Happy NEW YEAR

Ok my last post just got wiped out. I just want to say happy new year to everyone. Stay present and remember to have gratitude. Peace and Love

Life is good

Well I have really been lucky lately. I got a great package from one of my swap partners from the Starbucks Swap. I felt very lucky for all the goodies she put together. I'm still working on getting my knitting done but sadly I haven't gotten any closer. But we are really having a nice holiday season.

I'm really looking forward to getting out of my current job and moving on. Its a toxic place to work but I've worked on keeping myself free of that. I'm really grateful for having a chance to move forward. I can't wait. I hope to get rolling next week.

New Job

So I didn't get one of the jobs but I did get the other and I am happy about this new option. Its a cool idea in terms of how it works out. I do in home work and teach parents how to deal with a child how is mentally ill. It will be really different from what I was doing but still in the realm of my practice. I'm looking forward to starting. I'm also really looking forward to being done with my other job. YEA.

On the knitting front, not much to report. I haven't been doing much of that. I really need to pick that back up because I have some gifts I promised. Hopefully later today.

Swap Packages

I just got two great swap packages. Take a look at how much my SP13 spoiled me. Its obvious how she had really taken time to stalk me and figure out what i liked. I can't say thank you enough secret pal for the time you put into this.

Then I got another package from my Winter Wonderland Swap partner Sandy. She really took time to put together a great package too. I am so lucky to be spoiled by two such great partners.

Its December

Wow its already December and I don't have my knitting done. UGH. I have somethings going so I don't think that I will end up feeling too stressed. At least I hope I don't. Things other than that are good. I still don't know about the job stuff. I have another opportunity but I'm not sure its what I want. Things at the current job are about the same. I'm trying hard to keep the negative energy off of me so that I don't have to take that home with me. Overall its going ok. I need to stay way from all the negative thoughts otherwise the job won't be possible. Hey at least I still have a job it could be worse. Alot worse.

Now I need to go and get myself going with picking out the right presents for the rest of the family and this holiday season will be just fine.

Warm for Ewe Yarn Swap

Do you knit or crochet, or both? How long have you been at the craft? I love to knit. I've been at it for about 2 years.

Do you spin? No

What yarns/fibers are your favorites? I love Malabrigo Sock Yarn, Eidos Sock Yarn, from The Sanguine Gryphon
What yarns/fibers do you not like? I don't like yarn thicker than fingering or acrylic.

What yarns/fibers would you like to try but haven’t? Wollmeise Sock Yarn - in browns

What are your favorite colors? Colors that you don’t like? Browns, Purples, Deep Reds - Colors I don't like are blues, pinks, oranges, yellows

What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? Felted bags, felted slippers, socks

What are you currently working on? Socks

What is your favorite FO? (Please post a picture if you have one.) Socks

Are there any techniques that you want to learn? Two socks at a time. I have the book but I haven't gotten it figured out yet.

Do you have a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes

How do you store your needles/hooks? A drawer

Do you collect anything? Nothing other than yarn

Do you like sweets? Yes, milk chocolate, chocolate with peppers

What are your favorite scents? grapefruit and gardina

Are you having a birthday during this swap? No

Do you have any online wish lists? (Amazon, Loopy Ewe, etc.) Please include a link for your pal. Yes the links are on my Ravelry page

What is your living situation (Are you married? Do you have kids, pets, or both?) Married, 1 - 5 year old son and 1 - 6 year old German Shephard

Are you allergic to anything? None

Is there anything else that you would like your pal to know? Have fun stalking.

Busy Weekend

So over this extended weekend I finally got around to re-doing the basement bathroom. The woman who owned our home before us use to run a daycare out of the basement part of the home. So needless to say much of the basement needed to be redone completely. So after getting burnt out on home repairs I got to the basement bathroom. I have to say I'm pretty happy with the results. I had a few moments of doubt but those are done. See the pictures below to see what I started with and what I finished with. Its not completely done but its close.

Now on to this next week. Tomorrow morning I'm going to be doing a polygraph for this potential new job. Its nuts how much I have to do to get this job. I'm not even sure I want the job but part of this process has actually been kind of interesting in terms of just seeing the work that these people have to go through. I still hope I get the job but the thrill is kind of wearing off and I mostly just want out of my current job. I'm not so sure that's the best plan but its what I've got. Once I tell my boss that I'm quitting things could go bad to worse. They have a long history of treating those who quit on them poorly and I can't see that changing because of me. So part of me is really looking forward to getting that over with. I don't like to upset people if I can avoid it. That is one of my problems I've been working on. More to go.......

Dilemma

Ok I have a slight dilemma. I "might" get this new job, YEA me. But its only a "might". The dilemma is that I already have the state of mind that I've got the job. UGH. What if I don't get it? Plus what if I don't like the job. What if working there is worse than my current job. I think I learned that job this last time. I shouldn't of left but now I know that. I'm now not leaving for selfish reasons. I'm leaving because I want too. I really think I'm ready to move on. I think after talking to you about this I feel better. There still is the possibility that I won't get this job. Wow that would be such a bummer. Now what if I get it and they pay me crap. That would suck too. I guess the moral of the story is I haven't burnt my bridges so far and I'm trying so hard not too. But its SO hard. UGH.

What if I don't get it? Hummmmm I will really need to take an inventory of my life. I did start a second job at a company I LOVE. At least I think so. I love their ideas and their premise when it comes to recovery. I love that they use the Four Agreements as a way to get clean. I so agree that is such a good idea. So I get to work there once a week. Soon I hope it to be more than that. I am hoping that soon it will be new clients often. I really like the work and think I could be a really good match for them. Believe me I've told them what I a great fit I would be. They are still trying to figure that out. Its a good company but its a small company so that is so similar to what I want to leave so I need to be careful. I need to create an LLC which I have no idea how to do plus do my own taxes. UGH.

Ok I feel better. Plus I have the next 5 days OFF. Yea Me

Weekend of Fun

We'll we kind of took an unplanned mini vacation up to Park City. It was fun. One night we brought a pal for Riley and the second night it was just the fam. We had a really nice time. We also had a chance to make it back to town for the big game tailgating festivities. It was a nice weekend for us to take some time away. This also means we didn't get everything we usually do on the weekends done but that's ok by me.

So I've been trying to get this job with the dept of corrections and so far I've passed 2 of the 4 test. I've never seen anything like this interview process before. I had to run a 1 1/2 in 18 minutes. Ok before you laugh on paper that sounds easy but in the moment I thought I might die. Well not really but I didn't think I'd pass. I was pushing myself hard than I ever have. It was absolutely awful. I was talking or more like yelling at myself to keep going. But no matter how hard I hurt I did it with over 2 minutes to spare. Oh my goodness that was so flippin hard. I don't ever want to do it again. But if I get this job I have to complete the police academy within 12 months of being hired. I found that strange being the job is for a therapist but that's what they said. So we'll see how that turns out. Hopefully I'll have more than 6 days to prepare. Tomorrow I have another test do to. Its about 3 to 4 hours long. Its a mental health exam which I should be able to do ;-)

As for my knitting. Well I started to knit up a pair of socks with my Malabrigo sock yarn and I love it. I'll struggling with seeing the small stickes but I'll get through that. It just might take some extra time. I love this yarn.

