Lorelei's Mom Blogs

Wow, it's been a while

2008-05-07T13:43:00.002-05:00

So it looks like I've neglected the poor blog for almost two months. So, what's been going on?
Just in time for Random Wednesday - bullets!

I had a birthday.
I got a promotion. Basically, same job, just more work and more money. And I'll be a supervisor once they replace my old position.
Lorelei's almost potty-trained. It's taken a lot longer than I thought it would, but I'm finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Sheep and Wool! Lorelei and I went to MDS&W on Saturday. I didn't buy much, but we did see a lot of sheep, caught a glimpse of a couple of bloggers, as well as Casey (who my friends claim had some tequila on him).
I started a shawl that I had hoped to finish by last weekend. Yup - didn't make it. Getting close though. It's the Diamond Fantasy Shawl in Lisa Souza Sock! Merino, Violet's PInk Ribbon.
I think I finished some socks. The Perfect Sweater is still "in progress" but I haven't touched it in at least a month.
Lorelei and I are going to Disney in June. She's been in a Princess phase for months now, so I expect that she will totally love Disney.

My Name

2008-03-19T15:15:00.000-05:00

What Patricia Means

You are influential and persuasive. You tend to have a lot of power over people.

Generally, you use your powers for good. You excel at solving other people's problems.

Occasionally, you do get a little selfish and persuade people to do things that are only in your interest.

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic "Type A" personality.

You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.

You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.

You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.

You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.

You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.

You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.

You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.

You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.

You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.

You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.

A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Weekend Wrapup

2008-02-25T14:28:00.003-05:00

Oscars! - The Oscars were Lorelei's dad's favorite night of the year (because he was a huge movie dork), so of course I stayed up to watch the entire thing. It wasn't that late, but apparently I'm an old lady because I have really been dragging today. Anyway, I found the show a little boring, which I guess is to be expected since the writers only had two weeks to work on it. I didn't really care about many of the nominees or winners, I really liked the songs from Enchanted - I may need to see the movie, George Clooney looked good as usual, and I want to be Helen Mirren when I grow up - she's just so pretty and glamorous.

I finished some Lorelei socks. She had requested some "red socks" but when we looked at the stash she was unhappy with the selection of reds and picked some black/white yarn. So I present "Lorelei's black socks."

Yes, they're pretty plain, but I'm really happy at the way they turned out.

I started a pair of monkeys. I've already finished the first two repeats. I'm using some yummy etsy yarn that my friends bought for me - the colorway is Chocolate Cherry Truffle.
Lost = GREAT!
SNL - I actually thought it was funny for a change. Maybe that was because Tina Fey was back. The show hasn't been the same since she left.

Random Thursday

2008-02-21T10:21:00.004-05:00

I really meant to post yesterday, but as usual time got away from me.
Lorelei and I have been sick the last couple of weeks. Lorelei just finished up the anitbiotics for her double ear infection this morning and I'm almost back to normal after my cold.

FOs! - I got a little distracted by the sickness and Vday and I forgot to post pics of my FOs. First , Hedera. I LOVE these socks - the pattern is pretty, the fit is perfect, the old school KP Essentials is nice (the new Essentials is nicer, but this old stuff is still good), the color is perfect. But the pattern is so fiddly that I don't think I'll make these again. (Go to flickr to see other pics)

Next, the dishcloth from heck. I'd been planning on making this pattern for a while, I thought it was interesting and was just waiting for the right yarn. Turns out I HATE this pattern and will NEVER do it again. I only finished it because it was easier to just finish it. The yarn is still pretty and it's a dishcloth so it will get used.

Last week was my first Valentine's Day alone in at least 11 years. Not much fun.
The writer's strike is over. Yeah! New episodes in April, just in time for my birthday.
I'm loving the new season of Lost. The flash forwards are adding some excitement back into Lost.
Lorelei went ice skating for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Though it was mostly "Lorelei wore skates and made the adults push/drag her around the rink." She had a good time though and next time might actually try to skate by herself.

I have skillz!

2008-02-07T10:05:00.000-05:00

Your English Skills:

Grammar: 100%
Punctuation: 100%
Spelling: 80%
Vocabulary: 80%

Does Your English Cut the Mustard?

Belated Random Wednesday

2008-02-06T14:34:00.000-05:00

Late and short this week, but at least it's something.

Sawyer says my nickname is Munchkin.

The SuperBowl was great this year. I was so glad that the cheaters didn't win and that the Dolphins continue to have the only perfect season in NFL history.

I have some FOs. I'll save the pictures for Friday, but I finally finished my Hedera socks. I wore these already and they are my favorite socks now. The pattern was kind of a pain, but I LOVE the way they look and feel. I also finished a dishcloth. It ended up being a stitch pattern that hate, but at least it was a dishcloth and not a pair of socks (I actually printed a sock pattern that uses the same stitch - I won't be making those ever).

I got them all on the 2nd try!

2008-02-06T09:11:00.000-05:00

In 3m 57s

Click here to Play

Random Wednesday

2008-01-23T09:10:00.000-05:00

There's nothing like a random Wednesday to get me back into the blogging mood.

I loved Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You. His daughter is close to Lorelei's age, so it's a little creepy how this mirrors my life right now (except that Lorelei's dad and I weren't separated).
Oscar nominations came out yesterday. Gabe was a big movie nut - the Oscars and the World Series were the biggest events of his year. So it's a little hard for me to get excited about the Oscars now that he's gone.
Fabio - this article is hilarious.
I'm still knitting. I just haven't finished anything in a while. I'm at the heel flap of my second Hedera sock (still LOVE them). I've also finished about 8 inches of the front of my Perfect Sweater (the back and both sleeves are already completed). I may actually have to sew up my sweater soon - the sewing up doesn't seem too bad, but knitting the neckband is a little scary. Also, some of my work friends bought me some yummy Chocolate Cherry truffle yarn from SunnysideEllen.etsy.com that I think is destined for some Monkeys. Why yes, I am the last person on the face of the earth to decide to knit some Monkey socks.
I'm very excited about Lost starting next week. I can only watch so much Law & Order before I need something else. I'm hopeful that the writer's strike will be over soon.

9 years

2008-01-16T08:06:00.000-05:00

Today would have been my 9th wedding anniversary.

Would have been if Lorelei's Dad hadn't passed away two weeks ago.

At the age of 33. Too young to die in your sleep.

2007 Knitting Summary

2008-01-01T17:41:00.000-05:00

37 completed Knitting projects

12 Baby items (including hats, bibs, booties, and mittens)
7 pairs of socks - 6 adult, 1 Lorelei
5 hats (not baby-sized)
5 dishcloths
5 scarves - 3 Branching Out, 1 Lorelei scarf, and 1 for me
1 sweater - Lorelei's wallaby
2 misc - Fetching and Cozy

Happy 2008!

FO Parade

2007-12-31T09:39:00.000-05:00

I've been busy with Christmas knitting so here are some FOs that I neglected to post.

Here's a scarf I made for Lorelei. Not really a Christmas present, but I did give it to her on Christmas eve (because that's when I finished it). I made a modified Palindrome scarf (I took out one of the able repeats to make it Lorelei-sized) using some red Plymouth Encore left over from Lorelei's wallaby.

Here is an unoriginal hat using some WOTA bulky hand-dyed (Redwood Forest?). I didn't have large enough DPNs, so the hat turned out a little tight, but I've been wearing it anyway because it's so pretty.
This is a last-minute purled beret that I originally started for Lorelei's cousin but I didn't have enough yarn so the finished size was too small for the cousin, but fine for Lorelei. After I realized it would be too small, I ordered more yarn and made another, larger one (this one I left knit-side out instead of purl-side). In the end, I blocked the cousin's so much that it ended up being too big.

Hope you have a Happy New Year!

Weekend Wrapup

2007-12-17T12:53:00.001-05:00

Every Monday, I want to name my post "Weekend Update" and then I remember that's not what I call it. Maybe I've seen too much SNL.

The Dolphins finally won a game. I had been starting to get a little discouraged since it is so late in the season, but at least they won a game. Yeah!
Sad day - Dan Fogelberg died. Same Old Lang Syne (aka the grocery store song) is one of my favorites. I'm always amused that this is considered Christmas music - unhappy people running into old loves. Not the cheeriest of songs, but I love it anyway.
The writers strike is still going strong. There's rarely new tv episodes in December anyway, but I'm worried that I'll have nothing to watch when Jan. starts. The new reality shows look ever worse than the old ones. Thank goodness for tv on DVD - I can watch my favorite shows over and over while I wait for new content.
We finally ordered Lorelei a twin-size mattress (we converted her crib to a toddler bed a while ago. I'm tired of the crib sheets, it will be much easier to buy new sheets when I can go to any store that sells bedding (Target, Macy's, BB&B).
OTN - I'm working on another purple hat (the first one I made for my niece was too small because I ran out of yarn, so I gave it to Lorelei). I finished the first Hedera sock, I'm about half finished with a new scarf for Lorelei, and one of these days I will finally finish the second sleeve of the perfect sweater. After Christmas, I'm going to work hard to finish the sweater - I'm ready for it to be over and it would be nice to be able to wear it this season.

Top 5: My favorite Christmas/Holiday movies

2007-12-13T11:34:00.000-05:00

In no particular order:

The Grinch - the old animated one, not the Jim Carrey thing.
White Christmas - a classic.
A Christmas Story - one of my favorites as a kid and I still try to watch it at least once a year (which is easy when one of the cable channels usually plays it continually for at least 24 hours). You'll shoot your eye out!
It's a Wonderful Life - I don't watch this every year, but I still love it.
When Harry Met Sally - One of my favorite movies of all time, and though not really a holiday movie, since the end takes place during a New year's party I always associate it with the holidays.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Shrek the Halls special this year. Lorelei giggled throughout the whole thing and I really liked how each of the characters had their own version of The Night Before Christmas.

