Quick Update 9/12/09

I just moved over a bunch of my MySpace blogs from 2006/2007. Wow! I had a lot to talk about back then. :)

I just finished up a test knit for the Oz FFtC club, will post a pic once the members all get their pattern so I don't ruin the surprise. :) It was very hard, but fun!!

I have sold & traded bunches of yarn... but haven't finished too many more projects. I'm hoping to get a few more done soon and then I'll make a couple of posts with some pics for anyone who actually reads this. :)

ox
Amy

2009 Knitting (June) Pt 2

Project: Beaky (Bookmark)

Pattern: Backbone Bookmark (Ravel It)
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns Twist 'Buckbeak'
Needles: US3 Addi Turbo Lace
Started & Finished: June 16, 2009
Other Details: For the Sunshine Yarnies Harry Potter Knit-a-long. Nice to finally make a little project! I love it!!

Project: Burning Embers


Pattern: Lace Ribbon Scarf (Ravel It)
Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug 'Bright Charcoal'
Needles: US5 Boye Aluminum 10" straights
Started: May 7, 2009
Finished: June 15, 2009
Other Details: I love how this came out - just can't capture it in the pictures because there are so many colors!

2009 Knitting (June) Pt 1

Project: Hermione's "Clap, Otis!" Scarf

Pattern: Drop Scarf (Modification to Clapotis - Ravel It)
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns SW Merino Sport 'Hermione'
Needles: US7 Harmony wood dpns & Boye aluminum 10" straights
Started: June 1, 2009
Finished: June 8, 2009
Other Details: For my friend Deneise, who made me the kitty hat. :) It turned out much prettier than I thought it would!! Love it!!

Kitty present!!

My friend Deneise (from Ravelry) and I decided to knit each other a present. I am making her a Clapotis Scarf out of my Sunshine Yarns Sport in 'Hermione', and she made me a kitty hat from her Sunshine Yarns 'Luna', handspun by Dani herself! :D

Here was my fun package:




And my presents!!





There was my hat, Hello Kitty stickers, a Hello Kitty mirror compact for my purse, and the leftover yarn (just in case I want to add tassels or something).

I love it so much!! Deneise is awesome!! :D
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

2009 Knitting (May)

I guess May was a month of selfish knitting, looking back. :) I had a lot of fun making these, though, and have more fun projects planned for June.

Project: My Jayne Hat

Pattern: Jayne Cobb Hat (Ravel It)
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Solid 'Brick', 'Rust' & 'Mustard'
Needles: US10 Knit Picks Harmony Wood 16" circular & 8" dpns
Started: April 26, 2009
Finished: May 4, 2009
Other Details: To use up the extras from Justin's birthday hat. My pom-pom is more professional, since Ma Cobb would have made one for Jayne's lady-friend a little fancier, I think. :)

Project: Amy-anda Hat

Pattern: The Amanda Hat (Ravel It)
Yarn: Dream in Color Classy 'Wisterious'
Needles: US9 Knit Picks Harmony Wood 16" circular & 8" dpns
Started: May 5, 2009
Finished: May 6, 2009
Other Details: Needed to make a fast project in worsted after that crazy lace project and loved the idea of this hat in this yarn. I was right - it's fabulous. :) I have enough left over to make another hat or a pair of mitts!

Project: Glacial Melt

Pattern: Falling Water (Ravel It)
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns Classic Sock 'Blue Ice'
Needles: US5 Knit Picks Harmony Wood 8" dpns
Measurements: 96" long x 5" wide
Started: May 5, 2009
Finished: May 24, 2009
Other Details: For the Sunshine Yarnies Ravelry Group's May Lace KAL. It turned out even better than I expected, and I am so glad that I am finally keeping something beautiful and lacy for myself! :D

2009 Crafting (April)

I also had a great time making some Twilight & Family themed stitch markers for Jenni's birthday present and it inspired me to make a few more sets for my new Etsy shop.

Project: Stitch Markers: Twilight

Details: Fits up to a US9, set of 6
Inspiration: Twilight, of course. Jenni had added a similar set to her wishlist, so I decided to make them for her birthday.
Notes: Two identical sets made, one for Jenni and one for me. :)

Project: Stitch Markers: Family

Details: Fits up to a US10.5, set of 5
Inspiration: I wanted to make Jenni another set of markers for her birthday that would be something personal, so I came up with this. :)

Project: Stitch Markers: Nature

Details: Fits up to a US6, set of 8 (4 of each design)
Inspiration: My friend Deneise's love of nature. Green grass, brown trees and a clear blue sky. I realized to me they also represent 'the meadow' from the Twilight books. :)
Notes: For sale on Etsy

Project: Stitch Markers: Strata

Details: Fits up to a US10.5, set of 2
Inspiration: The beads reminded me of layers of earth that would always peak my curiosity in Geology classes.
Notes: May be for sale on Etsy soon.

