Gnat-ure Strikes Again...

Ptoooi...ptoooi...blech blech....ptooi...gah

OK, now that I've got all the Gnats out from various facial places, from behind glasses and out from under my helmet...

Jeez...well, not that bad but DAYUM!!! Day of the Gnats today on the bike trail. A big swarm of them stretching across the trail about every 50 ft or so. Stupid knats.

It's been more than a week I think since I've been out on Sgt. Puff. Doesn't take much for me to talk myself out of going and to get out of shape because I'm such a slacker...and doesn't take long on Sgt. Puff to drive that point home.

Have been in a bit of a bike funk I guess since Spencer doesn't have one anymore (yet, but I'm working on it), and really missed going out this weekend with him. It was the perfect weekend to do it too! Wah.

No excuse though, why I can't go out at lunch time on my own - during the week - when he's in school.

Oh, I've got PLENTY of excuses, but you know what I mean... heh heh heh...

Today, I went out on Sgt. Puff to run some errands. A total of 35 minutes or so on the bike with two stops. Now I sit here after a few minutes back still catching my breath. Pa-the-tic. Sigh.

Definitely no slacking off now. Going to make myself go out for a ride at every lunch time. Spencer is off at his Dad's this weekend, so I'm hoping to get out again then as well.

And maybe, just maybe, someday soon, I can catch up to that old grandpa that zoomed past me on the trail today.

Sigh.

Still hanging my head in embarrassment...

Head down, working...working...and yeah...

Work for work's sake and to pay the bills, continues to be, well, work.

Job Basket fun and frolic has slowed down a bit. I've been picking out jobs that are taking more than one or two sessions to complete, and between Work Work, the kid, crafting, and life, well, those sessions are down to one or two a day.

Crafting continues at a frenzied pace and panic has set in as deadlines loom...

Bank issues with new cards being sent out and old ones being cancelled adds to the chaos.

Now having to change all my stuff, well, that just pisses me off.

Good stuff:

Spencer got a great grade report! We have our first family/teacher conference some time this week if only we can all agree on a time. (Not my fault, I blame the Ex. See AmpuT? You're not alone.)

Honey is coming to visit for the Xmas/New Year/His B-day Holidays. You can't tell, but I'm very excited. He'll be here 3 weeks. PANIC!

I can now officially enjoy my new glasses. Both pairs. I have this awesome tricked out pair for computer/reading work that I wear at (where else) the computer while I'm working. Most. Awesome. Things. Ever. Now I can officially say, I have my distance glasses as well. Got them, couldn't see shit, had to get tested again, got them updated and picked them up today. They work and I can see!!! Just taken me over a month to say, "I can see again". Sigh.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The official countdown has started: Honey says it's 29 days. I'll take his word for it as I'm too freaked out and panicked to count.

Speaking of panic...The Job Basket still looks full! Need to get moving a bit faster and get going on completing more jobs!!!

The Meme Post

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person that tagged you and put the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 weird or random facts about yourself.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and link to their blog.
4. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a note on their blog.

AntiM was kind enough to tag me.

OK, here we go with the weird or random facts. Although it'll probably all be random cos I was just telling Honey yesterday, I'm not weird.

1. I like when things are organized and in their place, but you couldn't tell that by looking at my place - all disorganized with things all over the place.

2. I can't comfortably knit with other knitters. I've been a lone knitter for so long now, it's hard to be a social one, but I am trying.

3. I don't wear makeup and quite honestly, don't know how to put it on without feeling like a circus clown or a whore. I have been known to put on some lipstick or lip gloss, but that's about it.

4. I have a thing for office supplies. Especially things to write with...

5. I can sleep any time, any where, just not at night - in my bed - when I really should be sleeping.

6. I like music and like to sing along and dance - to the point where I'll just start bopping and singing in a store along to the Muzac, totally oblivious to anyone else around. It can be very embarrassing - especially when someone joins in...

7. I don't own my own computer. If it wasn't for work, I wouldn't be sitting here typing this on a cool laptop.

OK, here's the even harder part than coming up with lame facts about myself. Finding 7 people I actually know enough to tag and think that maybe they'll participate - oh and have a blog in the first place. Oooh...time to hit all the bloggers I know that are doing the daily posting thing!!! This will give them something to write about.

AmpuT, Cherry Extract, Autumn's Mom, Thinking About... , No-Blog-Rachel .... and that's all I got. I would tag one other, but she's quite busy right now, she's got some important stuff going on - like a new job and a Mister going in for surgery soon.

Hope my laptop won't explode or anything since I can't come up with 7 people to tag... hah!

ACK! I've been tagged...

...for a meme by AntiM.

Gah. Now I have to think and write clever things about myself and then tag other people so they can suffer, I mean, participate too.

If I know you and you have a blog, consider yourself warned.

Heh Heh Heh

Sheez...this is gonna take me a while. Thinking is hard you know!

Another Jaw-sie night

Last night's Basket Job - the shredding - is going to have to be continued tonight.

I had quite a bit to shred (really should keep up with it better), and the poor shredder started to get a bit warm, so I shut it off after a bit to let it rest and cool down. Not much left, so I will continue that Basket Job tonight.

If I feel up to it, I will pull out another Job Paper from the Basket. Most likely not though as Spencer and I are working on our special project tonight.

Oh, and the tray is not and never will "be". That little project failed in an epic way. Sigh.

The whole point was to take bits and pieces I got on the cheap and make a cool tray.

All I got out of it was some more stuff for the trash dumpster (not going to spend any more money on it) and a wee hole through the tip of my finger.

Don't ask.

PS. The finger is fine, just a bit sore.

DunDun...DunDun...DunDunDunDun...

...in case you can't tell, that the music from JAWS, the movie.

Tonight's Basket Job is to shred stuff. And that means I get to play with our resident shredder, Jaws. Heh Heh.

But first, it's dinner, then after shredding, out comes the power drill!!! Yay tools!!!

And now for something completely different. Found this quiz over at Cherry Extract, and since we are having pizza for dinner...well, I couldn't resist. Think I will do what she did and list out the questions and my answers...


How many slices of pizza do you normally eat? 2
What kind of crust do you prefer? Pan
What kind of sauce do you prefer? Red Sauce
What kind of cheese do you prefer? Extra Mozzarella
What vegetable topping do you like the best? Mushrooms
What meat topping do you like the best? Sausage

What Your Pizza Reveals

People may tell you that you have a small appetite... but you aren't under eating. You just aren't a pig. You consider pizza to be bread... very good bread. You fit in best in the Midwest part of the US. You like food that's traditional and well crafted. You aren't impressed with "gourmet" foods. You are generous, outgoing, and considerate with your choices. You are cultured and intellectual. You should consider traveling to Vienna. The stereotype that best fits you is guy or girl next door. Hey, there's nothing wrong with being average.

What Does Your Pizza Say About You?

Heh Heh, this is pretty good. I was born and raised in Chicago, home of the best deep dish pizza ever.

And guess what kind of pizza is almost ready to come out of the oven... thick crust (quasi pan) sausage and extra cheese pizza. MMMMM...sure does smell goooooooooooooooooood!!!!

Still working hard...

...not just hardly working...as the saying sometimes goes...

Tonight I drew "go thru 2 boxes under Spencer's bed".

Yes (hanging head in shame), I even stashed some storage boxes under my kid's bed.

Took me a lot longer than just 15 minutes...to tell the truth, I didn't even set the timer. I forgot. But, as all I was doing was sitting in front of the TV watching PBS and then Biggest Loser (this season is so pissing me off I don't think I'll watch it again until the finale), I had nothing to do but "work".

So I pull out two small boxes (as there are only smaller boxes under his bed) - the first box was quick, a bunch of stuff shoved in a box to "clean" for company, and the second took a lot longer, a box of photos. I looked at some, but finally had to cover it up and put it aside as "going thru photos and organizing them" is a humongous job for a future Job Basket. And what do I find in the first box, but 5 rolls of packing tape and my drawer handles!!! Among lots of other cool things. I've just been looking for that damn packing tape for, oh, 6 months now!!!! And you all know that since I discovered the cabinet door, I've been looking for the drawer pulls.

They are still cool, and I can't wait to put them on the door tomorrow night. I did all the measuring and have the doors marked for the holes I'll be drilling. Unlike my neighbors, I managed to restrain myself from making obnoxious noises past 9pm tonight - even tho, OMG, it was killing me.

I have the before photo all ready to go with the after I'll be taking tomorrow.

Speaking of photos, I had to get online to check out an email Spencer sent, and while I was on here, decided to post and to work on uploading all the photos from my laptop to my online photo album. It's going to take a while, but I figure I can set a few folders to upload during the day while I'm working and before you know it, they'll all be 'safe'. I can't tell you how many photos I've lost from work laptops. Since I don't have my own personal computer and I'm very bad at backing up my personal files anyway, I've been through some painful photo losing times. Sigh. But, I've finally decided to get this done. Long overdue, but worth every second of watching the progress tick off 1% complete at a time.