You better watch out ...

2007-12-10T09:04:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I took Lorelei to see Santa for the first time. Her daycare had Santa visit on Saturday, so we were able to meet Santa in a nice, familiar setting. Which was good since Lorelei started shaking as soon as we walked in the room. After she saw one of the other kids talk to Santa, she calmed down and went to sit on his lap.

S: What do you want for Christmas?
Lorelei: Chocolate.

More Santa and birthday pictures at flickr.

What happened to my week?

2007-12-06T09:25:00.000-05:00

These last 7 days have been a little crazier than usual.

It all started with Lorelei's third birthday party. Actually it started with a visit from my parents and lots of time in the kitchen. I made a lasagna for the party as well as a cake, cupcakes, and blue frosting. In keeping with our Blue's Clues theme, I made a blue round cake with blue cupcakes to simulate a paw print (as seen in the Blue's birthday episode). [Photos will be added later, I'm pretty proud of that cake]

The party was good, though small. We only invited one of Lorelei's friends and her three local cousins. With friend's brother, there were 6 kids under 5 in my little house. More than enough.

Monday I took a day off work and wrapped presents. Santa is all ready to make an appearance at our house. BTW, Lorelei will have her first visit with Santa on Sat morning.

Yesterday, we had our first snow of the season. It was pretty, but it made the roads icy today.

All in all, a very busy week.

Random Thursday

2007-11-29T10:02:00.000-05:00

OOPS - I seem to have missed Wednesday. Not to mention Tuesday.

Hedera seems to be taking up my every waking moment (though of course, it's not. I have a job and a Lorelei and a house to get ready for a party.) I'm into the foot of the first sock and I love it more than I should. Especially since there are two rows where I knit row 1 instead of row 3. I'm not calling them design features. Features that will hopefully not be repeated for sock #2. The sleeve of my perfect sweater is starting to feel a little neglected. As are the Christmas hats/scarves/mittens that need to be knit.
Lorelei turns 3 on Monday. I'm convinced that the "Terrible Twos" are really the "Terrible Threes". The tantrums for no reason, the arguing just because, etc. are all starting to drive me insane. Thank goodness, she's so cute and smart. Otherwise, I don't know how I'd put up with it all. Last night Lorelei wanted pancakes for dinner. So I served pancakes and she screamed. Then she stopped screaming, ate, wanted more. I made more. She screamed. I ate the pancakes. Then she stopped screaming and got mad because I ate them. At least the pancakes were good.
My parents are visiting this weekend for Lorelei's party. It's Thursday and my house is still a mess.
I broke the carafe for my coffeemaker on Monday. It was so traumatic that I still haven't fully recovered. It doesn't help that my coffeemaker seems to be discontinued so I had to order a replacement carafe directly from the company and I don't think they've shipped it yet. Thank goodness that they sell Starbucks in my office building. I don't know what I'm going to do this weekend.
I know random posts are supposed to have at least 5 items, but I can't think of anymore right now.

Long Weekend Wrapup

2007-11-26T10:11:00.000-05:00

A long weekend off of work has turned into a long weekend away from the blog. NaBloPoMo seems to be falling apart, but I've posted over 20 times in a month (about a third of the entire year's postings).

We spent most of the weekend with my SIL, BIL, and Lorelei's cousins. Lots of playing, lots of screaming, and not enough napping.

I finished up my latest Branching out scarf (except for the blocking). I'm on the heel flap of the first hedera. The heel flap seems longer than normal (but what do I know, I usually do short row heels). Next up are some hats for the niece and nephews for Christmas. And a new scarf for Lorelei.

I can't wait to finish up these Christmas presents because next up is Adamas.

Random Wednesday

2007-11-21T18:37:00.000-05:00

It's the day before Thanksgiving. Let's see what's going on.

I worked from home today so that I could go to the Thanksgiving feast at Lorelei's preschool. There was actually a lot of food and pie.
Unfortunately, Lorelei decided that it was time to go home after we ate. So I didn't get to work much this afternoon.
Luckily, work was dismissed two hours early for Thanksgiving.
I got a lot of knitting done while Lorelei was taking a nap.
I'm almost to the heel of the first Hedera sock. I'm over half finished with my mom's Christmas present. Still working on sleeve #2 of the Perfect Sweater.

Have a Great Thanksgiving!

I admit it ...

2007-11-20T13:17:00.000-05:00

I missed a day of posting. And it's not even the holidays yet. Why would someone decide that November was a good month to write a novel, blog post, knit a sweater, etc. when it's a short month with one of the largest holidays of the year? I admit short months are good for blog posting, but for writing a novel and knitting a sweater wouldn't you want a month with an extra day?

I was hoping that this month of posting would help me to get a routine of posting started, help me find my "voice", and really rev up my little blog. I'm not sure it's helped. Also, I admit, I did not officially sign up for NaBloPoMo because I assumed I'd fail.

Anway, still knitting the same old stuff. Lorelei is still not potty-trained. I'm not traveling for Thanksgiving. Same old, same old.

Sunday is quiz day

2007-11-18T21:21:00.000-05:00

Your Karaoke Theme Song is "Margaritaville"

You are a true party animal, but your style is mild and chill.

Kicking back with a few friends and a few drinks is all you need to be happy.

You certainly don't feel pressured to be a part of any party scene. In fact, you avoid trendier spots.

You've been known to kick loose anywhere and everywhere. All you need is a cooler.

You might also sing: "Gin and Juice," "Love Shack," and "Red Red Wine"

Stay away from people who sing: "Wind Beneath My Wings"

What's Your Karaoke Theme Song?

Lazy Saturday

2007-11-17T20:09:00.000-05:00

What did I do today?

Nothing.

What do I have to post about today?

Nothing.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Friday Current Events

2007-11-16T17:25:00.000-05:00

Barry Bonds got indicted. I'm really tired of hearing about Barry Bonds (he's getting up there with Britney). He just needs to retire and fade away into obscurity.
Britney has ADD? Why does that not surprise me.
Paige Davis is returning to Trading Spaces. I stopped watching shortly after she left the show, it just wasn't the same without her perkiness. I may start watching again after she comes back. Trading Spaces is responsible for my love of TLC, though lately I only watch What Not to Wear.
Today starts the Thanksgiving travel "season." I'm really glad that I always stay home at this time of year.
The WGA strike is still going on. We've seen the last episode of The Office for a while (I thought it was the best of the season so far). We're going to run out of my favorite shows soon. I'm going to be really upset if Big Brother and American Idol are the only shows on tv. Maybe the networks will start running reruns again. If I haven't seen it before, it's new to me!
Our poor Miami Dolphins are still big losers (0-9) and the cheaters are (9-0). What is wrong with this picture?

FO: Husband socks!

2007-11-15T20:16:00.000-05:00

Husband socks for Lorelei's dad. He picked out the yarn over a year ago at MS&W (Opal). He picked out the stitch pattern (stockinette foot, woven stitch leg). The woven stitch pattern was found in Sensational Knitted Socks. These fit him perfectly and I'm very happy with the way they turned out. Probably my best pair so far.

I finished these cozy wool socks just in time for cooler weather. He liked them so much that he put them on for the photos and didn't take them off for 24 hours.

More pictures in Flickr (click on the picture or the flickr button in the sidebar).

Random Wednesday

2007-11-14T21:55:00.000-05:00

It's almost 10pm and Lorelei is still not asleep. It's ruining all my evening plans. And I'm going to blame her for the late posting tonight.
My Lorelei is a completely different Lorelei than the Lorelei at preschool. The preschool Lorelei always listens, eats all her food, follows directions, and uses the potty. The home Lorelei does none of those things. I'm feeling distressed by this.
OTN: christmas present (Branching out) - repeat #2, sleeve # 2 of the perfect sweater, and 4 repeats of Hedera sock 1.
I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week. I'm really not ready for the holiday/birthday season. Lorelei's dad ordered his own birthday present today and I have some ideas for Lorelei. I also need to buy supplies for the party and deep clean my house. Yeah!
I swore to myself that I would send Christmas cards this year. Early. I need to get on that.
I just finished watching this week's Heroes. It fills in all the holes, but I'm feeling a little underwhelmed. I think I was expecting something more surprising.
Is it weird that I would really like to watch Sylar eat someone's brain?
I downloaded a bunch of podcasts last Friday. I finally put them all on my ipod, but I still haven't listened to any of them. I still haven't listened to the last epipsode of Lime and Violet.
I have come to the realization that I need more bags for my knitting. The plastic bag method really doesn't work well when I want to transport my knitting places. It also makes it hard to organize. Or maybe I just have too many projects OTN at once.
I've been knitting socially a lot lately. I've been meeting people at work for lunch almost ever day to knit. There have also been some weekend events. I'm very proud of myself for being so social.
Speaking of proud, it's day 14. That's almost half the month. Yeah, me!

Hedera

2007-11-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

I cast on Hedera yesterday. I've had the yarn in my stash for close to a year and a half (KnitPicks Essential in chocolatey brown). I've been eyeing the Hedera pattern for a while. I decided back in February that this yarn wanted to be Hedera. So the build up to this project has been long. I've completed a repeat and a half of the pattern.
Thoughts:

I love the look of this pattern.
I love the chocolately color of this yarn. These will be perfect for work - the majority of my work clothes are brown, tan, or look nice with brown. (that's an issue for another day)
I only have 1 and 1/2 repeats completed, but so far I really like the way this yarn looks with the pattern.
But man, this pattern is fiddly. If I wasn't totally in love with the end result, I would have ripped this out already.

Weekend Wrapup - Holiday edition

2007-11-12T18:38:00.000-05:00

I had a three-day weekend this week, so I've gotten a lot done.