I just realized something

Ok I just realized something that I'm not all that proud of. I haven't been knitting much. I've been thinking about knitting, talking about knitting and even buying things that have to do with knitting but I haven't been knitting much. I need to get back to it. I have the greatest yarn but haven't gotten to it. I sort of have an addiction about getting new yarns with the greatest of intentions of knitting it up to wonderful great things but I haven't followed thru as much as I need too.

Ok you have to check out my new yarn. I got some Wollmeise from the Loopy Ewe on a total whim I checked them out at about 8 or 9pm one night and there it was. So I got one skein of Poison #5, Barista (new color) and Frosch. I have to say after I hit send I wondered what the hell have I just done. The economy is horrible and I'm spending money I shouldn't. But that passed quickly as it always does, thank goodness. Well anyways all my fear was put aside when I got it today. It is beautiful. The skein I really wanted I'm not "thrilled" with but love and the other two I wasn't sure of are wonderful. So Score. Most likely I'll share one of these with a new friend I've made on Ravelry but I do love them. Especially Barista. Plus the name is about coffee, I mean really how was I not going to buy that.

Then I also got some Malabrigo Sock Yarn. Ok I have first admit I got some from a swap I just finished up by a very thoughtful and awesome swap partner who knew an owner of a LYS and got it right before the store closed. It is amazing. So being the person I am I needed to see if it was possible to get more (not unlike the Wollmeise thing) and ended up with more yarn than i need but oh my goodness its lovely, absolutely lovely. Here are pics of both. I'd like to say this is all of the Malabrigo sock yarn I own but its not. I must admit I too have again bought more than I will knit in a life time. Thank goodness for swaps.

SP 13 - Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I love Malabrigo Sock Yarn, Socks that Rock and Cherry Tree Hill fingering yarns. I don't like furry anything, bright colors or acrylic.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? A bag I have that works really good.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting for 2 years. I consider myself a wanna-be intermediate beginning knitter. I'm willing to try interesting things but tend to get bored quickly.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes I have Etsy, Amazon and Loopy Ewe. You can find all three on my face page on Ravelry.

5. What's your favorite scent? Gardenia

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?I love milk chocolate and coffee flavored chocolates. Also chocolates with peppers.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I don't do anything other than knitting, cooking and gardening.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I love Van Morrison, Tears for Fears, U2 and so on. I also enjoy non-verbal jazz.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love deep purples, reds, browns. I really dislike pastels, blues, pinks and yellows.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I have a 5 year old, husband and a great dog. We live in Salt Lake City, Ut but aren't of the popular faith.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I love mittens, not a fan of the rest

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Socks, felted clogs, felted bags

13. What are you knitting right now? felted ballet slippers

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Sure

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I love circular wooden needles. I've got the harmony set and love them.

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

17. How old is your oldest UFO? a year old pair of socks.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe? We love Christmas around here.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Fingering sock yarn from Malabrigo.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I currently get Vogue Knitting and Interweave Knits. I really really really want this new pattern - Vivian by Ysolda Teague. Its absolutely perfect for me. I love it.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Knitting two socks on one circular. I have the book but need more work.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes and my foot size is 8.5

23. When is your birthday? July

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? graham27

Nothing too new

Well there isn't much new going on. Well actually there has been some new stress with the job but I would like to stop focusing on that and keep my thoughts on all the other really good things in my life. HEY I got Wollmeises yesterday, can you believe it. It was one of those at the right place at the right time. I'm thrilled with my purchase that I should of held off on. It was so strange there it was and I just had to get as much as possible. Who has ever thought buying things that way was a good idea. It's not for my pockeg book that's for sure.

So how is everyone working on keeping their spirits up when all there is is bad news. I've been working on what is going right in my life instead of what is going wrong and that has really been working. I have a great life and I don't need "things" to make that happen. Sometimes I can get caught up in the not having enough thought. This is the season to work that through as its about giving to others instead of recieving.

Election

I'm surprised how excited I am about tomorrow. I actually don't care that much about who everyone votes for I just want them to vote. Its weird but I would feel a bad for McCain because I like him. I don't like Sarah but I think he is a pretty good guy. I wonder if he regrets picking her. Oh well I'm sure it was well thought out. So if McCain does win I can live with that as long as I don't have to hear Sarah talk. Just her voice is annoying.

Other than tomorrow life is good. We are suppose to get a big storm tomorrow and I love a good storm. The family is great. Its nice to have Brian back so now Riley has his play pal home. I have to remind him at times that he's really his dad not his play pal. But I'm glad he's home.

We have a girls weekend planned next weekend and I'm looking forward to that. I don't think I've done that in years. So it should be fun. My plan is to knit, sleep, eat, drink, knit. Maybe I'll even convert some non-knitters over to the dark side.

Life is good

Well not much new to report other than things seem to be a bit calmer at least today. Work was fine there was a slight shift in focus and I wasn't the one who go it. That was nice.

I'm close to finishing up my knitting for my swap pal and then I can get it in the mail. YEA. I actaully think I have most of my package shopping done and I just need to put them all together and send them off. This is going to be great. I will be happy to get those sent out. I had a ton of fun shopping for all of my swappes which was the best part.

I got the prettiest most lovely sock yarn - Malabrigo sock yarn - in Velvet Grapes MY FAVORITE. I can't believe how lovely it is. I can't wait to jump into it. I need to learn how to knit socks on circulars. Bye for now.

Sometimes life's a mystery

Well its true that they who deserve it will get what they deserve, RIGHT? Struggles again nothing thats going the sink the boat but man its hard to like a job when they keep doing nasty things to you. Poor me I know. I venting right now because no one can talk back to me and tell me I'm being a victim. Some times begin a psychotherapist is rough especially if things get turned around on you. No one wants to stand by and help out but that is what is always expected of us. I know poor me. UGH

I need a new job in the worse way. If the economy was in better shape that would make things a bit easier but either way I have to move on. I teach my clients stand up for what is right, don't let others determine your self worth and yet here I am on the other end of it and boy does it suck. Ok I'm done. I'm going for a good cry and then shapering my interviewing skills. I'll be ok, the worse thing that could happen is someone to pity me. I sometimes just need to know I'm not the only one.

Share My Wishlist ~ The Loopy Ewe

Share My Wishlist ~ The Loopy Ewe: "http://www.theloopyewe.com/wishlist/show/19820/?token=5773ded240b9"

Things are the nutty

Ok the world is getting nutty. I love it but it can get overwhelming too. Work is good and so is the knitting. I have to go I'm typing illegally.

thinking about knitting

Ok its been a busy weekend. I had a client misbehave and I had to go into work to help calm the situation. So with all of that going on I've done good with my knitting. Does thinking about knitting count as actually doing it? Its been busy but I did get my swap partners stuff started. So I'm happy about that. Its a quick knit so I should be ok. I also got 2 packages out in the mail this weekend so that's not bad either. Now I need to go and make dinner. My back is flaring back up and making up unhappy but nothing a bit of wine can help.

Motivation

Ok I'm suppose to be motivated right? Actually its not like I'm not motivated its more like I'm happily distracted. Life is good right now and so is work. Things are calming down.

I've been part of numerous swaps and love all of them. I think I have figured out that putting the package together is more fun than recieving. I really have fun "stalking" my parter and getting to know them. Then buying things I hope they'll love. Now once the package is sent I have to remind myself that I did my best. There is a part of me that wonders did I get it right, did I send enought, will they like it. But that is what its kind about. You can tell those who really put alot of effort into and those who just throw things in a box. I haven't had one of those boxes in a while. Ok I must go back to what I should be doing.

