My dad use to tell me there are two things you can count on in life - death and taxes. I would like to propose a third thing - snow on my bday. I can list very few years that we have not got some degree of snow on November 30th. So when I walked outside this morning to find it snowing I began to chuckle as it was, in my mind, officially my bday.
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Normally every year I pull out my birth certificate to find out what time I was born (for some reason I cannot seem to remember the exact time even though I've been doing this for years) so I can watch the clock turn to the exact time; this year I did not I did not think about doing this at all until I went to check the time so I could decide whether or not I wanted to leave where I was. I do not know if there is any significance to skipping this tradition, but I just found it of interest.
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I learned a very important lesson this weekend that I would like to pass on to anyone and everyone I possibly can . . . Do not go clothes shopping after you've eaten! It has to be the WORST time to try clothes on.
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A story about Words -
A friend of mine who is a teacher was telling me a cute story about a student of theirs who said they wished words did not exist. When asked why, the student went on to explain that if words did not existed than they would not have the assignment to write something. If they did not have that assignment than they would not be frustrated by having to find the right words for the assignment.
I guess the moral of all this is that finding the right words can be frustrating at any age.
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"Time Tested Beauty Tips" is a poem that was written by Sam Levenson for his grandchild and a favorite of Audrey Hepburn. I am not going to post the whole poem in this segment of my blog - here's a link to it (Time Tested Beauty Tips). The portion I am going quote basically describes my mindset on beauty. I am posting this because one of my friends and I have had several conversations lately about this very topic (what makes a woman beautiful) and I feel these are the words that best describe where I am coming from with my opinion. "The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides."
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I started making some hats for my great nephew. He is almost a year old and has out grown all his hats from last year (as one would expect). I know I talked about this back in October (or there abouts), but the drastic change in the weather here got me to realize that it's time to make them. No more procrastinating.
I am also in the process of finding a sock pattern I like for my mom's socks. After I find that all I will need is her foot measurements. Meanwhile, I am gearing up to make holiday gifts for my friends.
'Tis the season to be knitting.
On that note, I will be signing off. Until later . . . Ta! Ta!
Facebook seems to think it's my birthday today when in actuality it's not (it's tomorrow). I received an e-mail from them wishing me a Happy Birthday. . . this led me to immediately log in to make sure I didn't accidentally fill out or change my information at some point (I didn't). Then of course I started to wonder if I slept SO long that I slept through this day (Saturday, November 29) and it actually was tomorrow instead - this is not the case either. So I've still got 30 some plus hours until it is officially the date and time of my actual b-day. That said, even if it were today I'm ready . . . .
Speaking of birthdays, my mom loved the scarf I made her. Now, normally I would be all over taking pictures of it, but I was in such a rush that I forgot to take a few. Oh well! It turned out really nice and as I said she liked it - that is all that truly matters. Now it's time to work on making my holiday presents for my friends and family.
I don't have much else to share. It's a balmy 30 degrees out and there is no snow to be seen (yet) so I think it's time to venture outside.
It is Thanksgiving and all around people gathered to recognize the many blessings in their lives. My family was no different. . .
My family actually has a great tradition. Before we eat our Thanksgiving meal, everyone at the table says what they are thankful for. Personally I love this tradition. This year however shocked me a bit because not one person at the table had a dry eye by the time we got finished. We all teared up at some point. By the last person there were silly things being interjected here and there just for a bit of comic relief. It was a very humbling thing to witness. That said, personally, I actually only got out one thing I am thankful for . . . It's not because I only had one thing I'm thankful for, had I continued onto the many other things I would have been full-out balling - and at that point no one would have understood a thing I was saying. This left me with a whole laundry list of things I did not get to mention (including my "silly" stuff).
With that in mind here are just a few of those things . . .
I am thankful for:
* My Family
Despite our differences they without question were my rock during the darkest and scariest days of my life ever. I do not know what I would have done without them. Honestly, I do not know what I would do without them even if things had not been so rough. I owe them a lifetime of gratitude.
