Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Secret Pal info

Here is the link, so I don't have to repost this long list.

http://jenknitter.blogspot.com/2005/01/secret-pal-info.html

I had a good knitting weekend. I finished my sock for me. Wait?!?! Did I just say I made something for myself?!?! I think I did say that!!! How amazing!!! I also cast on some more socks for Malik. That means I made three pairs of socks, now. I am sooo proud.


My sock Posted by Hello


Malik's sock Posted by Hello

I decided that my step-dad is getting socks for Father's Day. However, I didn't want to use the yarn I just got, because my Step-dad has pretty big feet, and I don't know if two skeins will be enough, so I didn't want to start a sock and run out. Today me and two friends took a long lunch and went to Mill End Store. They are mostly fabric, but they have a decent yarn selection. I could only find one kind of sock yarn, though. I bought 3 skeins. Now, I can make my brother some for his birthday in July, my DH and my Step-dad some socks for Father's Day. While I was there, I saw the pattern book that goes with Debbie Macomber's book "A Good Yarn." I only skimmed it, but it was nice to see that it really is out there.

Speaking of my step-dad, my DH and I are having our anniversary next month, and Bill called yesterday to ask me what we wanted. I told him a digital camera. I don't know if he can afford it, but I thought you all would like to know that you all might get some decent pictures in the near future. Maybe I can jump into the 21st century.

Friday, May 27, 2005

Yarn in the mail

I love yarn from the mail. ESPECIALLY when I don't have to pay for it. Connie is so sweet. She is the person to whom I was her Secret Pal. So, I bought her stuff and sent it to her. She is a new knitter and has had a couple of easy questions for me. I happily answered her, being proud of myself that I have advanced to the point that I have slightly enough knowledge to answer someone else's questions. I think it is nice to answer questions, you learn your stuff better. Anyway, because she was grateful to me for answering her questions, she decided she wanted to get me something for the baby. I told her I was registered at Target (but have now decided I much prefer Baby Depot at Burlington Coat Factory, due to 8 TIMES more space). She decided after reading this post, she would rather buy me the yarn to make the Sirdar pattern. We worked it out a little, and decided that I wanted a package from Smiley's. It came in the mail yesterday.


Smiley's Posted by Hello

That is 10 balls of Encore DK in sort of a grey color. (It looked a little pink to me, but I asked all three of my boys yesterday, and they said I was crazy - that is good, since we aren't going to find out if it is a boy or girl.) There is something so perfect about a pack of yarn that is still in the plastic. Hasn't been disturbed, at all. Also two each of three colors of sock yarn. Malik picked out the color he wanted. After I finish my sock, I will make him a pair.

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Rude people

Last night I got the worst pain in my stomach. While I had this pain, I had to watch my son's baseball game. I really hate sitting in bleachers because there is no back support. So, I had to sit there with no back support and a pain in my gut. Then the team mom (who I don't think has ever liked me) asks me to help out in the concession stand. I politely decline, due to a pain. I think she thought I was one of her kids trying to get out of doing the dishes, or something (whining: But, Mom, my tummy hurts!) and she wasn't having it. She told me that she understood, but the two people who are doing it have already had their turn. Now, a smart person would have made up a schedule at the beginning of the season and distributed it. Not her. She decides to wait until the next minute and then get mad when you say no. Please keep in mind that there were lots of other parents there, but they were all men, therefore, in her mind, not able to work the concession stand. It didn't even occur to her to ask them. So, my DH stepped in during the fourth inning, and helped out - maybe next time she will ask a man or two - doubt it.

Then, there is an opposing attorney who is all gung ho to get a motion filed. My boss is not so anxious to get it filed. Therefore, I am not really excited about it, either. Mind you, my office is basically just him and I. We share space, but as far as phones go, if I ain't here, the phone only gets answered if he hears it. So, apparently, the other attorney's office called and no one answered. That was strike one. The assistant there left a message on Michael's voicemail. I had the nerve to be in the bathroom. The assistant called back and spoke to me. I told her it was just us, and he doesn't always hear the phone. Then I get another call from the attorney. She left me a message (I had the nerve to take a break) while she was talking to a third attorney on three-way call. Since she didn't take me out of the conversation, I could hear her while she went on and on to the third attorney about how we haven't answered the phone all day. I was sooo annoyed! Just cause she thinks this project of hers is so all-fired important, doesn't mean we do, too. Hell, there could be - just could be - something more important we are working on here, don't you think?

