thursday's journey

Must you go posting spam comments here?

2010-05-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

I am disabling comments on this blog. Yes, I'm still here. I might start posting again at some point. So - nobody reads this blog. Why on earth are you trying to post spam comments? Do you think anyone is going to click on them? Thank you, but no thank you.

On Memories and Garbage...

2008-05-30T13:53:00.003-07:00

Craftylilly posted a few days ago about some photos and junk she and her husband found in their house. Honestly, I have been known to squirrel away objects of little or no use for decades at a time. I attempted to find my own crazy late-1980's school photo (complete with "Don't Worry Be Happy" earrings, braces, and crimped hair). Unfortunately, I couldn't find it. Or fortunately!

This "junk" is on my mind a lot lately, as I am going to be moving across the country into a smaller place than I live in now. Here's some of the weird stuff I found (are these really good memories??):Love that one! This is a guy I "met" on the internet during college. That's the ONE letter he sent me (the CD is actually from years later - I was a sucker for musicians!). Notice the lovely stationary and how he specially *ripped* the loose-leaf out of a 3-ring binder. Isn't that great? Shows how much he cares, right? ;)

I'm not even sure what to say about this box o'stuff. McDonald's pins? Yes, I worked there. No, I didn't "earn" any of them. A key? Yeah, from a car I once had. Um, a water bottle top? No clue why I kept that!
And here we have some interesting faux art nouveau plastic frame-things. With pictures glued in them. I think they were my great-grandmother's, but honestly, I suspect they are garbage! My great grandmother died when my mother was a teen, so someone's been holding on to them since then. And moving across the country with them. Scary.

Also found: piles of old contact cases, cd's nobody has ever heard of (without the jewel cases - I already reused those), lots of terrible photos, and tons of articles from my grad school days. Oh, and many many lists of things to be done.

My Trip to Italy...

2008-04-21T18:45:00.002-07:00

In random order...just a selection....(you don't want to see them all!).

In other news, I have been busy trying to figure out how we will be able to move halfway across the country soon after I have a baby! My husband was offered a position in Chicago. My life feels odd right now - I haven't made a big move like this since I was young. I've never been pregnant before. I'll have to quit the job that I've had for more than ten years - and who knows when I'll be able to go back to work.

My knitting has really been thrown out the window! I didn't even take any yarn to Italy with me, if you can believe it! I must say, I do enjoy being back and knowing where the bathrooms are. And how to use them. Hah.

It's a boy!

2008-02-20T17:46:00.002-07:00

I'm still thinking this must be someone else's child. I hardly believed it months ago when I found out - oddly, right after my sister-in-law's baby shower. The first trimester was a struggle for me (note lack of posts and lack of knitting). The depression has passed, but there have been other things to think about besides knitting. Maternity leave, for one. Possible move around the time I'm due is another. And my trip to Italy, yet another! So, no, I haven't knit anything for the baby - but I'm not sure he'll need too many knits during an Arizona summer!

I hear my niece is doing well, and her parents are coping with lack of sleep nicely. Yikes. I like sleep. And being alone. Well, I hear there are great things about having kids, too.

Today's Photo

2008-01-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what I think of actually wearing them... but aren't they colorful? (Yes, dusty too - Arizona is a very dusty place.)

The One Where I Welcome...

2008-01-22T13:09:00.002-07:00

Riley...my new niece!

I know it isn't a great photo - the lighting in my brother's house was not ideal in the late afternoon/evening and I didn't want to continually flash the little girl in the face. But here is Little R - born Friday, January 18, 2008. She was 7 lbs 4 oz, but at two days old she was down to 6 lbs 14 oz. They even got to go home after just two days - despite the c-section.

Newborns are so tiny! I haven't seen any in a couple years, so you know, I forgot just how tiny they are. And I'd forgotten how big my brother is (I still think of him as a little kid...obviously he's not anymore.. he's a dad!). Crazy.

I think my knitting malaise could be lifting soon.... According to my husband, who just discovered a huge portion of The Stash, I'd better get to work and knit something ASAP!

Bunny Thumper Challenge

2008-01-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well, that was ridiculous! Tyger despises the touching of his back paws. I got the ruler in there for a split second before the loud *phwhomp* of his clawed front paw grabbing the ruler. Good thing he missed my very dry and cracked hands... So, no picture of that! But his bunny thumpers are a nice 5.5" in length.

Mr. Chester was measured in mid-air (I'd post that photo, but really, I don't think he'd appreciate people viewing him in such an immodest position). A wee bit smaller than Tyger at 5.25" in length. Here he is sans ruler:Anya briefly allowed me to touch her back foot - she's such a long, lanky creature - thin but tall! She's got 4.75" long bunny thumpers. Goodness! I really thought she'd be smaller.

Miss. Lotus has a dainty little 4.5" paw - she's our short one. Might be a bit shorter, but here's what happened every time I placed the ruler near her paw (she sleeps with them under her when it's cold, so no-go on the rest time measurements):Not quite a violent as Tyger - she at least is willing to only punish the ruler rather than the human measurer! Well, looking at KitKatKnit's challenge page, these kitties are all about average! Not that I expected any differently....no Maine Coons here! And I'm not measuring my parents' cat Silly. He's not silly at all - just evil. Or schizophrenic. scary.

New Year Thoughts

2008-01-08T16:22:00.000-07:00

I must honestly say that I am not into much these days. Seriously. Have you ever had weeks (months) when you just don't want to do anything? The last time I picked up a knitting project was on Christmas Eve - a baby hat for my brother's (still unborn) daughter. I'm happy that my sister-in-law thought it was the cutest thing, though! I'm hoping to have a photo of it at some point...perhaps on a little baby head??? Honestly, though, the idea of knitting makes me a bit queasy - in fact, so does anything that involves purchasing non-essential items. Crazy, huh? Perhaps this oddness will be over soon... in the meantime, I've turned to reading more.

I just found my To Be Read list for 2007. I read one book from it! That's an amazingly bad job. I'm ashamed of myself! I used to be such a reader... *sigh* Well, I've just about knocked off a second book on that list already, and I think I'm up for more. What's a year anyway?

What do you all have planned for this year? I'm expecting my year (despite the sluggish beginning) to be an amazing one. Truly.

Pay It Forward and Knitting Updates!

2007-12-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

Happy December, everyone!

First off - I signed up for a Pay it Forward handmade exchange on Craftylilly's blog last week. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? Well, I know I don't have too many blog readers, but I'm hoping I've got at least three who want to sign up for something like this! Here's the deal:

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don't know what the gift will be yet, and you may not receive it soon, but you will receive it within 365 days - I promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward - make the same promise on your blog.

Come on! Just for fun - and you've got a WHOLE YEAR to pay it forward, too. Even I can manage a deadline like that. And seriously, how much of the stuff you make can you actually keep in your house?

And....actual knitting updates!

I've finished a second Foliage Hat - this one in blue. It might turn out to be a gift... I'm not sure yet. This pattern is so much fun, though. It's easy enough and I get to practice my lace before trying with lace weight yarn!

Second, I'm actually working on my Central Park Hoodie (in Peace Fleece Wool colorway Zarya Fog). I'm only a bit up the back piece, but it feels good to be working on an enjoyable project! My Tangled Yoke Cardigan is a bit stalled (dk weight yarn is not fast....).
I am also working on a cotton pullover out of Elann Sonata... that one is a bit stalled! I'm not feeling excited about it anymore...

Is anyone else feeling the pressure of upcoming holidays?

Post-Thanksgiving Blahs.

2007-11-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

I want to thank everyone for your supportive comments on both our cat endeavors and my psychological issues with baby showers! Thank you so much.

The baby shower went really well, in fact, and I'm actually very excited about having a niece! I'm sure she's going to be wonderful and adorable. Some other things happened over that weekend that I might tell you about at some point...but I'm not ready yet to talk about it. A bit distracting, but nothing too horrible, really!

And I took a shot (perhaps our only one) of the Orange Guy who fathered the two little kittens in the background of the shot...aren't they adorable??? Those two guys are from separate litters, but just love each other. Oh, and our neighbors were able to get some money to get some of these guys fixed, too! Yay!

The Times they are a Changin'

2007-11-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

Yep. Not for me, mind you - for my brother and his wife. Tomorrow I'm off to a baby shower (actually I can't believe that I'm driving 100 miles for a shower)! I suspect they are trying to avoid the holiday season by having the shower now, more than 2 months before her due-date. I honestly wasn't expecting to be dealing with a shower this early. But, I thought ahead and bought these:

These are from the Soho Boutique on Etsy, and I think they're adorable! In fact, I thought I might be able to keep them longer, even. Not that I have anything to do with them. I tried putting them on the cats, but the cats are just too smart for me.

I think when I bought them, I was trying to convince myself that I'm okay with my brother having children when both my sister and I haven't been able to. Certainly it isn't an option to not be happy for them - I mean, I am, really. But, you'll also notice the lack of baby knits. I think when I'm knitting, and I don't want to wallow in any self pity! Which, surely, I would. This year has been difficult for various reasons....but I'm sure it will pass. I am hoping that the baby shower will not be difficult for me or my sister. Good thing I have PMS. Indeed.

On to the knitting. I have been procrastinating on all sweater projects! It's too hot here (although only mid-80's today!) to not be depressed by knitting wool sweaters. Seriously. I wonder if it will ever get cold! Although I purport to be working on the Tangled Yoke Cardigan from the Fall 2007 Interweave Knits.... I have only just finished my (second) swatch. Same with my Central Park Hoodie. But, both are now ready to cast on! And I'm exciting about beginning soon - must distract myself from wanting to buy more yarn. I have just finished the body for another Fibonacci Bag:
Hopefully I will full it soon. These bags really are so fun and fast to knit and very cute. If you wanted to make it a bit bigger, you might need a third ball of yarn (if using the Nashua Creative Focus Chunky), because it really takes up most of the two balls. And that's without a swatch (since I figured, why swatch? it's a bag.).