* My Friends
Just like my family, my friends are an amazing group of people for whom I also owe a lifetime worth of gratitude too. I am grateful for my long-lasting friendships, for friendships that have been renewed after many years apart and for my new friendships with people I feel like I've known a lifetime.
There are two individuals that I would like to single out because they are two of my oldest and dearest friends. (You guys know who you are.) Combined, I've known both these people a total of 40 years (21 years and 19 years respectively). Over the years these friends have weathered many ups and downs with me and for that I am grateful. At one point I thought one of these friendships was over for good, but when I needed this person the most they were there for me without question or hesitation. That is a true friend.
* My Life
* My Inner Strength
* The lovely meal I got to partake in this evening and the food I am provided day-after-day-after-day
* My Job
* Laughter
* The amazing opportunities I've been presented with this year
* The ability to look back past all the bad and remember that there was good that did exist - and more importantly the ability to smile when I remember those things
* A new found perspective on life and what is and is not worth getting upset about
* New leadership in our country
* Knitting - Not only have I made some incredibly beautiful things, it has been a great source of calm and led me to some great friendships.
(these are just a few of the many things I am thankful for - there are many, many more)
On lighter side of things, I am thankful:
* That the library only charges $0.10/day for overdue books vs. the $0.25 for CDs and $1/$2 for DVDs.
* For homemade Apple Pie
* For Yelp - Without it I don't know where I'd get to add my two cents about places I've been.
* For Ravelry - It's the holy grail of knitting (enough said)
* That not ALL foods contain High Fructose Corn Syrup - otherwise there would be nothing for me to eat this whole month.
* That after my next hair cut I will be that much closer to having my natural hair color back.
* For frogs
* For the internal optimism which leads me to believe that the post office will one day stop delivering me mail that isn't mine and that 2009 is "the year" for the Cubs.
On that note, I am going to sign off.
It is my hope that everyone has had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Earlier this week I mentioned how rundown I had been feeling, well it all came to a head last night and this morning. Today I was suppose to go into work for half a day then take half a vacation day. However, as I was getting ready for work I took one look in the mirror at my face and I realized the minute I walked into the office they were going to make me go home (or at least that is what I would have done). I'm sure it came as no surprise to both my boss and one of my coworkers when they heard I wasn't feeling well because when I had left last night it was showing. I actually took work home with me "just in case."
While I rested, I got a chance to seriously goof around online which led me to Michael Moore's latest documentary that was about getting young adults out to the polls.
************************************************************************************** Ok, I want to take a moment to mention two things - 1) I am a documentary junkie. I <3 documentaries; and 2) I do enjoy Michael Moore documentaries. I think once you get past his extreme tactics, obvious biases and random crap the man makes some good points and has some significant messages. **************************************************************************************
All that said, so far what I have seen of the documentary is good.
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I've been thinking about skydiving a lot lately. I think it's because it's come up in conversation with a few people here and there over the past week. Unfortunately it's too late to take my second jump due to the temperature. I guess it will have to wait until spring time. Until then, I have the memories of the first jump.
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I frogged the scarf. Now I have less than 7 days to finish it.
Well, that's all for now. . . until later. . . Ciao!
I find the IL highway/tollway system amusing. No sooner do you cross the state line coming in from Indiana or Wisconsin do you encounter signage that welcomes you to the IL Tollway System and warns you that if you do not get off at x exit than you will be heading towards the first of many tolling stations. Also, as you're getting off said toll road you encounter another sign thanking you for using the tollway as they hit you up for more money on the way out the door. I guess if anything drivers should be appreciative that the state is thoughtful enough to thank you while taking your money - coming and going.
My best laugh comes when I read the sign above the open tolling area that reads something to the like of, "State of IL Open Road Tolling thanks to Governor Rod R. Blagojevich." Like I said, it's not verbatim, but you get the point. A coworker and I were talking about this today and they said they have never encountered any other toll system where the governor's name was splashed across that particular state's version of open road tolling. I guess if our fine Governor has done one good thing during his time as the leader of this state, it's bringing open road tolling to the masses and helping with traffic congestion - that warranted the constant recognition, right!?. Maybe if he appoints himself President-elect Obama's replacement then he can make sure everyone in the county has open road tolling and knows it was he who helped them out.