Anyway, thanks for letting me vent.

I did work on sock two of my socks from my secret pal yarn, so maybe another FO later on.

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

FINALLY !!!!!!!!!

I HAVE A FINISHED OBJECT!!!

I HAVE A FINISHED OBJECT!!!

I am sooo happy!!! Plus, the stripes match up soooo well!! This is my second pair of socks ever!!!


SOCKS!!! Posted by Hello

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

An almost FO!!!

I have more progress on sock #2! Plus there is a basketball game tonight, so maybe tomorrow I can post a FO!


Sock #2 part 2 Posted by Hello

Monday, May 23, 2005

Subway

Sorry for two posts in one day, but I just found this out and HAD to share. Subway is discontinuing their stamps program. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY THEY WILL GIVE OUT STAMPS!!! August something is the last time you can redeem them! This is the worst kind of news to me (not really, but pretty bad).

Husband, and knitting

My husband has always been wonderful, but even more so since I have been pregnant. On top of being pregnant, I have had the most awful cough for a little over a week. During that time, he has been even more wonderful. This weekend I had an awful dream that concerned him. Now, even more wonderful. This morning, I coughed and woke him up a little (that kind of wake up where you go right back to sleep). He told me to scoot over, asked me if I was okay, and told me he was there if I needed him. I almost cried. So sweet. I am soo lucky.

I finished a sock!


DeAndre's sock Posted by Hello


I know that isn't quite the same as finishing something, but in my current knitting state, I have to take what I can get. I also cast on and knitted a couple of inches on sock #2.


Second Sock Posted by Hello

Maybe I can finish it before DeAndre' gets out of school, and he can wear them to school.

Friday, May 20, 2005

Commercials

We were watching CSI last night and a commercial came on. I was sooo offended! It was some girl wearing a black leather very revealing body suit. She was washing a car and playing with the water! It was pretty much soft-porn. To advertise a Spicy burger from Carl's Jr. "It's Hot!" I couldn't believe it!!! In order to get that link, I found out it is Paris Hilton in the commercial. The internet site is pushing it hard. You can watch a "Too hot for TV" version of the commercial.

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Spinning?

So, I was looking at the websites for my LYS's and happened on this site. I have been on this site before, but she recently (to me) added a link for a Used Ashford Traditional Spinning Wheel. Here is a link that is the same idea. I emailed her to see how much it was. $295 I could talk myself out of. Then she said Layaway. That made me go test drive it - walking distance from work - it is cute and not too big, and perfect! I have never spun before. It is a close store so if I ever have problems, I can take it to her (it will fit in the van) to help me.

Not my Secret Pal, but the person who had me as a Secret Pal is great! Check out her blog. She wanted me to help her finish a bag, it was not a lot of work - which is great, since she is in Virginia, and I am in Oregon. She decided to return the favor and ordered some yarn for me to make the Sirdar Pattern I showed off the other day.

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Funny things

First, my co-worker told me yesterday that I have boobs. Now, I know that when I am pregnant, my boobs are the first to change. I know they have changed, because I am looking for a new bra. However, I still think that is a wierd thing to say - what do you think?

Second, LeAnn told me that I need to keep her in line on my goals. That is FUNNY!!! I can't even keep up my own goals.

Okay - due to being so sick, I will only hope for progress on one thing per week. This week I would like to work on my dad's sweater.

Yesterday the library notified me that I could pick up my copy of A Good Yarn! I didn't expect it for like 6 months. Really. When Stitch n Bitch Nation came out, it took that long from release date until I could pick it up. I was first in the hold line. A Good Yarn came out the end of April. I was fourth in line, they ordered something like 16 copies. They got it in this weekend. Now I have something to do when I am sick.