I finished the Husband socks. Pictures to come soon. I hope he likes them as much as I do (he picked out the yarn and pattern) because they're a little too big for me.
I cast on a pair of Hedera. For me.
I started sleeve number 2 of the Perfect sweater.
Lorelei likes her wallaby so much that she's worn it two days in a row.
Lorelei and I visited with friends yesterday. I got some knitting done (and football watching) and Lorelei played with her best friend, Jonah. She was so sad when it was time to leave, she wanted to stay and sleep with her friend.
There was also a lot of cleaning and tv watching.

Sunday is quiz day

2007-11-11T10:56:00.000-05:00

Your Pilgrim Name Is

Faith Hopkins

What's Your Pilgrim Name?

Lazy Links

2007-11-10T16:45:00.000-05:00

In an effort to post when I have nothing to post about - Links I Like!

Knitting links (a very small selection of the blogs in my Bloglines):

The Yarn Harlot - I own three of her books, one which I got signed in September when she came to DC. Funny.
Wendy Knits (and Lucy) - Wendy and Lucy are practically my neighbors. Lots of socks.
Grumperina - creator of the Jaywalkers (of which I've made two pairs).
Crazy Aunt Purl - funny. The author of a new self-help book.
The Panopticon - Franklin and Dolores.

Mommy blogs:

TV!:

TV Guide's Michael Ausiello - all the important TV news and spoilers, though all of TV Guide online is great.
E!'s Kristin Dos Santos - more tv news and spoilers.
Televisionary - recaps, news, and opinions.
TVgasm - recaps and a tiny bit of news.
TV Squad - recaps and news.
Go Fug Yourself - not really TV specific, but it didn't fit in any of the other categories.

Enjoy your weekend!

Friday FO

2007-11-09T14:40:00.000-05:00

It is finished!!!

Lorelei's Wonderful Wallaby (size 4) made from Plymouth Encore worsted in Red.

It only took about half the yarn I bought for it, so I think I'll use the extra to make Lorelei a new scarf, maybe a new hat. This has to be the nicest acrylic blend I've ever used. It's very soft and nice to work with. This pattern is mostly stockinette, so it was a very quick knit (about 3 weeks).

Day 8

2007-11-08T11:43:00.000-05:00

It's official - I've posted every day for a week. It's a new record. Even if I don't make it through NaBloPoMo, I've got a new personal best.

It's been a rough week - first the time change, then the writers strike, Lorelei waking me up at 4:00 this morning. I'm really looking forward to my 3-day weekend.

Why is it that I have 20-million ideas for blog posts while I'm driving on the highway and exactly no ideas when I'm sitting at my desk in front of my computer all day?

I guess it's good that my job doesn't involve much creative writing.

Random Wednesday

2007-11-07T10:41:00.000-05:00

Five more rows on the hood of Lorelei's wallaby. It's taken a little longer than I expected to finish the hood, but it's almost there. Then all I need to do is sew up the hood and the underarms - I've already taken care of most of the ends. Good timing, since it's starting to get cold around here.
Heroes - was so good this week. I squealed a little at the ending. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't watched yet, but I'm glad that the person I thought was leaving the show actually has a bigger part. I haven't been totally thrilled by the season so far and this episode definitely made up for it. I hope the next episode is just as good.
Potty-training - Lorelei has gone potty at daycare for last two days in a row. Is it wrong that I want to do a happy dance??? When we started potty-training at 18 months, I never thought that she'd still be in diapers at 3 years (though we still have 3 more weeks).
Lorelei's birthday is in 3 weeks. I'm in the midst of planning a Blue's Clues party. Why Blue's Clues? Because a paw print-shaped cake is super easy to make (round cake and some cupcakes). After last year's Elmo disaster, I'm all about the easy. Though maybe next year, I'll do princesses. Make a pink cake, throw on some sparkly stuff, and call it a day.
Lorelei's dad's birthday is also coming up. He doesn't get a party. Maybe I'll take him out to dinner. Lorelei would probably like to make him a cake. I guess he wants presents, too.
I like cake.
The Halloween candy that we bought to give out (but didn't because we weren't home) is almost gone. I may have eaten too much of it. Is it too soon to buy Christmas candy?
The Yarn Harlot has a new hat pattern on her blog. I really want one, but I don't have any fat, pretty yarn. Actually, I don't have any fat yarn and my worsted stash is all solid colors. Maybe I need to go shopping.
No Private Practice tonight. I guess I'll have to find something else to occupy myself. I guess it's good practice in case the strike doesn't end soon.

Current Events - 11/6/07

2007-11-06T09:09:00.000-05:00

Let's have current events day.

It's Election Day here in Virginia. I get to vote for such exciting things as: school board member, clerk of court, commonwealth's attorney, and soil and water conservation director.
The TV and movie writer's strike started yesterday. I hope that it doesn't last long, but it looks like it may. I'm not looking forward to the increase in bad reality shows that will occur if this strike lasts for more than a few weeks. Farmer Takes a Wife looks really bad.
Our Miami Dolphins are on their way to a perfect season. A perfectly bad season.
NBC is having a "Green" week. I'm all about the environment and global warming is bad - but this is just cheesy. Couldn't they have come up with something better for Sweeps?
Christina Aguilera finally confirms she's pregnant. This would be one of the worst kept secrets ever. Paris Hilton outed her months ago. Also Milla Jovovich had a baby recently and named her Ever Gabo. What kind of a name is that????

Who has some current events that I'm missing?

Weekend Wrapup

2007-11-05T07:58:00.000-05:00

Considering that I think I only left the house once this weekend, I feel like I had a pretty productive weekend. There was cleaning, organizing, filing, paying bills, knitting.

I starting cleaning off my desk, finding bills, paying bills, filing piles of papers. Sent out some cards that I've been planning for months to send out.
I found my leftover Christmas cards from last year, so I'm ready to start this year's.

I cleaned the toilet in my basement (which is used as often as the others). When we moved into this house in May, the toilet bowl was nasty. I assumed that it was stained, so I wasn't in any hurry to clean it. Turns out, the previous owners just left it nasty. I was able to make it white again.

I finished some baby bibs for a friend in FL. Mailed those off. I forgot to take a picture, of course, but they were really cute.

I'm half way through the hood of Lorelei's wallaby. She tried it on yesterday and it fit great. Then she started putting my knitting needles in her mouth, pretending they were musical instruments.

I've been limiting Lorelei's candy consumption to 1-2 pieces a day. The good thing - she doesn't over do it on the sugar. The bad - this is still more sugar than she needs on a daily basis and this way it will last forever. But I've been good and haven't touched her stash. I'm not sure how long my self control will last though.

Happy Monday!

Fire bad. Tree pretty.

2007-11-04T12:06:00.000-05:00

You Are Buffy the Vampire Slayer

"We saved the world. I say we have to party."

What Superheroine Are You?

Day 3

2007-11-03T08:15:00.000-05:00

Only day 3 and already I'm having trouble thinking of things to write about - this is probably why I don't blog often.

So let's talk about what I'm knitting.

I'm knitting a pair of husband socks. I'm using the woven stitch from Sensational Knitted Socks that he picked out with some Opal that he chose at MS&W '06. I'm up to the leg of the second sock (toe up) and while I love the way these are turning out, I'm still not sure what color the yarn is. It's blue and gray and either dark gray or green. It bothers me that I'm still not sure what color they are, but I guess as long as Lorelei's dad likes them it doesn't really matter.
Wonderful Wallaby - I'm knitting a wallaby for Lorelei. I'm about ready to start the hood - this sweater has gone really quickly. I'm using Plymouth Encore worsted in Red (as specified by Lorelei). This has been a really simple sweater, I might even make one for myself one day. I love that the pattern has sizes from kids 2 to adult XXXXL.
The Perfect Sweater - this is on hold because I wanted to get Lorelei's sweater finished before her birthday. But before I stopped I finished the back and one sleeve. I'm using dark blue Cascade 220.

Happy Weekend!

Cooking is fun!

2007-11-02T13:50:00.000-05:00

Confession time: I almost never cook. I love frozen pizza. I love people who deliver food to my door. One of the biggest problems about where I live is the lack of other people to cook me food (few delivery places, few restaurants). It's not that I don't like to cook - it's that I'm lazy and don't like to clean.

Somehow, with all of my food baggage (and extra poundage), I managed to spawn a child who would love nothing more than to spend her days in the kitchen cooking. Lorelei will watch Rachael Ray with the same intensity that she watches Elmo. Lorelei doesn't like frozen pizza because there's nothing to "cook."

When Lorelei was about 18 months old, her daycare class would make cake for the children's birthdays. All the kids in the class got to help stir. Lorelei thought that was the best thing ever. I got her a little bowl and spoon and she would sit and pretend to make cake for hours. Last Christmas, she got some pretend food, little pots, and a tea set. She loves to "cook" for me and make me pretend to eat it. But lately, that's not enough for her. She wants to make real food. She wants to help make dinner every night and is not happy if there's nothing for her to do.

I should be happy, since this suggests that soon Lorelei will be able to cook for me and I'll be able to sit on my butt watching tv. But knowing my life, as soon as she's old enough to cook unsupervised, she'll get bored and I'll still have to do all the cooking.

November!

2007-11-01T08:32:00.000-05:00

Well, it's November and here is NaBloPoMo post #1.

Last night, Lorelei the Pirate went trick-or-treating for the first time. We had planned to go last year, when she dressed up as Leia, but because of insane traffic we didn't make it home in time. This year I left work a little early, again there was insane traffic (it took me two hours to get home), but we made it just in time for the festivities.

Lorelei went trick-or-treating with her cousins (a fairy, a cowboy, and the youngest was a cow). She figured it out by the first house and had a great time. Her little bag was overflowing with candy by the time was she was ready to call it quits. I had thought that since it was her first time that she'd be finished after a couple of houses, but she kept up pretty well with her cousins for about three streets (she only missed the last few houses).