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More comments about driving in my fine state -
I did take somewhat of a different way back from Indy this last trip at the suggestion of some people I know. They said it would be faster and I would go through less tolls. Instead of taking the tri-state like my GPS wanted me to do, I took I80 to the 355 extension that opened about this time last year. Apparently the GPS satellite maps aren't updated because according to this particular one I was driving in the middle of a field and I needed to make a U turn. The trip took me through, around, some of my favorite south suburbs that I do not get to that often such as Frankfort, Lemont, Homer Glen, Mokena, Oak Lawn, Orland Park and Tinley Park. (I think this is the part of the drive where I was so ready to get home that I needed to do something to stay awake - so I memorized the names of the towns I passed through.)
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I need to get back to taking more pictures. Even though I've been meeting my Project 365 requirement I really want to explore different areas and capture those sights they have to offer. Alas, at this point I think I am just waiting to see what kind of after Thanksgiving sales camera shops have. I've narrowed it down the SLR camera I wanted (I think). Now I just want to get the best price possible.
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So what is Yelp anyway?
In one of my recent posts I mentioned that I was going to leave my comments about the yarn shop that sells the $130 yarn on Yelp. It got me to thinking that some of y'all might not know what Yelp is.
In a few words, Yelp is a fun peer-to-peer web site where you can write and read reviews about local businesses. You can also socialize with other Yelpers in the area - online and in real life.
In all seriousness it's a lot of fun and you should check it out!
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My second Drop Stitch Scarf was coming along nicely until I accidentally picked up a stitch and then decided to drop a stitch a few rows later. I thought this would even everything out, but not the additional stitches are very noticeable - at least to me. Maybe it's just my OCD tendencies coming out. I'll have to show it to another knitter to see if I am overreacting. All I know is that the scarf needs to be done by next Thursday - additional stitches or not.
I just looked at the calendar to find out when Hanukkah is this year. It's later than normal this year, but that is good for me. It means once I finish the scarf I can start on the socks for my mom and make those her Hanukkah present.
This is actually a written on a billboard I saw once on I65 as I headed to Indianapolis. I loved the sign so much that I was all prepared to take a picture of it on my next trip down, but I didn't see it. . . I know it's because I was looking for it. Maybe another day; another trip.
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Speaking of Indy, I heard a rumor that this one knit shop in Indy had yarn that cost $130. Seriously! I had to check it out.
Here's a picture:
They had many different colors, but of course I was drawn to the purple since it's my favorite color. Honestly I was shocked it wasn't under lock-and-key. Don't get me wrong, it's pretty and all, but I'm still trying to figure out how one spends THAT much on just one small hank.
Aside from the expensive yarn, I really enjoyed walking about this particular yarn shop. I'd get into the details of my visit, but that is what Yelp is for so I'll save my thoughts on this shop for that site.
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There is more I could write about, but once again it's late and I'm tired. Honestly, I think it's the cold I have that is running me ragged. Yes, the cold weather has arrived and it's time to break out a box of facial tissues.
Before I leave, here's something to think about . . .
"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself."
This is how I feel right now. . . so I'm going to sleep. I will be back tomorrow with a real post as there is a lot on my mind to share (whether or not I'll get to it all is yet to be seen).
As I get ready for the upcoming week I came across a few things I meant to post earlier. . .
Drop Stitch Scarf - The Sequel:
Also. . .
Yes, it's that time of year. The holidays are upon us and I've decided to knit Christmas inspired gifts for my friends that celebrate Christmas.
