Another One For The Books

In a few hours 2009 will be finished. And, so will this decade.

For the past week or so I had been planning to do a bit of a look back at the past 10 years of this new century, but earlier today as I put the finishing touches on post I changed my mind. Though I believe it's important to look back, and this is the natural time to do so, I've decided that now is not time to publish this particular finished product. I will instead keep it in my drafts for further consideration, and tweaking, for publishing at a later date.

What I will say on this last evening of 2009 is that I have learned a lot this year (as it appears I do every year). I've learned about life, people and most importantly about myself. I am glad for these lessons and hope to apply them going forward.

As for a New Year's resolution - there is only one. Too be the best version of me possible everyday. I already know there will be days that I will grossly fail at this, but I aim to make those days the exception; not the expectation.

With that in mind there is only one thing left to say -

Until later . . .

Some Of My Favorite Things

I'm straying from my "normal" Wednesday post.

Julie Andrews sang about her favorite things in the movie, "The Sound of Music." Oprah celebrates here favorite things by dedicating a full show to them. This week, I am posting a few of mine on my modest little blog.


• My Family

This is a shocking one for a lot of people, but it's true. For all the good, bad, ugly and drama they bring I love my family so much. The thing I love most is that we really do rally for one another at the end of the day.

• My Friends

Or, my extended family. This includes my knitting peeps. I have the best group of friend EVER. There are specific individuals I could point out, but I'm not going to because I'm afraid of missing someone.

• G-d's warped sense of humor

Yeah . . . Life is filled with randomness. Sometimes that randomness is just very warped. However, I am thankful for the warped sense of humor. It turned out to be a good thing.

• Auntie Froggie

Let me tell you, there is nothing like having a 4- and 2- year-old running towards you filled with enthusiasm shouting out your name. Ok, well in this case my name is Auntie Froggie. It is such a wonderful thing that I had to tell my auntie about it and how I now know how she must feel to hear me say, "Auntie L."

• Small, Medium, Large, E and M

There are more little ones that I enjoy being around. I really like being "Miss F" to Small, Medium and Large . . . and I love that they think of me as their friends too - it's cute.

As for E and M - I wish I could see them more, but when I do I'm happy. They grow so much between visits it's crazy!

• Knitted Socks

I lose machine made socks like it's going out of style. Granted there is a purpose for them (I'm not about to take an 8 mile walk in knitted socks). That said, knitted socks are just a little piece of heaven that I think everyone should experience.

• Home

It took being away from my home to truly appreciate it.

• Sky Diving

Yeah, I know this is not a shocker. However, how could I not put this on my list of favorite things!? It is my hope int he next year or so that I will get my license to jump on my own.

• A Sense of Adventure

Sky diving isn't the only thing I have lined-up to do in 2010. There are a few new things to try . . . hopefully including a very special trip I've been wanting to take for sometime.

• Cupcakes

Who doesn't love cupcakes!?

• My view of the world

• Summer

Yeah, I'm more about warmer weather than the cold stuff.

• Techy Stuff

I'm a special kind of techy geek!

• Knitting

Did you really think I was going to leave that out?

Until later . . .

HALFTIME

It's been seven months in making . . . .

On this last blankie update for 2009 I am so proud to report that I made it to HALFTIME! That's right folks, I am halfway to 736 squares!!!!

Before the entertainment (because every halftime needs some sort of entertainment), here is the halftime report:


The Official Sock Yarn Blankie Square Count for December 29, 2009:

Squares Needed: 736

Squares Knit and Stitched Together: 368


Remaining Squares Needed: LOTS! In real numbers 368

There are pictures to mark the occasion however they haven't been uploaded yet. And, since they are not on my camera it is out of my control as to when I will have them to post. Hopefully, sooner rather than later.


Now, that that is out of the way. . . Let's get on with the halftime show - after these commercial messages:












Until later . . .

Just Jump

Sometimes I wonder how many people pay to go sky diving and then once they are 13,000 feet up in the air don't do it. It has to happen - right!?

Lately, I feel like I'm one of those people. I've paid for the jump, have the suit and gear on and I'm kneeling on the edge just moments away from a potentially exciting and life changing experience. However, I can't seem to arch my back, push myself forward and let go of the "oh shit bar" affixed above me.

I know all the reasons why I should jump and all the reasons why I don't want too. I have reviewed them time-and-time-and-time again. I've even confessed everything to my priestess - BFF. Still it doesn't help.

My window of opportunity is quickly passing me by. Before I know it the pilot will need to bring the plane down so they can refuel and take the next load up. A load with someone else braver than I.

I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed in myself. For all the strides I've made over the past years I've never felt so frozen. Never so scared to try for something so simple.

So here I am . . . kneeling . . . hoping that I will just jump and see where the ride takes me.

Until later . . .

Jewish Christmas (Cliff Notes Style)

Christmas Eve:

• Family Time

• Time with friends

• Yay for the favorite restaurant that stays open on Christmas Eve!

• LOVE the movie "A Christmas Story." (Why didn't I do this earlier?)

Jewish Christmas:

• 'Tis the season to sleep in and be lazy.

• Holiday lunchin' with Misty and crew. It was so sweet of her to do!

• SMILE! : D

• Good company, strange movie and Chinese food.


Post Jewish Christmas:

• "Oh the weather outside is frightful; But the fire is so delightful; And since we've no place to go; Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!"

• Wait a minute! There are errands to run so can we stop the snow for about an hour?

• Ok, errands finished, let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

• Wow! This sounds like it could be dialogue from "A Christmas Story."

• Location! Location! Location!

• Pedicure socks pretty much finished, but just need some finishing touches.

• Yay for no more 24/7 Christmas music.

• What's the plan for New Year's Eve?


Until later . . .

Should You Celebrate

Merry

Christmas

A Christmas What?

Year . . . after year . . . after year . . . I have tried. However, I could never make it all the way through.

This year, I have my knitting ready and yummy snacks.

Once again, I will see if I can watch the movie A Christmas Story all the way through.

Wish me luck!

Until later . . .

In 15 Blurbs Or Less

• "Should we start planning for next time, sometime in mid-2011?"

• Better late than never.

• I have resisted the temptation of the Dizzy Sheep - I must be sick.

• In some messed-up way I kind of feel sorry for her.

• "Festivus for the rest of us."

• And that is one more thing that will go on my project list.

• Gee, I didn't get that memo about myself - thank you for the update!

• At what point does she understand her jokes are grossly inappropriate?

• "Gee, it's like she's your mother or something."

• "Oh, I mean awesome in the most awesomeness way possible."

• When she said "MAC" I thought she meant the computer, not the cosmetics company.

• There seems to be a wave of insomnia making it's way around these parts.

• "You get paid to be paranoid."

• It's like ice skating with your car.

Until later . . .

Bowling With Blankie

Blankie went bowling tonight. So, this report is coming to you a little later than "normal" - whatever normal may be.

The Official Sock Yarn Blankie Square Count for December 22, 2009:

Squares Needed: 736

Squares Knit and Stitched Together: 325


Remaining Squares Needed: LOTS! In real numbers 411

So, the monster didn't grow that much over the past week. Mainly do to lack of yarn for square, but also due to the fact that I've been working feverishly on my mom's pedicure socks. I have to admit, I like having a break from working on squares, but this week yield 50-some things of minis which means I'm back to the grind of making mitered squares. I have to say, it's a bit overwhelming to have all these minis in my possession. This is the most I've ever had at one time. And there are more coming my way. (Now may be a good time to lock myself into my place and get crankin on squares.)

I am still hell-bent on transporting this monster around with me. As it grows it is getting a bit harder to manipulate as I add squares, but I am forging ahead!

Spinner and I were talking today and somehow the topic of this monstrous project came up. (I honestly can't recall how the topic came up since we weren't even talking about anything knitting or fiber related.) She asked how big it had gotten. I told her. It was at that point she told me I would need to take a picture with it so she could have a point of reference of its size. I then explained that it covers my ottoman, dining room table and cedar chest quite nicely. That helped. In the next couple of days I will be seeing Spinner so I've decided I will have to show her blankie since she has heard so much about it.

Last on my agenda this evening is to report that all the swapping drama has ceased! Yay!!! I was relieved by this. As I said earlier, it made something that was suppose to be fun somewhat stressful. So we are now moving forward and swapping in 2010 will be all fun and no drama!

Until later . . .

This Time It's Personal

I'm always surprised at the things that trigger memories. The things that trigger bad memories.

