Monday, April 25, 2005





Your Life Path Number Is 3



3







Your Life Path is one that emphasizes expression, sociability, and creativity as the lesson to be learned in this life.

You are among the entertainers of the world, bright, effervescent, sparkling people with very optimistic attitudes.



You possess the most exceptional creative skills: normally in the verbal realm, writing, speaking, acting, or similar endeavors.

The lesson to be learned with a 3 life path is that of achievement through expression.

The bright side of this path stresses harmony, beauty and pleasures; of sharing your creative talents with the world. Capturing your capability in creative self-expression is the highest level of attainment for this life path.



You are warm and friendly, a good conversationalist, social and open.

A good conversationalist both from the standpoint of being a delight to listen to, but even more importantly, one who has the ability to listen to others.

You are always a welcome addition to any social situation and know how to make others feel at home.



Your reative imagination is present, if sometimes latent, as the you may not be moved to develop you talent.

Your approach to life tends to be exceedingly positive, and your disposition is almost surely sunny and open-hearted.

You effectively cope with all of the many setbacks that occur in life and readily bounce back for more.

It is usually easy for you to deal with problems because you can freely admit the existence of problems without letting them get you down.



You have good manners and seem to be very conscious of other people's feelings and emotions.

Life is generally lived to the fullest, often without much worry about tomorrow.

You are not very good at handling money because of a general lack of concern about it.

You spend it when you have it and don't when you don't.



On the negative side, a 3 may be so delighted with the joy of living that the life becomes frivolous and superficial.

You may scatter your abilities and express little sense of purpose.

You can be an enigma, for no apparent reason you may become moody and tend to retreat.

Escapist tendencies are not uncommon with the 3 life path, and you find it very hard to settle into one place or one position.

Guard against being critical of others, impatient, intolerant, or overly optimistic.



Typically, the life path 3 gives an above-average ability in some art form.

This can encompass painting, interior decorating, landscaping, crafts, writing, music, or the stage, or all of the above.

You are apt to be a happy, inspired person, constantly seeking the stimuli of similar people.

Your exuberant nature can take you far, especially if you are ever able to focus your energies and talents.





Wow, this is startlingly accurate. Thanks to Ro and Lori, (the best secret pal ever!!) for the link. (Deneen is also a 3, how nifty!

I've been a bad blogger...

Things are crazy for me right now...

We fired a cashier at work, so there's a full 40 hour shift for us to fill in... except we only have five (well, six now) cashiers and three of them are already at 40 hours... I am in school.. and the other part time girl has a 9 mo old... Plus the semester is wrapping up! So things are totally nuts right now, I've actually been working quite a few hours, plus trying to keep on top of school for just one more week til it wraps up... That's kind of a nightmare right now - I just keep avoiding thinking about it, but in the meantime I somehow have to whip up a project for tomorrow, even thoguh I'm working a long shift tonight... And I have to write a 10 page paper for class on Friday that I've not started on - like, I completely have nothing: no notes, no interview, no nothing. PLus I'll be working everyday until Friday, too, ICk. I know I'll manage cuz I always do, but I really stress myself unneccessarily but procrastinating so much.

So, in the free time that I've had, I've been recycling some sweaters for yarn, since my stash consists of mostly winter yarn right now. I've had some cotton sweaters laying around from a Salvation Arny trip a few months ago, and I've finally got to work on frogging them.

I designed a hat with some yarn I got from an Old Navy sweater. I've been told several times I should try selling small clothing items at my work, in addition to the washcloths, so I figured I might as well try it. Since orgainc yarn is pretty expensive and doesn't have the color range I want, I decided I'll use all recycled yarn, that way I'm still being environmentally friendly (which is important at my store.) This is my hat:






I have a few people trying out the pattern to work out any kinks and then I'll post it here to share. I'm really happy with the way it turned out and I know the style will sell well at my work.

