Stashalong--Week 9 of 13

Week 9 and it's almost March--can you believe it!?!? We are getting there. Now the rest of you need to finish--no more jumping ship! You've made it over the hump and it's time to coast to the finish!!

Congrats to all of our Olympic finishers! I am so impressed that you all took that on! So what's the next crazy deadline event going to be?

I need opinions--I'm sure that you all know that Blue Moon Fiber Arts(of Socks that Rock fame) will be starting a sock club. I know we have Stashalongers who belong to the Debbie Bliss and Rowan clubs. There is some interest from different members in joining the STR club(myself included). I don't think it should result in Stashalong disqualification--mostly because the packages don't even ship until mid-March which means you may not even receive them before the end of the month. What does everyone think? I'll go with the majority on this one--I haven't caved and joined yet, but the temptation is definitely there--I'll do it in April if I don't now.

Can we have yet another moment of silence for the latest Stashalonger to fall off the wagon:
Chris

Onto the updates:

Kim: I am in the middle of a case of the crafty blahs! I think I'm too tired from limiting my caffeine intake and doing an obscene amount of exercise--why is losing weight always such a fight(this is one of the few times I'd kill to be male--and have the benefits of the male metabolism--my DH skips lunch and loses 3 pounds). I started seaming Rage's sweater(notice it's started--not finished) and I'm still crawling through the Sweetheart Hat(which I want to rename the Gryffindor Weasley Hat--doesn't it look like something Molly would knit?). On a happier note--Project Spectrum starts this week--here's a mini preview of my March project!

Rage's Sweater and the Sweetheart Hat--still in progress


Project Spectrum--March

Amanda: has reached yarn fasting zen(to use her words), worked on her snowflake project, got 5 more squares done in her WTW project, got a giftie, and is going to be starting her March Project Spectrum project.

Andrea: nothing to report.

Ann: finished a womb(full story on her blog) and finished her very cool Hogwarts hat.

Brianne: is working on a drawstring gift bag, finished Miss Honey's Prayer Shawl, and she organized her stash.

Cynthia: returned from Boston(without new yarn--a daunting task, I know)and started a new project(in a very cool colorway).

Deena: nothing to report.

Eliza: made a tote(which she gave away in a contest), finished some socks and started some others, and is working on Cherie.

Eva: finished her Olympic shawl, finished some socks, and started a GAL shawl.

Hanne: nothing to report.

Hayley: nothing to report.

Jerry: came up with her ultimate Stashalong project.

Joanne: has made progress on her Olympic knitting but won't finish on time(I can see why--that is some project!)and had a birthday--got some nice gifts(Happy Belated Birthday!).

Justsewcrafty: finished her Olympic lace leaf shawl and got some supplies(no yarn though ;)).

K: is working on a vest, a baby blanket, a scarf, and she got a new book(at a yarn shop and didn't get yarn--you are brave!).

Kat: finished 16 hats for her Olympic Knitting(impressive!).

Kate: unfortunate circumstances lead to a bathroom remodel and is working on her Olympic knitting.

Katie: went to a Mardi Gras celebration, got a great SP7 giftie, and she knit a shoe(seriously).

Lauren: finished a hat which she spun, dyed, and knit herself; finished her Olympic sweater; cast on for Grace; and triumphed over yarn temptation.

Margene: finished Rosarie, worked on Gloria, flashed her stash, and worked on Seaweed.

Marina: gave an informative steek tutorial and worked on Roscalie(which was also the model in the steek tutorial).

Nicola: is working on Norwegian socks, is working on a mitered blanket, and cast on another pair of socks.

Norma: is working on her "secret" project, revealed her Better Pal, has a pair of magic socks, finished her giant work project, and one of her favorite bosses is up for a writing award for his novel(you can show your support--see her blog :)).

Procrastiknitter: finished some fuzzy feet and worked on a sweater.

Ramona: posted a very cool group Jaywalker shot from her knit group, swatched for a new project, and worked on her mohair blanket.

Ronda: still working on craft fair knitting.

Ruth: is working on socks for her Dad(if she can find the right pattern and yarn) and worked on Clapotis.

Stephanie: is looking forward to the next KTC swap and has converted her husband to the dark side :)

Susan: recently made a multidirectional scarf, finished a baby blanket(cool colorway), has a new pattern available from KnitPicks, and finished "the project that must not be named".

Tam: is making great progress on her snowflake sweater and keeps finding new, exciting, and stash reducing projects to knit.

Teri: finished a scarf, flashed her stash, and wished AR a Happy Birthday.

Theresa: finished Am Kamin as her Knitting Olympics project(now she needs to come here and help me, seriously).

Tracy: is working on two pairs of socks and Rosmarkie.