For anyone who has bought yarn for this holiday you know that it doesn't seem like many, if at all any, manufactures make Christmas yarn that comes in a skein less than 600 yards. Now I like my friends, and would do almost anything for them, but what I'm making doesn't not even begin to require 600 yards of Christmas yarn. Actually, with 600 yards I could make my friends who celebrate Christmas AND Jewish friends gifts with Christmas yarn and STILL have enough left over for the next 20 years of holiday knitting. Thankfully, CathyR was nice enough to give me her leftover Christmas yarn so I wouldn't have to endure such heartache. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Vacation. . . vacation. . . vacation . . . well ok, maybe a day here or there, but still it's time off. The main focus for my time off - rest and relaxation! I dug this out as part of that R & R. . .
They are Tara Spa Aromatherapy products. I got mine as a gift last year for my birthday. I don't know that I would ever be able to thank the person who got it for me enough. And yes, I do expect that I will get some sort of commission from the Tera Spa people now for every neck and eye pillow they sell because of my plug.
In all seriousness, it was nice to have time to just veg and relax. The fact that I wasn't running somewhere or needing to get something done was nice. It actually motivated me to do some of the cleaning and organizing around my place that I had been avoiding . . . mainly in the form of unpacking some of the "not so super urgent, but it would be nice to know what was in them" boxes that have been sitting around since I moved. BTW - I firmly believe that everyone has those types of boxes sitting around no matter how long they've been living somewhere.
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Thought of the Day:
"Advice is like snow --- the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind."
- Samuel Taylor Coleridge
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Quote of the Day:
Spoken by my friend "eldashwood" (paraphrased). . .
"Men measure their jeans size by inches; women measure it by grams of fat."
I finally took pictures of the completed Drop Stitch Scarf:
I liked how it turned out so much that I started another one using the yarn that was going to be a Windy City Scarf. Depending on how the new one turns out, I will most likely keep the first one and give the second as a gift. Or, maybe I'll give them both as a gift. I guess only time will tell.
I think that's all for now . . . Until later, ciao!
From time-to-time I get on quote kicks; now is one of those times . . .
Thought of the Day:
"The heart of a fool is his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is his heart." - Benjamin Franklin
................................ Life Thoughts By Ducky:
"Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we could simply press 'Ctrl Alt Delete' and start all over?"
(I found this one particularly amusing because the other day some friends and I were saying that one day there will be such a thing as brain bleach that you can apply when you want to wipe an unpleasant memory out of your brain - kind of like "Men in Black" meets Mr. Clean)
................................ Aaron Freeman - Comedian - talking about Gratitude and Anger (Paraphrased):
"The nice thing about gratitude is that you can't be grateful and angry at the same time."
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Knitting:
"Some women like to sit down with trouble as if it were knitting."
- Ellen Glasgow
I find the above quote intriguing though I'm not sure exactly what its meaning is. I guess I have one more thing to think about when I knit.
I never meant to share ANY personal information on this blog. It just sorta happened. My initial intention was to keep it strictly about knitting. However, I think that changed in September when I posted my thoughts related to the Jewish New Year. At least that is where I would I would say I "turned the corner." I don't find this to be a bad thing. More interesting to me than anything else since I'm typically an extremely private person. Rule #1 about posting anything on the internet is assume if you put it out there you are basically sharing it with the world - so make sure you want everyone and their sister to know. The only reason I'm writing about this is due to some conversations I've had recently with friends about this very matter. These conversations are mainly focused on what topics I write about, the particular topics I don't/won't write about (at least right now) and the on-going debate I have internally about whether or not to make comment to specific things that are relevant to what I'm talking about, but link back to people/situations in my life that may be on the somewhat sensitive side of the fence. Or, at least right now they are.
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Thought of the Day:
"Our life is what our thoughts make it." - Marcus Aurelius
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I finished my scarf! Yay! It only took a day or two to make. I don't have pictures of the finished object, but I do have a picture I took the other day while it was in progress...
Today is Veteran's Day and I believe it's important to take a moment to recognize all the women and men who have died for our country, those who have put their lives on the line for our country and for those who are currently overseas putting their lives on the line day-after-day-after-day for our country. Whether or not you support the war we are currently involved in our troops deserve our respect, admiration and appreciation.