I got it back at least somewhat

Ok I'm back. I have worked on the slippers and figured out the problem. Yea. I can't wait to get the other one done, washed and dried. They really look like they will pretty nice. I think next time I might try doubling up the yarn and see what happens.

We've had a nice weekend. Stayed at home for most of it which I loved. I like home, home is nice. I don't like always being on the run which is a problem because my husband loves it. But I was able to convience him that a weekend at home would be helpful to all of us and he agreed, thank goodness. I got things done and had fun doing so. I didn't necessarily get caught up but I got things done I've been thinking about for a while. I wish I had about 10 more weekends like this one so I could get completely caught up. But I'm glad to have this one.

Lost that loving feeling

I've kind of lost that loving feeling for my knitting right now. Its hard for me to get excited about it so I think I might take a little break.

Ok the break is over and I have to figure out why I'm avoiding my slippers. I think its the part I'm stuck on. I can't figure out the strap. I can't see it in my head so I just can't figure it out and I think that might be what's holding me back. Ok now that I have that all figured out I get just jump back in and follow the directions even if they don't make sense.

Other than that I've having a ton of fun with my swaps. I'm in a few (no I'm not going to mention how many) so its fun to follow all of them. I have it down to a science right now. Or at least that is what I tell myself. One thing I am starting to figure out that no matter how great the LYS is I still have to order most of my items online. Which is totally cool I just find it interesting. Yesterday I made a few purchases for a few of my upcoming swaps. I like the feeling that I have some items on hand. Ok I better go now.

What to do

So what does one do when they don't know what to do? I have an "issue" and I really have no idea how to handle it. Its a tough problem and trick to solve. If I don't solve it the right way it will look like I don't know what to do and if I do solve it the right way the "issue" might not get all the help it needs. I think I need another vacation.

I've been knitting a lot so that is nice. I'm close to getting done my first ballet slipper. I am so curious as to how those will turn out. I'm also in the process of getting all my current swap packages out in the mail. I just have to put them all together and send them off......

Fall has been great here in Utah execpt its really not fall. At least not temperature wise. Yesterday it was 85 degree's outside. Ugh its still really warm and will be for at least the end of the week. I have so to say I'm really looking forward to the cooler weather.

Vacation

We are sitting outside watching whales right now. How cool is Oregon. I love Oregon, I need to be living here. I hope to get a ton of knitting done this week and we'll see. We are loving it. This is so fun watching the whale. I'll try to get everything done if I don't let myself get totally sidetracked by the whales. LOVE THEM. I'll post pic's later.

Dilema

Hi, Ok my wonderful husband and myself are going on a much needed vacation together starting on Saturday. My dilema is do I bring my work phone with me or not. I can't tell you how much I want to leave it but I have this tyrantt of a boss who might loss his mind if I don't answer a call immediately. So what I think I might do is bring it, have it turned off, leave a VERY clear msg that I'm not available and then from there check it about every 3rd day. That should be just fine. I don't like my job but I love the kids I work with so I don't want them to suffer due to my choices. UGH. I need to go knit and sip this evening. Ta ta

Well I got back into my knitting again.

Its been a few days since i knitted but I got back into it yesterday. I decided to cast on something new and that was really helpful. Now I'm back to the swing of it and can't wait to get back to it. I am knitting a pair of ballet slippers. I'm really curious how they will turn out becuase they are put together differently than the clogs. I don't think the bottoms are as sturdy but I'll have to finish to find out.

Other than that we're just getting ready for our yearly trip to Oregon. We have a wedding to go to first and then we're off to our favorite places. It will be nice to take a real break for all of "it". Work is crazy so being away from it and my phone will be a great treat. I can't wait.

I have to go now I really need to pick up the house so that the in-laws won't know our dirty little secret - we're kind of messy........

Fall for Ewe Questions

What is your favorite thing about Autumn? I love the change in the air. I love how crisp the air feels. Its so refreshing and it seems cleaner. I also love to be reminded of the power that Mother Nature has as the leaves change colors.

What ‘cold weather’ project are you looking forward to making the most the autumn? I really would like to take on a sweater. I've done anything that big or with such a huge commitment but I think I might be ready.

This is a fun swap. I just love fall so I think its easy to like this theme. I also really love halloween. I love the build up of it more and anything other holiday. Thanksgiving is my next favorite. I could easily give up Christmas if it wasn't for the religious aspect of it.

Back Update: its so much better. I finally went in and my syatic (sp?) nerve has been irritated so that is why its going down my leg. So the doc gave me some good meds to help with that. Of course they are making me nauseated but I'll live through it. So its all good. YEA

Pain in the Back

Ok so I now have a new aliment and its driving nuts. My back is killing me and I don't know why. It started hurting about 5 weeks ago but i really thought it would go away by now but it hasn't. So I am going to go to the doctor for the #1 reason drug addicts go to the doctor, they have a back ache. I hate it and I feel like a total whimp but its getting in the way of things and I just down right grumpy. So I'm off to the doc tomorrow morning.

Update on the job: Well I still really don't like it. I have to clearify that I like the kids I work with and even some of their parents but the company I work for is seriously broken. Its so crazy that I can't even believe I work there but I do. I need to find another job and I'm kind of afraid to do so. What if its not better. I think I just need to take the leap and go for it. Who knows it can't be worse, right?

Still busy but its getting better

Ugh I just typed up a really nice entry and it got lost. So I'll go quick. I'm getting caught up and don't feel as behind as I have been. I'll soon be totally caught up with all my swap stuff. I love swaps they make me feel like its xmas for me.

Where has all the time gone

Ok its September already and I have fallen behind in my life. I don't usually fall behind in my own life. At work I see it happen and its somewhat manageable but when its my life it kind of gets out of control before I actually notice. UGH. So I'm back on track but a bit upset that I allowed that to happen. I will actually be a few days late on a swap and I just don't do that kind of thing. This is upsetting to me. I don't like that. I'll get myself caught up I know I will but I don't like letting people down. Poor me.

Ok I'm done feeling bad for myself. Today is a great day and its beautiful outside. I am working on getting my son caught up for his second week in kindegarten. He has alot of paperwork that has to be filled out so I'm working on coming up with a plan for organzing things. Once I'm organized it goest alot better.

Its fun to see him be so grown up. Having him go to kindgarten wasn't hard for me. I hear how mom's cry and are so sad about it but it wasn't that way. I think it has to do with mind set. I've always known we were only having one so I found that exciting day, just that exciting. I can't wait to see what the next year brings us.

Camping for the Holiday

Well we are back a day early and so happy we are. It ended up being a really stormy night and we left just in time. Last night there was a huge microburst. A microburst is very strong burst of wind that blows over tree's and other things that get in its way. It was crazy. No one got hurt and it turned out to be a great weekend. We had a wonderful time with friends. We loved it. We skied, jet skiied and ate way too much. It was a great weekend. I got some knitting in but not much. Usually it was dark or there was just too much other stuff going on.

I'm not going to lie its nice to be home with a warm shower. Right now its raining and the creek is running. There is nothing better to put you to sleep. So with that said I'm going to take advantage of natures goodness and go to bed. Good Night

Recovery is over

Well the recovery is pretty much over. I don't get to use my surgery as an excuse any more. But the bad part is that I'm having an ear ache right now and I am really bummed out about that. I can't even tell you how bummed I am about that. Ugh this sucks. I'm sure it will get better.

