In My Shoes...

Ahem

2006-07-14T19:56:00.000-04:00

I'd like to direct your attention and traffic henceforth to my new blog, this is just to say.

Please update your links and feeds, as I will no longer be posting at this location.

The archives and patterns will stay here.

Again, the new link is:

this is just to say

Spotted in the "Ask Marilyn" Column...

2006-07-02T20:01:00.001-04:00

of Parade, Sunday, July 2nd:

"What number comes next in this sequence: 19, 15, 18, 18, 17, 18, 19, 16, 20, 19? Hint: After 720 numbers, the sequence repeats."

This one stumped the hell out of me this morning, til I gave up and finally read the answer. Then I went "WTF? I would *never* have gotten that!" I'll leave a comment with the answer in case you come to the same conclusion. :)

Anywho - things are great here in Natalie's world. The new job is - amazing? I seriously can't talk about it without bragging, it's that great. I get to spend thousands and thousands of other peoples' dollars - what could be better? Really, everyone is so friendly and the job itself seems to be really be clicking; I feel like it's a great fit and the feedback I'm getting tells me that the company does, too. It's looking really positive!

I've taken a break from hooking for awhile. The Crotchetville drama came during a slump, and the whole combination of situations left me turned off to crocheting for awhile. I haven't been back to the 'Ville in months now, and it feels good. Instead of trying to keep pushing crochet on myself, I gave up and started knitting. I'm surprised at how basically painless it was to learn; although I apparently taught myself combination knitting, which will make increasing and decreasing a little tricky. I'll worry about that when I come to it, though; I've whipped up a few dishcloths and am now working on making myself a panta - easy peasy!

Anywho, gotta go - the mask I have on my face has dried and I'm feeling a little stretched out. Time to shower!

Enjoy your holiday, all! [I know I will - I don't have to be back at work til Wednesday! Woo-hoo!]

It takes a long time to bring the past up to the present.

2006-06-05T22:34:00.000-04:00

Brownie points to whomever can name the speaker of that quote. I'm too disorganized for a prize right now. :)

Stress abounds around me right now, LOL. I've decided I hate the drycleaners and it's not working out. Gave them my notice without anything else really lined up.

I've been on some interviews for a purchasing position, but I didn't want to get my hopes up cuz it seemed out of my reach. Today, I got a call saying I got the position!! I'm freakin' floored and so excited. It's my first real job, with all the perks.

So, I'm looking forward to that. I haven't been crocheting, and I'm not sure how much I will be blogging, but I'll be around. I'm not ready to call it quits, yet. If you feel the need to get in touch, you know how to find me.

:)

Perspective

2006-05-10T20:34:00.000-04:00

Well, things didn't work out quite how I'd hoped. I'm not letting it get me down, though... Instead of not graduating on time, I'm seeing it as taking a summer off, LOL. Yeah, the Enrollment Officials weren't helpful at all; there was only so much frustration I could take before it just wasn't worth it.

So, from here, I have to make an appointment with an advisor at OU to see what they recommend for my transfer. I need to register for my fall classes, and when August rolls around, I'm going to dual enroll and just obtain my associate's for the winter. Fall's going to be a bitch, but I have a whole summer of relaxing to prepare.

Not really, LOL, since of course I will be working - I expect they'll be scheduling me for a full 40 hours over the summer, but oh well. I need the money; gotta do various repairs to my car, totaling about $500, to get it safe to drive the distance out to OU and back; and I want to be able to just pay outright for my one class at OCC. My parents and Kris both seem to think I'm going to be just fine with all this and are supporting me, so that's helpful. [Remind me I said this in September, kay?]

Okay, I'm gonna go now, since I've actually got an Econo-Shopper in progress and I want to finish it up before I loose steam. I'm not even halfway through the mesh part, LOL.

One more thing - I've got another new board to plug, this one is crochet only - Check it out here at Simply Crochet!! Enjoy - 'night, all.

Another Wonderful Monday -

2006-05-08T20:09:00.000-04:00

Not.

The hits keep coming; yay...

When I went today to pay for my class that starts tomorrow, I found out I couldn't pay because I'd been *unenrolled.* Apparently, when you miss the payment due date in the summer semester, they just do this! And, I didn't know, cuz, well, I've never actually taken summer courses, and I've always had financial aid.

If I thought the availabilty of classes was tight a week ago - it's absolutely nil now. There's no science courses open that I am able to take - either cuz of schedule or requirement constraints. There are two classes, at different campuses, that have availablilty but have already started, so I can't just register for them - I have to plead my case to the respective Enrollment Officials to try to get them to make an exception and let me in.

Basically I've been told that I shouldn't hold my breath, and that I "should have a good story, too." Uh, gee, I think I do: I didn't found out until 1 week ago that I even had to take a class, because due to a typo on their website I thought my CHEM class from OU would transfer as an equivalent credit. Once I found out it didn't, I registered for a class right away, but then didn't have the money to pay for it *one day* afterward. When, one week later, I finally get the money, only to find out I have been unenrolled, no classes are open that still fit within my schedule constraints. Without the credits, I won't graduate in time to enroll back at OU in the fall.

So, I really have to hope that they'll let me pick up the class; maybe they'll be sympathetic to my bad circumstances. If not, I basically have two options: say fuck the credit, don't get my associate's, just go back to OU and finish my BA out as normal, paying for the extra classes there; OR dual enroll for the class at OCC while I'm full-time at OU next semester so I can still get the associate's before it screws with my pre-reqs at OU. One way, I waste money, the other, I basically self-inflict insanity upon myself for an entire semester. I can't even think about how work is going to have to deal with this - school's gotta come first - but I'm sure they won't be thrilled.

And Stacey - I don't think my OU is the school you're talking about - the one I'm referring to Oakland University.

So, please think good thoughts for me tomorrow in my meeting with the Enrollment people... I really need him/her to help me out.

Foodie Friday [On a Satuarday] IV

2006-05-06T19:53:00.000-04:00

Okay, so, I realize it's no longer Friday and I have in fact missed "Foodie Friday." I get it. But - if there's one thing years and years of underacheiving has taught me, it's that it's better to do something late than not at all. So, in that spirit, I post on!

Since I am a day late and this is [Kentucky] Derby day, I figured it would be the perfect day to post this drink - one of my faves if I'm going balls out. And no, *gasp,* it's not a julep - sorry Kari!

The Trifecta

Combine equal parts raspberry, orange, and lemon flavored vodka in a shaker with ice. Stoli tastes the best, by far. [For cheaper, you can use Smirnoff.] Add a splash of grenadine and a splash of lime juice, or juice from a big fat lime wedge, and shake.

Serve in a martini glass, [or a tumbler, LOL...!] - run an orange wedge around the rim and dip in sugar before decanting the drink into the glass. It's sexy to put tiny citrus wedges on a poker and float them instead of olives, but totally unneccessary, too. :)

A local club showcased these on the evening news for the Kentucky Derby *years* ago... the original recipe was scribbled in my 10th grade planner, lol, but I've long since memorized it. It was a pricey drink in HS cuz of all the liquors, etc, but soooo well worth it. Yes. A couple of these makes Natalie veeeeerrrrrry friendly. A couple more... well, you know. It's good to regulate, LOL. Anywho! - I tried googling it, but kept coming up with something much different. I think I like my version better, anyways - hope you do too! Enjoy!

Reveal and other blogging matters...

2006-05-04T13:42:00.000-04:00

OMG - this is what, three posts already this week? Plus I've got Foodie Friday tomorrow; I may be going for a record, LOL!

Firstly, I need to give a big thank you to Tandi, aka quirkyvirgo, for being a most excellent secret pal to me. Her reveal package arrived at my doorstep yesterday, filled with goodies. Included were four balls of Aunt Lydia's Double Strand thread in two different colors, two hanks of a dreamy steel blue angora blend yarn, a yarn cutter pendant, a little bag of apricot green tea she got on a recent road trip, a book she thought I'd like, some bath treats, and two big bags of candy. Thanks again, Tandi, for being such a great pal!

Spring has finally come to Michigan, and it's so pretty and wonderful smelling. Just in the last two days, the lilacs have started blooming and the scent is amazing!! I don't have any pictures of those, just yet, but I do have some others to share:

The garden statue isn't anything special, I just think she's cute. :)

I started work on the Sweet Pea shawl for the CAL that is now over, and decided it just isn't working out. I am so disappointed, since I'd intended it to go to my secret pal, but I'm not happy with how it's turning out at all, and I don't have time to choose another pattern that will work with this yarn. [I was using Cara Mia held along with a strand of metallic thread, like Lurex.] I also don't want to send her a fugly looking shawl, LOL, since she's actually nice! So, once I finish posting, I'm gonna frog what I've got, and just wind the thread and yarn together for her on my winder, and hope she's okay with that. I also bought two balls of Blue Sky organic cotton and the Bitty Bobbi Bear pattern to send her, so I don't think she'll be complaining. ;)

Th only other croheting I've done has been dishcloths - exciting, no? They're nothing special and you've all seen a million of them, so I won't bother to post pics. Mine don't break the mold, LOL. Kris and I know some people who will be having babies soon, so I finally broke down and bought the book Candy Blankies. It's one I've been wanting for forever, so even if I don't get around to using it right away, it will still be worth it. And, I've been wanting to do some thread work and feel the urge to try a mini-doily, so I may look into that. I also found my 99 Snowflakes book while I was cleaning out my car last week, so I need to get catching up on my Snowflake Mondays. I'm way behind!

Oh, and there's a new CAL starting for May over at DoD, and it's none other than my Econo-Shopper pattern! So of course I will have to whip out ~~a few~~ at least one of those, too. I'd like to take the time and plug myself here, and encourage everyone, even if you aren't a member of DoD, to make an Econo-Shopper this month. They're great for the beach; they stretch to accomodate lots of things, and the mesh allows the air to flow through and the sand the fall out!! And for shopping, they're much more environmentally friendly than plastic. [Just check out ReadyMade's blog post on re-useable bags!]

On a side note, whilst cleaning my car last week, I discovered that my trunk leaks. Upon closer inspection, we realized it's the result of a poorly installed trunk seal, that was done during the repair after I got rear ended. Which, I think happened before I even began blogging, and that gives you some idea of how long it's been leaking for with me not even knowing. So, I figure at this point it's totally unreasonable to go to the place that fixed it, and be like "Oh yeah, this seal, that you replaced like 2 years ago? It leaks, badly. But I just noticed last week. Really." My car's falling apart, LOL, and just when I get the fucker paid off, too!

One more thing, and then I'm done, I swear! I just want to sneak in a little plug for another new crafting forum, Peacecraft. It's just another place to relax and be yourself, and enjoy a love of all crafts. Go there and check it out!

Okay, I think that's all, or at least all I can remember for now. Good enough, at any rate! Hugs, all!

Take me out to the balllllllgame...

2006-05-01T20:03:00.000-04:00

Ahem.

Anywho! this past Sunday I was lucky enough to go to a winning Tiger's game. We had half off ticket vouchers from my dad's work, it wasn't raining, and the Tig's had been killing the Twins in the series, so we decided to go.

I'm so glad we did, because it turned out to be just the perfect day. The game started at 1:05p, but we got a bit of a late start cuz we had to take Woodward and not the highway, which was closed for MI's perpetual construction. We stocked up on salted peanuts from vendors outside Comerica Park, where they're only $1/bag and *not* $4.50... On the walk to the stadium from the parking lot, we passed a few Detroit notables: Hockeytown Cafe, the Fox Theatre, and the Wyland whale mural on Broderick Tower.

We also walked by the beautiful, historical St. John's Episcopal Church. Detroit has dozens and dozens of striking cathedrals, and even in the worst parts of the city they are usually well kept up. St. John's is one of the most well known, for both it's central location and age.

We took some pictures outside the stadium:

And some inside, too:

The Tigers ended up winning, 6-0, to sweep the game and the series. The weather couldn't have been nicer, it was sunny and warm with a nice breeze. It was nice to be downtown, too... The city is slowly coming back around. It is really nice to see abandoned buildings being dozed, and even better, restored. There's a demand for nice housing that is finally being filled - and I'm not talking nice projects, I'm talking 500K lofts. They're actually building a Starbucks on downtown Woodward!

Disappointed girl, I am.

2006-05-01T19:46:00.000-04:00

The good news: I sold back my single book this semester, my German book, and got $75.50 in return. For selling it back. [Thank goodness *I* didn't have to pay the original cost to buy it!]

The bad news: I'm not "graduating" this spring.

I had a counselor's appointment today to get my graduation audit done [to get my associate's in liberal arts] and, long story short, it turns out I'm one credit short. In actuality, I'll be 10 fucking credits over if I pass my classes from the Winter semester, but I still have to take another class this summer. Apparently, them chem class I took at the university I am transferring back to qualifies there as a gen. ed. science requirement, but not at this shitty comm. college because it didn't have an independent lab. So, I am one lab credit short of a degree. And you cannot enroll for a lab without a lecture.

FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The worst part is that I don't technically even need this credit, since I am going back to the university where it does satisfy the gen. ed. I could transfer and obtain my B.A. with no penalty to me. But, by getting the credit and obtaining my degree at OCC, I am exempted from 12 or 16 credits at OU, which saves me lots of money in the long run. So, even though it sucks ass, it makes more sense.

But I am still pissy. For one, since I found out waaaaaay late into registration that I would even have to be taking classes, all the good ones were full. I didn't get into a chemistry class, which I vastly prefer. Instead, I am stuck with Life Sciences, and biology is one my absolute least favorite things. And, since I vacation the second half of the summer, I had to do the accelerated course... Tues and Thurs from 9am-2:30pm, lab then lecture. I hate it already. And, oh yeah - it starts NEXT WEEK. Work is going to not be happy.

Foodie Froday III

2006-04-28T21:22:00.000-04:00

I'm late - story of my freakin' life, anyway. I have a Foodie Friday post, though, so that's all that matters!

Tonight's Foodie Friday is a recipe that I enjoy muchly in the summer. We came across it in the August 2004 issue of Healthy Cooking and have been making it since. I realize that it's not quite time for pit fruit to be ripe, but I have been craving this lately, so I am posting it now. Maybe I'll remind you about it again in a month or so, if I remember!

This recipe is the perfect accompaniment to a summertime dinner on the grill. It also packs well, for picnic luches or beach BBQs; just make the sauce beforehand and store it in a Rubbermaid container or even a Ziploc baggie.

My suggested menu would go something like this: fresh mixed greens salad with a balsamic vinegarette; a nice, juicy steak with grilled cheesy potatoes and corn on the cob; crusty bread; grilled plums.

Oh, and you don't *have* to use plums, although they are my fave. You can also use most any pit fruit: peaches, nectaines, pluots, or a combination of them all.

OKAY! The recipe, the way it reads from the page I have, and with my added comments:

Grilled PLums

-6 plums, pitted and halved. [Or peaches, etc.]

Sauce:

-3 tablespoons honey - 1 veeeeerrrrrrry looooooong squirt from the bear, or if you use raw from the jar like us, two overflowing spoons.

-1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 quick dash from the bottle

-1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - about half a small lemon

-1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon - just one teensy pinch.

-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - add a couple of drops.

[Mag suggests mint leaves for garnish. I never use them.]

"Preheat grill to medium high. Whisk together dressing ingredients and brush the cut sides of the plums with half the dressing. Grill the plums 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Remove from grill and drizzle remaing dressing over plums. Garnish with mint leaves and serve. makes 6 servings."

If you're doing it on the go, just dunk the cut sides into the baggie or bowl instead of brushing - much easier that way.

Mag says 54 calories, 14 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 1 mg sodium; but since I never makes it the same twice who knows how accurate that is.

Bon appetit!

I'm here...

2006-04-25T20:55:00.000-04:00

I just haven't had anything to say.

I haven't been crocheting. I need to get a project done for my DCSP, who is a darling, so I can be done with all obligations. [My mom wants some dishcloths, but that doesn't count.]

I have been working, a little, and wrapping up the semester... this is finals week and I had my German oral final tonight. I'd say I did... nicht so gut... LOL, I choked on some vocab and couldn't figure out how to answer some of the questions. Whatever. As long as I get credit, I'll be happy - I need to apply for my degree so that I will hopefully have it by fall. If not, it's not the end of the world, but it might be tricky registering for certain classes without it.

I have been on a shopping binge... perhaps this is why I have been in such a good mood lately, I swear when I spend money I am a happier person. But really - I got a great pair of gauchos 40% off at Pennies the other night, and get this - the capris I bought for work? - one size smaller! I've been on an earrings thing, too - I was gifted/RAOKed a beautiful pair from a great friend at DoD and have discovered they go with *everything!* Prima! It's also totally ego stroking that I've been getting mad compliments since I chopped my hair off... even the waitress at our fav hole-in-the-wall told me I "look much better with short hair!" How can I not love that?

Alright, gotta run... I've been feeling a headache growing on me so I need to grab some Advil!! Hugs, all!

Oh, and Tasha - I was so glad to see your comment!! Drop me an email [nmnenado at yahoo dot com] when you get a chance; I'd love to hear how grad school is going for you!

Foodie Friday: II

2006-04-21T15:32:00.000-04:00

I cn't believe I haven't posted since last Friday! Yikes - maybe doing this will encourage me to blog more!

Today, although delayed, I'll be sharing my alfredo formula. It's not exact and it's totally not low-fat. I mix my ingredients up in our Vita-Mix, but you can use whatever's convenient.

1 carton heavy whipping cream - 8 oz, I think?

1.5 cups milk, plus more if needed to thin sauce

1 brick cream cheese - also 8 oz, I think?

1 stick of butter - 1/4 cup, no? - cut in half

1 container of fresh button mushrooms, cleaned and sliced; *or* 1 can sliced 'shroom parts

.5 cup shredded parmesan cheese (although, I always end up using closer to 1 cup)

In a medium to largish sauce pan, saute the mushrooms in half the butter, then turn off the heat.

In Vita-Mix, blender, food processor, or with a stick mixer, combine the rest of the butter, the cream, milk, and cream cheese, and mix until smooth and saucy. Add more milk if neccessary to thin.

Then, pour the sauce into the pan with the mushrooms, add the parmesan, combine and warm. If your sauce is a little too runny, you can let it reduce a bit on the stove, or add a bit of flour. Or, add more parmesan.

Usually, since I am lazy and do not like dirty dishes, when I cook this I will fry up two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chopped into pieces. When they're nearly done, I add the mushrooms to the same pan and saute those for a little while. Then, I add the sauce to the chicken/mushroom pan, and pour the whole thing over pasta. We usally eat it with some garlic bread and a fresh salad. YUM!!

First "Foodie Friday" Installment

2006-04-14T15:46:00.002-04:00

Foodie Friday is a "blog-along" [just named it that] that is the brainchild of a few food-inclined people, that has now taken shape. In fact, there is a web ring to be up soon! While there aren't any "rules" yet, the goal is to share a culinary tidbit every Friday; be it a recipe, kitchen tip, ingredient info, eatery review - what have you.

Now, since I am admittedly not skilled in the kitchen, some of you may be wondering why exactly *I* am worthy of participating in Foodie Friday. The reason is this - I love food - even if I can't cook it. And, eventually, I will have to become self-sustenant, which entails being able to feed myself, LOL, and I'll *have* to know how to cook... So, I might as well start early.

With all that build up you would think my pilot Foodie Friday would be something spectacular - but I'm not to spectacular yet. Plus, I feel unprepared; I'd wanted to post my alfredo formula but can't find the little notes I wrote last time I made it... So, that will have to wait for some other time.

Today, I'll just share a family treat many "outsiders" think is really weird. My Grandma Dory - my mom's mom, who died when I was 5 - used to love this. I don't make it very often, but it is definitely one of my comfort foods.

---

Grandma's Toast -

Toast two slices of bread - I like wheat for this, but any kind works. Smear the slices generously with sour cream, and then sprinkle about a tablespoon of brown sugar evenly over each.

Enjoy with a glass of milk!

---

Mmmm; now I have made myself hungry, so I think I might go make a slice!

Full of shit

2006-04-12T18:52:00.000-04:00

I don't have anything exciting to share tonight, but since I am all for posting even when there aren't exciting things going on, I figured I should take my own advice. Sooooo... here I am!

I'm wildly excited because I don't have to work tomorrow... things there right now are *ICKY!!* The other part-time girl quit for an intership and they haven't hired a replacement. I am not going to overextend myself like I did at my old job, so right now it sucks. Things are not getting done fast enough; we just got a new shirt machine that is getting customer reviews and generating lots of business so we need that other person more than ever. PLus, it's getting hot. I never thought about how fucking HOT it is at a drycleaning plant... Steam, hot irons, washers, dryers, boilers, more steam... No AC. [It's a warehouse with no duct work.] It's only April and that place is becoming more and more like hell everyday. Thank God *most* of the people I work with are great.

Oh, and thank God for my raise, too.

