH!
Oh yeah, and then there's the transport issue. Car is on the fritz, possibly going to kick the bucket and go toes up on me. Need to decide if I want to fix it, or trade it in...in the meantime, not using it all that often - guess I should get it in the shop for estimates... Spencer and I are well versed in the Art of Using Public Transit and use it whenever we can and we have the most wonderful friends who will assist us with rides if necessary, so it's not that big of an issue right now. Ask me again tho when rainy season starts...hahahaha... Spencer is all transit to school every day, and karate twice a week - I'm so proud of him. If I still worked in San Francisco, I'd be riding my bike to the BART station right along side him. Sniff. But, I'm at home, so his "Cool Factor" isn't threatened by the fact that he rides BART with his Mom...even tho none of his friends would ever see it...teens!
Well, Honey should almost be back home (wah!) and sleeping off his full day plus a bit of travelling. Don't expect to hear from him for a while, and he'll probably read this before we make contact...so...Miss you...hope you rested well...you know what I'm really thinking...
Speaking of sleeping...guess I'm off again to bed...starting to feel tired again...yeah! And this is getting long...and I'm rambling...and most likely boring you all to tears...
Later everyone...
Monday, September 24, 2007
Still floating, but landing long enough for this...
...got my Ravelry invite today. Over there I'm known as 'chaosknitter'. No time now to set anything up...that's for next week when Honey leaves.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
On my way to Cloud 9...no layovers...
...direct flight.
Speaking of flights, The Honey is jetting his way here on the last of his flights. He's had a long day, so is probably exhausted. I've had a long day, and I am exhausted. Somehow I'm sure it won't matter as soon as we see each other down that long airport hallway.
Cue the sappy music as our eyes meet and we run towards each other in slow motion....and I promptly get wrestled to the ground by the TSA and hauled away for a strip search...heh....wadda ya mean I can't go past this little sign that says "Ticketed Passengers Only Beyond This Point"?
OK, so back to reality. All is ready except for a few last minute things. Time to get myself ready...and I'm burning up...guess it's the skirt...OOOH...and I've decided which shirt to wear.
I may or may not post during the next few weeks. I will if I finish the Honey Scarf, 'cause of course it will be gifted right away, so I'll be able to share with you guys.
Something tells me though, that I won't be knitting...just sayin'...
Speaking of flights, The Honey is jetting his way here on the last of his flights. He's had a long day, so is probably exhausted. I've had a long day, and I am exhausted. Somehow I'm sure it won't matter as soon as we see each other down that long airport hallway.
Cue the sappy music as our eyes meet and we run towards each other in slow motion....and I promptly get wrestled to the ground by the TSA and hauled away for a strip search...heh....wadda ya mean I can't go past this little sign that says "Ticketed Passengers Only Beyond This Point"?
OK, so back to reality. All is ready except for a few last minute things. Time to get myself ready...and I'm burning up...guess it's the skirt...OOOH...and I've decided which shirt to wear.
I may or may not post during the next few weeks. I will if I finish the Honey Scarf, 'cause of course it will be gifted right away, so I'll be able to share with you guys.
Something tells me though, that I won't be knitting...just sayin'...
Friday, September 14, 2007
I'm not excited. Riiiiiight.
Well, the Honey is now en route to the airport....sent him off a sweet text message..... awwwwwww....
And here I sit wide awake and it's just about midnight. Argh. Knew this was going to happen though, so I'm going with it. Decided to post and maybe have a round of online Jigsaw puzzles.
The bedroom is all clean and ready. I told myself I wouldn't go to sleep tonight until it was...now if I could only fall asleep. Gah.
Some laundry still needs to be done, but I can do that tomorrow while I vacuum and clean the kitchen/dining/living area and of course the dreaded bathrooms. If nothing else, I'm one hell of a multi-tasker.
Lots of stuff to take out of the house. One load for Donation and at least two to the Annex.
And last but not least...the groceries. If I get up at a decent time, and don't dilly dally, I could even sneak in a nap before Antonella calls at 4pm and tells me to get my ass in gear and get ready.
The Honey's flight arrives at 7:30pm. I'm either going to be there at 6pm, or show up at 7:35pm. That's just how things work in the Chaos...
Oh...hair appointment went well. So great cut, no greys, eye back to normal now - same size as the other one...oh, and Cherry, I did consider a trenchcoat with high heel boots, but since I have neither, I'll just go with blindfolding myself, spinning myself around and bumbling into to the closet to pick what I'm going to wear. It's not like it's all that difficult either. The jeans and sandals are a gimme, I just need to pick a friggin' shirt! If I knew it wouldn't be chilly after the sun set, I'd wear a skirt. But still, all I'd have to do is pick out a friggin' shirt!
I'm hopeless...now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go set up flight tracking for the Honey's flights so I can obsessively watch 'him' as I try and multi-task tomorrow. Oh, and put together a few online Jigsaws.
And here I sit wide awake and it's just about midnight. Argh. Knew this was going to happen though, so I'm going with it. Decided to post and maybe have a round of online Jigsaw puzzles.
The bedroom is all clean and ready. I told myself I wouldn't go to sleep tonight until it was...now if I could only fall asleep. Gah.
Some laundry still needs to be done, but I can do that tomorrow while I vacuum and clean the kitchen/dining/living area and of course the dreaded bathrooms. If nothing else, I'm one hell of a multi-tasker.
Lots of stuff to take out of the house. One load for Donation and at least two to the Annex.
And last but not least...the groceries. If I get up at a decent time, and don't dilly dally, I could even sneak in a nap before Antonella calls at 4pm and tells me to get my ass in gear and get ready.
The Honey's flight arrives at 7:30pm. I'm either going to be there at 6pm, or show up at 7:35pm. That's just how things work in the Chaos...
Oh...hair appointment went well. So great cut, no greys, eye back to normal now - same size as the other one...oh, and Cherry, I did consider a trenchcoat with high heel boots, but since I have neither, I'll just go with blindfolding myself, spinning myself around and bumbling into to the closet to pick what I'm going to wear. It's not like it's all that difficult either. The jeans and sandals are a gimme, I just need to pick a friggin' shirt! If I knew it wouldn't be chilly after the sun set, I'd wear a skirt. But still, all I'd have to do is pick out a friggin' shirt!