Project: Stitch Markers: Globs

Details: Fits up to a US10.5, set of 4
Inspiration: The beads themselves were so neat, like little drops of glass left over when making a hand-blown vase or bowl, so I decided they would just showcase themselves.
Notes: SOLD on Etsy!! My first Etsy sale!! :D

Project: Stitch Markers: Clovers

Details: Fits up to a US10.5, set of 14
Inspiration: The clover beads made me think about my Irish heritage. I thought they would look great surrounded by wood beads and little green glass spacers, and they do!
Notes: I know these would sell right away on Etsy, but I don't think I can give them up!!

2009 Knitting (April)

I just realized that it's the end of May and I haven't posted any of my finished knitting projects here! Please accept my sincere apologies for a few picture-heavy posts. :)

Project: Mother's Day Scarf

Pattern: Little Leaf Lace Scarf (Ravel It)
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns Classic Sock
Needles: US5 Knit Picks Harmony Wood 8" dpns
Measurements: 65" long x 8" wide
Started: April 1, 2009
Finished: April 24, 2009
Other Details: For the Sunshine Yarnies Ravelry Group's April KAL, and a Mother's Day present for my mom. :)

Project: Playtime Baby Blanket

Pattern: Baby Love Diagonal Baby Blanket (Ravel It)
Yarn: Baby Bee Little Britches 'Playtime'
Needles: US9 Knit Picks Harmony Wood Interchangable Circulars
Measurements: 19.5" square
Started: March 16, 2009
Finished: April 25, 2009
Other Details: A baby item for my 'FO/Present Stash'.

Project: Burgundy Sparkle Scarf 1

Pattern: Mile-a-Minute Scarf #4 (Ravel It)
Yarn: Patons Brilliant 'Beautiful Burgundy'
Needles: US10 Boye 10" Aluminum
Measurements: 130" long x 6" wide
Started: January 21, 2009
Finished: April 26, 2009
Other Details: For my 'FO/Present Stash'. I have enough to make two more in this color and another three in lilac.

2009 Knitting (Jan-Mar)

I just realized that it's the end of May and I haven't posted any of my finished knitting projects here! Please accept my sincere apologies for a few picture-heavy posts. :)

Project: Mom's Wimple

Pattern: Smoke Ring (Ravel It)
Yarn: Knit One Crochet Too Ty-Dy Socks '1631'
Needles: US5, US6, US7, US8 Knit Picks Harmony 16" circs
Started: December 6, 2008
Finished: January 17, 2009
Other Details: A birthday present for my mom - I wanted to knit her my first lace, and settled on this cowl. I picked this yarn from my stash because I thought she would like the green in it. :)

Project: Noro Calorimetry

Pattern: Calorimetry (Ravel It)
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Chunky '3'
Needles: US8 Boye 14" Aluminum
Measurements: 15.5" long unstretched
Started & Finished: January 20, 2009
Other Details: Yarn was a present from Jenni, so I thought I'd make a Calorimetry like she did. :)

Project: Yukon Calorimetry

Pattern: Calorimetry (Ravel It)
Yarn: Knit Picks Sock Landscape 'Yukon'
Needles: US6 Boye 14" Aluminum
Measurements: 16.5" long unstretched
Started & Finished: January 25, 2009
Other Details: Knitted 2 strands together, one from each end of the ball, to prevent pooling. Used a cute wood button from Hobby Lobby. A little tight, but nice and warm. :)

Project: Pastel Bunny Buddy 1

Pattern: Bunny Blanket Buddy - Knit (Ravel It)
Yarn: Lily Sugar'n Cream Ombre 'Pretty Pastels'
Needles: US6 & US8 Boye 14" Aluminum
Started: January 27, 2009
Finished: February 1, 2009
Other Details: For my 'FO/Presents Stash'. There's babies popping out everywhere, so I'm sure I'll need more!

Project: Justin's Jayne Hat

Pattern: Jayne Cobb Hat (Ravel It)
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice Solid 'Brick', 'Rust' & 'Mustard'
Needles: US10 Knit Picks Harmony Wood 16" circular & 8" dpns
Started: March 12, 2009
Finished: March 14, 2009
Other Details: 3rd try was a charm! I got SO frustrated making this one! Blah. But I managed to squeak it out just in time for his birthday. :)

The 'grown up' quiz

Because I'm bored.

Tired of all of those surveys made up by high school kids? Here you have 40 questions for the people who are a little older...

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
Utilities, because it's the biggest since I paid my car off.

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
Chili's! I find fajitas incredibly romantic.

