This week has just evaporated. I got hit with a deadline yesterday that had my head spinning, and now I am having problems figuring out which side of my life is up. Very strange feeling...like being anxious and bored all at the same time. I don't know what to do next, but I feel like I should hurry up and do SOMETHING already.
Last night I just crashed where I sat. I was asleep before Caleb, but then of course, I kept waking up in the middle of the night so that by the time morning rolled around I still didn't feel all that rested. Caffeine just isn't doing the job this morning and I am really struggling to keep from laying my head down on my desk and taking a nap.
Caleb has his swimming class tonight so that means another meal at Noodles & Co. I love the food, but it is getting a little bit old after eating there at least once a week for a year. His friend Amelia is going to be there as usual and she is so sweet, in a Tasmanian devil kind of way. She can wear me out just watching her! But she has the sweetest smile and the happiest attitude that you can imagine. I think even Caleb wonders why she is running around all the time!
For the first time in months, Scott and I are planning a date for Saturday night. Our schedule's have been so crazy lately that we have done little more than pass each other in the hallway. We seem to be living separate living all of a sudden and need a little time to re-connect. Maybe even TALK to each other....novel concept, huh? Don't know WHAT we are going to do yet, but hopefully it will involve eating some place that is NOT kid friendly and then watching a movie that isn't animated. That is if we can manage to stay awake long enough to actually make it to the movie.
The other exciting thing that is on tap for this weekend is.....wait for it.....wait for it....CLEANING OUT THE BASEMENT! Whoo! Doesn't that sound exciting? It has been neglected for WAY too long and is going to involve posting a bunch of items on Craigs List and making another pile for a garage sale. And HOPEFULLY it will also involve some space planning for the laundry area and bathroom. I would really like to put in some kind of slope sink where we can dump dirty mop water and clean paint brushes....right now it all seems to happen in the kitchen sink and that just doesn't seem sanitary some how.
And we are also going to be puppy sitting for a friend's dog this weekend. It could be a challenge since our backyard is drifted 4' deep with snow, but hopefully the two dogs will play and manage to not destroy our house. Keeping my fingers crossed on that one!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Crochet: Knit Out & Crochet 2008
I got to spend the weekend in Minneapolis with 3 friends attending the Knit Out & Crochet 2008 event at the Mall of America. It was fun and I really enjoyed the company, but I definitely don't need to go back next year. The lines were SUPER long and the reward was pretty minimal. And did I mention how much I detest shopping and shopping malls? Which means that the Mall of America was not all that exciting for me.
We stayed at the Ramada Inn, which was a lot nicer place than I had originally imagined. Yes, it was old and dated looking, but it was definitely clean and that is worth more to me than fancy lights and fountains. There seemed to be a LOT of kids running around and I got the impression that they may have been there as part of some kind of sports tournament, but it was quiet, thank god!
As for the event itself, we got there really early, but most of the booths weren't open yet and by the time we found a locker and were ready to make a second lap, the line was HUGE. And of course we got in line right ahead of a lady who would not stop talking and/or complaining the whole time we were standing there. I was looking forward to free yarns and other stuff, but was disappointed in the things that were actually handed out. I got two skeins of novelty yarn that I will never use and will probably send off to a friend, as well as many patterns that were from FREE tear off sheets. And most of those were knitting! I did get a free H hook (already have 3) and a Q hook (I do have one of these but Caleb keeps taking it) so that was at least a bonus. The demos looked really fun, but they maybe had 20 seats set up at each station and there were 55,000 people expected for the weekend. Huh? Didn't get to spend anytime there!
The place where we spent the most time was in the Warm Up America booth, but it was not a very welcoming place. There didn't seem to be a real "leader" who was showing people what to do and where they could sit and that didn't help keep things organized. I grabbed some sections and yarn and managed to assemble 2 full strips, but was never invited to the "table" or even smiled at until I was almost done. And from my POV, there were many people who came into the area looking interested, but were never felt "welcomed" by the people already there so they didn't stick around. Now I see in a couple of places that they were upset more people didn't stay to help assemble....I wonder why.....