Now we're talkin'...

...or should I say working...

I'm finally getting some 'tougher' jobs out of the basket.

Last night I worked on one of our storage closests.

Tonight I get to tackle some boxes from the storage unit that are in the living area. Specifically two boxes. And I've freed up enough space in that storage closet to add in anything from those boxes that needs to stay. Can't wait!

Can't believe I'm typing that...about to go and check if I have a fever or something.

Now you see why I need to make another set of Jobs for the Basket once this set is done. Everything that I'm putting back into the closests will need a permanent home. And those permanent homes are yet to be determined.

Yeah, this is gonna take some time.

Holiday and Pay It Forward crafting continues...

Now what did I do with that thermometer...

Rules posted to the side over there --->

OK, I figured out how to get them all listed over to the right there. I've switched a few things around and changed the "additional rules" to "things to remember".

Think it's time to go pick out a Job. I'm bored, I'm hungry, and I haven't done one yet today. And I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to find those damn drawer handles so I can make my tray. Argh!

Rolling with my Basket...

...I'm on a roll.

First, there was the Job on Friday night.

Then on Saturday, I was busy most all day and tired by the time I got home.

So I eat dinner and decide, OK, Rule #1: Must pick a Job every day.

So I picked one, and did it in about 5 minutes. OK, so it seems like I've got the opposite problem from making jobs so hard it takes me a few times to complete them. Argh...

So I pick another since I was already up and doing something and I hadn't felt that I had worked hard enough.

Seems I got "in the mood" cos I picked a total of 5 Jobs last night. Yes folks FIVE. Took me all of 30 minutes to complete them all. I KNOW there are jobs in there that take more effort than what I've put in so far. I tried to get a good mix of hard and easy...seems like I'm picking all the easy ones out right away though...

Anyway, one of the things I did was go shopping with Antonella, where I managed to pick up a few containers to help with the organizing. BOTH containers were used last night. One to organize all of our new xBox stuff. It was the original reason why I bought the container thing in the first place and the first job I drew? Organize the xBox stuff. Now that it's organized and we've got places for everything xBox-y, Spencer should be able to keep things in order instead of all over the living room floor.

One would hope.

The second was a good size canvas zip-up style "box". What I've done with that is taken out all the clothes in my closet that don't fit right now, folded them up all nice-like and put them in there and then put the whole lot on top of the set of drawers in my closet. Not only have I actually done part of one of my 'future' jobs, but I've also made it possible to actually SEE what I've got to wear. I have lots of clothes of all sizes, which can get very confusing to somone who is having some weight struggles.

How can you tell what you can actually wear if you can't see it? What a waste of time to dig thru it all and keep saying, doesn't fit, doesn't fit, doesn't fit, etc. It's also very, very depressing. Sigh.

So, in the interest of sanity, and curiousity to know just how bad the clothing situation is, I got the canvas box thing. Sigh.

Folded up some very nice clothes. 32 pieces total. A lot of it was bought about a year ago for my first trip over to England to visit Honey. Never ended up in any of it cos I bloated out and gained a bunch of weight right before I went. Almost all of it still had the tags on...and most of it was on Clearance too...(major SCORE)... But damn if I won't have one ROCKIN' wardrobe when I finally do fit into it all. All sorts of coordinating pieces that will really look nice. Someday.

And, I have figured out that I actually do have quite a bit that I can still wear as I'm on this latest losing weight journey - it was just buried in the midst of all the stuff I can't wear - yet.

Anywho, in doing the last Job last night, I discovered a few cool things.

First, a cabinet door I got at the IKEA scratch n' dent area for $1 - a long time ago. It had a really cool, balanced look to it and I remember seeing something somewhere that someone had made a tray out of a cabinet door by adding a few drawer handles. I know I found some really awesome handles at the hardware store on sale a few weeks after that, but can't find them. Sigh. I will tho, and when I do, I'll be sure and show you guys.

Second, I have to go back and update the rules. Need to add two more:

If you get the muchies and it's not time to eat, pick a Job.

-and-

If you get bored, pick a Job.

Think I'm going to try and figure out how to add "The Basket Rules" to the side of the blog. If you don't see anything over there, you know I wasn't successful.

This Job Basket seems to be having an effect on quite a few aspects of my life.

And that's just fine with me.

Jumping into the Basket...

...did my first "job" last night. Took all of 10 minutes. YAY!

Fifteen minutes every so often I can do...spending an entire weekend starting/stopping/starting/procrastinating and ending up doing practically nothing....I don't want to do any longer.

Cherry, I've used a 10 minute timer with Spencer and his room, and it's worked wonderfully. Don't know why I haven't done this for myself sooner. Oh well, I'm doing it now, and it felt great to actually accomplish something and see IMMEDIATE results.

For this project, I've broken down various tasks. For example, going thru my closet. It's rather wide and filled to the brim, so that could be a rather daunting project. It has two upper shelves that run the length of it and then the hanging area that goes all the way across. So I've broken it down into 4 "jobs" left and right hanging areas, and left and right portion of the upper shelves. When done this way, it's not so scary to do the closet.

The reason I've finally broken down and done the Basket is because when Honey and everyone left after graduation in June, I used the last day of having the rental car to empty out my storage unit - to save money. The Chaos Annex is no more, and everything that was in there is now here and there all over my apartment - again. And I've done NOTHING since then to go through it or get rid of it, NOTHING!!!

Finally just got tired of looking at it all and decided something needed to be done. Thought for about a week over what I've done in the past that's worked. Not much, but the 10 minute timer for Spencer has worked, and I've done the 10 minute timer for chores as well. Why not make it 15 minutes and attack all the "Stuff".

Excellent.

But where do I start? Started going through my apartment doing an inventory of everything I needed to address. The list was long and depressing. There are quite a few jobs on it that I don't look forward to doing at all. I didn't want to do them first, and I knew for sure I would skip over them and leave them for last - and then they wouldn't get done. So I decided, the job choice would have to be random.

And there you have it, the Job Basket was born.

Oh, and to keep myself on track...if you guys haven't heard anything about the Job Basket in a few days, feel free to call me out. Hopefully, I'll just have forgotten to post and I won't be slacking off about doing my jobs!

Basket Case

Whatever...I was up way too early today and it's been nothing but crap all day. I had a very clever title for this last night, but it's slipped my mind. Along with just about everything else today. Sigh.

Anyway.

Welcome to the New Improved Chaos Organizing Project of Fall 2008!

You know, this blog actually started out as an "organizing" blog but it's been covering so many other things - I am a master procrastinator. heh heh

I've tried just about everything else and nothing has stuck - it's worked for a bit, but I've never stuck with it - so why not try this....

Introducing the 15-minute Job Basket!

I took some old address book refill pages from a book I'm not using any longer (hey look! I'm recycling!!!), cut them up...




Broke down everything I want to do around my apartment into 15 minute "jobs", wrote them on the little bits of paper....this does not include chores. Chores are done on a daily basis or as needed. This Job Basket is just for my organizing or clearing out of things.

Folded them up and tossed them in a basket!



Rules of the "Job Basket":

1. One job paper must be drawn every day.
2. Set a timer for 15 minutes.
3. Do the job.
4. If you get hungry and it's not time to eat, pick a job paper.
5. If you get bored, pick a job paper.
6. If the job is completed in less than 15 minutes, pat myself on the back and put my feet up for the remaining time.
7. If the job is not completed in the 15 minutes allowed, work on it again for the next 15 minute "Job Basket" time, and so on until it is. This should not happen that often though, unless I really sucked at estimating how long it's going to take me to do something.
8. Repeat the above until the "Job Basket" is empty.

Going to have to make periodic runs to the thrift store to donate all the stuff I decide I don't need, going to separate my recyclables and dispose of chemicals, batteries, and electronics, and everything else properly. OOOH...and shred documents with personal info on them.

Very IMPORTANT Rules in case I wanna try and get around the REAL rules:

1. The job written on the paper must be performed - no switching, no whining, no slacking off!
2. Don't beat myself up if I miss a day or don't finish a job.
3. If I miss a day, I'll just start over the next day.
4. If I totally drop the ball on a job, toss the paper back into the basket - it may not get done today, but it will eventually.
5. It's OK to do more than one job a day. In fact, it's totally awesome to do more than one.
6. I didn't chaos the hell out of my life in a week or two, so I can't expect to get this done in just a few days or so. Have to be realistic and give myself some time. This is very hard work, especially since I'm pretty attached to my stuff.
7. Figure out an awesome reward to give myself when it's all done. Or, maybe when I've done 10 jobs or whatever. Need to decide. I do need some new furniture...