3. What do you really want to be doing right now?
Eating spaghetti and watching TV, but I gotta wait till J-man gets home.

4. How many colleges did you attend?
Just the one.

5. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?
Because it's light teal and enhances my crazy light blue eyes.

6. What are your thoughts on gas prices?
I like them under $2.

7. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
When I saw myself in the mirror I wondered where the weird hand prints on my chest came from...

8. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
'Mmmmm I love snuggles.'

9. Do you miss being a child?
No, because I'm pretty child-ish. Ask anyone.

10. What errand/chore do you despise?
Doing dishes. They are smelly and make my nails all soggy and bendy.

11. Get up early or sleep in?
I always get up early now, I'm old.

12. Have you found real love yet?
Yes! YAY!

13. Favorite lunch meat?
Umm.. honey ham! Yums.

14. What do you get every time you go into Target?
I hardly ever go there anymore, but usually a cheap DVD or two.

15. Beach or lake?
Snow. Crabs live on the beach (and chase me) and there's bugs at the lake. Ick.

16. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
Nope, I think it's fun to lay claim to my manly man.

17. Sopranos or Desperate Housewives?
Ick, neither! I'll take Bones and Supernatural instead.

18. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
Oh, to choose! J would say that I would pick David Boreanaz, but I think I would pick Rob Pattinson now because he seems more reserved like me and wouldn't mind the awkward silences.

19. Have you ever crashed your vehicle?
My vehicle was crashed into, but I have never caused it to crash.

20. Ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
No, I call the police and they do it very well.

21. Ring tone?
'Leave Out All the Rest' - Linkin Park. But mostly I hear 'Far Away' by Nickelback because that's my one for J-man.

22. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?
Um.. Alaska?

23. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go?
Any and everywhere, I've never been to Cali.

24. Do you go to church?
Only with family when they are going.

25. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
Career - and that's what I'm doing!

26. How old are you?
28, will be 29 in 3 mths and 5 days. :)

27. Do you have a go-to person?
Yup, hubster J. If it's a girly thing, then Jenn-face.

28. Are you where you want to be in life?
Not yet, but getting there. Once I become a teacher and pop out a kid, I will be.

29. Growing up, what were your favorite cartoons?
Smurfs, Gummi Bears, Duck Tales

30. What about you do you think has changed the most?
My temper and attitude. I had to work long and hard to overcome certain things about me that I didn't like.

31. Looking back at high school, were they the best years of your life?
Not nearly. I miss the friends and hanging with them a lot but I was very different back then.

32. Are there times you still feel like a kid?
Most of the time. I'm still wondering if 'adult mode' will ever kick in.

33. Did you ever own troll dolls?
Yes, lots! I had them all dressed up, with belly jewels, and earrings too.

34. Did you have a pager?
Wow, yes. When I started college. I felt so pimp!

35. Where was the hang out spot when you were a teenager?
Hmm.. usually a friend's place but I would go to Meijer's or the Lansing Mall when I was bored.

36. Were you the type of kid you would want your children to hang out with?
Very much yes, because I was never able to find trouble no matter how hard I looked for it.

37. Who do you think impacted your life the most?
My ex, Jer. It might suck, but he made me realize a lot of things about myself when we were happy, and again when it was over.

38. Was there a teacher or authority figure that stood out for you?
My band instructor, JK. He always saw the best in me.

39. Do you tell stories that start with “when I was your age”?
Yes, but mostly to be funny. :) I mean, I married a younger man and have 2 little sisters, so it's fun.

40. Is it better to love and lose it or never to love at all?
It's better to love and lose, it can make you a better person if you are open to it, and love is always worth it.

Racist Pins?

Oh, the fun I have. I think times like this may be the only reason Jenni IMs with me in the first place. :)

[screen names removed to protect us, even though we are far from innocent]

Back story: I had been contemplating getting a pin cushion for about a week. During my trip to Hobby Lobby today I finally just purchased the cheap (lame) tomato one, for $1.58 instead of the wicked-cool flower ones for $7.99. When I got home, I decided to get my sewing pins all on my new little tomato, sorted by color since I like to pin out my knitting projects with them all co-ordinated. (I mean, Hanie segregated her pins too so I knew it was OK since she's all government-y and stuff.) After staring at my completed project, a thought popped in to my head, and I had to share it with Jenni (because that's what we do).



amy: i think my pins are racist
amy: there is a big minority of white ones but an overwhelming amount of yellow ones
jenni: LMAO
amy: poor little white pins
jenni: HAHA
amy: ok white black and green all have 15
amy: red only has 14!
amy: it's discriminating against native americans?
jenni: weirdo!
amy: 22 blues
amy: i think that represents frozen nordic people
amy: TWENTY FIVE YELLOWS
amy: it's the asians
amy: they are racist-ing my pins

and when Jenni told me I should share this rant...

amy: >.>
amy: i dunno, not everyone can enjoy racial humor at the expense of pins

But she convinced me to blog it anyway. Because I am, as always, a drunk lemming in search of a cheap laugh.