Valerie: celebrated her Birthday, finished an Olympic Scarf, and got some great gifties.

Wanda: finished the fingers for her gloves and is slowly but surely making progress on M's sweater.

Wendy: is working on a sock, then HP, then a crocheted bag, and she's waiting for the start of Project Spectrum(me too!).

Winnie: finished Molly(it and the model are just darling!)and started a Ribby Cardigan.

Stay tuned: Next week there will be info on how you can keep the joy(no laughing or rolling of eyes please)of Stashalong going throughout the year(or at least convince someone else to try it so you can flaunt your yarn purchases).

I need more time. . .

I have been thinking about time recently. When I was single I thought I didn't have enough time to do the things I wanted to do(I let trivial things get in the way), when I first got married I thought I didn't have enough time to do the things I wanted to do(working full time plus learning the whole "share your life with another person" thing was a challenge), then I had kids--now I REALLY know what it's like not to have enough time to do the things I want to do(and I'm sure it will be even worse once I go back to work).

I need more time in the day--at least 6 more hours(preferably daylight hours). I love to knit, stitch, read, and exercise. Right now exercise has taken a good chunk out of my daily "free time" because I have to lose 20 pounds in order to help my BP and I am not naive enough to believe that I'll be able to stop exercising after I lose that weight(how will it stay off if I quit?), plus I really enjoy it(although not in the large doses I'll be doing over the next few months). Reading I usually fit in before I go to sleep, so that isn't really what I need more time for. Knitting and stitching are getting pushed to the side because of my current health issues. Knitting is something I am still able to pull out and work on "on the fly", but stitching is hard to just pull out, put a few stitches in, then put away. Stitching really requires blocks of time to make progress which, to me, is what makes it rewarding and infuriating at the same time.

Of course the above are things I "love" to do. Now everyone knows about the things you "have" to do. Like take care of your family and home, clean(which is usually the first thing to go when I need more time for other things but you can only do that for so long before your house becomes a disaster), do laundry, cook, get Little Diva to school, spend time with everyone so they don't feel I'm bailing on them for my hobbies, etc. My family(read my mother) has suggested that I exercise with the kids. First, this is coming from a stick of a woman who has NEVER exercised(she doesn't like to sweat). Second, I have always been a solitary exerciser(I enjoy step, kickboxing, aerobics, weight training, and I'm getting into running)--I like to push myself and I can't do that if I have Diva and Rage distracting me(I already feel bad for kicking Rage in the head while I was kickboxing the other day--he's fine by the way, I just skimmed him). Third, I am getting back into the exercise thing after it turned into a sporadic, at best, activity and I don't know about you but when I start back into a consistent exercise routine I am sore and grumpy for about the first 4-6 weeks--which doesn't make for good company. I do take walks with them, but walking has never been a good aerobic activity for me--my heart rate never goes high enough, even when I'm pushing the loaded double stroller.

If you are single or married without kiddos--find time to do the things you enjoy. And if you are married with little kiddos please tell me how you find time to "do it all".

So if I could have one Birthday wish granted--besides being able to buy yarn--it would be about six more hours in the day :)


Booking Through Thursday

1. Are you currently collecting any authors? Why? Oh yes! Why? Because I usually read series books. If I find an author I really like I HAVE to read everything they have ever written(in order)--it's another one of my potential OCD things I think ;) Right now I collect Laurell Hamilton(I have way too much invested in those characters not to keep reading), Sherrilyn Kenyon(but only one of her series), JKRowling(I'm now getting her books from different countries), Terry Goodkind(although I quit buying his books after the 5th or 6th in the Sword of Truth Series), Anne Rice(although I haven't been able to keep up with her as of late), and Chris Paolini(although he only has two books out). I'm always looking for new authors to add to the list--I have Anne Bishop, David Eddings, Jennifer Roberson, and potentially Mercedes Lackey(a lot of people have suggested her books to me) on deck.



2. Do you have all of their books? If not, why not? Yes, except for the exceptions listed above.



3. Did you buy all the books in the collection at the same time, or did you buy a book here, a book there? Mostly here or there--I usually have to read the first book in the series and if it grabs me then I order the rest.



4. Have you read the whole collection? If not, why not? Yes for Laurell Hamilton, JKRowling, and Chris Paolini. No, for Terry Goodkind and Sherrilyn Kenyon(I have read all of her Dark Hunter books but none of her other works). I also don't usually read the short stories some of these authors publish in compilation type books.

Stashalong--Week 8 of 13

Stashalongers:pat yourselves on the back--you are more than halfway done with this torturous marathon that is Stashalong :) March is just around the corner and you can see the end(seriously--it's that little dot of yarny goodness on the horizon!).