Monday, May 16, 2005

After the weekend

Warning - no knitting content

Well, so much for feeling better. Saturday afternoon I got a cold. Didn't sleep much, and had a good time in the bathroom at 4:00 in the morning. Thank God my kids were staying that night at my dad's house. I slept until noon. Then all day Sunday I felt AWFUL!!! I need a maternity bra, so I went to Target to buy one, but, of course, they don't carry my tiny size, so I will have to spend $30 at the maternity store, instead of $12 at Target :( !!!

Today I feel alright. I had my doctor's appointment. I had hoped to be able to hear the heartbeat. However, the county health department - no insurance until my DH gets another job - does things a bit different than my regular ob/gyn. Today, I peed in a cup, got my blood pressure taken, stepped on a scale, stood by a thing that says my height, and got some blood drawn. Otherwise, the nurse helped me fill out some papers, and gave me some flyers/booklets. Mind you, I am perfectly capable of filling out my own forms. The good news, I guess, is I didn't have to strip.

On the DH getting a job front - he had an interview last week with a temporary company that went really well. They are hiring for a specific job with a specific company. He knows the program that they use there very well, so it looked promising. Pray!

Friday, May 13, 2005

New patterns

I have some new patterns. The first one I got a couple of weeks ago, but kept forgetting to bring it to work to scan it.


Sirdar Posted by Hello

The second and third ones I just got today at lunch. I wasn’t planning to go to the LYS, but …. The store called me…. I also found a great book, but will have to wait to get that one. Anyway, here is what I got there.


Jail Bird Posted by Hello


Cotton Roll Posted by Hello

I have my first doctor’s appointment on Monday. I will let you know how it goes. I have been feeling better today and yesterday, and don’t want to jinx it, but I haven’t had two consecutive days of feeling good since I found out, so….

Thursday, May 12, 2005

Aha moment

I just had an aha! moment (Love that phrase I first heard on Oprah). I can't get any knitting done because none of it has a deadline. Is there a deadline for the Mariah-a-long? My dad's sweater should be pulled out because it has a deadline, and it is actually coming up. I have less than a month. I finished one sleeve and half of the back, so a month is do-able. I need help - is there some sort of support group? I need a group for knitters who need a deadline to finish something. I will never make something for myself if I need a deadline. I will try to lie to myself and say my birthday, but I don't know if that will work. I have been in a knitting funk for awhile, and I couldn't figure out why. This is why. Any help I can get would be very appreciated. I did work on my socks for a bit on the train this morning.

Wednesday, May 11, 2005

My first knitting dream

I just remembered that last night I had a dream about knitting. I was talking to someone. I can't see the face, and I don't remember if I knew the person or not. But I wasn't talking to him (?), I was checking out his hat. I was just reading about short rows, and I remembered the dream. The hat was different, it maybe was for someone who has a lot of dreadlocks. I made him show it to me and I saw that there were short rows in it, and that is why it looked different.

Wierd!

I did a bit of knitting on the MAX today. First time in awhile. It is only a sock. Hopefully I can be finished by this weekend.

That is my goal for this week. Finish that sock, and fix its mate.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Some knitting content

So, I haven't had much knitting content lately, but my phone is finally working, so here are some late pictures...

Here is the Knit Picks yarn my Secret Pal sent me. I am planning to wait to start the dying, because I don't know what the smells will do for me, although I don't have much time with baseball season in full swing. I do want to try it, though. Hopefully, in June.

Posted by Hello
Here is the selection of Kool Aid and Starbursts. I forgot to get a pic of the great soap!

Posted by Hello
Here is the Pasha I knitted for DeAndre' for his birthday.

Posted by Hello
The first thing ever knitted for the baby. I used Ann Budd's book, but had to modify the pattern A LOT!!! The pattern called for worsted weight 74 stitches cast on. I used, instead, 50.

Posted by Hello

Monday, May 09, 2005

Tagged

I've been tagged by LeAnn.

The Premise (pick 5):
If I could be a scientist?
If I could be a farmer?
If I could be a musician?
If I could be a doctor?
If I could be a painter?
If I could be a gardener?
If I could be a missionary?
If I could be a chef?
If I could be an architect?
If I could be a linguist?
If I could be a psychologist?
If I could be a librarian?
If I could be an athlete?
If I could be a lawyer?
If I could be an inn-keeper?
If I could be a professor?
If I could be a writer?
If I could be a llama-rider?
If I could be a bonnie pirate?
If I could be an astronaut?
If I could be a world famous blogger?
If I could be a justice on any one court in the world?
If I could be married to any current famous political figure?