I've been informed that effective my next check, I've recieved a raise! I have no clue how much, since my boss told my manager to tell me, but didn't tell her how much. Last night I had a [bad] dream that it was only for a quarter. I hope it's more than a quarter...

A bunch of kids at a local Catholic private school got busted with "illegal substances and related contraband" and I have to chuckle about that. Gee, I only went to public school, but at least I was smart enough to not bring my dope to school!! Dumbasses!! [Smoke it at lunch!!]

I think I'll shut up now.

Have a good evening, y'all! Hugs!

Spring Cleaning...

2006-04-08T19:22:00.000-04:00

Out with the old, in the new... Spring is a time to lighten up!!

I took this literally today.

This was me this morning:

[Yep, that's me, I swear! Look at that hair! It's not really curly at all - that's just from putting it up wet and letting it dry. :) ]

Okay - anyways!

Here is me now!:

I donated right around 11" to Locks of Love - and got the cute cut gratis! I was so glad to be able to help; I am admittedly vain about my hair, and am thrilled that I might be able to give that opportunity to someone else, who needs it more than I! Even better was seeing all the people that turned out to the event to donate their hair also... everyone from little girls getting their first cuts, to old biker dudes chopping off their ponies. When I left, they were past their 50th cut [with a 10" minimum, mind you!] and still had a long line left to go!!

Things have been going really well for me. I feel like I'm ridding my life of "heavy" things, so to speak. The semester is starting to wrap up - I just gave a huge presentation on Thursday [30% of my grade, if I recall correctly] - I threw it together last minute Wednesday night, expounded upon my guacamole pictorial, and got - get this - a 99%. The one point I lost was for letting my summary slide run over to two slides. It felt great to get that out of the way, and do it well. I also finally drove out to my old school, soon to be my current school again, and had my transcripts sent to the community college so I can get my associate's this spring. Another check off the list!

I still haven't been crocheting. My desire has been squelched for the moment- I hope it comes back soon. I have things to make!

2006-04-06T21:04:00.000-04:00

Move Along, Folks.

2006-04-06T02:48:00.000-04:00

No drama to see here today.

Hopefully I'll get some hookin' cookin' on this *crochet* blog again soon. For those of you who continute to read and stick with me, I thank you.

Oh yeah, if you're interested, check out the new ring over there in the sidebar that Kari started - Real Crafty - for crafters who aren't afraid to say fuck every now and then.

'Night! [Or, 'mornin'!]

2006-03-31T17:06:00.000-05:00

Drama is one of those things I came to despise in HS. And lately it's been popping up all over the place. I'm guessing that anyone who frequents the 'Ville and doesn't have their head in the sand will know what I'm talking about, so I find no need to rehash it.

I did notice that half the comments I've made there today have been deleted or locked, LOL... Not sure who that reflects worse on - me, or the fucking idiots who provoke me to open my mouth! [Move my fingers, maybe?] Perhaps if I were more intuitive I would take that as the sign to lay low and head for hills...

Bleck.

2006-03-27T15:24:00.000-05:00

I've been avoiding my blog lately. I don't know why.

A couple weeks ago I got the best package from my secret-to-me pal at C'Ville. It was full of freakin awesome candy, as well as some delicious brushed alpaca from Plymouth... in the *perfect* color... Although I have no idea what to use it for it's been sitting right on top of my stash, so I can pet it often.

Today, I got a little box from someone who loves me over at DoD... no, not the government, but Dreams of Dogwood, my newest internet haunt. It's got good peoples, and good convo, and no drama... And apparently, some gifters, too!! *Someone* [?] sent me the cutest plush Peeps chick basket, filled with yummy teas and topped with ~~yummier~~ yarn!! [Yummier? Seriously, WTF... I can't believe I just typed that.] But really, this yarn is the kind one becomes a snob over - despite the fact that term has really been pissing me off lately; it's some really sumptuous baby-pink baby mohair. [Sumptuous is much better vocab, don't you agree?]

I haven't been hooking much... I started the Yeehaw Lady hat from HH with three strands of cotton chenille, and it's looking kick-ass, but I set it down once I finished the crown [like a week ago] and haven't picked it up since... I also have a little cardigan pattern to test - have the yarn, pattern, etc, and haven't even tried my gauge swatch yet.

School's going really well - I started my bowling class 2 weeks ago and so far have an average of 128; my highest game was a 170 [yay!!] but my lowest was an 87! [WTF?] ... Work's okay - I'm still on gravy hours, since I'm in school, but I have a bad feeling about this summer. The other part time girl is leaving at the end of this week to take an internship, and there's already grumbling going on about who exactly will be picking up the slack. I just have to be very clear about my boundaries and that this is only a PT job for me, and *not* get roped in like I did at Good Food. These are the last years of my life I will ever get to irresponsible and I plan to milk it for all it's worth...

Speaking of resposibilities - my car will be PAID OFF in 3 months!! Three more payments and she is all mine... how nice is that? It's not the nicest car, but it's not a fucking rust bucket either, and it still runs great... and best of all it will be paid for! I have got to tell y'all, I'm excited about this. It's a big milestone for me!!

And, speaking of *milestones* - Kris and I passed our fifth anniversary during my absence! We kind of anti-celebrated... our anniversary was on St. Patty's day, so we'd planned to go up north for the weekend, but ended up doing nothing at all. Truth be told, it was really, really nice. I think maybe we treated ourselves to Steak N Shake for dinner, lol - what a splurge, right? It was great, though, it always is. I adore their skinny fries.

I plan to try to keep up with my blogging more, although now that the nicer weather is just around the corner, it's so easy to find something else to do instead... [I'm sure you all understand!] Having the laptop has really come in handy, though - if not for blogging more regularly than at least for doing my homework more... Which reminds me, I have a dialogue to type up for German. So, I'll just wrap up with this pic of Kris and I, taken this past weekend on my cell:

Hugs, all!

Quizzy goodness!

2006-03-19T12:27:00.000-05:00

Found at Sue's blog:

You Are an Old Soul

You are an experienced soul who appreciates tradition.
Mellow and wise, you like to be with others but also to be alone.
Down to earth, you are sensible and impatient.
A creature of habit, it takes you a while to warm up to new people.

You hate injustice, and you're very protective of family and friends
A bit demanding, you expect proper behavior from others.
Extremely independent you don't mind living or being alone.
But when you find love, you tend to want marriage right away.

Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul and Visionary Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

I did it!!

2006-03-09T20:20:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the Neverendinghan!! I'm so amazed with myself... this blanket has sat by the way side so long I seriously doubted I would ever finish it. [Now, the cloud graphghan has taken it's place, but let's not think about that, okay?] I think the last time I actually made a serious post about this project was in November [!!!] when I showed you these pictures:

I actually finished the 'ghan earlier in the week, but hadn't gotten around to photographing it. It was made intending to be used at Kris's house, hence the bumblebee-esque color combo, but so far it's gotten so much use at my place that I doubt it will be leaving. Even it doesn't match. So, here's the FO:That's Kris hiding under it on my double bed and me holding it up.

Stats: I used Bernat Super Value in Black and Deep Straw, 3 [8oz] skeins of each, and my TOTC J hook. I used a stitch I picked from 101 Stitches for Afghans, which I've seen elsewhere caled the sedge stitch. It's a sc, hdc, dc shell, basically: textured, but not feminine, and not very open. It's quick and mindless to work up, too. The edging is my favorite standby, reverse sc. It always looks clean and polished - for some reason frilly or scalloped edges just don't do it for me.

I've been trying not to start too many new projects, cuz it's been so long since I've finished any and it feels nice to be on this roll. I've been thinking about picking up the sucky Karabella spiral shawl again and trying to work that out. Last time, I think I had a pretty promising start figuring out the pattern, but completely quit working on it for some reason. [?!]

I've also been working on a little, secretish project, and trying to get some things set aside for my secret pal. She's turning out to be a real doll and I want to send her some great stuff. Summer is coming up and I'd like to send her some nice cottons or other lightweight fibers, but I know a trip to my LYS is going to prove dangerous on my budget!!

See, with summer coming up, I hopefully will have a month or two off from classes, [I'm sure I'll write more about that later,] and I'm seriously pondering investing in a knitting class. The ones I'm considering don't run cheap, but the shop I'd be at is also the only one I have found where I truly feel comfortable and enjoy the atmosphere. I have had a desire to knit for a while now, but *no* desire whatsoever to learn from a book or try to teach myself. I want someone to help me... especially since I've heard that "Continental Style" [whatever that is] is supposed to be easier for crochet-crossovers to learn, and I want an actual person to show me how that works, y'know?

Sunday we have Kris's nephew's birthday party - tomorrow after work I have to shopping for his present. We were planning on getting him a bat and mitt, and come to find out that his family on the other side already did. Boogers. At least I have a turtle for his sister...

Anywho, gonna run - Wings are on and I just missed another goal. Deneen, I hope you get better soon; and Jessi, I miss you and hope you feel better too. And, HUGS to everyone!!

Ooooh, I'm famous!!

2006-03-09T12:19:00.000-05:00

Well, not really, of course! But, I did get a good mention today over at the ReadyMade blog. Or rather, my shopping bag pattern got a good mention. This is seriously exciting, though, since not only is it good exposure but I also *love* ReadyMade mag very, very much.

Click here for the direct link to the entry.

And, a HUGE HUGE HUGE thanks to Pfirsch for the heads up on this! Good looking out!

Crochet the Rainbow

2006-03-02T19:26:00.000-05:00

I did it - I joined , along with masses of other crafters. Hopefully it will inspire me to finish some freakin' projects!! Plus, it's low commitment, which I like. I'm enrolled in the DC Secret Pals Swap, so I don't want to overwhelm myself.

I did have a little ulterior motive with signing up for P.S. too, since I knew I was only about an hour away from completing March's project - something red or pink. Yes, that's right folks, I have an FO to show!! Remember the Fino yarn I was going on about before Christmas? The shawl that ended up a scarf that ~~became a UFO~~ got set aside for a bit? It's finished!! My first lace project ever... I'm rediculously pleased with it, and only wish I would've finished it sooner in the winter so I could get more wear time out of it.

Stats: This scarf is 92" long by 8" wide. I kept going until it was as long as I wanted, and wove in the ends, no border. It used slightly less than one whole 100g hank of Fino, I'd guess about 800 yds. I used a size E hook, and a chevron stitch I liked from my Harmony Guide. When it was done I steam pressed it - never done that before and since I am not very familiar with the iron I had my mom assist. How lame is it that I'm 20 and don't know how to use an iron? [My mom thinks muchly.] I absolutely love this yarn. [But really, KnitPicks Shimmer is the *exact* same thing for half the cost; the only bummer is Shimmer doesn't come in the beautiful solid colors that Fino does...]

Anyways! I mentioned I signed up for the DC Secret Pals Swap - I'm excited about this. I'm hoping that the more experienced group will guarentee a successful experience for everyone... And I'm happy cuz I've already received a nice ecard from my pal.

Plus, the gal who I get to send to is someone who I'm not very familiar with, and from reading up on her I think I will really like her. I'm pretty positive she doesn't read my blog, so I feel safe mentioning that I dyed some yarn to send to her last night. I tried the Wilton's Icing Dye again, and had better results this time, but I'm still not thrilled, so I think I might over dye it tomorrow after work. It's tricky to get the color saturation on this stuff right - plus, my rinse never ran clear. Hmmm...? Anyways, I'm looking forward to spoiling her.

Now I'm gonna run, cuz Kris bought me a scratch-off and I gotta see if I'm rich. ;)

Guacamole: A "Pictorial"

2006-02-27T18:29:00.000-05:00

I've been inspired, and driven to my kitchen for munchies!, many times over by a lot of the blogs I read, notably Jessica, Deneen, and Cordelia. However, I always appreciate when I stumble on a bit of foody goodness, being that I am not culinarily inclined. [In fact, it was only a few weeks ago when reading Wendy's blog that I discovered fried rice has scrambled eggs in it. Doh!!]

So, most often it for my benefit that I am not in the cooking position, and for your benefit that I do not try to share my "knowledge." However, there are a few dishes that I can prepare, and prepare well - guacamole's one of these, cuz there's not much you can do to mess it up, I guess. Follows is my Illustrated Guide to Making Guacamole:

Natalie's "Throw it all in There" Guacamole

2 ripe [soft when you squeeze 'em] avocados

Lemon or lime juice, fresh or from concentrate, it doesn't matter

1 Generous Scoop Salad Dressing, I prefer Miracle Whip but you could Vegenaise if you want to go veg. Or, you could totally omit it, too, for a slightly "blander" guac.

Tabasco Sauce, or favortie hot sauce, to taste

Dash of Worcestershire sauce, optional. I used Lea & Perrins, you don't have to use if you don't want.

1 big green onion, sliced thinly

A Couple shakes of Garlic Pepper

Fresh Ground Pepper and Sea Salt, to taste

Tomatoes and cilantro to garnish, if desired

First, halve the avocados and remove the pits.

Then, scrape out the flesh and chop it up with the spoon a little. Don't mash it - we'll do that later and you don't want to end up with baby-food.

Give the avocado a good dousing of lemon or lime juice. This will help keep the flesh from turning brown, while adding flavor.

Plop the spoonful of dressing on top. Don't mix yet - we'll mix at the end.

Add some hot sauce: a lot or a little, whatevah. Sprinkle on some Worcestershire.

Add the sliced green onion, then give it all a few healthy shakes of Garlic Papper. [Notice the economy sized bottle? We like Garlic Pepper. :]

Finally, flavor with sea salt and fresh groud pepper to taste.

Now you can mix! Give it all a good stirring, making sure to mash any huge chunks of avocado. Top with tomatoes, if you're using them; I like to keep them on top cuz if you stir them in they get icky looking. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if you've got it, [which I didn't, as you can see]. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips as a dip or use as a spread on sandwiches.

Enjoy!

In Case You Needed Any More Affirmation -

2006-02-24T23:11:00.000-05:00

This article at Supernaturale confirms it at least several dozen times over: crochet rocks hard. [And shoutout to Regina, too - what a great plug! You've been all over the place lately, girl!]

I have whored my SnBCrochet review around a little bit, and managed to muster over 1000 hits today. [Very respectable, if I do say so myself - usually I am right around 200/day, thanks to my Hippie Hat pattern being up at CPC...]

Tomorrow after work, I hope to share my guacamole-making "pictorial" [picture-tutorial?] with you - YUM!

Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet - The Happy Hooker: A Review

2006-02-24T13:10:00.000-05:00

[So I didn't have to put a million thumbnailed pictures in, there are lots of links, many of them to images. Just a heads up, since my link color doesn't contrast very well. I do apologize for any poor-quality pics; they were difficult to get just right and I gave up.]

The more I look through The Happy Hooker, the more and more satisfied I am with it. I admit, when I first read the introduction, I was a bit thrown off... there were some compliments that could have been taken as snarks, and at first I almost got the feeling that she was trying to "sell" crochet to knitters. And, the anal retentive proofreader in me wonders how the book ever went to print with "it all starts with the single, simple act of wrapping a hook around a strand of yarn" on it's back cover. What? Since when are hooks pliable?

But, whatever. There's so many good things about this book that it's just stupid to nitpick about silly things like that. First off, part one of the book, Hooking Up, is a great introduction to crochet, for knitters and newcomers to fiber alike. There are tips strewn about that are supposed to help knitters adapt to the new craft, and the very clear illustrations will be a great aid to someone who is not yet yarn-oriented. I would definitely recommend getting this book for anyone who you want to get "hooked;" the down to earth language and explanations, small compendium of stitches, and great array of patterns will be inspiring to the newbie and will be something they refer back to for a loong time. [A side note: I adore how Stoller refers to the rear, bumpy side of a chain as the "butt" and I'll have to call it that from now on.]

But, I know most of you guys already know the basics of crochet [and a good deal more] and you're concerned with the important part: the patterns. This book has over three dozen patterns in seven categories:

[Click HERE to view the TOC.]

Laura Killoran, a.k.a. Croshay

Fluffy Bunny Slippers

Li'l Monkey set by Carmen

stuffed toy

Doris Daymat

Color-Bar Blanket

I'm really satisfied with the recommended yarn selections in this book, too. No bias against cheap yarn here, as there are projects [nice ones, too] done in RH Super Saver, Bernat Big Value and Softee Chunky, LB Wool-Ease and Lion Cotton. There are some middle-of-the-roaders, like Paton's Classic Merino Wool, Cascade 220 and Classic Elite Flash. And then there's the higher ends, like Karabella Aurora, Noro Kureyon and Louet Euroflax. Each pattern has lots of info about the yarn, too, including weight and yardage, so it should make substituting easier.

Most garment patterns have four or five size options, too, going up to XL and XXL, with "real people" measurements like a 50" bust or 52" hips. And, most of the designs [excluding the bikini and halter, maybe] are such that they'd actually look good on fuller figures. Furthermore, each item of clothing has a labeled schematic drawing with it, which I find immensely helpful.

Turtles on Parade...

2006-02-23T21:51:00.000-05:00

I made the baby one for Kris's neice, but she won't get it til we go for his nephew's birthday, in a few weeks. I love these; so quick and so cute. The pattern's simple, too, so after a bit you get it down pat without having to check back every two seconds.

That's all I have to show off that I made - the rest is what I bought. Yes, lately, the amount of spending has been inversly proportional to the amount of actual producing... but like I said, it's shop therapy. I'm very serious about it.

Anywho - follows are my spoils [and commentary] in order I received them:

On Tuesday when I got home from work, I had a little package from Deneen waiting for me in my mailbox - a 2oz tin of her Whipped Shea Buttah!! Here it is next to my small turtle for size comparison. [And also to show off my turtle some more.] After reading all the rave reviews circulating around blogland, I had to try it out for myself, of course. So, I ordered some in the ylang-ylang scent, and I am a believer!! This stuff is so great, it literally melts into your skin, and it's so softly perfumed, very light. My dad has been using it on his dry patches, even, although he says he;d prefer it unscented.

That same day, I somehow managed to cajole Kris into going to JoAnns with me... I didn't end up getting what I wanted, but I did pick up the new copy of Knit.1. The highlight of the mag is this cute little crop top - I like it alot. If I ever were to actually make it, I would lengthen it, or lengthen the chevron part... There are some other cute patterns, too, though. More knit than crochet, but what else is new?

These two I ordered off Amazon, and they showed up on Wednesday. Truth be told, I'm not thrilled with either, but I'm pleased enough with both to not send them back. The best piece in Lion Brand Vinateg Styles is the cover cardi, in my opinion, but there are a few other decent patterns. Blue Ribbon Crochet doesn't have anything that screams out "make me" but it has many good patterns that I could see making for gifts... Lots of nice doilies if I ever get more into thread than snowflakes...

These suckers came this morning and I actually skipped my afternoon class to stay home and look them over. The Crochet Answer Book is full of a lot of info I already know, but it is handy to have it all in one place, and I like the format. It's also got the math for sleeve/neck shaping, and things I like to not think hard about. All in all, I'm happy with The Happy Hooker. It wasn't earth shattering, but there are several nice, makeable patterns... and the instructions are pretty good for someone who'd need them. I like the variety of patterns, too. I want to make this sweater right away; it's like the one Jessi made awhile back. I love it.

Okay, sorry to show and go but Kris is rushing me out the door! Hugs!

A Pokey Little Turtle

2006-02-19T21:39:00.000-05:00

The pattern is from here. It was delivered to my inbox quickly, and is easy to follow. I made this with various cone chenilles... Next I'll be making a pink, smaller-sized one for Kris's niece.

Last week, we recieved an invitation for his nephew's birthday party... Specifically addressed to us ["Uncle Kris and Natalie"] and this is cheesy, but it made me feel grown up. So - all you moms out there - what's a good, appropriate gift for a 4-yo boy that both he, and his parents, will appreciate?? I was thinking some of those "Magic" art supplies from Crayola. He also *loves* baseball and can hit a ball about 20x better than me - so Kris and I were thinking a nice bat and mitt. Thoughts?

I melted my plastic this weekend... Sometimes I think I really do need shop therapy - I just get bummed out when I am broke and can't buy things. So, I ~~think~~ know I went overboard, but I can't bring myself to actually care right now. I can't wait until my goodies start pouring in!! I'll be dreading the MasterCard bill next month, but whatevah!!

A shitty excuse for a post...

2006-02-16T14:35:00.000-05:00

but I saw this on Wendy's blog and I'd still like to know what you think about me.

I haven't really been crocheting, even though the Olympics are going on - I had to do a last minute switch in my project, since I couldn't find enough Amore in one color to make a sweater. Instead, I started a graphghan with this could pic, and it's such a pain in the ass I just can't get motivated on it. It would look awesome in my room, but I feel like maybe I should've started with a pillow...

Once I get my groove back I'll be here more. It's like I create this pressure for myself; after going so long without blogging, I feel like when I do it should be worthwhile. But I haven't had anything worthwhile to say, so I haven't been bloggging... It's a vicious cycle.