Now onto a moment of silence for three of our number who have been called to that horizon a little early. The siren call of yummy yarn is just too much to resist sometimes. Thanks for playing along for as long as you could:
Liz
Mary
Michelle

Onto our Week 8 updates:

Kim: What have I accomplished this week? Well, I deleted half my template the other night---in a colossal accident--and spent 3+ hours getting it back to what you see right now. If your link is messed up let me know. I'll gradually be getting my buttons back up. You want to know what I accomplished knitting wise, right? I finished Little Diva's sweater and I finished the colored part of my sweetheart hat(now I just need to finish the lining). I picked out my first project for Project Spectrum--I'm really excited about it and I can't wait to start. I think that April will be the hardest month for me as I don't like yellow or orange.

Little Diva's Sweater--DONE

Sweetheart Hat--getting there

Amanda: got some giftie yarn, finished her square dance socks, finished 4 squares on her WTW project(which has almost depleted her yellow yarn stash--hurray!), and check out her finished book list--impressive!

Andrea: still working on her afghan and is working on some socks.

Ann: is working on a Hogwarts felted hat.

Brianne: is working on a couple of pairs of socks and got a darling quilt.

Chris: is making Olympic progress, got Chaos a girlfriend :) and got some prize yarn.

Cynthia: has been placed on the Knitting Olympics IR(feel better!), finished her scarf exchange mittens, and is 8 rows into Lady Elenor.

Deena: is slowly but surely making progress on her Olympic knitting :)

Eliza: did some felting, is almost done with a pair of socks, finished some socks, is working on the Shetland Triangle(but will it turn into something else?0, and is starting some Kool Aid Jaywalkers.

Eva: nothing to report.

Hanne: is having major problems with a cardi she is working on--hopefully things look up soon!

Hayley: nothing to report.

Jerry: is working on a lovely Olympic Clapotis, got some yarn on the free day, is going to knit some Lorna's Laces socks for her sock pal, and is going to work on a Fair Isle sweater.

Joanne: is moving along on her Olympic sweater and attended the Madrona Fiber Arts Knitting Retreat--go to her blog and check out her recap of the trip!

Justsewcrafty: got some yarn on the free day and is making Olympic progress :)

K: finished the fronts on the vest she's knitting(it looks great!), is at the very beginnings of her Trellis lace scarf(great color!), got some yarn on the free day, and is working on a horseshoe lace scarf.

Kat: showed off her sock stash, is going to change up her Olympic knitting, and is working on a sock.

Kate: nothing to report.

Katie: got her shoes for her knitting project and added some new markers to her shop!

Lauren: spun some gorgeous yarn and worked on Jessica.

Margene: is working on Gloria and Rosarie(in which she cut the steek this week--scary!), will be starting Cutaway, is working on some socks for her sock pal, and got some Valentine's giftie yarn!

Marina: finished Larstorp, finished Baltic, is working on Roscalie, and got a lovely giftie.

Nicola: got some unloved sock yarn in a swap and finished another altered puzzle piece.

Norma: attended a yarn swap this weekend and got some goodies for her charity knitting, finished two more hats, and flashed her Dulaan donation basket(impressive).

Procrastiknitter: is moving along with her Olympic Knitting.

Ramona: finished some Jaywalkers and got some loot on the free day.

Ronda: nothing to report.

Ruth: is working on her Olympic Aran and is working on some clearly uncooperative Jaywalkers.

Stephanie: Happy Belated Birthday! She got some great stuff on our free day, is working on some socks on circs(I so want to learn that), is working on her charity blanket, and she got some nice gifties.

Susan: is working on the "bag that must not be named" and has a free pattern available at KnitPicks.

Tam: has life intruding on her knitting time(don't ya hate it when that happens).

Teri: finished some more gauntlets and formed a new knitting group.

Theresa: got some secret stuff on our free day and is very absorbed in Olympic Knitting and extracurricular events :). She also finished some socks for her Dad.

Tracy: is working on Rosmarkie and finished a sock.

Valerie: got two great packages and is working on her Olympic scarf.

Wanda: opted out of the Knitting Olympics but remains true to Team Colorado!

Wendy: got some great stuff on our free day.

Winnie: finished her first pair of socks(hurray!).

The Verdict, SBQ, and Booking Through Thursday

Thanks for all your well wishes and good thoughts--I think Hanne is right, maybe this yarn diet is giving me high blood pressure ;)

The Verdict: Okay, my BP is down a little from Tuesday, but not enough so the doctor wants me on meds. Here's my problem with that, I think that I should be able to try diet, exercise, and monitoring of my BP for at least a month before I start taking these pills which have a TON of negative side effects. I bought a monitor yesterday while I was getting my prescription filled and I took my BP last night and this morning--both times where significantly lower than they were in the office(systolic was down 30 points, diostolic was down 20)--putting me in the prehypertension range rather than the Stage 2 hypertension range. There is a condition called "white coat hypertension" where people get so stressed about the doctor that their BP skyrockets during office visits--I can totally see that as a potential problem of mine--I get stressed just thinking about going to the doctor.