Ok I heard about this new yarn thing and I love a challenge so I am now on the hunt for good yarn or at least what I have heard is good yarn. I love challenges like this. These types of things are one of my favorite types of "hunts". This is going to be so fun. I have fun trying to figure out when to look for it and where to look. I like the idea of finding something that is hard for others to find. Now I am making it sound as though I will be successful doing this but I'm not so sure that is what will happen. By my understanding this yarn is so hard to find that it might be a lost cause but I'm willing to take on this challenge. I'll let you know how it goes.

Falling For Ewe Autumn Yarn Swap Questionnaire

QUESTIONNAIRE:

1) Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been at your craft? - I love knitting. I have been doing it for the last 2 years but really into it for the last 1.

2) Do you spin? What type of spinning do you do? - I don't spin. I don't spin in fear of starting another obsession.

3) Are there any other crafts that you participate in? - No just the one obsession at the time.

4) What are your favorite yarns/fibers? - Sock yarn from the dyepot.com. I also love malabrigo worsted weight.

5) What are your LEAST favorite yarns/fibers? - Acrylic or yarn from the big stores

6) Are there any types/brands of yarn that you are dying to work with but haven’t gotten a chance? - Fleece Artist - Sea Silk

7) What are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? - felted bags, socks and I want to try cartigans but haven't taken the leep yet.

8) What are you currently working on? Anything you plan to start this autumn? A bag for a swappee and some socks are what I'm working on right now. I think I would like to do another bag.

9) What is your favorite FO? (Please, post a picture if you would like.) Oh I love the msg bag I made from the book "Knit 2 Together" its so great I use it every day.

10) What is your oldest UFO? - one pair of socks so far. I try so hard to finish what I started but I struggle with that. I think they are a year old.

11) Are their any knitting/crochet techniques that you would like to learn? I think I want to learn intarsia.

12) Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes I am, I wear a size 8 1/2

13) Do you have a yarn winder and/or a swift? I don't have either.

14) Where/how to you keep you needles/hooks? I keep them in a bag and in a file cabinet.

15) Do you collect anything? Nothing other than yarn

16) What is your favorite type of music? Are you MP3 ready? I love Van Morrison, Cure, Coldplay, yes I have an iPod

17) Do you like sweets? What are your favorites? Love milk chocolate

18) What is your living situation like? Any pets? Children? I live with my amazing husband and the greatest 5 year only child little boy and a 7 year old German Shehpard.

19) Are you allergic to anything? Nothing but cigarette smoke and I don't mix at all.

20)Do you have an online wish list (Amazon, Etsy, Loopy Ewe, etc.)? Please include links for your swap pal. Yes I do on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/register.php?referral=graham27 and Loopy Ewe http://www.theloopyewe.com/wishlist/show/19820/?token=5773ded240b9

21) Are you having a birthday during this swap? - No

22) What is your Ravelry ID? - Graham27

Surgery is over and all is good

The surgery went really well and I'm not in pay nearly as bad as I was last time. Of course today is the first day but if things keep going this way I'll be very happy.

As for knitting I'm still working on the twilight bag. I had it clicking away and was happy but then I decided to slow down and take a count just to make sure where I was at. Well needless to say I need to be less trusting of my eyes and just make the count myself. So I was way off like way way off. So I had to frog all the way back. Bummer but lesson learned. I just need to get this worked on while I'm out so I can get it done this week and sent off. The rest of the package is done its just the bag. As I said before I'll learned to not do swaps that include knitting an item or at least not doing 3 of them at a time.

Swap Knitting

So I am done with two of my swappe's knitting. I finished the BBQ and Starbucks swap items. I'm so happy about that now all i have left is the twilight bag. I got the yarn for that today. I didn't get the swap colors but I did get ones my partner talking about liking.

Note to self sending things out of the country is very expensive like 30$ more than sending within the states. Its ok I agreed to do it so I'm not upset, really. I just think that I won't be signing up for that option at least for a little while. I actually am excited for her to get it so that makes the sting not matter as much. I really like this swap thing.

YEA my email is back

My email is back. Just like that its back. They didn't ever give me a reason why but I have a feeling it had to do with those junk emails that were being sent from my address. But either way I've got me email back. Its so weird to be without an email address. Its a strange feeling to see how tied you end up being to your address. Maybe that is something I should think about.

We had a great weekend. I got to get my hair done without feeling back about being away for so long. We went up to Snowbird both Sat and Sun and the pulled pork I was making worked out beautifully. So what more could you ask for.

As for knitting well I made a huge rookie mistake this last week and am not trying to fix it. I made two items (I can't tell you what they are because they are for my swap partner). I love the pattern, thought is was absolutely grand. I even had some yarn from my stash to get it started. So off I went to knit and I knit and I knit. What I hadn't realized is that the new yarn I bought was from a different lot. Ok I now get why that is such a huge deal. So in my all of my wisdom I went and tried to fix it by bleaching the darker item. Hummmmmm yea not so much. So anyways I have learned a very valuable lesson. Don't buy from different lots. Its going quickly for a what's involved I hope to have part II done by next week and get it in the mail by the weekend. That might be a bit ambious but I'm going for it.

Ok as for a job update. It looks like i'll be staying for a while. We got some news on my husbands ob that makes me leaving my job a bit difficult. So I'll be staying and doing everything I can mentally come up with to help not get too down about the situation. It will work out we just aren't sure when.

Question 7

Question 7

1) What is(are) your favorite place(s) to knit? I have a sunroom in my house with windows in every direction its amazing and I am so lucky. I love to knit in this room. Its peaceful and no one else likes it as much as I do so I get to hang out here and have a bit of quiet.


2) What supplies (besides yarn & needles) make the setting perfect forknitting? I would have to say a nice glass of white wine, maybe some chocolate and either a podcast or some great music. I love both. That would be a perfect setting for me at least in the summer. Now in the winter it might be by the fireplace with a glass of red wine and some chocolate. Hummmm a theme is starting to emerge. Now if I could pick any place in the "world" it would have to say the only thing missing from the above is the ocean.

Its finally happened!!!!!! and its good

YEA I just got back from the oncologist and he says everything looks good and I don't have to be back for another YEAR. Did you hear that a YEAR. Its been 5 years of ups and downs with very few ups and now finally I'm at that happy point that I don't have to go back for a year. Can you hear my cheers. Im so happy. I never felt sick but in the back of my mind I knew I was sick but now I'm not sick. Oh happy days. I find it a bit surprising that I'm this happy. I don't think I realized how much this really affected me. But either way Im at a year. This is HUGE. Ok I just wanted to share my excitement with you, now back to your regularly scheduled program........

Questions - Slacker

Ok I have been bad about being up-to-date on my questions so here they are in one post. I will be better about it next I promise.

Question 4
1) What yarn (that you don’t have/haven’t used) would make your stash “complete”? Probably Fleece Artist or Malabrigo sock yarn in sour grapes. I love that color way.

2) What yarn do you never want to be without?**Cascade 220 in fall colors. I love that yarn.

Question 5
1) Where is your favorite place to go for vacation/holiday? Oregon, I will live there at some point in my life. The people are amazing oh yea there's an ocean there too.

2) Where is one place you’d like to go? Europe. I've been there but only for the military. I want to go and just explore everything.