Hugs.

Snowy Superbowl??

2006-02-04T17:07:00.000-05:00

Big, fat, wet flakes are coming down in alarming thickness!! Thankfully, we've had some wickedly warm weather the last couple weeks, and the ground is so warm nothing is really sticking. Now, if it had been a little bit colder - then we would be having some issues, as there'd be at least a few inches accumulated by now.

However - the way the media is hyping this "winter storm" and the accompanying warning is utterly rediculous. Pretty much everyone who lives in the area *knew* there wouldn't be a lot of snow with this storm - it's just been too damn warm. Any other time, this would have barely made a mention or two on the nightly news - but because the *SUPERBOWL* is in town... it's like it's the blizzard of the century or something.

It's the way it's been the whole time leading up to it - lots of hype over nothing. Everyone who lives here knows that nothing is actually going to change... I mean, there have been lots of beautification efforts downtown, but once all the tourists leave, the buildings will still be there, abandoned and looking ugly. They have made an effort to round up the homeless and get them shelter, but you know come Monday when everyone leaves they'll be right back out on the street. All of a sudden, we have "public transportation" ... but really, what is it is that the people who actually have to use the buses are totally inconvenienced for the week, and next week it's back to 'lucky if you can catch one!'

Can you tell I'm pretty halfhearted about the whole thing? I will be watching tomorrow, though - more for the commercials than anything else. I'm not a football fan and we're not big partiers so it's like any other Sunday for us!

Ilene is definitely the winner for the Olympics project, and honestly I'm quite pleased about that - now I'm just fingers-crossed my tax returns come back in time for me to buy my yarn, else I am SOL!! I only have enough to get like half the required amount of yarn without that extra cash - yipes!

Anywho, I have to go... I've recently taken over dinner-duty for a family friend that's homebound. He's got MS and Parkinson's, and pretty much has great difficulty getting around farther than his bed to his bathroom, but he still loves his Big Macs... and has a huge sense of pride... so he considers it a "job" and pays me $30 a weekend to go fetch his junk food for him. I'm happy to help anyways, but I'm certainly not bitching about the extra $30, either... So, I'm off to play delivery service - I do apologize for the pointless post, though, I just felt like blogging.

Hugs!

It's crack!!

2006-01-30T19:11:00.000-05:00

And I'm fucking addicted.

20 Questions

I can't stop playing! Kris's mom got the hand-held version for he and his sibs awhile ago, and since then we've been having a hell of a time trying to stump it. Then, I found the online version and it was all downhill... The handheld was beatable, but the computer version is unstoppable!! I was able to win with "yarn" but it still guessed it after 28 questions. I *did* get it with "an hour" but I kept second guessing all my answers, so I don't know if it counts.

Crochet Olympics

2006-01-29T12:19:00.000-05:00

It's a rainy, icky, lazy Sunday - perfect for doing nothing, which is what I'm doing. :) In fact, I highly doubt I will shower today. It's just one of those kinds of days.

Inspired by the Knitting Olympics that are occuring out there in blogland, the ladies at Crochetville have gotten together a Crochet version, which I felt I *had* to join. Lately, I have been in this crochet rut - where I have about 4 projects going, and just can't seem to finish a single one. I just work a little on one here, and a little on another there... and spin a little in between... and it has just been a big length of un-productiveness. I even tried to just get a snowflake done yesterday, and the blending filament kept tangling so badly I gave up. Poo.

So - I'm hoping the Crochet Olympics will be the catalyst I need to get myself out of this rut. I sure hope so, because I've decided to do a wearable, and one of the rules is to *not* set yourself up for failure. I've been really wanting to do another top since the Big-Collared Cardi nightmare, and this is just the opportunity...

Now I just have to decide which top to make. This is where I'm hoping you will help me, since my family is utterly useless at assisting in things like these. I've got it narrowed down to three choices, and if I knew how I'd put up one of those cool polls in the sidebar. But, I don't, so if you'd just leave me a comment, letting me know which project you think I should do, I will love you forever. It would also be excellent to hear why/why not you think I should[n't] chose a certain project - i.e. "That one will take a lot longer than 16 days so don't even try it."

Okay, so here are the nominees for Natalie's 2006 Winter Crochet Olympics Project:

1.Ilene from Cool Crochet

Thoughts: The recommended yarn for this sweater is TLC Amore, which I love. I'll use that yarn if I make this, however, it will be in a solid color, most likely black. I'd also extend the torso length a couple inches. This has been a "want to make someday" project ever since I got the book.

2.On-The-Side Cardigan from Hip to Crochet

Thoughts: The recommended yarn is Classic Elite Miracle, which is beautiful but out of my price range for a project of this scale. So, if I end up making this, it will be in another DK weight, probably from KnitPicks. I'd love to make it in Elegance, which is also almost identical in weight, and half the cost of Miracle. I've been wanting a cozy cardigan ever since the Big-Collared flop, and I think this would look nice in a heather grey.

3.Lacy Tunic from Hooked on Style [originally from Paton's Beautiful Crochet booklet]

Thoughts: This pattern calls for Paton's Grace, which is a gorgeous yarn, but I think it could get very pricey to do a whole sweater out of. Instead, I was thinking maybe Lustersheen, but I'm not sure if that will have the same sheen and drape as the Grace. I like the fit of this sweater though, and the motifs might break up the work a bit. [Or, make it grueling, who knows?]

Alright, that's what I've picked for myself - now, please help me pick what to crochet for the Olympics! I only have a little bit of time to get the yarn together, and with my budget lately, that could be tricky! I am making myself get my packages wrapped up first, especially since I have a couple that are overdue. [You know who you are, and if I owe you something I have not forgotten about it! It's just that I'm not used to budgeting and I have to spread my cash out a bit longer... Soon, though, I promise!!]

Wonder if Kris would buy me Olympics yarn for an early Valentine's Day present??

I'm it!

2006-01-25T14:41:00.000-05:00

I got tagged! I was holding out on this meme, but then I saw that Jen tagged me, and well, here I am.

*The Four Things Meme* [I got tagged with the shortened version, thru Jen via Sue at Good Yarns, so that is what follows.]

Answer the four questions below and then name four taggees.

Four jobs you have held:
1. Customer Service Rep @ drycleaners
2. Cashier @ health food store
3. Porter @ bowling alley
4. Waitress @ a shitty coney

Four places you have lived:
1. Michigan
2. Clawson, in Michigan
3. My house
4. My room [pretty lame, but I've never moved.]

Four vacations you have taken:
1. The northern east coast - Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont
2. Space Camp in Huntsville, AL
3. Washington DC
4. The southwest - Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah

Four vehicles you have owned:
1. '96 Pontiac Grand Am
2.
3. [I haven't had enough years of driving to have had many cars!]
4.

Four bloggers you want to tag: [Are there still people to tag??]
1. Deneen
2. Jessi, I'm still tagging you even if you can't play right now!
3. Sara
4. Andrea

Posting this from the couch...

2006-01-21T17:24:00.000-05:00

Yep, the couch. Which could only mean one [reasonable] thing - I GOT A LAPTOP!!!AGHH!!!

Seriously, I was so excited I actually got it, I almost wanted to pee myself. It's a secondhand Dell but honestly just like new... I didn't think I was going to be able to come up with the money before it got sold to someone else, but my wonderful boyfriend was able to scrape it together for me!! So, I guess it is really *his* laptop, since quite honestly I didn't pay a cent it, but we both know that's not the case. [Regardless of if when I pay him back for it.]

Anyways, I am telling myself that it will really be helpful to have around for my homework, and my mom feels that it will minimize the "who gets the computer" arguments between me and Lauren... Of course, it will be nice to be able to surf the net at Kris's house. Actually, there's not a wireless network at my house yet - so I when I'm there, the only way I've figured out to connect is to unhook the cable connection from other computer - self-defeating. But, the whole county will have a free wireless network up by the end of the year, so it won't be long and I won't have to worry about it.

I've been so busy playing with my new piece of technology that I haven't picked up a hook since Thursday, when I restarted the irksome Karabella Lace Mohair Shawl. I would link you to the patter but for some reason it's mysteriously disappeared from the kpixie site where I bought it from. This pattern is just horribly written and nothing but troubles - but the picture of the finished shawl is gorgeous and I want to get to that point!! Also, after reading Tiffany's recent posts, I *need* to make myself a panta. [Maybe from stripey sock yarn? Or hippie-chick organic cotton?]

Ignore the fact that I've not yet finished the Fino scarf...

Gotta love CIS classes...

2006-01-19T15:07:00.000-05:00

Or Computer Information Systems classes... Basically, I am in "Microsoft Office for Dummies" - for the second time, since the first time I took it I dicked around and didn't do my homework. I ended up not getting a high enough grade to transfer credit. Sooooo, here I am again, "learning" about minimizing windows, copying text, and other similarly menial tasks. The first part of the class is so basic it makes my brain bleed, but honestly, I'm Excel incapable, so the second half actually does get difficult for me, and I will actually learn something from this class. Right now, though, it's a great time to catch up on my blog reading/commenting, and *gasp* posting to my own blog, too!! [Next time I'll have to remember to load my pics to my jumpdrive first, lol.]

I made myself a cute pair of pink handwarmers this past weekend... No pics right now, though! They turned out nice, but not so practical - I used Sirdar Breeze, which is just too thick for these. They ended up so bulky that they'd really only be practical to wear with short sleeves. I used a pattern from the CPaD calendar - the "Where'd My Fingers Go?" fingerless gloves, or something similarly titled. [I was looking for the Koigu pattern listed in the index, but it's not there - anyone else noticed that??] Anyways, I think I'll use the pattern again in a thinner yarn, maybe that rose allHEMP3 I've had laying around for awhile and don't know what to do with. My goal is to make something that will keep my hands warm at work without getting in the way... and the ones I just made will snag on hangers, I know already. I'm hoping the hemp won't.

I've only made a total of three snowflakes so far for Snowflake Mondays - I've been getting frustrated with them easily, so I've been sticking to the small ones from the 99 Snowflakes book. For some reason I just can't get back into the groove that I had going before the holidays. Plus, I really like the way they look with a sparkley thread carried along, but with the last two I've made I've been having a heck of a time getting the second thread to behave. It keeps tangling or slipping out or breaking - general deterrents from snowflakey goodness.

Honestly, I don't have much crochet progress to report, because I've been playing a lot with my spindle. :) The brown wool Jacqui sent me is just a dream to spin - it barely takes any effort at all to draft. I've been spinning Z to ply S, which the teacher of the class said is ideal for crochet - we'll see once I get some yarn made up if it's got any truth to it. I have been eyeing some of the pretty crochet threads being offered for sale at Crochetville, though; I'd like to get started on the Care Bears in thread one of these days. Those have been one my WIM for awhile now, and I want to make them a WIP.

Work at the dry cleaners is going pretty good - I've got a consistent schedule now, working mornings until about 2pm and getting about 25 hours per week. It's a cut from my old job, but that's what I wanted... I like that my time's not so packed, but I do feel the financial hit. I definitely don't have as much "me" money after bills... It's working out, though; I'm certainly not complaining. It's actually quite nice, since Kris just got a new schedule at his job and he's working M-F 7-4, we finally get most of our evenings together. [When I'm not in class.] Plus, I just hit my 90 days, and from the feedback I've been getting I have a hunch a raise is not so far away.

My parents have finally reached the court stage in the identity theft battle, too. My dad's credit report is totally cleared of all the suspect charges, and now they are just assisting in the state's prosecution of Rafael. The county prosecutor's office thought that he would plea out since the evidence against him is so compelling, but he's decided to go to trial with it, so now it gets moved up to a higher court and prosecutor. He's facing 10 different felony charges, and since the prosecutors feel that he is wasting their time, they are determined to hit him with the worst they can. It's frustrating for my dad, definitely, but we're glad that it didn't just get swept under the rug, like a lot of ID theft cases do.

Anywho - class is about to end, so I guess I'll wrap things up!! Hugs!

Lots to post...

2006-01-15T14:44:00.000-05:00

But not a lot of time... and I know if I blabber on forever you'll all quit reading... so here's a [mostly] photo update:

Contest:
Drawing [Belated, yipes!]

Winners, Andrea and Wendy!!Details on prizes will follow, since I've *still* not decided what you've won, but Wendy, I need your address info, so if you could email me that it would be great. :) Thank you everyone else for playing along and for sticking with me after a whole year. I really love having you all as friends!!

Wool Swap
Gorgeous roving from Jacqui - tons of it!!
and - a BALL WINDER!!! I've been winding all my stash up... I love it. Thank you so much, Jacqui!!

Spinning Class and aftermath

Went great, although I forgot to bring my camera, so I don't have pictures from the actual class, but Jessi does. I had a rediculously good time - we met up early for coffee, then went to the shop for the class. There were a dozen ladies total, and our teacher was a really nice, knowledgable guy. We got about four ounces of some very soft grey wool, and maybe an ounce of some super silky black alpaca to play with once we get better. Here's what I spun and plyed during the class, which ran over by almost an hour, along with the extra fiber:

And remember this roving that I dyed?

Look what I spun it into last night:
It's a mini-hank, it weighs just over an ounce and is about 20 yards worth of bulky yarn. Don't know what I'll do with it - maybe make an amigurumi turtle?? I'm proud, though.

And this is on my spindle right now, it's some of that beautiful chocolate wool from Jacqui:

Crochet
Although my hooking has taken a back burner this weekend, I did finish up the fulled slippers for Lauren last week. I didn't shape them to dry, so they're a bit janky looking right now. I have to re-wet and shape them but I've been lazy and she's been wearing them anyways.

Questions
For those of you that are handy with templates and things - how do I put the title of my page at the top so it shows up on every page as a link back to home? It was on the old template and I have no idea how to get it in this new one... and it bugs me because from the perma-link pages you can't get anywhere...

Oh, and does anyone know what happened to the Crochet Blogs button?

School
I started classes this week. My german teacher is a dud and isn't very good at explaining anything... If I hadn't taken some german before I would be very lost, I think. My computer class is redo - I'm hoping to pass it high enough to transfer credit, this time. I registered with the same teacher I had last time, who's a decently funny guy. He's a great teacher though, and fair with his grading. I just need to do the work this time. :) Oh - and bowling? Turns out it's only a half semester deal, and it doesn't start til March. Except, I didn't realize that until I had warmed up my car to leave for the first class, and only then decided to double-check my schedule. Doh!!

There are lots of fun memes going around right now that I want to do too, but I haven't got the time... I love reading them all, though! Awesome questions, too, Lori!!

Anyways - gotta run - today's lemon rice soup day at one of my fave little restaurants - YUM!! Hugs, all!!

The contest is ending! The contest is ending!!

2006-01-10T08:11:00.000-05:00

Today's the last day to leave a comment that will be eligible for entry into my contest drawing. So, go now - comment!!

Spotted On Cindy's Blog...

2006-01-07T20:38:00.000-05:00

Possibly the most disturbing thing I've read in a long time. As an avid Curious George fan, I was shocked and appaled to read about George's adventure with the hos...

Only three days left til my contest ends!!

OMG - I'm double posting!

2006-01-05T19:23:00.000-05:00

WTF is up with me, anyways?

It's just cuz I was going thru my bloglines before it gets too out of control... And I saw that quite a few of you out in blogland have been doing this seven meme that's going around - then I saw that Sara made me one of her seven - number one of her seven, in fact, which makes me feel quite special and obligated to play along.

So, here goes:

A. Seven things to do before I die

1. Make peirogis and applesauce the real way, like my grama
2. Own a Cobra 427. I'd die to have one of the real ones, but I'll realistically be able to afford a remake or a kit car.
3. Judge the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam.
4. Spend time in Ireland.
5. Visit all 50 states... last count I had almost half!
6. Dare I say [type?] it - learn to knit.
7. Have an up north place.

B. Seven things I cannot do

1. Wear fancy shoes. I have ~~fat~~ very wide feet, so trying on most heels is laughable.
2. Blow smoke OOOs. I have tried. Many, many times. I look like an ass and come no where close - not even UUUs.
3. Stand on the back of a galloping horse [saving this one from Sara, cuz I can't do that either.]
4. auto maintenance/repair. Playing the helpless female card here, but that's what my dad and Kris are for.
5. Be quick at anything. I'm pretty much always running behind - y'know the old stoner joke, "chronically late?" That's me.
6. Eat pickles. They fucking gross me out.
7. Water ski. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I've only ever gone about 20 yards in a remotely standing position.

C. Seven things that attract me to...

1. Kris: everything, seriously, plus he's hung. [OMG, he'd die if he saw this]
2. Hands: they're very sexy. I'm a touch-oriented sort of person.
3. Smell: scent is important to me. Someone/something nice smelling is a turn on.
4. My bed: memory foam mattress pad + down comforter = ultimate comfort
5. Home: warm, cozy, family - all nice things
6. Yarn: the way it feels, drapes, looks, smells.
7. Sidewalk chalk: I can't stay away from it - so many possibilities!!

D. Seven things I say most often

1. Fuck
2. Shit [God, I'm classy aren't I?]
3. Love you [I really do say this alot!]
4. How are you today?
5. Just one second while I grab these [garments] for you.
6. Have a nice day! [obviously 4,5, & 6 are work related]
7. 'ere. *nudge* ;)

E. Seven books (or series or genres or topics) that I love

1. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
2. Harry Potter books
3. Pretty much all Madeleine L'Engle's YA Fiction books
4. Christy
5. all the Curious Georges
6. The Green Mile
7. Cheesy chick lit. Pink covers. Mindless fluff. I love it - I can usually finish a book in one class.

F. Seven movies I watch over and over again (or would if I had time)
[I'm not much of a theatrite at *all* so excuse my poor list] [And is 'theatrite' even a word??]

1. Empire Records
2. The Breakfast Club
3. How High
4. Dazed and Confused
5. 8 Mile [Eminem is so freakin sexy]
6. Gone in 60 Seconds [only cuz Kris watches it *every* time it's on TV, though]
7. Mr. Deeds

G. Seven people I want to join in, too.

Uhh, I'm bowing out of this tag since I think I'm late on the meme bandwagon. If you haven't done it yet, consider yourself tagged.

Remember only 5 days left til my contest ends!!

Hurry!!

2006-01-05T15:19:00.000-05:00

Only 5.5 days left until my contest ends!! Don't miss out - my prizes will be really good! LOL, I still haven't decided exactly what they will be; it's very hard to pick beforehand because I'd pick something different for everyone who has left a comment so far. I was considering a credit at Knitpicks, but unfortunately, their gift certificate process isn't very streamlined. So, the hunt continues - any suggestions?? What would *you* really like to win if you win? [Don't forget, if you haven't commented already, go now!!]

Okay - enough plugging!! I only have a second more before Kris and I go grab a late lunch. He was lucky enough to get out early, especially considering he's working tomorrow, his day off!

I've not made any real progress on any of the projects I listed before, 'cept for the "shawl" made out of Fino that turned into a scarf. :) In the swatching process I found a stitch pattern I really liked, but didn't want to tweak it to do a shawl - oh well. I really love the way it's turning out so far; this is good because since the yarn was a Christmas present from my parents, the scarf has to be for *me.* I'm thinking about doing some experimenting when I get down a bit farther in length, so we'll see how that turns out. I have this vision in my head - just have to see if I can make it with my hook!!

And oh yeah - I did find a pattern for Lauren's fulled slippers - I'm going to use the felted slipper pattern that was Free Pattern of the Day yesterday. They're from an old Crochet! magazine if you missed it; if you really want it I could give you the issue info. They're all adorned with ribbons which I personally find hideous... but, the basic slipper pattern is something I think my sister would enjoy: hip and dorky at the same time. The pattern a day business is a cool idea... Now I just have to keep remembering to check it everyday!!

I finally placed my first order with Knitpicks - I got some Shadow merino laceweight in Sunset, and some Shimmer alpaca/silk laceweight in Happy Dance, as well as a hank of worsted Dye Your Own. For me. I also got some yarn for Kathy, my partner in the Winter Wool Swap at Crochetville. [Still no button - damn!!] She'll be getting 2 hanks of Dye Your Own, and four balls of Palette, in different colors. I didn't want to get *all* her yarn from Knitpicks, so I spent less than half the requirement there and will do the rest in real life at one of my LYS's. I have the spinning class next weekend and plan to have her package finished up by then. [ETA: while going back to clean up and add links, I noticed they've up their prices on the Dye Your Own!! It doesn't show on this page but it does here. Hmmm?]

Finally, thank you to Kimberly for the great package I received today!! It was full of yummy goodies, like *lots* of tea, some Belgian chocolate, a leaflet with doily patterns [perfect for my budding thread interest!! Good looking out!!], a cute little butterfly pin, and so pretty red and white stitch markers. I love it all, thanks so much for elfing me, Kimberly!!