A few months back, I had to go for finger printing as part of a mandatory background check. In the days leading up to the printing I have to admit I was a bit anxious. My anxiety was very upsetting to me. I couldn't come-up with any valid reason I should be so upset about it - it was routine. The printing came and went. Afterward, as I was discussing the experience with a friend it hit me like a ton of bricks. I knew exactly why I had been so anxious. It wasn't the actual event itself or what "might" be found (there was nothing to be found). It was that the event had triggered memories of a not so pleasant experience.

This past Saturday, when I read the message about my friend's home I froze and an indescribable feeling had overcome me. I was actually with another friend and I just sat there staring at my computer screen. Over the first 24 hours or so, whenever I have talked about this situation I found myself getting really upset. Yesterday afternoon, I figured why this event had such an impact on me. What a relief! But wow! I would have never realized that something like this could make such a connection so quickly.

On many of an occasion I've been told emotional wounds heal over time. At the time the suggestion of such a thing was met by my very apparent cynical sarcasm - much to the chagrin of the messengers. However, truth be told, the internal optimist that resides inside me does believes those words to be accurate.

With that in mind, I don't think they fully go away. (As the above scenarios demonstrate.) I think once the wound has scabbed-over and a barely visible scar starts to reveals itself, there comes a time one must decide how that scar will become part of them. Will it hold them back? Or, will it serve as a reminder of how resilient they really are?

The Answer: Well, in your life that is up to you. Just like in mine it is up to me. But the important thing to realize is that it is a choice; not a certainty.

Until later . . .

On The Surface

On the surface, it may appear knitting groups are just a group of individuals sitting around talking about yarn and patterns. Showing off their latest project and accomplishments and plotting future fibrous conquests.

It's been less than 48 hours since my friend's house burnt down and the troops have rallied. A Paypal account is being establish to take donations, a needs list has been established and is being distributed. Other special surprises are in the works. Messages are flying back and forth on Facebook and lots of brainstorming has taken place through out the day. At knitting group today, no one was talking about yarn. Instead the conversation centered around trying to figure out what could been done to help one of our own.

On the surface, it may appear knitting groups are just a group of individuals sitting around talking about yarn and patterns. Showing off their latest project and accomplishments and plotting future fibrous conquests.

In reality, knitting groups are so much more. It is a time in which a community is being a built and established. The bonds of friendship are being formed and the foundation of support laid.

Today, and in the days to come, we come together to take care of one of our own as if it were us going through this unfortunate turn of event that has come to pass because beyond the surface we are bound by the fiber that bring us together in the first place.

Until later . . .

More Important

I had a few things on my mind for today's post . . .

Then I picked a message that the home of my one my friends burnt to the ground this morning. Her, and her family are without, well, everything. I couldn't imagine what is more important than that at this moment.

They are staying with family at the moment and went shopping for some clothes. I'm waiting to find out how I can help out. I can only imagine they will need much more as the days go on.

Please keep my friend, and their family, in your thoughts and prayers as the the days ahead will be challenging ones for them.

Until later . . .

Report Card

I'm stealing this idea from KP...

Lately, I've been feeling like I haven't accomplished much knitting this year. Then I read KP's list of knitting accomplishments for 2009 and thought maybe I should list out mine. (Sometimes if you write it down you gain perspective.) So I did. This is what I came up with:

• 1 Scarf

• 2 Kippot

• 2 Hand Dyed Hanks of Sock Yarn

• 4 Original Patterns (that will one day make it to written format)

• 5 Wee Tiny Socks

• 6 Hats

• 9 Pairs of Socks

• 9 Dish Rags

• 500 Mitered Squares (320 on my personal blankie; 180 on my mom's blanket)

• Many - New Friends

• Countless/Priceless - Memories

Not bad if I do say so myself. Guess I accomplished more this year knitting wise than I thought (... and somehow I managed to have a life outside of knitting as well!)

Until later . . .

I'm Just Me

• "You wished me dead.. I mean really, it isn't like a love fest around here tonight."

• "I plan to make my family suffer through the reading of my will by making them sit through an extraordinarily specific and painfully detailed listing of whom my stash and knitting supplies go to before addressing the division of financial assets and property. The most important things come first!"

• Sock Wars vs. Iron Knitter

• They screwed up my meal and everyone benefited, but me - how does that work out?

• Google Wave = Overrated (FAIL!)

• The glasses make the woman

• H6N1 is coming and it's bigger and badder than H1N1

• Why 6? Why not 3 or 8?

• "I felt like a yarn dealer."

• Our Sabbath Year

• Mint Chip . . . Peppermint . . . Smores . . . I will take one of each!

• "It's mini-McEnroe!"

• But the yarn is for me, so why do you say I need to get something for me?

• Almost five years to see the ending of the movie . . . Talk about anti-climactic.

Until later . . .

Swap Monkey!

The Official Sock Yarn Blankie Square Count for December 15, 2009:

Squares Needed: 736

Squares Knit and Stitched Together: 320


Remaining Squares Needed: LOTS! In real numbers 416


What I really wanted the title of this post to be is "Crap Monkey," but felt that wouldn't be so cool so it's "Swap Monkey" instead. There has been a lot of drama surrounding mini swapping these days. I know it sounds crazy, but you're talking about 20 different personalities coming together. Clashes are bound to happen. It's been a bit frustrating however, I believe it will be coming to an end soon - I hope . . . Being upset and frustrated at others is draining and something I try to avoid as much as possible. Oh, it also takes the fun out of the whole experience as well. And, at the end of the day I believe that is the whole point of this - to have fun. So, the drama will soon be over and we can get back to having fun. Yay!

I wish I could get paid to be a Swap Mom. Like make that my job. I'm good at it. I mean really good at it.

This past weekend I draped blankie over my ottoman and my cedar chest. It makes a perfect cover for both! I also did a little measuring on my bed. I'm almost at the half way point and it's growing at a perfect rate. If I measured right, another 1.5 times the size will be at the length I want it at. I'm so excited. I can't believe I'm almost at the halfway point. The possibility of having this completely done next November seems more and more possible each week.

That's all I really have today. It's been a crazy day that started out kind of blah, but has ended on a happy, and warm thanks to my blankie, note.

Until later . . .

Answers Please

There is this episode of Friends where Rachel says she needs someone to make all her decisions for her (or, at least those pertaining to romance) and Monica volunteers. How nice would that be? Have someone to make all your decisions for you. As far as I'm concerned that would just be grand!

Yesterday, I was catching-up with KP about a lot of different things (because we never talk). During the conversation I told her I wanted her to start making all my decisions for me. I think it caught her off guard. No, I hadn't been watching the Friends episode I referenced above - it just popped into my mind.

I don't deal well with unknowns. Or maybe I should say, I don't deal well with having a lot of unknowns. Let's face it, life in general is one big unknown. However, it's nice to have some things in your world that you know for sure. A foundation of sorts. It makes making decisions easier. Have you ever had to make a decision not having many solid facts? Not easy, let me tell ya.

So, I enlisted my "Monica" for the job. As flattered as she was, KP passed. She wasn't sure she'd be much better at it. Sigh.

There are 17 days left to 2009 and lots of unknowns. Maybe I'm going through all this so I will get to a place where I'm more comfortable with the unknown. Or, become more of a "go with the flow" person than I've already become. Who knows. In the meantime I have to wonder, where is that life decoder ring when you need it?

Until later . . .

Normal

• Cold gone

• Hair cut; brows waxed

• Rested

I'm feeling back to normal. Or, at least as normal as normal gets. It's amazing the difference a few days of rest, a humidifier and a hair cut/eye brow wax can make. Just those few things have made me feel human again.

There is no denying that winter is here. And though it does take me an extra 5 minutes getting out of my place these days due to the extra accessories I need to wear, I'm taking it all in stride. I keep telling myself that the next three and half months will pass in no time. (Please someone remind of this in mid-January when I'm bitching about the weather.)

Aside from having to sport the every so sexy snow boats and winter coat, another tell-tale sign that winter has arrived is the reemergence of my Tera Spa neck pillow. It's my third winter with this fantastic item. And yes, I'm still waiting for my commission check from the Tara Spa people. Apparently they didn't get the memo last year when I plugged this thing for them. It's been very helpful with R&R lately. I am very thankful to the person who got this for me.

Since I had some time on my hands the past day or two, I worked on finishing the first of my mom's pedicure socks. I feel the need to say that someone is going to have to take these from me after the second one is finished and give them to my mom. Otherwise they will not make it to her. The pattern works perfectly for the yarn and the color is really pretty. They are also so comfy! It was a bit weird casting off with a sock. I've never casted-off in the round. I'm playing with the idea of attaching a toe cover onto them so they are multi-functional. I think I'll make the second sock and then decided base upon how much yarn I have left.