More quizzes, because I'm bored.

... Nope, you'll have to entertain me. Okay burger boy, dance! (from Gilmore Girls)

Which Reaper Character Are You?

More on Reaper. Created by BuddyTV

Which Criminal Minds Character Are You?

More on Criminal Minds. Created by BuddyTV

Which Big Love Character Are You?

More on Big Love. Created by BuddyTV

Which Bones Character Are You?

More on Bones. Created by BuddyTV

SO TRUE

For my Jenni. This is so true!! *slap*

Which How I Met Your Mother Character Are You?

More on How I Met Your Mother. Created by BuddyTV

It takes some work to make it work

----------------
Now playing: Jason Mraz - Life Is Wonderful
via FoxyTunes
----------------
I love the lyrics to this song. Thanks to Twilight Fanfiction for getting me into some new music. :D
----------------
A new meme, because I couldn't resist again.

If your boyfriend or girlfriend was into drugs, would you care?
Yes, I care about anyone close to me doing drugs.

What was the last reason you went to the doctor for?
Checkup to make sure my blood pressure was in the normal range with the new meds they put me on, I think.

Do you feel comfortable with answering personal questions?
Mostly, since nobody (but Jenni) ever reads my blog/notes anyway. :)

How long have you and your boyfriend or girlfriend been dating for?
We've been married for 5 months but together (offline) for 2 yrs & 7 mths (if my math is right).

Are you shy?
Very much, unless it's someone I know well or I've had a drink.

Do you like being home alone or does it freak you out?
I H-A-T-E it, especially at night. During the day it's not so bad but it's very hard for me to sleep alone, I'm just too paranoid - it's why I hate watching stuff like 'Resident Evil'.

If you could push one person off of a mountain, who would it be?
Hmmmm... Jerry Seinfeld.

Would you kiss anyone you've texted today?
Haven't texted anyone today, so yes.

Have you ever lost a close friend?
Yes and I still cry about them.

Do you have any bruises on you?
Probably, but I'm sure i have more Tigger scratches.

What did your weekend consist of?
Crying, moping, talking, cooking, reading, downloading a ton of new music.

How's your mood?
A lot better today, it helps to be able talk about things that are bothering me. :)

Is anything wrong with your eyes?
Yes but nothing that can't be fixed with a few simple procedures, eventually.

Have you ever kissed someone who was over seventeen?
Yes, I'm 28 for crying out loud.

Next time you will kiss someone on the lips?
About 2 hours (when Justin gets home).

Are you dating the last person you texted?
That was my mother-in-law, so nope.

What is your favorite song?
I can't get 'Details in the Fabric' by Jason Mraz & James Morrison out of my head today so I'll say that.

How has 2009 been for you so far?
Super awesome.

Do you believe that any of your ex’s ever think about you?
Nope, I'd be surprised if some of them even recognized me.

How late did you stay up last night?
about 12:30 am

Do you live alone?
Nope!

Do you wish you were somewhere else right now?
I wish a little bit that I was visiting my mom and most days that I was in Honolulu, but I'm cool with being right where I am. :)

How long can you go without ur cell phone?
As long as it doesn't ring. When I go back on my meds I will need the alarm every 12 hours though.

Do you love where you live?
Yes, even though it rarely snows and they have no idea how to deal with it when it does.

When was the last time you cried from laughing so hard?
Last night. Over the word 'unicorn' and making fun of Seacrest. :D

Name something you did yesterday?
Re-activated my City of Heroes & WoW accounts to decide which I might want to play again.

What color are your eyes?
Light blue, sometimes gray.

Last person to kiss you on the head?
Justin, last night. He does it all the time and it's so sweet. :)

What color is your hair?
Light Auburn-ish.

Who did you last hang out with?
Other than Justin... Tim & Gina.

What was the last thing you cried over?
My own insecurities, as usual.

What's something you really want right now, be honest?
A job I love.

Do you have a little sister?
Yup, I have two.

Do you like to listen to the radio when you are in the car?
Only when they aren't blabbing. Seacrest drove me nutters yesterday talking so much.

Who were you with the last time you went to the movie theater?
I think it was just Justin & I when we saw Twilight.

Honestly, has anyone ever seen you in your underwear?
Yeah, duh. Like I said, I'm not very shy around my close friends. :)

What are you listening to?
Um, Tigger's bell jingling? I had to turn off the Jason Mraz song to concentrate or I would have started typing out lyrics.