Question 6
What is your favorite type of project to take along on holiday/vacation? Probably socks or bags to knit on. Really anything that is on my needles because vacation is the one time I don't feel guilt about taking me time to knit.

Email Trouble

Ok I have to vent. I logged on yesterday to my MSN account and found that I had 55 error messages. Well this has happened before but not to this degree. There is "someone" sending emails from my email address and it looks like its coming from me. UGH. So I signed back on last night and guess what MSN has closed my account. Part of me is glad because maybe they'll find the problem but part of me feels like of lost. I use that account a fair amount but something about not being to email someone is kind of strange. I have put in a request to MSN to reinstate my account but will have to wait to hear what they have to say about it. Its a weird thing to think about. I have another account that I can use but don't want everyone to switch over if I don't have too. Its really something for me to think about because I really like the idea of emailing over calling. I actually hate talking on the phone. Its a strange dislike but I have it none the less. Anyways Im keeping my fingers crossed that I'll hear from MSN later today stating the account has been reinstated.

Back to "Normal"

Well its been a good week. We had friends fly in and stay with us for the week. As much as having guest can be stressful it wasn't at all with them. We really had a good time. It was nice to catch up and hang out. Then we went to the Police last night and that was fun too. We had a really good time at the concert of course after I fell it was much better. Not pretty really not pretty.

So the rest of the week we are back to normal. No more baseball. But we still have tennis, swimming and piano. I need to get my BBQ swap knitting done so I can move on to the other things I need to knit. I don't think I'll but signing up for any more swaps that include knitting something for the next person. It seems harder to get that done. So with that said I better get off the computer and go knit.

Mom Time

Today I got a chance to have non-guilted mom time and it was really nice. I was able to go up to the spa and enjoy myself without any guilt I might normally feel if I was to do that on an ordinary day. The boys had a plan for their day so it left my day open and I loved it. Granted I'd do somethings different next time but i loved it. I got a chance to go up to Snowbird and just sit. I sat and knit and swam and knit it was awesome. I loved it.

Job Hunting?????

I know you've heard me say it before but yesterday it seemed different. I was in a training and I was the only one with a cell phone. Everyone else had their phones off and didn't seem too care about them at all. I want that freedom again. I use to have it and I want it back. I want my life back without having to worry about answering the phone all the time and being at their becken call. I know some of this is my own stuff but I have gotten in trouble enough times that I know that i need to take that serious. I guess I've given it a really good shot but its not my gig. I think the kids are great but their all great in what ever setting Im in. So I am going to dust off my resume and start that mind game. I hate the idea of needing to move on but the idea of going back to campus actually makes me physically sick. Ugh I don't want to think about going back. I'll go back and I'll do a good job because I'll know that Im on my way out. I have to say Im not in a rush it needs to be the right fit. Of course you never know if its the right fit until your there but I've gotten to the place where Im ready to try. Hummmmmm now I have to work on the mental game of being patient and not getting discouraged when things don't go as fast as I think they should.

BBQ2 Questionnaire

Questionnaire:
ImportantDo you have any allergies? Nope

Do you have anything in your house that may cause allergic people to react, such as cats, dogs, smoke or the like? I do have a dog

Would you consider acting as a Swap Angel? I will try to combine several angels so nobody has to put together an entire second package all by themselves. Sure why not

Do you prefer an international or a domestic swap partner? prefer domestic but in the end I don't really care too much.

Contact info:Ravelry ID: Graham27

Real life name (required to put on the package!) I'll PM info

Email address: bram27@msn.com

URL to website or blog: http://sippingknitter.blogspot.com/

Personal information:

Age: 40

Marital status: Married

Kids: I have a 5 year old only child, young man who is pretty amazing. He even thinks its cool that I knit.

Pets: German Shephard 7 yr old male

Occupation/Student? Psychotherapist

A few nosy questions:

Which is your first language? English

What other (if any) languages do you speak and/or read? just English

Smoker or non-smoker: Non-smoker

Long or short hair? Medium

Glasses? only at night, contacts during the day

Religion: Catholic but a buddhist at heart

Ethnicity: WhiteSize: (S to XXXL or whatever) L to XL depending on the day

Personal likes and dislikes:
Barbeque questions:Are you a meat-eater or vegetarian of some variation? I prefer meat but love tofu and grilled veggies.

If you eat meat, which is your favourite? Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, Fish or other … specify. Fish, beef and chicken

Are you the barbequer in your family or is it someone else? And let someone else touch my grill? surely you jest.

Is there anything in particular you like about barbeque? I grill all year long, rain, snow or sleet im out there.

Do you knit or crochet, or both? knitSkill level - newbie, intermediate or advanced? newbie/intermediate

Are you interested in any other crafts? Specify. Photography

Favorite yarns? Malabrigo anything

Favorite colors? deep purples, browns and reds. Least favourite colors. Not so much into the yellows, oranges (unless its like a fall color), or pastels.

Favorite fibres? Wool, not superwashed. I love the felting thing.

Fibres you don’t like? Acrylic

Favorite yarn weight? worsted and sock

Favorite hook or needle material? (bamboo? metal? rosewood?) circular Addi turbo

Do you prefer simple or elaborate knitting and/or crochet projects? (Simple – as in patterns easy to memorize. Or elaborate – where you may have to read each line carefully to produce the finished result.) I don't mean to be a pain but I like both it depends on the mood Im in.

Favorite knitting or crochet projects? Socks, lace wraps or shawls, hats, mittens, sweaters or baby clothing? Specify!felted bags and clogs. I want to find a knitting pattern for felted ballet slipper, that should be fun

WISH LIST
If you have particular items that you’re either looking for, or would love to get more of, this is where you put it, like a specific size circular needle, particular book or patterns, Kool-Aid, sock blockers, needles, chibis, crochet hooks with light or whatever might strike your fancy. I currently have a wish list with Etsy. I like books on knitting. I also like cookbooks. I love the Johnathan Adler Candles - Big Sur

Starbucks Questionnaire

1. Full name - I'll pm it to you as this is the same blog Im using for a secret pal.

2. Ravelry ID - graham27

3. Email address - sipknitter@gmail.com

4. Blog address (if you have one) - this is it

5. Handmade item you desire in the swap (bag, cup cozy, etc.) - I'd like a "notions" bag. Something to hold the small things in my purse. Something like a cosmetic bag.

6. Starbucks item you desire (gift card, mug, beans, etc.) - I'd prefer a gift card

7. Favorite Starbucks beverage/bean - White Chocolate Iced Mocha, triple shot.

8. Favorite snack food - chocolate covered coffee beans, prefer milk chocolate

9. Favorite color(s) - deep purples and reds.

10. Favorite fragrance - Sarah Jessica Parker - Lovely (did you mean perfume?)

11. What types of things do you like to knit? - I love to felt, I like socks too. Im really learning how to do all sorts of new things. But I can't see myself doing lace.

12. Do you spin? Not yet

13. Do you dye your own yarn?No but my interest has been peeked.

14. Favorite yarns - Malabrigo worsted yarn

15. Favorite needles - Addi Turbo's

16. Do you have any allergies? None

17. Would you be willing to prepare an angel kit if necessary? Sure I can help out.

18. Do you have any special requests? - Don't hold back Im pretty open to all new things.

Let the fun begin!

Secret Pal 12

YEA I got home today after a long hot day and to my greatest surprise a package. At first I thought it was some yarn i had ordered for another swappie but no instead it was for me. And it was all my favorite colors. She did good, real good.