I'm hopeless...now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go set up flight tracking for the Honey's flights so I can obsessively watch 'him' as I try and multi-task tomorrow. Oh, and put together a few online Jigsaws.
One. Day. Left.
Then you guys won't be hearing from me for a bit...
As Honey makes his final preps for his trip over, I sit here obsessing about all the things I want to do before he gets here, should do before he gets here, but can't quite get myself up to do before he gets here. Guess I'll save that for about 2AM tomorrow when I can't sleep because I'm so excited and I'll bust if I don't do something, anything to take my mind off it all. And besides, I'm working. Riiiiight.
How about a few updates...
Let's see...oh, eye is 99% back to normal. Phew. What's the point in having a freshly styled 'do with no grey hair if you've got a red, puffy eye to distract from it all?!? I was trying to convince myself yesterday that it was a sexy one-eyed wink. Riiiiight.
Ooh...Honey Scarf! Six of eight stripe repeats completed as of last night. Two more stripe repeats and an extra bit of white at the end left...some blue fringe and it's done!! I'm sure I'll blow off everything else and work on this exclusively until it's done. Whuh...you don't get obsessive like that? Riiiiiight.
Ummm...what else...still packing up stuff to take to the Annex and for Donation. I'll either go after work today or sometime tomorrow. I think I've given up on the whole car care thing. OK...all the guys out there who read this can pick themselves up off the floor now. It's not a permanent thing...just can't get it done before tomorrow night.
Still need to do laundry...argh. Going to prioritize that as well. Stripping the bed and washing all that first. All the rest, well, who needs clothes anyway...
Oh yes...can't forget the grocery shopping. Guess I'll do that tomorrow after I make the rounds with the Annex and the Donation stuff.
Hopefully all this will keep me busy enough so I don't sit and stare and whine at my closet for umpteen hours tomorrow. Riiiiight.
As Honey makes his final preps for his trip over, I sit here obsessing about all the things I want to do before he gets here, should do before he gets here, but can't quite get myself up to do before he gets here. Guess I'll save that for about 2AM tomorrow when I can't sleep because I'm so excited and I'll bust if I don't do something, anything to take my mind off it all. And besides, I'm working. Riiiiight.
How about a few updates...
Let's see...oh, eye is 99% back to normal. Phew. What's the point in having a freshly styled 'do with no grey hair if you've got a red, puffy eye to distract from it all?!? I was trying to convince myself yesterday that it was a sexy one-eyed wink. Riiiiight.
Ooh...Honey Scarf! Six of eight stripe repeats completed as of last night. Two more stripe repeats and an extra bit of white at the end left...some blue fringe and it's done!! I'm sure I'll blow off everything else and work on this exclusively until it's done. Whuh...you don't get obsessive like that? Riiiiiight.
Ummm...what else...still packing up stuff to take to the Annex and for Donation. I'll either go after work today or sometime tomorrow. I think I've given up on the whole car care thing. OK...all the guys out there who read this can pick themselves up off the floor now. It's not a permanent thing...just can't get it done before tomorrow night.
Still need to do laundry...argh. Going to prioritize that as well. Stripping the bed and washing all that first. All the rest, well, who needs clothes anyway...
Oh yes...can't forget the grocery shopping. Guess I'll do that tomorrow after I make the rounds with the Annex and the Donation stuff.
Hopefully all this will keep me busy enough so I don't sit and stare and whine at my closet for umpteen hours tomorrow. Riiiiight.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
2 days...
...and I'm freaking out. Lots left to do in the Chaos here to prepare for the Honey's visit. What am I most worried about? Surviving having two men in my apartment. Kitty is already scoping out new places to hide. (now that most of the crap is gone or at the Annex, she's gotta find some new spots) I'm wondering how bad the teasing will get and how much they will eat. I can never keep enough food in the house for Spencer...and Honey is staying for two weeks this time and we're going to eat in as much as possible.
Oh, by the way, my cooking skills have improved a bit lately, so we should be OK as far as eating in goes...if all else fails, I can always make breakfast for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I make a killer breakfast.
What's left to do? Ummm...colored hair last night, so that's done...check! Haircut tomorrow at 1pm...oil change sometime between tonight and Saturday morning...mani/pedi done...check...grocery shopping...sometime Saturday (need to make sure Spencer is safely off to his Dad's so he doesn't eat it all before Honey can get here - teens!!!)....a few more trips to the Annex over the next few days...clean the apartment (need to make sure Spencer is safely off to his Dad's so he doesn't mess it up before Honey can get here - teens!! [hey, I see a pattern here])...laundry...gah! hate laundry!...should really get the car washed...work like a dog with work work (you know how it is before vacation)...ummm...
Oh is that all?!? Actually it's not as bad as it sounds. The hardest part will be getting myself cleaned up and dressed to get to the airport in time Saturday night. I have Antonella at the ready to call me and make sure I've stopped obsessing about what to wear and actually get dressed so I can meet Honey's flight on time. Hopefully this whole swollen eye thing will have worked itself out and I won't look like I paid a visit to the local Fight Club.
Oh, yeah...about 2 hours ago, my right eye started itching and tearing. Of course, like an idiot, I rubbed it. Next thing you know...irritation major. Redness, tearing, itchiness maximus, and the lovely swelling of the lower lid. Don't know what the hell caused it, but that was pretty darn annoying. Not so red anymore, no more itchies, keeping my hands away from it. After some rinsing out and a small bit of ice, the swelling has gone down. Still tearing up a bit though...
...but that could be from some sad news I got earlier from my bestest friend ever while I was growing up in Chicago. Her Dad passed away this past Monday after a long, and painful battle with cancer. He leaves behind a loving wife, 10 children, 22 grandchildren, and many, many other relatives and friends. He lived a full, and long life and will be greatly missed - he was 84. Rest in Peace Mr. K.
I can't help but tear up when I hear news like this...I am human...and it also brings back memories of when my own Dad passed away 9 years ago. That was a very sad time for us, so I know what her family is going through. Wish I could be there in person for her, but she's all the way in Chicago...thinking of you T.