Wish I could post more but I have about a kazillion things to do before 1:30 (work time, yuk!!) so I'll wrap it up now! Hope to be back more often but I see myself being reallu busy these next couple weeks so who knows.

Monday, April 18, 2005

I'm in love...

I MUST have one of these! I'm wickedly infatuated... Already I'm wondering how soon I can scrape together the cash needed... Because I NEED one of those hooks. 70 bucks... that's a ton of money to spend on one hook, but honestly I'd spend it on some other glass (ahem...) and not think twice about it... So why not spend it on an heirloom hook?? PLus there an unconditional lifetime guarantee, that is reassuring...

Wonder what Kris will say when I tell him? Guess I won't be able to bitch about him piling money into his Mustang anymore... I'll just keep quiet and buy hooks...!!

They're so pretty :)

*sigh*

Sunday, April 17, 2005

eBay win

I won this yarn auction tonight on eBay! I'm so excited, it's been awhile since I've let myself look at Melanie's store and when I saw this I had to have it... I think I'd like to try a poncho/shirt type thing as a bathing suit cover-up, but I'll have to feel it first. Maybe if it's nice I'll get some cream or plum, too, when she relists them.

Also, check out the new web ring that Ro started... I have a button up in the sidebar already!

Death of a Worm

We went fishing today! Or rather, my dad and Kris fished and I huddled under a blanket. Not very many fish were caught and we don't save them, but Kris had a few good catches and it was a nice morning on the lake.


This was the first catch of the day, a big ass bass with a HUGE mouth. Then while toodling around the lake we saw this lovely diving for her (his?) breakfast:


We came to a little cove and that was where Kris hooked his next beautiful fish! This bass was a little smaller than the first, but gave him more of a fight coming in.


In that same cove we spotted this heron hanging out on the shore,


Look closely at the middle.

but scared him away with all commotion about Kris's fish. We were on our way out when we saw these swans on the shore.


We also spotted two muskrats but I wasn't able to get any good photos of them. Even though I was freezing the majority of the morning, I still had a good time playig photographer and spending some time on the boat.

We got home a few hours ago and my lack of sleep this morning is catching up with me - I can barely keep my eyes open to type this, so I think I'm going to take a nap...

Friday, April 15, 2005

Finito!

I've finally finished the purple blankie! I think it's a little on the small side, but I was so afraid of running out of yarn that I didn't want to make it any larger. The color in this picture is too yellow, the hat is closer to the real thing.






I'm pretty unsure about the hat. I wrote the pattern down, but I'm not sure if it would actually fit a baby... I don't know if it's too cloche-y, or if I should make it floppier... I have it modeled on a roll of toilet paper, LOL (really need to get a head) my guess is the diameter is 6-7 inches, but could stretch some... that seems small to me. Anyone who has kids have any input?? Maybe once I get the pattern typed up someone could try it out and give me some feedback... it only takes a really little bit of yarn and about 45 mintues.

Otay... I'm off... Good night!

Excellent Exposure!!

Attention fellow crocheters!!

Sick of crochet always being associated with lime green granny squares? Tired of having to prove that crochet really is cool???

Pick up a copy of the current issue of Budget Living!!

I've been a loyal reader of this mag for about the last two years, and now they gave me another reason to love them even more!! They ran a two page feature on cool crochet titled "Holey Chic! Get hooked on today's crochet" that highlights some great stuff!! Here are pics of the layouts:
Page 1
Page 2

How hot is that bathing suit?!?! (It's from BCBG's ready to wear line from this spring) And this site that the hot pants came from has so many other gorgeous items, too!! I'm so impressed and inspired by these - when I flipped to this page last night, one of my first thoughts was that I had to share with everyone at C'Ville!