Last night was the first Hanukkah celebration of the season. There were lots of Latkes and Dreidel playing. Our Dreidel was a bit dysfunctional, but it served its purpose. Did I mention the Latkes? YUMMY! I kept stuffing my face with them. I am so down for any holiday that serves fried foods, but one that celebrates fried potatoes is even better in my book!

After dinner, we worked-off our Latkes with some Wii action. I swear folks, one of these days someone is going to get carpal tunnel from this thing. I wasn't half-bad at Tennis and Table Tennis however I ROCKED Sword Fighting. Yes, I'm very proud of this accomplishment. At one point we connected the Wii to the internet and I tried checking out Rav. (I'm a special kind of knitting geek.) Come on, what else does one do when taking a break from playing Wii? Unfortunately, Rav didn't like my password so I didn't get a chance to geek-out a bit. (At least not at that moment.)

Despite any moaning and groaning I've done and mixed emotions I may feel about this time of year at the end of the day I do enjoy the holidays - for the most part. It's a hard balance for me. One of my favorite things about this time of year is looking at the lights adorning local homes. They can be so pretty. There is one house that has what I call "the gum-drops." I call them that because that's what their bushes look like with lights around them. One of these days I need to take a picture. (You'd totally agree.) I'm sad about this year's questionable house. I really, really, really want to like it, but I can't. It's such a nice house, but . . . Granted, it isn't as bad as this one house that basically throws-up lawn decorations for every season/occasion possible, but still, this one is a close second. If you saw this you would think the same as I. "It's like Pokeman cards." I just don't understand. Last time I was in the area I took another swing by thinking I was too quick to judge. A friend of mine even had to check it out because I was perplexed by it so much. Yeah, Pokeman - for both of us. Oh well! Can't win 'em all, can ya!?

Keeping with the holiday kick I seem to be on . . . With my last sock club shipment came a second pattern for a Christmas Stocking. When I pulled it out I just stared at it and wondered what the hell I was going to do with it. Now, if it was a few years ago and I was still celebrating Christmas with the ex's fam I would have totally whipped one of those puppies up in a heartbeat - maybe even two. Actually I probably would have been running to get yarn the minute I opened the shipment. However, that wasn't the case. I've tossed around a few alternate uses such as:

• Use it as a Swift holder (which Hanukkah Hannah will be bring me this year); or

• Fill it up with Dreidels and Hannukah Gelt; or

• Reduce the size and making it a place to store my Menorah (Hanuka).

In all seriousness, I will probably make a stocking just for the experience of it - you never know when it will come in handy. I have a huge thing of worsted that I got from a friend that would work just perfectly.

That's all for now, I guess. I have to decide how I plan to proceed with my day - so many options, so little time.

Until later . . .

To All That Celebrate . . .

Happy

Hanukkah!

Digital Remains

The other day I was searching for a file on my computer. As I was wading through the many possible pathways I came across many files I could just simply trash. And, trash them I did. The more I could purge from my hard drive the better!

Most of the things I found weren't a surprise to me. A quick Word file here and there with notes I had needed to document at a particular point in time, a cropped picture that wasn't needed anymore; you know, the usual crap. However, when I came across chat logs spanning a time period of the three to four years . . . well, let's just say that got my attention.

This was especially intriguing when you consider the fact that I haven't use the program in question for a good two/three years now. Like hieroglyphics in the Egyptian pyramids, these digital remains told a story that went back to what seems like the beginning of time (or at least in my world) and built a bridge to my present.

So there I was, with a long, long, long list of chat logs holding my history and painting a picture of the past. I considered trying to quantify the number of files that were actually there, but I knew better. (Let's just to say there are many.)

I gazed at the list of contacts with amazement. It was unreal. There were names that I swear were part of a different lifetime. But my proof that it was part of this lifetime stared me straight in the face. It was odd, I have changed computers twice since the last time I used the program, yet they were still with me. Surely they had gotten lost along the way, right!? Apparently not. Apparently when I said to transfer everything on my hard drive to the computer I have now that is what happened. I did a quick check before parting with the old unit, but apparently not an in-depth check. All I cared about back then was that my important documents hadn't gotten lost along the way and making sure certain programs had found there way onto this unit. Oh, and deleting the information from the other computer.

The next decision - what to do with these artifacts of the past. Try to read them all? Dump 'em and forget the past as life is about concentrating on the future? Settled for a compromise? Being the "look back in the rear review mirror" gal that I am, I started reading a few of the conversations. I picked and choose a few different contacts. My emotions and feeling about this were mixed. However, none of those feeling ever entered the world of sadness thankfully. The best way to describe it was a strong sense of amazement. Amazed to see how connections have changed over time. Amazement just knowing where those connections stand now. Amazement leaving me wondering how things got from point a-to-b in a blink of an eye.

Currently, I still have the traces of the past on my computer. It's just been a couple of days since I've started this particular journey. There is a hell of a lot more to read. I'm sure it will be an interesting ride. Whatever the final fate of these files is I know that I won't make the decision in haste. This is not just another random file. This is my history.

Until later . . .

Noodle Latke

• "Every state has corruption. In Illinois we just embrace it."

• Winding Yarn is the new Cardio

• Babysitter of the year?

• First cold of the year - in more ways than one!

• I Squared

• "As you get older boring is good."

• How hard can naming something really be?

• If there was no drama in life would life still be interesting?

• Finally, we found the straw that broke the camel's back

• Snowball Fight!!!

• Going cold turkey - sort of

• Too many "ifs"

• Peppermint . . . YUMMY!

• I love holidays that promote fried foods!!!

Until later . . .

Swap Mom

The Official Sock Yarn Blankie Square Count for December 8, 2009:

Squares Needed: 736

Squares Knit and Stitched Together: 312
(A shout out to JP for pointing out that this number honors "Sweet Home Chicago"!)

Remaining Squares Needed: LOTS! In real numbers 424


This is what 312 square looks like:

The day before Thanksgiving I bought a lot of yarn to swap for this project. KP said it was a bold move on my part. That it made a statement that I was committed to finishing this puppy. Yeah, I guess. Honestly, I think I was bored and enticed by the super cheap price of the yarn. Ok, ok, that wasn't the case. Seriously, I have just gotten to a place with this project where I wanted to know for sure I would finish it. Also, I have a second one of these things to complete - this yarn will not go to waste!

The amount of yarn I bought will yield 300 squares. That will put blankie at 612 square. This is not counting the swap yarn I have coming to me from out-standing swaps (about 80 squares) and any donations made from one of my many generous donors. It's also not counting any yarn I have for larger squares. So, all said and done I have the yarn to complete at least one of these. Now I just need to knit swap it all out and then knit it all up by next November!

As much as I enjoy swapping, it's a whole process of its own - whether you are a swap mom or just a swapper.

From the Swappers' Perspective:

Swaps for this project fill up quickly. The number of swaps one can be in is limitless - as long as you get your yarn to the swap mom within the time allotted.

Once you're in, it's now time to make the minis. First you have to cake the yarn. Then make the mini-skeins.

Depending on your swap mom, you may need to weigh the minis to make sure they are the correct weight - typically 5 or 10 grams. If you do it this way, then you need a decent kitchen scale. However, some swap moms are cool with approximate weights. In that case, it's a matter of dividing the yardage of the yarn evenly between 20 swappers. If you've never done this before it can be stressful. I mean come on, how many of us have tools to measure out yards of yarn. Over the past six months I think I've used binders, books, rulers and pieces of cardboard to measure minis out. Then finally, KP made two knitty knotties. It has been a g-d sent! (Thank you KP!)

Making mini-skeins the first couple of times is fun. Then it can get redundant. Oh, and don't forget your labels for each mini - name of the swap, type of yarn, colorway, fiber content.

Lastly, once you've hanked your minis and put your labels on it's time to get the trusty ziplock bag. Don't forget to put your name, address, RAV ID and name of swap on the bag. KP likes to put the number of minis she's submitting to the swap as she sends 19 (holding hers back rather than sending it with all the others). Some do the same; others not. All personal preference. After that is all said and done, it's time to get your self-addressed stamped envelope ready and then the envelope they will be sent it. Make sure all the postage is good. You'd hate to have the yarn not make it to the swap mom or worse not make it back to you, right!?


Have I turned you off to swapping yet?

From the Swap Mom's Perspective:

I stopped counting how many swaps I've coordinated. It's been that many.

I enjoy coordinating swaps. I get to play with ExCel spreadsheets, see what everyone is sending in and most importantly I get to meet a lot of new people I would have not otherwise really interacted with. However, it is time consuming to corridnate a swap.