Oh, by the way, my cooking skills have improved a bit lately, so we should be OK as far as eating in goes...if all else fails, I can always make breakfast for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I make a killer breakfast.
What's left to do? Ummm...colored hair last night, so that's done...check! Haircut tomorrow at 1pm...oil change sometime between tonight and Saturday morning...mani/pedi done...check...grocery shopping...sometime Saturday (need to make sure Spencer is safely off to his Dad's so he doesn't eat it all before Honey can get here - teens!!!)....a few more trips to the Annex over the next few days...clean the apartment (need to make sure Spencer is safely off to his Dad's so he doesn't mess it up before Honey can get here - teens!! [hey, I see a pattern here])...laundry...gah! hate laundry!...should really get the car washed...work like a dog with work work (you know how it is before vacation)...ummm...
Oh is that all?!? Actually it's not as bad as it sounds. The hardest part will be getting myself cleaned up and dressed to get to the airport in time Saturday night. I have Antonella at the ready to call me and make sure I've stopped obsessing about what to wear and actually get dressed so I can meet Honey's flight on time. Hopefully this whole swollen eye thing will have worked itself out and I won't look like I paid a visit to the local Fight Club.
Oh, yeah...about 2 hours ago, my right eye started itching and tearing. Of course, like an idiot, I rubbed it. Next thing you know...irritation major. Redness, tearing, itchiness maximus, and the lovely swelling of the lower lid. Don't know what the hell caused it, but that was pretty darn annoying. Not so red anymore, no more itchies, keeping my hands away from it. After some rinsing out and a small bit of ice, the swelling has gone down. Still tearing up a bit though...
...but that could be from some sad news I got earlier from my bestest friend ever while I was growing up in Chicago. Her Dad passed away this past Monday after a long, and painful battle with cancer. He leaves behind a loving wife, 10 children, 22 grandchildren, and many, many other relatives and friends. He lived a full, and long life and will be greatly missed - he was 84. Rest in Peace Mr. K.
I can't help but tear up when I hear news like this...I am human...and it also brings back memories of when my own Dad passed away 9 years ago. That was a very sad time for us, so I know what her family is going through. Wish I could be there in person for her, but she's all the way in Chicago...thinking of you T.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Monday, September 10, 2007
Draw the curtains, lock the door...
...as promised...it's time for some knitty p0rn...
Ready?
This one has to be my favorite. Why? Because I still haven't been able to handle color work and I am awestruck when I see what others have done who can...
A lovely grey St st crew...
Another favorite...love the color blocking.
And last but not least, the Aran...
Can't say much...just letting the sweaters do the talking here. Going to definitely have to shake the hands of Honey's Mum and sneak a fondle of the knitting needle shafts that produced these beauties when I visit the UK. Maybe some of her knitty magic will rub off on me...
Many thanks to the Honey for photographing these works of art for us. Smooch.
Ready?
This one has to be my favorite. Why? Because I still haven't been able to handle color work and I am awestruck when I see what others have done who can...
A lovely grey St st crew...
Another favorite...love the color blocking.
And last but not least, the Aran...
Can't say much...just letting the sweaters do the talking here. Going to definitely have to shake the hands of Honey's Mum and sneak a fondle of the knitting needle shafts that produced these beauties when I visit the UK. Maybe some of her knitty magic will rub off on me...
Many thanks to the Honey for photographing these works of art for us. Smooch.
Have Aran P0rn pix will post soon...
...I promise.
Honey read the post last week and pulled out the sweaters and shot lots of photos for us. I have been getting them ready for posting (and oooh-ing and aaaah-ing over them) for a few days now. Promise I'll post soon.
I had a lot of photos to choose from and a lot of work work and apartment therapy work to do.
Four sweaters...all very lovely.
I'll stop teasing you now and go back to bed...or am I actually just starting to tease...
Honey read the post last week and pulled out the sweaters and shot lots of photos for us. I have been getting them ready for posting (and oooh-ing and aaaah-ing over them) for a few days now. Promise I'll post soon.
I had a lot of photos to choose from and a lot of work work and apartment therapy work to do.
Four sweaters...all very lovely.
I'll stop teasing you now and go back to bed...or am I actually just starting to tease...
Sunday, September 09, 2007
I did it! I did it!
I actually did something I said I would and had all planned out. Must be the end of the world or something...
Anyways...woke up early after another late night...argh...and immediately started photographing the things I had all packed and ready to go to the Annex. After some general farting around, chatting with the Honey and a bit of laziness (hey, I didn't get to bed until 2am), I met up with Antonella. We headed out to the Annex with a new load of boxes, took them up to the Annex using the handy dandy trolley and uber-sized elevator, and proceeded to photograph all the stuff already in there before adding the new stuff. Also picked out a few boxes of crafting stuff that Spencer and I will need when we start our Etsy crafting.
Antonella's reaction to the Annex? "Are you sure all this stuff came out of your apartment? Where the hell did you have it?" But wait my friend, there's even more stuff to bring! Anyway, after finishing up at the Annex, we headed off to Target where I bought the last two clearance storage bins. Wanted at least 4 more, but clearance is what it is...I'm lucky to have gotten any more period.
Another successful day of organizing ending with a trip to our favorite eat and chat place...In and Out.
Tonight, a bit o' knitting on the Honey Scarf, some online puzzle games, some more organizing...and then it's off to bed at a decent hour. I hope.
6 days.
Anyways...woke up early after another late night...argh...and immediately started photographing the things I had all packed and ready to go to the Annex. After some general farting around, chatting with the Honey and a bit of laziness (hey, I didn't get to bed until 2am), I met up with Antonella. We headed out to the Annex with a new load of boxes, took them up to the Annex using the handy dandy trolley and uber-sized elevator, and proceeded to photograph all the stuff already in there before adding the new stuff. Also picked out a few boxes of crafting stuff that Spencer and I will need when we start our Etsy crafting.
Antonella's reaction to the Annex? "Are you sure all this stuff came out of your apartment? Where the hell did you have it?" But wait my friend, there's even more stuff to bring! Anyway, after finishing up at the Annex, we headed off to Target where I bought the last two clearance storage bins. Wanted at least 4 more, but clearance is what it is...I'm lucky to have gotten any more period.