Who was your last received call from?
My mom! Which is crazy to say because we mostly e-mail and with her being busy and the time difference we don't get to talk a lot.

Do you sleep with a fan on?
Yup, J can't sleep without the ceiling fan.

Do you ever get good morning texts from anyone?
Wow, I read a different phrase. TEXTS... um... no. IM's, yes, from JenJen or TracyPoo

Where is your cell phone?
Right next to me on my desk.

How is your hair right now?
Wet? The top half-ish pulled back into a clip because it's all wet and curly.

Will you be up before seven am tomorrow?
There's about a 60% chance, depending on what time I got to bed tonight.

Did you speak to your mother today?
Yes! Again, crazy to be saying that. :)

Who was the last person you rode in a vehicle with?
Justin, yesterday.

Were you happy when you woke up today?
Yup I was pretty chipper.

What were you doing at eight this morning?
Reading smutty Twilight fanfiction and drinking Mt Dew.

What were you doing thirty minutes ago?
Taking a shower.

Honestly, who was the last person to tell you that they love you?
Justin, this morning. You're surprised, right?

What's on your schedule for tomorrow?
Reading more smutty Twilight fanfiction and surfing. Hopefully some knitting too.

Do you have curly hair?
Yes, but it's big wavy curls - not the tiny ones.

What should you be doing right now?
Reading smutty Twilight fanfiction?

Whats the last piercing you got done?
My ears (the one and only set I have) a very long time ago.

What is bothering you right now?
Deciding if I should get my teaching credentials and worry that I wouldn't pass the tests or succeed at it.

Do you regret anything you've done lately?
Nope, but probably because I haven't done much lately.

Do you have secrets that no one knows?
Not at the moment, I tell Jen or Justin pretty much everything because I can. :)

Day been rough?
Nope, kitty snuggles are like Prozac.

Are you good at hiding your feelings?
I'm good at hiding my own worries about things but can't hide when I'm upset.

What were you doing at eleven AM?
I say again. Reading smutty Twilight fanfiction. It's most of my day lately.

What woke you up today?
Dunno, I just woke up.

Gay Marriage

Just to make it clear - I totally support gay marriage. These are sarcastic reiterations of the stupid reasons people say it shouldn't be legal (hence the quotes around 'wrong' in the title). A friend posted this and it made me snicker so much I just had to share.

---------------------------------------------------------
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10 Reasons why Gay Marriage is "Wrong":

1) Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.

2) Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.

3) Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.

4) Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.

5) Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of Brittany Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.

6) Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile couples, and old people shouldn't be allowed to marry because our orphanages aren't full yet, and the world needs more children.

7) Obviously gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.

8) Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.

9) Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why we as a society expressly forbid single parents to raise children.

10) Gay marriage will change the foundation of society; we could never adapt to new social norms. Just like we haven't adapted to cars, the service-sector economy, or longer life spans

Love, hugs and unicorns to all my peeps! <3

:)

Random Meme

Stolen off of a blog I read last week but just filled it in tonight because I'm bored. :)

1. Do you wear a ring on your finger? Yes, my wedding band. I used to wear my engagement ring as well but my finger swells up too much with my new hand issue so I just wear the band.

2. Where are you right now? In the computer room, sitting in front of my computer. (duh?)

3. Do you miss anyone right now? Not really. The people that I miss I know I will be seeing in the next few months or I talk to online. :)

4. Do you wish you could turn back the hands of time? No, because I like my life now. I've thought about the past a lot and wished there were things I did or didn't do (life experiences), but they all led me here, and I am perfectly content with that. :)

5. Are you mad at anyone? Not really.

6. Do you listen to your friend's advice when they give it to you? Always, but that doesn't mean I follow it. :)

7. Could you eat nothing but grilled cheese for a week straight? Abso-tutely.

8. Could you last an hour without talking? More than that. I think I picked up the skill as an only child - I love comfortable silences. :)

9. When is the next time you'll talk to the person you like or love? When he gets out of the shower to go over to Rob's (about 5 minutes).

10. What are you listening to right now? Hubby taking a shower.

11. Have you ever thought about getting your nose pierced? Yes, but I would look stupid with it. And too many guys have said how cute my nose is, so why ruin it? :)

12. What always makes you feel better when you're upset? Tigger, snuggles, and getting in a good mope crying under the covers so I can get over it.

13. Who was the last person to leave you a voice mail? Justin, actually - which is funny because he almost never leaves a message.

14. Is your day going good so far? VERY!

15. Do you find it in your heart to forgive? Always (although sometimes it takes a while). It's the best way to be. :)

16. Can you trust most people? Yes, and I know I'm too trusting but thankfully it has never gotten me taken advantage of too badly.