Next up: back to the sweaters? Or perhaps the cute hoodie baby blanket from magknits...

There's a zoo in my backyard!

2007-11-06T12:51:00.001-07:00

And there are a few of the cats and kittens who visit our yard checking out the cage we set to catch them. This is what I've been occupied with for the past few weeks - attempting to catch, neuter/spay, and release. Thus far, we have caught two females. And it's exhausting! The last one we caught is only 2 months old, and her mother was (is) quite irritated with us. The little kitten kept crying for hours after we brought her home from the vet last night, but we have to wait until today to release her! We were lucky to find a program that would pay for five cats to be spayed or neutered- but, as you can see - we have more than five! In fact, we have more than ten....

I have been knitting a little, but as blogger is refusing more photos...that will have to wait til next time...

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T16:02:00.000-07:00

I'm just going to leave you with the Blue Man.

Something in the Air

2007-10-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Yes. I wish it were fall. I do. But it's 95 degrees here... No, I think it's ragweed, unfortunately. Anyone else feeling it? We've got stuffy noses, runny eyes, and headaches all around here! Luckily, I'm on some lovely allergy medication.

Something lovely came to my door a week ago:

It's Malabrigo Lace in "Verdes." And I love it! I'm not sure if you can even see how vibrant the greens are in this. It's the only lace yarn in my stash, and I'm planning on practicing with the "Easy Flame Lace Scarf" on Knit and Tonic. I'm almost afraid to touch it!

I'm getting a little ahead of myself, but I've swatched for the Central Park Hoodie using Peace Fleece wool, which is a bit scratchy. I haven't washed the swatch yet, so we'll see what happens when I do. I really want to like this yarn!
I have actually finished my Tangled Yoke swatch, too.... and I'm loving Rowan Felted Tweed. I keep stopping just to look at my knitting! Hopefully I'll actually get that project to a point where it looks like something photograph worthy soon.

Have a good weekend! I'm off to make some Pumpkin Pie and pretend it's fall!

The Thing That Should Not Be.

2007-10-09T13:52:00.000-07:00

This is me (notice the abnormally long tongue...sorry about that). The hat is Santa Cruz in sport weight Knit Picks Andean Treasure (which is really lovely, by the way). The crown has been ripped as this is the Smallest Hat Ever. Perhaps a gauge issue? Perhaps I have a huge head? Well, I enjoyed doing battle. Hat 2. Me 0. But I did get a good laugh out of it.

I think it might be punishment for not working on my sweater projects...

Bonus if you know who's song the title of this post is without googling it. ;)

Temptation Waits

2007-10-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

I keep singing the song "Tangled Up in Blue" in my head. Did you know that women are more likely than men to get earworms? I almost always have one. Last week, I kept hearing the line "what a long, strange trip it's been" from the Grateful Dead song "Truckin." Just over and over. And really, it *has* been a long, strange trip. So I went browsing through the songs on this computer to find a title for this post. There are some great song titles on here that I can't wait to have a reason to use!

Okay, so a week and a half ago, I said I was going to go work on the Tangled Yoke Cardigan. You know, swatch and stuff, maybe cast on, even. Right. But then I remembered I wanted to knit the Foliage Hat from Knitty. And I had some crazy colored Malabrigo yarn. I was tempted. Especially since I really wanted a quick knit!

Pattern: Foliage by Emilee Mooney
Size: Version 2 (worsted weight)
Yarn: Malabrigo Seleccion Privada

The yarn was somewhat felted in the hank and was, thus, a PAIN to wind. Even with my handy winder. It's very soft, though, and I'm looking forward to using Malabrigo wool again. These colors...uh...not so much.

The pattern is interesting (so they tell me- this is my first hat) because it's top down, rather than bottom up. I found it a bit finicky to cast on - when I finished the crown I noticed there was a bit of a "nipple" on the top. It bothered me. A lot. I kept picking at it while I was knitting my way down to the bottom! So when I finished, I managed to sew it down a bit. The lace pattern is very simple, but I kept forgetting to pass the slipped stitch over - especially when chatting or watching important baseball games (with playoff implications, as Fox put it). No matter! Really, with crazy yarn like that I can't see where I made the mistakes (ok, not easily - I know exactly where they are).

So, on to Tangled Yoke? Um. Yeah. I just cast on for Santa Cruz (yes! another hat!). My excuse is that I really wanted to try the traditional bottom-up method for making hats, more lace patterns (working my way to something with lace-weight yarn, even), and I have some Knit Picks Andean Treasure (100% Alpaca) that seems super soft and I want to try. So, there you have it. I was tempted by hats...and I really must get back to Santa Cruz because it's already one-third finished.

have inexplicably gained hips overnight.

2007-09-21T15:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, sometimes I think I'm Bridget Jones. When crazy things happen, such as, say, gaining mass in my hips, stomach, and thighs when I am doing more yoga and eating less fatty/sugary stuff... I am prone to speaking in Bridget Jones-like sentence structure (in my head, mainly). Right. Calories: 2534. Jelly bellies do not count as are expired and thus probably lose calories through time. Also beer and wine - no info on label must mean completely free of evil fattening calories. Ok, not really. Must go back and re-read Bridget Jones in order to write properly.

Um, right. So, I am going to need more jeans this winter as all jeans bought last year are now too tight. Either that, or do seventy-zillion curl-ups a day for the next few months. The internets might be making me fat.

Back to more interesting news from the month of August. I finally got my Haiku bag!! I'd forgotten that I'd ordered it (back in April). I must say, I really do love this bag. It was a bit more expensive than I'd normally pay for something like this....
I love the blue and the brown together, lots of pockets, nice vegan leather-like stuff (that yes, I've gotten wet in the rain and it's fine), and washable interior. It's sold by several retailers as a diaper bag, even. I think the strap could use a bit more cushioning (ok, any cushioning), but perhaps I shouldn't put such heavy stuff in it. You want one. You know you do! Go on over to Scout's and get one - there are some great new designs, too.

Also in August, I won a contest over at Romi's blog! She sent me this lovely shawl pin:
I absolutely *love* her designs! I'm so excited to own one (and this simple one happens to be my favorite)! BUT.... I haven't yet knit a shawl or stole to use it on. Any ideas? Since I'm a lace beginner, I'm not sure I'm ready for Rosemary's Muir. Although, yes, it's lovely! I also like the Hanami Stole. Isn't it amazing? What do you guys think? I want the color to go well with the copper color of the pin, too.

I think I'm going to cast on for the Tangled Yoke Cardigan this weekend! Oh, after swatching, of course...

Where have I been?

2007-09-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been trying to get things back on track in my life. Yep. And there was still very slow knitting going on. But, see here?

It's a completed Jaywalker! And, believe it or not...I've actually started on the second one!

And here!

A completed Blue Tomato! I know the neck is a bit wonky. Somehow I managed to pick up a different number of stitches on one side. And the yellow in the stranded design pulls in under the blue, so you see odd little patches. But, I'm still proud of finishing my first sweater!!

I just finished it Sunday, after putting off the collar and sleeves for a couple of weeks. Picking up stitches around the neck irritated me a bit. I think it's because I really didn't want to rip anything out. Gosh, I'm lazier than I thought.

There are other things afoot in my life, also... we visited my in-laws in Florida a couple of weeks ago. I survived. In a teeny pre-fab house (with seams, I tell you, *seams* in the plastic walls). I probably shouldn't get into the issues with my husband's parents here. I mean, really, who doesn't have issues? Especially if you're an only child (as my husband is). But, in early August, we were told that my mother-in-law has cancer. The day before her surgery. There is a long tradition here of keeping relatives and friends in the dark about medical issues. I'm not clear on the reasoning behind it, but I'm thankful that we were at least told *before* the surgery! My FIL did not want to tell my husband at all. ?!?! They didn't tell her sister, even, who lives TWO DOORS away. Okay, thanks for the short vent.

Anyhow - I have more to tell you about. I have acquired some cool stuff within the past month that I'll take photos of soon...

Delay in el Tour Jaywalkers...

2007-07-27T17:58:00.001-07:00

Yes, I really do need to get a move-on here! I was hoping to finish at least ONE Jaywalker before the end of le Tour. On Sunday. See that picture in the last post? I'm not any further yet! I'm distracted by how close I am to finishing the Blue Tomato. And I'm already thinking about knitting up a tank or cami before the end of summer. Who am I kidding? Summer should be here until November - that's plenty of time!

And I'm sure I won't get anything else finished, because I gave in today and bought this book. You know which one! The one everyone read last weekend. Yes, I'm a huge fan (despite the snickers I get at work). So...unless I can read and knit - guess which I'll have finished by Monday! Yeah, not the Jaywalker.

Oh, have you seen the Interweave Knits preview?

Isn't this gorgeous? It's the Tangled Yoke Cardigan by Eunny Jang. I wonder if I'm up to it? I was so overzealous, though, that I've already got the yarn (shhhh!!!).

Recovering Procrastinator?

2007-07-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

I appear to have been absent from blogging this past week! Well, I was actually *trying* to get some real work done. I've had a lot to do, and I'm a huge procrastinator. I'm hoping to soon turn the corner on my procrastination and become an EX-procrastinator, or recovering procrastinator or something like that. I am forever wondering how I've wasted my time, how I've managed to put all these things I need to do from my mind completely... it's a skill I must've learned as a young procrastinator. I once heard a quote that went something like - those who are good at making excuses are seldom good for anything else. I am VERY good at making excuses. And people rarely call me on it. Seriously. I'm not trying to boast (really, is that something to boast about?).

So, on Tomato - the body is still not finished, but I'm getting really close! I can feel it! Well, really, you can see it, too:And, on the Jaywalkers (or jaywalker, as the case may be) - I have started the heel flap. Then I got distracted with how close I was on Tomato. And then I jammed that partially finished sock on my ankle and barely got it off. That's a bit disheartening - I've checked my gauge and it seems to be on, too. I just must have a large foot/ankle/calf. But I'm not going to rip it yet - I want to actually try the whole sock before starting over (if I decide to - really, I know plenty of people with smaller feet than me).