Okay, *now* I'm going to eat!! Hugs!!

Ahem, ahem...

2006-01-03T16:08:00.000-05:00

The blog turns ONE YEAR OLD today!!

I could get so mushy and sentimental - recount the memories of the past year and higlight key moments - or tell you all how glad I am to have made your friendships and have you in my life - or set lofty goals for the coming year.

But I won't... Because I know all that blogiversaries are really good for are the contests.

So, here it is:

All I want from you is a comment. If you're a regular reader or a once in a whiler, I want to hear from you. Just tell me you want to win my contest, I don't care. I'll leave it open for one whole week... You have until the end of Tuesday, next week, to be included in the drawing. Then, I'll draw names for the winners... I'm pretty sure I will do two prizes. I'll announce the prizes, and their winners, at the same time next week.

Thanks for playing, and reading, and everything.

Hugs!!

Slumpitty-Ump-Bump Slump

2006-01-01T17:09:00.000-05:00

A computer slump, that is. I've had lots of things I keep thinking of to blog... photos to share - but everytime I get some minutes at the computer I am thwarted from posting. It's upsetting to me that even the mildest posts over at Crochetville are getting turned into stupid controversies... Like people just want to be muckrakers. It's bound to happen with all the growth, but I can't help thinking how much nicer it felt to be hanging out there this time last year. Whatever - I have to admit that I'm still drawn to those threads like soap operas or something. It's like my drama crack or something, LOL... Sometimes I so badly just want to ask people what the fuck they are thinking sometimes??

Anyways, I'm here and I didn't come here just to bitch... Sorry 'bout that. :)

I've been trying, like everyone else I'm sure, to get my life back in order after the holidays. I've had lots of time off and lots of hours to work... make any sense, lol? I've just had to work looooong shifts, that I'm not used to, so I get home wiped. Then, my days off lately have co-ordinated with Kris's, but that just means a lot of time spent with home and not necessarily being productive. I'm getting the finances back in order... I think I might even have enough to make a splurge order at Knitpicks this weeks, and get started on buying some yarn for the wool swap. [Which reminds me, I still don't have a button up for that yet.]

I've got like 6 crochet projects going, and just can't seem to get one of them finished up!! Actually, that's not quite true - I finished a ruffley scarf for my aunt last night during a movie - but still, the point is valid:

- I have my afghan, which has been ongoing for about oh, 2 months now? It's 36-40" now, and I need to buy more yarn soon. I like working on that and I like everything about how it's coming out.

- Also I'm working on a pair of handwarmers which I started after Christmas... Need them for work. Got 1 and 1/2 done, but can't get the second to look like the first, since I didn't use a pattern. Think those will get frogged and re-done with a pattern, but not right away probably.

- Then there's some green Lamb's Pride I bought that was supposed to be a pair of fulled slippers for Lauren for Christmas. Again, no pattern so really no direction - I have one sole that I will more than likely frog. I'd like to get one of the Fibertrends patterns, [this or this] but don't have the funds right this second so it'll wait a bit longer.

- A shawl that I'm only in the swatching stages of right now. It'll be using that burgundy Fino yarn by Alpacas with a Twist. It's gorgeous stuff. I'm still trying to find a stitch combo that is exactly what I want, though.

Okay - so that's only four - but there's also a couple back-burner projects; I haven't picked those up in weeks, though!!

Today I haven't done much crocheting, but I did frog a nice lavendar colored acrylic/cotton blend sweater I picked up at Salvation Army on Friday. The yarn feels like Cotton Ease - it's nice stuff. Frogged nicely too, so I didn't get any little pieces. I'd say I got over a pound's worth of that yarn, along with slightly less than a pound of some wine colored rayon/cotton blend from another sweater. All in all, it cost me $9, and maybe two hours frogging - well worth it I'd say. :) Here's the finished products:

I've also done a little bit of Kool Aid dyeing tonight, but all that's drying right now. Hopefully I'll get pics up soon, but in case I don't, here's a little sneak peak of some roving that Deneen sent, that I dyed with various shades of green, plus some blue.

I hope everyone is doing well, and has a wonderful 2006... Keep an eye out for my blogiversary contest, which is due the 3rd but which may come later cuz I'm pretty sure I start classes that day. [I think I should know that by now, lol!]

Hugs!!

Hope your holidays were good, all!!

2005-12-26T12:16:00.000-05:00

My Christmas was great: Kris stayed at my house, and we slept in late then woke up and opened presents. I got good stuff. :) Then... we lazed around for awhile, did dinner at my aunts, left a few hours later when I fell asleep... I went to Kris's and napped while he played his new video game, then we played poker with his siblings til 1 am this morning. I won - I came up about $9 up.

I didn't get as many snowflakes finished as I'd like, and I gave out alot of "IOU Present" cards. I think everyone understood pretty well... I'm definitely going to get a head start on things for next year... which is why I'll be joining Julie in her Snowflake Mondays. [Button soon to come...] I'll also start budgeting before the 20th of December, lol.

I registered for classes for next semester. I'm taking Intro to German, [I figured it would be good cuz I took two years of German in high school with a great teacher and did well] re-taking a computer class I took a semester ago and blew off, and - get this - bowling!! I *hate* bowling so much - I practically grew up in a fucking bowling alley, not to mention I suck so bad at it - but - it's the easiest phys ed credit there was. So, whatever. I'll suck it up if it gets me a degree.

Anyways, I have a shitload more to say but Kris just got home from work early cuz they were dead, so I think we're gonna go do lunch and some shopping. I know I haven't been posting or commenting much, but I have been reading all your blogs, and thinking about you all!! Hugs!!

What the fuck is wrong with everyone??

2005-12-21T23:14:00.000-05:00

Is it the holidays that makes everyone go crazy?? So much drama --- seems like whenever I have time to get on the comp for than five minutes new drama pops up!! I'm hoping it's just the high stress level and things will calm down shortly... I'm hoping...

I've been having a hard time finding any time... Finals are over with and I can't say I'm thrilled with the way I did - but they're over. I still haven't registered for next semester. I've been working a lot... the new job's good, I worked a shift at the old job... it was weird. I've been told the owner at the new job likes me, so I hope that equates into some sort of Christmas bonus, or a raise, maybe??

I'm having an internal conflict between Type A and Type Lazy right now... Overacheiver v. Procrastinator. The way my bills coincided with my money and present buying schedule was absolutely horrendous... So, I am ashamed to say that most of the people I know will be getting Post-Christmas presents from me. Fuck it. All the crazy hours I'm working this week I'll get paid for right after Christmas... and then when the thrill of all the old new presents has worn off for everyone - BAM - there will be more new presents. [That's what I am hoping, anyways.] When weighing the options between shitty gifts or late gifts, I'll chose late.

Deneen, I owe you a monstrous thank-you, which I've been tardy with... Tomorrow I will try to post pics, but everytime I use the holder [which has been an extraodinary amount, LOL!] it makes me feel so great knowing it came from you. Thank you so so much. I hope you continue to feel better. And Happy Birthday to Elena!!

The Flake Race ended... and I think it was success... for that I am glad. I didn't make as many as I wanted, but I made -enough- I guess. I'll be making more in the next couple days for family members. I'll have to work on them in the coming year to get a jump start on X-Mas '06. Although, I am quite proud - I've nearly finished my first ball of Cebelia. I want to buy lots more thread... I'd like to make the Care Bears characters out of thread.. but have yet to find any good colors, save those of Jackie at Crochetville... Probabaly will end up going that route but it will have to wait until well after the holidays.

I'd also like to build up my rovings stash... I've got a great start thanks to Deneen, and today I used the rest of my parent's Christmas money for me to buy a bit more... [This crappy pic was shot with my cell. Eek!] This is eight ounces of natural colored 100% wool from Brown Sheep Co... it's soft. I can't wait to spin it... I felt bad, buying myself something so beautiful when I haven't done any Christmas shopping of my own - but my parents wanted receipts.

The glass hooks came. They're gorgeous and I'd post pics, but Kris wouldn't let me see them for longer than 30 seconds to make sure they're not broken.

All but one of the gifts I sent out for elfings posted thank yous. That's over 90%, which I figure is a good success rate. I'm hoping the other package arrived, though, since I sent it some time ago.

I signed up for the wool swap at the 'Ville. With all the drama, I am leary, although I hate to admit it. I hope it's successful; I'm excited about getting and giving some nice yarn... I have already been drooling over the prospects.

I'm so spaced right now - my mouth is still fucking bothering me [more than a week later!!] I'm suffering, using prescription strength numbing gel and taking a Vicodin if it starts to really bother me... the thing is, it's *healing* really well, it just hurts like crazy. Make sense?? I think that's why I'm trying to cram a million and a half things into this post - I've missed you guys. But, I think for your sake, and mine, I'm going to go to bed, and try to get in another post before the end of thee week with all the *other* crap I wanted to say.

Night. Hugs.

*yawn...*

Can You Find The Dog?

2005-12-16T22:03:00.000-05:00

Mikey got groomed today - in order to keep the snow from sticking between his toes, Rosie, our groomer, gave him ugly feet: He refuses to wear boots, though.

Rosie also sent my mom home with this, too:Probably about 2 pounds of chiengora fiber - dog hair, lol!! It's all washed, but no brushed... so it looks like I have to learn about carding now! It's all so soft, though - she didn't give me any course hair. It looks like some golden retriever and maybe some lab and probabaly alot of lap dog hair - long, pale, fine fibers. It's all various shades of cream and tan and mocha... So if I get it spinnable, I will have some lovely yarn to play with!!

Anywho, I'm off to nurse my mouth a bit more... It's still all fucked up, even though it was "fixed" at the dentist's... try making a snowflake all doped up Vicodin - it took me so long!! LOL!!

Hugs!!

Hell Yes!! A Tale in Which a Girl Gets Some Goodies

2005-12-12T21:33:00.000-05:00

I won Kris's presents for me tonight on eBay, and I am fucking thrilled. I have been stalking these auctions for days, waiting to snipe them at the last minutes - from the moment I found them, there was no question that I he would win these auctions [for me]. Want to see the objects of my desires?

Click here.
And here.

Did I mention that I'm thrilled?? I'm in negotiations with the seller right now for sizes J and K also, which she didn't have listed but I want to buy off of her to complete the set.

Hooray Kris for getting me good presents this year!!

What a Monday...

2005-12-12T15:07:00.000-05:00

My mouth hurts. Since like Saturday, the gums on one side at the rear of my mouth have been way swollen. Like, when I bite down, I'm biting on my gum, not my teeth. It happens almost once a year since I got my wisdom teeth out, I swear... It's cuz my jaw's too small to hold my teeth and they want to move back to where the wisdom teeth used to hide... And it's fucking painful. I want some good drugs, but I can't get into the dentist til tomorrow. Plus, it's a new dentist, so I'm a little freaked that she won't know what's up with my weirdo mouth. I'm waaay whiney today, so you can imagine how much it cheered me up to find good mail in my box when I got home from work!!

First thing I noticed when I got out of my car was big ass box on my porch. Naturally, I am intrigued - even more so when I see that is addressed to me and there's a sticker saying "Invoice Enclosed." I'm thinking - WTF? I didn't order anything, and then I start to worry if my dad accidentally PayPal-ed something with one of my cards - until I get the other mail - and I find this postcard, letting me know I should expect a package from Archie McPhee, sent by an elf in Indiana. At this point, I'm thinking - Archie McPhee? Hell yes!!

It got even better once I got inside and got the box opened. Turns out Ginny, my elf from Indiana, loaded me up with awesome monkey stuff - a bunch of pencil toppers, the most excellent smoking monkey notebook [much like the air freshener Lori got me when she was my secret pal, which I will not throw away even though now it has no scent at all,] as well as - get this - monkey printed bandages. There were also some freebies from Archie McPhee - a set of vintage-looking recipe cards, which I haven't opened to inspect further, and a cute [?] set of Parasite Pals erasers. [Click here for close-up of erasers.]

Thank you very much, Ginny!! Your thoughtfulness totally made my day!!

But that's not all...

I also got the hook that Jimbo at Crochetville made for me. You can read a little bit about his story here, over the course of his introduction, but basically the gist of it is... He bought back a portion of the farm he'd grown up on as a child, and when his sister started to get unwell, as a sentimental gift he made her a crochet hook from wood he'd found on the property. Well, it just so happened that the hooks were well received, and after a little poking around, Jimbo found his way to Crochetville, which is where I found him. After a little communication between us, Jimbo offered to make me a hook, and it arrived today.

Although I've not actually had a chance to use it yet, I already cannot say anough good things about this beautiful hook. In many ways, it's the complete opposite of my Turn of the Centuries... Where the TOTCs are finished and polished, this hook is very raw and organic... not to wax artistic about a hook, but it has beautiful lines, and Jim has kept on just enough bark to give it a very rustic look. However, it is totally smooth to the touch, and he's shaped it in a *very* ergonomical manner... I'd definitely recommend getting in touch with him if you have hand issues, as he tries his hardest to make a hook that will be just right for you. Even if you don't have grip issues, the look alone is enough to make you want one, plus he is very reasonable with his prices. I'm totally pleased with mine, which he tells me is just over 13mm in diameter... Too bad it's a Christmas present, and I have to put it away for another 2 weeks!!

I've been making decent progress with my crocheting, too... I have just over 30 snowflakes finished, I believe, and have been trucking away on those, plus trying to catch up on stiffening 'em. The flake race at the 'Ville seems to be going pretty good so far, too, which I'm happy about. When I've been getting too cross-eyed to make any more flakes, usually after about 5 a night, I've been working on my 'ghan, and I'm now about 3 feet into that - to the point where it becomes a major pain in the ass to turn it every row, but is big enough to keep me warm while I'm working on it, y'know?? It's turning out really nice, and I'm glad I used Bernat Super Value instead of RH Super Saver - there really is such a difference in softness!!

Anywho, I'm off to suck on a Popsicle and whine about my mouth somemore...

Hugs, everyone!

Time for some new duds...

2005-12-09T23:50:00.000-05:00

I was just waaaay too bored with the old standard template... So I dug this up on Blogskins tonight, and a little adjusting later I'm okay with it. It's something different, and there's nothing to fucking click - it's all there on one page, nice little sidebar and all.

I am bummed that I can't seem to get my blogroll to right-align, though. Anyone know how to do that?? I'll also be screwing around with the color of the links, too, but that's minor and I gotta work early, so it can wait...

While I did the changes, I also stuck up the cute little button that Kari made for the Great Flake Race 2005 that's forming now over at Crochetville. I'm very excited about it, and have restricted my snowflake making so I don't end up burnt out like Kimberly... I really like the look the blending filament gives them though, and if I wasn't broke and coveting 4000 other things, I might add some Lurex to my wishlist.

Right now I've been trying to stop looking at roving on eBay, and it's haaaarrrddd... It's just all so pretty! I can't wait for the class...

Deneen, I'm glad to hear you're doing better. Jessi, I hope your move is going smoothly, I'm sure this big dump of snow didn't help!! Joy, I wish you reduced stress levels in the *very* near future! Kristi, how's the a.m. sickness going?? For some reason my bloglines hasn't been letting me know you've posted. :P Hugs, *everyone!!*

Good night!!

Overdue Thanks!!

2005-12-05T17:15:00.000-05:00

I've gotten packages!!

First, from the wonderful Lori - my Shrone inductee award package!! Included along with my Official Bona Fide Shrone card was a cute little red-hatted snowwoman ornament, and a Brave Cowardly Lion figurine!! A most excellent welcoming package - Thank you so much, Lori!!

Next, from Vik way down in the beautiful Argentina, a package that must have cost her a small fortune in postage!! She sent along a sweet postcard, and three *knitted* ornaments... two hearts and a tiny stocking with my name on it! Thank you Vik, I appreciate your thoughtfulness very much!!

And lastly, a gift I received today while recovering from my sicky-weekend, from an anonymous elf in the neighboring Ohio: a copy of Inspiration No. 81 - Crochet Fashion Ideas Spring/Summer. This booklet is full of cute patterns, some of which include knitting but most of which don't, and several of which are now on my WIM list. Thank you very much, Anonymous Elf!

Now I'm off to stiffen my flakes...

Checkin' In...

2005-12-04T18:48:00.000-05:00

I owe thank yous to a few people, but I have been sick as shit this whole weekend, so hopefully I'll get them up tomorrow. Til then I am going to lay on my couch, which I have padded with my memory foam mattress cover - folded in half. It's so nice, you just sink right in... Plus I have the heating pad going since I am achey all over....

I'm off to veg and watch the rest of the game - HUgs! - Especially to you Deneen, I hope you feel better soon...

I cheated.

2005-11-30T15:54:00.000-05:00

I snuck my spindle out early. I started playing with her.

Once I started looking at directions and stuff on the 'net, I couldn't help it. So, I got a bit of the roving Deneen shared with me ahwile ago and gave it a go. [Hope you're feeling better, too, Deneen!]

I feel like for my first time, I was pretty successful. I mean, what I ended with is definitely yarn. And for being my debut yarn, I'd go so far as to say it's fairly even; it ranges in weight from about a sport to a thicker worsted. Now that I've just tried it out, I feel like it shouldn't be as hard to wait til Christmas and afterwards to really get started.

But, this trial run has brought up some questions for me, many dealing with the "twist" of the yarn. On the sites I checked out, they mentioned that a yarn with not enough twist wouldn't ply well and would be weak, which makes sense to me. So, in trying to avoid this, I think I went to the other extreme, and *overspun* my yarn. It was all curled up on itself all over, even when I wrapped it around the spindle shaft. I don't think that that's how I've seen other homespun yarn on still on the spindle look, so I unwrapped it all, then let some of the twist wind out. This is what it looks like now... Are there any spinners out there who could tell me if I'm on the right track??

I'm also wondering how to stop... to get the yarn off the spindle and work with it, and, more importantly right now, be able to set the spindle aside and come back to it later to add more. I guess I'm getting ahead of myself though, since I really am going to try very hard not to fool around any more til the class. I don't want to teach myself the wrong way and then have to break a bad habit, y'know?

I've been diligently working on my snowflakes in the meantime. At my last count, I was at 22, although this picture only shows 20 of them. For now, I have given up on 'quality' [not really] and gone with quantity; instead of trying new patterns I've just been making multiples of the small, easy ones so I can get *more* done *quicker.* After the first one, I have the pattern pretty much memorized, which speeds everything along a good deal - even in the evenings when I had been doping myself up with Nyquil I can get one cranked out in 10-15 minutes. I have noticed that as I get more comfortable with the thread and tiny hooks, my tension is getting tighter and tighter. My first flakes were almost exactly the called for size, but the latest have been getting smaller - the last design I did said it would be 2 3/4" and mine came out just under 2"!! I love how the stitches just look so crisp and neat, I can't wait to stiffen them and see 'em finished.

As I suspected I would, I've pretty much let my 'ghan fall to the wayside... I'm right about 50 rows in, and have close to 2' done, but I haven't picked it up in days. I guess cuz it's just for me, and not on a deadline, that I haven't been feeling very pressured to get it done. It's looking great, though... I'm loving the stitch pattern more and more every time I look at it. It's perfect... textured but not too feminine.

And oh yeah! - I ordered another part of my Christmas presents from Amazon the other day. I'm so excited - I got *4* books that I've been waffling over for some time now. It's nice to just have money that I *have* to spend on me, and not worry that it should be paying bills or buying gas or keeping me from being broke for the whole week. I finally got the Harmony guides - both of them. I'm really hoping that at least a fair amount of the content will be new to me, and not what's already in the Bible or the Encyclopedia or various other stitch collections. I also got Hooked on Style, which is a collection of patterns by Paton's. I looked through this book the last time I was at Barnes & Noble, and I really like the majority of the designs in it. Last on my order was The New Crochet, which I haven't yet had a chance to check out but which has a pattern by the awesome Dot Matthews!! I'm hoping that I will be as impressed by this as I was by Cool Crochet, the last pattern book I bought sight unseen.

Update - when I was just at Amazon digging up those links, I checked my order status and the Harmony guides have been delivered! I just snatched them from the sneaky place deliverymen leave our packages [between the front doors that we don't use, LOL!] and am off to devour them before I have to give 'em away to wrapped for XmAs.

Hugs!!

The Bloat is Finally Receeding...

2005-11-25T21:11:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was great! Ours went really well - for the first time ever we ate at my aunt's instead of my grandma's; which means we walked *down* the block instead of crossing it, lol! My mom cooked the turkey for the first time ever this year, too! My grandma still hasn't been feeling 100% lately, so everyone decided it would be good if she just chilled out and had all the cooking/hosting done for her. It went off without a hitch, and we all enjoyed ourselves. It really helped that no one was worrying about Grams giving herself another heart attack!