17. Has anyone hurt or betrayed you recently? Um... yes... but not on purpose.

18. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Tracy, to find out if she wanted to go to dinner with me.

19. What are your plans for the next weekend? Same as every weekend - not much!

20. Ever go camping? Only when forced to. I prefer a hotel room and a hot shower.

21. Are you someone's best friend? More than one someone! :D

22. Biggest annoyance in your life right now? Not being able to find a job.

23. Have you spoken to your mother today? Nope, I have an e-mail from 3 days ago though.

24. Did you kiss at midnight on New Years? Nope, someone was asleep.

25. Do you think you'll be in a relationship two months from now? Yes, and forever!

26. Have you ever seen your best friend cry? Tracy - yes I think so, Jenni - I don't think so

27. Last person you hugged? Justin

28. Have you ever drank with your enemy? Only with work 'enemies' and not enough to get a buzz, because I become a chatterbox when I drink!

29. Ever been swimming in a lake or river? Yes but the river was only because my mom tipped the canoe over a few times. :)

30. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? Most people.

31. Did you cry today? Nope, it's been a pretty darn good day!

April Update

Wow, I can't believe it's been a month. I haven't really had much to blog about though! I have a new 1Tb external hard drive that I am still trying to break in, and lots of new yarn from Sunshine Yarns. I got a few more little skeins spun up in March but lately I've been trying to work on knitting up my stash. I had to read the Twilight series over again after the DVDs came out, then was sucked up into a few fanfiction works (Wide Awake, Frenemies and Eternal Dawn so far). I also found some excerpts on Stephenie Meyer's site that she had written for the first two books, extra stuff or stuff that got cut and read those. This week is my attempt to break out of the Twilight addiction by knitting my Mother's Day Scarf for the Ravelry 'Sunshine Yarnies' group's Spring knit-a-long. It's going good, and I've decided that my best course of action is playing the Twilight DVD over and over while I knit. I really have to pay attention to the lace pattern but I need something in the background, so it's a good compromise. :)

I've started reading her next book, 'The Host'. Only on Chapter 3 but it is good so far. After that I want to read 'Angels & Demons' for the May movie release and then the Harry Potter series to prepare for the new movie this summer. That should keep me busy! I only wish I could read and knit at the same time! (And no, I can't stand listening to audiobooks unless I am driving so that's not an option - I just can't multitask on those.)

So that's about it. I'm trying to decide if I want to plan a trip to Milwaukee to help clean out my grandma's house, and then need to plan to visit her and my aunt/uncle in Vegas, and my mom in AK. All probably in the next 5 months. Agh! And I still need a job. Blargh.

Sorry for all of the links, but I wanted to make sure that if anyone was interested they could get more info. :) Later!

It's 3/3/09. Do you know where your children are?

For some reason I have the Daily Show's theme song playing through my head over and over, along with the background music for Super Paper Mario Wii. The second one I know is because I spent days of play time on there and finally finished it so now am in withdrawal. MySims looks promising, though. ;)

Let's see... updates... I'm still jobless. Lame. But, my car is paid off and I even paid off our car insurance for 6 months so my unemployment covers bills, groceries and more. Another good thing - I have health insurance again - just waiting for the cards from Justin's plans. I went and did it with him this year to make sure we got everything we need (like the HSA) - their system is confusing!! I spun up my second roving but haven't done my newest ones yet:
My second handspun:

My rovings to be spun up:

I got pretty new yarns from Sunshine: (Mother's Day, April Showers & Blue Ice)

And some others from Ravelry members. My yarn bins overfloweth!

I've been working on my 2nd cowl/wimple/smoke ring for me - halfway through the 3rd repeat! I am going to do 5 with this one as well so that it sits on my shoulders when I have it over my hair. It's going to be really wide but I'm a lot more confident in the pattern now! I am already planning my next cowl - it will be the 'Birthday Cowl' (on Ravelry) in 'April Showers'. :D That pattern is a lot easier so it should be super fast, too.

Not much else to report. I am thinking up a project for little scraps of leftover yarns but I'm not sure which to do. :)

OK, off to make dinner! :D

SP13 Reveal

Not only did I get the lien release on my car from GMAC today, but my final Secret Pal 13 package arrived!!


I couldn't believe all the stuff in the box, going through and unwrapping it all was so fun! (Plus now Tigger has pink bubble wrap to pop.)