We stayed at the Ramada Inn, which was a lot nicer place than I had originally imagined. Yes, it was old and dated looking, but it was definitely clean and that is worth more to me than fancy lights and fountains. There seemed to be a LOT of kids running around and I got the impression that they may have been there as part of some kind of sports tournament, but it was quiet, thank god!
As for the event itself, we got there really early, but most of the booths weren't open yet and by the time we found a locker and were ready to make a second lap, the line was HUGE. And of course we got in line right ahead of a lady who would not stop talking and/or complaining the whole time we were standing there. I was looking forward to free yarns and other stuff, but was disappointed in the things that were actually handed out. I got two skeins of novelty yarn that I will never use and will probably send off to a friend, as well as many patterns that were from FREE tear off sheets. And most of those were knitting! I did get a free H hook (already have 3) and a Q hook (I do have one of these but Caleb keeps taking it) so that was at least a bonus. The demos looked really fun, but they maybe had 20 seats set up at each station and there were 55,000 people expected for the weekend. Huh? Didn't get to spend anytime there!
The place where we spent the most time was in the Warm Up America booth, but it was not a very welcoming place. There didn't seem to be a real "leader" who was showing people what to do and where they could sit and that didn't help keep things organized. I grabbed some sections and yarn and managed to assemble 2 full strips, but was never invited to the "table" or even smiled at until I was almost done. And from my POV, there were many people who came into the area looking interested, but were never felt "welcomed" by the people already there so they didn't stick around. Now I see in a couple of places that they were upset more people didn't stay to help assemble....I wonder why.....
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Crochet: Daisy Square and Helmet Liner
These next two items are things that I made for separate charity projects. I have yet to send them IN to the charities, but they are DONE. Who has time to go to the post office? Apparently, I don't. :(
My favorite is the Daisy Square from KrochetKrystal.
The pattern is free, she just asks that you make one and send it to her so that she can use it to make afghans for charity. It is a lot of fun to make and is really quite striking. You use both colors at the same time so it can get a little confusing, but once you get the hang of it they fly right along. I have gotten pretty attached to these two squares so I think I am going to the keep them for a blanket and make a different combination to send to Krystal. I have a bit of rainbow ombre left from Caleb's blanket that would look neat.
The next charity item I made was a "helmetliner" which is really a fancy name for a ski mask for soldiers to wear. These need to be all wool for many reasons so I had to buy some wool since my stash consists mostly of acrylic.
Managed to find it on sale at JoAnn's and made this one up, which Scott was gracious enough to model for me. It went quickly, but I don't think I used a big enough hook. Will try using a bigger one next time and hopefully that will keep it from being too tight. I will still send in the one that I made because I am sure not everyone in the military who wears a helmet is a big burly man with a big head. At least I hope....
Some day I will get these things in the mail to the right people. Until then, I will keep them rolled up in my project bag!
My favorite is the Daisy Square from KrochetKrystal.
The pattern is free, she just asks that you make one and send it to her so that she can use it to make afghans for charity. It is a lot of fun to make and is really quite striking. You use both colors at the same time so it can get a little confusing, but once you get the hang of it they fly right along. I have gotten pretty attached to these two squares so I think I am going to the keep them for a blanket and make a different combination to send to Krystal. I have a bit of rainbow ombre left from Caleb's blanket that would look neat.The next charity item I made was a "helmetliner" which is really a fancy name for a ski mask for soldiers to wear. These need to be all wool for many reasons so I had to buy some wool since my stash consists mostly of acrylic.
Managed to find it on sale at JoAnn's and made this one up, which Scott was gracious enough to model for me. It went quickly, but I don't think I used a big enough hook. Will try using a bigger one next time and hopefully that will keep it from being too tight. I will still send in the one that I made because I am sure not everyone in the military who wears a helmet is a big burly man with a big head. At least I hope....Some day I will get these things in the mail to the right people. Until then, I will keep them rolled up in my project bag!