Now I'm afraid that since she had so much fun that she's going to want to do it again tonight. and tomorrow night. and every night for the rest of her life. Hopefully, the candy will last for a while and then we'll have the holidays to distract us.

ARG, matey!

Random Wednesday - Halloween edition

2007-10-31T07:25:00.000-05:00

Lorelei is dressing up as a pirate today. There are very few costume choices for (almost) 3 yo girls since I don't sew. And since we already have a princess dress for dress up (that's still a little too big), I went with the pirate. Lorelei keeps calling herself Captain Feathersword (from Wiggles). I'll try and post some pictures tomorrow.
In honor of NaBloPoMo, I will try to post every day in November. NaKniSweMo sounds like fun too, but I'm already in the middle of two sweater projects.
I started a Wallaby for Lorelei last week. It's already about half finished, but there aren't any pictures yet. I'm using Plymouth Encore worsted (in the requested Red color) recommended by the lovely people at the Mannings. I think it's the nicest acrylic (blend) I've ever used. And sweaters for preschoolers knit up super fast. It took me about 2 weeks to knit one sleeve on my sweater, in two weeks Lorelei's sweater is almost finished.
Damages - I finished watching this show last week and after watching an entire season, I'm still not sure if I even like this show. The acting was great, the story was pretty good, but the way it was told was pretty complicated. I liked the use of flashbacks, but they would show the same scene 20 times without adding any new information. The show hasn't yet been picked up for an additional season, but I guess if it does I'll keep watching.
I can't believe that November starts tomorrow. I'm not ready for the holidays to be here already. Though I have started planning Lorelei's 3rd birthday party. Blue's Clues, because that seems like an easy cake to make.
OTN - Lorelei's wallaby (50% complete), my perfect sweater (45%), husband socks (75%). I also have a couple Mason-Dixon baby bibs that need buttons, but they're for a friend who won't give me her address so I'm not in any hurry to finish them.

Have a great Halloween and don't eat too much candy!

Who says Summer is over?

2007-10-22T13:35:00.000-05:00

Last week, our local PBS station replayed the Sesame Street episode with Tina Fey. Tina Fey plays a book-loving pirate (a bookaneer). Lorelei is a big fan of pirates and this episode, so we watched it about 4 times last week. Which is fine, I like it too.

BUT (there's always a but...) that episode had Elmo talking about the Beach. For some reason, Lorelei has decided that she loves the beach, even though she doesn't remember the one and only time that she was at the beach (at about 15 months old).

Anyway, Lorelei decided that she needed to go to the beach - so she found a sun hat, put on her sunglasses, and then demanded to know where her wim suit was, so she could go wimming (I guess she has trouble saying "swim"). When I refused, she took off her clothes anyway and wandered around the house in a hat, sunglasses, and her diaper. I'm almost sorry I didn't get a picture of it.

I think it's going to be a long winter.

Time flies ...

2007-10-11T13:46:00.000-05:00

How about a little update?

Took a week vacation. Spent the first three days hanging around the house with Lorelei's dad while Lorelei was at preschool - rollerblading, movies, adult-type activities that we don't get to do with Lorelei around. Spent the rest of the week up in Pennsylvania visiting battlefields and Amish people.
While I was in PA, I went to the Mannings. Definitely the largest yarn store I've ever been to. I'm hoping to return soon to take a spinning class. I also bought a little bit of yarn - enough for a Lorelei wonderful wallaby.
I won a contest! I won FKDeb's birthday contest - she sent me enough sock yarn to last me 6 months (I'm slow). Debi's the BEST!
I finished a sock for Lorelei's dad. Now I just need to make another one.
I finished the back of the Perfect sweater and I've almost finished the first sleeve. So I'm at about 40% finished.
I started some baby presents for a friend (I didn't even know she was pregnant until a week after she gave birth - oops!). I'm working on a couple of baby bibs from Mason Dixon knitting and there may also be a hat.
Fall TV!!

New shows I like (as of right now) - Chuck, Reaper, Dirty Sexy Money, Moonlight (I've only seen 1 episode of DSM and ML, but I like so far)
New shows I don't like - Journeyman, Big Shots (the guys are hot though), Gossip Girl (good show, but not my cup of tea)
New shows I'm undecided - Private Practice (the 2nd episode was better than the first so I'm not giving up on it yet), Pushing Daisies, Back to You (makes me laugh but the kid plot is weird)

Of course there are so many new shows that I have to check out that I'm way behind on everything - my DVR is getting pretty full.

HELP!

2007-09-26T14:32:00.000-05:00

I'm having a weird day. Including maybe yelling at some people during a meeting.

So I thought "How nice would it be to go home and watch some Alias?" But I don't have any on DVD.

Question: If I were to buy some Alias on DVD, what season(s) should I buy?

BTW - I've recently watched the entire first 4 seasons in syndication and I watched the fifth season when it first aired, so I think I've already seen every episode.

I need a witty title

2007-09-24T08:57:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel that I would blog a lot more, if only I could come up with witty titles. I spend so much time trying to figure out what to title my posts, that blogging doesn't seem fun anymore.

But I have things to share today.

Last week, I went to see the Yarn Harlot. There were a ton of people there. I got to the bookstore late (a half hour early) and had to sit way in the back. I couldn't actually see Stephanie, but at least I had a chair. I met some interesting people while waiting a couple of hours to meet Stephanie and I got several compliments on my Cozy.

Just in time for the end of Summer of Socks, I finally finished my beachy jaywalkers. I learned from the first time I made these and made them a little shorter (both in the leg and the foot) so that they fit a lot better. I am totally in love with the colorway, I just want to look at them all day long (and I probably will since I'm wearing them today).

I'm almost to the armholes on the back of my Perfect Sweater. (The color is much, much darker is real-life.)

Oh - and I won FKDebi's birthday contest. Yeah, me! It's been a good week.

And only 5 more days until my vacation.

Avast! It's Random Wednesday

2007-09-19T12:35:00.000-05:00

Talk like a Pirate edition

I finished the first Christmas present (except for the blocking). I'm amazed at myself - it's not even October yet. I have one other present to knit (as of right now), so I think I'm doing pretty well, maties.
I started the Perfect Sweater. I'm making it in dark blue Casecade 220 and I have maybe 6 inches of the back done.
A Summer of Socks wrapup will be coming this weekend (the jaywalkers should finally be done soon). I already have plans for a pair of husband socks, so those will be started soon.
Prison Break started up again this week. I didn't love last season when they were on the run, but this season looks promising.
Kitchen Nightmares starts tonight. I can't wait. I love watching G. Ram scream at people.
Shiver me timbers!

Happy Talk like a pirate day!

FO Time!

2007-09-12T10:11:00.000-05:00

First, I finished a Branching Out scarf (more picture on flickr). I used some Creative Focus worsted (soft pink) left over from Lorelei's scarf (from 2 years ago, maybe?). This was the first thing that I've actually blocked and I think it turned out pretty well. This may end up being gifted if I can think of anyone who likes pink. I love the pattern so much that I've already started on another one (almost 50% finished).
For my very first scarf, I made a 2x2 ribbed scarf out of some blue acrylic. The reamins of that giant skein of acrylic is still sitting in my stash, so I made a matching hat. It's big and thick and will be perfect for playing in the snow with Lorelei or walking the dog in the winter. Not the prettiest hat, but fully functional.
Finally, I needed an easy project to work on during lunchtime crafting while I was getting ready to turn the heel on my Jaywalker (not something I wanted to do while being social), so I made a ballband dishcloth.

I'm hoping to get my Jaywalkers finished before the end of summer next week. I already have plans for some boy socks after that (for Lorelei's dad).

Random Wednesday

2007-09-05T10:23:00.000-05:00

I finished a ribbed (acrylic) hat to keep my head warm this winter while playing in the snow (should we have any) with Lorelei. It matches the first scarf I ever knit. And still there is yarn left over. It is the skein that never ends.
I'm about to turn the heel of the second Beachy jaywalker sock. I'm trying to finish it up before the end of Summer of Socks. Which will give me three pairs of socks (1 Lorelei pair, 1 pair of ankle socks, and 1 regular pair of socks).
I'm about to start knitting some Christmas presents. We'll see how that goes.
For the last couple of weeks, I've been spending most of my lunch hours knitting with people at work. I'm proud of myself for being so social.
Lorelei loves pirates. The season premiere of Sesame Street had Tina Fey as a pirate who loves books ( a bookaneer). Lorelei thought it was the greatest episode ever.
Lorelei also loves baseball. She can't hit or catch and she doesn't throw very well, but that doesn't stop her from wanting to play "baseball" every day.
September looks to be a busy month. Most importantly, the Yarn Harlot is finally coming to town. Yeah!

Random Wednesday - Aug 29

2007-08-29T13:10:00.000-05:00

I started a new hat. I have a post all about it planned out in my head. Hopefully, it will get written soon.
Ordered some pins for blocking (along with some yarn). They should arrive any day now and then I'll be able to block my branching out scarf. I also ordered yarn to make a couple more.
Jaywalkers are still coming along. Slowly.
Ravelry is still fun. I spent way too much time reading (not posting in) the forums. I also keep adding patterns to my queue.
We took Lorelei to the Air & Space and Natural History museums over the weekend. She was very excited to see the astronauts (space suits). I didn't even realize she knew what astronauts were. She's a huge fan of airplanes, helicopters, and rockets, so I guess it's not such a stretch that she would like astronauts.
I finally swatched for my Perfect Sweater. I think I need to buy some new needles and then I'll be able to start.
I'm eagerly awaiting the new Fall tv season, NFL games, and baseball playoffs (even though my Marlins will not be playing).
I'm planning my vacation for October. We had originally planned to go to Disney World, but decided to just drive up to Pennsylvania for a couple of days. And go to The Mannings. Is it wrong to plan my vacation around a yarn store?