Inside was:

• 'The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Knitting'
• a pattern sheet for two different scarves
• a skein of Claudia Hand Painted Worsted in 'Turquoise Jeans'
• two sets of US8 needles (clover bamboo and a shorter pair that will be perfect for portable projects)
• a project bag
• set of 'Ice Cream Parlor' lip balms (I am addicted to Chapstick and have it in every room of the house)
• a Boye Pom-Pon maker (which I need but have been putting off buying!)
• a set of 4 beautiful blue stitch markers
• a quick reference chart and book that I will keep in the coffee table drawer with my other supplies
• and a yarn bookmark. :D

I haven't decided yet if I will make the scarf from the pattern or maybe something else - this is my first worsted weight 100% wool. :)

Thank you so much to my secret pal Judy, this has been a great swap!! :)

February Update

What's new... let's see. I still haven't found a new job. I've started selling some things - old textbooks that I will never need and CDs that I no longer listen to. It makes a little cash and cleans out the house! (to make room for more yarn!) I have successfully spun 2 skeins of yarn that I am proud of. I am trying to finish my neverending pile of knitting projects while still starting more! Agh! On the bright side, I know that GMAC received my payment so I was able to cross 'pay off my car' off of my list of goals for this year!! Wahoo!!

Not much else is going on, really. Just trying not to go crazy being at home every day. My newest knitting project is baby bibs from all of the cotton yarn that I have picked up at sales in the last year. My first one turned out really cute and only took a few hours so I am hoping to bust through my stash and get them all done soon!!

Spindle Pain

Ow.

I gave my drop spindle another try today, and I think I was getting pretty good. I almost got through the 8 oz of pencil roving that my mom gave me with the spindle, but it hurt quite a bit and the spindle was getting heavy. Before my nap, my feet were the most painful thing. After my nap, my biceps are on FIRE. My left thumb is also numb, feels like it might blister. :( (From spinning the spindle.) I've put an Icy Hot patch on my right arm to try to help (super tingly is better than burning pain right now) so hopefully it will get better overnight, but I wanted to post a little something because I may not be up for typing a blog in the next few days!

A picture of what I accomplished today:

I think I want to try plying it which will make about a worsted weight, maybe a little thicker.

Spinning today was so fun, I can't wait to do more. Once I heal. :)

Life Update

Haven't blogged in a while, I know, but there hasn't been much going on. Trying to find a new job, but there are so many people laid off that pickings are slim and by the time I find something good the spot is already filled. Ugh.

My hopes are high, though - and my blood pressure is holding steady. :) It is so relaxing to not be around people that are so nasty and high strung every day!! I do miss Tracy though, so hopefully once the snow is gone we can meet up for knitting or Wii or something on a regular basis.

I've been lax on my knitting the past few days because of other excitement (snowstorm, cleaning, Justin being home) but I am almost finished with 2 pastel bunny buddies and have started my first fingerless mitt. I've decided that knitting those bunny buddies with the cotton is much like weightlifting for your hands. I can only do it for a little while and then my hands are sore (especially the left one with the cyst that didn't go away). I'm not sure what I'll do next, there are so many things I'd like to start! I've been adding projects to my Ravelry projects section as I get the materials together for them, so hopefully I can work on those before starting something new. I'd love to finish up the blue afghan I started last winter! Anyway, if you are curious what I am working on I am trying to keep Ravelry updated every few days (I change the status to 'hibernating' on anything that I've put aside).

We had a big ice storm followed by a snow storm! Justin made it about one car length out of the driveway and got stuck on Wednesday morning, so I got his car back in the driveway (just barely) and he went back to bed and I went to Lowe's to get shovels and ice melt. We finally got his car back in the garage at about 2 pm. The back roads are heck (they do NOT know how to plow here - I can't imagine the postal lady will be able to get to our box) but the snow is so pretty!! Blindingly so. :)

That's about it for now, I'm going to spend most of today cleaning house and maybe listing a few things on eBay (leftover wedding stuff mostly).

I hope everyone is staying warm and happy!!!

I'm bored, here's a meme

Went blog surfing tonight and saw this on a few, so I figured that I would do it. I like to call it the 'WHAT have you DONE?!?' meme. My yes-is-es are in bold. :)

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (indoor)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant

I feel like I might need to explain some of those. But I'm not going to. :D

Crazy Days & January SP13 Gift

As is the norm in my life, good and bad news come together and slap me around like waves on a rocky beach.

Thursday, Tracy & I were laid off. It had nothing to do with our performance or other people there - simply that they had to downsize our department. I took it pretty well - partly because Tracy was told before I was so I could prepare for it and not cry - but also because I've been looking for a new job casually for a while now. I had decided that I would stay until my car was paid off in April and then leave - so this just moves my plans ahead. The good news - they gave us severance in lieu of notice and a bonus for finishing the Association Management class last year. The only thing I dread is going backwards on my pay scale. We just barely scrape by now so with my pay cut it's going to be pretty hard until I can get my car paid off.

