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 . . .

They're Taking Over

The Official Sock Yarn Blankie Square Count for November 3, 2009:

Squares Needed: 736

Squares Knit and Stitched Together: 235

Remaining Squares Needed: LOTS! In real numbers 501

They're everywhere! The minis have taken over my home. Or, should I say what's left of the minis have taken over my home. I did a stash reorganization last week to make room for said minis. I couldn't handle having them all over the place. So, I kicked my sock yarn stash and some of my other "good" yarns out of the ottoman. They soon found a new home in my cedar chest. Actually, I kind of prefer it be in there as the chest did come with a $500 moth insurance policy. That is how confident the manufacture is that it will prevent moth damage! I think $500 would be just about right should something happen to my yarn. (Sidenote: Thinking of the $500 policy always makes me smile because this was originally my grandmother's cedar chest that she got when my grandparents got married sometime in the 1930's. $500 back then was HUGE! Now, it covers the cost of sock yarn . . .) Any mini-like yarn now resides in the ottomon along with any incoming swap packages (I couldn't stand having them spread out all over my dining room table.

I've basically knit into my blankie all the minis I have so what now takes up residence in the pad are scraps for mom's blanket . . . and scraps of mini leftovers. I don't know if there will be an update for next week as I have no new minis to add to blankie. So, unless the yarn G-ds shower my home with more minis it looks like I'll be giving some tlc to my mom's blanket. (Not like this is a bad thing mind you.)

Until later . . .

The Little Plants That Could

There is absolutely no reason they are still alive. This is truly bizarre!

Seriously! I'm the first one to admit that if there were a Department of Child and Family Services for plants I would have been reported for plant neglect about three weeks ago. My schedule has been super crazy lately which doesn't allow me to water them as often as they need to be watered. However, when I do go to water them they appear to be thriving - WTF!

Could these plants be as stubborn as I am? How have they held on this long? Does the fact that I'm still attempting to care for them mean I'm secretly optimistic about my ability to care for them? Or, am I just trying to prove that I suck at keeping plants alive and they know my motivates and enjoy proving me wrong?

Hmmmm . . . .

I guess if they make it through the week I'll go to Home Depot or Menards this weekend and get a better setup for them.

Until later . . .

It's That Time Of Year

As my birthday nears I start getting the question I dread - What do you want for your birthday?

Until the very last moment I stall on this questions because . . . Well, sometimes the things I want are just too expensive and I'd never expect people to buy these things for me. Other times, I really don't know what to tell people.

This year, my hesitation centers around the fact that the things I want can't be purchased and wrapped . . .

- I want to know my friend with breast cancer will be ok.

- I want my friend's husband to find a job that will make him happy and they will be happy and that their family will be ok.

- I want assurances that can't be given.

- I want peace - so many forms of peace I can't list them out.

(Do you see a theme here?)

My other problem with this question is that if someone were to get me a gift, I want it to be something they get because they thought it would be something I'd like or remembered me mentioning. Off the top of my head I can think of at least three things that have been given to me that way. Actually, I take that back - five things. All have stories behind them I'll never forget. Regardless of the number, the point is that the gifter knew they'd be things that would make me happy and put a smile on my face. They knew it was something I wanted (or something that I'd like), but for one reason or another didn't get for myself. It showed me that they were truly thinking of me.

Maybe, that's the whole point. It's not what you get, it's the fact that you put thought into it.

Until later . . .