Crochet: Ripple and Carrot
I know it has been forever since I updated, but I covered that in yesterday's post. As for today, I hope to get a bunch of photos posted so you can see what I have been up to for the last 2 months crochet wise.
This is the ripple blanket that I finished for Caleb. He loves it and it is the first thing he asks to cuddle up with on the couch when we get home from daycare. I am very glad that he likes it because I am in love with the pattern. I will be making many more like this, especially one for my brother. His birthday isn't until October, but it is already rolling around in my head. More manly colors are definitely a must though, if I have any hopes of him ever using it.
The finished carrot! Actually, the SECOND finished carrot. The first one disappeared off my desk. I have NO idea what happened to it, and am very sad about losing it, but making the replacement wasn't a big deal. Made a coordinating dishcloth and sponge and gave to MIL for Christmas. It was a big hit with everyone I showed it to and I think I am going to make one for myself. Can never have too many bagholders!
Will post more later, but blogger is starting to wear me out. My brain doesn't want to think like this!
This is the ripple blanket that I finished for Caleb. He loves it and it is the first thing he asks to cuddle up with on the couch when we get home from daycare. I am very glad that he likes it because I am in love with the pattern. I will be making many more like this, especially one for my brother. His birthday isn't until October, but it is already rolling around in my head. More manly colors are definitely a must though, if I have any hopes of him ever using it.
The finished carrot! Actually, the SECOND finished carrot. The first one disappeared off my desk. I have NO idea what happened to it, and am very sad about losing it, but making the replacement wasn't a big deal. Made a coordinating dishcloth and sponge and gave to MIL for Christmas. It was a big hit with everyone I showed it to and I think I am going to make one for myself. Can never have too many bagholders!Will post more later, but blogger is starting to wear me out. My brain doesn't want to think like this!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
New Years resolution....or not
OK, so my New Years resolution to myself was to blog more.....as you can see by the fact that there were no posts in January, I failed miserably. What was holding me back was my last post in December. I tried started, stopped, edited and finally gave up for a while. It was just a really painful wound that I needed to let close a little before I could go on. But, now I am back and here in force! I hope.
Since I linked this blog to my Ravelry notebook/profile, I know there are many more potential people who might be reading this blog....Welcome! Up until now I have been writing to myself. But after a year, I just got my first comment. Wooohoooo! I am on a roll now, Baby!
I had thought about posting my crochet items on a separate blog, but since I have a hard enough time keeping up with this one I don't think that is a good idea. So, I am simply going to continue tagging the crochet specific posts and let the rest of you find them. Good luck!
Since I linked this blog to my Ravelry notebook/profile, I know there are many more potential people who might be reading this blog....Welcome! Up until now I have been writing to myself. But after a year, I just got my first comment. Wooohoooo! I am on a roll now, Baby!
I had thought about posting my crochet items on a separate blog, but since I have a hard enough time keeping up with this one I don't think that is a good idea. So, I am simply going to continue tagging the crochet specific posts and let the rest of you find them. Good luck!
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Good Bye, Uncle Bill
Yesterday was a really hard day. Last Saturday I got a call from my mom saying that my Uncle Bill had passed away. It was very unexpected as he was in great health and only 66, but he died in his sleep and my aunt was unable to revive him. He was my father's older brother by 11 years and had 2 kids and 4 grandkids that will miss him terribly. The funeral was yesterday and the church was full of all the people he had touched over the years.
Uncle Bill was my closest uncle on my Dad's side of the family, since he was also my godfather. I was baptized in the catholic faith, but was raised methodist and that never bothered Uncle Bill one bit. He still took his "job" very seriously and liked to spoil me rotten. I looked forward to his presents the most on birthdays and Christmas because he always managed to know exactly what I wanted, even if I didn't.
Because of family tensions (a really LOOOOONG story that I don't even know completely) we never had much communication with my Dad's brothers and sisters. I only knew Uncle Bill and my Aunt Carol out of the 7 siblings. Uncle Bill has two daughters, neither of which I ever spent much time with. They were older by a few years and I am really sorry that I haven't gotten to know them. Now they both live on opposite ends of the country and I have a feeling I won't ever get much of a chance to develop a relationship.