That night when I got home I started thinking about all of the things that I could sell to ease the transition and my first thought was my yarn stash. My pretty, pretty yarn stash. I started going through my Ravelry list and thinking about what would sell and how much I could get from it. Hopefully it won't come to that - but it had been on my mind. This morning I finally finished knitting my mom's birthday present and when I came in here to post the new info on Ravelry, I had an e-mail that I had won the button contest for Secret Pal 13! I can't wait to see what kind of prize it will be but it made me feel better about not being able to buy any new yarn until I have a steady job again and hopefully not having to get rid of anything, at least not right away. :)
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And now for belated mad props to my secret pal! (Sorry I didn't post this sooner!)

I received my January SP13 package on Jan 6th:
It was all gifts from one of my favorite stores, Bath & Body Works. I got a Lambie (which I hadn't gotten yet so I was super excited about), a pair of aloe infused slipper socks that keep my feet nice and toasty, and a little gift set of the 'Sensual' Aromatherapy products (body wash, lotion and pillow mist with a pretty little red bag) which I am saving for Valentine's Day but they smell really good!

(I had to include the picture where Tigger looks totally offended because I won't let him play with Lambie - it was too funny.)

Thank you so much, pal!! :D
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That's it for now, good news and bad. I just wish I could get my hair cut. Maybe I will be able to splurge on that soon, who knows. :)

SP13 Blog Question

We received this question from our hostess:
What is one thing you think you can't do that you really want to do in 2009? Please elaborate!

This took some thinking about. I guess I would have to say 'crochet'. I don't really feel like I can't do it, but I have tried and it has seemed more difficult to get started for me than knitting. Thankfully I did receive a message on Ravelry not too long ago from a group that meets at a local library near where I work to crochet every week. She gave me some pointers and invited me to stop by anytime to learn and I am going to get out there sometime this year. :)

Fun with a Yarn Winder

My mother-in-law got me a yarn winder for Christmas! (The ROYAL one from KnitPicks.) I've wound up most of my skeins and balls now but am going to wait until I have a swift to do the rest of my J Knits sock yarn - it doesn't work so good hanging on the dining room chairs.

It's too much fun and now I am going to have to come up with a way to mount it - and figure out how to get a yarn counter in the mix - so I can use it to measure some of my mystery yarns. :) In other words - I get to build something! Wooyay!

I've been thinking about making a homemade swift but I'd need to get a few things I can't afford right now - unless I use the rest of my gift cards. I might try that first though and then get the real swift with my next next paycheck. Things are going to be really tight until my car is paid off in April, but then we will have money again!! Yay!! :)

I am trying to think of ways now to hold the center-pull balls together. My first thought was rubber bands but for the ones that have no label or small labels, that could ruin it. Now I'm thinking if I just get some construction paper and cut it into strips, I can tape that around them. We'll see. :)

Off to work on my mom's birthday present - I am excited to be half done and can't wait to finish it now.

Happy New Year!!

Christmas was less stressful than usual this year, even with our lack of funds. The weather co-operated (for the most part), so we headed out to visit my in-laws. We got some great presents and I even got to go exploring around St. Louis to find yarn shops. I got 5 new skeins of sock yarn (3 J Knits hand painted and 2 Harry Potter sock yarns) and 4 new sets of addi Turbo Lace at the sales, along with a few other misc items.

New Year's Eve we had my friend Tracy and her son over - we went to Incredible Pizza where they were having a deal that included a 2-hr unlimited play card and the buffet. We grown-ups spent the whole time on the 'Power Tower' game trying to win as many tickets as possible. J & I ended up with about 4500 tickets which I decided we should save. (You put them in the 'ticket eater' and get a receipt - we did NOT bring that many home!!) Then we stayed up until midnight at our place and watched the ball drop in Times Square and went to bed. New Year's morning we got up and I played a few games on Tracy's Wii which I now have to buy!! I also showed Tracy how to purl and yarn over, so maybe we can get her started on some more patterns!!!

My mom's birthday present is taking me longer than expected, but I think it's because I psych myself up too much about it. I am halfway through the 4 pattern repeats now but considering adding one more because I should have enough yarn to do so. I don't want to make it too big, though. I think I'll just stick to the pattern. I really hope she likes it, I want to make more for other presents this year.

I am trying to do a better job of keeping track of things, and this blog seems like a good place to do it! I've added sections for my 'Goals for 2009' (basically New Year's Resolutions) and the knitting projects I hope to complete. I only finished 12 this year (other than stitch markers) so my goal is to double that! Which means I need to finish up my afghan projects so that I can focus on smaller things that I can do in less time. I will be crossing things off my list as I finish them, so enjoy the ride with me and your support is needed and welcome!! :)