Ravelry could be addicting...

2007-07-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

Have you been there yet? I've heard talk of how interesting it is...I really wasn't sure what to expect. I love it! Wow. I can now keep track of all those projects that I want to do and ones that I'm still working on...and pictures of the stash (I haven't managed to take photos of those yet - hate to reveal all of my hiding places while my husband is home!). So, that's where I've been lately! I'm so disorganized with all my knitting stuff (who am I kidding? all my stuff is disorganized) and I'm hoping for a miracle with Ravelry!

In le tour de France project updates... my Jaywalker is moving along slowly but surely!

It's exciting to see the pattern emerging. Honestly, I have yet to form an opinion on the colors - this is Opal somethingorother in Doktorfisch colorway. I think. I was reading on the tour KAL site that some knitters have turned heels already, finished entire pairs of socks, etc! Wow. And I continue to knit slowly along. Perhaps things will speed up soon.

And no, I haven't gotten back to my Tomato yet. I'm afraid I might have a minor sock addiction. Will definitely work on the Tomato this weekend....if only I can put the sock down! Thanks everyone for all the comments on my little knitting projects! I really appreciate the encouragement. And I'm amused that Romi revealed that she doesn't even like to knit socks (thank goodness, in case I decide otherwise at least I'll have company) - but go check out her gorgeous Mystery Stole 3!

Sock knitting is for crazy people.

2007-07-09T18:15:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right. Especially with that teeny sock yarn. And teeny needles. Starting out, I'm feeling all thumbs! I'm not saying I'm giving up or anything - no way! What would I do with all of my sock yarn? Give it away? HAH! That's how I got most of it, actually - people giving it away. Hmm.
For the tour de france knit along I'm attempting to make my first pair of socks! Or one sock. Or half a sock. Okay, well, here is what I've got so far. Don't laugh! I know its hardly anything!Yes, it's about half an inch. Someday it might be a Jaywalker! Perhaps. So, you know, I started with some lovely Addi Turbo circular needles - I couldn't figure up from down, in from out, and those needles kept smacking me as I turned the thing about trying to figure out how to join. And so I got irritated (might've been the heat that made me so irritable, though), and ripped out the cast on stitches. And pulled out some bamboo dpns. Maybe next time I'll try the two circular thing.

Here's how "tomato" is coming:About waist deep or so. I can see the mistakes from here. I got sick of dropping the blue, picking up the yellow during the fair isle portion and attempted to hold one yarn with one hand and the other with the other hand. And I don't know how to knit continental, mind. It worked, and I was pleased with how fast it went.... but, uh, I kind of lost some of the stitches on that third houndstooth stripe. Oh well! I still feel like I learned something, and I really really really don't feel like ripping back. I'm too lazy. :)

Eye Candy Friday!

2007-06-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Cactus flowers, Mount Lemmon, Tucson. They really were this bright!

SP 10 Package!

2007-06-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'll admit these photos are not the best! That first one is handspun by Kate! Wow. It's beautiful. I'm not sure the deep reds come out so well in the photo, but it was the best I could do - I was fighting with a tripod and waning light. The other photo shows most (but not all, oops) of the other goodies: green apple mints, a mini crochet hook, some Noro silk garden lite, a lovely yellow stone bracelet, gummy bears (sadly, I have already eaten these...yes, I have a problem), and cat toys! Not pictured is the super yummy Sistercraft soap (that photo just did not turn out) and three little notebooks with a sheep guy stamped on the front. I really wanted to eat the soap - sandalwood with a bit of vanilla scent!

And this is how hot it is:

Warning....Slow Knitting Ahead...

2007-06-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right - this blob of knitted fabric is supposed to be something someday! I'm hoping it will be the top in the background - "Tomato" in "No Sheep For You." It seems like a simple enough pattern for someone who's never made anything sized before (just bags, dishcloths, and scarves so far!). I'm using CottonEase in "lake" rather than the Blue Sky Dyed Cotton that is called for in the pattern. I've heard both good and bad things about the Blue Sky Cotton - and I'll be happy to try it out someday.... but I really wanted to try the CottonEase on something.

My gauge was on with size 9 needles (the pattern calls for size 7 and others have gotten gauge with this size....I must be a tight knitter). But, I thought, I like the way the fabric looks with the size 7 needles. So I cast on with size 8 (happy medium?) and tried to make one size larger than I need. Then, I realized about an inch or two in that I'm knitting much looser than I did on my gauge swatch. Oops! So I switched back to size 7's. I can't wait to see how badly I've screwed up the sizing on this one. But hey, if I don't keep going I won't learn anything, right?

I'm a little bored right now - each row of stockinette takes forever. I knitted half the blob while watching "Raiders of the Lost Ark" the last two nights. And Jennifer is right - it does hold up really well over time! There's a bit of silliness here and there where you can see the age of the movie, but overall, I'm glad I own this one. On another note - no, archaeologists really don't like the view this gives of archaeology (you know, the treasure-hunting aspect...). I mean, most archaeologists would be loathe to remove those objects from their contexts without proper mapping. hehe. Sorry. That's my inner archaeologist coming out. But really, it's about being dirty and finding hardly anything for hours or days or weeks at a time!

Yes, that's me in the middle holding the sign board that you can't read. 1998. I miss digging.

Indecent [cat] Exposure

2007-06-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

Chris posted Mayhem's belly.... I've got lots of cat bellies! These aren't the best shots of these guys, either... but cat tummies make me laugh - and don't we all need to laugh a bit every day?

BELATED thanks to my SP!

2007-05-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, my lovely SP signed me up for Knitters Anonymous! The stuff they have is hilarious - see the pink pad? "While you were knitting." I'm not sure I qualify yet for "extreme knitter" - and I don't think I've ever knit in traffic (I walk to work - lucky me, but no knitting happens while walking!). There was also a "knitwit" magnet that I'd already left at work (oops). I think it would be disastrous if I knit while drunk - uh...I've never been drunk, actually. But a bit tipsy or tired and ripping is required!

On the cat front... Chester has now been an indoor cat for a full year! AMAZING. Not sure how we got through the first few weeks, either. Here's one of the last shots of him outside - note the lack of collar and if you look really closely - you'll see the injury on his back paw that required us to bring him in. He had to have a bone extracted (the same one you'd extract if you were declawing a cat - something I think is inhumane...but in this case, he had a bone infection). It's been tough, but he has his sweet moments (and he's super cuddly).

Bookmarks and Postcards

2007-05-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

Look what I found! Vintage 1981. It's the first bookmark I remember having.
Next, are two I made sometime within the last year or so. I know, not knitting... but still something I made!

And here, I used stamps to make a couple haphazard post cards. It was a technique I found in a book that looked like it was right up my alley - I like throwing things together quickly. Actually, it takes a while to get the stamps, ink, cleaner, paper, embossing powder, and all that out. I used to make stationery (not that I write to anyone...usually I just sent it off to people in swaps), and always underestimated how long it would take me to finish. A set of ten sheets took an hour or two! But looking at these makes me want to do some this weekend...

Totes are Fun!

2007-05-02T18:19:00.000-07:00

Isn't this an adoreable little tote? I know, I know - I have a minor addiction. I got it at Superbuzzy - they have great Japanese stuff! This bag doesn't hold too much stuff - it's a short tote - but it would probably hold socks! I shoved my entire green, blue, and grey pre-tote-form into this (just barely fits).

Where to Find Patterns for Felted Bags

2007-05-01T14:35:00.000-07:00

The Fibonacci Felted Bag was created by Brynne Sutton, and is available on her website, All This By Hand. It's a fairly small bag made out of Nashua Creative Focus Chunky (only two balls are needed). I've currently got a washcloth project in it, and I'm enjoying finally using one of my own creations for something useful! My bag measures about 10.5 inches wide by 7.0 inches tall, and is about 3 inches deep at the base.

The other felted bag is the Slouch Bag, available at The Knitting Zone. There are quite a few fun felted bag patterns there, too!

I'm hoping to make a bag with flowers - yikes, intarsia.... but I'm imagining a really beautiful brown bag with blues, purples, pinks, and greens....haha.

Yikes....been a while!

2007-04-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

So, it's been two weeks since my last post. Obviously I'm slacking. Probably due to the lack of readership? Perhaps. I'm finally going to post some FO's! First up - the tote that I received from a blogless Martha. That purple is really an eggplant color. The handles are super long and I can put this across my body... after sending off my own tote (that I absolutely love), I'm thinking that I might want to felt this some more (ok, I know it's actually fulling, not really felting...but whatever).

I finished up my "fibonacci tote" - the pattern and yarn was sent to me in a swap in December (and the colors are rather vintage Christmas).

This photo was taken pre-handle attachment. This was a fast knit, and the pattern directions are simple - it was my first try at knitting in the round. And the felting doesn't show the poor job weaving in ends, etc.

The last recent project is my tote for the Tote Exchange:

I used 2 skeins of Cascade 220 in a purple heather (must check the ball band to get the colorway), and 2 skeins of Noro Kureyon to get that fun stripey effect. I love the roundness of the sides, and the firm feel of the bag. The bag took 5 or 6 runs through the machine (but I suspect I was setting it back at random intervals). I'm really going to have to knit one of these for myself - I like the length of the handles (they are i-cord, knit to 24 inches before felting). I'm out of these colors, so I'll have to use something else...grey maybe? I doubt I'd like it as much without all those great greens and blues in the stripes.

So, what next? I'm busy putting together a package for my Secret Pal 10 partner - I've got some good stuff planned for her! I'm trying not to buy too much for myself - random expenses keep popping up... But I'd really like to get some good cotton yarn for a new sweater project...should've bought that stuff on ebay a while back...*sigh*

Movie Stuff!