Another successful day of organizing ending with a trip to our favorite eat and chat place...In and Out.
Tonight, a bit o' knitting on the Honey Scarf, some online puzzle games, some more organizing...and then it's off to bed at a decent hour. I hope.
6 days.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Hitting the Annex again tomorrow...really...I am
OK, so things didn't quite work out as planned today. Never made it to the Chaos Annex (storage unit for those of you not paying attention), never made it out for a walk this morning. blah blah blah...
Felt like I had been up all night drinking when I woke up this morning. Total. Creative. Hangover. Complete with pounding headache. But I've got a great list of ideas to work on. Whether I get to do them all, only time will tell. But if I don't do anything, I think the creative side of my brain will explode.
And then I'd be using all my nice shitty water-free towels to clean up nasty grey matter.
Yes, it's late...yes, I'm tired. I'll be off to bed in a minute or two or three. Takes a while to come down off a late night burst like last night's. My brain is still running full speed despite the fact that my body feels like it's been hit by a truck.
On to the latest then....picked up some blue see-thru type bins at Target for $5.68...on clearance. Just love clearance...would prefer free, but hey...clearance is the next best thing. Packed up some stuff as soon as I brought them home. Have so many boxes ready to go to the Annex, I just might need to make two trips tomorrow. And that makes me happy. I'm seeing a difference in the apartment now. Very happy indeed.
Very productive afternoon spent with my friend Antonella. We went running about doing some of my long overdue errands and stopped every so often to shop, or eat, or chat. Picked up a new denim skirt - above the knees no less...what's this world coming to...and a really cool pair of baggy jeans for Spencer at the thrift store. They'll fit his waist and I'm pretty sure they are long enough to survive another 3 inches of growing upwards. $12 for both. You sooo cannot beat that. And they both look brand new! Score!
OK, that's about it. Not much else going on. No knitting today, so no fondling of knitty balls either. Sigh. I thought about it though...does that count as actual fondling?
7 days
Felt like I had been up all night drinking when I woke up this morning. Total. Creative. Hangover. Complete with pounding headache. But I've got a great list of ideas to work on. Whether I get to do them all, only time will tell. But if I don't do anything, I think the creative side of my brain will explode.
And then I'd be using all my nice shitty water-free towels to clean up nasty grey matter.
Yes, it's late...yes, I'm tired. I'll be off to bed in a minute or two or three. Takes a while to come down off a late night burst like last night's. My brain is still running full speed despite the fact that my body feels like it's been hit by a truck.
On to the latest then....picked up some blue see-thru type bins at Target for $5.68...on clearance. Just love clearance...would prefer free, but hey...clearance is the next best thing. Packed up some stuff as soon as I brought them home. Have so many boxes ready to go to the Annex, I just might need to make two trips tomorrow. And that makes me happy. I'm seeing a difference in the apartment now. Very happy indeed.
Very productive afternoon spent with my friend Antonella. We went running about doing some of my long overdue errands and stopped every so often to shop, or eat, or chat. Picked up a new denim skirt - above the knees no less...what's this world coming to...and a really cool pair of baggy jeans for Spencer at the thrift store. They'll fit his waist and I'm pretty sure they are long enough to survive another 3 inches of growing upwards. $12 for both. You sooo cannot beat that. And they both look brand new! Score!
OK, that's about it. Not much else going on. No knitting today, so no fondling of knitty balls either. Sigh. I thought about it though...does that count as actual fondling?
7 days
Friday, September 07, 2007
Random thoughts...Decisive Actions...Maybe
Well, here I sit typing in the Chaos when I should be fast asleep. But I can't sleep. My brain is in creative overdrive. I love the ideas I get when I'm like this...but it usually comes at the cost of some much needed sleep. Oh well...
What have I been thinking of tonight? Thought you'd never ask...and it's not about who you think it is...but Honey is still in my mind tho...8 DAYS PEOPLE! 8 days...
If you click on my Etsy link over there ----->>, you'll notice my shop is almost empty. All of my listings have expired in the last few days. I've sold one item...and that was a few days after I officially opened on Jan 1st this year. Bummer? Yes. Discouraging? Not really. I haven't really put that much effort into doing anything to it or adding other categories of things like I thought I would. Good thing it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to have a shop. Anyway, shame on me! That, my friends, is about to change.
All my ideas tonight have been about my Etsy Shop and what Spence and I can make and sell. So it seems like the Creative Muses have made a stop over in Casa de Chaos this evening and beat me about the head and shoulders with their Creative Sticks. I'm a bit bruised and battered - those ladies have a killer backhand - but I now have a list of about 16 or so awesome ideas that Spencer and I can start work on in the next few weeks. The best part? We already have all the materials we need right here in the Casa...or in the Chaos Annex (the storage unit). I did some web research today and came up with some other resources we might use as well. I'm very excited about everything I came up with... all small, mostly useful, and some great gifts/items for the coming Holidays.
I'll definitely post here when Spencer and I get our craft on and start posting our stuff in the shop.
I'm very excited about this...oh! and found something else for me to do as well. Got an email today from a local yarn store...two Sundays a month, knitters go and work on Charity Knitting for local hospitals and clinics. Scroll down to where it says Community Knitters for more info. I know I won't actually go and knit...it's quite a haul from my place to there, but I can go every so often and drop stuff off, right?
Crafting for profit and Charity Knitting. A good combo that should keep me out of trouble for quite a while...
Oh! And I'm starting to think of Xmas presents for this year. All the other crafting and charity knitting stuff should keep you all distracted while I work in secret on those. Yay!
Good grief...who the hell slipped me caffeine while I wasn't looking tonight? What to do now? Can't knit on the Honey scarf. Don't do that right before bed...and I've already done my handcream thing tonight. TV? No. Stupid online games? OK...stupid online games it is. Even though I'm soooo wanting to make something tonight, I won't...because I'll NEVER get any sleep if I start any of that...and I want some sleep tonight...Ooooh! a Yawn! OK...just a few minutes of stupid online games and then I'm sneaking back to bed...hope the Muses have left...