Stay tuned to see how this all plays out. I'll try and post a weekly update on what "Basket Jobs" I've accomplished and how things are looking around here and how I'm feeling about it all. And if I'm REALLY BRAVE, I'll post before/after photos - don't hold your breath though, cos I am pretty much a chickenshit.

Oh, and when the Job Basket is finally empty...I get to fill it up again with organizing my stuff. This first round of Job Basket thingies are only getting me to the point to where I can settle in and organize everything I have left. Yeah, I know.

This is a huge undertaking for me.

This could be the most totally awesomest thing in the world...

...or just some dillusional waking whacked out dream I'm having.

At the very least, it'll keep you guys entertained...and distracted from all the gift projects I'm working on right now. I can only keep pointing out my cute little map with dots on it for so long.

Voter #325

Lonely and cold in the dark night...

Spencer came home from school feeling sick, looking terrible, and quickly warming up (as in fever). He was deligated to the couch with tea and dinner.

I'm not feeling all that well myself, so bundled up and headed out in the chilly darkness to vote, hoping that I could hold off anything germ-wise until I was done.

12 minute walk there, 10 minutes voting, 14 minute walk back.

Knitting never made it out of the bag as there was NO line.

So much for the voting entourage and our Family Tradition. Sigh.

And I sure as heck hope that more than 325 people in my precinct have voted. Maybe that's the 2nd or 3rd machine they've had today. I have no idea how it works, and I really wanted to get back home so didn't stick around to find out. And definitely didn't want to talk to anyone more than I had to so that I wouldn't pass on anything germ-ish.

Sigh.

Still.... Civic Duty Performed?




Check!

PS Oh, and Cherry, they finally shut down about half past midnight on Saturday. And the reason we're feeling icky? One of them had the sneezes while he was here. Gee. Thanks.

Wherein the new raincoat...

...has seen more rain in the last few days than it did on our entire trip to England/Wales in August.

And what do ya know...it really is a raincoat. Repelling water and everything!!! Hey, I got it for a steal at Marshall's, no tags...could have just been a short trench coat waterproof jacket impersonator.

But, I am happy to report, it is indeed, the Real Thing.

Last time I saw the weather...about 6am-ish this morning, there were no predictions of rain for Election Day tomorrow. So maybe my short little trench will get a well deserved rest.

There will however, be quite the entourage going off to the local polling place.

First off, the son. Spencer has come with me to vote in every election since we moved to California - which was very soon after he was born. So after 13 or so years of voting (yeah, he's over 14, but had to qualify as a resident first), guess you can call it a "family tradition".

Next, the snackage and beverages. No telling how long we'll be in line and gosh darn it, voting is so exciting, we'll probably get the munchies.

And finally, the knitting. Just in case there is a long line or something. The needles will also come in handy if someone tries to cut the line or starts up any trouble. POKE!!!

Whuh...Just sayin'.

We're all excited to go.

Next time I go for a Presidential Election, Spencer will be coming along as a VOTER!!!! OMG... where has the time gone?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Don't forget to vote!!

Glad you are here Rain....

...but...enough is enough already, K?

Perfect day for 3 teens to stay inside playing video games. Which is exactly what Spencer and two of his friends are doing and have been doing. All. Day. Seriously, all day. Only stopping momentarily for bathroom breaks and food consumption.

I've been doing a little bit of organizing here and there, staying well away from the 3 of them in the living room. It's been wonderful. They have just been amusing themselves and at this age, don't need that much supervision at all. Except for the occasional... "Why don't you guys take a break?" Every now and then.

Spencer spent the night at the one kid's house after the 3 of them went Trick or Treating with a few more friends around his neighborhood. Then they made their merry way over to our place and managed to get caught in the rain while walking home from the train station. Yes, they walked...they had just missed the bus and they only run every hour or so on the weekend, so they decided to walk instead. It's a 30 or 40 minute walk from there to here. And it started raining on them when they were about 10 minutes away.

And it rained and rained and rained until about 1ish...when we decided to make a run to the deli for lunch and then for some groceries for dinner and breakfast - yes, they are spending the night.

$80 later, and it's POURING again. We were all soaked just walking back across the street. Anyway, there was so much standing water, the puddles were HUMONGOUS - there was no way we were going to make it home and not be wet. We survived though and the kids have snacked and played their way thru the day.

I'm going to go help Spencer set things up in his room for the kids, then Kitty and I are going to go to bed. Think some quiet knitting or reading away from the shooting and mutants is in order for this tired Mom. They will tire themselves out about 11ish and then head off to bed. If not, time for me to go start unplugging things.

And yes, I have done that before, so they know if I say it, there's a good chance I will do it if they don't start shutting down.

Heh Heh Heh...

A new day

OK, yes Rachel, I agree...but asswipe is all I could come up with too... Altho I gave the thief a compliment by saying he/she was an asswipe of the highest caliber. Should have been, you are the lowest asswipe of all, not fit to wipe the ass of the absolute lowest living thing that craps in this vast universe of ours.

There, feel much better now.

Have made my phone call to the BART Police to report the crime. They'll get back to me. Sigh. Didn't expect much could be done in the first place, but had at least hoped to get it all done with one phone call and not drag it out with waiting for someone to call back.

And "we're very busy today" is not encouraging. Guess there's a big crime wave. Not surprising.

Transit riders are an easy target...grab something last minute before the doors close and hop off. Victim is trapped on the train. By the time you call someone, the thief is loooooooooooong gone and so is your stuff.

Those that park at the stations are easy targets as well. Their stuff is left all day. Obviously no one is watching it the entire time, cos things get stolen. Sigh.

Anyway, good news is that I have wonderful friends. Giving me support, listening to me drone on and on about how pissed off I am etc, and also giving me leads on good sources of used bikes. Definitely not going to buy Spencer a brand new bike for him to schlep himself back and forth to the train station - that's just asking to be robbed again.

If we hadn't gotten this really nice bike for free, we would have bought a used bike for him anyway. He is still growing and goodness knows how big he'll end up being. Not going to be buying him an expensive new bike every few years - not as cheap as buying him bigger shoes every few months or longer jeans - not like that's cheap either, but, well, you know what I mean.

I figure for right now, just a basic bike that can get him to BART and back that won't look too attractive to any asswipes trolling for goods. Hopefully, it will be good enough to also go riding about with me on the weekends as well. If not, Spencer and I can work together and save up a bit more after the Holidays are over and buy a second bike for our long weekend rides together.

I figure I can have enough put aside in a month to get him a good used workhorse for commuting.

Now, if I can just stop feeling guilty for having a nice, shiny new bike that I've just sunk a lot of money into... I know, no reason to be that way, but I can't help it. We did chat a bit about it last night cos I just couldn't shake the guilt. But Spencer understands, this is the first really, really, nice bike I've had and it's basically my car, so I had to make the investment to get a really, good reliable bike.

Oh, and now I also need to get over the fear of going anywhere and leaving it locked up. I'm afraid someone's going to take it and that would be just too much. Won't stop riding it tho - on my rides, I go out and come back. I feel OK locking it up out in front of the Safeway, very high traffic area, so anyone with big cable/lock cutters stealing a bike would be quite obvious.

Oh, and no, I won't be leaving it locked up at a BART station any time soon. Not just no, but HELL NO.

Excuse me while I use bad language...

Hey asswipe! Yeah, you...the one that stole my son's bike from the BART station today. You are an asswipe of the highest caliber. You have majorly dented your karma...and you know, I really wish I were around to see when it came back to smack you in the face. 'Cos, you know what? It will. He's a good kid and doesn't deserve what you did to him.

What really upsets me is that you not only stole a thing, you stole something that we'll be missing for a while. Bike rides all round here together, enjoying each other's company and the outdoors, getting exercise, and getting around. That was one half of our transit you asshole.

We don't have a car, so this is how we get around.

I hate you and I hope that when you were riding off on Spencer's bike, that you hit a rock and went flying over the handle bars.

Takes a lot of balls to cut thru two heavy duty bike locks, in broad daylight, and take everything away, including his helmet. ...just watch your back asswipe extreme, 'cos if I ever see you riding around on his bike, know that I will get it back and I don't care how much pain I leave you in when I do take it back.

You just DON'T piss off a Mom who works hard for everything her and her son has...even tho this was a gift...I still spent hard earned money getting it tuned up and awesome for him to ride - and spending extra money on lock up stuff you weren't supposed to be able to cut through - and he loved it and the freedom it gave him. And I loved it for the time we spent together - that's rare between a teen and his Mom. You may have taken away his bike, but you've only delayed us getting back out on the trails and spending that quality time together again.

And now I've got to go and re-do my budget so I can get the money to buy him another. Things will be really, really tight now, 'cos we've got awesome plans for Christmas and need to fit everything in...because I WILL NOT stop living my life because you are an ASSWIPE!