2007-04-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Why? Because I saw this on several blogs, and I've been thinking about movies lately!

1) Name a movie you've seen more than 10 times. Really? Ten times? Maybe Harry and the Hendersons (against my will – one of my sisters loved this movie when she was little). And probably You’ve Got Mail. By choice.

2) Name a movie you've seen multiple times in the theater. Whoa. Just had a blank-out. Oh, yeah – Braveheart.

3) Name an actor who would make you more inclined to see a movie. I’d have to agree with others on this one – Johnny Depp! Brad Pitt, too.

4) Name an actor who would make you less likely to see a movie. Oh, geez – Kevin Costner for one. Will Ferrell (sorry, you’re hilarious, but I can only take a few minutes).

5) Name a movie you can and do quote from. French Kiss (You people make my ass twitch! – Honestly, isn’t that a great line??) But I usually quote tv shows – Seinfeld, Friends, Sex and the City.

6) Name a movie musical to which you know all the lyrics. Um. None!

7) Name a movie you've been known to sing along with. Um, also none!

8) Name a movie you would recommend everyone see. Star Wars (the original) – because it’s still awesome!

9) Name a movie you own. Is it weird? I own it. Ok, not really! The Usual Suspects is the last one I got, though.

10) Name an actor who launched his/her career in another medium but who has surprised you with his/her acting chops. Mark Wahlberg. Who I still refer to as Marky Mark! He’s hilarious in I heart Huckabees, great in Boogie Nights – who knew?

11) Have you ever seen a movie at a drive-in? If so what? Gosh, no, never!

12) Ever made out at a movie? Ew. After paying so much to get in? Are you nuts??

13) Name a movie you've been meaning to see but just haven't gotten around to yet. Casablanca. I’ve got it at home now!

14) Ever walked out of a movie? Not in a theatre – but I turned off Old School after a few minutes, gave up on Waterworld, Snatch, and almost Ocean’s Eleven….oh, and Last Tango in Paris is EVIL and DISGUSTING. Don’t watch it. Believe me.

15) Name a movie that made you cry in the theater. I’m not sure I have, actually.

16) Popcorn? If I have enough money!

17) How often do you go to the movie theater? Rarely – once a year, if that.

18) What's the last movie you saw in the theater? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Yep. 2005.

19) What's your favorite/preferred genre? Weird. Is that a category? I avoid many comedies and most “chick-flicks.”

20) What's the first movie you remember seeing in the theater? It was either Snow White or E.T. (which I hated)

21) What movie do you wish you had never seen? Oh, I already answered that! Last Tango in Paris. Hands down. Ok, Child’s Play was a waste of time, as was Dolls, but really, I can’t even look at butter anymore. And occasionally my husband says “get the butter” to gross me out. You don’t want to know.

22) What is the weirdest movie you enjoyed? How weird? Mulholland Drive is pretty weird – I also own that.

23) What's the scariest movie you've ever seen? Um. Pulse? But, I was little – all sorts of things are scary when you’re little!

24) What's the funniest movie you've ever seen? Gosh, I don’t know. Comedies aren’t my thing!

Movies I've seen lately:
The Squid and The Whale - I actually found this to be quite an amusing little movie. Weird, too. And a bit gross now and again. My friend hated it. Oh well!

The Prestige - I didn't think I was going to like this! But I really enjoyed it. Also weird. And by the director of Memento (which I own). I love things that play with memory - like Memento, this one is circular - it begins and ends with the same scenes.

Chinatown - Wow. Some serious Noir here! I don't remember why I wanted to see this, but it's definitely good!

Pink, Yellow, and Green...

2007-04-03T18:19:00.000-07:00

are the project spectrum colors for the next two months... Not that I did very well in the last two! Ok, well - here's a project I haven't managed to finish yet - it's supposed to be a felted tote bag. So far it's a huge piece of knitted fabric!

So this was supposed to be for last month...but there is green in it too. It's taken months for me to get through that much stockinette. Ok, well, moving on! Unfortunately, pink is not one of my favorite colors - although I do enjoy it on flowers.

And I know some of you would prefer no yellow flowers - but the flowers on my prickley pear out front are yellow (and will be blooming soon - I see the buds already).

The Thing About Street Fairs...

2007-03-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

Twice a year, the street fair comes to 4th Avenue here in Tucson. When I first moved into a little Craftsman bungalow (built in 1917 - I love old houses!), I had no idea about what happens during this festival - I'm not even sure I knew about it. The first year, both of our cars were broken into while they were parked in front of the house. Granted, this could happen at any time, but there are so many people around for the street fair... Also during the fair, people drive like morons. Last year, a car crashed into the front yard of a condo across the street. Luckily, the woman only ran over a "for rent" sign - no pedestrians or houses were damaged. I heard plenty of honking this weekend...and saw some atrocious driving - people speeding out of alleys, driving in the center "suicide lane" - where we have a trolley running, too, so even more dangerous... And, since I have to park on the street in front of my house, I can't leave during the fair - or if I do, I have to return after 6 pm.

Despite all this, it's fun to people-watch. I spent a couple hours on my porch yesterday critiquing everyone! We have a huge number of freaks per capita here in Tucson.... I might have to post about some of my favorites someday... Also fun to watch as people comment on my house - we have ocotillo fencing around the yard. The previous tenants put it up to prevent the homeless from sleeping on the porch. I know, I'm painting quite a picture, aren't I? You all want to move here now, right? ;)

So what is the *thing* about street fairs? Well, everyone seems to enjoy them - but, honestly, it's all the same CRAP every year (ok, twice a year). I wouldn't have thought this before 2005, probably, because I collect as much as the next guy. I used to consider myself a "packrat." However, since July 1, 2005, my house has become a lot cleaner, I collect a lot less stuff.

Although I was warned, I went to help a friend pack up her stuff - my co-worker indicated that it might be traumatic. Honestly, I thought I could handle it! I'm messy, I collect stuff...right? Um, no. OCD "Hoarding" disorder....I'm sure my friend does not believe she's OCD, but her house says otherwise. And I went over to help her *after the moving truck had already gone.* Her husband had already moved, a moving van full of stuff had already moved.... and the house was a MESS. I went through her laundry room (took a full day). She had boxes full of broken sunglasses (probably a total of 30+ pairs), "super-glue projects" was in another box, the little cardboard squares from boxes of weigh-paper (taken from work), the plastic cover pieces ripped off of who knows what - doll boxes? - you know the plastic sheets I mean... One of the symptoms is keeping piles and piles of printed matter (newspapers, magazines...) - most of this had already been dealt with. OCD people think their stuff is worth as much to others as it is to them (her garage sale items were quite overpriced). Let me tell you something - if you ever bring lunch somewhere and find BUGS in it - you have a serious problem. I'm not kidding. Hoarders are the least likely to get help (they think it's just you're typical "packrat" thing...). When my husband got home that day at 5:15pm - I was drinking a beer. Not my typical behavior. And the next day, when I threw out boxes and boxes of articles from grad school, he knew something was wrong! But I guess I'm better off now... if only I could deal with my serious procrastination problem...
And here: what the heck? Who would cut off my hose to steal it??? Just odd, don't you think?

Monday Flowers!

2007-03-12T17:48:00.000-07:00

It's feeling like spring in the desert... and these here flowers could be making me sneeze. I just noticed these in my front yard on Friday - ok, I knew the plant was there, I just noticed that it's blooming!

Ok, it's beginning to feel like summer, even. It's getting hot - could be 90's this week!

I am feeling much better than I was on Friday. Although, I'm still finding it a bit hard to believe that we're down to the last possible job this year. If my husband wants to try again, the next round will start again in September or October. But, there is that last chance... And I've no idea when we might hear from them (if at all).

In the meantime... I'll be posting some flower pictures - to remind us all to stop and smell the roses (or whatever flowers you've got) - even if they make you sneeze!

I tried not to get attached...

2007-03-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

but I did. I really wanted this job for my husband. The interview went well. He seemed to really like it there - the people, the setting, even the weather. They tried to really sell it to him - made him feel like he had it locked up. Honestly, I thought it'd be perfect for him. We went through a lot to get him to and from that interview - I lost practically a week of work for it, bought two new flights on my credit card to get him home. A two day interview took five days, plus recovery time! And they offered it to someone else. Maybe it's perfect for her, too. I'm sure she's thrilled. I'm not handling it well. I'm trying to. But I'm devastated.

I know I'll get over it. Probably by tomorrow. Can't dwell on things that never were, right? There's some sidewalk graffiti at a park that I often walk by. It says: "Life could be worse." Of course it's true.

I don't know that my husband will continue in the field he's in. This might be it. After that interview, I doubt he'll apply for a job again. And I really just want to tell the search committee chair what I think of him being a *tease.* I see that I am in the "anger" phase of grief. My husband went on another interview, and if he's offered that one....my life is going to get infinitely more complicated. I'm not even sure he wants that one.

Secret Pal 10 Questionnaire!

2007-03-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

So far I enjoy knitting with wool and wool/alpaca blends – especially really soft ones! Cotton and acrylics do not seem to be as fun – cotton because it isn’t soft or stretchy like wool, and acrylic just doesn’t feel very nice.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have knitpicks options with a case and a fabric needle roll to store straights.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting for about 6 months; I’m probably an advanced beginner (or, I’d like to think so!).

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yes, I have an amazon list.

5. What's your favorite scent?

I like jasmine, gardenia, and sandalwood. I like stuff with amber, musk, vanilla – sort of in the oriental range.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Oh, I’ve overdone it lately. I like dark chocolate and Haribo gummy bears (yum!) – oh, not together, though!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I haven’t tried spinning yet, but I’d definitely be interested in trying.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I have the ability to play mp3s – we have tons of music though – I (ok, my husband, really) already own most all Led Zeppelin, including bootlegs, a huge amount of Bob Dylan stuff, nearly all of the Grateful Dead albums and concert recordings…

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I love red, teal, dark greens, brown, grey, purples, blues; Not fond of yellow, pink, neons, pastels. I can deal with pastels, yellows, and pinks if they are in with other dark colors in a fun variegated yarn (I haven’t seen a manos del Uruguay colorway that I don’t like).