First you have to decide what type of swap it is - brand specific, color specific, free for all, LYS qualify, Big Box quality (just to name a few possibilities). Next name your swap. Then comes the rules. Remember when putting together your rules to have enough rules to guide people, but not so many that they are overwhelmed. Oh, yeah, remember that you are the swap mom so you have to enforce the rules, within reason - flexibility is a good thing - so make sure you are comfortable with them. Now it's time to promote your swap. Once the swap is up and going checking the boards constantly for people wanting to play is helpful. Also you have to be in constant communication with your swappers.

(Tired yet? Because I'm just getting started!)


So, you get the point - swapping on either end of the coin is a lot of work. At the end of the day it is totally worth it. KP periodically mentions that once hers is done she won't know what to do. There will be this hole. I completely concur with that comment. However, something tells me I won't get to that point for awhile. :D

Until later . . .

Sweet Melody

I'm blown-away every time.

Every time I hear Cantor D sing that is. I've known Cantor D for at least 8 years now. It's hard to believe I knew him before he was a Cantor. I have to admit, it seems just like yesterday he was sending me the mp3 tracks he would be submitting for his final Cantorial Selections. I remember pressing play and thinking "Seriously!? This is Cantor D singing?" (I shouldn't have been surprised. He did sing at BFF's wedding. However, it was BFF's wedding so my mind was more on BFF then anything else.) I sat in my chair and closed my eyes taking in the beautiful songs that were coming out of my speakers.

The first time I heard Cantor D sing live (well, at least remember) was this summer. It was my own fault it wasn't sooner. He had moved back the summer prior, but I was in another place and time at that point. It would take me almost a year to finally accept one of his periodic invitations to attend a Shabbos service.

It was a lovely August evening and services were being held in the congregation's outside meeting area. A very tranquil place if I do say so myself. Shamefully, I was late. I blame all the construction that was taking place, but I also hadn't timed the drive well either. I took my seat and opened my prayer book to the appropriate page. Not too long after my arrival Cantor D began to sing.

OMG! I was memorized. Even on an "average" Friday evening, Cantor D sang with such grace and beauty that had come from my speakers a few years prior. I was paralyzed (in a good way of course!). That particular evening, I was also fortunate enough to hear Cantor D give Shabbos sermon. It was a reflection piece he had written a few years prior about his time in Israel. I had goose bumps and a few alligator tears ran down my cheeks. I had heard about all that he spoke of in bits and pieces over the years, and even read the blogs from which the main portion of his sermon originated. However, it took on a different form to hear him speak the words of that experience rather than read them on a flat computer screen. Emotioncons don't quite have the same impact as vocal inflection.

Last night Cantor D's congregation had their annual Cantorial Concert to raise money for their charity of choice. I was amongst a group of guests Cantor D had invited to the concert. Again, I sat in awe of Cantor D as he sang. This time we were in the main sanctuary so the melody was illuminated even more than my prior visits. At one point I closed my eyes so I could appreciate the amazing sounds around me. I felt as though I was in a great concert hall. My thoughts began to wander and I realize that it isn't so far-fetched to believe that one day I would be listening to Cantor D in a great concert hall. He surely has the potential.

If you haven't guessed, I'm a "Cantor Fan." (Just one of many.) I'm very proud of my friend. But he is not only my friend, he is my Cantor. I know it sounds funny to say, but to some extent I see him as the trusted clergy I've turned too for counsel as well as friendship.

Though he's only officially been a Cantor for a few years now, his road to this point-in-time has not always been easy. Maybe that is what makes this music even that much more beautiful for me. The road he has taken is much like the one we all take. Sort of like the Yellow Brick Road, in the "Wizard Of Oz." A road filled with sunshine, but also obstacles in our way that we must over come only to find that when we meet the great wizard the answers to our struggles (whatever they may be) have been with us the whole time - deep within. The answers that inevitably take us home.

It is my believe, that at this time, Cantor D has found his home at his congregation in the Chicagoland area. And until he decides that this is no longer home, and needs to follow the next road, I will take advantage the opportunity to see him perform live whenever possible.

Until later . . .

Iowa

My first trip out to Indiana was around this time two years ago. I was with the ex and honestly I didn't want to go. However, I had many good reasons to make the trip. It was a very eye-opening visit which confirmed a lot of my beliefs about the area. Though this was the case, as I mentioned above I really didn't want to be out there so I was so happy when we finally made our way back to Iowa.

I didn't even consider going near the Indiana area until I had to pass through a little less than a year later for work. I was happy to just be passing by. I hadn't forgotten my first visit which still held very strong feelings. On my way back, I was happy to see the signs that showed I'd be in Iowa in no time.

This spring/summer I was in Indiana on a few occasions. This time I wasn't even thinking about the first visit. Wow! How things had changed. However, I still hearted the cornfields of Iowa more.

Tonight, I went to Indiana - again! This time I was excited. On my way home, my first visit floated in and out of my mind. I chuckled inside. Indiana didn't upset me anymore. Instead of getting an aching sensation about my initial intuition about Indiana as I had in the past, I smiled. And, to add to the humor of it all, I've kind of grown fond of Indiana and I'm getting to know the place more and more with each visit out there.

All this said, I was still happy to see the signs pointing to Iowa. Though it has blemishes of its own, it's a happy place. It's home.

Until later . . .

Child's Play

"Ring around the rosey;
Pocket full of . . ."

Posie

"Ashes; ashes we all fall down!"

Picture compliments of KP

i-Knit

Aside from the blankie update, even I start to wonder if I actually knit anymore. Part of my reluctance to writing about what's on the needles and such is that I don't have any pictures and that is part of the fun of those posts. (I still haven't located my second card reader and won't buy a new one until I'm absolutely sure that I can't find it. Oh, and I can't find the cord that hooks-up to my camera either so retrieving pictures that way is out as well.)

So here goes nothing . . .

Fingerless Mitts:

I was literally outside just a matter of seconds and my fingers began to go numb. Overnight, temps have plummeted and winter has arrived with a vengeance. What does this mean for me? I need to get serious about making a pair of fingerless mitts.

I attempted about a month ago to make a pair from the Dead Blue yarn, but the pattern was poorly written. I still have the awesome purple, hand spun yarn Spinner made me that I think might have better fingerless mitt karma. Now I just need to find the right pattern!

February Lady Sweater:

The yarn was purchased and is all caked. I even have buttons - sorta. Now, I just need to swatch. It turns I just made this whole process harder for myself when I decided to purchase Alpaca for this project. I was warned that Alpaca grows immensely once washed and blocked. So, I will need to account for that and make appropriate accommodations. Crap Monkey! I have to admit that it has helped delay the start of this project.

In an effort to avoid extra work, I went onto the Rav group for the yarn manufacture I am using and reached out to those that have used the yarn to see how much it really grows because it is a 50/50 blend of Alpace and Merino. The first responses were to look-up who has made that sweater out of the yarn and ask them. Damn it! That takes extra effort. Ok, that's a task for another day!

Bottom line to all this is that I don't want to make a sweater that is going to be huge on me.

Socks:

I have what resembles a sock on the needles. A pedicure sock to be exact. It's my mom's b-day present. After I got the yarn color approved by her I casted-on. I decided to create a checker board pattern. The pattern and the yarn colors are awesome! I love them so much I may have to find a way to keep them for myself . . . Or, I guess I could make myself a pair - eventually.

I also have a sock for my niece on needles right now. She is excited about this! Yes, her cuteness wore me down over the Thanksgiving holiday and I told her I was making her a pair of socks. (Damn kids and their cuteness!)

BFF's birhtday socks haven't been forgotten either. I've discussed this with BFF so we're cool.

Yarn Dying:

Last but not least, I dyed yarn for a swap. It's so PRETTY! I mean love this yarn so much. (This is one thing I can add a picture for.) Below was my inspiration for the yarn my latest and great yarn dying adventure:

(As found on a web site by Bruce Buck)

The picture of the actual yarn will be up with the other pics in the near future!


After listing all this out (and these are only the things I can remember on the spot) I think I need to take a week in December and just lock myself in my place and finish all my outstanding projects so I can start the new year with a clean knitting slate. Now you can see why I tried to stay a monogamous knitter. I'm not one to cheat.

Since that's all I can remember for now, all that is left to say is that hopefully I will have pictures soon!

Until later . . .

Don't Push Send

• Once it's out there, it's out there

• Mom vs. child - Mom seems to always win

• Home Sweet Home!

• "It's like Pokeman cards."