What have I been thinking of tonight? Thought you'd never ask...and it's not about who you think it is...but Honey is still in my mind tho...8 DAYS PEOPLE! 8 days...
If you click on my Etsy link over there ----->>, you'll notice my shop is almost empty. All of my listings have expired in the last few days. I've sold one item...and that was a few days after I officially opened on Jan 1st this year. Bummer? Yes. Discouraging? Not really. I haven't really put that much effort into doing anything to it or adding other categories of things like I thought I would. Good thing it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to have a shop. Anyway, shame on me! That, my friends, is about to change.
All my ideas tonight have been about my Etsy Shop and what Spence and I can make and sell. So it seems like the Creative Muses have made a stop over in Casa de Chaos this evening and beat me about the head and shoulders with their Creative Sticks. I'm a bit bruised and battered - those ladies have a killer backhand - but I now have a list of about 16 or so awesome ideas that Spencer and I can start work on in the next few weeks. The best part? We already have all the materials we need right here in the Casa...or in the Chaos Annex (the storage unit). I did some web research today and came up with some other resources we might use as well. I'm very excited about everything I came up with... all small, mostly useful, and some great gifts/items for the coming Holidays.
I'll definitely post here when Spencer and I get our craft on and start posting our stuff in the shop.
I'm very excited about this...oh! and found something else for me to do as well. Got an email today from a local yarn store...two Sundays a month, knitters go and work on Charity Knitting for local hospitals and clinics. Scroll down to where it says Community Knitters for more info. I know I won't actually go and knit...it's quite a haul from my place to there, but I can go every so often and drop stuff off, right?
Crafting for profit and Charity Knitting. A good combo that should keep me out of trouble for quite a while...
Oh! And I'm starting to think of Xmas presents for this year. All the other crafting and charity knitting stuff should keep you all distracted while I work in secret on those. Yay!
Good grief...who the hell slipped me caffeine while I wasn't looking tonight? What to do now? Can't knit on the Honey scarf. Don't do that right before bed...and I've already done my handcream thing tonight. TV? No. Stupid online games? OK...stupid online games it is. Even though I'm soooo wanting to make something tonight, I won't...because I'll NEVER get any sleep if I start any of that...and I want some sleep tonight...Ooooh! a Yawn! OK...just a few minutes of stupid online games and then I'm sneaking back to bed...hope the Muses have left...
Thursday, September 06, 2007
No film at 11...just photos..but not yet..
Work continues to be busy...spent some very long hours at it these last few days...and this time it was necessary...I'm beat.
Didn't think I was going to be able to do it, but actually picked up the needles last night and knit a bit on the Honey Scarf. After 3 starts, I think I got it right.
Those of you who have been reading here for a while know that I usually can't start something without re-starting and re-starting. (Um, do I really need to mention the whole recycled yarn thing?) Well, the Honey Scarf was no different. It's just a scarf, how difficult can it be to start a scarf?!?
Wait for it...
While I was waiting for the yarn, I started thinking of what stitch I was going to use. Had to be reversible and I didn't really know what weight the yarn was that I ordered - it was the right colors, and that's all that mattered. (that part of the description was missing, but taking a wild guess from the WPI, I figured worsted, and I was right) I had been looking at all sorts of different scarf patterns trying to find the right one. After all, this is a special scarf.
OOohh...lookie...a swatch, a ball, and a few skeins...
Couldn't find anything for worsted that was patterned to look good from both sides, so decided on St stitch. Plain. Dull. Boring. But it would look the same on both sides, right? Right.
Then the white yarn arrived. Cut off a small bit of the yarn to get a handle on the whole wool issue while testing out needle sizes and all that good stuff. Decided St St was way too boring so decided on basketweave stitch. That would look really cool, give the scarf some texture and all that crap, yada yada yada. Knit up a swatch, looked good. I had a winner.
Blue and Yellow yarn finally shows...I start up the scarf as planned...get to the color striping...and yuk. Didn't like how the color changes looked. Especially since I had decided that in order to switch things up a bit, I would do the colored stripes in St St. Bad idea. Color changes looked great on one side, really nasty on the other. Should have known that was going to happen, but you know I never pay attention to any of that stuff...
Ooohhh...lookie again...a swatch and more balls...oh, and some needles too...
Donna visits the frog pond...and casts on with another stitch that shall remain nameless and without a picture since Honey reads the blog. Gotta leave some bit of a surprise in it all don't I? Oh, but you know I had to rip out that one too because I can't count and cast on way too many stitches...
And there you have it..chaotic knitting at its best once again...I'll post some photos of the yarn and subsequent balls later...
Edited: Added pictures of the yarn/balls... Oh, and Cherry, seems I can knit with this wool for about an hour or so before I start to have any side effects. Then it all hits at once...itchy, watery eyes, itchy hands, and dry throat. Now that I know my limits though, I never work on the Honey Scarf longer than 45 minutes...which is how long I can knit on any one thing at any time anyway. Only issue I have is dry hands after I'm done. Been pampering them morning, night, and after every Honey Scarf session with some great cream, so no complaints.
Didn't think I was going to be able to do it, but actually picked up the needles last night and knit a bit on the Honey Scarf. After 3 starts, I think I got it right.
Those of you who have been reading here for a while know that I usually can't start something without re-starting and re-starting. (Um, do I really need to mention the whole recycled yarn thing?) Well, the Honey Scarf was no different. It's just a scarf, how difficult can it be to start a scarf?!?
Wait for it...
While I was waiting for the yarn, I started thinking of what stitch I was going to use. Had to be reversible and I didn't really know what weight the yarn was that I ordered - it was the right colors, and that's all that mattered. (that part of the description was missing, but taking a wild guess from the WPI, I figured worsted, and I was right) I had been looking at all sorts of different scarf patterns trying to find the right one. After all, this is a special scarf.
OOohh...lookie...a swatch, a ball, and a few skeins...
Couldn't find anything for worsted that was patterned to look good from both sides, so decided on St stitch. Plain. Dull. Boring. But it would look the same on both sides, right? Right.