GET A FREAKIN' JOB LIKE THE REST OF US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, and ASSWIPE! One more thing... Tomorrow I file the police report, because I DID take down the serial number and I WILL file a report in the hopes that you WILL get caught red handed and get to make new friends in the County Lockup. You SUCK.

OK, rant over. I feel better. Seriously don't know what I would do if I came across someone riding S's bike. But it helps me feel better thinking evil thoughts towards the asswipe.

Time for dinner, then I'm going to go read the book that came today from Knitpicks and the yarn that came along as well. Probably the last yarn I will buy for a LONG time thanks to the asswipe. It's some Swish DK to knit Spencer the Argyle Scarf from "Son of Stitch N Bitch" - to keep his neck warm while he's riding his bike. Ironic, isn't it. Good thing I've got a healthy stash of yarn, fabric, beads, embroidery thread, etc.

And you better believe chocolate is involved in tonight's dessert. We both need some.

Bizzzzzzy...

Knitting...check.

Biking...check.

Sewing costume pieces for Spencer...check.

Various chores and other such nasty things...check.

Work, and more work...check.

Making a to-do list for a major purging/organizing project...ummm....working on it.

Got the last basket for the front of Sgt. Puff. It'll take a bit of getting used to it being in front there, but I love it. Pimp My Ride - The Bicycle Edition has finally come to an end I think.

Oh, and TOTALLY loving the Fitness website thingy. I can even add my Push ups for the push up challenge thing I've restarted - cos, yeah, I slacked off when I got sick and then didn't start up again until Monday. Anyway, push ups put a little guy lifting a big dumb bell on the training log calendar. It goes along with the little cycling icon and the occasional walking dude icon. And I can even track my daily pulse, weight, calorie intake, and mood if I want. Think I'll only do that weekly since weighing myself daily is rather counterproductive.

Ahhhhhhhhh....Nature...

...and other um...natural things.

Just got back from another ride. I'm doing quite well on Sgt. Puff. She's smooth and easy. Oh, and the baskets? They are wonderful. My ugly, plastic, reusable Trader Joe's bags fit perfectly in them.

I took off west down the Contra Costa Canal Trail and on the way home stopped at a Safeway that's right off the trail.

8.66 miles today! And I feel great. All the way home, I kept thinking: "why the hell haven't I done this sooner?"

Oh yeah, I wasn't ready. Even last year I wasn't ready. I got Ms. Puffy and when things went the way of not being able to ride her any more, it took me forever to replace her. The time was right now and I'm very glad I did it. I won't tell you it's all fun and games as yet. It still takes me a while to talk myself into getting suited up to go out. Heck, it's still hot out for criminy's sake! But, once I get out, I feel so much better - not including the occasional coughing/sneezing fits - but those will calm down after the first rain. The Bay Area really needs a good dousing of rain - um...just not when Spencer and I are out riding please! Thank You!

Oh. And now for some Nature. Brought to you by a dry summer, a slight wind and some very "regular" dogs. As in they like to crap on the path and their owners don't poop scoop. Sooo against the rules of the trail!

Anyway, my allergies are getting all worked up over all the dust and other natural things floating about in the wind (that would be evidenced by the sneezing/coughing fits). And I did manage to avoid all the doggie bombs, but I swear, I can still smell the more fresher ones that were out baking in the sun. It's just one of those heavy smells that get stuck in your nose for a bit. Blech.

Thank goodness for fenders. Just in case I don't avoid the doggie bombs. hee hee hee

8.66 miles! And here I was thinking I could only go 5 a day. I don't usually know how many miles I ride til I get home and map it out online. What I do go by, is the time...I ride for x amount of minutes, then turn back. First ride, I went 15 minutes, then turned back and came home - 5 or so miles. This time, I felt so good at 15, I decided to extend to 30 - which ended up as over 8.

Knitting and crafting continues.

Time for some bike Pics!

Hi everyone!

First off, let me introduce you to my new bike:

Everyone, this is Drill Sergeant Puffy Blue (Sgt. Puff for short)...



She's got a nice comfy, padded saddle - perfect for cushioning my cushy bum.



And, as of today, one very nicely balanced and perky Rack. (that one's for you Rachel.)




Spencer said she looks like she's armored up now and ready for battle...not quite, still need to get her a front basket.

And, in keeping with Military Tradition, she's even got some really awesome tatts. Check out her ink...




And there you are folks, my dream bicycle. Sgt Puff is Ms Puffy's older and tougher big sis. She's so tough (how tough is she?), I've ridden just under 20 miles on her and I've been riding less than a week. She's a real task master. Oh, and I've lost 3 lbs. already! YAY.

How do I know I've biked this many miles? Do I have a fancy on board computer thingy? No. I use MapMyFitness. It's a bit fiddly at first, but you can map out your route and it'll calculate mileage, calories burned and all sorts of wonderful things. All I have to do is keep track of how long I've been out riding (the stopwatch button on my watch is getting a real workout now) and remember where I've gone. This site will also search and list out favorite local bike trails! I've only just begun to learn what all it can do. Oh, and you can track walking, biking, running, swimming, various sports, etc all on the same site (a few years ago, it used to be just running). My favorite part is the activity calendar thing...you can pull up a calendar and see which days you've done what. So far, I've got a little biker icon on every day since Friday.

Spencer and I did so much riding this weekend, it was a blast. Think what we'll do the next weekend he's here with me is go onto the fitness site and search out one of the shorter bike rides, pack a lunch and head out. Now that I've got my baskets, we can fill those up with food - don't have to worry about having the weight the whole time as Spencer will make sure and eat everything up. He's going through another growth spurt...sigh.

Slowly, but surely, I'm building up my endurance and my energy is improving somewhat. Right now I try to ride a minimum of 5 miles a day. This weekend I did more cos I had Spencer chasing me around and encouraging me to go just a little bit further and faster. Yesterday and today were just short rides to and from the bike shop, but tomorrow, I'm back for a longer ride!

Umm....again

Still no photos of the Bike...but look...over there to the right...

Cool little visitor location map thing...first spotted on Major Knitter's Blog and pretty much all over blogland about now.

You can have a list, or you can have a map. I like the map.

Ummmm....

OK, so no photos again today. My excuse today is that the bike is back in the shop.

I got a few bucks unexpectedly (ok, so I knew it was coming, just not when), and I'm having a rack installed on the back. And I bought some folding (collapsible against the bike) baskets to hang on it, oh, and a small basket for the front.

Once I get it back, it'll be all kitted out and then I can take some photos for show and tell. Although with all the baskets, etc on it, you might not be able to see the poor bike. hee hee. Oh, and you know I named it.

In the mean time, know that I've set aside the socks and the suede bag and am working on some very important projects (2 to be exact) that are on a tight deadline. It envolves cotton - lots of cotton. Yarn or fabric I won't say...as you'll see soon enough.

oh, my aching Bum....

And not cos I've been on the bike all weekend...

Anyway...had fun torturing the wallet and riding all round the area with Spencer. We had so much fun!!!! We even took them on the bus, and then on BART too!!! Unfortunately, no pics of anything yet. We were just too busy today to stop and take any and by the time we got home... Welllll.... we barely made it before I turned into a pumpkin.

Actually, can't see well in the dark without my glasses, and I haven't gotten them back yet from the eye doc's office and the light was fading fast as we pulled into the driveway of our complex. We barely made it home. Too dark now for photos and stuff, so just be patient with me please.

Thanks goodness my guide boy was with me. Just followed him home. hee hee

Anyway, on to why the bum hurts. I kinda sorta had an issue with my bike after a short stop at a corner on the way to Antonella's house. Squeezed too hard on the brakes, slipped off the seat and kinda rammed my bum back into the seat. Should be a nice bruise there tomorrow. Already have small bruises all over my legs. I haven't forgotten how to ride a bike, but I've definitely forgotten how to do it gracefully.

Good grief.

Anyway, if you'll excuse me, I've got my jammies on, my new swedish wedgie shoes on (wallet is still wincing from that trip to Ross), and the pizza is ready to come out of the oven.

Time to relax with the boy, eat pizza and knit. I've got a knit deadline coming up.

Just your normal, average, biking Chic

Spencer says I look like a dork - braids hanging out of my helmet and pink padded gloves...

I don't care. I can still keep up with him and we're having fun.

I rode 1.5 miles yesterday at lunch, and Spencer and I did 8.72 miles all totalled today.

Told him if he keeps calling me a dork, I'll gonna bust out the padded spandex bike shorts.

Wouldn't be caught dead in them at this stage in my life, but hey, he doesn't need to know that. And, yes, I actually did have some - I've done my share of long training rides and bike-a-thons (MS 150 anyone?) - but I gave them away a long time ago. Only thing I saved was the pink padded riding gloves. They're cool!!!

Oh, and we're back on our saddles again tomorrow. We're riding over to BART to meet up with Antonella for some more wallet torture, I mean shopping. Can't wait!!!