My mother has expressed interest in learning how to knit and possibly joining a knitting group. Since I have some experience with finding knitting groups I happily offered to help her with this. It didn't take me more than a few clicks of the mouse to find a group that meets just minutes from where she lives. Since the fact remained that mom still doesn't know how to knit I e-mailed the group's organizer to make sure that there would be someone open to helping a beginner. It didn't take long for me to get a reply; however, the reply I did receive is not what I expected. Apparently the group wasn't open to new members it had gotten too large and they wanted to try to regain the intimacy the group had when it first started. Ok, fine, I can respect that. It was the next comment that blew me away. The individual replying to my message then went on to comment that since I didn't let them know where my mom lived they could not recommend another group. Huh!? Seriously, did I miss something here? I didn't realize I was suppose to include her location in my message (as though I was submitting an application for membership). Now, when I read this I thought maybe my reaction was a little off base so I consulted a friend, or two, about the response I received. They all agreed that it was amazing a fellow knitter would - 1) turn away someone interested in knitting and 2) would so abruptly put up a road block to helping out before obtaining any pertinent information - such as ones location.
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The "Huge-Ass Baby Blanket" is completed as of this weekend. All I need to do is sew on a small little detail (or at least try) and ship it off to the soon-to-be parents.
I'm not one to brag, but I often get compliments on these blankets and have even had a few people ask me how much I'd charge if I was commissioned to make one. When I give people the exact price to say they are surprised is putting it nicely. It is amazing that people don't realize the value of something that is handmade. The amount of time, dedication and care that goes into a handmade item is immense - regardless of the craft.
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I officially have knitting ADD. I decided this this at knit group this weekend when my in ability to focus on fingerless gloves had me frogging the project once again. I then I played with the idea of making a scarf, but I didn't have the right needless until I got home.
We also explored the reasons behind needing so much yarn in our respective stashes. I still haven't spent any of the gift card on yarn which I'm amazed by. I figured surely by now I'd have several new hanks of sock yarn waiting to be used. Guess I totally haven't entered the dark side like I once thought.
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Apparently there are chocolate bars that are made without high fructose corn syrup or corn syrup. Who knew? I was amazed. I got one of these precious gems from a friend of mine. Some interesting side notes about this treat is that 1) it's kosher and 2) the inside wrapper has random pieces of information printed on it. They are actually interesting. Yes, the candy was tasty!
The HFCS challenge is still going well. I was commenting the other day that I wish I had weighed myself before I started this challenge. It would have been interesting to see the impact this change makes on my body (if any at all).
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My iPod decided to go for a swim. I'm talking fully submerged in water. You can imagine my panic when this happen. However, so far it's still working as normal. I even synced a few new things onto it just to make sure. I'm feeling really lucky on this one!
Well, those are just a few things I'm amazed by. Until later. . . Ta! Ta!
Ha! For fun I entered Emily Ivey's (a.k.a Yarn Miracle goddess) Best Use of a Dish Rag contest - and apparently won! - Yarn Miracle - And the Winner is . . .
It's interesting when a lot of focus is put towards achieving a single goal. It seems inevitable that once said goal is achieved the next obvious question is, "Now What?" I know I've wondering this about things my life a few times along the way. This time I'm not asking the question in regards to my life. It's more regarding the state of politics and the world. We have spent SO much time over the past several years looking forward to this weeks election, focusing our energy and time on all drama and now that it's over I have to ask - Now what?
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A conversation I had with my mom yesterday has me anticipating the arrival of some mail... mainly because she won't tell me what it is she's mailing me. The part of all this that makes me laugh so much is that she wouldn't even out right tell me she was going to mail me something. The first call was made by her. It went something like this:
Froggie: Hi
Froggie's Mom: Your address is - x xxxxxx xxxxxx, right!? (What did you think I was actually going to give everyone who reads my blog my home address?)
Froggie: Hello to you too. Yes, that is my address.