Then the white yarn arrived. Cut off a small bit of the yarn to get a handle on the whole wool issue while testing out needle sizes and all that good stuff. Decided St St was way too boring so decided on basketweave stitch. That would look really cool, give the scarf some texture and all that crap, yada yada yada. Knit up a swatch, looked good. I had a winner.
Blue and Yellow yarn finally shows...I start up the scarf as planned...get to the color striping...and yuk. Didn't like how the color changes looked. Especially since I had decided that in order to switch things up a bit, I would do the colored stripes in St St. Bad idea. Color changes looked great on one side, really nasty on the other. Should have known that was going to happen, but you know I never pay attention to any of that stuff...
Ooohhh...lookie again...a swatch and more balls...oh, and some needles too...
Donna visits the frog pond...and casts on with another stitch that shall remain nameless and without a picture since Honey reads the blog. Gotta leave some bit of a surprise in it all don't I? Oh, but you know I had to rip out that one too because I can't count and cast on way too many stitches...
And there you have it..chaotic knitting at its best once again...I'll post some photos of the yarn and subsequent balls later...
Edited: Added pictures of the yarn/balls... Oh, and Cherry, seems I can knit with this wool for about an hour or so before I start to have any side effects. Then it all hits at once...itchy, watery eyes, itchy hands, and dry throat. Now that I know my limits though, I never work on the Honey Scarf longer than 45 minutes...which is how long I can knit on any one thing at any time anyway. Only issue I have is dry hands after I'm done. Been pampering them morning, night, and after every Honey Scarf session with some great cream, so no complaints.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Woman fondles balls...film at 11?
Ooooooooooh....I've just pulled out Hugo, and have dug out the new bag of yarn out of the closet.
Ladies and Gentlemen...excuse me while I go make balls so I can then fondle and play with them.
After I've gotten my jollies, I'll cast on for the Honey Scarf.
Honey is excited to get it...even though his Mum knits, he's never had a hand-knit scarf. She's made him some wonderful Aran jumpers though. He has promised to pull them out and take photos so I can see them...'cause you know I want to see them NOW and totally cannot wait to see them in person until I go over for a visit. Once I get my mitts on the pix, I will of course, post them so we can all share in the English Aran p0rn...
No pressure...he's just never had a handknit scarf...ever...none at all. Can't tell you how many times I've already swatched for it, torn that apart and swatched again. Hopefully I've gotten that out of my system and can just cast on and rock it.
But first, Hugo and I have some balls to make...and I've got some fondling to do...a knitter's fun with balls is never-ending...
Ladies and Gentlemen...excuse me while I go make balls so I can then fondle and play with them.
After I've gotten my jollies, I'll cast on for the Honey Scarf.
Honey is excited to get it...even though his Mum knits, he's never had a hand-knit scarf. She's made him some wonderful Aran jumpers though. He has promised to pull them out and take photos so I can see them...'cause you know I want to see them NOW and totally cannot wait to see them in person until I go over for a visit. Once I get my mitts on the pix, I will of course, post them so we can all share in the English Aran p0rn...
No pressure...he's just never had a handknit scarf...ever...none at all. Can't tell you how many times I've already swatched for it, torn that apart and swatched again. Hopefully I've gotten that out of my system and can just cast on and rock it.
But first, Hugo and I have some balls to make...and I've got some fondling to do...a knitter's fun with balls is never-ending...
Must. Resist. Temptation.
The rest of the Honey Scarf yarn just arrived! I've put Hugo in a not-so-convenient-place so that I am not tempted to stop work and wind up the last two skeins of yarn...
'Cause I am soooooooooooo tempted to stop work right now...'cause it's been a hell-of-a-day...
Only two more hours left...as long as Hugo is out of sight, he's mostly out of mind. I've also moved the yarn into the back reaches of my closet.
Yes. I am that tempted to stop work and play with balls.
Two more hours or so....argh...
'Cause I am soooooooooooo tempted to stop work right now...'cause it's been a hell-of-a-day...
Only two more hours left...as long as Hugo is out of sight, he's mostly out of mind. I've also moved the yarn into the back reaches of my closet.
Yes. I am that tempted to stop work and play with balls.
Two more hours or so....argh...
Monday, September 03, 2007
All Hail the Mighty Storage Unit...
Greetings my friends...Spencer and I just got back from taking a load of boxes to the storage unit. Yes...we finally got around to doing it. Loaded up the trunk and the back seat of the car and Spencer held a smaller box in the front seat with him.
Yay!
To be honest, I'd thought I'd feel so much better once I started moving stuff out of the apartment and into our little storage unit. Oddly enough, I don't. Maybe 'cause it still looks like we didn't take anything out - even though we took 12 boxes and a large rolling cooler! Yes folks, I have that. much. crap. I do feel some sort of accomplishment though, because we did take 12 boxes and a rolling cooler to the unit after all. I think it will take another load of boxes to start noticing a big difference. The big boxes we took today were all from the closets, so no, I guess you wouldn't really notice a change unless you went and looked in the closets...
Anyway, I'm still happy I did this, it was definitely a good decision. Wish I could have been in a mental place to do this earlier. It's not like I'm getting rid of it all right away, it's just moving out for a bit. Then I will slowly get rid of it. Yes, I admit it, I have attachment issues when it comes to my stuff. I've had it around me for so long, and when things were bad, my stuff was always there. I think I've finally reached a point where I don't need the stuff anymore, but it's still hard to give it up. But I'm working on it.
I think it'll be easier on my emotions to do this with the storage unit. Now, after I've sorted a bit there's so much of it to take away and so much of it still around. Sorting it bit by bit will be easier on me mentally. Go through just one or two boxes at a time, nothing else is laying about...only a bag or two goes away.
Going to start that in earnest once Honey's visit is over. I'm in too much of a panic mode now to deal with it. Getting it out is the first step and a big one for me, so that'll do for a few weeks.
Speaking of Honey...12 days until he arrives...
Yay!