Now if you'll excuse me, I may have survived the ride today, but I'm tired. Time to chill and maybe take a power nap.

Oooh! Oooh! OOoh!!!!!

Finished the knitting bit of the Suede Knitting Bag.

The Firemen fabric arrived yesterday...hubba...hubba...

Survived another round of eye doc tests and new cool glasses should be ready next week.

Bought "The Bike" last night.

Would love to show you all everything, but I'm too busy riding round on it. Or thinking of where I want to ride round on it.

Hee hee...

Will take photos of it all this weekend and catch you all up on stuff on Sunday, I hope.

Ooh, and I've decided to turn the Suede knitting handbag into a Suede knitting messenger bag...of sorts. Kinda. We'll see how that works out. Whatever I decide, I've definitely got enough suede yarn left to make both versions if I want - and then some. Only used just over two balls for the knitted part of the bag! That's almost 9 balls left. Sigh.

Tomorrow morning, Spencer and I are off biking to our favorite coffee shop...Peet's. It's just way too far to walk to it, but now that we've got the bikes...it'll be a nice outing for coffee/hot cocoa and scones.

In the afternoon, we are biking over to Kohl's - BIG SALE AT KOHL'S. Spencer needs some jeans and I need some clothes for biking round town. Ooooh!! And we'll hit Rubio's for either lunch or dinner - depending on where we go.

Somehow I think my wallet is going to start taking hits again now that I'm more mobile. At least I'll be in shape while I'm complaining about being broke. hee hee hee

Can we get a "Just Right?"

ok...so I decide to cast on for the bag to break up the sock knitting....

Lion Suede is a different gauge than Berroco Suede, so I do a swatch in the stitch pattern, do some calcumacating and voila! I have a number of stitches to cast on.

Cast on and happily knit away.....get it about 5inches long and step back a bit to check out my handiwork. GAH. It looks a bit small. Out comes the measuring tape. Um....5 inches too small. GAHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Rrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiippppppppppp....

Next night...another swatch is done...more calcumacating is performed...I come up with another number....hmmmm...I think to myself...I think I did something wrong. I don't think it'll be big enough. So I measure the swatch again, calcumacate again...oooh...I must have made an error...I'll need MORE stitches.

Cast on and happily knit away...get it about 5inches along, step back and admire my calcumacating abilities. OOOH. Wait a minute...this looks a bit too big. Out comes the measuring tape. Um...10 inches too big.

Sigh. Now comes the pleading and begging bit.... I measured wrong, right? If I measure again and again and maybe even again, I'll get the measurements I was going for in the first place, right? Right? RIGHT?

Ummm....WRONG...and that would be NO. Away goes the knitting.

Next night...OK...I can fix this...reduce stitches down to a resonable size? ...only have about 7 more inches of knitting to do....I'll need to decrease about 50 or so stitches. Good grief, it'll look ridiculous by the time I'm done.

OK...think...think...think... OOOH. I know! Since I can't calcumacate worth shit, I'll measure out how much bag I really need and count up the stitches. Need a multiple of 3 for the stitch pattern... Oooh...lookee! 135 stitches. Perfect.

BIG, HEAVY, SIGH...RRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPP

Yesterday morning as my hair was cooking (I colored it.) - Happily cast on 135 stitches (first attempt was 102 stitches, second was 180 stitches, yeah, I know, you think I would have at least been suspicious), start knitting away....first pattern row....I'm 3 stitches short. Gah...it's not a multiple of 3...it's a multiple of 6! DORK ALERT! Knit the last few stitches plain.

Heave a HUGE sigh and go rinse out the color from my hair.

Rinse...rinse...rinse...I REFUSE TO RIP IT BACK AGAIN AND CAST ON AGAIN!!!! ARGHHHHHHHHH

Oooh...Look...no grey hairs!

Ok...feel better. Anywho....add 3 stitches in the plain knit row that is next...next pattern row...perfect! YAY!

Last night....Knit, knit, knitting away...get to about 5inches (for the 3rd time), step back and go...OOOOH...this looks just about right. Out comes the measuring tape...just a wee bit shy of 20 inches. 20 inches is perfect, but what I've got is perfectly close enough for me.

Later tonight, I will knit some more on Honey's socks and then continue to knit on my perfect bag. hee hee. Funny part is...remember when I said I did those calculations again and thought...hmmm...don't think that's big enough I'll add more?

Yeah...it's the same number I ended up with...

First one was too small...second one was too big...last one is juuuuuuuust riiiiiiiight... I feel like freakin' Goldilocks.

Lessons learned? Plenty...

Don't calcumacate past 10pm.

Don't try to calcumacate with grey hairs...they really mess up your brain.

Don't doubt yourself.

Use yarn that's a similar weight in the first place, then you won't have to go thru any calcumacations at all!

Better yet, have someone else do it for you!!!!

Look! Cute puppies...

...awwww...


Knitting Puppies...

The easy way out...

Your Attention Span is Medium

Your attention span is just about average. You may think that you have a short attention span... But being distracted is something most people struggle with. The most important thing is that you're aware that your mind wanders. If you find yourself daydreaming, you can usually snap out of it. It may be tough to concentrate at times, but you can do it... if you want to!

How's Your Attention Span?

Ooh...look...more YARN!




Remember the other post when I said I stuffed my cart full of yarn? Well it was these 11 balls of Lion Suede in the Olive color. Have always wanted something made out of this and this is my fav color. And at that price, how could I resist (for those of you who don't have eagle eyes, it's marked at $1.50 per ball)? So...I...um...bought every Olive ball they had...

And I plan on making this. Cos a girl can't have too many bags...and a knitter can't have too many knitting bags. It's a win-win for me I think. YAY!

If I have some left over, well, I'll just have to make...oh, I don't know...another bag!

I win again!!!!

Edited to add: When Honey read the post, we began discussing my ideas about how I was going to line my knitting tote and put in inside pockets, and I'll have to go fabric stash diving and see what I can come up with, etc, and he said: Why don't you line it with some more of that Firemen fabric?

Guess what I'll be ordering soon.

Shopping! And Firemen!

I WIN!!! AGAIN!! wooooooohoooooo!!!!

Time for a Stash Flash

Starting at the left:
From my last trip to see the Honey - Sirdar "Country Style" acrylic blend in rust, green and greyish browny sort of color to make Spencer another stripey ear flap hat. He, along with some opinions from Honey, picked out the colors. They had to make sure they were all "manly".

Hank in the middle is Claudia Hand Painted in the "John B." colorway, purchased at Imagiknit at the last Sock Club gathering - for socks - short ones...I only bought one. I can get a pair of ankle socks out of one hank of this yarn - just a plain ordinary ankle sock - toe up of course. Ooh, I did come home with something else, but I can't show it here in case the person it's intended for actually reads my blog. And I can't tell you what I'm going to make with it, cos that'll be a dead give-away as to who it's for...

Top Right: Regia Kaffe Fassett Design Line, color 4251 bought on the trip and KnitPicks Essential "Shoreline Twist" just recently delivered to my front door. The Kaffee Fassett Regia will become a pair of socks for Spencer, and the Essential Twist will be a pair of socks for Honey. Both will be the Earl Grey Pattern by Yarn Harlot, which is the pattern selected for the Sock Club's latest knit-a-long. There are 2 balls of each, just didn't put them in the photo.

And finally, my favorite, the ginormous ball at the bottom right: also bought on the trip - James C. Brett Marble Chunky acrylic, color MC7 (3 big balls - only one shown in photo). It's soft and squishy and I want to make myself this.

Honey took me here (North Wales branch) to drool and purchase yarn. I was in heaven - lots of awesomely soft acrylic as well as regular wooly yarn. Had to stay away from the wooly stuff, but I was all over the rest. hee hee... Talk about a kid in a candy store. I thought I wouldn't be getting anything at all because the exchange rate was so awful. But, the prices at Abakhan are so awesome, I was able to get quite a bit...would have gotten more, but I had a limit as to what I wanted to spend and I can only knit so much anyway.

It's all just so soft and squishy....hee hee. I've had it sitting out on the table since we got back in August. Stopping to pet it and squish it and call it lovey names every so often. Ok, not that ridiculously corny, but I do love it.

Don't know if this is a good thing or not, but I seem to be able to handle Merino sock yarn quite well. Sigh. That, combined with the sock software I have now...well...look out wallet and better make room in the stash. Sigh.

On to 'normal' news... Got a call yesterday afternoon from the bike shop. One nice walk later and Spencer has his bike. He rode it to the train station this morning. I'll have to take the bus there later to pick it up since he'll be over at the Ex's for the next few days and there's no way I'm going to leave that nice bike at the train station for 2 days. Anyway, good excuse to get out and get some fresh air and exercise. It's a beautiful day...and I need the practice for when I get MY pretty bicycle next week!!!

Go Chicago White Sox!!!

Yay White Sox...they are still in the race for the World Series...