I still have major questions about these meds and I plan on calling him on Tuesday with them--until that time I'm not taking them. He told me that people sometimes have high BP for years before they are diagnosed, this is my first instance with it so I think I am justified on taking a little time without meds. Anyhoo, that's where I am at with that.


Today's SBQ was suggested by Heather
(http://www.stitchsci.blogspot.com/) and is:

Comment on your comments (giving and receiving):
Do you love comments or hate them? I love getting comments.

Do you check them every day, never check them, or find them helpful? I check them everyday and they are usually very helpful and inspirational. I don't usually check back to blogs I have left comments on--I am not really sure of the etiquette on that. I guess I don't feel it's my business to read what others have said(although I do skim through the comments left before mine) and usually if the person has a reply to what I have said they get back to me.

And finally, are you convinced no one is reading your blog if you don't get any? No, sometimes I figure that no one has an opinion on something I have written. Sometimes a post isn't really geared toward comments--you read it and move on. Also, I figure that most people are like me and if they don't have anything to say they don't comment. I don't agree with commenting just for the sake of leaving a comment.

Booking Through Thursday

This week's question, suggested by Jeanne, is here by popular demand. Thank you, ladies!

1. What is the most beautiful book you own? "A Gathering of Lace" and "The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe"


2. In what way is it beautiful? Is it the illustrations, the binding, a combination of these, or something else? I think the pictures in "Gathering" are beautiful--I never get tired of looking at all the beautiful lace designs. Poe has nice binding and looks very formal.


3. How often do you look at it, browse through it, read it? I look through "Gathering" all the time--hoping for inspiration. Poe I bring out when I want to study something.

This and That

This is just a potpourri of junk swirling through my head--not really knitting and stitching oriented(just so you know). It helps me to clear my head if I put it in writing somewhere--weird, but it's always been the case.

My avatar will be returning from her beach vacation shortly as she has succeeded in her mission. Ronan has, in fact, made himself a player in my Nano '05 piece--I think he's a good guy(mostly) but he could go either way. Now I just need to keep the momentum going.

I am in the middle of a knitting and stitching mini-slump. I just feel really "blah" lately. I need at least 6 more hours in the day (and a vacation to a tropical beach--no, I'm not letting that one go) and some new super form of caffeine.

I am in the process of putting the finishing touches on my resume and next month I will begin filling out online applications for teaching jobs. Hopefully in May and June I will be interviewing and getting hired somewhere. I really miss teaching but I don't miss the process of getting a job. Plus after 6 years at home I sort of second guess myself and my abilities--even though I have kept up with my field through journals and writing practice lessons/units.

I really should try and get a job in the district Little Diva attends(even though their pay stinks and is in no way compatible with the cost of living), because her teacher is absent at least once a week. All I can figure is that they must have a very liberal absentee policy for teachers--she even took a few days off to go on vacation. I'm not sure how much things have changed since I taught in that respect, but I always felt that as a teacher you have enough built in time off and aside from illness(of yourself or a child) and the occasional mental health day(once a semester) you really shouldn't be blowing off work. Plus if I had ever exceeded my built in leave time my pay was docked for each day absent not to mention how bad it looks to administration if you are never there.

Guess what I did yesterday? Did I buy yarn? Nope. I spent my Valentine's Day having my annual exam. Woohoo--good times, good times. I don't know what I was thinking when I scheduled that one. And even more exciting is that apparently I have high blood pressure or at least I did yesterday SO I get to go to another doctor on Friday. I am kind of freaked out about that, especially since they made it sound like I would drop dead if I didn't see a doctor this week. Do you think that stress and a boatload of caffeine yesterday morning could have contributed to the high reading yesterday? I'm hoping so because I feel fine.

Stashalong--week 7 of 13

Happy Valentine's Day!! Stashalongers--enjoy your 24 hours of freedom--back to reality tomorrow :)

Knitting Olympians--go, go, GO!

e has left Stashalong.

This weeks update:

Kim: Not a lot of knitting done here this week. I finished one sleeve on Little Diva's sweater and I finished another repeat on the Sweetheart Hat.

Progress 2/14

Amanda: finished a tote(she sewed it by hand!), finished 10 squares in her WTW project, finished a sock, and a KTC square. She has also declared this the year of the square.

Andrea: nothing to report.

Ann: made a felted trivet, joined the Knitting Olympics, and is starting a Hogwarts hat.