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I have four cats and a husband – no kids anywhere in my family (including extended!)

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Hahahaha! It’s 80 degrees here already. I’ve already made myself two scarves, so I’m good there. Not sure what I’d do with a poncho. Hats are useful for a couple months a year, though, and my hands are always cold. Of course, full mittens would be difficult to work in.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

So far, tote bags are fun, scarves are fun...and small clutches and bags give instant gratification. But I haven’t yet tried socks. Or sweaters. Is there something that isn't fun to knit? (Besides miles of stockinette in one color)

13. What are you knitting right now?

A tote bag.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Yes! Um…unless they smell musty or moldy.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I’ve just started using circulars – knit picks options. Although I do like my bamboo straights. And I’d love some of those beautiful rosewood ones with carvings on the end, but they’re rather expensive!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No – I haven’t been able to justify the expense yet. And I knit really slowly so it'll be a long time before I can even buy more yarn (and justify that to my husband..)

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Two months (I’ve only been knitting for six!)

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Any day off work. Um, probably Christmas despite all the expectations and expenses...Hmm. I might want to make up my own holiday tradition for some other holiday to make it more fun.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Fun little (wooden, tin, stone, antique…) boxes. And bags.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I subscribe to Interweave knits. So many yarns that I haven’t yet tried! I’m always up for a classy tote pattern – I currently have the Noni adventure pattern that I haven’t gotten up the nerve to actually knit (that’s my only purchased tote pattern).

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Fair-isle, intarsia…maybe lace, too.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I have yet to knit my first pair of socks…and I have five skeins of sock yarn.

23. When is your birthday?

November 21^st.

Tyger the amazing burrowing cat!

2007-03-06T17:05:00.000-07:00

Tyger decided he'd get under the couch cushion the other day. He loves to get underneath stuff - couch cushions, rugs, clothes... I love how the side angle shows off his amber eyes. See the black specks on his nose? He also has a few black whiskers (hard to see here, though).

As you can see, Anya wasn't quite sure what was going on! Yes, I realize the couch is covered in fur - we actually picked this couch up in the alley behind our house when someone moved. Pre-cat-scratched, too! Free crappy furniture! Don't have to take it with me when I move... just put it back where I found it. Sometimes it's convenient to live in a student ghetto.

Winnings and Such

2007-03-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Check out what I won! It was a bit ago, but I kept forgetting to upload the photos. The top hank is Stormy Teal from Yarn Nerd - and wow is it soft! I won it in a random drawing, very soon after winning the bottom hank by guessing the weight of a cat! It was a good week. Or couple days. Really must try to knit some socks, because I now have five or six skeins of sock yarn! But I'm still working on my impossible tote. It's taking FOREVER to finish. And it's currently huge - pre-felting. I'm working on the handles right now, then it'll be seaming, weaving in many, many ends, and finally FELTING! Phew. Really hope that I can finish this up soon. I've been working on it since mid-January. Here's the other bag waiting to be felted:

Finished over a weekend in January. Of course, this one is using bulky yarn - the current monstrosity has been knit with Lion Brand Wool - worsted weight. And it's grey and blue (ok, and sage green). The pattern called for just two colors and fairly narrow horizontal stripes. I decided on thicker stripes and three colors. In part, the three colors was because I accidently only bought two balls of yarn per color when the pattern called for three each. A month later when I returned to the store, I obviously was unable to find the same dye lot. No matter, I said, I'll just add a color! I might yet run out of teal and have to make the second handle a different color....that'd be odd. It looks like it'll be ok though. I have been getting VERY IMPATIENT with all the stockinette. And I'm already regretting the three colors - so many ends to weave in! I'm really liking the idea of my next tote using chunky yarn again.

And here's that lovely yarn up close. Not thrilled with the photo - diffuse light would be better than blazing sun!

Blue Skies...Dead Ficus

2007-02-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Blue skies for Project Spectrum! We've had a lot of blue skies here recently... and before that, some very cold weather (for Arizona, anyhow). Hence, the dead ficus in the foreground.

A thursday in the life of thursday...

2007-02-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

Elisa described her "day in a life" a couple of weeks ago - and it sounded like fun to me. What *do* I actually do? I waste a lot of time, that's for sure!
6:30 am - Chester wakes me up with an obnoxious meow (or four). Currently it's still an acceptable time, but when the sun starts coming up super-early, the Chester gets up earlier. *sigh*
6:45 am - have now fed and watered all four cats (I think I did it correctly, but who knows - I'm pre-coffee)
7:00 am - Chester wants more food. This is ok, because I should really be getting up anyhow. My routine is rather boring - I feed the cats (again), put away the dishes from dinner (from the drying rack, I don't have a dishwasher), set up the coffee maker, and put water in a pot for my oatmeal and set it on the stove. And yes, I do the same thing every morning. Makes it easier to get up - routine, you know?
7:15 am - shower, etc.
8:00 am - turn on the stove to make the oatmeal
8:30 am - what was I doing? No idea, but the water has been boiling for at least twenty minutes.
8:45 am - eat breakfast and drink coffee. Yum. My favorite part of the day - often marred by cats trying to get attention by scratching the books on the mantle, attacking one another, etc.
9:00 am - wash dishes and put some food out for black fuzzy and the long-haired calico.

9:30 am - Leave for work. I walk to work, which is great. Um, this time of year, anyhow. Summer is not so fun here. I am getting a bit tired of looking at the same garbage everyday - there has been a black plastic comb in the same place for a month.

9:45 am - Arrive at work. I am extremely inconsistent. Luckily, nobody at work seems to care much. Some days I don't arrive until 11 am. This is a good day!

10:00 am - actually start working. I usually stop and say hello to people before actually doing anything worthwhile. Haha. As if the stuff I do for work is always worthwhile.
So this is my desk area. Yup. I'm a bit messy. But, I know where everything is. ;) But, you can see I have some file folders up on the "wall." And this is how it looked all day - not much changed!
I work in a lab, so behind my desk is a gas line - we burn up samples and collect the carbon for radiocarbon dating. Essentially. And I know it isn't that interesting. So that's what that mess of glass and stuff is. Those silvery containers are "dewars" that hold liquid nitrogen or isopropanol and dry ice. I've got some fun stickers on mine (Save Tibet - very colorful).
6 pm - Leave work. Well, this is what sometimes happens. Usually I am fooling around with non-work stuff before I leave. But, this was a good day. It was actually February 8th when I was documenting my day! And it's taken two whole weeks to upload the photos and type it up!
7 pm - 2 or 3 mile walk with my husband. We try to walk everyday. Sometimes the walk gets pushed to 10pm and we do the slightly shorter walk down to the university (well-lit and lots of people are around late).
8:15 pm - Dinner. My husband cooks and I "help." Some nights I have actually been cooking (!) lately - he bought me a cookbook for Christmas (a hint, perhaps?).
9:15 - coffee and a bit of knitting and chatting with my husband. Usually coffee this late is decaf. But, yes, I can drink coffee as late as 10pm and still go to sleep soon after. Crazy, huh?
11 pm - Hmm... Time for bed! Usually getting ready for the next morning and for bed takes the next half hour...and I get way-laid often. Bed time is often past midnight. Now you can see why Chester waking me up at 6 am is a bit of a problem. I think I need more sleep than 6 hours!

Musings on travel...

2007-02-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

Yes it's been a while since posting. My husband has a job interview in the midwest, starting tomorrow. He is currently driving the length of Indiana because his connecting flight was canceled. Not only that, but he nearly missed his original flight due to shuttle stupidity! I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Of course, I should've checked how many complaints had been filed to begin with - but the only other shuttle was booked at the right time. Next time, fly out of the closer airport; next time, drive yourself to the airport. I hope it doesn't snow much on the four hour drive through Indiana. I'm exhausted from spending the weekend searching for cold-weather wear in a place where it's currently in the 70's (Ok, 60's right now). People looked at me as if I were nuts - "thermal underwear?" I'm ashamed to say that I had to buy some sort of ear-warming device - including a non-hand-knit hat!

So, I'm off to nap and maybe do some knitting...it might help calm me down.

Project Spectrum Begins Today...

2007-02-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

I know, it's not too exciting. My current knitting project is not blue, white, or grey. But, the sky this morning was blue, white, and grey! I am aware there are other colors in this photo - my photo ops are limited by the size of my backyard and the number of power lines overhead. Tonight I'll have to think about what sorts of projects I can do this month that will be more exciting than this here photo.
In other news... here's a great photo of black fuzzy guy up close and personal! My husband managed to get fairly close to him the other day. He can only get close when the little guy is up on the wall, though - you can't get within 12 feet of him while he's on the ground. The calico kittens won't get near people at all. Not even for food. Father tuxedo cat was watching all this from the neighbor's rooftop!

Do you have a name for your car?

2007-01-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

I do. Have you seen this article recently? It's about how 4 in 10 people have named their vehicles. 23% percent of people think of their car as having gender, but only 7% think their cars are male. I think my car is male, but my husband's car is female. My 1990 Honda was "Howard" - I referred to him that way in my recent post about dreading odd numbered years... Huh. So only 7% of people think their cars are male? I guess I'm in the minority here! My mother named her car - but then, that was only after I informed her that the car I'd just inherited had told me his name. I know, I know - it's a wee bit odd. But he *did* have a personality! And it was a Howard personality. My current car does have a name, but I don't generally refer to my car that way like I did with Howard.

On the knitting front, I am working on two tote bags - I'll have to photograph the nearly-finished one tomorrow. Just needs a handle and some felting. I finished the body of the bag in only a couple days - and learned to pick up stitches, make horizontal stripes, and knit in the round! Next I'll be making my first i-cord handle. What's next? Socks? Ok - really, probably more bags (as if I need more bags). I really do love bags. They're great for hiding all my stuff in!