• "A special kind of asshole."

• "Somebody's Watching Me"

• Browniegate

• Yes, the fresh cranberries made them "healthy"

• As long as I get my yarn I don't care who signs for it

• "i have more colorful language i could use, but i'd probably lose my google account over it somehow. :P"

• Twenty years and no fights

• I think I'm starting to make them a bit nervous . . .

• Yes! One more person has drank the Kool Aid! On to the next victim . . .

• H1N1 - To get the vaccine or not get the vaccine, that is the question

Until later . . .

Another Milestone

The Official Sock Yarn Blankie Square Count for December 1, 2009:

Squares Needed: 736

Squares Knit and Stitched Together: 300

Remaining Squares Needed: LOTS! In real numbers 436

I was browsing some of my earlier posts about blankie. When all this Blankie madness started back in May. It was funny to see how excited I was about 12 squares. Then 20-some. Now I'm at 300. I'm sure I will be saying that when blankie hits 400, 500, 600 and 700 squares. I am told blankie will grow to a size that will not be portable. Yeah, I don't think so! I will make it happen!

As anticipated, just using this as a lap blanket during the colder weather has made a difference. Actually, it covers me up very nicely when I'm curled up watching tv. Makes me look forward to the day I finish it even THAT much more. I'm sure a lot of this is repetitious of things I've said before, but it still hold true.

Until later . . .

Froggie v.34.0

Well folks, "Froggie v.34.0" has been released.

I can already recommend some bugs that need tweaking. In all honesty, it seems like just another day - aside from family, friends and acquaintances plastering my Facebook wall with birthday wishes. I have to say I'm truly overwhelmed with all those that have posted this year. Not at all like last year. Usually, my birthday is a blip on the radar somewhere after Thanksgiving. That said, all the birthday wishes are greatly appreciated!

Here's the birthday run down thus far:

I had a lovely birthday brunch at a friend's house yesterday where her kids showered me with lots of hand-drawn cards. The menu consisted of: chocolate chip pancakes with chocolate shavings (YUM!), hash browns and bacon cooked just the way I like 'em - CRISPY!

Saturday I was thoroughly embarrassed at a friend's party when she decided to stop the festivities and have everyone sing to me. YYEEEAAHH! I think if these people were my friends too I would have been more cool with it (or if there had been a cake too - when a dessert is involved I'm down for hearing Happy Birthday sung to me), but in this particular situation I wasn't so cool with it. She meant well, so it is what it is. I have a good story, right!?

Today, has been a chill day - for the most part. Just another day. Not thinking, too much, about my stupid parking ticket or of other things going on. Or, at least trying not too.

I received some very nice gifts. And, yes, I got sock yarn. I laughed at the box BFF's present came in. It was a Spider Man shoe box. It reminded me of the time my grandparents sent me a stuffed animal in a box with a picture of a telephone on it. The irony of this situation was that I had been BEGGING my parents for a phone for my room prior to the box arriving. You can imagine my disappointment when I pulled out a stuffed Alligator instead of a telephone. This time I can't say I was upset about not seeing Spider Man shoes, but my nephew LOVES Spider Man so I think I know what box I will be using for his bday gift. (I hope he's not disappointed! Maybe that is not such a good idea after all.)

At the end of the day, I guess what is most important about today is that I've grown - in positives ways - from the year prior.

Oh, and it has not snowed thus far so I believe I can add 2009 to the list of birthdays it hasn't snowed.

The last thing I will say, in this post at least, is . . . 365 days until Blankie needs to be done. Let the fun begin!!!

Until later . . .

Froggie v.33.12

I'm ready to put "Froggie" v.33.12 in the archives.

Not that I have much choice in the matter. In about 24 hours, it will be put away whether I like it or not. However, I am ready.

This past week, the ever so persistent mother of mine has come-up with a few more b-day present ideas. The list now looks something like this:

• Winter Coat

• Gift Certificate to a Yarn Shop

• Gift Card to my favorite clothing store

• Uggs (Yes, I know several people who can't understand the fascination with Uggs which leads me to note that the suggestion was made based upon a conversation me and the my sil were having recently)

(Maybe I'll just ask her to pay the $15 parking ticket I found on my windshield this morning - damn suburban police whom change the parking regulations on your block and just expect you to know them through E.S.P.)

All of the above are very nice suggestions, however, I've seem to be able to hold off on committing to anything. At this point it looks like it's a matter of which one of us is the most stubborn. I'm sure, at some point, I'll give in and pick something.

All this bothers me a lot. It's very possible I would feel differently if things were different in my life right now and I didn't have these intangibles that I wanted more. Then again, two of five on the list have come true, so I guess I should consider it all a success. Maybe this is just who I am now. Someone who doesn't "yearn" for material things as much, but rather concentrates on the intangibles. Could it be possible that this is one of the new features in the soon-to-be released "Froggie v.34.0" operating system?

Until later . . .

Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving!

No one wore their pjs, which made me glad I didn't wear mine. Getting to our new lo-cal was a breeze. The food . . . OMG! The food. No one was going hungry!

• A ton of appetizers

• Turkey (cooked on the grill)

• Prime Rib

• Made from scratch mashed potatoes

• Stuffing

• Crescent rolls

• French Silk pie from Bakers Square (because it's the best)

• Chewy-gooey Fudge Brownies

• Made from scratch chocolate chip cookies

• Pumpkin Pie (not for me, but there were those that love it)

• Carrot Cake (as far as I'm concerned it's the same as Pumpkin Pie)


Hungry yet???

I was tired before the meal even started. The eyes were much larger than my stomach (nothing new). Then there was the after dinner nap before round two - dessert. After partaking in dessert, it was back to the recliner for the post dessert nap. All the while, we watched the Cowboys crush the Oakland Raiders.

I would later comment to my mom that it was the first Thanksgiving in a couple years that I truly felt relaxed at and enjoyed myself immensely. She offered up a reason for this which I at first rebuffed, but after further examination do find some merit and truth in. I also have another theory. Regardless of the reason, it was a relaxing and fun evening.

One thing we didn't do this year - go around and state what we are thankful for. This meant there were no tears. I wonder if we had done this portion of the evening if I would have cried as I did last year. It sounds a bit strange to care about, but to me it would have been a gauge of sorts.

As I did last year, I will list some of things I am thankful for here. I have this nagging feeling it will be very similar to last year, but for different reasons. Here goes nothing. . .

I am thankful for:

• My Family

As I said last year, despite any differences we may have I know at the end of the day my family is there for me - as I am for them. But even more importantly, I'm thankful for the greater understand I have of them. Taking it one step further, I feel very lucky to have had the rare opportunity to spend more time with them than I normally would. It's been so wonderful and the impact this time spent together is visible. Oh, and have mentioned the crush I now have on my niece and nephew!? I sit back in amazement when I see how they've changed over the years. It is truly a gift.

• My Friends

Just like my family, my friends are amazing. I am truly blessed.

There are a few people who stand-out in my mind more than others - it's only normal, but I won't name names to be fair to everyone.

There are the obvious two that have been "dealing" with me for decades now. G-d bless them! Last week an unexpected "hiccup" made I realized I've never had a fight with one of the two. In twenty years not one fight or major disagreement. Not that I want to have a fight with them I just think it is a truly rare accomplishment. I hope that it remains that way. I am thankful that bizarre circumstance that introduced me someone who I consider a really good friend. I am thankful to have the chance to spend more time with those I don't normally do.

Lastly, I am thankful for the faith and confidence my friends have in me - especially during times when I am down-right lacking it in myself.

• My Life

• My Inner Strength

• The ability to make yarn pretty

• Laughter

• Being able to remember the good stuff - Many roll their eyes at me on this one, but it's really important to me to stay this way because I feel to do differently would be to deny who I am.


(These are just a few of the many things I am thankful for - there are many, many more)


There are people that I missed tonight. People I miss periodically; some daily.

I believe that is all for now. Unlike last year, I am not filled with as many words. Maybe it's because I'm more at peace, or it could just be that I'm still in a lingering food coma. Who knows. I do however, know this. . . It is my hope that everyone has had a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving.

Until later . . .

Nameless

• "Where's the Fisher Price 'My First Knitting Kit' when you need it? :)"

• Rain, rain and more rain.

• How is it that people spell my name wrong even when it's right in front of them?

• "Burned? Try more like deep fried!"

• Happy Birthday!

• Reality

• "And I said,'This is the most naked I will get today.'"

• We were just standing there wait until we could shop

• 24/7 until the holidays is a little too much for me

• Nice weather. Not getting lost. Lots of yarn.