Brianne: met 4 of 5 January stitching goals, set 6 goals for February, and got a Secret Pal package.

Chris: has been a victim of some Knitting Olympics sabotage but has made significant progress none the less, attended a cat filled Opening Ceremonies Knitogether, finished two scarves and some socks.

Cynthia: received an interview at BC for one of her doctoral programs--congrats!! She finished her scarf exchange scarf, got a secret pal package, and is finishing a mitten.

Deena: put up the pattern for her Mohair Dreams scarf, picked her knitting Olympic project, her first teaching experience went well, and she's working on finishing some WIPs.


Eliza: lives with a kitty with a taste for Koigu and had a great post about knitblogging.

Eva: made two mittens with some Lorna's Laces--wow! She is also making some socks and began training for her Olympic piece.

Hanne: her husband went on a business trip and bought her some awesome stuff--I don't think my husband could even find a yarn shop, let alone pick anything out.

Hayley: nothing to report.

Jerry: finished the Irish Hiking Scarf, showed off her knitting space, and is making Clapotis.

Joanne: is on a knitting retreat(will she crack and buy yarn), wound her yarn for her Olympic project, and got her shawl problems straightened out.

Justsewcrafty: CORRECTION: Olympic Knitting--a leaf lace shawl from stash. Sorry :)

K: designed a scarf and finished it, the vest is moving along, is working on a cashmere mini clapotis(oooooh, I can't wait to see that!).

Kat: has her Olympic project ready to go and has (rightfully) blasted NBC for its Olympic coverage(I totally agree with what you said).

Kate: nothing to report.

Katie: got a gift certificate from her SP7, worked on Shamus(great color), finished a scarf, and has a yummy cupcake pic posted(see her blog for the whole story).

Lauren: finished a hat, finished some pulse warmers, started a Team Utah for the Knitting Olympics(cool jello button), started her Olympic Knitting, and took a spinning class.

Liz: finished some Jaywalkers, is designing a sweater for a class she's teaching, is working a sweater for her Bean, and knitting for work.

Margene: finished a bag, started some socks, worked on Rosarie, worked on Gloria, finished some socks, and took a class with Melissa Leapman, and got some contest winner yarn.

Marina: working on her UFOlympics pieces, planning her shopping list, and got a very nice giftie.

Mary: is working on a darling baby blanket and a tea cozy(it's coming along really well), and she showed off her knitting space.

Michelle: is becoming buried in the big and cozy afghan(good thing it's been kind of cool out) and unraveled Hot Lava.

Nicola: turned a sock pattern into a Christmas stocking(very clever), worked on the mitered blanket, is working on a pair of socks, finished December Rose, and make sure you go and check out her altered puzzle pieces(too cool).

Norma: finished a scarf and made a hat.

Procrastiknitter: knit some darling alligator mittens and is working on her Olympic piece(which she is designing as she goes along).

Ramona: I think she's working on Jaywalkers--or fighting them, not too sure.

Ronda: still doing her craft fair knitting.

Ruth: is working on her Olympic knitting and Clapotis. I hope your little one is feeling better.
She also won some yarn!

Stephanie: is organizing a KTC blanket for WTW :)

Susan: is working on her donation blanket and found a name for her new scarf.

Tam: started her Olympic project(very pretty).

Teri: is working on her "enjoy the process" project and finished some gauntlets.

Theresa: had an Olympic weekend(looks like it was lots of fun!), finished winter folly, finished some socks, finished the hat that matches the CiT sweater.

Tracy: finished the Kidsilk night stole and is working on some socks.

Valerie: got some great SP7 stuff and started her Olympic Knitting--Go Team NY!!

Wanda: finished her Marilyn cardi, finished her cabled scarf(great colors), finished some socks, and passed her second test(congrats!! what a load off your mind).

Wendy: nothing to report.

Winnie: is working on socks

Booking Through Thursday

1. How many books do you usually take with you on vacation? Too many? Too few? Do you still have room to pack clothes? Usually one and I usually don't have room to pack clothes but that is because my suitcase is usually full of knitting and stitching stuff.


2. What kind of books do you read on vacation? Whatever I happen to be reading at the time.


3. Do you read the same kind of books when you're on vacation as when you're at home? I read much more when I'm at home. When I am on vacation I usually don't get to read at all because I'm too busy "vacationing". With two little kids you can't really get absorbed in a book while you are on the beach and if we are at Grandma's it's more fun to visit than ignore everyone and read.

Today's SBQ was suggested by Nancy
(http://crossesnkisses.blogspot.com/) and is:

Describe your "perfect" project. (Include the designer or specific
pattern, the fabric, the floss, and anything else that would make that
project "perfect" for you.)