Now - on to business, LOL! First on the agenda - a big fat thank you to the wonderful Elizabeth of Three Olives and Some Yarn. I found a box full of these goodies from her waiting for me when I woke up yesterday - apparently I'd overlooked it on Wednesday. Waking up to this was definitely the right way to start the day, let me tell ya!! The chenille that she sent are various "liony" colors - all absolutely gorgeous. I plan on making the amigurumi lion with some of it - it will be so soft and cuddly! She also sent along two sensuous skeins of Paton's Carmen - which brings my total to 6 skeins of the Camel color. [Whatever shall I make? A wrap? A throw pillow? Slippers? Ideas, anyone?] And the Sharpies there? There were two boxes, 'cept one didn't make it into the picture. Oops! Thank you Elizabeth!!

My next "item of interest" is the little bit of Christmas shopping I did for myself today. I feel like I've posted this before, but my parents gave up on shopping for me and my sis a few years ago. Instead, now they give us each $200 and let us buy our own presents. Then we have to give them back to be wrapped and saved til Christmas. It works out perfectly for our family, since my parents hate shopping, and this way we get exactly what we want. I got my money this week and have been sitting on it; I don't have any one big ticket item I want, and I want to make sure I don't blow it on a bunch of stupid little shit.

But - today after picking up my paycheck from work, I decided to stop by one of my small LYSs. I'd been in this shop about a year ago, and I thought the owner was a downright bitch so I didn't go back. But, last week in a local paper I saw they were having a 20% off yarn sale today, so I went again anyways.

I'm glad I did, because the store, Ewe-nique Knits, is now under new ownership. It's a mother-daughter duo, who are very sweet and have started a bunch of new classes, including crochet classes. I'm really excited about that, because that makes them the only independant yarn shop around me that is crochet-friendly. While I was perusing their gorgeous selection, I overheard another customer on her cell phone, talking about their learn to spin classes. I decided to ask just for the heck of it, since I've wanted to try spinning for awhile now, but have never even held a real spindle.

Well, the owner lit right up at my interest, and soon she'd brought me into the spinning room, which is an entirely different part of the store. There were tons of gorgeous wheels and handspun yarns on display, and crates waiting to be filled with roving. She even gave me a quick little demo! I was totally sold, and signed up for the class right on the spot! I picked out a smaller sized spindle, which she let me take home right then.

But - the best part is - Jessi is going to take the class with me!! I'm so excited about this Christmas present - a day learning to spin with a fellow fiber-head friend!! Plus, the shop is located right in the downtown of one of the trendiest areas around, so there will be tons of places to shop and stop for lunch. There is no way my parents would have ever gotten me something so cool!!

So, these are the things I left the store with today: my new spindle, the flyer with the class info, and a hank of beautiful beautiful yarn that I got for 20% off. It's called Fino by Alpaca with a Tiwst, and the color is Ruby Slipper. It's so so soft, and there's so much yardage in one hank... I don't know what the heck I will make with it but I couldn't put it down!!

It sucks I can't even *play* with my spindle til Xmas, though. :P I'm already totally anticipating it, and then there's still like 2 *months* until the class! [LOL, I'm so excited, I put in for the time off as soon as I went into work tonight!]

Gonna go chill out for a bit before bed now; hugs!!

Snow in the Suburbs!

2005-11-23T20:27:00.000-05:00

Lots of snow today!!

Real snow: about two inches right now and still falling! It's been going strong since about 10 this morning and has actually stuck to the roads. Even the big highways are starting to get pretty bad, but they say it will let up soon. It seems like the first snow in Michigan, everyone has to remember how to drive again - I saw so many people almost get wiped out today, and all day long at work our customers were coming in with accident reports. I'm *not* thrilled that now we're to the point again where I have to clean off my car and wet pants hems all the time. :P

And fake snow: These are the latest additions to my snowflake collection. I'm really *very* satisfied with the way the medium one turned out - and once they're blocked and starched I think the big one will look quite lovely, too. I just have an affintiy for the little ones - they're so darn *cute* [said in most annoying Old Navy spokeswoman voice]. I want to just make piles and piles of them, but my poor afghan is getting a bit neglected. My goal is to finish off the whole ball of Cebelia before the 1st week of December, so I can send some out with cards and whatnot. Hopefully my blankie will not fall too much to the wayside - and I gotta say, I am appreciating it's simplicity *a lot* right now.

And also - a huge, huge, huge thank you to Deneen for graciously gifting me with a large haul of her most excellent hand crafted soap. After using this stuff, I swear I never want to suffer with a store bought bar *again.* Also, if I was your financial advisor, Deneen, I think I would advise you to stop gifting this stuff and start selling it. I know you've said it takes the fun right out of it, but seriously - it's worth loads.

Now, I'm off to watch some Red Wings [Jessi - fingers crossed with me that they won't be pathetic tonight!! After the scare the other night they could really use a win for morale!] and maybe "help" my mom bake our traditional Thanksgiving goodies. Thanksgiving and Christmad are the only time of the year she makes pumpkin rolls [which I thought were a family exclusive but I just found the exact same recipe by Yahoo'ing it.] Still, I'm posting the recipe because I love my friends in Blogland and this truly is a delicious dessert, so I feel it's good to share it. Instructions, plus my mom's comments, are below, along with a scan of the card my mom received it on when she married my dad. [I think it's from her mom; see the date? 1981!] If I remember I will add a pic of the finished product tomorrow, after it's all iced and yummy looking.

Pumpkin Nut Rolls
Beat 3 eggs at high speed for 5 minutes
Gradually beat in 1 cup white sugar
Add: 2/3 cup pumpkin and 1 tsp. lemon juice
Mix Together: 3/4 cup flour, 1 tsp. baking powder, 2 tsp. cinnamon,
1 tsp. ginger, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. salt.
Fold into pumpkin mixture.
Spread in greased and floured 15 X 10 X 1 jelly roll pan
(recipe says to top with 1 cup finely chopped walnuts ... but we never do cause old people can't do nuts)
Bake at 375 for 15 minutes; watch closely oven times vary. (recipe says 375 but i do it at 350 cause I have these black pans that cook quicker)
Turn out on a towel (I use white hand towels) that have been lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar. Starting at narrow end roll towel and cake together, like jelly roll - cool in refrigerator - then unroll and frost with filling and re-roll ...cover loosely with saran wrap and refrigerate til you're ready to cut and serve.
Filling
1 8 oz. package cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
4 Tbs. butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla
Beat til smooth. Spread over unrolled cake, re-roll, and chill...delicious.

Happy Thanksgiving! Hugs!!

First Flakes of the Year!!

2005-11-21T08:13:00.000-05:00

For sometime now, I have been wanting to try my hand with thread. With Lori's beautiful doilies and Regina's twisted eyeballs, how could I not?? I was just scared of the tiny tiny stitches and superfine hooks - and everytime I'd get up the nerve to "just do it," I'd end up getting halfway to the checkout with my threadie goodness then turning around and running to put it back!!

But then it started to get cold, and I really decided that I'd like to start out with snowflakes... I want to be a super-domestic goddess who sends handcrafted goodness in all her [my mom's...] Christmas cards. Also, with the Holiday Wish List, I think for wishes I am unable to grant, it would be nice to get a card with a snowflake. It's a handmade something that's *not* super-cheesy!!

Soooo, when I went on my craft shopping extravaganza, I broke down and bought some basic thread supplies. I picked up a copy of Leisurs Arts' 99 Snowflakes, along with a size *6* hook and a ball of DMC Cebelia. Last night I got to work right away, and this is what I ended up with:I apologize for the poor "pic;" I am running out the door *right now* for work but just had to show these lovlies off, so I stuck 'em on my scanner under a folder, LOL!! They're [obviously] not finished or starched yet, but they be lookin like a snowflakes, and I am thrilled!! They're so *fast* to make...

I think this was a good intro to thread!

I Never Thought it Would Happen Again...

2005-11-20T14:02:00.000-05:00

But somehow, gas has gotten under $2 a gallon here in metro-Detroit!!! I'm dying because I just filled my tank on $20.

Right in the neighborhood where I live, there are *3* gas stations on the same corner. One is an off name, one is a Citgo, and one is a Sunoco. I generally prefer to use the Sunoco, because it is not only easier to access but just where I have gone forever [and also where my dad goes]. However, the Citgo recently came under new ownership, and to be competitive, they priced their mid-grade at the same as regular. [No catch, as most other gas station around town are selling thier cheap gas for *more*!] So, of course, I switched to Citgo... It took a few weeks, but now Sunoco has caught up, and today I was able to get mid-grade gas at my preferred station for $1.99/gal.

Considering that when I got my car, cheap gas was already regularly $1.50/gal - I am freakin thrilled!!

Now I'm off to maybe work on my afghan, or take a nap.

Or maybe go to JoAnn's and get as much as I can for $10. With coupons and sales I can do pretty good with that, plus I need to return 2 big balls of Sugar n Cream I bought and now have no clue what to do with. I think I'll use it towards Holiday Gift List stuff over at C'Ville... I'm so excited that there are several gifts I can grant this year! I love that I can be generous without going broke... I've already started typing up some favorite recipes, and hope to be able to use coupons to send bigger items, as well. I remember just how *special* it made me feel to receive mail and wonderful gifts from everyone at the 'Ville last yea, after I'd been there only a short time. To think - here is someone who lives hundereds of miles away, and yet thought enough of me to send me something! [And often times was more on target with their presents than my "real life" friends!!] I love that Deneen and Lani and everyone at the 'Ville make it possible for me to do that to someone else!!

Oh man - I was reading Marvie's blog earlier, and was reminded of a link that I have seen over at Elizabeth's and others blogs some time ago: Free Sterling Silver Jewelry. I've never seen a poor review of this place, and have had it up on my screen for the last hour and a half or so... I've already seen some beautiful things - but then I'm thinking that even cuter things could be coming along, so I haven't ordered anything *yet.*

Okay - now I'm gonna run. Hugs!

Book Meme + New Toy

2005-11-19T17:53:00.000-05:00

I was perusing the old entries over at Amy's blog, and found this meme that looked like fun. Follows is a list of the 100 most banned and challenged books of the 90's. I've bolded the ones I've read - looks like I need to get my butt to the library!!

1. Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz

2. Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite

3. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

4. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

6. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck [Read this a total of 4 times for school, and hated it every single time]

7. Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling

8. Forever by Judy Blume

9. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

10. Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

11. Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman

12. My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

13. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger [Again, not a fan]

14. The Giver by Lois Lowry

15. It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris

16. Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine

17. A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck

18. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

19. Sex by Madonna

20. Earth’s Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel

21. The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

22. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle [One of my all time favorite authors]

23. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous

24. Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers

25. In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak

26. The Stupids (Series) by Harry Allard

27. The Witches by Roald Dahl

28. The New Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein

29. Anastasia Krupnik (Series) by Lois Lowry

30. The Goats by Brock Cole

32. Blubber by Judy Blume

33. Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan

34. Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam

35. We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier

36. Final Exit by Derek Humphry

37. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

38. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George

39. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

40. What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters by Lynda Madaras

41. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

42. Beloved by Toni Morrison

43. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton [I've read this book dozens and dozens of times.]

44. The Pigman by Paul Zindel

45. Bumps in the Night by Harry Allard

46. Deenie by Judy Blume

47. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

48. Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden

49. The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar

50. Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat by Alvin Schwartz

51. A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein

52. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

53. Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A.N. Roquelaure

54. Asking About Sex and Growing Up by Joanna Cole

55. Cujo by Stephen King

56. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

57. The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell

58. Boys and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy

59. Ordinary People by Judith Guest

60. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

61. What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons by Lynda Madaras

62. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

63. Crazy Lady by Jane Conly

64. Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher

65. Fade by Robert Cormier

66. Guess What? by Mem Fox

67. The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende

68. The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney

69. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

70. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

71. Native Son by Richard Wright

72. Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women’s Fantasies by Nancy Friday

73. Curses, Hexes and Spells by Daniel Cohen

74. Jack by A.M. Homes

75. Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya

76. Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle [As an older child I read this and almost choked laughing. I love the fat little nekkid people!!]

77. Carrie by Stephen King

78. Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume

79. On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer

80. Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge

81. Family Secrets by Norma Klein

82. Mommy Laid An Egg by Babette Cole

83. The Dead Zone by Stephen King

84. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

85. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

86. Always Running by Luis Rodriguez

87. Private Parts by Howard Stern

88. Where’s Waldo? by Martin Hanford [I had like all 17 of these.]

89. Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene

90. Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman

91. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

92. Running Loose by Chris Crutcher

93. Sex Education by Jenny Davis

94. The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene

95. Girls and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy

96. How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell

97. View from the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts

98. The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

99. The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney

100. Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

Maybe I will request some of these from the library... I had to look for a lot of them on Amazon to jog my memory, and some looked pretty good. But I can't believe I've not read one Stephen King on the list!! I also remember liking some, but not remembering what they were about - Tiger Eyes and Flowers for Algernon being two of those...

On a totally separate note - I remembered one of the things I wanted to blog about previously but had forgotten - a new ebay score!! Look at this cute little thing!! I just adore it - it's so unique! I was *trying* to find a tape measure that looked like a packet of Premium brand Saltines; I saw one at the flea market a few weeks ago for $25 but didn't have the cash. Apparently, the saltines ones were a promo and only available by mail, therefore pretty rare. I fell in love with it, and unfortunately had no luck finding another, but ran across this auction with 19 min left. I decided that the highest I'd go was $20, including shipping, and I won this by $0.50!! It's probably more than I should spend for a tape measure, but oh-well. I *really* wanted it.

Now I'm off to watch hockey and work a bit on my 'ghan. Hugs!!

Freezing!!

2005-11-18T11:14:00.000-05:00

That's how it's been here the last couple days. We went from *way* warm for this time of year to freezing ass cold. I mean, I've grown up in a place where we always have winters - so I am no pansy when it comes to cold - and I still think it's just bitter out there! Walking from class to the parking garage today, [all of a two and a half minute walk if you get stuck at the light,] I was so cold I felt like I wanted to die. Seriously!!

I am happy, at least, that I'm getting good use of my scarf!! I made this little beauty for myself some time ago, out of the yarn that was supposed to be for the sweater that never happened, LOL! I used about two and a half balls of Paton's Divine in the color Soft Earth for this. I like it alot. It's loosely based on the Interweave Crochet pattern, but really it's so simple I didn't follow the pattern. I believe mine is longer than theirs, and I added an extra row cuz I wanted my ruffles ample. I've been enjoying scarves lately - I also made one out of LB Polarspun for a co-worker's daughter and this one for another co-worker. I really wish I could remember what yarn I mae the pink one from, I think my mom threw out the ball band and I have no *idea* what brand it was, but I want more, LOL!!

My grandma came home from the hospital on Tuesday - she stayed for a week. They did the catheterization to look for blockage, and luckily she had very little. What they did find they said was totally normal for an 85 y.o. heart and wasn't causing any issues with blood flow. They also ran some test to check the arteries in her neck, and she's just fine there, too. They also diagnosed her with AF - aortial fib-something - where one of her four heart chambers beats slower or faster than the rest. Symptoms aren't dangerous and include shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, pressure inchest, etc. The only risk from it is that blood can pool in the one chamber, causing clotting and stroke. So, right now, they have her on a blood thinner, but she will off that in a week or so too. Basically, what they told her is that no one her age should be doing the kind of work-out she did, and she needs to take it easy!! Right now she seems to be listening; we'll see how long that lasts!!

Kris went hunting with my dad eariler in the week, but they're back now. They also went with one of Kris's friends, Ryan, who is hunting newbie, and my Uncle Drago, my dad's brother. I guess Kris saw *13* deer on opening day and didn't shoot a single one. Maybe they were too small, maybe he didn't want to gut them, I don't know - I don't mind, though. My dad tried to shoot one, but he didn't check his gun before he went out, and it turns out his scope was *way* off, so he missed by a mile. Then, when he went to shoot a second time, the clip had fallen out of his gun and he had no bullet in the chamber, LOL! By the time he got loaded up the deer was long gone. Apparently, Ryan did nothing but eat the entire time, and he actually only went out for one hunt! My uncle was the only one with any success... He shot his buck 15 mintues into the opening hunt. It's his second in three years, and he's the only one who has any luck at all for about the last 10, LOL!!

I had a good time while they were gone - I bought some Bernat Super Value to make myself a 'ghan from. As far as I'm concerned, Bernat's is the bets cheap yarn around - it's about 10 times better than RH, and once it's washed it's almost as nice as Simply Soft. I was having one hell of a time trying to find a stitch pattern I liked [without doing one I'd done before]... I'm picky about my 'ghans - I like them nice and thick - but all the stitches I was trying looked awful with color changes. So, I talked my mom into going to JA's with me to check out the pattern books.

But er - my mom hadn't been to JoAnn's since they became more than just a fabric store! So, we had to go up and down *every* aisle... Checking out everything, cuz my mom loves to be crafty just as much as I do. It was actually really nice, even though we spent like 2 hours there. My mom decided she wanted to get back into some sort of craft, so she picked up a little cross stitch kit that she's already nearly finished with. I was really amused that she can't see the stitches without her glasses anymore, LOL, but I'm thrilled that now I will have someone to share my love of JA's with!

Having my mom along also benefitted me, cuz her checkbook came with too, lol!! I found the book I had originally wanted right away - 101 Stitches for Afghans. I hadn't expected it to be that expensive, though, and even with my 40% coupon it used up all my cash. Which *would* have been fine, had I not spotted the Pooh characters thread book. I've never seen it before, and with the selection at my local craft stores, I doubt I would have ever seen it again. Thankfully, Mom came to the rescue and ended up buying both for me - so when I saw the BH&G Simply Creative Crochet mag at Barnes & Noble the next day, I had enough money to buy it!

From what I've read, alot of people aren't thrilled with the BH&G mag... and personally, I think they could've done with less hat and scarf patterns, too. But, I do have to say I liked it more than most mags I've seen out lately - I like the variety of patterns a lot, and I think the kid's hoodie and hooded blanket are both items I would make. I also think the pink boucle cardigan is very cute, and I'd like to try it in black. Although maybe not something I would wear, the asymmetrical jacket is nice, too. I certainly wouldn't say it's a waste of $6.

So, now that I've finally picked out a stitch pattern I like, I've got to work a little bit on my 'ghan. Once I got the 101 stitches book, it took me for-e-ver to decide which to use, because I liked so many. [I settled on a sc-hdc-dc shell, JIC anyone wanted to know.] I'm using 8 row stripes, and the stitch is quick and mindless...I even got a couple rows done last night while enduring the torture that was the Wings game, without having to go back and frog mistakes. It's about wide enough for a twin bed, and I love the way the colors [deep straw + black] contrast.I'm using a K hook, too, so hopefully it won't take ages.

I know there was a ton more stuff I had to say but I'll be damned if I could remember it... Oh-Well! I'll just go now since Kris is on his way to meet me for lunch anyways. Hugs to all my friends out in Blogland!

Update

2005-11-10T13:23:00.000-05:00

My grandma's doing a little better. They've got her calmed down and on a liquid blood thinner that is supposed to help keep her heart rate in check. After talking it through with everyone, she's realized [hopefully] that right now there's nothing to get stressed about and all she can do is let them help her try to get better.

So, they've gone ahead and planned the catheterization... I'm sure I'm mangling that spelling. What it is is when they put dye into your bloodstream so they can check for blockages in the heart. Hopefully they will be able to see what the problem is, if there is one.

My grandma's actually doing pretty well, considering. Her roommate's pretty grumpy, so she's getting a kick out of whispering all of her shinanigans to us when we come and see her. She said it was cold her first night there, so I brought her up the afghan I made her last fall. Her TV doesn't get the Food Network, and grandma is bummed about there being no Emeril, but she does get Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy so not all is lost. I asked her is I should bring up a word search book and she said "No. Too much thinking," so she's finally taking the everyone's advice to heart and just resting for a little while.

It made her feel a little better that Channel Four, our local NBC affiliate, did a blurb on the 5 o'clock news last night about there being an extraordinarily high amount of people reporting chest pains while out raking leaves. "See?" she says.

And I know after talk of heart attacks, my lil old Grand Am is not a serious ranker, but it made me feel much better to hear that there apparently is no problem. Kris determined that the clutch on the AC compressor is *about* to go, but when he brought it in to fix, it was no longer making the noise and there was nothing to fix. So, I'm good for now... And when it does finally break, I can just drive with my defrost on and it will stop the noise until I can get it fixed. It's like the "duct tape it" fix, LOL!.

I can't been doing much crocheting [read: haven't picked up a hook in days.] I'm confused and disheartened in the shawl. I have been having afghan urges again, but can't afford yarn right now. I want to make those RoxyCraft animals, but haven't gotten around to even starting one of them [even though I got my free Bernat Disco and the color would be *perfect* for my lion's mane.] Maybe I'll work on one tonight while I'm up at the hospital. My feelings are leaning strongly towards the ending of the slump.

Gotta run, gotta shower before I head to class. Hugs!