Froggie's Mom: Ok.
Froggie: Why did you want to know?
Froggie's Mom: Oh, no reason really. Ok, I have to go. I'll talk to you later. Love you.
Froggie: Love you too.
Now how could this conversation not make me wonder what I was getting in the mail from her? Six/seven hours later, after wondering all night long what was so important I have that she was compelled to mail it to me rather just wait until we see each other again - it's not like we never see each other. So I had to give her a call -
Froggie: So, what did you send me? (Yes, yes, I didn't say hi first)
Froggie's Mom: Oh, it's nothing.
Froggie: Surely it has to be something if you feel the need to mail it to me.
Froggie's Mom: Don't worry, it's ok.
Finally I had to leave it alone because she wouldn't tell me what was being sent. Now I have all these ideas of what it "might" be, but won't know until it gets to me. I was hoping it would have been in yesterday's mail, but no such luck. I find it funny that it takes two days for a letter to make it between two locations within the same metropolitan area. All in all, she's got me wondering what it could be.
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The HFCS challenge is going well. Thursday really showed me how much I rely on candy to give me an extra boost during the day when I am very tired. This challenge has also made me more label conscious which I know I should be all the time. When I was looking for an afternoon snack at work yesterday I actually got online to find out if goldfish crackers had the forbidden ingredient. For those that would like to know - it doesn't. I feel the need to mention that it's really hard to find an actual list of ingredients online for any given food. Yes, you can find the nutrition information for most items without any problems, but the actual ingredient isn't as easy. I finally found the info I was looking for on goldfish crackers off the Walgreens website of all place.
I know for a fact that as the end of this challenge near I will be asking myself "Now what?" in terms of what I want, and plan, to take from this experience.
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I finished up two dish rags for the swap partner I'm sending a box of goodies too. There was just one small problem. My second dish rag didn't turn out anything like it should have. So, I think I need to make another one.
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This a cool charity knitting project that I'm going to participate in this winter. It's a project through Save the Children, an organization that works to change the lives of children around the world by helping them and their families help themselves. This particular program revolves around knitting/crocheting caps for babies to keep them warm during the winter.
Here's more about the initiative:
If you are a knitter, or crocheter, I encourage you to consider participating in this worthwhile project.
For knitters and crocheters in the Chicagoland area, Chix with Stix in Forrest Park is offering a free skein of yarn to use for the Knit One, Save One hat project. Check out info on this by clicking on this link: Chix with Stix - Knit One, Save One
On that note, I think believe this post is complete. Until later. . .
I got awesome knitting items in the mail today - WooHoo!!! Prizes and swap packages are fun!
This totally beats my "usual" mail!
Love the tape SlowKnitter!
Thanks Edith for the dish rags and all the great goodies!
Man did I pick a crappy time to give up HFCS and corn syrup. I guess all my sweet treats will have to be put away for December 1st. (To any of my friends who may be looking at my blog and thinking they would be happy to help eliminate the temptation any of the sweet treats may cause I would like to say thank you for the thoughtful offer, but I will be just fine and do not need your assistance.)
Thank you for the sock yarn and other goodies SlowKnitter! SlowKnitter's Blog
The arrival of Edith's package was another reminder that I still haven't sent my swap buddy's box yet. Thankfully, she has been very understanding of my hectic schedule. The second dish rag I plan to include in the box is in progress at the moment.
I do have a bunch of things on my mind to write about however I am extremely tired so they will have to wait.
Election day was an exciting day. Regardless of whom won, history was made. In many ways. Record number of voters went to the polls, record number of people registered to vote. Record number of people became involved the campaign(s) they felt closely reflected their view point(s).
Election judges gave many, many hours of their time getting ready for the election, setting up the polls and helping voters during the election. Poll watchers ensuring that election laws and regulations were followed so voters could exercise their right to vote and challenged things they felt interfered with a person's right to vote. November 4, 2008, and the days leading up to it, was truly a time to remember.