Honestly, I don't think I have a "perfect" project. I think that what I am working on right now could be in contention for a perfect project(HAED Arwen and Aragorn and Storykeeper). I really love HAED designs--if you can't find a perfect project there I don't think you'll find one, except maybe a Chatelaine design. I like projects that are challenging(lots of detail) but not frustrating/infuriating(lots of blended colors, backstitching, and confetti). In a perfect world I'd like them to stitch up quickly, but usually the more I like it the longer it's going to take to stitch. You know what would make a project perfect for me--fabric cut to size and then serged around the outside to prevent fraying. I don't have a sewing machine so this is always a problem for me. I use fray check but that doesn't usually hold up over the long haul.

Meme and such

I changed my avatar and let me tell you why(if you care to know). I want a vacation--to a beach. No, I NEED a vacation--to a tropical beach. But that is not going to happen in the near future, so I'm sending my avatar on one. She is waiting for Ronan to show up. He is an important character in my Nano 2005 novel--125+ pages and 61000 words into the novel and he still has not made an appearance although I have finally reached the point where he needs to. Why hasn't he? Because I cannot figure out the best way to introduce him. SO he needs to show up and explain to my avatar what his deal is. How insane does that sound? Insane, probably, but necessary none the less as the story can go no further at this point until he does.

Moving on:

I was tagged by Kim1 for this one.

Instructions: Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot.

Knitorious
Woman Obsessed
strange little mama
Chef Messy
Knitter in Progress

What were you doing 10 years ago?
I was still single! I was still in New York. I was in a job that I didn't like and I was interviewing for out of state jobs(one of the BEST decisions I EVER made by the way). I was hired in Fort Worth in March and moved there in the summer of '96. My money went two places: bills and me--sometimes I long for those days.

What were you doing 1 year ago?
We had just put our house in Utah on the market. I was there with the kiddos and DH was here in Colorado. I was enjoying the time I had left in the beautiful state of Utah and I was enjoying the time I had left with my friends there. I'm still pissed that we sold our house there.

What were you doing 1 hour ago?
Making beds and breakfast.

List five creative things you want to achieve this year:
1. I want to finish a HAED design.
2. I want to try to design something.
3. I want to brush up on my literacy assessment skills and come up with an assessment to use in the classroom which is actually applicable to real life.(Sorry you asked, aren't you?)
4. I want to finish my Nanowrimo 2005 novel.
5. I want to finish Nanowrimo 2006 in November.

List five snacks you enjoy:
1. Triscuits and cheese
2. Green olives
3. Sushi
4. Red Velvet Cake(there's some in the fridge right now)
5. Twinkies(it's my ultimate PMS food)

List five things you would do if money were no object:
1. I would have a house in Hawaii.
2. I would spend one month of the year in Walt Disney World and I would take my entire extended family.
3. I would have a house(or houses) in any other state that struck my fancy.
4. I would spend most of my time knitting or stitching(preferably within view of the ocean) and I would organize some knitogethers for my knitting friends(virtual and real) in all sorts of places.
5. I would hire a cook and a housekeeper(in all my houses LOL).

List five bad habits:
1. I tend to swear more than I should.
2. I am prone to road rage--although it's not as bad since I have kids.
3. I hold a grudge--forever.
4. I don't eat the way I should.
5. I am a procrastinator.

List five things you like doing:
1. Going on vacation(to a beach).
2. Watching my kiddos grow up.
3. Knitting and stitching
4. Reading and writing
5. Exercising(when I have the time anyway)--it keeps me level headed.

List five favorite gadgets:
1. my iPOD
2. the DVR
3. my cell phone
4. my computer
5. the compact disc(I don't know if it's a gadget, but it's something I can't live without)

Name one thing you like about yourself:

I am a good mother(most of the time anyway)

Tagged: Andrea and anyone else who wants to join in--any takers?

Stashalong--Week 6 of 13

**Free day: midnight to midnight on February 14, 2006**

Jenny, an unofficial Stashalonger, deserves mention here for her very cool HP Unity blanket. Very clever idea and I can't wait to see the finished product.

And speaking of Harry Potter, Goblet of Fire comes out on DVD next month--Hurray!!!!!

WARNING:
Stashalong has been hit with an as yet to be named illness.
Symptoms: an overwhelming urge to buy yarn and an inability to stop yourself.
Be on your guard ladies--it could possibly reach epidemic proportions :)
We have lost three more members this week.
Jaya has succumbed to the lure of Noro(I think we have all been there).
Marlana: has fallen off the Stashalong wagon as well--another one bites the dust.
Shara: fell off the Stashalong wagon as well.