KMKS Package (ok, a week ago)!

2007-01-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

Here's my package from Louise. I left it in the box for a week, since I hadn't taken a photo yet. Too much candy!! I've already eaten most of those jujyfruits. Overdosed. Definitely. So, she sent tons of candy, two skeins of Noro cotton kureyon, a skein of Malabrigo - wow this stuff is soft! A well-made bag with colorful yarn balls on the outside and mittens on the inside! I wish I were that talented with the sewing needles..

See the lovely malabrigo? Yum. It's almost too fun for mittens.

After seeing this site, I thought it'd be fun to take photos of my own mornings. Except that I don't like to get up early. I prefer to go to bed late. And photos of night with a less-than-ideal camera are not as fun to look at. Here's my take:
Yep. Needs a bit of work. Especially since I'm fairly certain it was 10 am. But Lotus is a good subject. She doesn't get too bothered by the camera - in fact, I think she enjoys the attention.

Irish Hiking Scarf (x2)

2007-01-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

I just realized I was planning on adding my irish hiking scarf photos - so here they are! I'm not sure how I feel about the brown stripey one (it's Wool-ease in the "wood" colorway). It's a bit short - only about 50 inches long, and it wasn't quite as fun to knit as the lovely white one I'm wearing in the photo. The white one is Paton's 100% wool in the colorway "aran." Both were knit with size 8 US needles (bamboo for the white one, aluminum for the brown). My husband has claimed the white one, and I'm not sure currently what I'm doing with the brown one. I'd like to knit a green one for myself - and I already have some yarn. Of course, back when I bought it, little things like checking yardage and weight didn't occur to me! So, I suspect that I don't have enough - nor do I have any idea which pattern I want to try next. I just cast on for a felted bag in Nashua creative focus chunky. So soft! Just getting to the part where I need to figure out picking up stitches, and knitting in the round. I'd love to start a sweater project soon, too. Perhaps it'd be finished by next december when it gets chilly again!

Oh, must add the picture of tuxedo cat and black fuzzy. There's actually a calico kitten in the background, eating some food we put in our shed. I love black fuzzy, he's so adorable! I wish I knew how to help him and his sisters find good homes. It appears that our neighbors like the cats, too, and have been feeding them. They look quite healthy!

Snow in Tucson!

2007-01-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is one of the warmest winters ever, and we have snow! Okay - it's already gone... but still! These pictures are from last night around 7 pm. I haven't seen snow stick in Tucson in more than ten years. My sister called when she saw it snowing - she said she didn't think she'd ever seen snow fall. Yes, she's played in snow, but see snow fall? Nope. Amazing. Not that I've seen it in a while either. Last time was probably driving home from Denver (I think) when it started snowing somewhere between Albuquerque and Gallup, NM. I freaked out a bit since I'd never driven in snow before (or since). I'd forgotten how magical it is to watch snow slowly falling.

Last week was rough, and I hope it doesn't continue like this all year. Ugh. I feel a sense of forboding, though. I often feel a bit queasy going into odd numbered years. This year, I hope for change. In fact, I feel it in the air. 2001 - My car was broken into in January, I had surgery in May, spent the summer in rehab, then there was september 11 - while I was the TA for a class called "death and dying" (which was so much work!), I went to the World Series (awesome to go, but the Yankees lost), then I was in a car accident a week after my birthday (my car, Howard, was totaled). Whew. So that year just exhausted me. 2003 - well, I got married that year. Not entirely a bad year - but definitely more change. 2005 was the year I quit grad school. That's all I can say about that year. And 2007? Who knows? Isn't it funny how one really stressful year makes me think all odd numbered years might be dangerous? Well, my husband is applying for jobs and none of them are in town. But I'm desperately hoping it will all work out for us this year. And I'm ready for the change, anyhow.

Nearly a month since posting!

2007-01-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

I didn't realize it'd been so long since posting. I am not feeling well, though, so I really won't be posting much today. Just switched over to the new blogger and realized I'd never allowed the comments to be posted! Oops. Obviously there were things I hadn't figured out yet. I haven't knit anything much in the past month. I finished my irish hiking scarves (yay!), and I'll post photos of those soon... they're up, just not here yet. And maybe a couple new pictures of my feral cat visitors (black fuzzy guy is so cute!!). So, today I discovered that my headaches are actually migraines. Bummer that I currently have one. But I guess good that I figured it out so that I can go to the doctor and get help. The other irritation that I've had lately is vertigo. Knitting and vertigo don't mix. Luckily it's very mild (*knock on wood*), but it's seriously annoying. The doctor doesn't seem to think there's anything to be done about it, either. But I do think I need to stop typing now and go home to sleep. I need to get a couple swaps out - and I regret signing up for them (but who knew I was going to feel like this???).

Coffee and Yarn Goodies!

2006-12-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

Can you believe all the goodies? Yarn, needles, a pattern, coffee, biscotti, soap, and m&m's (which, unfortunately, I just ate most of...yikes). Thanks to Sheryl!! What a great swap partner. The yarn is so lovely, too - I keep touching it!

Now, I haven't sent off my package yet - although I do have the yarn ready to go. I still need to decide on some coffee and some other treats and get it sent off. But it'll be a good package I hope!

I want to start the messenger bag from "Knitting for Peace," but I don't have the correct size needles. I'm afraid to buy anything this close to Christmas, either - especially since I've asked for some needles... On the bright side, I could cast on for the bag shown in the photo - all set with the right needles, and two lovely colors of yarn! I am feeling like a slug (due to m&m overload I think) , so I think I'd better be off. Nothing else fun to report.

Except that Luis Gonzalez signed with the LA Dodgers. I'm not overly excited about this, but I have respect for Gonzalez - I've been watching him here with the Diamondbacks for years. And I was just thinking how he must be happy about not wearing anymore purple - but then I remembered that the Diamondbacks have new colors!!! Hideous. That's my take on the new jerseys anyhow. Sheesh. Colors are fine, new logo ICK. Why that silly font? And can we not write out "diamondbacks?" What's with the "d-backs?" Can you imagine all the money they think they'll be getting when all the fans need to replace their purple attire?

Vegan Pal Goodies!

2006-12-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

My goodies from the Vegan Pal Swap arrived Friday! Lots of knitting notions (stitch markers, row counters, chibi), a set of straights and dpns - both size 6, bamboo yarn in a lovely wine color, a needle roll - so cool! - and some vegan yummies. The Alternative Baking Company cookie is super tasty (I've been trying to control myself and not scarf it all in one sitting). The Jerquee is an odd texture, but would probably satisfy an odd craving for slim jims.. and I'm afraid to try the caramel cookie bar - many, many calories and fat! I'll be eating that a bite at a time! I'm still trying to think of a good project for that bamboo yarn...a one-skein project... hat? small bag? I wonder what the properties of bamboo yarn are...?

Farewell James Kim...

2006-12-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

I was a bit obsessed with this all week. And yesterday to learn that they found his body - I feel awful for his wife and daughters. I didn't know them, but their story could have been any of ours. I couldn't stop checking the news for more information all week. Even now I feel a lump in my throat. All they did was take a wrong turn in bad weather...and to be missing for 9 days! I can't imagine it. I can't imagine losing my husband that way - what were those last moments like? Will she play them over and over in her mind forever?

Day of Hiking!

2006-12-01T19:09:00.000-07:00

Here's where a few co-workers and I went today. That's Tucson, Arizona off in the distance. The hike to Maiden Pools through Ventana Canyon is not especially difficult, although there is a bit of a climb. That's the fun of hiking though, isn't it? I thought we'd spend less time on the hike, so I didn't bring my sunscreen. Oops. See that clear sky? Yeah, my right arm got a wee bit too much sun. Luckily it was a nice cool day - 60's, and not too windy. I'm really loving this photo right now. Nice not going to work, too. Well, for most of the day anyhow.

On the knitting front, I am still working on my cleo clutch, two irish hiking scarves (I think I missed the only two days of the year I might need to use a scarf...), and a dishcloth. I finished a cabled dishcloth a couple of weeks ago, but only got down to photographing it (and weaving in ends - why do I hate doing that??) recently. I'm not overly fond of it, but it was a fast knit (even for me). The cleo clutch is not yet photographed, and almost ready for felting. Very excited about felting. Must really get to that tomorrow.

Wow. My mood is much better than yesterday. Must be the hike. Should definitely do that more often. And get better shoes.

I have a meme addiction, I think!

2006-11-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

Here's a meme I stole from the bookish knitster!

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought?
My hair looks awful.

2. Favorite planet?
Earth. Really, I do like it here – a little polluted, but at least it has an atmosphere.

3. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone?
Four people have called me? Ok, it was a wrong number.

4. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone?
Inspector Gadget theme. My husband hates them all.

5. Do you “label” yourself?
How can I not? That’s what humans do to survive! Woman, sister, wife, archaeologist, cat person, among others…

6. What does your watch look like?
have several – none that I wear often. One is a black and grey timex that I use when I run.

7. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Out for a walk with my husband.

8. What did your last text message you received on your cell say?
”That’s too bad. Hope you feel better.”

9. What's a word that you say a lot?
the (doesn't everyone?)

10. Last furry thing you touched?
one of my cats.

11. Favorite age you have been so far?
30. it’s a nice round number. But I’ve only been 30 for 24 hours.

12. Your worst enemy?
myself.

13. What is your current desktop picture?

a picture of anya that I posted on my blog in my first or second post

14. What was the last thing you said to someone?
Have a good thanksgiving. See you Monday.

15. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be?
Million bucks, but only if that’s money and not actual “bucks.” Otherwise I’d like to fly.

16. Do you like someone?
Sure, why not?

17. The last song you listened to?
Sara by Bob Dylan.

18. What time of day were you born?
5:30pm

19. What's your favorite number?
9

20. Where did you live in 1987?
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

21. Are you jealous of anyone?
Always. Currently? My sister just bought a house, my brother bought one earlier this year. They both have new cars. But then, that’s just stuff. So it’s minor.