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Aside from voting this election, I participated at the polls as a poll watcher. Yes, you can call me "Officer Froggie" if you wish. It was an amazing experience. It gave me a lot of insight into the election day process and a fresh perspective on the politics behind the event. All the things you "think" would never happen, do actually happen.
It was an amazing experience and can't wait to do it again.
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Instead of recapping the whole day I'll try to hit the highlights. . .
* It's a LONG day. There is no other way to put it. When you dedicate your time to an election (whether it be as an election judge, poll watcher, part of a political group, etc) you are dedicating so much of your time and yourself.
* Opening the Polls is time consuming
- Setting up the voting booths and related equipment. - Signing off on opening totals/checking opening totals - Ensuring there is enough parking and signage indicating where the polling place is. - Checking to make sure there isn't a policy or procedure that has been missed. - Oh, did I mention this all takes place about an half hour/hour before the poll opens (yes, that means at the bright and early hour of 5/5:30AM)
* Once the Polls are Open
- Lines, lines AND more lines. - No ID Required - Elections judges aren't allowed to ask someone for their id as part of election day registration process (unless it explicitly says "Check ID" on that person's registration card). All they need to do is make sure the signature on the card matches the signature they sign that day. - Voter Relations - A variety of problems arise during the day. A majority of them deal with someone not showing as registered, someone is showing invalid and as a result can only vote in the federal election or someone goes to the wrong polling place or didn't register at their new address in time.
* Closing the Polls
- Once the polls are officially closed and the last voter has voted there is a lot to do pack everything up. It takes about an hour to get everything all done and packed up. - Ensuring the machines scanning/recording the ballots match the number of ballots that were given out by election judges. Matching up the voter registration cards that were pulled from the record books. - More policies and procedures - More sign off to ensure the integrity of the information being submitted to the election commission. - Breaking down the voting booths and voting equipment.
There is much, much more I could write about the experience, but I honestly don't have the time to do so. However, I will say, once again, that it was an amazing experience and I look forward to participating in many more elections to come.
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Other Things Worth Mentioning (all based upon my opinion):
Best Response Given By A Voter Once Told Where Their Correct Polling Place Was -
I was amazed that one voters was miffed at me when I asked them to take off a candidate button because you could not have any campaign materials within 100 feet of the polling place. (I am completely serious about this people)
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Waiting for the Returns
Where's the party?
Once the polls were closed, we had shut down our polling place and the polls results are delivered to the election commission one thing is left ... wait for the returns of other polling locations to come back and for winners to be declared.
I had two election night gathering I was invited too. The first one was a big party with a bunch of people I didn't know. It was thrown by the organization from whom I represented at the polls that day. After dropping off my copies of the ballot tapes I joined the fun. Well, that was my intention. After making my way around the room and of course grabbing a bite to eat I realized I really wanted to be at party number two instead of party number one. Don't get me wrong, it was all exciting and great to be in a big room of people you know supported the candidate(s) you did. It was exciting that there was news media there covering an event you were at, but it lacked the really fun and excitement of the evening as party number would provide.
Party number two was with my peeps. We didn't watch the traditional news media report the returns (that is what the internet is for). Instead we made election night fun by watching Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert go at it during Comedy Central's "Indecision 2008: America's Choice." Here's a little taste of what we watched:
Funny news reporting, friends to make you laugh even more than you already were and the anticipation of the results - who could ask for more!?
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In the end the big race of the night was called around 10PM CST (11 EST)
Here are the respective concession and victory speeches. . .
John McCain's Concession Speech
Barak Obama's Victory Speech
I think both individuals did an excellent job in their speeches and conveying to all that it's now time to look to the future.
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Coming full circle -
My election day/night/morning ended for me around the same time it started - just about 24 hours later. I took today off of work because I knew I'd need to catch up on my sleep (and boy did I ever).
When I finally woke I took advantage of the wonderful weather we are having (thank you global warming). I also took the time to look at the outcome of the other races I was interested in. I was pleased with some of the results and others not so much - but that is life.