...as for the Cubs? Like Ozzie says in the article - we don't care about them.


I don't really follow sports as much as I used to, but still cheer on the hometown teams when I pay attention. hee hee.


YAY WHITE SOX!!!!

'Cause it's important

The deadline to register in California is Oct 20, 2008.

Cutest. Tutorial. Ever.

For any crafter/cat lover out there...this is just way too cute. Too bad my little white kitty wasn't as handy with the scissors and sewing machine....

zannaleeidees

This link goes to the YouTube channel with quite a few tutorials. Must see if you've got some time on your hands. hee hee

I will have a new friend soon...

Well, Spencer and I went to the bike shop when he got home from school. It was a lovely 20 min stroll with the bike. The bike shop dudes were very helpful and courteous - said the bike just needed a cleaning, a lube and some adjustments. So, we left Spence's bike there for a tune-up and they will also add some fenders. It's going to start raining soon, and well, either you get fenders or you've got that lovely muddy stripe going up your butt and onto your back. And Spencer will be riding every day, so...it definitely had to be done.

While we were there, a very nice young man helped me look at bikes for me - and I found one! Sort of... Now all I need to do is finish saving up the money. Next paycheck, she is M-I-N-E. I still haven't test ridden anything yet, so I'm not even sure it will be my final choice, so I won't show it here just yet. After next paycheck tho, I will have something for you to see.

I'm very excited about getting a comfortable, sturdy bike - and riding it everywhere. Just in time for cooler weather and rainy season. But, I'm not afraid to get wet - and I'm going to have fenders put onto it tho cos I'm just not into the stripey-butt look.

Anyway, so far this bike shop is a keeper. The staff is friendly and knowledgable, and with a younger man (under 20) who was very courteous and respectful - it has promise. Once we get Spencer's bike back, we'll see how good of a job their mechanics did...if we like it, and I buy a bike from them, I'll let you know who they are, if not well, they won't get my recommendation.

I'm really looking forward to getting out and about to even more places than before...I have special plans for next month, but only if I get a bike, so you'll have to wait. hee hee

A Special Anniversary Today

Hello everyone! No, I haven't been sick with this cold/flu now for a year, but it sure as hell feels like it!!!!

One year ago today, I stopped using my car.

Why?

Well, it pretty much stopped working. My 14yr old Toyota Corolla, a.k.a. Scooter, had finally had enough. There were several things wrong with him, all of which cost lots of money - more money than I could trade/sell him for...

So then the question became, do I fix him or get a new car?

I did neither and donated Scooter to one of my favorite charities. It was the best thing for him, and for me, and it took me waaaay too long to make that decision.

Bottom line, Spencer and I take public transit or walk everywhere we want to go. We are fortunate in that 2 different bus lines stop at the corner by our apartment to take us to many wonderful places - the best of which is the BART station - which in turn connects us to the rest of the Bay Area.

If we have visitors in from out of town, like Mom and Sis, or Honey, I rent a car. When I took the boys to Kublacon, I rented a car. If I ever need a car, I rent it - and it's not very often. The folks at the local rental car company are my buddies.

Several very awesome friends and even the Ex have loaned me their cars when they've gone on vacation. And those same friends, and others, and the Ex have graciously given us rides every now and then.

Once we sort out our bicycle situation, we'll have yet another mode of transport. Spencer's bike needs a tune-up and mine...well, Ms Puffy wasn't cut out to carry my weight (I've gained and it's too much for her to carry me and groceries), so I'm going later to check out some bikes while Spencer turns in his bike for the tune-up. Ms Puffy will be donated to my favorite thrift store where someone smaller will get much more use out of her and not try to kill her with weight.

And you just know mine is going to be tricked out with fenders ( I hate getting muddy stripes up my back when it rains), a back rack, and baskets all around! Cos I plan on taking my new bike everywhere. Just hope I can find one that can handle it.

Do I miss not having a car? Not really. I won't lie and say no all the way, because there have been several times that it would have been so much easier to hop in the car and pop here and there real quick like.

Not having a car though really makes you think. You really have to think about how you are going to get somewhere. Is the trip really necessary? How early do you need to catch the bus - don't forget to factor in if the bus or the train is late! Can you combine a bunch of things into this one trip out? Could you walk? Do you REALLY need that one something...is it important enough to take the bus all this way and take all this time...just for that one little something?

The benefits of not having a car? The obvious ones: no car payment, no insurance payment, no maintenance, no parking fees, no high gas prices, no registration, no smog check. The not so obvious ones: I spend less money since I can't just hop in a car and drive myself to a store because I'm bored, we only buy what we absolutely need because we have to plan our trip and then carry it all home, our carbon footprint is a whole lot smaller now, we get out and walk more. Ummm...that's not to say we don't go crazy and buy stuff we don't need though (i.e. all that yarn I stuffed into my cart today...and the xbox we bought a few weeks back).

Speaking of walking... I found out that within less than 2 miles of my apartment in any direction, is a total of 4 major grocery stores, a zillion restaurants, a post office, a pet store, 3 hardware stores, and so much more, it's incredible. And here, I've been hopping in Scooter and driving to all these places all these years. Sigh.

Speaking of bus rides...I can take the bus in any direction from my apartment and in 10-20 minutes I could be at 3 different BART stations, two local downtown areas, 2 different craft stores, 2 different games stores, movie theatres, our family doctors, a Target, new book stores, used book stores, the car rental place, and the list goes on and on.

I swear, Spencer and I go out more and see more things now than we've ever done before.

And you know the best benefit of not having a car? I get to hang out with... The. Best. Cart. Ever. Made....EVER!

Everyone...meet Dot.



And we won't discuss the very bad things she hears pouring out of my mouth when the bus is late. Yeah, that's a major down side, but not enough to make me go out and pay high gas prices, get a car payment, pay insurance premiums, get the car licensed and registered....or get stuck in traffic.

Will I ever get another car? Yes, eventually - and I do check out cars constantly so that I know what I want when I finally do decide to get motoring again. In the mean time, I've gotten used to using public transit and look forward to tooling around on my new bike when I get it. Oh, and what's really cool? The buses have bike racks and you can take your bike on BART. If I ever get tired, we both can have a ride. hee hee

I heart Dot, my BART EZRider Pass, my bus pass and my Translink card.

Check the new banner...

I've been playing...hee hee.

Trying very hard to watch the debate. It's all I can do to listen.

I've just learned how to make banners. I'll be making more for the blog and the Etsy shop. Cos I can...and it's fun!

That's a photo I took at the SF Golden Gate Park Conservatory. Now that I half ass know what I'm doing, I can use some other photos as well.

And maybe even have Spencer draw something for me.

And now it's time to play with my new sock software. Hmmm...maybe I should work some on my Mom's b-day socks some more tonight. I finished the foot and turned the heel last night. Woo Hoo!!!! All that's left is the leg bit and then these socks are off to Mom's house in plenty of time to keep her feet warm this winter.

YAY!

Just when I thought it was over...

WHAMMMMMO!!!

Seems like last week's bout with disease was just a prelude to today. I've got exactly what Spencer brought home from school last week.

I caught something last week on Thursday and thought I'd gotten it all over and done with, but no. That was just a wee little warmup.

Spencer is back at school this week. YAY! And I was feeling wonderful and working away at work yesterday.

This morning? Not so much. I've been doing what I can in between naps and bouts of self-pity and moaning and groaning. I've gotten quite a bit done actually.

Amazing how much I can get done while I'm sick when I don't have to take care of a whining teen.

Time for some more tea, juice, and another self-pity fit.

Oh, and I finished the first sock of my Mom's b-day pair on Sunday and finished the toe of the second (they are toe-up)! Guess after I finish my pathetic dinner of toast and tea, I just might muster enough strength to knit a bit on the foot.

Or maybe I'll just reroot myself on the couch and think of how I'd redecorate the living area if I had gobs and oodles of cash laying about.

Dream big or go home.

Shiver Me Timbers

aaargh and all that...

...and that's all ye get...we be sick here in Casa de Chaos...

Nom Nom Nom...

What do you get when you take a package of letter shaped pasta, a jar of sauce, some frozen precooked turkey meatballs and add in fresh onions, mushrooms and some chicken/apple sausage?

A couple of full bellies!

While the water was boiling for the pasta, I cut up and sauteed the onions, mushrooms and chicken/apple sausage. When that was done, I added a jar of chunky pasta sauce. Popped the meatballs into the microwave to thaw them out and warm them up, then put them in the sauce to finish cooking.

Damn that was good. Sure beats pasta with jar sauce and some meatballs. Hee hee.

Been knitting and sewing every now and then...concentrating on a few late birthday presents. (Don't say it.)

I've been tossing about various Christmas present ideas and Spencer and I have been working on a special project, several actually. I'll tell you about them very, very soon, promise.