To be honest, I'd thought I'd feel so much better once I started moving stuff out of the apartment and into our little storage unit. Oddly enough, I don't. Maybe 'cause it still looks like we didn't take anything out - even though we took 12 boxes and a large rolling cooler! Yes folks, I have that. much. crap. I do feel some sort of accomplishment though, because we did take 12 boxes and a rolling cooler to the unit after all. I think it will take another load of boxes to start noticing a big difference. The big boxes we took today were all from the closets, so no, I guess you wouldn't really notice a change unless you went and looked in the closets...
Anyway, I'm still happy I did this, it was definitely a good decision. Wish I could have been in a mental place to do this earlier. It's not like I'm getting rid of it all right away, it's just moving out for a bit. Then I will slowly get rid of it. Yes, I admit it, I have attachment issues when it comes to my stuff. I've had it around me for so long, and when things were bad, my stuff was always there. I think I've finally reached a point where I don't need the stuff anymore, but it's still hard to give it up. But I'm working on it.
I think it'll be easier on my emotions to do this with the storage unit. Now, after I've sorted a bit there's so much of it to take away and so much of it still around. Sorting it bit by bit will be easier on me mentally. Go through just one or two boxes at a time, nothing else is laying about...only a bag or two goes away.
Going to start that in earnest once Honey's visit is over. I'm in too much of a panic mode now to deal with it. Getting it out is the first step and a big one for me, so that'll do for a few weeks.
Speaking of Honey...12 days until he arrives...
Friday, August 31, 2007
Something crappy this way comes...
If I wasn't so tired and on the verge of hysterical laughter (well, not that bad, but still), I'd probably be crying.
Spencer's buddy just overflowed the toilet. Lovely shitty water all over Spencer's bathroom. All my towels soaking up lovely shitty water. All my towels now currently going through a second bleach wash getting rid of said lovely shitty water. So lovely. So shitty. As I was on my hands and knees disinfecting the bathroom floor, all I could think of was...why can't teenage boys take a nice normal dump? You dump your load, you wipe your ass, and you flush it down. It soooo simple. Scrub scrub scrub wipe wipe wipe. I smell like bleach...yay.
Now I sit surfing while the second wash finishes so I can then throw them in the dryer for an hour. Damn friggin' teen boys. They are SOOOOOOOOOO helping me take as many loads as I see fit to the storage unit tomorrow morning. So there...
Oh yeah, I went ahead and got a storage unit. The smallest one I could find. The boys are going to help me take a few loads of boxes over to it tomorrow.
Can't wait to clear out this place for a while. Now I can bring back stuff a few boxes at a time and have room to go through it. Sigh. I can't tell you how happy I am to have found a small unit. I am happy. Even shitty towels can't get me down now...
Spencer's buddy just overflowed the toilet. Lovely shitty water all over Spencer's bathroom. All my towels soaking up lovely shitty water. All my towels now currently going through a second bleach wash getting rid of said lovely shitty water. So lovely. So shitty. As I was on my hands and knees disinfecting the bathroom floor, all I could think of was...why can't teenage boys take a nice normal dump? You dump your load, you wipe your ass, and you flush it down. It soooo simple. Scrub scrub scrub wipe wipe wipe. I smell like bleach...yay.
Now I sit surfing while the second wash finishes so I can then throw them in the dryer for an hour. Damn friggin' teen boys. They are SOOOOOOOOOO helping me take as many loads as I see fit to the storage unit tomorrow morning. So there...
Oh yeah, I went ahead and got a storage unit. The smallest one I could find. The boys are going to help me take a few loads of boxes over to it tomorrow.
Can't wait to clear out this place for a while. Now I can bring back stuff a few boxes at a time and have room to go through it. Sigh. I can't tell you how happy I am to have found a small unit. I am happy. Even shitty towels can't get me down now...
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Not-so-quick quick update
OK, still making progress in the Chaos. Still just with work crap tho, but it's still progress.
It was Scorchio! here yesterday...the link is a video...the weather report is at the end.
102F...gah....
Anyhoos...after much wading through crazed parents and kids last minute school supply shopping - at 3 different stores no less - Antonella and I finally found some expandable file folders for me. I've been slowly but surely organizing my remaining files into it.
Didn't move too fast yesterday because of the heat. I can usually leave the a/c off all day and just have my fan running on days like these. Helps with the whole conserve power thing. Today is gonna be another Scorchio! kind of day, so it's the fan on again during the day and the a/c at night. And before you go off on how much the a/c will run and just moot the whole conserve energy thing by trying to catch up and all - actually, no it doesn't. My apartment is comfortable during the day, so the a/c doesn't have to do any catching up at all. I turn it on, and sometimes it's runs for a bit right away, sometimes it doesn't. And yes, I consider myself VERY lucky that my apartment stays comfy all day when it's 102F outside. VERY VERY lucky...
Now where was I...oh yes, Antonella and I shopping...organizing my work files...OOOOOH...time to brag about my back-to-school bargains for Spencer.
First store we hit after dinner was Kohl's. Have I ever mentioned how much I absolutely love and adore this store? Well, I do! Especially when I find Spencer size clothing on the clearance rack that is still in season for school. I.E. cargo shorts and t-shirts. Tuesday night, I found a pair of shorts for $3.40 and another pair for $6.00. And 2 t-shirts on sale for $9.99. Tuesday's total? $33 and change.
Fast forward to last night, Spencer and I go to the Kohl's close by (Antonella and I went to one further away 'cause that's where we ended up for dinner) because he just loves the shorts and wants to check out the t-shirts. So we head over and what do you know...we get 3 more pairs of $6 shorts, and another t-shirt for $33 and change again. Spencer still needed shoes and Kohl's doesn't carry what he likes at a good price (even on sale), so we headed out....
...to Ross Dress for Less. We found a pair of "really cool shoes" for $30 and a new set of earphones for his iPod. $40 and change spent here.
$111 later (I got another t-shirt at WalMart for $5), Spencer has a new wardrobe for school. Booyah! No way could I have ever afforded to buy him 5 pairs of cargo shorts and 4 t-shirts at regular prices. He's in men's sizes now folks...no friggin' way I could have afforded regular prices...each pair of those shorts were normally $35!!! Add this new stuff to the 8 or so t-shirts he still hasn't ruined from last year and he's all set. And I for one, am relieved.