Favorite - Esty

Yea, I figured out how to do a favorites list on esty. YEA. Its under graham27. That was so much fun. Im glad I figured it out.

I have been so busy at work that Im feeling a bit nutty. Its not like anything new or huge is going on but I think all of my clients have just being feeling needy which is ok that is one reason why I do what I do. Its ok really I don't mind being busy. I makes the day go fast. I feel kind of out of the loop on other parts of my life but nothing huge. I love my work I really do. Im lucky to get to do what I do. I get to help kids and see the help actually work out. Rarely in my field do we get to see the good. Im lucky I get to see them do good but then we get to see them leave and try it out there. Out there in the "real" world and they don't do so good. But I know that I have done my best. I got a graduation card from one of my old clients. She taught me how much I don't really know and boy she was so hard. OMG she was hard. But she seems to of settled down. She's graduated high school so that's a start. When a client relaspes it's really hard to deal with but I have to remind myself that their first relapse is rarely their last. Its like they are testing the fates of the gods and need to prove to themselves that they really are addicts. Its a tough world to work with. I had no idea this was going on inside. I started this post talking about my small success of posting a favorites list. I guess I needed to talk about this.

Malabrigo Stash

Ok now i get it. I have so much Malabrigo that i need to start a new swap just to stop feeling guilty about it. We'll not really but I have alot and I love it. I really want to figure out how to use it for the clogs. I wonder if I used the worsted weight if I wouldn't need to double it. Hummmm I think I'll take a stop over to the local LYS and see what they think. Or I could ask on Raverly. I have found that I am having a blast with Ravelry and all the swaps Im in. This is fun and I have yet to recieve a package. I think its the fun of stocking someone and finding out what they really like and getting them things they would like to buy for themselves. I love it. Here are some pics of my new Malabrigo.

Clogs

Yea the clogs are done and I am so thrilled. I am so hooked on felting. Not only can you turn yarn into something great but you can take it another step and felt them into something else. I love it. I want to figure out how to use Malabrigo to felt these. I love them. I can't wait for mom to get them. YEA.

Nice Mellow Weekend

Well it was a nice and mellow weekend. We went to a ballgame with friends on Saturday and then swimming at the rec center on Sunday. Of course we did numerous things in the free time between those but overall it was a nice weekend. I only got one call from work which was nice. I hate the feeling that I always need to keep watch to make sure I haven't missed a call. So only getting one was nice.

I've decided that ice tea that I make from fruit tea is the best summer drink. I love to make it from a variety of different tea bags. I think that most of it comes from Republic of Tea but all are fruit flavored like berry green tea or peach green tea or my new favorite Apai green tea. Its all so yummy.

I knitted 80% of the other slipper which went fast. Of course I made an error so I needed to frog a bit of it but no worries. I hope to have that done by the end of the week, washed, felted and ready for the mail. That would be groovy. I am now playing around with the idea of knitting a dress for the wedding. How cool would that be. I am actually pretty excited about it but am struggling with finding the right yarn without costing too much. Im going to keep looking and hopefully find something soon so I can get going. I also think Im going to make the couple something too so I want to find something hip and cool for the both of them.

Malabrigo Group

Ok all I can say is wow how cool and is it for real? The topics have been such a blast and its just neat to see everyone really contribute and be open about their struggles. I haven't felt the least bit shameful for saying too much or anything like that. I tend to have foot in mouth disease and it doesn't seem to matter in that group LOVE IT.

Ok on that note I have made some great purchases of yarn today. I have purchased for both my swap partners and I think they are going to love it. Its funny I needed to make a spread sheet for myself on the swaps Im part of and the swaps I want to be part of so I can keep them all straight. I just would hate to miss someone. I love looking at the spread sheet and knowing right where Im at.

Im working on not being slighted by my guilty pleasures partner. I am actually choosing to look at it as though she had something come up and wasn't able to fulfill that obligation. In the end really it just things. Don't get me wrong I like "things" but I would hate for things to ever get in the way of me liking or dislike a person. So I hope she is ok I feel a bit bad but really Im ok. I know how to take care of myself. I'll send a prayer her way and hope she finds safety.

Summer Fun as a Kid

Question #2 - What i looked forward to the most I guess was the pool. We didn't do alot of expensive vacations but boy was that pool fun. Eventually my mom let us go with out her and it was fun, maybe too much fun if you get my drift. Either way it was really a good time. We hung out with the neighborhood kids and just played. It seems like that is such a challenge now a days but back then we never even knew to be scared of weirdo's. I hope my son can grow up the same way.

Thinking while tired

I don't think its a great idea to think while tired but that seems to be the only option lately. Im going to work on catching up on some sleep that I seem to be missing. Its not any ones fault I get up so early and feel like I need to stay up later than I should just so I can have some down time. I think maybe I can start to do that differently. As Im writting this I am coming up with some ideas I might try. Maybe on lighter days I can work out in the afternoons allowing me to sleep. Hummmm it might work.

Well enough boobing. I am close to finishing up on the last part of my first slipper. For some reason I slowed way down on finishing it up once I figured out its not too tricky. But with that said I did find the cuff a bit hard to understand so hopefully it will work out once I felt it. I really want to felt it before the other one is done but that doesn't seem like the smartest idea i've had. I think I might start a bag next. I got some really amazing patterns from Noni and have been avoiding them so I would have to say its probably time to face them. They are so pretty. I want to start a new swap that includes a bag knitted for your swappy so that might be helpful. Im somewhat hesitant to jumping into that swap because Im worried about knitting under pressure. Which when I think about it is really silly. So onward we go.

We were so busy being social this weekend that I think that also has something to do with being so tired. I am not a social person so needed to be "on" for that long is not good for me. I don't do well. I hate feeling like i need to "perform" for everyone so I avoid those situations as long as I can. I feel like I have money in the bank right now so I shouldn't have to be social for a while. Ok I better get myself off to work. Good day

Extra Questions - Malabrigo Swap

MYB Q1: Have you pumped up your personal page? Im not really sure if I have or not. I will have to take a look. I also have my other questionnaires on my blog so maybe that would be helpful also.

MYB Q2: Colorways - I like the darker rich colors such as purples, browns, reds. I like most colors but not neon's, pastels or bright orange.

MYB Q3: Ideas for MYB - Im not sure this is my first time and Im having a bit of a hard time imagining how its going to look.

MYB Q4: Tiny Surprises - stick holders, bracelets, circular needles 16" in lengeth, candy

MYB Q5: Lurv it or hate it? I don't like fruit flavored anything other than drinks

MYB Q6: Your dream MYB would be what theme? Cooking, enjoying libations, gardening.

Favorite Drink

If I had to narrow it down I would have to say my favorite summer drink is a grapefruit margarita but also the Oprah Lemon Drop is pretty amazing too. Im not really sure its called a margarita because I make it with Grapefruit Vodka, so its probably not the right name. What it is is grapefruit margarita mix (YUMMY, can't find it any where so I have to use it sparingly) and then some vodka and sparkling water. On a regular day my drink of choice is white wine but when its hot one of the others just hits the spot. On the non-alcoholic level it would have to be iced tea that I make from tea bags through sun tea. I love the idea of having sun tea. What I have just started to do is put the tea bags in a espresso maker, the plunger kind. I put the tea bags in add water and in an hour I have the loveliest tea. Its a perfect amount for two glasses since Im the only tea drinker in the house that works great. Yummmy its all sounding so great. We are suppose to have a very warm weekend so myae I will be doing that. We have our church weekend festival so it should be tons of fun.