Also wanted to show what my uncle has been working on. He's an expert woodworker, and when he saw my TOTC hooks he kinda went "Duh! I could make those!" So last week I lent him a couple of my hooks to use for an example and this is what his prototype turned out like:
Keith's Hooks

I have to admit, I'm really impressed for that being his first try!! Apparently, he's already had a lady ask how much he'd sell her 100 of them for!! I still love my TOTC hooks dearly, but if I can get some freebies from my uncle then I'm all for it!

I hope everyone has fabulous Fridays! I ended up getting this afternoon off, and Kris gets out early on Fridays, so I'm in a great mood and excited to be spending a beautiful day with my hunny. I've only worked the last four days in a row but I feel totally exhausted - I don't know what I'm going to do when I have to get a real job!!

Thursday, April 14, 2005

I got this little quiz in my email yesterday, it was sent to me by Dawn. Instead of forwarding it, I figured I'd just post it here!

1. What time is it? 11:01 am eastern (daylight savings if you want to get technical)
2. Name as it appears on your Birth Certificate: Natalie Marie (Insert Last Name)
3. Nicknames? Nat, although I only let people I really like call me that.
4. Parent's names? Jeanne and Pete
5. Number of candles on your last birthday cake? 19
6. Date that you regularly blow them out? August 8th (to echo Dawn, Leos rock!)
7. Pets? 1 dog, Mikey
8. Favorite animal? lions (leo, lions... I guess it's a natural thing. I don't like house cats at all, though, only big ones.)
9. Tattoo? Not yet... The only design I've wanted so far is too intricate to get it the size I want it.
10. Where did you put it? I'd like to put it on the back of my ankle.
11. Birthplace? Royal Oak, MI
12. Favorite vacation spot? MM, of the ones I've been to, I'd say I enjoyed the four corners area the most. For small vacations, nothing beats my cottage. Someday though, I will go to Ireland.
13. Ever been to Africa? Nope
14. Stolen any traffic signs? yup :)
15. Croutons or bacon bits? croutons
16. 2 door or 4 door? 2 door!! I hate four doors...
17. Salad dressing? Restaurant style Ranch - I don't like Hidden Valley or Kraft. I also love a good balsmaic vinigarette... Garlic Expressions is the best by far.
18. Favorite pie? Apple.
19. Favorite number? 8, 5, 3, 17.
20. Favorite Color? baby blue, maroon red.
21. Favorite Holiday? Does my B-Day count? Of not, then X-Mas.
22. Favorite Food? Junk. Or Mexican
23. Favorite day of the week? Sunday!! Kris and I both have Sundays off, plus it's flea market day!
24. Favorite brand of body soap? Burt's Bees Baby Bees Buttermilk Bath Soap. It's the best.
25. Favorite tv shows? Medium, LOST, That 70's Show, and The Simpsons.
26. New book you are reading? No fun books right now... :(
27. Favorite Fast Food place? It totally depends what kind of munchies I have... I love Chicken Shack and Pizza Hut.
28. When was your last hospital visit? honestly, I do not know...
29. How many times did you fail your driver's license test? Zero. I got it my first time, and got only 3 points taken off.
30. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully settled into a cozy house in a nice neighborhood, married maybe with a kid or two, running a tea house...
31. What do you do when you are bored? I haven't had time to be bored lately!! Usually I crochet, play on the computer, used to just go drive around but gas is too damn expensive for that now.
32. Furthermost place you are going to send this message? I'm not.
33. Who will respond the fastest? I dunno...
34. Least likely to respond? again, I dunno...
35. What time is it now? 11:22 am. (eastern, D.S.)


Well, that was fun. Now comment! Seriously, I love comments. Sometimes I think I blog just to get them!

Monday, April 11, 2005

Up past my bed time...

Blogger finally let me in, and I figured I'd take advantage of that (lately rare) advantage and write a post. So, here I am!

I took a couple Herbal Up-Times at work tonight, they're the green bottle. If you ever need something to get you going, let me suggest these! Seriously, I may go thru a whole bottle this week...