In which 'not good' turns to 'bad...'

2005-11-09T18:09:00.000-05:00

Well, the test results are in and my Grammy had a mild heart attack. Ugh.

Now they're talking catheterization and angioplasty and all kinds of words we don't want to hear. Grandma is freaking out. ["I should've just died in the ambulance," she says.]

Poo, I say.

'Cept for her heart, she is so healthy... if we can get her to calm down and get thru this she has a good five, maybe even ten years left...

Yuk. :P

A Beautiful Crappy Day

2005-11-08T14:41:00.000-05:00

I went outside to warm up my car before work this morning, and was greeted with one of the most awful noises to ever meet my ears. It was this loud, high-pitched *grinding* type clammer that definitely signals something no good. So, I freaked out for a second. Then I called Kris, and frwaked out on him. Then I called my dad, and freaked out on him, and he let me drive his precious Jeep to work. :)

So I get to work - late, of course. My coffee tastes like shit - not enough sugar. I am not off to a good start. I work on shirts and then bagging and am just beginning to work out my icky mood when the phone rings. I hear a page saying it's for me, which strikes me as odd because no one knows my work number...

So I answer the phone, and it's Kris...who for some reason is not calling to tell me about my car. Turns out, my next door neighbor called him to let him know that my mom had to take my grandma to the hospital. Needless to say, I am by now freaking out once again, but Kris didn't know a lot...

My mom called me a little while later on my cell, to let me know that everything's going as well as possible. I guess my grandma was *raking her fucking leaves* when her heart started to race. Why in God's name an 85 year old woman was raking her leaves when her two sons live on the same damn block is totally beyond me. She's totally stubborn like that - she'll sneak around doing her work so no one can do it for her.

But anyways - racing heart. My grams has heart "issues" for awhile. There's not technically anything wrong, per se, but she has high blood pressure and an old heart, along with a *strong* tendency to overreact. Not a great combo... when she feels like there could be slightest thing wrong, instead of being calm and rational she panics, which worsens the situation...

And I feel like this is what probably happened today. She overdid herself on the lawn and then got all worked into an anxiety attack... My mom and sis said her heart was just flying, and they could not get it back down. Last I'd talked to my mom, the docs were giving her some meds to slow her heart rate, they were waiting for her to be admitted.

I know that everything is going to be okay but I am still just very upset over the whole day. To make matters even worse, the bad noise on my car is the AC compressor, a $280 part. FUCK!!! Fuck fuck fuck. It has just been one of those days. My mom says I should wait for Grams to get a room before I go see her, since right now there are like 4 people there with her, but I don't wanna wait.

I think I will go burn one then go buy a large print word-hunt book... My grandma loves those, and I know she will going nuts in the hospital as soon as Emeril is over tonight.

Hugs

Great Haul!!

2005-11-06T14:02:00.000-05:00

so, Kris and my dad and me went to the flea market this morning... And usually the only crochet related things I can find are old doilies... Which are great but nothing that I'd buy, LOL...

But today I was browsing the booths when an old BH&G mag caught my eye. Actually, it turned out to be a dud, but in the same booth I found some other stacks of magazines that turned out to have some good stuff in them!! I got these two vintage crochet publications for a total of five dollars. I wish that I could link to some more info, but I haven't come up with much in my searching.

The first is a magazine type publication by Columbia-Minerva called The Art of Crochet [by Pauline Chatterton]. This is basically a big crochet dictionary. It's got basic/lace/shell/V/cluster/etc. stitches, as well as motifs, edgings and flowers.

It also has few patterns thrown in to help you utilize your crochet skills, as shown in this funky example of a rug. [This was published in 1974, in case you couldn't tell, lol!]

The next book is Crochet Designs From Hungary by Juliana Ray & Madeleine Bokoli. It's a 1973 reprint of the 1959 original. Even though I'm not a particular fan of thread rochet, which is what this book is chock full of, I simply couldn't pass it up.
There's just a *ton* of beautiful motifs in here. I don't know what I'll ever do with them but I felt like I needed to add this to my collection, LOL!!

Hooray for flea markets!

S-A-T-U-R D-A-Y Hey!!

2005-11-05T19:43:00.000-05:00

Hell yes for Saturday nights!

Things are working out better than I could have possibly imagined at this new job - today we got free breakfast from a local restaurant, Original Pancake House. It was yummy. :) The hours are great, and the people are friendly, which is even better.

I haven't been doing a ton of crocheting because I'm not sure about the coveted pattern. It's not very clear and I'm not exactly sure WTF I'm doing! I want this shawl to be finished already but I'm afraid of getting too far along and then realizing I did it wrong. I think I'm working through a "semi slump" right now... I still have the desire to crochet - but I haven't actually been doing much crocheting. [?]

Anyways, I'm going to enjoy a little bit of hockey [and maybe a little of this!] Here's Kris right now, riveted to the TV Arizona can, as Deneen so correctly noticed, LOL!!! [Cotton mouth, anyone?]:

JIC you were wondering, that's a Holmstrom jersey, and Holmstrom just scored the first goal of the game!! Which, interestingly enough, was his 100th career goal! That jersey is actually autographed and doesn't get worn ~~ever~~ much; Kris won it in a raffle. [Like we could ever *afford* a piece of memorabilia like that. Ptthhbbp. :P]

Later: Well, the Wings are getting their asses kicked. Disappointing, but not enough so to put a damper on my ~~buzz~~ evening. Seriously though, LOL, what is with all the penalties?? Jessi, I know you are with me on this one...

Funky Hunting Hat

2005-10-30T14:04:00.000-05:00

This is the finished product. It's big on my head, since, amazingly, my dad's head is bigger than mine. Sorry about the creepy pic, but my camera's batteries are very dead and this was the best it could muster. The color is this one is pretty close to the real thing - obnoxious orange. :) My dad seems pretty pleased with it. I used my favorite standby hat pattern, "The Boyfriend Hat" from Cozy Crochet.

Job Good

2005-10-29T15:55:00.000-04:00

I worked a little on the counter today, and apparently that's even easier than shirts. Plus, my schedule keeps seeming to improve. I'm satisfied. :)

I rewarded myself with the much coveted pattern, although technically I couldn't afford it. Now I'm ~~not so~~ patiently waiting for it come so I can "get 'er done" already!! [OMG, I can't believe I just used that phrase. I'm seriously tempted to censor myself here, but will hold off, for now.]

I found some caution orange yarn for the hunting hat, too. Thanks for all the suggestions. After much debate and referral back to my dad, we decided to go with "Hot Orange" in Lily's Sugar n Cream. It is *brighter* than the cheapo dollar store hat my dad had previosly [more neon] but it certainly attracts attention, and that's the goal, right? I've got my dad's almost finished up, and hopefully will have the second one [for Kris's buddy] done by tomorrow.

I got a 100% on my last math quiz. Just had to throw that in there; maybe next time when I am complaining about how I'm doing I'll come back and read this post.

Beginning to ponder X-Mas presents - better late than never, right? I don't think I'm going to really do any handmade presents this year, though - I did that all last Christmas and don't want to overkill on the crochet. Not sure everyone would appreciate it. Just gotta go the cheap/simple route this year, and I haven't quite figured out what that is yet.

Also, I am working on writing up the fulled hobo-ish bag pattern...*but* I need to try a new one with the modifications before I post it. [Anyone got some bulky wool and they want to test a pattern for me??] Speaking of this bag - I still need to line but, but every time I get out thta fabric I just don't feel brave enough. I'm hoping I'll be able to cajole my mom into doing it eventually. Then, if *she* fucks it up, I can be pissed at her. :)

Gotta run, Kris will be home soon. Hugs!

Grasping at strings...

2005-10-27T14:50:00.000-04:00

That's kinda how I feel lately - like things are getting totally out of my control! This whole job switch has obviously had me pretty stressed out... and I feel like I'm devoting a lot of time to that while some other areas of my life are getting pretty shitty.

For example - my room. It's a fucking pit. I seriously can't see my floor, I haven't dusted in ages [my mom told me to when they put my AC in the window. It's been out for 2 months now and I still haven't], my clothes are everywhere but where they should be, and I end up wearing the same outfits week after week cuz it's too much of a pain to search for what I want to wear. I've needed to clean it for months and months and still haven't...

Plus school is starting to get a little out of hand - or maybe I am just stressing out, like I usually do. That whole thing is hard for me to judge - I'm very bad at regulating myself acedemically; it's got something to do with the whole "gifted" business. Read as: never done homework/studied - won't start now. Not exactly the best mantra to have though college, that's for sure, and I'm struggling with this conflict - the desire I have to do well in school and be challenged versus the desire I have to be lazy and not listen to dumb, boring lectures. The class load I picked this semester has certainly not helped the dilemma, and more and more the last couple weeks I am heading into Slackerville. But when I look at it logically, even though I feel like I am doing miserably, it is more than likely I will do very well in all my classes. [Which maybe isn't the best reinforcement for my behavior.]

As for crocheting - I don't think I've picked up a hook in the last week. It's certainly not for lack of desire, because I do have a few projects high on my WIM list, as well as several design ideas that I'm excited to work on. It's more like I don't have the money to get the materials I want right now and I don't feel like settling for less. I've been working out a pattern for a top in my head that I can't wait to start trying out for real, but I'm unsure about what kind of yarn to look for. I know I'll need something on the thin side to acheive the look I want, but that's about as specific as I've gotten. Maybe some mercerized cotton, now that I'm thinking about it...

Anyways, I certainly didn't mean for this to turn into a pity party for Natalie... More like, since I'm laying this shit out here in writing, it'll make me do something about it. [Hopefully.] In fact, once I'm done blogging and then maybe surfing for a bit, my plan is to work out a budget. My goal is to have all my outstanding debt paid off by my anniversary next year... March 17 [five years!!]. This is actually an incredibly resonable goal, as my total credit card debt is under 1k and I only have about $700 worth of payments left on my car. I figure if I buckle down and am maybe a little tight on money during that time, it'll get me free from debt quickly and able to start seriously saving for the things I want [house] and maybe even chipping away at my student loans. Yay!!

Alright, I'm gonna run now, but one last thing -

Do you all remember all the identity theft crap we were going thru earlier this year? We ended up getting a prosecutor for the case, who issued warrants for the guy [Rafael], but then Rafael disappeared! He put his house up for sale and stopped showing up for his jobs.. for a couple months now he has basically been on the run. Well, I guess this past week, the investigator on the case was able to get in touch with him, and convinced him to turn himself in. The arraignment is all set up, and Rafael's being charged with 10 counts of *felony* fraud; 1 count for opening and 1 count for using all five cards he started in my dad's name. This is an unexpectedly good outcome, since we were told right at the get-go that indentity theft cases are very rarely ever prosecuted. My mom feels it's pretty likely he won't end up in jail, that instead he'll get hit with some monster fines and a few years probation. Either way, all they wanted was their name cleared, and now it is!

Okay, just had to share the update! Hugs!

Checkin' In

2005-10-22T17:22:00.000-04:00

I'm doing alright. In fact, I'm quite enjoying having the entire weekend off... It's strange, I thought I wasn't going to know what to do with myself but I slept til noon, and have done nothing productive since and I love it. :) Monday I go to the cleaner at 10:30 and will work til 7:00 with a half hour lunch... I'll be starting on the counter. I think things are going to go well there. The manager seems to like me.

I haven't been doing any crocheting - except for the UFO that I finally picked up about a half hour ago. See, the thing is, there's a pattern I am *totally* yearning for... I want so badly to make it and I already have it all planned out - except I can't afford the fucking pattern. Not that it's expensive, I'm just flat broke. Next week, I'll be getting another paycheck; a small one from the cleaners, but a paycheck none-the-less. [Is that punctuated correctly??] This is the beginning of the switch to getting paid EO week to every week. It will be very nice. This week it sucks because I am broke - btu next week will feel like a 'bonus,' and I will treat myself to that pattern.

Until then, I don't know what I'm gonna do. I'm so bored with my stash - I've been wanting to dye some yarn, and even wound some into hanks last night but am just too lazy to do it! I want to buy new yarn but have no money. I've been trying to stay away from eBay but just keep wandering on over - not to mention knitpicks... Plus, this new job is super close to my favorite little yarn shop - ...have you any wool? Like, close enough to hit up on my only 30 mintue lunch break while still eating. Yikes!

Guess I will go back to that UFO for now... I am trying so hard to stash bust but none of it looks nice and I don't want to use it at all. :P And I know I have nice yarn, I just want new yarn. I have a crap load of baby yarn and no babies to make crap for - think I will have to offer that up for trade or something soon. [Anyone want some Bernat Satin? I think it's like 6 sk. mint green and 3 sk. baby yellow. It's soft. Make me a deal.] :)

Gotta run, Kris is home from work, and whiney cuz he's getting hungry and I haven't yet decided what I want to eat. Hugs!

Tell me please

2005-10-19T22:08:00.000-04:00

why -

when I have been bitching about my job for literally months on end -

searching for a new one while putting up with multiple piles of shit -

and I finally find a new job that's not sucky as hell -

I can't stop fucking crying because I am so sad about leaving??

Tonight was my last shift, and I felt like it was heartbreaking. My face is all red and nasty blotchy from crying so much and I am ugly and sad. I will miss that awful place. I hope they keep me on payroll so I can fill in now and then.

Meme

2005-10-16T20:24:00.000-04:00

"Natalie needs..."

1. a nightie [A play, apparently - many hits on this one]
2. to learn to enjoy ‘good’ food
3. a vehicle
4. to use a stronger body action in her Samba & Rumba [Hell yes]
5. more hours [In this case, Natalie is a nanny to a kindergartener]
6. to lighten up
7. to ... cash in on this hip-hop ticket. She needs to get street! [Natalie Cole, that is]
8. to appreciate the free experience and put up and shut up [Interesting...]
9. to go to the special school [uh-oh]
10. to hit the road, she's FINE.
11. to cut loose again!! [Again, Natalie Cole]
12. to come in with a fire and a commitment to be the best she can be
on the floor
13. Wide Open Spaces
14. to open up a little more on her date if she's going to have a chance with him ["Him" being Outback Jack, lol]
15. to have a talk with Janis Ian [If I'm not mistaken, I once referenced Janis Ian in a paper for Comp. I]

I also came across another Natalie in my searches, who did this awhile back and came up with some same and different answers.

Yay!!

2005-10-16T17:55:00.000-04:00

Yours truly is truly a shrone! How honored I am! Follows is the thoroughly excellent email I received today from Lori:

Dear Natalie,
I'm pleased to inform you that you have been selected as a esteemed recipient of The Bona Fide Shrone Award! I've determined that you possess many of the salient characteristics of a Shrone! Here are the reasons why you are a Shrone:

1. You made the world's ugliest Ugli-ghan square, and only a bona fide Shrone could do that!
2. You know the pleasures of The Weed.
3. You have a kind and generous heart.
4. You possess wisdom ahead of your chronological years, a hallmark of all Shrones.
5. Something about you says when you get old and withered, you just might go out crusing for penis!
6. You are unknowable.
7. You like lions, sock monkeys and office supplies. These are good things to like.
8. You have excellent tastes in fancy, baubly crochet hooks, like that glass one that costs $70.
9. You're one groovy chick and I think you are super cool!
10. You haven't killed your inner child and you freely allow it out to play.

Yours in Shronedom!
Lori

Very very awesome.

On an off note - I attempted waxing today, and the reuslts were - less than stellar. So much pain - and the hair came off spotty - so I would've had to it twice! OUCH!! I gave up half a leg in, and am going to remain a hairy hippie until tomorrow when my skin has sufficiently healed and I can shave. :P

First Day at the Cleaners

2005-10-15T19:03:00.000-04:00

... and all in all, I'd say it went well. I tagged about 400 hundred shirts! The only thing that sucks is that my nails are weak and kept snagging on the really tough collar buttons. So, now I've got to file them down and remember to take my vitamins more!! I'm squeezed in all over the place there, besides still working regular hours at the health food store - so this week I think [know] will be a little nutty. But, at least they only have me doing shirts [and shirts and stinky shirts and lab coats and more fucking shirts!!] all this week. At least if I'm exhausted the worst thing that will happen is I staple my finger to the tag or buttonhole or something. And hey, that what those "pre-spot" tags are for, right? Next week I get to move onto the counter. Hoo-ray!

All in all, work-wise, this job is equal to or slightly easier than cashiering at the health food store. And I think people-wise, it will work out well, since everyone there seems really friendly. In fact, the owner even bought pizza for lunch today. Can you believe I forgot to ask when payday was? I really really *really* hope that it's once a week... For some reason I find it much more difficult to budget my funds getting paid every other week.

My sister got punched at her soccer game tonight, by a girl on the other team. How awful is that? I guess it didn't hurt, but I swear, my sister is not to be fucked with. Pity the person who pisses her off!! [At least they won!]

I have not been doing much crocheting... I'm hesistant to work on the sweater because I just don't know if I like it! I do still have some rose hemp that's been calling to me, I think I may make myself a beanie like Kris's out of it. Not sure if I'm up for the tiny hook action though. I want to crochet but I don't actually want to make anything. It's retarded.

I do need to also find some nice, bright hunter-orange cotton or cotton blend yarn. My dad's requested that I make him a "Boyfriend Hat" from Cozy Crochet to wear hunting. This particular pattern isn't very tight or head-hugging, which my dad likes because he hates stuff on his head. He got fired from a contruction company once because he refused to wear the hard hats. :) Any ideas for a good, disgustingly orange yarn? No wool or fuzz or anything too warm - my dad is a naturally over-warm fellow, that's why I'm thinking cotton would be nice. [Even though wool breathes and whisks moisture away from the skin, I know, I've made these arguements...]

Alright, I think I'm off to make brownies... no, not *those* kind of brownies! :) Hugs!

Sunny Day!!

2005-10-14T13:49:00.000-04:00

After the gloom that's been holding this area the past week or so, I've got to say I'm thrilled to see the sun peeking out today!!

I didn't go to class this morning because I had *another* headache... and I'm thinking it's time to get me to the chiropractors, since been too long since my last adjusment and my headaches are becoming alot more frequent. Could also be the fact that I've been wearing the same pair of contacts for awhile, since I'm also way past due for an optometrist [sp?] appointment, and have run out. :( Bad Natalie!! Just haven't had enough scheduled free time to make the appointments... Next week. By the end of Oct. for sure.

Between Kris and I, we were a fine pair this morning - me with my headache and he with his back... He's done something awful to it, he feels like it might be a pinched nerve but I'm not sure. At any rate, he's having trouble turning and bending, and it hurts when he takes deep breaths. So, he made an appointment with the back cracker at 3, and I'm really hoping that helps... I'm still trying to talk him into taking tomorrow off, because even if he is feeling better, he'd really be pushing it with the hard work that he does.

Anyways - enough whining! Tomorrow I start my new job - I was able to get my shift covered at my current job so I can go there at 10. I'm really hoping I like it. Working at this health food store has taught me alot, and one of the most imnportant things, I think, is to not mix business and pleasure. Granted, I love [most of] the girls I work with now, but I would've been out of this shitty job a long time ago if there hadn't been those connections. I've made a few really good friends who I'll keep in touch with here, but it's has made working there more difficult at times. At this new job, I think it'll be to my benefit to be friendly but not to make friends. :) What are your guys'/gals' experience with this?

In the crochet world - I've started work on my sweater. I did decide to switch the colors of yarn, and JoAnn's really pissed me off about that. I brought back 6 balls of the pink and just wanted to do an even exchange for the beige. But - I'd used a coupon of a couple of the balls, so instead of just trading them out, they charged me the difference, *and didn't tell me,* so I got stuck paying $5 more than I'd planned, when I had two fucking coupons I could've used if she'd've told me. Agh! I was *so* pissed, cuz it took alot of planning to try to get me out of there spending exactly $10, and then this bitch fucked it all up. And when the transaction was over, and I questioned the charges, and asked her to use the coupons... she says "Well, you'd have to return it and then buy it again, and we don't do returns just to take the coupons off."

But anyways - the sweater - I started it, using the beige. We'll see how it works out, I've gotta say I'm not very confident at this point - but I'm only on row 14 of the back, so we'll see. Not sure what I'll do if I decide I don't like it, since Divine is so nasty to frog!!

I gotta run, gotta grab lunch before Kris's appointment, then work! YuK! Wishing everyone good weekends! Hugs!

She Called

2005-10-12T11:15:00.000-04:00

The lady from the cleaners called. She wants to hire me.

I'm thrilled, and panicking... I work such oddball hours right now, it's *very* hard to get me in there to train until after my two week's notice period... I have no idea how many hours/days I'd be working, although we have discussed about 30... I havent changed jobs in such a long while that now I'm hesitant and nervous. Even if I hate it, I know the job I do now and I do it well. What if I suck at this new place, and then am just out of a job and SOL?? Like I said, panicking.