If I could be a scientist I would cure cancer and AIDS.

If I could be a musician I would find a way to hang out with Luther Vandross.

If I could be a doctor I would start a free clinic.

If I could be a writer I would be a journalist so I could keep up on current politics and travel the world.

If I could be a justice on any one court in the world? I would be on the US Supreme Court do everything I could to make all the -ism’s (racism, sexism, ageism, classism, homophobia-ism, all the rest I can’t think of) as close to illegal as they could be.

I will tag Carol, Deb, and Kim

Friday, May 06, 2005

Metropolitan Area Express

Wierd thing on the MAX this am. First off it was PACKED - which doesn't happen. Then some body announced to the whole train: "Who is going to the Rose Garden (you don’t really want to go to that link because it is under construction - suffice it to say the Trail Blazers play there, most concerts are there, etc.)?" The majority of the people on the MAX hollered back. Every stop, we seemed to be getting more Rose Garden people. By the time we approached the Rose Garden stop, I couldn't even hear the announcement for the stop cause all these people were talking. It was soooooo nice when these people got off! I have no idea what that was about, but when I looked out the window, there were A LOT of people at the Rose Garden. I had visions of it being a satellite feed of Maryland. Part of me wanted to get off and go see.

According to her blog, the Yarn Harlot will be here on August 3! I just wish Debbie Stoller would reschedule her Portland visit, which, by the way, I have no idea what happened.

Last minute, I have to whip out something for my Mother’s Mother’s Day gift. It has to use up stash, and has to be quick. My sister and I decided on coasters because she always drinks her tea while sitting on her chair watching TV. She uses and uses and reuses until it is dead the same paper towel. This way she can have some fresh ones and wash them when she is done. Which means I have to make 7 of them.

Thursday, May 05, 2005

Answers and Updates

Today is 05/05/05

I thought I should post something since I haven't been feeling like it, and been busy at work.

First, knitting content (or lack thereof). When I am nausious, I can't knit. I only recently (3 weeks, or so) discovered this. Therefore, the only thing I can add is that I finished Malik's bear. I already made this note. I haven't seen it since I gave it to him with no face or fingers or toes. I did make a baby hat last week. Only took me a couple of hours. I used stash yarn. Which is funny. My DH said, white is kind of boring. I said, I already had it, and didn't have to buy anything. He said White is GREAT. Plus it is Encore, so washable.

Secret Pals 5 has a new website http://secretpal5.blogspot.com/

LeAnne - We are not finding out the sex of the baby. There are actually some funny stories about that. With my boys I didn't want to find out. People told me it really won't hurt the baby. With the second one, he crossed his legs during the ultrasound because the tech would have told me if she could have seen - even though I told her I didn't want to know.

My friend had her baby in September. She didn't find out, either. A co-worker found out she wasn't going to find out the sex, and the lady asked her how people were going to shop for the shower. My friend said "How did people find out before they could find out" She said "They didn't have showers back then."

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Bad weekend

The party was fun. Malik got lots of stuff. He had a real good time. The weather was GREAT! I even felt good.

Then Sunday hit. I didn't want to move all day.

However, Monday morning was scary!

I was getting ready for work. I always turn on the shower, and then brush my teeth to wait for the shower to warm up. While I was brushing my teeth, I started to feel funny. I took my shower, but something told me to take a quick shower. So, I did. I was going to get out of the shower, and I thought I might need some help. I was going to call my husband to help me. The next thing I remember, I was lying down in the shower. So I called my husband. He didn't hear me fall, but he had to hear something, because one muffled cry from behind the closed shower door would not have woke him up. He helped me up, then I had to spend a little bit of time with the porcelain god. Needless to say, I didn't go to work.

The doctor said not to worry. I probably need to eat more. Not easy when everything turns my stomach. Things like that happen a lot.

Today, I was able to take my shower. I got to work. I am trying to eat.

The first two pregnancies, I did not have one day of all of this drama. My mom did not have one day of drama for 5 pregnancies.

Needless to say, I got nearly no knitting done all weekend.