It was just a couple posts ago that I was feeling over-extended in the work department, right? Ugh. I wonder if someone could explain how now suddenly I'm working the next 6 days in a row... Oh dear. I predict lots of Up-Time in my future... I'll also mention Whoop Ass, another energy product that I like. I don't know if it's just the thought of cracking open a can of Whoop Ass that gets me jazzed, or what, but one of these on Saturday morning has me good to go all day.

Classes are starting to wrap up and that means lots of scrambling to make up lost time and tons of tests and projects. So far I've been handling this well... I've not actually skipped any tests or failed to produce any projects yet. By some miracle last week's group presentation came together quite nicely... I did well on today's math test although I think it's been four years since I've looked at the material (I'm in fundy algebra. :( Such an assault on my brain, I don't go to class.)...And even though I worked tonight, I did still get my psych test that's due tomorrow finished!

Hooray Natalie! Pat on the back.. *pat pat*

I can't wait for this semester to wrap up!! I haven't registered for my summer classes yet... Big mistake = no open seats in anything pertinent. I guess it stems from the fact that I don't actually want to take summer classes! But... the whole getting cheaper credits faster at the community college thing isn't exactly working out... In fact, I only got 19 credits this year and 24 last year... Shit. It sucks to write that out. I have to take at least one summer class.

My crochet work has been on the back (back back) burner... I keep picking up my purple blankie and doing a row or two... but not much actual progress since I feel like I have a kazillion other things I need to be doing instead... I keep myself motivated with the thought of the cute little floppy hat I get to make when I'm done, LOL!

I haven't had a ton of time to spend on the net either, it's scary but I haven't kept up with most of the posts at C'Ville since the move!! It makes me feel out of the loop... I hate that feeling. It's always been rather pervasive with me... stupid that it should carry over into an online community also!

One speck of fun to look forward to - I'm going to a raunchy toy party!! It'll be my first one, actually my first anything party... it's a milestone! LOL, apparently there will tastings... I can't keep a straight face even as I type that... I'm not one to be shy about these things, but really... tastings?? That's just too much. At any rate, it'll be sure to an evening, (or many...;) of good fun!

Hope I haven't been too boring with my little life update! Now, I'm off to bed! Nite nite!

Sunday, April 10, 2005


Image hosted by Photobucket.com

Thanks, everyone, for your kind words, encouragement, and hugs! It really is so special to read them and know that you all are out there thinking about me! Today I'm out of my funk - I'm enjoying my day out in the sunshine! It's so nice with a soft breeze and we've seen two bunnies in our backyard already this today. That's so exciting - last year we had a family of rabbits who nested underneath one of our shrubs, and I hope they come back this year.



I was laying on our swinging bench earlier, thinking of all these clever things to write in my blog, but now that I'm actually at the computer I can't remember one of them. Damn!



Spanglish was adorable but such a tearjerker... Maybe I was just in an emotional state, but I was crying thru the whole end of the movie. It was definately a chick flick, Kris was pissed that I made him sit thru the whole thing, but I had to see how it ended. I have to say, I was a little disappointed... not with the way it wrapped up but that there wasn't a "happily ever after," I was in the mood for one of those.



I've been making steady but slow progress on the purple blankie, it's so soft and I love the way it drapes... it's lightweight but still warm, I really think it will be perfect when it's finished.  I'm looking forward to trying to make a little hat, but want to wait until I've finished the blanket so I don't lose my momentum, y'know? That, and I don't know exactly what size a baby's head is... the other hats I've made are all stretchy so as long as they're in the ballpark it's okay, but this one won't have any give to it, so it has to fit. I'm hoping I won't run out of yarn, since I can't just run to the store and buy more!