Rainy Days and Mondays

2007-08-20T12:12:00.000-05:00

It's Monday and it's rainy. Is it any wonder that I'm totally unmotivated at work today?

I have been knitting lately. I finished a pair of socks for Lorelei. They're a little tight and they're wool - so she'll probably outgrow them before it's cool enough to wear them. Oh well. At least I'll have a better idea of what I'm doing next time. (I used leftover Opal yarn.)

I also finished a pair of ankle socks for me in Tofutsies. They're really comfortable but the yarn is kind of a pain to use.

If that's not enough, I've also started a Branching Out scarf. This picture is from last week, I'm over half way finished now. The yarn is leftover from Lorelei's scarf - it's wool/alpaca and very hairy.

I'm in!

2007-08-11T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ravelry user name TrishS

I feel like I'm cool now. :)

Also, this could be the biggest time suck ever.

Random Wednesday

2007-08-08T11:41:00.000-05:00

I finished Lorelei's socks. That makes 1 complete pair of socks in the Summer of Socks. They are a little tight on her and by the time it's cool enough to wear wool socks she will probably have already outgrown them. Oh well, I'll know better for next time. (Pictures coming soon.)
The second of the Tofutsies footies is almost to the heel (it's toe-up). Hopefully that will be finished by this weekend.
Summer of Socks update - 4 and a half complete socks (1 complete pair), learned Judy's magic cast on, tried figure-8 cast on, started using 2 circs instead of DPNs, learned sherman heel. So far this summer has been more about learning new things than finishing.
Branching out - I started a Branching out scarf last week with some leftover pink wool/alpaca. I got through 1 and 1/2 repeats and then had to rip the whole thing out. Started again and have two complete repeats. It's pretty, but it's a pain to fix mistakes.
I spent lunchtime with other knitters/crocheters in my office yesterday (most of whom I had never met before). I was very proud of myself for being so social instead of hiding at my desk like usual.

Weird - I thought it would be closer to 100

2007-08-03T13:34:00.000-05:00

I am 71% Addicted to Coffee

Mingle² - Free Online Dating

Done!

2007-07-27T10:57:00.000-05:00

FO: Book 7
Start: 7/25/07 5:00pm
End: 7/27/07 12:30am

It took about 13 hours for me to read it cover to cover. I liked it. The end didn't make me want to throw things, so I'm happy.

Eventually, I want to go back and read all 7 in a row but not for a while - I'm a little HP'ed out.

The goal

2007-07-25T14:43:00.000-05:00

My goal for the rest of the week is to finish the first tofutsies sock.

I've finished the first Jaywalker and the first Lorelei sock, so as soon as I finish the first footie, I can start on some second socks. And once I've finished all three pairs of socks, I can start some new stuff. I really want to start some new stuff. Stuff like Branching Out, Adamas, the Perfect Sweater, christmas stockings, hats, more socks.

The Sorting Hat says ...

2007-07-20T12:11:00.000-05:00

The sorting hat says that I belong in Hufflepuff!

Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot, and treat them just the same."

Hufflepuff students are friendly, fair-minded, modest, and hard-working. A well-known member was Cedric Digory, who represented Hogwarts in the most recent Triwizard Tournament.

Take the most scientific Harry Potter
Quiz ever created.

Get Sorted Now!

FO Friday: Cozy

2007-07-20T08:35:00.000-05:00

After nine months, I finally finished Cozy. It almost feels weird not to have it sitting in my knitting basket waiting for me to work on it. I really enjoyed knitting this. I used 8 balls of KnitPicks Andean Silk and it's about 63 inches long, which as you can see is long enough to wrap around me and Lorelei.

Happy Friday!

Summer of Socks Update

2007-07-18T08:52:00.000-05:00

We're almost a month into the Summer of Socks, so let's see what I've done.

Finished Socks - 0

Socks in Progress - 3

I tried a couple of new cast on techniques on DPNs. Those didn't work out too well. But then I tried Judy's Magic Cast On with 2 circulars (I tried it with DPNs too but that didn't work for me). I LOVE it. And I'm really liking knitting with 2 circs. I'm also about to try a new short row heel. So, not many (or any) finished socks but lots of learning.

Jaywalkers - I'm almost to the toe (cuff-down) of the first sock. These have been pushed aside for more exciting projects lately, but I still love them. The beachy colorway is so pretty.
Tofutsies footies - I recently bought some Tofutsies (because a friend was curious about it and that's the kind of friend I am). The yarn feels lighter and cooler than most of the sock yarn that I have used, so I'm making some ankle socks. I'm doing these toe-up on 2 circulars and I'm almost to the heel on the first one.
Lorelei socks - Lorelei has been asking me to knit her some purple socks, so I've started. I've only spent a couple minutes working on these so far (usually when she bugs me) so I'm almost finished with cuff (cuff-down) on the first one. I'm sure if I sat down for a couple of hours that I could finish these up quickly. Maybe this weekend (yeah, right!).

I just finished up a big knitting project (pictures soon), so I should be able to finish up at least a couple single socks in the next week or two.

Lorelei Says the Darndest Things (LSTDT) #1

2007-07-11T16:43:00.001-05:00

Lorelei's Dad has to work late tonight, so I let Lorelei help choose dinner as we were driving home.

Me: Do you want pizza or chicken nuggets for dinner tonight?
L: Ummm, how about cookies?
Me: No. Pizza or chicken nuggets?
L: Roni pizza.
Me: (huh?) You want macaroni and cheese?
L: No. Roni pizza.
Me: (finally getting it) OH - pepperoni pizza.

Later as we drove by McDonalds.
L: I want to get dinner.
Me: We're on our way home.
L: (Points at McD's) I want to go there.
Me: I thought you wanted pepperoni pizza.
L: No. I want that one tonight.

Found on the Knit List

2007-07-05T12:38:00.001-05:00

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Purist. You are an accomplished knitter producing beautiful pieces with a classic feel. You sometimes lament losing half of your local yarn shop to garish novelty yarns. Perhaps you consider fun fur scarves the bane of knitting society and prefer to steer new knitters towards the wool and cotton blends. Some might call you a bit of an elitist but you know that you've been doing this craft long enough to respect the history behind it and honor it with beautiful piece that can last a lifetime. http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!

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It's Friday

2007-06-29T07:02:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of the new Jaywalkers. I'm almost half way down the leg now (this picture is a day old). I'm really likely the beachy colorway, it feels summery. I hope this pair gets finished faster than the first pair (that took 9 months).

Lorelei got her hair cut last weekend (the second time we've had it professionally cut). She screamed when I sat her in the chair, but the stylist bribed her with a lollipop, so at least she didn't scream through the whole thing. Of course, as soon as she finished the lollipop, she was ready to have her hair cut again.

This weekend, it's my turn to get my hair cut. Wow, can you stand all the excitement in my life?

Happy Friday, everyone!

The First Five Days

2007-06-26T07:32:00.000-05:00

Here is how I started Summer of Socks.

Step 1 - Take out Opal Dreamcatcher yarn that I've been saving for over a year.
Step 2 - Decide to try new toe-up cast on and then plain stockinette socks.
Step 3 - Use figure-8 cast on with 8 stitches. Decide 8 is way too pointy for my foot. RIP.
Step 4 - Use figure-8 cast on with 20 stitches. Decide the cast on stitches are too loose and I'm not able to tighten them up enough. RIP.
Step 5 - Try Judy's magic cast on (seen on Wendy's blog)with DPNs and 20 stitches. End up dropping half the stitches. Decide this probably works really well with ciculars, which I don't have (but intend to buy soon). RIP.
Step 6 - Take out Regia yarn and cast on Jaywalkers.

I ordered Socks Soar on Two Circs. My new goal for Summer of Socks is to learn how to knit socks on circs.

No pictures today, but maybe there will be some Jaywalker pics soon.

Socks!

2007-06-20T10:33:00.000-05:00

The Roza socks are finally finished. I love these socks! These are Lorna's Laces in the Girly Stripe colorway. I had to upsize a little because my gauge was a little tight (and I liked it that way), but I think my math worked pretty well. See what you can do with two degrees in math?

Summer of Socks starts tomorrow, so the Roza socks were finished just in time. I have some Opal Dreamcatcher that I've been saving for a while that I'm planning to start with tomorrow. I'm thinking about plain toe-up but with a figure-8 cast on instead of the short rows that I've been using.

I think my goal for Summer of Socks will be 3 pairs. I've only made 5 pairs ever, so I think 3 is a pretty high goal.

Random Wednesday

2007-06-20T08:32:00.000-05:00

It's been a rough couple of weeks, so I figured it was time for Random Wednesday.

Bad - I was in a small car accident. I wasn't hurt, it wasn't my fault, and the accident wasn't that bad. But dealing with the other guy's insurance company is starting to test my patience (the accident was a week and a half ago and they still haven't sent someone to look at my car).
Good - My parents came to visit for a weekend. Yeah! We took Lorelei to the zoo and had a great time.
Very bad - My grandfather died.
Good - I finally finished my Roza socks. I love them. I'll post photos soon.
We're having a baby shower for one of my coworkers today. I knit her a baby hat and a pair of booties. Lorelei helped me make cupcakes for the party.
Lorelei went to her first birthday party (non-family) over the weekend. She had a great time until I wouldn't let her "help" open her friend's presents.