Plus, Kris won't answer his fucking phone so I can't tell him! Agh!

But - even more drama has occured at work, and now people are being positioned not on their skills [at all!!] but entirely on their connections. I have got to get out. Worse comes to worse... I am job hunting some more, and will try out that other health food store.

I ~~have to try to~~have to leave work early on Saturday so I can go train at this new job. They're gonna love that... :P

[Supposed to be Posted Last Night]

2005-10-11T09:05:00.000-04:00

Well...

...No word from the cleaners. :( I was really hoping they'd call today to tell me I had the job. Oh well. I'm thinking about applying at our competitor's, the one where our old manager and stock guy are going. I wanted to get away from all the health food weirdos but a job's a job.

On a *totally* unrelated note, I bought some roll on wax tonight at work. It's this stuff, by Parissa, which I've heard good things about and sells well at our store. But - I've never waxed before!! [Which is why I got the roll on, I am hoping it's dummy proof.] Is it awful? Am I going to make myself cry? Any tips for a first time waxer?? I'm scared - but I despise shaving - so I'm willing to give it a go. I'll have to update once I try it; after reading the directions, I've decided to definitely start with a leg, since it's a distinct possibility I may rip off several layers of skin. :)

I have finished projects!! Yes, that's even plural - woo hoo!! These have already debuted on our beloved Crochetville, but here they are again!! [Announcer voice]Show them the crochet! [/Announcer voice]

This is what the yarn in my last post wanted to be. It's a fulled hobo bag from my own pattern. In all honestly, I really like the pattern, and I *love* the bag, but when I come back to it I can see where I'd like some changes to be made. I'd like to get my hands on some Lamb's Pride Bulky for next go-round, but I have to have the money first. This fulled up to be rediculously soft, and I know when I carry this purse it will be an experiment in self control to keep from petting it all day. It's that soft. I hope I don't screw it all up putting in the lining. I figure the simplest way to do it will be to basically make the same bag from fabric, then sew it in, right? I'm really hoping the zipper won't be a nightmare, and that I'm feeling confident enough to add a couple pockets. Pockets are a must, because I really want to carry this bag.

I can also finally reveal my *finished* Not-So-Seraphina Shawl! This picture does not do this shawl justice, but I haven't had the opportunity to take a better one, and I think my batteries must be dying because my camera has been fussy lately. This shawl look gorgeous on! It's a stash buster project, and used up two big cakes of mint green 1450 ypp cotton chenille. My mom loves it, and I love that she loves it!

I used the beginning of the Seraphina pattern exactly, and stopped when the pattern rows began. [If the site didn't take so long to load, I could tell you what you I stopped at, but I'm pretty sure the last row I did as called for was row 6.] Anyways - ! Instead of starting the repeat rows, I just worked in solid dc. Her pattern sets you up with a beginning V-st, after which you ch1, then work 1 dc in previous row's ch1-sp. I did all that. Then, instead of doing the 3 dc rib and increasing shells and all that - I just dc'ed across to the next shell she'd established. *I put a dc in the ch1-sp from the previous shell, then ch1'ed and made the shell as usual. I ch1'ed after the shell, made a dc in the previous row's ch1-sp, then dc'ed across again... Repeat from * two more times, then dc across, dc in ch1-sp from previous row, ch1, and finish with V-st. I hope that made sense, I am super sleepy right now, and starting to worry my computer isn't going to let me make this post... Agh.

Gotta crash! Good night! Hugs!

[I wrote this last night before my computer started acting all slow and wonky and like it didn't have internet. Stupid thing.]

Dear Blog, how I have missed thee...

2005-10-08T15:04:00.000-04:00

I've fallen into this unpleasant little routine lately - sleep, work, sleep, work, Kris, school, sleep, Kris, work... Ugh. Things are getting crazier by the hour at the health food joint I work at, and I've been actively searching for a new job. I'd like to be gone by the end of October, and at the rate things are going now, that won't be soon enough!! Our old Gen. Manager has been demoted, and the owner hired back the one he *fired* two months before I started working there. This guy's a real dick - no people skills, ready to suspect the worst in everyone... He's not been there a week yet and he's already made like 6 accusations of employee theft. Add to that - our only grocery buyer quit with literally no notice, to take an awesome job in Seattle... our only reliable night stock guy [who also frequently saves our asses on the registers] turned in his 1 week yesterday to go work for a competitor, [incidentally enough, this store is also where another of our old Gen. Managers has gone...]... our bulk guy quit about a month ago with no notice whatsoever, just didn't show up on Monday... a part time produce guy was fired... One of the three full time deli girls worked her last shift on Thursday... It's fucking nuts at that place, and I'm stuck there. ICK!!

I did go on a second interview on Friday, for this local dry cleaners, as a counter position. I'm ashamed to admit that for some reason I've always looked down upon jobs at cleaners... but when I saw this add I couldn't pass up turning in an app, and actually, it looks like something that would be great for me right now. They start at what I'm making now, which is a bummer, but they do evaluate for a raise after 90 days, which is much better than what the job I have now is offering. It's about a 5 min. more drive, but they're not open Sundays, and they close at 7pm. Also, if I get the job there, I'm almost positive I'd be working only 4 days/30ish hours, which is a little more reasonable than what I'm doing now. Keep your fingers crossed for me - the lady who interviewed me talks to her boss about the final decision on Monday.

So, when I haven't been working, or searching for work, or sitting through boring classes and writing shitty poetry [geez, whine much, Natalie??] I've been crocheting away on the un-Seraphina. I'm immensely pleased with how it's turning out, and would like so badly to share pictures with you all, but I want to keep it under wraps until I have a FO to show. My mom has claimed this shawl, which I like because I haven't made much stuff for her. I'm also glad that it will at least go to someone I like a lot, because it's taking *so* long to finish. I'm really hoping to get it wrapped up this weekend, because I think I'm finally feeling brave enough to tackle my next WIM, a cowl-neck sweater made out of Paton's Divine. [Side note - I've been amassing the yarn needed in this color - Floral Fantasy - but now am wondering if doing it in, say, Soft Earth, wouldn't make it more versatile. I mean, like something I'd wear more. I picked the floral to try and get some color in my wardrobe, but I think I'm in love with neutrals!!]

I did take a break from crocheting the endless shawl last night to spend some time with a sweater I bought to frog awhile back and then forgot about. This J.Crew beauty had been hiding in a dark corner for quite some time, because when I'd orginally tried to unravel it, I was having issues with the side seams. When I came back to it though, they came out like a dream, just two long tugs!! I so careful with frogging this, I was able to get every last piece of usable yarn from it - I think I only threw away 5-10 yards total, even with the seaming yarn and everything. I didn't take that long, either. I'm so pleased with my haul - this yarn is so gorgeous!! It's a 70% lambswool, 30% angora blend that I would've *never* been able to afford... I'm just guessing that there's well over $100 worth of yarn here. But I only paid a buck for the sweater!!

Caribou Coffee shops are nationwide, right?? I just recently fell in love with their new line of non-coffee drinks, reTREATS. The creme brulee reTREAT, in particular. It's the most wonderful, rich, creamy, delicious thing I've ever drank. The servings look tiny compared to my usual grande mochas, but they're just the perfect size. The creme brulee tastes crazily similar to it's namesake dessert, and I imagine it would be awesome with a little shot of butterscotch schnapps, although I've not tried it. Next I'm going to try the apple cobbler flavor, although it will hard to stray from the tried and true. [Sorry no links, they're not on Caribou's website yet, but if you have the chance to try one - DO IT!!] Anywho - plug over.

I think that's all I've got to report for now... Nothing exciting happens outside the routine!! I've wanted to blog for at least a couple days now, but when I actually have the time to sit down, I can't think of anything interesting to write about - nothing outside the same old, anyways. Hopefully next time I post, it'll be letting you all know I've finally got a new job!! Hugs!

You want to see my pictures??

2005-10-02T17:25:00.000-04:00

If not, I'd skip past this post, cuz it's gonna be picture intensive.

Going up north was lots of fun - the trip was *way* too short. I was still dealing with my illness issues but was feeling alot better - I had a great time. Here are some highlights from the Elk Fest on Saturday:

There were a couple of these chainsaw sculpters doing demos at the park... Although this wasn't
really the coolest sculpture, it is the one I had the best before and after pics of. It was really interesting watching them work - chose different saws and everything.

<--- This next one is Kris entering one of the many rifle raffles there.

This one ---> is for those of you who've never seen an elk - the reason why the festival is even held. These horns aren't even from a particularly large elk, either.

<-- Here we have me flaunting my faux antlers. Sexy, no?

These couple are some of the crocheted items that were being sold at one of the booths. Even though the area is definitely not as affluent as what I'm used to, the trend was that all the crocheted stuff was seriosuly underpriced. It made me sad.

Bump 'N' Run Pictures
The Bump 'n' Run is by far the highlight of the whole thing. In the summer up north there's a whole circuit, with top drivers and sponsoring teams and all. All the towns have got at least one. It's a relatively safe way to just go out a destroy shit. I was thrilled because I got to see some roll-over action this year - not just one, but three cars flipped!! In fact, the moo-cow car, the black 88 one, got stuck on a tire, rolled right over, and kept on going! The picture was taken right after he flipped. The worst part were by far the bystanders... The lady in front of us had a hubby who was racing.. and in the 2.5 hours we were there... she packed and smoked an entire pack of Marlboro Red 100's... and then packed and opened another fucking pack!! At least 25 cigs she smoked - while her preschool aged daughter was right next to her the whole time. *My* lungs ached, I can only imagine how the kiddo's must have been!! And that's the norm up there - non-smokers are the *very* small minority. The way to get area out of depression would be to open up a cig factory, I swear. But I digress.

My last pictures of the day of the hook handle I felted this afternoon. I saw Cheryl's post on C'Ville earlier, and was intrigued. Later on I came back to it, and after reviewing the instructions, decided to give it a go. I used some gorgeous roving Deneen sent me a good while ago, and used Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap instead of dish soap. Next time I do it I'm using Ziplocks, cuz I had some leakage, but it was really easy and I love the way it turned out.
I can totally see getting intricate and detailed with these. I like how the wool will wick moisture away from the skin, and keep it warm and comfortable at the same time. Guess I will have to start shopping for rovings now, too!!

Right now my primary WIP is what I'm calling "The Not So Seraphina," or maybe - "Seraphina Mutilated." I wanted a batwing shawl but didn't want to make the Seraphina again... so I changed it to be how I wanted it. I'm using up some of the cotton chenille I bought from Melanie [eBay store search for Fiber Options if you're interested] awhile back and it's turning out quite nicely. It's a color that I'd never wear, though, so I'll have to figure out what to do with it when I'm done!!

I've got to do some serious stash busting, not because my wallet says so, but because my room does! Between the 'skinny wardrobe' in my dresser and armoire and the 'fat wardrobe' piled on any flat surface, and the yarn multiplying in bins and on my shelves and my floor... My room's a freaking disaster. Seriously. It's so awful it's getting impossible to ignore and so something must be done.

Kind of like my life working at Psychos, Inc. - ! - but that's a whole nother bitch seesion that I cannot even start right now!

hugs to all my buddies in blogland!!

Finally Friday...

2005-09-23T11:18:00.000-04:00

This week has stretched on for me. I've been sick *all* week, beginning with the headache last weekend and culminating with flu symptoms on Wednesday. Those are gone now, and I'm left with the respiratory ickiness - YUK!! I've been taking it easy, getting *tons* of sleep and not doing much at all.

Later this afternoon, we're going up north, so I'll be gone all weekend. I'm hoping that most of the allergens up there have died away by now... and I'm going armed with lots of Allegra and Sudafed, JIC. :) Being that my cabin is Montmerency Cty, MI, aka the "Elk Capitol of Michigan," it's only fitting that their annual celebration is dubbed the "Elk Festival." That's going on this weekend. I've been to probably 15 or 16 of the 20 that I've been alive for. It's a hokey little event, with food booths and rifle raffles and crafts involving antlers... The most exciting part is the "Bump n Run," which occurs on Sunday. This is basically a balls-out race around one of the smallest tracks you've ever seen... It's hysterical. There's a prize for the first to roll over a car. :) I love me some good hillbilly entertainment!!

Anywho... I gotta pack and prepare and all that lovely stuff... so I wish everyone lovely weekends!!

The Nat in the Hat

2005-09-17T21:30:00.000-04:00

I woke up a couple hours before work this morning with a headache. Took some Motrin, went back to bed, woke up a little later, still with a headache, and called into work. After sleeping til 1 pm, I was feeling better and wanted a mindless crochet project... And I guess I was feeling a little jealous of Kris's hat. So, I made a 'girlfriend' hat, lol, the girly version of the 'boyfriend hat' from Cozy Crochet. This pattern is stupid simple. I used JoAnn's Dolcetto, which I swear is just like cotton candy. It's so awesome to work with, looks gorgeous, and is so soft and cozy. Took about a ball and a half with an "I" hook to fit my big head. I still have about the same amount left that I have no idea what I'm going to do with - maybe matching fingerless gloves?? I was working at slow pace today, so it took me longer than usual, but I'm happy with the way it turned out. It'll get used. :) And I have another FO... Woo-Hoo!!!

Playing along...

2005-09-17T14:25:00.000-04:00

I was tagged by Beth, and since I'm soooooooooooooooo bored right now I'm going to play along.

10 years ago - I was 10. I'd just started fifth grade, and felt like tough shit cuz we were the oldest in the school. This was also the year I first realized I was "popular."

5 years ago - I was just starting my sophomore year. I'd transferred to a HS in a new city, and was branching out from my old safety net. I was getting high and having fun and had just started skipping school and letting my grades fall. I'd begun hanging out with Kris's sister, and later on that year, he and I would hook up.

1 year ago - I was starting classes at the community college and not the university. :P Things were pretty much just how they are now, LOL - same lame job, same living situation, same everything. I'm happy with that - it's jus the continuing easiness before I have to actually grow up!

5 snacks - Tollhouse cookies, bubblegum Popsicles, nachos + cheese, broasted potatoes, Honeycrisp apples. [BTW, Honeycrisp are absolutely the most fabulous apples *ever.* I'm so spoiled on these that I really don't even like other varieties. They're only in season a short time and much better organic.]

5 songs I know all the words to - Fuck All Y'All - 2pac, First Taste - Fiona Apple, just about any Doors/Motown/Eminiem song, Castles Made of Sand - Jimi Hendrix

5 things I'd do with 100 million - Buy a nice house, buy some property up north, get a Shelby Cobra, pay off student loans/tuition, hook up everyone I know and love, travel all over the place and spend a few weeks in Amsterdam, donate alot of it...

5 places to run away - up north, Amsterdam, Rome, Alaska, and pretty much anywhere tropical.

5 things I'd never wear - mesh, straight leg jeans, any type of vest, leggings, and all tight, tiny, unflattering clothes.

5 favorite TV shows - LOST, Good Eats, Law & Order: SVU, and I really can't think of 2 more!

5 biggest joys in life - Kris, my family, accomplishing something, a lazy day, and maybe some gorgeous yarn.

5 favorite toys - my car, my phone, my comp, my *toy,* and our other toy.

A little FO...

2005-09-16T23:15:00.000-04:00

So, awhile ago I'd mentioned that I got some allHEMP3 from Knit Pixie. I've had it laying on top of my way overflowing Rubbermaid stash tub for several days now, wondering just what it wants to come. I'd originally planned to make a few Econo Shoppers, but after finishing the last one I did [in organic cotton - very hippie!] I had no desire to do another. But I *really* wanted to play with the hemp. And I wanted a small, quick, rewarding project, since I've been stuck on this one design and since my next planned endeavor is a big[ger] one.

And I wanted to make something for Kris, that he'd actually use. I made him a hat last winter, but forgot to mention to him that it was wool... You see where I'm going here. Anyways, he also has an afghan I made, one of the first ones, and it's like 7 ft of sc, but it's so warm he rarely uses it.

So I made him this little beanie. I used the tiniest hook I own, which is only an "E" but still, that shit is small! The stitches are so cute and uniform, I'm pretty impressed with it actually.
This yarn works up so nice and soft, and it's almost got a sheen to it - but not quite. I'm defintely going to buy some more soon. I was a little worried during the crafting of this - I was all cocky, like "I don't need a pattern for a simple beanie..." so I just start going... and soon I have a Jewish hat, and Kris is looking preeeetty skeptical... so I keep going, and I end up with a kufi and Kris is just kinda laughing at me... I'm all "No, really, it'll turn out just how you want, like a skater beanie..."

And lo and behold. It turned out to be a skater beanie! Fancy that! I was really relieved that I didn't have to eat crow and frog it or go to a pattern... And now I feel like maybe I'll buy size "C" and "D" hooks just so I have them... This didn't even use much yarn, I'd say maybe 1.5 hanks total but I had to break into three to get the blue stripe. I can't wait for him to wash it and see how it softens up... I've got two skeins of rose waiting to become somesing for moi.

Right now,

2005-09-15T13:45:00.000-04:00

I'm *supposed* to be in my Geography class. Buuuuuuut, I decided not to go - I don't feel like it, it's boring, no quiz today, etc. I thought I'd rather sit home and chill out, since I felt like I haven't done that much lately. I should've gone, just to check the status of my financial aid, but I'll do that before my next class, tonight at 6. See, last Saturday, I got a letter saying that my financial aid hadn't gone thru cuz my school hadn't received my Student Aid Report. So on Monday, after dealing with the *bitchiest* girl ever, I came to discover that I "wasn't on file" for aid. Not at my school, not with the government. Turns out, my mom forgot to forward me the renewal notice for my FAFSA that they send out in like January. The notice that was due *today.* So, we scrambled to get it filled out, and I'm like 99% sure that everything will continue right on track, and I'll get my aid as expected, after the last official day to drop classes. but, I just want to make sure, otherwise I'll need to scramble for several hundred dollars to pay my mom back. [Yes, only several *hundred.* One of few perks of going to a comm. college. I just found out that tuition at the university I'd started at and will be returning to next year has been upped so much that each class is costing a couple grand! Ouch!]

Anywho... Mikey, my dog, got his shots on Tuesday... routine vaccinations... except that he had a severe allergic reaction to them. Wednesday morning he was running a high fever and panting so badly he woke every one up. He was shaking so hard it looked like he was seizing... I felt so awful for him! He started to get better once we got him some aspirin and some baby Benedryl, but he was still all fucked up yesterday. Today, he's just taking it easy...
We've been having issues with other allergies, too... For some reason he keeps scratching, so much so that his hair's been thinning around his ankles. [No, he does NOT have bugs.] My mom's been giving him oatmeal baths, which will help for a short time, but our vet and groomer both said that animal allergies have been bad in our area this season. My mom's wondering if it's our tomato bushes - has anyone else had this problem??

My wonderful 'secret' sistah showered me with more awesomeness last week, and I've been entirely neglectful and not posted about it.
That's nine balls of the Merino Style wool from Knitpicks - three balls each of Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Frost. How freakin spoiled am I?? Seriously - one of the nice things about other people choosing yarn for you is getting something you might not otherwise buy for yourself! These are all colors that I adore, but probably wouldn't have picked out together, but they compliment each other so nicely!! I haven't decided what the hell to make with this yarn, or if I will use the colors together or seperately... I'm thinking about making a 'Marvelous Fulled Mini-Tote' or maybe trying out the pattern I've had developing my head in a fulled version. We'll see... for now, I'm just enjoying looking at it.

My Econo Bags have been enjoying great success, and I could not be more thrilled. Seriously, my ego has swelled with all the sugar that's been said about them! The pattern has even been accepted to the 2007 calendar, YAY!!! Happy, happy me!!

And since I'm out of shit to write about for now, I'll leave you with the poem I whipped up for my class tonight. I haven't titled it yet - any suggestions?

He moves against me
like a poem...

In a complicated rhythm
of stressed
and unstressed
moments.

Yep that's right...

2005-09-09T12:24:00.000-04:00

mid-grade for $2.89!

Stupid friggin blog.

2005-09-06T20:48:00.000-04:00

Back to the tried and true [template]. I liked the pink, but it pissed me off more than enchanted me, so it's gone. I still want something new, but something one page, that you don't have to click to navigate. I'm too lazy/busy to look.

Lately I've been a totally fucked up typer... I've never experienced this before - and it just happened again! I think I type whole sentences that aren't even there, just a bunch of gobbledygook. It's strange.

Erm, Jessi - please don't mention the ~~big unfinished mass of cranberry yarn laying in the corner of my bedroom~~ big collared cardi. I *swear* I'll have it finished up soon... Lately, like Deneen, I've been bit with the designing bug - so when I'm not working/sleeping/schooling I've been working out a design for a handbag.

I've also been crocheting spiral motifs...