Right now, Spencer isn't feeling well and I'm tired - work has been busy busy busy busy...sigh. Time to go spoil him a bit with a nice cup of tea and a blankie.

Oh, and don't forget, this Friday is "Talk Like A Pirate Day". Time to dig out my blinged out pirate T-shirt. Sparkly skull and crossbones - can't go wrong with that.

...I'm a joiner... and a follower...what can i say?

First off...

I now belong to a Ravelry group that I'm actually going to participate in...go figure. After basically ignoring Ravelry for how long... I do use it for research and patterns though, so not totally ignoring it. Besides, I can't risk being sucked into it during the day while I'm supposed to be working.

That's my excuse and I'm running with it.

Anyway, how did I come to join the SF Sock a Month KAL? AmpuT belongs and asked me to tag along with her at the meet up this past Sunday. That would be yesterday. How could I resist? Knitting socks, socializing, road tripping into the City with AmpuT, and finally shopping with the whole crew at Imagiknit. Not only does this fun bunch of sock knitters sit in an SF cafe and knit, they also go knit shopping together. What could you not like about that?!?

Long story short, I had a great time! Thanks AmpuT for asking me along. I can't wait to start with the next pattern in October (currently, it is second sock month). While everyone else is finishing their second socks, I will be working on finishing my Mom's birthday socks that I started way back in June (oh shut it). This will give me good incentive to get them done as soon as possible so I can vote and start on the next sock pattern for the KAL club. Not to mention, I'd really like to get them off to Mom before her next birthday rolls around. Ahem.

And of course, I've already bought the yarn for the next KAL. And a little something special for a special person for Christmas. Hee hee. How could I not buy something at Imagiknit?

And I've decided to stop neglecting my Ravelry account. First up, I think I'll be adding my stash. I've got some stuff from England to show off and my latest acquisitions from yesterday.

Nothing like stepping outside of your comfort zone for this club. I've been knitting very plain toe up socks. No pattern, we're talking mondo plain here people - stockingette foot and ribbed above the ankle. Like I said, plain. And this is only my 5th sock (beginning of the 3rd pair).

The club seems to like top-down patterned socks.

Good thing I get a month to finish off one sock.

Next, I've followed AntiM into The 100 Pushups Training thing.

I took the test...I did less than one pushup - pathetic, I know.

Figured out because of my wrist issues, I need to do a modified up-against-the-wall pushup until I can gain some more strength. (those 12 yr olds reading can now commence snickering)

I've done my set training for today - and my arms are noodles.

Oooh....this will be good for keeping me from snacking. I can barely type, let alone pick food up into my mouth. And this is from MODIFIED pushups my friends.

Oh well, never did claim to have great upper body strength.

Swimming is going to be interesting tonight. OH yeah, I'm still gonna keep up with the swimming - and Honey said not to forget to find a lower body workout to balance things out on the days I'm not doing the pushup stuff. I think it's finally time to push PLAY on that Pilates Lower Body workout dvd I've been avoiding for about 2 years now.

And on this note, I leave you with a photo of a new acquisition from our trip to England.




Marvin: Exterminate!!!
Me: NO!!! Wait, it's a bank, not a real Tardis!
Marvin: Don't care...EXTERMINATE!!!
Me: At least let me take the money out of it first...

Shaken, not stirred...

At 9pm, we had a quake. Centered just 7 miles south down the highway from my place. Rated as a 4.1.

It lasted long enough for me to realize...OH SHIT...and run for a doorway. Things shook and creaked. The damn TV even moved!!!

Criminy.

Hey, you're in Cali girl...you know it happens. Well, sure, but...

You never know when they'll happen. And that's what shakes me up.

Freaks me out when they happen. Any other time, I don't think about them.

Talked to Spencer, who is over at his Dad's in San Francisco. And he felt it. 24 miles away.

He was shook up, I was shook up.

Back to normal now. Sheez.

Sigh...back to the same old #@%*&!!!!

Hey everyone,
Well, it's back to work, school, and chaos here in the Chaos.

Lots of work going on.

Second week of school in progress.

Too many things to do around here and not enough time or energy to do them.

Nothing new.

Once I get my butt in gear, I'll start posting photos of something, cos I've got lots of photos and have to do something with them.

On a positive note, Spencer and I have started swimming every day. It's a much better exercise for me, and well, it's been hot as hell over here. I've lost a few pounds and some inches overall since we started about 11 days ago.

That makes me happy.

Work, teen angst, and a messy, chaotic apartment do not.

Oh, and as is tradition during the first month of school, someone has given me a bug. New school, new kids, and public transit...gah.

Excuse my while I sit on the couch and whine...cos you know my head is *this* big...

Too bad the only other living creature here is the cat and she doesn't give a flying hoot about how I feel - just as long as I keep the food and water fresh...

....and he's off....

Calm and collected (yeah right), looking all cool and stuff (think he did that one OK), my young man is off to his first day of 9th grade. Just love how he's snarling at me - 'don't take my pic mom!! GAH!'

High School!!! Where did the time go?!?

Unfortunately for him, I had to accompany him on his first day. So uncool of me, but hey, it's all his Dad's (the ex) fault. Dad is the dork that forgot to turn in such important papers as the Immunization record and birth certificate copies last Friday when they were there for orientation. After all I went through to get the immuni records from the doctor's last minute too. Pissed off is a nice way of describing my mood when I heard the news Friday morning.

And then Dad conveniently left town.

I would have been very content to stay home and not to be tossed around in a hallway full of screeching teens. "LIKE OMG!!!!! I'VE MISSED YOU SO MUCH ADRIANNA!!!" "LIKE OMG!!!! STEVE, IS THAT REALLY YOU?!?!?!?" "LIKE OMG!!!! I LOVVVVVVE YOUR OUTFIT!!" "LIKE OMG!!! WHAT DID YOU DO TO YOUR HAIR GIRL?!?!?!"

At least I didn't embarrass him while we were there. Not like some parents who argued that their kid should be allowed in school even though they had none of the required paperwork. The thought 'what makes YOU so freakin' special' popped up in my head many times as I listened to all these conversations. Everyone else has to do all this frakkin' crap, if you don't have to turn it in, I'm outta here, cos then I don't have to either dammit!

But, I was good and stood in the midst of that sea of hormones, teen fashion and bad hair, turned in the paperwork we had, filled out the paperwork we didn't, signed my life away, asked a few important questions, they handed him his schedule, and I left. But not before I took a peek at his schedule for today. Drama, English Literature, Advisory, and Global Studies. Sometime soon he's going to be taking his placement tests that were scheduled while we were on vacation in England.

I came THIS CLOSE...THIS CLOSE people...to giving him a hug and a smooch before I left. I restrained myself...and then sniffled all the way home.

Oh, and I REALLY SHOULD have marked that little box that asked you to specify which language you wanted to receive school mail and announcements in, as something other than English for the Ex. Spencer talked me out of it. I was thinking Chinese. Would have served him right for taking off and leaving me with all the forms and stuff AGAIN.

That would have been the ultimate pay back...I wish Spencer wasn't so goody two-shoes...but oooooh....just thinking of it helped me feel better. Heh Heh Heh...

Can't wait to hear about it all when he gets home:

Me: How was your first day?

Him: OK.

Yep, can't wait to hear allllll about it.

We're back!

Hello everyone! We arrived back home late Sunday night after 3 flights and a SuperShuttle van ride. Sigh. Rough trip back. Can you say flights from HELL?

I can. No more shall be said of those. I'm in denial they ever happened.

Much walking and eating and window shopping and touristy things went on while in England and North Wales.

Drive-By Summary: There was visiting of friends (both mine and Honey's), a shoot 'em up Xbox gaming night, bogus charge to my account, visiting of Honey's Cousin, teen angst of visiting with Cousin (she has 3 teen girls), visiting with Honey's folks, purchasing of yarn, and finally visiting with Honey's Grandmother this past Saturday (she left this world the next morning - may you rest in peace Nain).

Lots of work happening - I jumped right back in bright and early yesterday.

Spencer had his yearly physical this morning. Out of control weed that one is...

Spencer has high school orientation this Friday, and he starts his first day of high school this coming Monday.

We now take a short commercial break while the Chaos fills with sobs and tears.

Ok...and we're back.

Kitty is punishing me for being away - even tho she was well cared for in our absence.

Here's how last night (or should I say this morning) went:

2am: Potty break for me
Kitty sees me up: MEOW MEOW MEOW
Me: Shut up cat, go back to bed
Kitty: MEOW MEOW MEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

just as I'm drifting off to sleep...POUNCE ON BED AND MEEEEEOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Gah. This went on for 4 hours.

Finally just gave up at about 6:15am and signed in to work.

She has been sitting on my lap almost all day. I know she loves me and missed me - I love her and missed her too...but C'MON!!!!!!

Nothing a night of shopping with Antonella won't fix.