Crazy Friday

2007-06-08T08:08:00.000-05:00

I used the bathroom at work this morning and there was someone in there having a conversation on their cell phone. Why do people do that?
I watched an episode of Grey's Anatomy yesterday for the first time. Today I heard the Isaiah Washington got fired. I've been reading some of the message boards and people are either extremely happy that he's being made to pay for his "crimes" or they vow never to watch the show again. This has been expected for months, so I don't understand why people are getting so crazy about it.
I work on the 4th floor of an 8-story office building. I got an email this morning that the 5th floor will be closed all weekend so that birds can be removed from the building.
Pearls Before Swine is one of my favorite comics. I love the new neighbors.
Tiny ponies in sneakers.

Random Wednesday

2007-06-06T07:20:00.000-05:00

In no particular order (because it's random!):

I spent the weekend sick. YUCK! I sat around for three days and wasn't even able to knit. I'm finally feeling a little better.
I drove past a sign today that said "NO 1 Carryout." I thought it said "NO Carryout." Wouldn't that be a strange sign?
I finished knitting a bootie (all except the finishing). This pair has now taken way too long to finish. Thank goodness I still have two weeks before the baby shower.
Still not finished with the second Roza sock. Maybe this week.
Lorelei's been invited to her first birthday party. It's for one of her classmates at school who's turning three. Who schedules a party for 2- and 3-year olds at 2 in the afternoon? That's nap time!
My parents are visiting this weekend. So I need to clean the house. All the attractions/museums/monuments in DC and my dad wants to go to the Insect Zoo. Doesn't that sound like fun?
I'm so excited that Hell's Kitchen is back. Donkey! Since The Apprentice sucks now, HK is my favorite reality show. I can't wait for Kitchen Nightmares this fall.
We went to the playground yesterday evening. Lorelei found a rock and immediately named it Rocko, after Zoe's pet rock on Sesame Street. She brought it home and was playing with it for hours.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Happy Friday!

2007-05-25T14:05:00.000-05:00

The Friday before a holiday is always quiet at work and this Friday is no exception. Memorial Day is a big deal in DC. There is almost no one here at work today, except me of course. So I'm enjoying the quiet and not doing work. I have done almost no work today, but my sock has gotten more attention than it has in weeks.

We're now all moved into the new house. There are only a couple of boxes that still need to be unpacked. My in-laws are coming to visit this weekend. Our first visitors to the new place (not including the friends who helped us move). I wish I had had more time to get everything ready. At least my parents are coming for another two weeks, plenty of time to finish up the house.

So I haven't been knitting much lately. Unpacking boxes has been taking up all of my time. Well, that and the end of the tv season. Gilmore, Lost, Heroes - I've been getting all caught up on my tv. And I've been reading the Internet to see what everyone thought of the finales. Anyway, the second Roza sock is coming along. Only a couple of more inches before I start the toe. Cozy is coming along too. I LOVE cozy. I'm on ball 6 of 9 and it can now go around my shoulders. And it is warm and cozy and squishy and did I say that I love it. I'll almost be sad when I'm finished with the knitting of it. Maybe there'll be some picutres next week.

Have a great weekend!

Goodbye Girls!

2007-05-16T07:48:00.000-05:00

(Note: I haven't been posting lately because I've been busy moving into our new house - which I WILL post about soon.)

The series finale of Gilmore Girls.

On one hand, I'm sad that it's over. Gilmore Girls has been one of my favorite shows since it started 7 years ago. I even named my child Lorelei (I know the gilmores spell it differently). I have to say that Kirk, Miss Patty, and Babette were some of the most unique characters on tv.

On the other hand, it was time for it to end. I've long thought that the show should end with Rory's graduation. Time for everyone to move on.

I really liked the finale. Rory going off to conquer the world, Lorelai and Luke back together, Lorelai and her parents finally starting to develop a real relationship. There had been talk of a 13-episode season next year to wrap up the series, but I really can't imagine what else was left to say. Yes, the episode was a little sappy. And there haven't been enough pop culture references this entire season. But overall, I think it was a great way to end a great series.

Goodbye Gilmore Girls! Thanks for 7 years of Tuesday night entertainment!

Tricycles

2007-04-26T08:15:00.000-05:00

Who would have imagined that tricycles can be so stressful?

For the last several months, Lorelei has expressed interest in a bicycle (bicycle, tricycle - it's all the same to her). Whenever she saw one on tv, or the neighbor kids leave theirs lying around, etc. For a while the neighbor kids were leaving their bikes on the landing and Lorelei would try to get on every time we walked past, even though it was twice her size.

So I was planning to get her a tricycle after we moved to the new house (in a few weeks).

And then her preschool had a trike-a-thon. Where the kids learn about bike safety for a week and then bring in their trikes one day and ride for charity. So as we were leaving preschool on the one day, Lorelei tried to take someone's bike. [She's only two - she has some ownership issues. As in she thinks everything is hers or should be.] For days after that all we heard was "I want a bike. I want a bicycle." repeat ad nauseum.

Last weekend, we took Lorelei to the toy store to pick out a tricycle. She tried out about 4 of them. She would ride around a little bit (well, walk around, she doesn't understand how to use the pedals yet) and then "I don't like it." So we left without a tricycle. Of course as soon as we were back in the car, "I want a bike. I want a bicycle."

So Lorelei's Dad and I decided to just pick one for her. Dad bought one for her yesterday. She rode it for about 20 seconds. And then started screaming, "I want purple bicycle." [Dad had gotten the blue/red one since there were no more purple ones.] There was half an hour of the screaming tantrum. Dad threatened to return the trike.

So much drama! Hopefully, Lorelei will try out the trike again and decide she loves it. Otherwise, this saga may be continued...

Sad Sock Story

2007-04-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

I love love love my Roza socks. It's been about 5 weeks and I'm just about through with the gusset on the second sock. This is super fast for me, considering that it took me 9 months to finish my Jaywalkers.

The Lorna's Laces is the softest sock yarn I've used. It's so squishy and pretty. The brioche pattern is quick and looks great. These are destined to be my favorite socks ever (or at least up to now).

AND THEN ...

Lorelei snapped one of my DPNs last night. My expensive rosewood Lantern Moon DPNs. Of the set that I've already had to replace one. Of the only set of size 1 DPNs in my house.

As much as I love my Lantern Moons - I think they're just too delicate for me. And expensive. Yes, Lantern Moon would probably replace them again and again for me, but that's too much trouble to go through. So I ordered a pair of Crystal Palace bamboo DPNs last night. I already own a pair of 1.5s which I love and they seem much sturdier. Hopefully I will be able to finish my pretty socks soon.

Additional DPNs are definitely on my shopping list for MS&W next week.

Happy to me!*

2007-04-17T09:31:00.000-05:00

I had planned to post on Sunday about how it was my birthday. Happy Birthday to me!

But then the storm decided to knock out my power for 15 hours. Yeah! So I didn't get to post.

Anyway, to celebrate my birthday, yesterday Lorelei's Dad and I bought a house. Our first house.

So there has been lots of packing lately, but not much knitting, or anything else fun for that matter. I had thoughts of taking Lorelei to the zoo this weekend, but the yucky weather had us changing plans. Instead there were legos and Elmo and the princess movie (Cinderella for those that don't speak Lorelei). Lorelei also had a good time helping to make my cake, but she's getting to that age where she spends more time sticking her finger in the bowl than she does helping. She's a smart one!

By the way - when is Spring coming back?????

* "Happy to you" was what Lorelei used to say when she was less verbal. She's able to say the whole "Happy Birthday to you" now.

Random Monday

2007-04-09T07:15:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted, so in an effort to catch up - randomness!

I've finished the first Roza sock. I love it! It's so soft and squishy and pretty. It took two weeks start to finish (not including swatching), which is very fast for me knitting a whole sock on size 1 needles. I've balled up my new skein of Lorna's Laces and I'll probably cast on for sock #2 tonight.
We took Lorelei to her first baseball game last week - the Nationals Opening Day game against our Florida Marlins. Lorelei had a good time clapping and cheering (until she had a tantrum in the 6th and then we left). Our Marlins won and had a pretty good first week.
Cozy is still coming along. I'm on ball 5 of 9.
It snowed here on Saturday morning. Just enough to make everything look white. Just enough to make me wonder why I ever left Florida.
Lorelei has a stroller for her baby doll. The other day Lorelei was sitting in it and I threatened to put the stroller in time out if Lorelei didn't get out of it. And then I went back to my knitting. Five hours later (after Lorelei had gone to bed), I realized that Lorelei had put the stroller in time out herself. She is too funny!
We're supposed to be closing on our first house next Monday. Wish me luck!

Happy Monday!

It's a Sock!

2007-03-26T10:22:00.000-05:00

I started a pair of Roza's socks with my Lorna's Laces - girly stripe. I don't know whether it's the yarn or the pattern, but I am loving these socks. I can't put it down. I'm almost to the heel in about 4 days (which is definitely a record for me, my second Jaywalker took about 9 months). And so far, I am LOVING the Lorna's Laces. It's the nicest sock yarn I knit with (though I don't have that much to compare it to). The brioche stitch is also a lot easier than I thought it was going to be.

Happy Monday!

Tuesday update: I added a picture from Sunday night. I've already started the heel flap. I upsized this sock because I have wide feet and my gauge was a little off and I didn't want to change it. So I did quite a bit of math to figure out the heel (and toe) numbers. I feel like a big girl adjusting the pattern all by myself. Of course I say that before I actually knit it, it probably won't fit and then I'll feel stupid. Oh well.

I did it!

2007-03-19T07:46:00.000-05:00

I finally finished my Jaywalkers. I started them on June 30, 2006 and finished March 18, 2007. I knit a whole other pair of socks in the time it took me to finish the second sock. I do love these socks and I love the pattern - I will definitely make another pair, I already have the yarn sitting in the stash. I also made a hat for Lorelei's baby doll yesterday. I love baby hats, they take no time to make.