22. Is anyone jealous of you?

I don’t know.

23. Where were you when 9/11 happened?

At my parent’s house sleeping – it was 6am. But then I got a call and turned on the tv – I saw the second tower collapse. It’s burned in my memory.

24. Do you consider yourself kind?
Not usually. And I regret it often.

25. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be?
Who says I don’t have one?

26. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be?
French.

27. Would you move for the person you loved?
I probably will have to. Isn’t that how it works in marriage?

28. What's your life motto?
Why do it now when I can do it later? But honestly I’d like to change that!

29. What's your favorite town/city?
Montreal

30. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it?
A couple months ago.

31. Can you change the oil on a car?
No. But I’d be happy to figure it out. I hear it isn’t that difficult – just a bit messy. But I’m not allowed to work on my car in the street, and I don’t have a garage or driveway. So that’ll have to wait.

32. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her?
How about my first crush? Because I think the sick thing that I thought was love back in high school was nothing like love… The last thing I heard about Todd was that he was a math teacher in Pennsylvania somewhere. The last thing I heard about my ex from high school was that he and his wife might be thinking about having kids soon.

33. How far back do you know about your ancestry?
Pretty far in the Hilton line (or hylton as it was originally in England); otherwise I know I’m German, Croatian, English, and Norwegian. And I like to think I’m all Viking – but my Norwegian ancestors were farmers. Oh, and I think there is some Polish, Swedish, Scottish, and French in there too. Huh. It’s disturbing to think that I am somehow related (distantly) to Paris Hilton. I wonder if she knows there’s been some minor inbreeding in our line back around the civil war period? That's probably not her line, just mine. The Hiltons came to the US in the 1600s, but they were Lords back in England - in fact, there's a run-down "castle" too.

34. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy?
My brother’s wedding a month ago! I wore a black, lacy, off-the-shoulder dress.

35. Have you been burned by love?
No. I’ve burned others. Sorry, just being honest. I've been burned by other things that were masquerading as love, though.

Ok. Next post must be more original.

Happy Birthday to me!

2006-11-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

Or something like that. This may be the last time I admit my age - I'm 30 today. Last year when I turned 29 I freaked out a bit - thinking about all those things that I didn't do in my 20's. I got over that rather quickly (I didn't need to do most of those things anyhow). Although there are things I thought I'd do before I reached 30 - like have children, which I have not done. Like travel the world (or at least beyond the US borders). Oh well. Now I'm feeling as if I need to have some sort of "new decade's resolutions." Sort of like New Year's, only for my thirties:
In my thirties....
I will have more fun.
I will procrastinate less. (i might need to put this one off at least a few more days)
I will learn to cook.
I will try something new every week? not every day - i mean, really, do I have time for that?
I will knit more (and maybe faster).
I will take more photographs.
I will plan less and be more relaxed.

Ok. Enough of that silliness. Time to go celebrate my young age.
And for your cat-viewing pleasure:

Calico cat with one of three kittens (she has two calico and one black and white). She hangs out with "tuxedo cat" a cat who used to terrorize our (now-indoor) cat Chester.

I knew I didn't have one...

2006-11-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.
Philadelphia
The South
The Inland North
The West
The Northeast
Boston
North Central
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

Huh. Well, oddly enough, I've had several people ask me if I'm from the east coast. Not sure what they're picking up on. But still - I say home, about, and water as if I'm from Philadelphia - and I was for ten years growing up. People from Philly say "wuttur." No idea why. I think it also has to do with where your family is from and what sort of accents they have... my parents don't have accents either. And I seriously doubt where I live now has a distinct accent. My husband and I say things really differently (he's always making fun of the way "whore" and "horror" sound the same out of my mouth). Is syrup "seerup" or "sirup"? I find it all so interesting. But sometimes I wish I had an accent. But hey, I have a good voice for tv or radio. That's something, right?

Knit Mitt Kit Swap Questionnaire

2006-11-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

Are you allergic to any fibers?
Not that I know of…

What are your favorite colors?
Reds, blues, greens, purples – deep colors rather than pastels

Are you a new mitt knitter? How long have you been knitting mittens?
Yes, I’m new! Fairly new to knitting still also.

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn?
Either way – for cable patterns and designs, though, solid, heathers, or tweed is better than self-striping.

What fibers do you prefer in mitten yarn?
Something soft and wool!

Where do you usually knit mittens?
At home – I don’t have anything to easily carry my projects yet, so it’s a bit of a hassle.

How do you usually carry/store small projects?
Um…in ziplock plastic bags or translucent plastic boxes. Not too fun, but it keeps the cats out. ;)

What are your favorite mitten patterns?
I don’t have any yet..

What are your favorite mitten knitting techniques?
Don’t have any of these yet either!

What new techniques would you like to try?
Practically any interesting technique would be new and fun for me.

What are your favorite needles for knitting mittens?
I like bamboo and wood needles – but for mittens, I’m not sure yet.

What are some of your favorite yarns?
I haven’t used too many yet, but I love the colors of the Manos del Uruguay and Noro Silk Garden. Noro Kureyon has great colors, but it feels a bit scratchy to me. I hear Misti alpaca is lovely and soft too.

What yarn do you totally covet?
Well who doesn’t love cashmere…it’s just sooooo expensive.

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object?
I’d like to knit the Saffron Cables afghan in the fall 2006 interweave knits and also Starsky from Knitty, and also perhaps a lovely cashmere cardigan of some sort..

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)?
I haven’t used circs or dpns yet. I like wood and bamboo when I’m knitting wool.

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be?
Noro Kureyon – but a bit more chaotic and rather scratchy sorta person. Either that or a basic wool, like Cascade 220.

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack?
Gummy bears…gummy anything. Could go for some sour gummies, too. Yum.

What’s your favorite animal?
I love cats. And owls. And jaguars (I know, they’re cats too).

Would you prefer super warm mittens or something more like fingerless mitts?
It’s never that cold here in southern Arizona. I might move someday…but currently I don’t really need super-warm stuff. So, fingerless mitts would be more useful.

If you were a color what color would you be?
Sage green.

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature?
The lotus flower. I also like deep orangey-red gerbera daisies.

Do you have a wishlist?
I wish for many things…peace….happiness… oh you mean stuff? I do have an amazon list, but it doesn’t have too much knitting stuff on it. Or much of anything in fact.

Anything else you’d like to share with the group today?
I have spent way too much time looking for patterns to knit, yarn to buy, and needles I need, that I have hardly done any knitting!

insert interesting title here.

2006-11-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

Here are my hot socks swap goodies from Iva. A pattern, Online self-striping wool yarn, peanuts, hot cocoa (haven't had any yet, saving for a nice cold evening...if that ever happens), a set of US3 dpns, and some interesting cookies. I should've posted all this earlier, but uploading photos was the last thing on my list! I'm looking at this photo thinking I really should break into those cookies soon. I haven't cast on yet for my (first-ever) pair of socks - I suspect the first try will be a disaster. I joined the knit mitt kit swap on swap-bot, and I know I have to post my questionnaire....but that's going to take brain power. No brain power right now.

In other swap news...I should've posted the cool buddha that I received from a little buddha swap maybe a month ago now!

There he is sitting in my kitchen window. Don't you just want to rub his belly? Well, it didn't help during the playoffs. I guess this buddha doesn't root for the Dodgers or Yankees. Bummer.

Things about me that nobody needs to know!

2006-10-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

1. FIRST NAME?
Sarah

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
my middle name is after my great grandmother

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
Um. A couple weeks ago.

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yeah, it’s ok.

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT?
salami…when I eat meat

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
It might be annoying if both of us always wanted attention. But that’s only when we’re with other people. Otherwise, I’d like her.

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL?
Yep. Have I written in it in two years? No.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yep.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
If I were pushed.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Peanut Butter Crunch

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Not anymore. But I mostly wear shoes without laces.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Of course.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
vanilla

14. SHOE SIZE?
8.5 US

5. RED OR PINK?
red, absolutely. I love red.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I’m a procrastinator.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Melissa or Lucia. It’s my fault we lost touch in one case, who knows why in the other.

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Oh, nobody’s gonna read this!

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
jeans, black, sage green shoes

20. LAST THING YOU ATE?
naan bread

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The hum of equipment at work.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Terracotta.

23. FAVORITE SMELL?
Pine trees

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
my friend Autumn

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO?
I'm not sure...hair...vibe..

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from?
I don’t know her!

27. FAVORITE DRINK?
coffee

28. FAVORITE SPORT?
baseball!!!

29. EYE COLOR?
hazel

30. HAT SIZE?
what are my options?

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes

32. FAVORITE FOOD?
Pumpkin pie

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
happy endings – I hate scary movies (um, I hate horror movies actually)

35. SUMMER OR WINTER?
winter.

36. HUGS OR KISSES?
hugs

37. FAVORITE DESSERT?
pumpkin pie….or rice pudding…or apple crisp with ice cream

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
nobody

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
everybody

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING?
Anna Karenina by Tolstoy; The Woman Warrior by…Maxine Kingston?; The Poisonwood Bible

41. WHAT’S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
it’s a basketball – not my choice

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV?
game 3 of the World Series. Cardinals won 5-0.

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS?
rain on my roof and thunder

44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES?
beatles I guess

45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME?
montreal (I know, not very far)

46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT?
I’m a detective; or a snoop. Either way.

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
LA

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
I stole it and now I’m not sure from where!

Secret Sister Swap and Vegan Thoughts

2006-10-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

This is what I received from my secret sister yesterday. I'm so impressed! What a great collaged notebook - and there's my name (thursday) along the top of the photo (this is a top spiral notebook - it's sideways in the pic). The notebook itself is rather odd. The top 4/5 or so of the pages are blank, with the bottom 1/5 lined - and the lined portion can be torn off. What shall I use it for? I don't know yet, but something good!