• I don't know if I want to friend this person

• So many projects; so little time

• Be Thankful

• Rule are necessary, but there is a thing as too many

Until later . . .

Thankful For Blankie

The Official Sock Yarn Blankie Square Count for November 24, 2009:

Squares Needed: 736

Squares Knit and Stitched Together: 280

Remaining Squares Needed: LOTS! In real numbers 456

This is my last blankie update before my b-day. All this really means is that next week there will be less then a year until this monster needs to at 736 squares. Yes, now it is a monster. (At least at this moment it is.)

It's kind of exciting because I'm close to reaching the half-way point of the 736 squares. Then I got to thinking of all the people that have made it happen. Now, I have been swapping - a lot! However, there are many, many, many people who have contributed to the cause. Today, I started a list of those donors. I have to say it's quite lengthy for just six months or so - and these are just the people I can remember. I'm sure more names will pop into my head as time goes by.

Until later . . .

PJs Optional

Our Thanksgiving venue is different this year. After getting over the location change, I started to wonder - Different venue, different dress code?

I can't recall the last time we dressed up for a family dinner that wasn't followed by going to temple. If I had to guess it was somewhere around 2004-ish. To some degree it was a relief to not have to worry about dressing up. No pressure to find just the right top, skirt/dress pants and shoes. Oh, and no hose are involved - WooHoo!

On the other hand, there is something special about dressing up. Treating the gathering as a special occasion - not just another family dinner. The only thing I can compare it to is working in a casual work environment. In theory, it sounds really nice. And, it saves a hell of a lot of time in the morning. However, after awhile it does get old. There is something nice about dressing up, being put together and not looking like you just rolled out of bed and choose the first thing you found that was clean (or at least appeared to be clean). As far as I'm concerned, it feels nice when I look nice.

Sometimes I wonder how we got here. When I was younger dressing up was just part of the holidays. It was a special time that warranted special food and special clothes. Maybe in our fast-paced, easy and comfort world taking the time to look nice for the holidays is just too much to ask. Instead of making that extra effort for these special times, we spend more time caring about menus, guest lists, unnecessary drama and checking our Blackberry's. (And I'm just as guilty as the rest of them so you can send some of that blame right my way . . Well, except for the Blackberry part.) In the end, all I know is that I cherish the memories of dressing up for holiday dinners, such as Thanksgiving, and will do so for years to come. I guess I just find it a little sad that the next generation - like my niece and nephew - won't have the same experience and memories.

As for this year's dress code - "Of course jeans are fine." Actually, PJs have been added as an option as well. Hmmm, the times they really are a changin'!

Until later . . .

The Calm Before

Here I am.

Sitting.

Sitting on my sofa blogging.

It's the eve of a chaotic week and I'm blogging instead of tending to the many things left to do. And yes, I spent the weekend having fun instead of getting ready for the upcoming week.

I keep telling myself that I'll be getting up early tomorrow so I will be fine . . . HA! I can't remember the last time I dragged myself out of bed early without a fight. I guess that means I should probably set my alarm about half an hour earlier than I really want to get up. Tomorrow is definitely a caffeinated morning.

Instead of wrapping-up all the little details and, dare I say, go to sleep "early" I'm thinking about non-sense:

• Who will be at the party?

• What knitting project is most important?

• Where is the other shoe?

• When will I start training for the 5K?

• Why is my card reader holding my pictures hostage?

• How much longer will my plants stay alive?

I have to say all things considering, I'm more organized and much farther ahead of myself than I usually am. It's starting to freak me out a bit. Hope this minimizes the last minute craziness.

Guess it's time to accept the calm has passed. Time to finish up for the evening and make my way into the storm.

Until later . . .

No Moral Of The Story

This was not like the European vacation we took last time.

This time, we traveled domestically to see The Ravens, The Andersons and The Logans. Oh, I forgot, The Oaks too.

Our route was well mapped out thanks to Navager and Googlite, so much so I felt the needed to pinch myself to make sure it was all real. Instead, I sat back, relaxed and had a Mimosa with Mary.

WARNING: Bad rhyming ahead - Proceed with Caution!

Souvenirs were acquired - some soft; some sweet. There surely are memories that definitely can't be beat. At the end of the day everyone was run-down and very glad to rest. And on that note, I think that it is best that I say with the little zest I have left . . .

Until later . . .

The Yellow Brick Road (Or Is It Magenta?)

I've come to the end of the "Yellow Brick Road." Where is the Wizard?

***Sigh***

At times the road looked shorter than it was; at times it looked longer. For awhile now I've been traveling the "Blue Brick Road" (don't know why I choose blue - I just know it's not purple) concurrent to the the yellow one. It's been interesting traveling two roads at one time, but I knew it wouldn't last. I'm not sure how long I will be on this other road and when the one after that will appear. (Soon I hope!)

I have to admit I'm kind of tired of having to take different roads. And, furthermore the judgment that has come as a result. I'm tired of the judgment of others all together. I'm tired of the continuous questions that I clearly don't have answers too or don't want to talk about. I know they come out a place of concern for me (and I do appreciate that), but I've always taken the "when I have the information and I'm ready to share I'll let you know" approach to things. It's what I prefer. Hopefully, I've extended that courtesy to others as well. Maybe I'm the one who is in the wrong, but it's my information; my life so I don't see how that is the case.

Until later . . .

Three Days

• "I'm basking in the cuteness of my socks."

• Property Retrieval - Who knew it would be so complex

• Five pairs of socks. Yes, five pairs of socks!

• Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream???

• Creepy is as creepy does

• "I'm sorry but I'm not allowed to have that conversation."

• They are just glasses . . .

• Time and Patience

• Flyin' off the shelf like hot cakes

• Rain is better than snow. Rain is better than snow. Rain is better than snow.

• The storm is about to hit

• I didn't realize it was Friday the 13th until after it happened - that explains everything, right!?

• There is no place like home

• So many words, but they won't come out constructively

Until later . . .

Just An Update - Update

The Official Sock Yarn Blankie Square Count for November 17, 2009:

Squares Needed: 736

Squares Knit and Stitched Together: 263

Remaining Squares Needed: LOTS! In real numbers 473

I bite off more than I can chew - in most parts of my life - this project is no exception. Two blankets!? What the hell was I thinking? I'm sure it will be just fine. Right now it just seems like I won't be able to reach the end of this mammoth project let alone finish it next November. Guess time will tell!

Until later . . .

Tying Life Together

Oh where, oh where should I start?

I think I said something like - "We need an offer. We need a miracle." It was April 2006 and my condo had been on the market for two month. Now remember this is back in the day when two months was a LONG time for a place to be on the market. Back when homes were selling in the blink of an eye. Not too long after I said that I checked my e-mail. OMG! I didn't believe my eyes. There was an e-mail waiting from someone who had seen the condo just a few days prior. They were making me an offer. (I swear on the bible this is how it all went down.)

At the beginning of the month I talked about the things I wanted for my birthday that couldn't be wrapped. The things that would be left of up to time and faith - and G-d. Well, two of those things are marked off the list. My friend is cancer free as of this past week. Also, my other friend's husband got a job offer and is looking at getting another one soon. So, not one, but two so he'll have choices. I couldn't be happier for both of them. Now that only leaves the things for me. There are three things specifically that I want that can't be bought. Maybe if I make the proclamations out loud then the miracle that occurred back then will happen again.

Last week, my mom was obsessing that I need a new winter coat. Now mind you, my mom believes that I need to get a down coat for when it's super freaking cold (she has been hounding me about this for a few winters now). Maybe she's right about the down coat, but I don't feel like getting one. As for getting a new winter coat all together, I informed her that I had a decent coat that I got two years ago and that the one she saw me in was only out because it's not THAT cold out yet. This whole winter coat thing ended with her telling me that she was going to buy me a new winter coat for my birthday. I told her there was no need for that.

The questions regarding birthday presents has gone from "What would you like?" to "What yarn shop would you like a gift certificate from?" No answer has been given on my part. Though when I finally do cave it will be down to two places.

I'm enjoying the calm before the storm. Staring next weekend thing will be crazy here and it won't slow down for about a week and a half. It's all good crazy, but still crazy. I need to appreciate the calm before the storm.

It's kind of fitting to say - the calm before the storm starts next week with all the change I am experiencing. I have to say I'm scared. I have been for some time, but I haven't said it out loud - at least not to many people - let alone publish it publicly on this blog. What scares me the most about the way I feel is that it's a calm scared, not a panicked scared like I'm use to feeling. Though I do get a rush of panic from time-to-time. Maybe that means I've made peace with all that is going on, I don't know. It just bothers me more than I like to admit.