Since I'm down to only 1 WIP (Cozy), I was finally able to pull out my new swift (my Christmas present to myself) and my not-so-new ballwinder. The swift makes it 1000 times easier to make pretty yarn balls. I balled some Lorna's Laces for my next pair of socks. I also balled some Cascade 220 to swatch for my Perfect Sweater. I don't think I'm going to start this for a while, but I'm getting ready for the day when I feel motivated.

100!

2007-03-12T12:20:00.000-05:00

I'm finally up to post #100 and it only took a year and a half.

To celebrate - FOs!

I finally finished the socks for Lorelei's dad. The second sock took me two months, so the entire pair took about 6 months to finish. I've decided that I will never again have two pairs of socks OTN at any one time.

In other news, I'm in the process of buying my first house. We won't be moving in for another two months, until the current occupants move out, but I've already started preparing.

Look, new dishcloths for the new house!

I'm down to only two WIPs - my Jaywalkers (I'm half-way through the foot on the second sock so these are almost finished) and Cozy. Cozy is on ball 4 of 9 - it's taking forever, but I love the way it's turning out.

2007-02-23T15:06:00.000-05:00

You are

What Rejected Crayon Are You?

TGIF

2007-02-23T13:58:00.000-05:00

I don't want to be at work today ...

Randomness:

Lorelei's Dad comes home tomorrow after two weeks in California. YEAH! I can't beleive I made through two weeks alone with Lorelei and the dog, and with a snow storm, too.
I'm down to 3 WIPs: Jaywalker #2, Lorelei's Dad sock #2, and Cozy. I really want to cast on for Branching Out and some new socks and of course, my perfect sweater. But I won't. I'm trying to cut down on the number of WIPs I have going at any one time. Maybe if I only work on one (or two) project(s) at a time, they will be finished faster. I've been working on the second Jaywalker for what feels like 6 months - which is crazy.
I finished the Log Cabin baby (doll) blanket this week. I'll post pictures after Lorelei's Dad brings back the camera.
Tickets for the Nationals Opening Day game go on sale tomorrow. We're hoping to take Lorelei to her first baseball game (the Nats are playing our Marlins).
February sweeps is over. My favorite shows right now - Lost, Heroes, The Office, Gilmore Girls, and Veronica Mars. Jericho is another show that I like - I ended up watching most of the first half of the season on the internet.

Have a great weekend!

Where am I?

2007-02-20T16:13:00.000-05:00

How long do I need to live in DC before I remember that Indian heads mean "Redskins" and not "Seminoles?"

Every time I see the Redskins logo - I think "oh, a Florida State fan."

Who are you?

2007-02-16T11:06:00.000-05:00

Bert is not one of Lorelei's favorite characters, but at least I wasn't Oscar.

You Are Bert

Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you loveable - even if you don't love them!

You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you

You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil

How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T10:45:00.000-05:00

Lorelei's Dad is in California for two weeks for work, so this is a pretty sucky Valentine's Day so far. And the weather is yuck, so I decided to stay home and knit. And update my blog.

I finished a pair of booties last night. No pictures because a) it's the fourth pair I've done of these and b) Lorelei's dad took the camera to CA. This makes 6 FOs in 2007 - two pairs of baby mittens, 1 baby hat, 1 pair of baby booties, 1 pair of Fetching, and a scarf. OK, so most of them are tiny and took a couple of days but they still count as FOs. I'm also almost finished with a log cabin blanket for Lorelei's baby doll.

A Case of the Mondays

2007-02-05T13:14:00.000-05:00

I started nephew's mittens version 2.0. I realized what went wrong with the first pair. 1) My gauge was very off and 2) Nephew has giant hands. 5-month-old nephew's hands are the same size as 2-year-old Lorelei's hands. Anyway, I'm halfway through the second mitten of version 2.0 which will probably be too big, that's just the kind of luck I have.

I finally turned the heel of my second Jaywalker - I might have a finished pair by Spring.

I also made a baby hat for a friend who's due next month.

This is the umbilical cord hat from Stitch 'n Bitch in lovely acrylic. The yarn actually is pretty soft and looks nice.

Lorelei caught me using her baby as a model and now thinks that baby needs her own hat.

First FOs of 2007

2007-01-29T08:17:00.000-05:00

Well, January is almost over and what do I have to show for it?

A scarf! I used 4 balls of fat yarn and it only took me two weeks to finish a scarf. I think it looks more pink in real life, but Lorelei's dad took the picture and he's convinced that it's red.

I also knit a pair of mittens for my 5 mo old nephew. My first completed mittens. Each mitten only took me an evening, but sadly they are too small for his giant boy hands. So I'll be working on my second pair of mittens this week - hopefully this pair will fit better.

I also got a lot of work done on Cozy this month. I was stuck in Austin during the ice storm and spent two days knitting. Cozy is at about 20" now (or about 1/3 of the way completed). I'm also still working on some socks - I turned the heel of Jaywalker #2 this weekend and the second sock for Lorelei's Dad is about a row away from the heel.

I now have the yarn for my Perfect Sweater - I need to wind it into balls and start swatching.

I'm not dead

2007-01-12T08:49:00.000-05:00

For years, I was jealous of other people's business trips. Now that I've had two trips (+ another next week=3)in 2 months, I'm tired. I'm glad that this next one will be the last for at least several months. My life has been so crazy that I never did finish sending out my christmas cards.

But the travel has gotten me some good knitting time. I'm half way through the foot on the second sock for Lorelei's dad. I started a new scarf - it's about 20 inches long so far. And I'm making plans for my first sweater project. I think I'm going to make a Perfect Sweater in dark blue Cascade 220. As soon as I finish up some other projects and order some yarn.

I'm not sure what other projects I want to attempt this year. Last year I did hats, scarves, socks, bags, I learned cables, knitting in the round, several cast on techniques, felting.

So in addition to my first sweater here are some possible projects -

Learn Fair isle - maybe a hat first.
Work on lace - I'm working on cozy. I think after this I'll be ready for something more complicated - like maybe my charlotte's web shawl.
Socks - there will always be socks. After I finish the two on the needles (both 2nd socks), I think I want to try something a little more complicated than the jaywalkers I've been working on (though I'll probably make some more jaywalkers too).
I also need to make some baby things for my friend who is due in March.
I guess I should finally finish the baby blanket I started for Lorelei's doll. I didn't find the log cabin thing as fun as everyone said it was, but I'll finish the thing anyway.

So that should keep me busy for a couple of months. Once work settles down, I'll start blogging more again. See you soon!

ACK!

2006-12-29T13:41:00.000-05:00

Where did the year go?????

I can't believe the year is almost over. Between work, Christmas, and Lorelei, I haven't had a second to myself for ages. I spent the week before Christmas in Louisville and I'm getting ready to go to Austin as soon as the New Year's holiday is over. Oh yeah, and I've been sick for so long that I can't remember when it started.

I've knit about 8 rows on Cozy in the last 3 weeks. I knit half a heel flap on my second Jaywalker sock. Oh and I cast on for Lorelei's dad's second sock. And then stopped.

Hopefully, I'll have time soon to knit again. And time to use the new swift that I bought myself for Christmas.

Happy New Year's Blogland!

Belated Birthday Post

2006-12-07T12:24:00.000-05:00

Here it is Thursday and I still haven't posted about Lorelei's 2nd birthday.

We had a party on Saturday. There was Elmo Cake, presents, balloons, and 4 loud preschoolers (Lorelei, 2 cousins, and L's best friend). Except for the cake decorating stress and the lost marker cap scavenger hunt, it was a really good day. But I have decided that I'm not making fancy cake again unless I take a cake decorating class first - even with only 4 colors, Elmo was difficult to decorate.

On Monday, Lorelei started a new preschool/daycare. She seems to be doing fine and the teachers all love her already, but she does miss her friends from the old daycare.

Knit-A-Thon!

2006-11-29T08:46:00.000-05:00

I love Gilmore Girls! Last night's episode was all about a knit-a-thon to raise money to fix a local bridge - just the quirky kind of thing I expect from Stars Hollow. There were giant balls of yarn and giant knitting needles, yarn and swifts everywhere, and everyone was knitting. How great that one of my favorite shows brought two of my loves together - tv and knitting.

Thanksgiving update

2006-11-22T10:42:00.000-05:00

I finally took pictures of all my WIPs, but it took so long to get them from the camera to the computer that one fo them is already an FO. So, let's get to the pictures.

This is the basic cable hat from Stitch 'N Bitch Nation. I actually finished this last night and wore it to work this morning. The pattern was pretty easy, though I added a couple of pattern repeats so that it covered more of my ears. I think I'm going to try to make one for Lorelei - if I take out one or two of the cables it should fit her. I used a little more than one ball of KnitPicks Swish in Red Pepper (the pattern as written would have taken one ball).

I decided to make Lorelei a baby blanket for her doll baby so that I could try out log cabin without a large commitment. I'm really not a fan of the picking up stitches. I think the blanket is now at aobut 9 inches and I need it to be at least 18. I'll still try to get it finished by Christmas, but I don't see myself doing any more log cabins.

Fetching from Knitty only needs a thumb and some ends woven in. These were pretty quick to knit, but I need to concentrate on the thumb and Lorelei hasn't given me much time to myself lately. I made these with cashmerino left over from Lorelei's dad's Irish Hiking scarf.

Finally, this is Cozy, also from Knitty. Almost all of this was done in the car when we drove to FL. I'm really liking this as my first real lace project since 1) it's worsted weight yarn, 2) it's rectangular so that every row has the same number of stitches, and 3) there are only 8 rows of the pattern, so once I got past the first 11 rows (3 rows of edge and 8 rows of pattern) I knew all I needed to know for the rest of the shawl.

That's it for now. I'll post a Lorelei update soon - only a little over a week until her birthday!