I think the hardest part of the funeral was putting myself in everyone else's shoes. I have a bad habit of empathizing too deeply with people and I then over react to the situation. Even now I am sitting here with tears running down my face because I just can't help but feel bad for the children who no longer have a grandfather and his wife who no longer has her husband.
Caleb was having a really hard time understanding why we were there and what was going on. Definitely some really big concepts for a 3 YO to handle. He kept asking who the man was and why he was laying there. The only thing I could tell him was that Uncle Bill was sleeping and that Bumpa had to say goodbye to him. He then asked all the way home when we could play with Uncle Bill and why Bumpa was so sad....pretty profound for a boy who had never met his great uncle, and now he never will.
Uncle Bill was my closest uncle on my Dad's side of the family, since he was also my godfather. I was baptized in the catholic faith, but was raised methodist and that never bothered Uncle Bill one bit. He still took his "job" very seriously and liked to spoil me rotten. I looked forward to his presents the most on birthdays and Christmas because he always managed to know exactly what I wanted, even if I didn't.
Because of family tensions (a really LOOOOONG story that I don't even know completely) we never had much communication with my Dad's brothers and sisters. I only knew Uncle Bill and my Aunt Carol out of the 7 siblings. Uncle Bill has two daughters, neither of which I ever spent much time with. They were older by a few years and I am really sorry that I haven't gotten to know them. Now they both live on opposite ends of the country and I have a feeling I won't ever get much of a chance to develop a relationship.
I think the hardest part of the funeral was putting myself in everyone else's shoes. I have a bad habit of empathizing too deeply with people and I then over react to the situation. Even now I am sitting here with tears running down my face because I just can't help but feel bad for the children who no longer have a grandfather and his wife who no longer has her husband.
Caleb was having a really hard time understanding why we were there and what was going on. Definitely some really big concepts for a 3 YO to handle. He kept asking who the man was and why he was laying there. The only thing I could tell him was that Uncle Bill was sleeping and that Bumpa had to say goodbye to him. He then asked all the way home when we could play with Uncle Bill and why Bumpa was so sad....pretty profound for a boy who had never met his great uncle, and now he never will.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Crochet: finished the bunny hat and MACG meeting
This is a picture of Caleb wearing the bunny hat and mittens that I just finished for a friend of mine at work. Well, actually for her new baby, but you probably figured that part out. It was really easy to make and took me about two nights to get it completely finished. Very quick, painless and adorable.I also managed to finish the first of many swiffer shrugs that I want to make for Christmas gifts. LOVE the pattern! It was a lot of fun to do and very easy once I got the hang of it. Took it with me to the MACG (Madison Area Crochet Guild) meeting and it was definitely a big hit. I like the idea that it is environmentally friendly and I think it will actually work BETTER than the ones I buy in the store because it will pick UP the dirt and not just push it around.
I didn't do a whole lot else this weekend, crochet wise, but I did attend the latest MACG meeting at Lakeside Fibers here in Madison. I really look forward to getting together with these ladies and just having a little spontaneous conversation about anything and everything while we all get a chance to crochet. These ladies understand the addiction and don't think less of me for it.
Did manage to work on Caleb's blanket a little more and started on the carrot bagholder, but then realized that I needed an elastic hair band to go any further so had to stop. I think I did the first 6 rounds wrong anyway, so I will frog it and try again. Not a big deal, just gets me back to square one. Now all I have to do is locate me "I" hook....I think a certain 3 YO who shall remain nameless has walked away with it again, which means I may NEVER find it.
I did find a really neat pattern for a crocheted sponge this morning that I am going to make instead of some of the dish clothes I had planned. Sponges, swiffer shrugs, dish cloths and potholders will all make good gifts, I just don't know if I should "theme" them or not. I think I will try, just to make them a little more personal.
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