Admitting how I feel is part of my tying up loose ends initiative. I guess you can say there is something freeing about it. As for the rest of my loose ends. . . I'm gettin' there. Slowly, but surely. I'm still on the fences about some of the larger ends hanging out there. When the time is right, I'll know what to do.

Until later . . .

Let's Hear It For The Sheep

One of my all time favorite 80's songs is from the movie Footloose. It's by Denise Williams called, "Let's Here It For The Boy." Today I'm saying "Let's Here It For The Sheep!"

My Dizzy order arrived! After my freak-out about the yardage I had another freak-out about the color. I was concerned I was a special kind of color blind and that I wasn't really getting the purple I thought I was. I was right (sorta).

This is where I start gushing about how much I love Karen and Carl who own The Village Yarn & Fiber Shop.

They are also the faces behind the beloved Dizzy Deals. I had to give Karen and Carl a call so I could pay for the additional hank of yarn. During the conversation I explained that I had been stalking the site for weeks and that it was for my first sweater. . . blah. . . blah. . . blah. . . Carl was happy that they had gotten me a good price on the yarn for my first sweater. As we were waiting for their back-up to finish (Yes, I'm the person who calls just minutes after a store closes to make a purchase) I asked about the color and explained my love of purple. He said that it wasn't exactly purple. "Oh really!?" I thought to myself. That when we got into our extensive conversation about why it's hard to by yarn online (remember to add a disclaimer that says "Colors may look different on your computer screen"). This is when Karen got on the phone. She pulled up the information from the deal to look at the colors offered and tried to describe it to me. "More like a burgundy" is how she put it. Then she offered to cancel the order if I wanted as she could tell I was a bit apprehensive. After careful consideration I decided to move forward with my purchase. Burgundy is a nice color on me so I was sure it would be fine.

Like I said, I got the yarn... OMG! I L-O-V-E this yarn! So, freaking pretty and beautiful!!! And the color, if you ask me it's more like a mix if burgundy and purple. Bottom-line: It's going to be perfect. Next step - Buttons! Because it's me, the button shop has very flexible hours. After that, I'm thinking there will be some gauging commencing. I am very upfront that I don't believe in gauging however with a project like this I believe gauging is the way to go.

Of course I immediately Yelped The Village Fiber and Yarn Shop. If I was getting this kind of service over the phone I can only imagine what it would be like at their shop. Maybe one day, if I'm ever in the East Rochester hood, I'll drop by the shop - with my sweater of course!

Thank you so much Karen and Carl!

Until later . . .

Wee-Tiny Sock

The first time I did it I was at Hobby Lobby. The second time JoAnn's. The third, Target.

The realization that December was just around the corner occurred back in July/August when I walked into Hobby Lobby and was greeted by their massive ornaments section. Goodness, we were barely done with the the 4th of July and Halloween and Thanksgiving didn't even gets their chance to shine yet. However, my annoyance passed through me fairly quickly and before I knew it I was walking up an down the aisles of ornaments looking at each and everyone of them very carefully. Looking for just the perfect one. I must have been there for 10 to 15 minutes. Then it hit me - there was no need to find the perfect one.

(Yes, I'm Jewish; and no, I did not need to purchase a Christmas tree ornament.)


I think I was there for yarn. That's the only reason I go there a majority of the time. I had my 40% off coupon, but nothing was screaming "buy me" and I didn't have any projects queued. So, I left the yarn department and made my way around the rest of the store. Knitting isn't my only crafting interest - just my primary one. Eventually, I was looking at ornaments. I'm a dork when it comes to ornaments. I always have to look for the frog ones. Sometimes I walk the ornament aisles several times and find several that I just love. Then it hit me - I had no business hanging out in this area of the store.

(Yes, I'm Jewish; and no, I did not need to purchase a Christmas tree ornament.)

I don't even know why I bothered with Target when it came to ornaments. Seriously folks, I LOVE Target. If you're looking for holiday wrapping paper, boxes, bags, etc. Target is a great place to go (especially during their after Christmas sale where everything is dirt cheap), but their ornament section is . . . well . . . really bad. I didn't spend much time there. Which was good because I didn't need to be there.

(Yes, I'm Jewish; and no, I did not need to purchase a Christmas tree ornament.)

As I walked away I told myself, if I had needed an ornament I wouldn't have purchased one anyhow - a knitted wee-tiny sock ornament would have been perfect.

Until later . . .

Update

My friend's surgery was successful! (So relieved!) Now comes recovery and hope that she can move forward with her life.

That said, thank you to everyone who sent me messages with their well wishes and prayers for my friend. It is greatly appreciate!

Are We There Yet?

• If curiosity killed the cat, what did it do to the dog?

• I heart Dizzy!

• "'Wishing you a long life.' Someone out there has a sick sense of humor. To me that reads, 'Wishing you prolonged torture.'"

• She went off like a raging storm . . . It was awesome!

• Part of the reason I love it so much is that it smells like Apple Pie

• Restoring Order

• If you have the time, you might as well try - right!?

• Loose ends are better all tied up

• "Part of the fun is collecting the different yarns." - Agree (1)

• Only one week . . . and counting

• Faith and Hope; Hope and Faith

• Think Pink

• If you took it away from me I would find a way to get it back

• I know what it means to be a yarn snob, but coffee snob. . . . ummm . . .

Until later . . .

A Ball - Or Two - Of Yarn

The Official Sock Yarn Blankie Square Count for November 10, 2009:

Squares Needed: 736

Squares Knit and Stitched Together: 239

Remaining Squares Needed: LOTS! In real numbers 497

Susanna The Short was officially divorced a month before me. I met her just as hers was finalized. We have very different personalities. Conservative on the outside; colorful on the inside - that's STS. Our divorce stories on the other-hand are very similar. We hit it off immediately! I met STS at a knitting group. My first time with the group was the same day everyone was going out to celebrate her divorce. Her divorce present from the group was a pair of socks made by most of the group members. I call them her "divorce socks."

Recently, I was given a ball of STS' divorce sock yarn for blankie. It is green, purple and white. Last Thursday I took the ball out of the plastic bag it had resided in and placed it on top of my blankie in my bag so I would know where it was later on when I was ready to add the square. However, when I did actually go to knit the square it wasn't there. Ok . . . I mentally retraced my steps and identified the few places it could be. None of which I would be back at anytime soon. Crap Monkey! The divorce yarn had divorced me after just a few days. No worries, I would just send the person who gave it to me a message explaining what happened and see if they had more. They did. Problem solved.

I got the new ball this weekend. I swore I would knit it into blankie immediately. In reality it was more like an hour later. When I went to get it it was gone. WTF! I was divorced by yarn yet again!? I looked up and down and all around. Like before, at the end of the day I took it all in stride and the person who gave it to me said they would give me another. Phew! Third times a charm, right!? I have to say, I did have a harder time letting go of the disappearing yarn this time around. Before I was about to leave my lo-cal I decided to look one last place. Ah-ha, found it!

It was hiding behind the leg of someone else's chair. How it got there is beyond me, but at the end of the day what is important is that I found it and that made me happy that I found the yarn. Since then, the yarn and I have worked through are differences and it is now part of blankie.

Yay for happy endings!


Until later . . .

The Time Has Come

My friend with breat cancer will be going into surgery in about 7.5 hours. It's so surreal.

"Everything will be fine. Everything will be fine." That is what I keep repeating to myself. She told me today "she hopes" everything will go well and the cancer won't spread. I wanted to say I'm sure she will be fine. However, I'm not G-d. I can't make that promise. But, I so badly want too.

I still can't believe this is happening to her. If I had to equate how awesome this person is, I'd have to compare her to Joe, who died last July. Maybe that is what freaks me out. If Joe can be taken before his chance for a transplant what is keeping her from being taken. This is where KP and BFF would remind me about faith and trust in G-d's plan. Sigh.


At this point all I can do is wait to hear that the surgery went ok and that it is on to the next step. While I do I will say a prayer for her. If you are spiritual in any way, shape or form, I ask of you to say a prayer for my friend as well. Thank you.

Until later . . .

"It Is What It Is"

Somewhere around my early- to mid-twenties my mom would tell me how she was concerned that I wouldn't make it to see thirty.

Lovely!

This isn't exactly something anyone wants to hear - especially from a parent. However, she had a valid reason to be concerned. Like my dad, I am a worry-wort. If you could worry about it I do; and then some! Her concern was simple - all the worrying could take a toll on my body. I appreciated the concern and understood where it was coming from, but never really took it seriously.