On to the update:

Kim: I finished the body of Little Diva's sweater and I love the Knitting Pure and Simple Pattern I'm using for her sweater--top down knitting is so much fun and it's perfect TV knitting as it's all stockinette. Hopefully, I'll finish Little Diva's sweater by next week and maybe I'll be motivated to put Little Rage's sweater together as it has been knit for a few weeks now.


Little Diva's Topdown Raglan


Storykeeper progress

I also stitched on Storykeeper. People are always asking me about the size. That square next to the quarter is what I did on Saturday. It's 400 stitches and it took about 3 hours--stitching is so not an instant gratification hobby. The threads you see hanging beneath the finished stitches are "parked" threads--I stop the color I'm using in the next square it will be used then move on to the next color in the 20x20 stitch block I'm working on. Otherwise I would have to keep starting and stopping threads which would pretty much double my stitching time.


Amanda: has finished her Rumba socks and some leg warmers, is going to be starting some "red hot socks" and another pair as well, is continuing her WTW project.

Andrea: has a long queue of objects on deck but is currently working on feather and fan socks.

Ann: is starting Vinter Lue which will use yarn as well as fabric stash! She also finished an itty bitty bear(it's smaller than a matchbox car!), got some vintage books/magazines, and finished a baby cardigan.

Brianne: has finished two scarves, has almost finished a purse, is making a prayer shawl, and a baby sweater.

Chris: got some yarn swap stuff and worked on her Jaywalkers. Hopefully, she's feeling better.

Cynthia: has chosen her Olympic pattern and needs to work on her scarf exchange project.

Deena: made some very cool team California buttons for the Olympics and has been working on more of her knitted bags--they look great--what a great gift! And a special congrats as she is teaching her first class on these very same bags.

e: nothing to report.

Eliza: finished two socks, but not a pair.

Eva: is making some changes on her blog.

Hanne: has a story about her stolen car that is right out of a movie!

Hayley: got two pairs of socks done. Send some prayers her way as her Mom has just had an operation.

Jerry: made a word cloud(I like hers better than the one I did).

Joanne: had to rip her shawl(I would freak out if I had to rip lace) and then try and pick up stitches.

Justsewcrafty: finished a felted slipper, finished a dishcloth, is contemplating a tea cozy, and is moving her blog!

K: finished some socks, is working on a beautiful baby blanket and a scarf, and showed off some great pics of a vest she's designing.

Kat: will be participating in team Boston's Opening Ceremonies party--cool!

Kate: finished a pair of knitted clogs and is gearing up for the Olympic Knitting madness! She also worked on a baby blanket and cast on a Jaywalker sock.

Katie: worked on Shamus, found some good stuff in MagKnits this month(me too--love the knitted sushi!), finished an HP bookscarf, and made a bunch of super cute sheep stitch markers!

Lauren: finished a couple of scarves, is almost finished with a lunch bag, and started second Jaywalker.

Liz: finished Pipkin, is working on Log Cabin socks and Jaywalkers.

Margene: is working on some secret bag knitting, won two contests, swatched for Gloria, got some gorgeous trekking xxl in an exchange, and has been tempted by some yummy yarn--hang in there--next week you can shop :)

Marina: has started Grant Avenue as a pullover and finished Russian River--check both out, they are lovely.

Mary: sees her impending doom with Stashalong when she attends Stitches West(I don't even think Superman could resist buying something there), is working on her tea cozy, started a baby blanket, and finished some socks.

Michelle: used a gift certificate to get yarn to make a wrap for her wedding :) and is still plugging away on the afghan.

Nicola: finished one sock and is working on its twin.

Norma: finished three Dulaan Hats, is making some orange feather and fan socks, is making a Dulaan scarf, and got some nice gifties.

Procrastiknitter: got a cool bird cage(and a great deal)and is working on a feather and fan afghan.

Ramona: is working on some Jaywalkers(one done, one to go).

Ronda: is still working on felted bags for a craft show.

Ruth: finished a scarf and a hat and had the worst day ever--man, I feel for you.

Stephanie: finished her Alien scarf---I love it!! And she finished her first pair of socks.

Susan: is working on a new scarf pattern(looks stunning so far) and recycled some sweater yarn this week--great idea, now I need to go in search of bargains!

Tam: is working on a Gioia scarf and is grappling with the product vs. process knitter question.

Teri: finished some gauntlets and cast on another set.

Theresa: worked on Winter Folly in sunny Florida.

Tracy: finished Martha and received a lovely ROAK.

Valerie: is working on a project linus blanket and made a team NY button for the Olympics.

Wanda: passed her big test--Hurray!, finished Spork's body, finished a cable scarf, completed the Fair Isle in Fair Isle Jazz, and worked on her i-cord gloves.

Wendy: finished her first sock and is halfway done with an HP scarf.