Until of course the weather turns a bit and he'll need jeans. But there's no way I'm going to go and buy him jeans now...he's in the middle of a growth spurt. That would just be ca-razy!!
Knitting content: What, are you friggin' kidding me? Knitting when it's 102F out?!? No freakin' way dude...besides, still don't have the rest of the Honey Scarf yarn anyways....
It was Scorchio! here yesterday...the link is a video...the weather report is at the end.
102F...gah....
Anyhoos...after much wading through crazed parents and kids last minute school supply shopping - at 3 different stores no less - Antonella and I finally found some expandable file folders for me. I've been slowly but surely organizing my remaining files into it.
Didn't move too fast yesterday because of the heat. I can usually leave the a/c off all day and just have my fan running on days like these. Helps with the whole conserve power thing. Today is gonna be another Scorchio! kind of day, so it's the fan on again during the day and the a/c at night. And before you go off on how much the a/c will run and just moot the whole conserve energy thing by trying to catch up and all - actually, no it doesn't. My apartment is comfortable during the day, so the a/c doesn't have to do any catching up at all. I turn it on, and sometimes it's runs for a bit right away, sometimes it doesn't. And yes, I consider myself VERY lucky that my apartment stays comfy all day when it's 102F outside. VERY VERY lucky...
Now where was I...oh yes, Antonella and I shopping...organizing my work files...OOOOOH...time to brag about my back-to-school bargains for Spencer.
First store we hit after dinner was Kohl's. Have I ever mentioned how much I absolutely love and adore this store? Well, I do! Especially when I find Spencer size clothing on the clearance rack that is still in season for school. I.E. cargo shorts and t-shirts. Tuesday night, I found a pair of shorts for $3.40 and another pair for $6.00. And 2 t-shirts on sale for $9.99. Tuesday's total? $33 and change.
Fast forward to last night, Spencer and I go to the Kohl's close by (Antonella and I went to one further away 'cause that's where we ended up for dinner) because he just loves the shorts and wants to check out the t-shirts. So we head over and what do you know...we get 3 more pairs of $6 shorts, and another t-shirt for $33 and change again. Spencer still needed shoes and Kohl's doesn't carry what he likes at a good price (even on sale), so we headed out....
...to Ross Dress for Less. We found a pair of "really cool shoes" for $30 and a new set of earphones for his iPod. $40 and change spent here.
$111 later (I got another t-shirt at WalMart for $5), Spencer has a new wardrobe for school. Booyah! No way could I have ever afforded to buy him 5 pairs of cargo shorts and 4 t-shirts at regular prices. He's in men's sizes now folks...no friggin' way I could have afforded regular prices...each pair of those shorts were normally $35!!! Add this new stuff to the 8 or so t-shirts he still hasn't ruined from last year and he's all set. And I for one, am relieved.
Until of course the weather turns a bit and he'll need jeans. But there's no way I'm going to go and buy him jeans now...he's in the middle of a growth spurt. That would just be ca-razy!!
Knitting content: What, are you friggin' kidding me? Knitting when it's 102F out?!? No freakin' way dude...besides, still don't have the rest of the Honey Scarf yarn anyways....
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
More progressing in the Chaos
Finished off going through work boxes today. Oooh, and felt a 3.0 quake around 4ish. Centered in Berkeley, which is about 18 miles away, so it was just a wee jolt here. Spencer however, was 3 miles from the epicenter and got a good shaking at his friend's house.
Anyway, back to the progress making. All 4 work boxes emptied out. Lots of old paperwork, stuff, and CDs filling up the recycle bins and trash. All that is left fits in the 4 drawer rolling cart thing and the printer stand with room to spare even. Tonight, I'm go out to dinner and shopping with Antonella and I'll pick up some expandable file things. The files I have left will fit in there. I've got about a 13 inch stack of paper to be organized into them, but I'm sure I can get rid of a few more unnecessary papers if I really want to... I have lots of cords, and cables and all sorts of other junk associated with having computers around and that will go in a bin in the closet. I won't need it that often. Then it's on to my personal crap.
Finishing up the work crap has been very encouraging. I think I've got the momentum to attack the personal stuff now. Wish it was that easy to go through my personal papers and crap. Not so much personal attachment to work crap, but it felt good to clear it out, so I'm ready to dive in to the personal stuff now.
Once I get the dining area a bit more cleared out, I'll post pictures of my new organized home office. It's so cute...
And now for some knitting content:
Still don't have all the yarn for the Honey Scarf. Almost had the blue in transit, but it was the wrong yarn, so oops! now it's not. Argh. Donna needs some knitting around here! And no, we won't mention the large amount of stash yarn that could be knitted on while waiting for the Honey yarn to show up. I'm too obsessed with wanting to start the Honey scarf to notice it all.
Well, back to sorting crap...Honey is coming in 19 days!!!!
Anyway, back to the progress making. All 4 work boxes emptied out. Lots of old paperwork, stuff, and CDs filling up the recycle bins and trash. All that is left fits in the 4 drawer rolling cart thing and the printer stand with room to spare even. Tonight, I'm go out to dinner and shopping with Antonella and I'll pick up some expandable file things. The files I have left will fit in there. I've got about a 13 inch stack of paper to be organized into them, but I'm sure I can get rid of a few more unnecessary papers if I really want to... I have lots of cords, and cables and all sorts of other junk associated with having computers around and that will go in a bin in the closet. I won't need it that often. Then it's on to my personal crap.
Finishing up the work crap has been very encouraging. I think I've got the momentum to attack the personal stuff now. Wish it was that easy to go through my personal papers and crap. Not so much personal attachment to work crap, but it felt good to clear it out, so I'm ready to dive in to the personal stuff now.
Once I get the dining area a bit more cleared out, I'll post pictures of my new organized home office. It's so cute...
And now for some knitting content:
Still don't have all the yarn for the Honey Scarf. Almost had the blue in transit, but it was the wrong yarn, so oops! now it's not. Argh. Donna needs some knitting around here! And no, we won't mention the large amount of stash yarn that could be knitted on while waiting for the Honey yarn to show up. I'm too obsessed with wanting to start the Honey scarf to notice it all.
Well, back to sorting crap...Honey is coming in 19 days!!!!
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