Thursday

Ok its Thursday and I can't lie I am so looking forward to Friday afternoon. I started the felted clogs early this week and I think I'll be done with the first one tonight. That just blows me away on how quick that went. I've heard they went fast but I always figured that was due to their knitting skill but this time it worked for me too. YEA. I can't wait to get them done and felted.

SP 12 Questionnaire

1) What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely not like? I enjoy knitting with wool, cotton and just everything but acrylic.

2) What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Nothing in yet which is funny being that I knit you'd think I would of made myself something by now. I'll get around to it someday.

3) How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting for about 2 years. But have been more "serious" about it in the last 6 months. I'd consider myself inbetween beginner and intermediate.

4) Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I don't but I should look into that.

5) What’s your favorite scent? I love the perfume by Sarah Jessica Parker - Lovely. The lotion is amazing.

6) Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Yes I have a sweet tooth, silly. I love milk chocolate. I also like chocolate with chili peppers.

7) What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I don't have any other crafts I do but I do love photography. I am not a spinner but am intregued by it.

8) What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I love music. We have both XM radio and iPod in the house. My favorites are Van Morrison, Big Head Todd and Seal

9) What’s your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can’t stand? I love purples and fall colors. Im not a huge fan of pastels.

10) What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am married with a 5 year old. We also have a german shephard who's 7 years old. I've been married for 8 years.

11) Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear mostly mittens, maybe an occational hat but I have a huge head so its hard to find them.

12) What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Felted bags are my current favorite.

13) What are you knitting right now? I just started a pair of felted clogs for my mom. So we'll see how they turn out.

14) Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes I do.

15) Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I just used my first pair of Addi Turbo's and fell in love. Know I know what the fuse was all about.

16) Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Not yet but hopefully for my birthday.

17) How old is your oldest UFO? 6 month old pair of socks

18) What is your favorite holiday? Halloween and Thanksgiving.

19) Is there anything that you collect? No not really other than yarn.


20) Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I get Vogue Knitting and Interweave Knits. As for books I love books on felting.

21) Are there any new techniques you’d like to learn? Hummm that's a good question Im not interested in lace yet, but who knows later on down the road. I can't think of any techniques at the moment.

22) Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes I am. I have an 8 1/2 size foot.

23) When is your birthday? July 28th

24) What’s your Ravelry ID? Grahm27

I get it

Ok I started the clogs last night and all was going well until I realized that I had made a mistake some where and need to frog the whole thing. But was really nutty about it is I'm not upset. Why you might ask? Well I now get why people love the Addi Turbo's so much. They are amazingly easy to use I love them. So frogging isn't that big of a deal now I get to knit even longer with them. I can't wait to get back.

A quiet moment

Ok its my moment for quiet but of course that doesn't always work out the way it should. Im sitting in the sunroom and just enjoying a new podcast I found. You got to love the name its called "Manic Mommies". I so get that title. I really should be knitting but instead I am doing other things like typing. I have a new project I am going to jump into. I found out that my mom would like a pair of slippers and I just happen to have a pattern from Fiber Trends for felted clogs. So I need to cast those on, maybe after this entry. Im also starting to really contemplate the idea of doing a sweater. This would be my first sweater and the idea of investing that much money and not knowing if its going to work out is what is holding me back. Or that is at least what Im telling myself. But then again how do I ever know if anything is going to work out I guess its just the big investment that is the issue. I could put myself on a yarn diet and with the millions on save there I would be more comfortable to jump in. I am thinking about doing the Central Park Hoodie. We'll see, but the more I think about it the more I think its really just a matter of time that I jump in. Hummmmmmm

Swap Round 2

I just got my first email that let me know that the SP12 is close to starting up. I can't wait. I love the idea of doing a secret pal swap, how fun. I can't wait to spoil my swappie. I love the idea of doing christmas in the summer for someone who has the same interest as I do. One of the things I think is fun too is learning more about my pal but also more about knitting. As I read on I find more and more information for me. I love it. Its a win win. Fun Fun Fun.

Family Visit

Well we're back from our short family visit. The visit included my mom, sister, her son, myself and my son. It was a nice time to see everyone. We had fun but when I list the things we did its short. Its funny we just spent most of our time hanging out with each other. The boys got along great which was nice. Of course they had their moments but overall it was really nice. I got some knitting done too. I finished my BBQ swap gift right before we left so I didn't cast on anything new. I brought the socks I've been working on for a while. They are my back-up knitting project which reminds me of the back up "girlfriend/boyfriend". But either way I got them worked on. I am close to finishing up the first sock. I have a confession I knitted while I was driving. It was a long straight road so there wasn't any fear of getting in "trouble". I can't lie I loved it. It really helped the time go by fast. I wouldn't do that in town or another other time when there is alot of other cars. This particular stretch of road you only see about 2 cars every 20 minutes. It really helped the time go fast. I also listened to my podcast. Today I listened to She-Knits. I like her she is easy to listen too. I got new yarn when we where in Ketchum which is really nice and will make the socks my son has been asking for. It has all his required colors. He's in to the idea of knitting. I finds it pretty cool that mom can knit yarn and make something from it. So as long as he doesn't get upset about it Im good. We'll anyways its good to be back.

The Birds are singing

Well its Saturday morning and my family is out getting breakfast. You'd think the house would be nice and quiet while it is on the inside but outside is another story. Its great the birds are just singing to each other and its really nice. We have a big backyard with a creek in the middle breaking the yard in two. Its a nice place to sit and enjoy without hearing the city life that is on the other side of the house. Its nice to sit and enjoy and escape.

Swap Idea

Ok I have an idea for a swap but have no intention on commiting to organizing one. I like the idea I truly just don't have the time to put into getting everyone matched and so on. The idea is: Celebrate your State. You would need to send items that celebrate your state. So here in Utah we have honey and mormons and other things too. I think it would be fun to try and be as creative as possible. But if you couldn't find great things from your state at least you had to purchase them from a local business person so at least the money would stay in the state. Hummmm the more I type the more I like. Ok if your reading this feel free to "borrow" the idea.

Swap Etiquette

So I've been buying up pretty much anything I can think of when it comes to my swap partner. I have studied her questionairre and have tried to figure out what it is she might like. I of course have over bought but thats ok because that will put me in a good position for the next swap. I have to be careful so I don't get too over commited but the idea of actually getting something that I might like is so exciting to me. YEA to swaps.........

Lost Knitting

We'll not really but I left it with a friend in her camper and drove away not even knowing that I had grabbed the yarn but the my knitting, ugh. I was shocked at how much that threw me for a loop. I had the drive home all planned out my husband would drive, my son would play and I would finally be able to get to my knitting but that isn't how it turned out. So once we got home I quickly grabbed my neglected socks and started to attend to them. I'll make sure that doesn't happen again, lesson learned. It was probably necessary because i needed to be reminded of how much I actually like my socks. So there are a few good lessons that I learned.