Winnie: started some socks, worked on her sweetheart sweater, and worked on To Dye For.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

First, let me just say:
GO STEELERS--5 BABY!!

Kid stuff to follow--I won't be offended if you don't read it.

Okay, moving on.

Twice over the weekend when DH was getting him juice, Little Rage would take the juice and say, "So long, Sucka!" Then proceed to walk out of the room chugging the juice. What is that?!?!?! I don't think that phrase has ever left my mouth or DH's for that matter. The boy is 3--I think I'm in big trouble. I won't even go into some of the words he repeated that he heard me yelling during the game--bad Mommy is all I have to say in my defense.

Little Diva was sick this weekend--fever and cough. I had to go to Target and get some Tylenol Cold and Cough. Here's the thing, when did you start having to go to the pharmacy to get children's cold medicine? Not only did I have to go to the pharmacy to get it but I also had to present ID which the pharmacist then entered into the computer. Apparently, cold medicine is an ingredient in Meth or something--I guess I need to brush up on my illegal substances.

Little Diva spent the weekend producing large amounts of art. I should consider using her work for Project Spectrum. She drew DH a very well endowed mermaid. We asked what it was(sometimes it's hard to tell). She said, "That's me as a mermaid."
I thought to myself WOW--I don't know whose genes she has but mine certainly won't produce a figure like that.

Kids crack me up.

Music Meme

I was indirectly tagged for this by Cara(who tagged everyone) and Margene who had an addendum tagging all Kims and I was directly tagged by Teri. So here goes:

List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to.

1. Animals--Nickelback
I love the lyrics to this one--reminds me of wilder times in my own life.
2. Remedy--Seether
Great beat--good for road rage driving.
3. Black--Sarah McLachlan
Actually one of the more mellow songs I listen to.
4. Dragula--Rob Zombie
Rob Zombie--how would you like to bring him home to Mom and Dad?
5. Where is Everybody--Nine Inch Nails
Ah, Saint Trent, really all seven of these songs could be Nine Inch Nails
songs that is what I listen to 90% of the time.
6. The Beautiful People--Marilyn Manson
See the Rob Zombie comment(#4) it applies here as well. I have actually
loved this song since the first time I heard it back when it came out.
7. Going Insane--Warp Brothers
You don't really need the lyrics to this one--it's house music.
It's my favorite song to workout to.

I'll tag whomever wants to join in.

A Bloggers (Silent) Poetry Reading

A Bloggers (Silent) Poetry Reading

A Dream Within A Dream

Poem by Edgar Allen Poe (1827)

Take this kiss upon the brow!
And, in parting from you now,
Thus much let me avow-
You are not wrong, who deem
That my days have been a dream;
Yet if hope has flown away
In a night, or in a day,
In a vision, or in none,
Is it therefore the less gone?
All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream.
I stand amid the roar
Of a surf-tormented shore,
And I hold within my hand
Grains of the golden sand-
How few! yet how they creep
Through my fingers to the deep,
While I weep- while I weep!
O God! can I not grasp
Them with a tighter clasp?
O God! can I not save
One from the pitiless wave?
Is all that we see or seem
But a dream within a dream?

SBQ and Booking Through Thursday

This week's SBQ was inspired by my visit with Dawn and is:
With the exception of your online stitching friends, do you have any
other stitching buddies?

As corny as this will sound, my Mom is one of my best stitching buddies. Although we live across the country from each other we still cheer each other on through our projects. Currently she's working on Blueberry Homecoming from Told in a Garden--I bought her all the stuff for it one Christmas. She thinks I'm insane for even attempting a HAED design, but that doesn't stop her from asking for progress pictures :) I would love to find someone here to stitch with in person. I enjoy knitting with others and I think stitching together would be great too. My only criteria is that they also have to be stitching a Big A** Project--it would be infuriating to me to watch someone finish countless Christmas ornaments while I'm plugging along on my 60+ pages of Arwen and Aragorn--but that's just me.


Booking Through Thursday

This week's questions brought to you by Deb, reader extraordinaire. Thank you, Deb.

1. Do you lend your books to other people? Rarely, it depends on the book. I'll lend out all of the Oprah book club books I have read, but none of the ones that really mean something to me--like Laurell Hamilton's Merry Gentry series(which I have autographed), LH's Anita Blake, and JKR's Harry Potter.


2. If so, do you get them back? I usually get them back, but I make it a habit to only lend out books that I don't care if I get them back.


3. What do you do if they're not returned? Send the police? Stop speaking to the borrower? Storm the house and take them back? If it was a really important book to me I would go and get it back and probably never lend that person anything again--this is why I don't lend out my favorite books--if I really want someone to read it I'll buy them their own copy.