The thing about these motifs is that I know I'm going to run out of yarn before I finish the shawl they're for... And I'm continuing to crochet them. They're so pretty and this is some of the smallest work I've done. I haven't yet decided what I'll do - screw with the pattern or hunt down a few extra skeins of baby blue Luster Sheen... [If anyone has some of this in their stash, *please* get in touch with me]

I'm waiting to get the pattern for my Econo-Shopper bags up, too. I've heard some great feedback from one tester, but that's all I've got so far and I want to wait before posting it. I think I'll probably submit it for the 2007 calendar [have I said that 7 times already??] but I'm also working on little charts for the mesh pattern so that's another reason to wait.

Not sure how things are going with the Secret Sistah swap... I feel like satisfaction is satisfactory. Not sure if that's what I'd hoped for, but whatever. I've certainly learned you can't please everyone.

My sistah has made some awesome plays... She's been sending great unexpected pick me ups...

Thoughtful little packages...

Tons of crochet-y goodness...

And just downright spoiled my ass!!

Here's a close-up of the latest addition to my collection:
I'm still awaiting her stats... Bill thoughtfully excluded an invoice in his package, but he also forgot to put in the little slip with all the specs!! My guess is that it's a G or an H... in cocobolo, or maybe the blackwood? It's very dar but I can make out a bit of woodgrain... It's beautiful, and I *love* it!! My sistah rocks!

That's not all the mail goodies I got though... a very thoughtful gal sent an envelope my way! In it was a mag I'd inquired about some time ago then promptly forgot about!! I still haven't had a chance to sit down with it properly, but it looks really cute. I think it'll be a good one to share with people who I'm trying to push the craft upon. ;)

My little blogging world seems to be in a transition. Maybe it's just me, who knows... It's been hard for me to get here and post. Maybe it's just a time management issue, since I've been so selfish with my time. I realize I haven't gotten used to working so much and then school on top of it... not quite what I'd been wanting. It's funny, though, becasue not long ago, I was whining about how broke I was, and here I am saying I have too many hours. Funny how the universe works like that.

I plan on donating a healthy chunk of my paycheck... My heart breaks for everyone involved in the disaster down south. I watch TV and cry, and Kris tells me to change the channel so I can stop crying, but I can't. I'm just so transfixed, watching these people and listening to their stories and waiting for the happy ending that's not there right now. I am so grateful to be where I am.

I am so grateful to be me.

I started school today...

2005-09-01T21:00:00.000-04:00

And so far, it pretty much sucks. My geography class is seriously a snoozer, plus the prof's accent is very strong. Then my creative writing class I think is going to be pretty elementary.

Plus, I'm still working five days at Psychos, Inc. Blah.

I have been crocheting. Hopefully will have projects to share soon, but gotta run now, my dad needs the comp.

'Night!!

Econo-Shopper Mesh Bag, II

2005-08-28T21:51:00.000-04:00

This bag is done from basically the same schematics, with a more open mesh pattern, and in a bigger size. I made the edging and handles from sc instead of hdc on this one - I haven't decided which I like more, but the difference between the two is slim, anyways. I used Aunt Lydia's Denim Cotton and a size "J" TOTC hook for this one. I've never worked with this yarn before and I really like it. It's a nice, smooth blend.

Here it is all loaded up with groceries:

And a picture of all the groceries it really did hold - it was almost too heavy for me to carry!! For the record, that's:
- One regular sized box of Crispix
- One regular sized box of Cheez-Its [in a yukky flavor]
- One giant sized container of Miracle Whip, full
- One peanut butter jar half-full of bulk mixed nuts
- One box of taboule mix
- One can of potatoes
- One can of sliced peaches
- One can of cherry pie filling
- One 3/4 full 5lb jar of honey
- Two tomatoes
- Three boxes of Mac & Cheese
- A bag of bulk tea
- A bag of croutons
- A bag of cornbread mix
- A carton of 18 eggs

Basically, a whole shitload of groceries.

Hopefully I'll be able to get the pattern/schematics written up soon so I can get them tested and up here.

'Night!

The Unveiling...

2005-08-28T15:18:00.000-04:00

This is a design that I've been wanting to create for a while, but wasn't sure just how to go about doing it. When I saw the shopping bag in the 2006 Calendar, it was another version of what I didn't want. So, I finally got my butt into designer mode and tackled the project. I'm pretty pleased with the finished product.

Ladies and Gentlemen... The Econo-Shopper Mesh Bag I!

Since this bag is not worked in the round [what I *didn't* want] there's no unsightly, unstretchy areas on the bottom. This is the smaller version, I have the big one in the works right now. But look at all the groceries it holds!

If you're interested, that's:
- One box of graham sticks
- Two bags of cornbread mix
- One bag of croutons
- One can of mixed fruit
- One can of pie filling
- One box of mac & cheese
- One box of taboule mix
- One bag of bulk tea
- Two tomatoes

This bag was worked up in a hemp/wool blend, which I realize may not be the most ideal fiber... The next one will be in Aunt Lydia's Denim Cotton and some of the the hemp I mentioned in my last post will probably become at least one of these.

There are two different honeycomb mesh patterns, one is more open and I'll use that for the bigger bag. [duh.] I need some pattern testers... the pattern is pretty simple and really more schematics than anything, you can use it to make any size bag you want... If it works out okay for everyone, than I'd like to submit it for the 2007 Pattern a Day calendar.

I made this bag to be like the ones we sell at my work, and although it's not exact [those bags have woven handles] it's close - it's nice and stretchy in the way I wanted it to be - and I like it. :)

Holy shit! She crochets!

2005-08-26T20:20:00.000-04:00

I dedicate this post to Deneen, just to fulfill her prediction.

Anyways, as you may have guessed by my title, I do, in fact, remember how to crochet. I've actually been utilizing my talent, too! There was a period there where I wasn't inspired to pick up a hook... Think it has/had something to do with the damn collared cardigan, which still isn't completed, BTW. I sewed one sleeve on all wonky and still haven't gotten the rev sc edge, even though the collar is finally complete.

I've been sticking with small projects, rebuilding my confidence... I churned out a few angel dishcloths for a co-worker who has a fixation with angels. [Thanks to Jessi for the pattern!] I used three different weights of cotton - one from Lily Sugar N Cream, and the other two from two different sizes of FoxFibre Organic Cotton.

I also stitched up a little blanket for baby Emma... I bought the yarn for it, Bernat Cotton Tots, as soon as I found out she was a girl [months ago!]. I totally forgot about it until she came along, two weeks early! I wanted it to be something warm and thick enough to be functional and not have her fingers get stuck in it, but also open enough to only use three skeins of yarn. I settled on a hdc V-stitch. Although I previously had negative feelings towards the hdc, I'm coming to find I enjoy it more and more. My thoughts used to be that it was a pointless, yarn wasting stitch, but I now realize it has possiblities beyond either the sc or dc. I finished this blanket up with my old standby, the rev sc edging. Simple, clean, classic. I'm just not a frilly edge type of gal.

I have to admit that I'm a little peeved with the way the Secret Sistahs swap is going... I've asked everyone to email me but have only heard from a few. I'm upset that this isn't running as smoothly as possible, and that I would even have to worry about expectations not being met. That was the whole fucking point of this!! Ugh. I can't even go on about that one.

My funky mood has pretty much departed. I think honestly all I needed was to spend a little money... it's amazing what a trip to the bookstore will do for me! I'm also *really* looking forward to school starting next week [whoda thought?] because it means no more 40 hr. work weeks at Crazies, Inc. I am just not ready to be working full time, especially doing what I do at a place like that with people like those for $8 fucking dollars an hour. Hell no. I didn't even make enough money to keep myself happy last paycheck - literally! When I'm broke I'm miserable - it's not that I spend a lot of money or anything, it's just that when I want something, I like to be able to go get it.

So, when Kris got paid he gave me some much appreciated cash and i went and indulged a bit - I picked up the 2006 Crochet Pattern A Day calendar and Family Circle's Easy Crochet [can't find a link for that one, sorry]. I was really happy to have scored them but have to say I'm not thrilled with either. The calendar is so so... I think it's cool I know so many of the designers but it's like a compendium of internet patterns, y'know... although there are some neat things, the quality isn't consistant. The thing that *really* bugs me is that they lied about the yarns used!! Some of the photos are so obviously Red Heart but they say it's Louet Top Merino or whatever... my ass!! And Easy Crochet is nice - nicer than Crochet! or most other crochet mags - but the patterns don't thrill me personally. I think the cutest ones are the ones that use knitting, also. The retro ones are pretty much all available online in their original form, lol! I dunno, I'm on the fence with this one. I think I'll like Interweave's Crochet more.

I also got to spend some cash over at Knit Pixie, courtesy of my summer pal at C'Ville. She was pretty much deadbeat but sent this in time to stay off the Shame List. I'm not going to complain about free yarn, though! I picked out some of the all HEMP 3 and also some Hempton Fine. I can't wait for it to come, I've already got uses planned for this yarn.

Ever since Deneen made the call for submissions to the 2007 Pattern a Day calendar, I've been busy mentally designing. My Hippie Hat pattern is already acceoted, but I'd like to submit a few more. Since I'm on a small projects kick, I decided to start with a shopping bag that I've been thinking up for a while. I have the stitch pattern worked up already, and hope to have a tester pattern together by the end of the weekend. Wish me luck!

My mom's painting our house this weekend... She's already got the living room done. We went from no color sterile grey to a nice, rich sage green. I *really* like it. I have a before and an after. Even though the quality for these pics isn't the best, you should get the idea. The color really makes the room look great. [Pictures of the kitchen to follow.]

I was able to find a decent amount of copies of Easy Crochet at my JoAnn's... even though I gave it a less-than-stellar review I know others have really thought highly of it. I stashed a couple copies and would be willing to grab them for anyone who's interested, as long as I can get them. All I want for them is the cost of the magazine, $5.99, no shipping cuz I can do it for free. Drop me an email if you're interested.

Alright, I've rambled on long enough, and I have my whole family barking at me to use the computer, so I gotta run. Bye bye!!

Popsicle stick joke:

2005-08-22T21:57:00.000-04:00

Q. How do billboards talk?

A. Sign language. Hehe :)

Wish I had more to write, but really, I don't. Kind of disheartened lately and I don't want to dwell on it. Suffice it to say - I can't wait til Friday when I can afford some shop therapy.

I do want to welcome the latest addition into our little circle, Kris's best friend's daughter Emma, who was born last week. She's a little doll, I swear.

Night.

Woodward cruisin'

2005-08-18T20:54:00.000-04:00

When else do u see this driving down the street?!

2005-08-18T20:51:00.000-04:00

Testing...

2005-08-14T19:27:00.000-04:00

Trying out this new template. Let me know what you think, any and all feedback is great. I'm not sure if it's easy to navigate, etc. Comments, please?

Recovery...

2005-08-14T16:39:00.000-04:00

Ah! What a rough weekend, LOL!! friday we did some belated birthday celebrating... We went out to dinner at Applebee's with a bunch of people from work, then three of the cashiers and I went out dancing... and drinking...

We went to a local club... and didn't even get there until just before midnight, so of course we closed the place. I think the new girl at work was having fun getting me drunk cuz she just kept feeding me vodka and cranberries... And it's normally a 21+ venue [we had some nice connections] so even though I had big black XX's on *both* my hands, none of the guards were really looking for underage drinking... It was nice cuz it's one of the few clubs that have an outside area, and it wasn't terribly crowded either.

I think I got home around four the next morning... Kris said I fell asleep half on the bed and half off it, LOL!! That's when you know you had fun! I also made it home with only one earring... Who knows where the other one ended up! I had a great time, until Saturday morning rolled around -

And I woke up at 6 am dry heaving. So much for working at 9!! I spent my whole morning hanging over the toilet, wretching. Made me remember why I am not a fan of drinking. I think it must have been cheap vodka, cuz I have not hung that hard in a loooooong time. I finally got some soup down around 6pm Saturday, and today my whole throat is raw and - get this - my tongue is actually sore. Like, achy muscle sore. Yuk!

Today, I am taking it easy and recovering. I've been pretty useless the majority of the weekend, although I did make it to our town's little annual car show yesterday. It's a hokey little event but it's fun, and a nice precurser to the Woodward Dream Cruise coming up in a couple weeks. I have a bunch of WIM and even some design ideas floating around in my head, but I haven't gotten the motivation to pick up a hook!

I know I was tagged, but honestly my brain is such mush still I don't think I can play along yet. I know I won't be able to come up with 5 idiosyncrasies and 5 things I miss about being a kid... all I can think about right now is how good a popsicle sounds! Maybe tomorrow.

I shipped out my first package to my secret sistah and have been working on her next one... I have a few things in mind I think she'd like but I want to spread them out in a good order... I'm *very* pleased to see all the good remarks being made about it! Espcially with the C'Ville swap issues, I'm glad that this is turning out to be a success, and I'm already thinking ahead to the next round. Actually, it's not that far away!

Gotta go rustle up something for dinner!

2005-08-11T13:01:00.000-04:00

Okay - I'd planned on posting today - catching up with the tags I've been hit with - but now it's already 1 and I have to eat, shower, register for classes, etc, before 4 when I work... So maybe tomorrow...

Thanks, everyone, for the wonderful birthday wishes - it was so awesome to get them and made my day so special!! I'm celebrating with some gals from work tomorrow, we're going out to eat and them dancing at a club as a joint birthday/bye bye celebration for me and another cahsier...

I had a job interview yesterday - all in all, I'd say it went well, but I'm not sure I'm thrilled about the job... So if I don't get offered it, I won't be disappointed... not sure I will accept it if I do.

I have the collared cardigan done, seriously... All I have to is the rev. sc. edging... But I haven't had a chance to pick it up the last couple days. It turned out really nice, I can't wait to share pictures.

What else? I had a counselor's appointment at school... I only need 15 more credits at the community collge, and I will go back to the university with an Associate's in Liberal Arts... That works well for me, I'll go back next fall, and take a lighter load this year.

I'll catch up soon, I promise...

My Birthday!!

2005-08-08T16:36:00.000-04:00

Thanks, everyone, for all the birthday well wishes! It makes me feel so special!

20 is kind of a dud year, nothing special happens except now I am a whole decade older! Crap - In the next ten years - I have to grow up!! Scary.

We're headed out the door to go to Logan's Steakhouse for dinner... I'm wearing the super cute earrings Deneen gifted me with and my mom has complimented how cute they are and asked where I got them. "You look good in earrings, Nat" she says. Thanks again, Deneen, hopefully I can get a pic.

Anywho, I'm off - thanks again!!

New Profile Pic

2005-08-07T12:34:00.000-04:00

I figured I've been out of high school long enough, it's time to get rid of the graduation picture. The new one is taken with my camera phone, LOL, right before I fell asleep, so I apologize if I look a little stoned. It's actually a fairly accurate representation of me. :)

I've finished crocheting the parts on the big collar cardigan. Now I have to block them, I'm going to do that today - and sew them, hopefully I'll get started on that today. Then I have to crochet on the collar, which I'd like to have completed by tomorrow. I think once it's finished I'll take it to be dry-cleaned? The weather is still very much August - read: hotter than shit - so it will be awhile before I'll be able to actually wear it.

I'm off to the flea market now, then back to block and clean my nasty car...

Ugh.

2005-08-05T14:36:00.000-04:00

Today's going crappy!! I just need to whine a little bit...

First of all, the lady never called me back about the job. Poop. I'm going to wait until Monday and call her one more time.

Next, my car payment was late this month. The *only* time it has ever been late. Sucks. I also realized that I only get one more paycheck before the next payment is due - a paycheck that is going to be *very* small because of vacay and was supposed to be used to pay my $220 phone bill.

So what does that means? Means Natalie will be using her birthday cash to pay her car payment! Fuck. Also means that the entirity of my check will be going to pay my phone bill, no spending cash for me!!

It's not that I'm broke per se, since I actually do spend quite a bit of money on things I want, frivolous things, whatever. It's just that I have to be broke on my birthday! The way I figured it out - I won't even have money to put gas in my car until I get paid at the end of August. I'm in such a downer mood that it makes me want to cry!

It also doesn't help that Kris is superbly broke this week too.

Enough with my pity party, I have a ton of shit to do today.

Early Birthday Goodness!

2005-08-04T12:53:00.000-04:00

When I received a little box in my mailbox today, I knew it was for my birthday... next week... but I couldn't wait to open it so I tore right in! I'm so glad I did! Here's the amazing gift I got from the wonderful Twink:
Happy girl, I am, to have these excellent goodies! Here's Kris modeling the hat for me, it's so soft!! There's also a cute drawstring bag, which I'll use for change, filled with gold coins and jewels - fabulous pirate's booty - as well as a red bandana, Burt's Bees lip balm, and the cutest little paper clip I've ever seen, which I am going to use for it's suggested purpose - marking patterns. In the bag with the booty was also a curious little charm for my awesome new cell phone. I've never seen cell jewelry before! I have it clipped onto it's holster right now, but it may move, I haven't decided yet.

Thank you so much, Twink, for your totally sweet and thoughtful gift! I love it all, and I feel *very* special to be the owner of one of your tricornered hats!!

A tiny carrot!

2005-08-02T15:59:00.000-04:00

Penny is for size reference.

August...

2005-08-01T10:19:00.000-04:00

... is my very favorite month. Could it be that my birthday is in a week? Yes, it could. It also has something do with intensely hot days, being a Leo, and bubblegumn popsicles. Not to mention savoring the last week before school... I'm happy August is here.

I got back from up north on Saturday evening after an eventful trip... The week spent there was great. We had a nice mix of weather - beautiful days for the lake, and some overcast ones for cabin maintenence. We did quite a bit of fishing, and also ventured into both nearby "big" towns, Gaylord 30 mintues west and Alpena 30 minutes east. We also took a nice stroll through the Jordan River Valley, through the Pinney Bridge campgrounds. In that same valley is a MI state fish hatchery - very cool, I've never seen anything like it.

I do have a ton of pictures - I'll put a few up here but if anyone wants to see more, drop me a comment and I can link to an album.

Me crocheting by the fire

A plane preparing to take off at the airport across the street from my cabin.

My mom, dad, and Kris standing in front of the cabin.

Me crocheting on the boat while Kris and my dad fish Long Lake.

A mama turkey with her babies. Our yard is an old turkey run.

Kris getting the boat ready to go out on Clear Lake.

Go Cart racing in Alpena.

Kris and I on a pier overlooking Lake Huron, also in Alpena.

The group, minus my mom, at the Pinney Bridge.

One of the tubs at the fish hatchery, full of lake trout.

After enjoying our wonderful trip, we packed up all our crap up into the two vehicles and left... Kris and I with my dad, Lauren and her friend with my mom... and we weren't an hour out of town when the "Check engine light" came on the in the van. Kris and my dad are both car guys, and figuring it was a misfire or something, they ignore it... for about 20 mintues... until all of a sudden the van sounds like it's going to blow up. So, we pull over, the boys are looking under the hood, the whole parking lots reeks like burnt oil and rubber... and they conclude we have overheated. So, my mom goes to buy antifreeze ($12 freaking dollars for a jug of antifreeze up there!! Absurd!) and while she's gone, my dad and Kris discover a piece of cardboard they'd placed in front of the radiator in the winter to get heat into the van. Well, in the summer, that piece of cardboard - not good - and even though they took it out, the van had already gotten way too hot... So it got us home, but is still not running well at all. That was the only bad thing about the trip!

In other news - the Secret Sistah swap is up and running - I'm totally thrilled about my partner, I can't wait to start shopping for her... Everyone else seems to be pretty excited too, which is cool. I'm just so glad that it ended up coming together!!

I also need to find a new job, badly. Beofre vacation I got into an altercation with one of the managers and was sent home early... Details aren't neccessary because it's not worth giving energy to this girl - suffice it to say she picked a fight and she won. My general manager and none of my co-workers seem to want to stand behind me on this, and I'm realizing that I have to get out - soon! I've made friends with alot of the cashiers, and that's a problem - when a job becomes more than business. So in interest of friendships and self-preservation, I have to get a new job, and quickly!! I need something with higher part time hours, hopefully something I can stay in for awhile, I'm trying to stay away from retail. If anyone knows of any good jobs in the Northern Detroit suburbs, drop me a line!! I *hate* job hunting, and it's hard to get motivated to go out an apply when I *do* still have a job. I just don't want it!

School - that's another stressor - that I don't want to even think about! The closest counselor's appointment I could get was August freaken 10th... and classes are already almost filled up, I hate to think what they'll be by then. I don't even know how I'm going to *pay* for my classes, anyways! Yuk. I just keep ignoring it, hoping it will all straighten itself out. Fat chance!

I gotta go get ready for work...

Creepy

2005-07-31T17:32:00.000-04:00

How You Life Your Life

You are honest and direct. You tell it like it is.

You are always tactful and diplomatic. You let people down gently.

You tend to have one best friend you hang with, as opposed to many aquaintences.

You tend to dream big, but you worry that your dreams aren't attainable.

How Do You Live Your Life?