Uhg. I filled my gas tank up this weekend - and I almost died. It cost me $25 to fill up from 3/8ths of a tank!! I'm so thankful I drive a little Grand Am and not a gas-guzzler... and I'm able to limit my gas usage pretty well, lately I've been using only about 3/4 of a tank every two weeks... My guess is that's somewhere around 12 gallons of gas. I read a pretty scary article in the latest issue of Orion magazine that said (and this is totally a rough paraphrase) that at Thanksgiving of this year, give or take 6 wks,  we will be out of oil to drill for. The author went on to say that tapping into Alaskan oil would only extend that window by 6mos, or until Easter '06. I've not done any research of my own, but if true, that's a startling statistic... Everyone seems to think that it won't happen in their lifetimes... and this guy is saying it will happen before the year is out!



I'll end with that depressing note, LOL, cuz I'm going to go enjoy the last few hours of sunshine!



 


Image hosted by Photobucket.com

Image hosted by Photobucket.com

Saturday, April 09, 2005

Blogging just to blog tonight.

I don't really have much to say, and unfortunately, no finished projects to post about either. I'm still trucking away on the cotton/linen blankie, and I've decided to try to make a mini floppy hat to go with it. It's going to UMC Ariz., & the weather there wouldn't require the warm hats that we do here in MI, so I think a sun hat would be nice, don't you?

I purchased some Bernat Cotton Tots the other day. Everyone raves about this stuff so I figured I would finally try it. I'm planning on using it for Kris' friends' baby to be. They just found out it will be a girl, and I believe she is due in July, so I think a nice cotton blanket would be a nice gift for a summer baby.

Although, I'd really love to try to make some cute little summer clothes for her, too. I've not yet braved serious clothing and baby stuff is a nice way to start on a small scale. I love the stuff from Candi Jenson's book, Candy Babies, but I don't know very many babies yet so there's really no point for me to buy it. I think I would get a lot more use out of the blankies book. I guess I should look and see if I can get them thru inter-library loan, I'd never even thought to check until now.

I'm frustrated with work. I guess I'm just frustrated with being stepped all over. It really makes ya feel great, y'know? I feel like I give and give to that place, or maybe just that co-worker, and it's never returned... Ugh. It puts me in a nasty mood to just think about.

I think all of the RAOKs I sent were received, but I'm not sure cuz I haven't heard from one person. Whatever. That pisses me off, too. This person hasn't registered at the new board, and it makes me think that she signed up to just be a taker... I feel like I should put out a little warning: "don't send to xxxxx cuz she won't appreciate it..." but I won't, I'm not that type of person, usually. Today I feel like I could be, though.

I need a hug. And my hunny's not here. :(

I'm sure everyone has had these type of days... I'm at the end of my period and I start my pill again tomorrow... I've had a PMS headache literally all week... not to mentioned I smashed my head against our antique kitch counter today... OUCH! That fucking hurt, let me tell ya. I've quite a large lump on the top of my head to prove it, too. Plus, I feel manipulated and whiney and shitty and yuk.

So, I'm gonna quit this whine-fest, go munch some ice cream, and watch Spanglish... Anyone seen it? It looks pretty good, generally I'm a fan of Adam Sandler. I totally loved Mr. Deeds, and although I'm not a fan of Happy Gilmore it's only cuz Kris makes me watch it any time it's on TV.

Anywho, hope everyone has good evenings... :)

Wednesday, April 06, 2005

UH - OH

So, I'm a big procrastinator. In high school, my teachers all described me as a minimalist. It's not something I'm proud of, but I seriously HATE homework... Once I learned something, I've learned it, and don't feel I need to go over it a billion times. That said, these habits carry over to work that maybe is a little more important... Like the project that I'm supposed to have done this Friday...

Actually, it's a group project... and my group and I haven't done anything! We're supposed to have a 10 minute presentation ready to go on Port Huron, MI during prohibition. Problem is, I can't find one fucking thing on it!! So now, I wonder, what do I do? You would think that after wokring with these same people for the whole semester I would have their telephone numbers, or email addys, or something, but I don't... ! Agh. I'm so frustrated, I hate feeling stuck, and that's where I am right now. I've been to two bookstores, two libraries, and searched online... can't seem to find anything relevant!!