Happy Belated Blogiversary to me...

Damn...just lost my post...

Anyway, second try...

The Chaos has been around for 2 years and 3 days. YAY!!!

Still having fun here in England. Spent the last two days just shopping...well, should really say looking...not much spending going on.

Lots of rain, off and on sort of stuff throughout the day...and the temp is mild. Actually pretty nice weather. When the sun comes out, it's warm and awesome. So much green everywhere too. Hee hee.

Anyway, hello from all of us here to all of you! One more week left.

I did not switch to the bigger bag!

I'm so proud of myself. Wooo Hoo!!!

Having a wonderful time with Spencer and the Honey (and the Cows) here in England.

We are currently at my friend's house just south of London. We were in the City all day yesterday visiting Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, taking a Thames river cruise, and touring the Tower of London. Navigating the Tube is fun.

Today we try for the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar square and some shopping. Spencer is itching to spend some of his hard-earned money. Better his than mine. hee hee

Cheers!!!

I will not switch to the big backpack...

...I WILL NOT SWITCH TO THE BIG BACKPACK!!!!


gahhhhhhhhhhhhh.....

Our bags aren't packed, but we're ready to go...

...both Spencer and I are very excited to go...it's our first vacation with just the two of us. YAY!

OK, back to panicking - I mean packing. Yeah, packing. After I finish work. Oh, and then the last load of laundry.

I will not pack everything but the kitchen sink in my carry-on.
I will not pack everything but the kitchen sink in my carry-on.
I will not pack everything but the kitchen sink in my carry-on.
I will not pack everything but the kitchen sink in my carry-on.

Maybe my smaller carry-on will help that situation...one can hope. :)

Too busy squeeeeing to post...

You Are a Spork

You have a playful, eccentric sense of humor. You are creative. You see the world in bold colors. You are a dabbler. You love to experiment. You aren't an expert in anything, but you know a little about everything.

What Utensil Are You?

I *sewwww* can't stop myself!!!

...from sewing. hee hee

I've been quite busy this weekend. Am making lots of little things to take with me as host/hostess gifts on our trip. Lots of very nice folks will be hosting and feeding us as we go all about with Honey, and I do hate showing up empty handed.

And I'm working on some special treats for my Mom and Sis...I'm trying to get them done and packed in the box with the Tardis.

Hope I can get photos of it all before we leave on Friday!

We interrupt this blog post for...a SQUUEEEEEEEE...3 days left until we leave.

Carry on.

The Summer of Sewing has begun...

...oh, have I been having a wonderful time reaquainting myself with my sewing machine. It's been a long time...way too long! I am so taking advantage of the fact that Spencer is off in Texas until the 27th. Usually I just mope and don't do anything, but I've broken out of that and I've been busy!!! YAY!!!

First off, some simple projects... Made over the course of a few nights, a few hours each night.

One seam up the back...and BOOYAH!!! Instant sun dress.



Perfect for wearing around the house when it's too hot to go outside...



And a cute widdle kitty pillow - not stuffed yet, but it's small, just 10" tall and 7" wide... I bought the panel at a thrift store. Kitty looked like he needed a good home.



Oooh, and some plain book covers for me and Honey...




...or are they....

hmmmmm....I've made a small and large one for Honey and a large one for myself. Let's see what's inside, shall we?





OMG!!! Will you look at that...This small one must be for Honey...after all, I have a small one my Mom made for me ages ago...and I still use it...and I'm not really into Biker Babes.

Let's see what's in the large one I made for Honey...some firemen perhaps?

No, another Biker Babe....



Look at THAT!!!! A blonde, a redhead, and a brunette. A regular smorgasbord of Babes for Honey.



Gah...getting tired of Babes, Babes, Babes...where's a Fireman when you need one...


OOOOOHHHH!!!! There he is....



OMG...A whole Fire Crew! S-C-O-R-E!!!!




And the other day, I had the idea of trying to make potholders...just popped into my head one day. So, one trip to the craft store with a coupon, and we get...

Two Biker Babe potholders for Honey...



And one Hunky, stripping, Fireman for Antonella.



The back of the potholders are the lightweight denim I used for the book covers, and I used 2 layers of the insulating lining - I didn't think one was enough. All four layers hand quilted and ready for finishing...

And...if you want to have your own adventures making Hunk or Babe stuff, you can get the fabrics (plus so many others, it's amazing) online at eQuilter.com. Reasonable prices for a great varitey of prints (unbelievable variety), and great service to boot. Just enter what you're looking for in the search box and you'll get a list of prints. For the ones I used, just enter Hunks or Babes. Just remember to ask how big the motifs are...I was surprised at how large the firemen and babes were...made it a bit of a challenge to place them all just so in the projects. Should have ordered a full yard, but only got half yards, and as a result, had very few full motifs to work with - but I was able to get quite a few small projects out of it.

All potholders still need the bias tape trim, but I still need to go back to the craft store for that. Could have sworn I had some here, so that's why I didn't get some before. Oh well, thought I'd show them here, because I'm not sure when I'll get back to the store for it.

And there you have it folks. The first batch of sewing projects for the Summer of Sewing. Just a few days left though. When Spencer comes back from Texas, we prepare for our trip to England!!!

Yes, you read right, Spencer and I take off for England on August 1st. We're going to see Honey and do some mad sightseeing - Spencer has never been. It's our Happy Graduation Spencer, Happy B-day Spencer, Happy B-day Donna, last chance at a decent vacation together, trip. And we can't wait!!!!!! SQUEEEEE!!!

Waiting for the other shoe to drop....

...OOOOH...and here it is....

Left Shoe....


... the back...



...left side...



...right side...



...and top....




...and now may I present....A Finished Pair of Custom Painted Shoes by resident Arteeeste...Spencer!!!




Tada!!!!

They are currently being "test driven" in Texas where at this moment, Spencer is visiting family with his Dad. Hope they survive, but it is the ultimate test....

Ooooh, and check out his new skateboard deck. The Japanese woman was already on it, he added his name and pixel thingies...




He could have probably just sanded it down and painted the whole thing, but when I asked him why he didn't do it, he said "That's someone else's art Mom, can't bring myself to do that to their hard work."

Awww...and at $1.99 plus shipping off eBay, I think we got a good deal any way you look at it.

Yarn Cake Birthday Cake!

Welll....sort of...

This being my birthday and all, I decided to do something a bit...ummm...different. :)

I've got another special, not so secret, but most of all "different" project in the works (coming to needles near you this fall) and I've decided to use the yarn I'm going to be using for the project to ummm...show how old I am...or that I have way too much yarn...or that I've lost my marbles.... The jury is still out on which one...

So...with the help of the Big Bag O' Fake Yarn (cakes) Balls (acrylic)....




...and without further ado...drum roll please...prrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmm......

10...prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmm



20...prrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmmm



30...prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmmmm



OH GAH THERE'S MORE!!!

40...prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmmm




OK...OK...exactly how many fake balls have you got Donna?!?

45...ba dum bum cha!



That's IT!!!!

Well, that's it for the birthday years...but...we still have more balls...mostly wee little fake balls - but they qualify as balls none the less.



...BUT WAIT..there's more...




This little bag o' balls only contains 3 colours. And I'm only typing colours instead of colors cos I'm going to make something British...and they don't spell colors right and I wanna make sure Honey can read this... (love you Honey - it's my birthday, I can be a snarky little snot if I want to - oREGano!)

My Chicago Bears Bear needs a new sweater and hat set. Time to get his footy (that's soccer for us US folks) on with a little Leeds United spirit.



And there you have it my friends. 45 balls old.

Now if you'll excuse me, that was exhausting. Time for this old lady to take a nap. :)

Finished Object!!!

Finally, here's my sisters birthday present...just oh, 6 months late, that's all....





It's a knitted Tardis Pillow. Hee hee... Details about everything later, but I just talked to her and she said to send it unstuffed and her and Mom will stuff it and crochet up the seam.

I gave her a choice of an unstuffed Tardis pillow or a pair of socks. She chose wisely.... hahahaha

Anyway, you can tell it's ginormous cos there's Marvin, Dalek for Scale (um...6 inches tall I think we said earlier?)

Just a sidenote here...it wasn't supposed to be that big, but hey, i didn't swatch and I used worsted weight. I think it's awesome, so now I want one for myself, and Sis is excited to get it.

YAY!!!

Spencer's got a brand new...um...Shoe?

Spencer's new gig...painting shoes...

So far he has one complete shoe...not a pair yet, just the one shoe.

Working now as we speak on the other one.

And there's also a pair in the works for Moi, and Grandma and Auntie L. Pays to be the family of an artist don't cha know. hee hee.

Pics of my shoes hopefully soon, he's hoping to finish them for my birthday (shudder) coming up on Tuesday.













His hope is to get good enough to sell his custom shoes. I think he's doing great...and can't wait to show you mine. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!