Well, I made it to thirty . . . and then some. One could say I was trying to prove my mom wrong. However, just because I made it doesn't mean my worrying ways changed at the stroke of midnight. I still worried about everything. It wouldn't be me if I didn't, right!?

Last week, I was on the phone with KP when I realized there were a few things I couldn't find. Both pricier items and important to me. As I searched my place for them I said, "Well, if I can't find it I guess it just 'is what it is' and I will have to get new ones." This catch phrase wasn't new to me. It's actually something I've been saying for years now. So much several of my friends often beat me to the punch. KP commented that was a very relaxed approach I was taking and that she would have been upset. Yeah, I guess it was. I guess over the past few years I've realized there are some things I just can't control as much I would like too. Does it suck that I would have to spend additional monies to replace something? Yes. Do I need to stress and worry about it? Nah. I guess I'm learning to let go of things I can't control and invest in those I can have an influence over.

As for my mom . . . Last week she was telling me how she didn't know where something was and it was concerning her. It was the middle of the day. There was nothing she could do until later. I told her to relax and look for it when she got home. I also told her I was sure it would be fine. She was perplexed by my response. That's when I realized I had come full-circle. Amazing how it sneaks up on you!

Until later . . .

Silly Sheep!

I'm not sure who introduced me to the Dizzy Sheep and its infamous "Dizzy Deals," but I have to say I have mixed feeling about them for doing so.

No, the yarn I had finally settled on for the February Lady sweater I plan to make wouldn't cost me at my LYS as much as I would have paid had I found a companion pak in the yarn pit at Stitches (half the cost actually) however if I could get a deal on it, even better! (I can never be accused of being a spendthrift.)

I did a double take when I saw the Dizzy Deal posted Saturday night. There it was! Berocco Ultra Alpaca - 215 yards of super soft, warm awesomeness. I had only been stalking the site for a few weeks. I didn't think it would appear so quickly. I felt like I had won some sort of knitting lottery. After I got over the shock I quickly made my way to the other room to get my credit card since I really wasn't expecting to make a purchase. The color selection was limited. I think Dizzy knew the shade of blue I had been eying and thus didn't make it available. However there were two shades of purple available. I went with the darker purple. (Lighter purples such as Lilac and Lavender looked better on my Grandma than it does me.) All said and done, I saved about 35%. Oh, did I mention Dizzy gives AWESOME customer service!? Over 24 hours after I placed my order I realized I didn't buy enough - go figure! I e-mailed D about my slip-up and before I knew it my worries were no more.

After the purchase was made I e-mailed my button dealer to ask when their shop would be open so I could finalize my button selection - the big picture is made up of small details. Yesterday morning I received a reply with the "store" hours and also the suggestion of a knit along. Hmmm . . . not a bad idea! I think I will need someone to prod me along on this project. Especially since I can't seem to put down the two sock yarn blankies.

My goal is to have the sweater done by mid- to late- January . . . just in time for some of those snow falls I was going on about early.

Until later . . .

Springing Into Winter

Yesterday and today were lovely Spring days.

So nice that after I ran errands yesterday I changed into a pair of shorts and took a two mile walk. It was such a nice way to end the day and start the evening. Since I got an early start today I took another walk. This time just a little longer - 6 miles. I have to admit I wasn't sure if I still had it in me to make the walk without killing myself as it's been awhile since I stopped walking 40 miles a week. (Yes, you read that right.) I did slow down at the end, but still averaged a 15 minute mile.

One of the things I love about my walks is the time I have to think and clear my head about things going on around me and in my life. G-d knows I need that right now since there is a lot to clear my head of. I've been working hard lately to clear up some loose ends that have been hanging out there for some time. Most of them are all tied up. Except for one large one. Though it has an obvious solution (that is if I have to take action), that is not so desirable to me. So, it will remind loose for another moment in time. Maybe if I try hard enough I can will it to fix itself.

It's sad to think in just 22 days the snow will be here - remember there are three guarantees in life. One of them being the very latest date we can expect snow by.

Winter is not my season. Not even close to it. Which makes the fact that I love to watch snow falls bizarre. It's one of the most peaceful sites if you ask me. To see the streets and sidewalks coated with untainted snow . . . Wow! Just wow!

During winter 2008, when I was taking the crack-ass of dawn (aka 5:30am) train into work, if it was snowing out I would make my way out to the platform 10-15 minutes before the train was expected just so I could enjoy the site of the light coming from the lamps overhead beaming onto the falling snow. The angle at which it hit the snow was breathtaking. I know! It sounds super cheesy and it was a bit chilly, but it was beautiful. It was a site that helped me forget all about my worries and woos. Even for just a brief moment. It still is the site that takes me to a peaceful place. Moments like that are the only reason I look forward to winter. And, this year I look forward to experiencing it from my current view of the world. I'm sure it will be incredible.

Until later . . .

Scent Provoking

I got new shampoo the other night. I was at Costco and saw some shampoo that boasted the magic words (at least magic words to me) - "Anti-Frizz." It's like that line in the movie Jerry Maguire, "You had me at hello." I didn't care what it cost I had to have it. Ok, I take that back, I did care what it cost, but considering it was bulk I rationalized the purchase as I barely spend anything for shampoo and conditioner. Upon getting the first glob of shampoo out of the bottle I smelled what I can only equate to a Jolly Racher scent. I can't figure out which one, but there is serious Jolly Racherness going on there. Next, I used my inexpensive conditioner so I could insure some softness. That smelled like a Strawberry Creamsaver (I could nail that scent anytime!). It brought a smile to my face.

As September winded down, I anticipated October to be not so great. Man, was I wrong. Like the scent of my anti-frizz shampoo, what I got was not what I expected. It wasn't all a "rock star" month, but it's was a lot better than anticipated. Since October, I've been living in somewhat ideal circumstances. However, like all good things, it will come to an end. Reality will soon set in and I have to face that. In all honesty, I'm not looking forward to it - who would!?

All said and done, I've enjoy the little taste of this Strawberry Creamsaver world I've been living in. It makes me wish I could take up permanent residency. However, as the saying goes "All good things must come to an end." (At least in my world that seems to be the case.) At this time I feel the need to express that I'm thankful that the stars, the moon and the sun aligned all at the same time to present me with another open door at the time when one had closed. It has afforded me new experiences and the opportunity to do things I would have otherwise not. It has afforded me comfort in many ways unimaginable.

I hope that this door doesn't close anytime soon. However, when it does close I hope the next open door isn't too far down the road and it will take me to a land filled with as many sweet scents as I currently reside.

Here's the part I hate . . . only time will tell what will be. So, until then I guess I'll just have to enjoy the scents that fill my home as I wash my hair.

The delicious combination of Jolly Rachers and Creamsavers - Yummy!

Until later . . .

Musical Interlude

I know one of the members of this band so I'm using this post to promote their first video. Hope you enjoy this musical interlude . . .

Humble Pie

• Guess we now know "Who Let The Dogs Out!"

• Frugalista

• Somethings are just beyond ones control

• "You basically adopted a Muppets character."

• Socks done; Mitts next.

• Pooling Resources - CHECK!

• "Because all of life's big questions can be solved by going to Yelp!?"

• Socially Awkward?

• "Pirates of the Caribbean"

• "Take a look up close; not from a far."

• Beware of the "Catty Mood"

• My job isn't done until I have them thinking like I do

• 50 is the new 80. Soon, 30 will be the new 50.

• Tolerance

Until later . . .

Why Didn't We Do This Earlier?

Our first real conversation about it was on Father's Day this year. In retrospect it was appropriate given the day.

It was the first time I was truly candid with my mom about how I felt about my childhood, growing up with an older father and the effect it has had on my life. I'm sure we've had similar conversation, but this time was different because I was coming from an emotion-free place. No blaming, no tears and no underlying drama from which the conversation spawned (totally out of the norm - at least on these topics). Since then we've had many other conversations about related topics and I think to some degree it's helped strengthen my relationship with my mom. Tonight we touched upon a truly forbidden topic - my brother and I.

Though I have three brothers, when I say "my brother" and don't follow it with a name people know there is only one person I can be talking about. I'm not sure how the topic come up, but it did. As I've done in the other topics I calmly articulated my thoughts (No blaming; No Tears; No Drama). Then it was my mom's turn. Apparently she had had a similar conversation with my brother. This is where the conversation got interesting. What I learned wasn't necessarily shocking, but definitely enlightening. Granted it probably would have been better to have the conversation with my brother, but hey Rome wasn't built in a day - right!? I can say at the end of this day the foundation has definitely been laid and has left me wondering, why didn't we do this earlier?

Until later . . .