So, instead of stressing, I'm going to relax, go outside and chill out on our swinging bench. The sun is shining right now but we're supposed to have some nasty storms later, so I'm gonna soak it up while it lasts, and flip through the crochet books I rewarded myself with at the library today.

I think I have the Scarlett O'Hara syndrome... "I'll think about it tomorrow..." Guess that's why my GPA was much less than fab in high school!!

Tuesday, April 05, 2005


Image hosted by Photobucket.com
My current self, South Park style.



Thanks Andrea for the link...

RAOK


Image hosted by Photobucket.com
These are all the fun goodies I got today, I forgot to mention the awesome sticker earlier. That one is going right on my school notebook - of course I'd rather be crocheting than sitting thru a lecture!! Or maybe both, but that doesn't fly at my school...



Thank you again, to whoever sent this package! It was totally thoughtful - look at the leaflet on top there, for a crocheted lion pillow... I'll bet it took a little research to put together this bundle!



Well, my pal Rebecca has received her reveal package... I'm so glad she's enjoyed everything, because shopping for her was great fun. This was my first round of secret pals and I've totally enjoyed spoiling her! I hope I don't get in trouble for going over the spending limit... I just couldn't keep it under $25... there was so much I wanted to get... I'm sure it will be the same way next time around, too! I wish the limit was a little higher, but then some people might be hesitant to join and I certainly woudn't want that...



I also got an email from my pal, saying that she hasn't forgotten about me, (I didn't think she had anyway!) and that she'll be starting on my sweater soon. I still can't believe this - a sweater?? How neat is that... I hope it's cute! The yarn she showed me was, it was very me, a boucle with creams and beiges and blues that looked so cozy. I think I've got her figured out, and I can't wait to see what the reveal package will bring... My pal has done her homework and sent things that I've really enjoyed, so I know that this next package will be no exception!



Ro has gotten her pattern for the beautiful butterfly blankie she designed up...here... It's just darling, and I think I *may* try to design a little antennaed hat to go along with it. How cute would that be? Anywho, I think I will have to make one of these soon...



 

Monday, April 04, 2005

RAOK

Stupid Blogger.

I was RAOK'ed! I got an envelope today, I don't know who from, but it was full of fun stuff!! There's a bag full of tea, in yummy flavors, and a skein of Bernat denim style. There's also a bunch a pattern leaflets for afghans, and a magazine turned open to a pattern for crocheted sock monkeys!! They're so cute, too! Plus, this awesome fairy sent along a pouch full of Burt's Bees goodies, shimmer in two shades, plus a tube and a pot of their fabulous lip balm! That's so excellent, since my current tube is beginning to get low!! She also sent a little tin of mints, can't forget those! The postmark is from Florida... I wonder who this awesome package was from??

Once I locate my camera, I'll post pics...

Sorry about all the !!s.

Damnit

Ugh!

I had a nice long post written up and ready to post and then Blogger ate it. So I set it up thru Photobucket, hoping this will work, but the post I thought I copied isn't there when I paste! Shit.
Basically what I said is:

I love the show Ed. Missed it the first time around, addicted to the reruns. Ed would be cute with the list girl. If you've seen it, PLEASE don't tell me how it ends.

Insight on bowling alleys. Blah Blah... Joined a league. Unsure of how this will work out, considering my love/hate relationship with bowling alleys. Plus, I pretty much suck at bowling. Kris loves it though.

SC ripple frogged, stupid RH. Turned it into granny ghan that's almost done, need to finish edge.

Started another little blankie from recycled yarn, lavender cotton/linen blend.Finally decided on Vera's patterned throw. Like how it's turning out.

Yarn swap package received. Anonymous sender. Nice soft yarns.





And that was it. Seems like not much all compressed together.

Hope you have a great day!

Photobucket

This is a test post from Photobucket.com