If I've learned anything from this it's that we as a country can make a different - regardless of whether or not the candidate you support wins or loses. I've learned that corruption does really does exists in the places we don't want to believe it does. I've learned to listen to those that don't agree with me with the intention to understand them better - not to try to persuade them into believing as I do.
On that note, I must run. Until later . . . Ta! Ta!
If I haven't made it clear already, to me exercising your right to vote is extremely important in ANY election; ANY year. This is not only a right, it is a responsibility. That said, I think it's even more important this year to exercise this RIGHT; this RESPONSIBILITY.
Starbucks seems to feel the same way. So much so that they are giving all those that vote a free, tall cup of coffee . . . If having your voice heard isn't enough to get you to vote, maybe a free cup of coffee will give you that extra push!
It would not be a Sunday evening without 800 things on my mind and a 1000 things to do before the work week starts . . . and of course what am I am doing? Blogging. . . Duh!
Halloween 2008 was fun. My work costume was once again my "Boo" t-shirt and this year I added a purple wig. Actually several people said I looked good with long, purple hair. Hmmm . . . I have been debating whether or not to go back to my natural hair color. Maybe I should go purple instead. (And yes, there was a non-work costume as well)
My pumpkin did not turn out too bad considering it was the first time in years I have carved a pumpkin AND that I have absolutely no artist ability what-so-ever.
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The HFCS Challenge began yesterday and so far so good. I actually had the opportunity to use the eating out loophole however, I did not take advantage of it, I was completely conscious of what I was eating/drinking. So much that I skipped having a Pomegranate Martini (a fave of mine) because it contained pomegranate juice which I would bet dollars to donuts had HFCS in it. Additionally I gave up partaking in a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich (another fave) even though I was not even at my own home and a sample of the Ginger Pumpkin bunt cake (which could very possibly have had sugar in it, but I did not want to bother the workers at the shop)they had out at another place I was at this weekend. Lastly, I discovered Uncle Ben's puts the forbidden additive in their flavored rice products.
It's going to be a LONG month, but I am truly committed to doing this right. My hope is that if I can cut out a lot of crap during the next 30 days I will be able to continue to do so beyond November 30th. Just another step towards improving myself (cheesy I know, but true). I was out with a friend this weekend who said they wouldn't tell if I cheated. My response to them was, "Yeah, I know, but I would know and that is what matters." We are of course the ones who have to live with the truth of our actions regardless of what we profess to others, right!? .......................
I saw the movie "W." this weekend. Good movie. Not outstanding, but definitely insightful. I won't get into the details because I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone who hasn't seen it. What I will say is that it very interesting to see how all the events of his life more than likely influenced his first term. I say "more than likely" because I'm sure there was a lot of creative license used to make the movie a good fit for Hollywood. ......................
The Bears BARELY won. However, both TCU and the Bears won this weekend so it was a good weekend for football. .....................
My mom and I went to a yarn shop near where she lives and she picked out sock yarn for her birthday socks. Actually, she picked out yarn for two pairs of socks. This is what she picked out:
On Line SuperSocke 100 (Superwash)
AND
Zitron Avanti
..................... The baby blanket, which is now known to most as the "Huge-Ass Baby Blanket," is almost finished. Just to give you an idea of how large it is, I laid it out on my over-sized ottoman this weekend and it basically covered it. That means it's about 45"W x 30"D - all presuming I castoff where I am at the moment. I have not made a decision about how long I would like for it to be. I did transfer the blanket from the circular needles I've been using to the straight needles I originally started with. I did this mainly because when I am ready to start working on it again I will be able to drape it over my legs so I can keep warm. Yes, now that it is colder on a consistent basis, blanket knitting is once again welcomed because I can stay nice and warm in the process. Try having a blanket draped over your legs in 70/80 degree weather - not comfortable. ...................
Lastly, my Brangelina hat is a hit. I've worn it out several time and each time I do I get many compliments on it. At least half a dozen people I know have asked me to make them one. Oh, and it's comfy and warm too.
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