Pet Peeve #1

2006-11-16T10:27:00.000-05:00

I was out of the office all day on Tuesday at a meeting, so I came in to work on Wednesday and there was a message on my voiccemail - "Hi Patty, ..."

I use Patricia at work, I use Trish at home, at no time do I encourage anyone to call my Patty. So why is it that people always think that it is acceptable to call me that????? And it's always people who don't know me very well. I might not get so irritated if it was used by someone close to me - I don't know, it doesn't happen.

Since Saturday Night Live, I'm not really fond of Pat, either.

Jedi in Training

2006-11-09T11:46:00.000-05:00

I forgot to post about Lorelei's first Halloween (we didn't bother to dress her up last year).

Lorelei's dad picked out the Princess Leia outfit. I had to bribe her with candy to get it on her and we didn't do any trick-or-treating (we were stuck in traffic), but she discovered that candy is a good thing. Every day since I hear - "More candy?" Maybe next year we'll actually leave the house.

Wednesday

2006-11-08T15:13:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday. I've knit two rows since I got back from Florida. And those two rows may have been knit last Wed. I blame the non-sleeping, very active, almost 2 yo child living in my house. I think it's getting better. Lorelei slept through the night the last two nights. I was actually able to watch a couple hours of tv last night - thanks to Lorelei's dad.

While there hasn't been any knitting, I did get to work a little on updating my knitting notebook. It's almost like knitting, right?

I have a three day weekend coming up and no plans. So hopefully:

I will do some knitting
I will take pictures of my new WIPs. Cozy and fetching especially. I have a glove of fetching complete, I may be able to start and finish the other one this weekend.
I will get to clean off the DVR. I'm at 98% full and it's making me sad that I can't watch all the shows I want to.

Happy Election Eve!

2006-11-06T13:57:00.000-05:00

I'm so happy that after tomorrow I never need to hear the word "macaca" ever again!

Don't forget to vote.

Almost 2

2006-11-04T15:49:00.000-05:00

(NOTE: I started this post on Saturday, but Lorelei didn't let me finish it.)

Lorelei is now 23 months old (as of Friday). I haven't been writing much about Lorelei lately - probably because I can't keep up with all the new things she does and says every day.
But here are some highlights:

We switched her crib to a big girl bed a couple of weeks ago. She hasn't fallen out of bed too many times (usually because she's playing) but she's been having trouble going to sleep. She's been going to sleep at 10pm, which is when I want to go to sleep so I haven't had much time to watch tv, knit, pay bills, or clean the house.
Lorelei was playing "air piano" today. She loves to play her piano(s) and sing.
Lorelei can sing her ABCs but she usually skips j-l. Of couse sometimes when she's in a hurry she skips D-Y.
Lorelei can count to 2. 1,2. 1,2. 1,2. I guess we need to start working on 3.
She knows the names of all the colors, but she almost never gets any correct. First everything was yellow, this week everything is red.
Her new word is "later." As in see you later. I keep thinking of Dazed and Confused when the stoner guy keeps saying "check you later."

I'm boring

2006-11-01T12:38:00.000-05:00

What Disney Ride Are You?

Jungle Cruise

You're boring, cheesy, and tame. You're the jungle cruise!!

Click Here to Take This Quiz
Brought to you by YouThink.com quizzes and personality tests.

Back from the dead

2006-10-19T07:51:00.000-05:00

Lorelei gave me the worst cold ever. It's been a week and I'm almost recovered.

But there has been no knitting. There has been nothing except sitting on the couch watching tv.

new shows I love: Studio 60, Heroes, Jericho, Justice, Standoff
new shows I like: 30 Rock (Tracy Morgan is awesome!), The Nine, Brothers and Sisters

I've been catching up on all my DVR watching, but I'm still a little behind. The Law and Orders are pretty good this year. There are a lot of new people, but the only one I really miss is Annabella Sciorra.

Anyway, I'm getting ready for a trip to FL next week. Yeah!

3:45AM

2006-10-05T10:06:00.000-05:00

That is the time that Lorelei woke up this morning. Therefore - that is the time that Mommy woke up this morning. Now I admit - I did convince Lorelei's dad to wake up and play with her for a while so I could get another half hour of sleep, but it was not enough. I hope that she's sick because this will not work on a regular basis.

Anyway, I bought Spin to Knit yesterday and read half of it last night. So, of course I've already ordered a spindle this morning. And already I'm thinking, "if I bought a portable wheel, it would fold up and fit under the bed - right?" Maybe there's room in my little apartment for a spinning wheel.

Coming Soon: a review of this week's tv. Especially Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars, and Lost. TV's been so good this week that there hasn't been much knitting.

Fall Knitting - Revised

2006-09-27T13:52:00.000-05:00

Cozy
Log Cabin doll blanket for Lorelei
Wristwarmers (two different versions)
Socks (always)
(maybe) Christmas presents

FO x 3

2006-09-26T07:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was finishing day.

This is the Irish Hiking Scarf for Lorelei's Dad. This was my first attempt at cables and I think it turned out really well. Cables are fun. This was made with Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, which Lorelei's Dad picked out by himself. I have some left over that I think will be used for Fetching. I will probably make another one of these in the future when I get the urge to make another scarf.

My booga bag. I totally love this. This was my first attempt at felting and while not perfect, it's good enough. I love the colors of the Noro Kureyon. I think I have plenty of time to make some more of these for Christmas presents.

I also finished my Picovoli yesterday and am wearing it today. Sadly, the pictures are somewhere on Lorelei's Dad's computer so you'll just have to imagine how it looks. Except for the armholes that I made a little too tight (completely my fault), it is pretty comfortable. I think I may make another one of these with the picots (I didn't do the picots on this one), the next size up, and another color. I do like the color (and so does Lorelei - "pretty"), but variety is good.

So now I only have two socks OTN and the 1/2 inch of my Charlotte's web shawl. I need to make some baby presents and another dishcloth, but then I think it's on to wristwarmers. Or Christmas presents. Or something else.

Happy Blogiversary to the blog!

2006-09-25T10:30:00.000-05:00

Saturday was the one year anniversary of the day I started the blog (of course it was months before I started posting regularly). Yeah, blog!

So the start of the new fall tv season has been taking up a lot of my free time.
New shows I love: Justice, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Standoff.
New shows I'm giving one more chance: Smith, Jericho.
New shows I'm still waiting for (or are waiting for me on my DVR): Brothers and Sisters, Ugly Betty, Heroes.
New shows I will never watch again: Vanished, Happy Hour.

With all this tv watching, I'm hoping to have several FOs to show you this week. They may include a Booga bag, an Irish HIking scarf, picovoli (finally), and who knows what else. The bag is currently blocking, the scarf has 10 more rows to go, pico needs some ends woven in.

Better late than never

2006-09-21T12:48:00.000-05:00

I'm only two days late for Talk Like a Pirate Day.

My pirate name is:

Mad Charity Kidd

Every pirate is a little bit crazy. You, though, are more than just a little bit. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!

Get your own pirate name from piratequiz.com.
part of the fidius.org network

Summer of Socks Recap

2006-09-21T08:22:00.000-05:00

Well, the Summer of Socks comes to a close today and I thought it would be a good time for a recap.

Finished the purple Opal socks (which I'm actually wearing today). Handknit wool socks ROCK!
Completed 1 and 1/4 blue Jaywalkers. I understand why everyone loves this pattern - it's easy to memorize and looks really cool. I'll definitely make more of these in the future.
Booties - I completed a pair of booties for my new nephew.
Lorelei's Dad's socks - I've finished about half the foot of the first sock.
Took the sock to Mount Vernon. It had a good time.
Frogged the Sock from Hell so that it can be reborn into something that I don't hate.
Bought Sensational Knitted Socks. I love, love, love this book. It's what I wished for when I learned to knit socks. I haven't used any of the patterns yet, but I have a couple picked out for future socks.
Got a replacement for my broken lantern moon DPN.

Not too bad for 3 months. My love of sock knitting has grown, my stash of sock yarn is slowly getting used, and I had fun. I don't think I'm going to join Socktoberfest this year, but that doesn't mean I won't be knitting socks.

KIP Day (aka Jury Duty)

2006-09-19T10:01:00.000-05:00

I spent yesterday (morning) at jury duty. I started with the bottom of my booga bag finished and now have an almost complete bag.

I think I was the only one knitting yesterday, most likely because the jury summons included a scary note about security. But I made sure to bring the project with the #10.5 circs and I didn't have any problems - it might have been different if I had brought my sock project with its tiny, sharp needles.

I'm completely in love with Noro now. I love the funky, bright colors. I love the way the wool feels as I knit with it. I'm almost ready to make Lizard Ridge even though it would cost way too much money and I would never have the patience/time right now to make an afghan. But I LOVE Kureyon.

Fall Knitting Preview

2006-09-12T10:21:00.000-05:00

So as Summer comes to a close, I'm finishing up/working on two pairs of socks, the Irish Hiking Scarf, and I still need to weave in the ends of my Picovoli (which I'm planning to wear next week). So what will I be knitting this Fall?

More socks, of course. I have some Lorna's Laces and some KnitPicks Essential that are next on my list of socks.
Booga bag - I bought the yarn for this art MS&W in May and I really want to start this.
I started my Charlotte's web shawl, but I don't know if I'm really loving this. This may get shoved to the bottom of the basket until next summer.
I'm thinking about making my first sweater. But I don't have a pattern picked out and I don't have any yarn for it. Stitches East is coming up in a couple of months - maybe I'll go and get inspired.
Wrist warmers - at first I thought these were a little strange (I'm from Florida) but I'm starting to see the advantage to these.

So, what else do I need to add to my list? Maybe a hat for Lorelei?

Crush Your Head, Crush, Crush

2006-09-12T10:17:00.000-05:00

Who knew that Saddam Hussein loved Kids in the Hall?