Closer to a perfect knitting day

Today it rained and it was glourious. We loved it. So much was done that maybe we wouldn't of tackled unless it was raining out. The creek was running and the rain came down. It was perfect. We cleaned, picked up and organized as we should of done months ago but never came around to doing. It not like we completed a huge amount of work and desire kudo's but we happy we got to projects we didn 't want to tackle unless there was a reason and the sky's provided that reason. We ot some clothes packed up and some organizing that we have been neglecting. Would you notice if you walked into the house, probably not but we know and we are happy with that. Did I get any knitting done, no is the answer but that is ok I took care of things that get in the way of my knitting so its ok. Tomorrow I will have less clutter getting in the way of my knitting so many that is when I will get to finish the one sock and cast on the other that has been waiting for attention so patiently.........

The perfect knitting day

Today is the perfect knitting day, it cloudy and rainy. I think that sit in my sunroom, sipping coffee and knitting away would make it about the most perfect knitting day ever. Hummmmm. I have other things I need to tend to but I can still have the thought.

DONE

Im done with the Lucy bag and now truly understand why people find this bag addicting. I love the way it turned out. I think this is what makes me addicted to felting its so fun to see how it looked and then you wash it poof it turns into something else. Now I will be on to a set of BBQ mitts for a new swap I joined.

Straps

Well I am closer to finishing than I was last time I checked in but I want to be done with so hopefully today I can put the finally push to finish it up. It would really cool if I got it done and felted today. Im starting to feel a bit more motivated, go to go.......

Still working on my bag

Well I got the answer I needed about how to finish the bag so now I can plug ahead and finish it up. Im pretty certain it will go to my sister. Im feeling much better and I stopped taking the med that was making me so loopy. But sad to say I think i've lost that loving feeling about the triathalon. I big part of me is regretting jumping in so I know I will still do it Im just not as pumped about as I was before. I am really looking forward to getting my clogs going. I think they should be pretty neat too. Oh so much to do. I also got my first shipment of internet yarn. I had never ordered yarn from the internet until last week. So Im looking forward to turning that into something fun but that might take a while as it will have to be added to my "list" of things to knit. Boy that list is getting longer and longer the more I learn. Ok thats it for now.

Burning to start something new

Ok I finished the body of my bag and just realized I don't have the right size needles to complete the straps. Ugh. So I have to wait until the end of the day to get to my lys and buy the correct size. I am really interested to see how this ends up. So with all my extra time last night I started to look for my next project which is funny because I already have a "next" project. Maybe I should start to keep a list. We'll see.

Happy Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day to all. Everyone has at least on mom. Hopefully your day is very memorable and fun.

So yesterday I found out not only do I have an ear infection but I also have an inner ear infection so lucky I got meds to take care of it. One thing the doc left out is how tired and loopy the meds are going to leave me. So Im kind of out of it and need to not be out of it at the moment. But at least my body is getting healthy. YEA.

Triathalon

Ok I went for my first swim in my adventure to get in shape for my first tri. I had no business doing that as I realized my ear infection has not cleared up. Ugh who knew ears could hurt so much. I guess I should of known something was up when I kept getting dizzy when I was swimming. Now don't get me wrong its not like I swam a huge distance i was only able to squeeze out 8 laps. Maybe my body is trying to tell me something.

New Needles

Yea after days of hunting i was able to find the needles I needed. I suppose I could of just ordered them online and avoided all the running around but I didn't and I have them. I like the idea that there are here just in case I get a wild hair and want to cast on. Of course I had to get the most expensive needle ever available to man kind because that was all the store carried but hey I have them now in my position. I am still curious about the interchangeable, the wood ones are so pretty but I will put that off until I hear more feedback on them. Ok until later.

The day I was dreading has come and gone

Today I had a long time client finally graduate and I have so say I am sad. I'm sadder than I thought I would be but its ok. Im proud of the work we did and she is ready. Hummmmm I wonder how long my sadness will last. I think Im going to start knitting and listening to some podcast that usually helps alot. Oh there is always a glass of good wine to assist. Ciao

Weekend is on its way

Yea the weekend is on its way. I have an emotional day today and am really looking forward to the weekend getting here. I did alot of knitting last night and starting to feel like its getting closer to the end on my Lucy bag. I really want to start the felted clogs I am jonesing for but I am holding off until the bag is done or at least as of this very minute I have waited. I know me, if I stop something than I will never go back to it so I must push through.

Tired

Have you ever been so eager to do something that you totally mess it up. Today I posted a comment about one project I was working, reaching out and asking questions. Well it turns out that I was asking questions about that project I have on my mind not my needles. Ugh what a dork. I think i need to get some sleep.

Cooking

I just put out three new recipes today and I really enjoyed that. Two were my own and the other one was borrowed but its fun to share something that you love with others who are willing to try it out. YEA

Surveys

So the other day I joined a swap and I have to say I am so excited about doing it. I have to be honest I think that funniest part of it is that I like getting presents but anyways back to the survey. So I filled out the survey but today I wish I could go back and add somethings so here is what I would add.
- things I like to knit - my current favorite is felting. I think felting is so cool and I want to learn more about it. I am currently knitting the Lucy bag and can't wait to see how it turns out. I've done one project so far. It was the messanger bag from "knitting together" and I won't lie its awesome. I want to explore more knitting but I think for now mostly bags because I find I am so proud to show them off.
- I love music and my favorite artist is Van Morrison and Big Head Todd.
- I like fall colors and not pastels.
- I like to cook and try new dishes but i really don't like curry.

I'm totally rambling but I now feel like I have completed the survey.

Getting my thoughts out

Ok I have been having this really great feeling lately and of course I can't just trust that I feel good I have to analyze what it might be that is making me feel good. So this is what I came up with. I wonder if it has to do with me starting to talk on Ravlery. Wait just give me a minute to explain. Do you ever feel like you have so much on your mind but don't know where to "dump" it? One thing that has come up for me is that I have a place to get my thoughts out so they are out there and I have alot more room in my mind. Its not like Im having these long dark conversations they are normal thoughts about things that I find interesting. Im not sure if that is the explaination but I feel so much better in terms of my mind feels clear. I think this is similar to what people experience when they journal. Im a psychotherapist and I talk to my clients all the time about being present but I've struggled with that myself. But know I am present so much of the time im shocked by. There are times when I catch myself and am so excited. So what ever it is Im loving it and so are the other people in my life.

Morning Challenge

Today is a beautiful day, its nice and warm and even sunny. My challenge is do I pick up my knitting for the next 10 minutes or push ahead and move on to getting the family up and ready for their day. I just realized last night that the project I am working on (The Lucy Bag) isn't nearly as complete as I had one thought it was. Actually I took a count and its only half way there so Im kind of bummed about that I was hoping to start the straps soon. My goal is to have the bag done so I can cast on those felted clogs I've been waiting for. I am really trying hard to avoid too many projects going at once but Im not sure how much longer I can hold out. Now as I type this up I realize I have solved my challenge. I need to go now and wake up the family. Until later.......

Knitting vs Running

Ok its Tuesday which is piano day so the family won't be home for another hour or so. I have a choice to make its either to run or to knit. Im not sure what to do because I need to train. So I better get off the computer and get out on road. Im actually looking forward getting back out there after being sick. This will be run number 3 so we'll see what happens. I say Im not running for time but I will be paying attention to my time.

Introduction

Hi, this is my first entry to my first blog. I got involved into blogging through Ravlery. I started knitting about 2 years ago, put it down for a bit and have picked up again with a vengence. I find that knitting has been really theraputic for me.

Other than knitting I am a mom to an amazing little boy. On top of having a great son I also have a wonderful husband who encourages my knitting. Of course I think that has something to do with distracting me from his passion for golf but I don't care it works out for both of us.