My knitflix package does not seem to have arrived yet - I sent it out on the 3rd or 4th of October. Seems a bit odd. Nor have I received a package yet. Also odd, since my partner said she was sending it out on the 3rd or 4th also! Huh. I hope they aren't lost in the mail.

I just got my vegan pal's name, and I'm going to have to think hard to figure out what to make for her. I do have a month, though, so hopefully that will be enough time to make something fun. I just ate an egg - so I'm not vegan today. Actually, if I had to give up knitting with wool, eating cheese (not melted - i abhor stringy cheese - makes me gag, i know, it's odd), wearing leather, and my lip balm with beeswax?! Wow. I dunno. But this swap is definitely making me think more about what is in all sorts of products.

I never mentioned that what I do for a living can be a bit disturbing. I work in a radiocarbon lab - and I extract collagen (the organic portion) from bones for dating. And that means that I crush bones into 1mm fragments - yes, human bone too. I'm not sure if vegans would have a problem doing that - I mean, these are long dead individuals - I'm not eating them or using them for tools or clothing, so.... Actually, many people might find it all a little creepy.

Apparently my brain is green...

2006-10-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

What Color is Your Brain?

GREEN:

At work or in school: I work best by myself. I like to focus on my ideas until my desire for understanding is satisfied. I am easily bored if the subject holds no interest to me. Sometimes, it is hard for me to set priorities because so many things are of interest.
With friends: I may seem reserved. Although my thoughts and feelings run deep, I am uneasy with frequent displays of emotion. I enjoy people who are interesting and of high integrity.
With family: I am probably seen as a loner because I like a lot of private time to think. Sometimes, I find family activities boring and have difficulty following family rules that don't make sense to me. I show love by spending time with my family and sharing ideas and interests.
Take this quiz!

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What kind of knitting needles am I?

2006-10-19T12:51:00.000-07:00

You are bamboo.Warm, cozy, and thoughtful, you take your time and enjoy how things feel, smell, and taste. You love the craft and beauty of traditional things, and you value the comfort and experience of knitting as much as the results. But while you are reveling in your warm cozies, don't get stuck. Warm is wonderful, but so is the whole wide world!
Take this quiz!

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2006-10-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

I joined the Vegan Pal swap (after reading about it on both swap-bot and Craftylilly's blog). I know, I know...I can hardly keep up with my swaps already! But this one seems interesting to me, so :P

1.) What is your craft, & how long have you been doing it?
Currently, knitting - for about 2 months (and not regularly, but that isn't my choice!). I'd love to sew, but I don't have a sewing machine or the space to put one. Crochet still stumps me - I keep wanting needles to put the stitches on!

2.) Are you a vegan, vegetarian, veg-curious, veg-friendly or other?
98% Vegetarian. And very curious. Some people say too curious.

3.) What is your favorite color(s)? Do you particularly dislike a color(s)?
I love green (sage, or perhaps 70's carpet green), also love red - especially true reds. Blue, brown, autumnal colors - yay! I don't like pastels - I keep trying and failing.

4.) Do you have any allergies (such as pets, foods or cigarette smoke)?
Cigarette smoke. Also a form of penicillan, but since it's illegal to pass on your drugs... Please don't send mold or ragweed, either.

5.) Do you have any companion animals? If so, names and types?
Hahaha - four cats have me as a slave. Ok. Only Chester thinks I'm his slave. They are Lotus, Tyger, Anya (little one), and Chester.

6.) Do you collect anything?
Um. Yarn. (don't tell my husband...he doesn't know yet) And boxes and bags - I'll buy these even if I don't need them - I love containers!

7.) Do you have a favorite vegan food, snack or dish? If no fav that's vegan (for those who aren't vegan), what's your favorite food? (Hopefully your pal can find a vegan version!)

Hmmm...my favorite foods are potato leek soup (my mom makes this with heavy cream, chicken broth, and cheddar cheese - it's not even vegetarian!) rice pudding, and pumpkin pie. Wow. I really want pie or pudding now. Hmm. None of those is vegan. Dark chocolate then? ;)

8.) What tools/supplies/accessories for your craft(s) are you wishing you had but don't? Also, what do you have TOO many of? (basically a wish and anti-wish list)

I don't have any stitch markers, not enough row counters, and only have a few sets of needles. I keep my needles stashed in drawers, bags, etc. because I have no rolls or anything to put them in! Not only that, but I also have no nice knitting totes to put my projects in! I know, I have bags, but most of these have other purposes (or aren't up to the job). I have plenty of rubber stamps and ink pads from attempting to make cards and altered books. That didn't go well.

9.) What type of handmade item would tickle your fancy? What don't you like? (Keep in mind this swap is open to all types of crafters.)

A sewn tote bag - so cool! Or handmade needle roll...um...ok, well, there could be something cool I'm not thinking of yet - what's your expertise? That's probably what I'd like!

10.) Is there anything else you would like your pal to know about you?

I don't know what to do with eyelash and funky acrylic yarns. I really am not confident enough to wear that stuff..but I've seen some great soy and bamboo yarn I'd love to try out!

Who else thinks this is disturbing?

2006-10-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Why are weddings so stressful?

2006-10-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

Well, since family is involved, of course! So many different people with different ideas of what should be done at certain times... All last week I couldn't wait for my brother's wedding to be over! The stress caused multiple arguments/discussions about when my husband and I would do what - drive home Saturday night after the wedding or Sunday morning after sleeping in a hotel? Guess who won? But hey, he was driving, not me. I was exhausted after the wedding (11:30pm) - but at least I hadn't been drinking like many there! But now it *is* over. Yay! Isn't my new sister-in-law lovely? Now the family can begin asking *them* when there will be little ones!

I will not knit when exhausted. I will not...

2006-10-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

My irish hiking scarf had a small accident last night. I didn't know it at the time. This morning, I started knitting and found some odd loose stitch on the needle...what is it? When did it get there? Must've been last night when I thought 'hey, i'll knit a couple more rows...this is an easy knit!' hahahaha. So, I should not knit when exhausted. Or right before leaving for work. Because next I tried to fix said problem...I ripped out one row, but that wasn't enough - now there's this super long weird stitch thing that can't just be dropped from the needle (tried that). Huh. I'm stumped and I keep thinking about needing to fix it (but I'm not at home now so I can't!).

In other news...I have finished several of my swaps (not all). Here's the lovely yarn I sent to my partner in Norway the other day:
I hope she likes it...I just went by what *i* like! I've finished three dishcloths since I started
knitting (here's two):

Confused purls...

2006-10-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

Huh. This morning I was attempting to swatch for the cleo clutch and realized something was bizarre with my purls. When I turned around to knit the next row, the yarn was in back! Odd, thought I. So I got out my Vogue knitting book and checked out the directions. I was wrapping the yarn the wrong way! Sheesh. I've knit half a scarf (ok, way less than half), and three dish cloths with backward purling. The swatch looks less crazy now. Counter-clockwise, clockwise...whatever! Then again, when I checked the vogue book for how to do a knit stitch (could I be doing that wrong too???), it says to wrap clockwise, but shows wrapping counter-clockwise in the picture. Now I'm confused. Oh well. I think I'm going to have to increase the size of my needles to get gauge...

Behind on Swapping, knitting continues..

2006-09-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

Many of my swaps are due within the next couple of days - I still need to find a small buddha to send to my partner (due Saturday), print out photos of my hands to become postcards (and the print place has been shut down, so I have to find a new place), buy two skeins of wool (also due Saturday), and make a bookmark (actually already mostly done, but I had this thought of knitting one..hahahaha). Oh, and my knitflix partner - I noticed that many people have already sent theirs out and received..ack! Well, at least we're both on the same page - a bit behind. I can't think what yarn is going to match this movie I bought her! Must get creative.

On the knitting front, my irish hiking scarf is going ok. It's my first attempt at cabling, and I'm really enjoying it. Um, mostly. Two days ago I thought it'd be a good idea to knit one last row before going to sleep. Not a good idea. I got to the first cable - slip three stiches, ok, knit three, ok, go back and knit the ones on the cable needle, ok...until the third one. It was super tight, and while pulling the yarn through the loop, an explosion occurred and stiches fell off needles everywhere! I spent the next half hour trying to put the stiches back on the needles, then had to pull out the stiches anyhow. Grrrrr. Turns out I actually got them all back on correctly! But I went to sleep an hour after I'd planned. The photo here is post-disaster (there was a secondary one involving the middle cable the next morning). Still looking ok, though!

It's a cat!

2006-09-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

I just joined the Fall Cable KAL and Fiberflix! Very excited to start cabling...not that I've done it before, but hey, there's always a first. On fiberflix, we'll be watching some film noir in October. I loved the Maltese Falcon when I saw it last year. I'd never seen Humphrey Bogart in anything before...and he's made for film noir, isn't he? Or something like that.

I mentioned I have cats...or that cats have me, whatever. This here is Anya. Playing with the camera, of course. Always the curious one.. also known as "little one." Not that she's exactly small, but she's smaller than the others!

2006-09-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

How ridiculous. I have plenty of time on my hands - I mean, I work and all, but what else do I do? I guess I feel a bit odd just writing for myself. Who really is going to find this and start reading about my exploits? And I'm exhausted right now due to the attempted carpet cleaning this past weekend (carpet still streaky! grrrrrr), and the little mouse visitor we've had since yesterday. We have four cats, and none of them has caught it yet. Must post pictures of the cats once I figure out how to do that (because who doesn't like photos of crazy cats???).

So I just started knitting about a month ago - I've made 2 1/2 dish cloths so far. And I just made a mistake in the current one and had to un-knit a row - that isn't easy yet. I had to really think with all of my groggy mind and try to figure out where those two extra stitches came from. Weird. I got rid of them, but I think only one was removed correctly! Soon, I'd love to move on to something more complicated - like a cabled scarf...