Archive for February, 2005
February 28, 2005 at 1:56 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
I finished making this armband for Moon while we were watching the Oscars last night. (Jamie Foxx’s speech was the best, but what was that about the beatings? Gramma was rough!) Anyway, the toothpick-sized needles and all those little beads were quite a challenge, especially with my attention divided by all the razzledazzle. I made a few small mistakes, but screw ‘em.
In other news, I’m going to be seeing Green Day in concert with Moon and friend. (Am I not the best parent in the world?) Moon, of course, is over her namesake about this.
February 25, 2005 at 12:41 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
Well, I nixed the whole pink socks thing, but I’ve still had the urge to knit something pink. So this time I’ve settled on a sweater pattern. The helpful folks at KnitPixie will be stocking this yarn for me in a bulky weight. As soon as it’s in, I’ll be ordering. The challenge will be to see if I can finish the project in time to wear it this winter.
This morning I was called to fill in for a last-minute cancellation at Campus – which means I had a massage. Nice way to spend my morning off!
February 24, 2005 at 10:28 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
I finished my Hurry Up Spring Armwarmers on Tuesday, and I just love ‘em. They’re perfect for protecting my hands from the freezing cold steering wheel in the morning. I’ve already had quite a few compliments, and even a request to buy a pair. I may do it, because it was kind of sad finishing the pattern after having learned it and all. First, though, I have to finish Fuzzyfeet #4 – I finished one slipper while watching “Top Gun” with the kids tonight, and cast on the second. Now for some weekend knitting.
February 22, 2005 at 4:57 pm · Filed under blather
Didja miss me? The site was down for a while — I found out this morning, and contacted my service provider. And it’s fixed now, so I can update you on all the fascinating stuff going on.
- It snowed. Substantially. Enough for us to make a point of frolicking in the park with our pup on Sunday. At least it’s sunny. Otherwise I might sink into a horrible funk due to the February-ness of it all.
- Sunday also marked an event in the life of Sister #1. Niece #1 had been suffering flu-like symptoms which turned out to be appendicitis symptoms. She’s in the hospital, recovering nicely from her appendectomy. She even removed her own feeding tube (or whatever that tube going down her esophagus was supposed to be) and claimed that “it fell out.” Now, that’s feisty.
- I took Moon and Nicole to see Constantine, and while I enjoyed it (hey, I’m a Keanu fan, so pfft), I found it to be a bit dark. Dark is fine when my brain chemistry isn’t in adjustment. As it was, I needed a palate-cleansing, but unfortunately I didn’t have time to rent The Waterboy or anything else in that genre. (Of course you know that most Adam Sandler stuff is all about the light.)
- I’m really loving my new armwarmers, which are thisclose to being finished.
And so on.
February 18, 2005 at 2:15 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
Foxxi makes a darned attractive model for my mom’s scarf. I finished it a few days ago, and I’m mailing today because it’s my day off! Fridays rock! I’ve already been to the yarn store/coffee shop and Starbucks, and I put in my time at the gym. It’s sunny outside (although it’s only 15 degrees) so the little missy in the picture will probably be rewarded with a walk to the park.
February 17, 2005 at 7:06 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
I feel like less of a slacker when I can post a picture of a FO. Actually, I took the picture a few days ago, right before mailing the Fuzzyfeet off to Sister #1. They arrived today, so now I can reveal them to the world.
In other knitting news, I’ve cast on for the Hurry Up Spring Armwarmers from Stitch ‘n Bitch Nation. Also, my ubercute sushi knitting bag isn’t working out too well in this weather, so I’ve put it aside until the slush subsides. It has to work as my purse, which means exposure to the elements. In the meantime, I’ve dug out my old Timbuk2 bag. I’m such a bagaholic.
February 16, 2005 at 6:24 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
So, in my enthusiasm I joined not one, but two knitalongs (also known as KALs). First I signed up for a Think Pink KAL, with lofty plans to make a pair of hot pink socks using a toe-up pattern and the magic loop method. Then one of the Pink ladies posted about a First Time Sock Knitters KAL, and I was right there. Two birds, and all that.
Anyway, I had bought 40″ size 1 Addi Turbos and a lovely ball of Opal sock yarn. I cast on twice. The first time I didn’t trust the directions and ended up all turned around… frog time. The second time seemed to be going well, but I started stressing about the tiny needles and the fact that I couldn’t keep equal numbers of stitches on them. Fact is, I only had about a square inch of knitting done, and wrestling the cable didn’t seem any easier than wrestling the porcupine (otherwise known as double-pointed needles).
So I took a deep breath and frogged again. I’ve put away the project for a while, to heck with keeping up with everyone. Either I’ll come up with an alternative pink project, or I’ll get some bigger DPNs. (Like size 3.)
I feel like a slacker.
February 16, 2005 at 6:16 pm · Filed under blather
I was getting ready to leave work today, and my co-worker came into my office, closed the door, and asked if I was okay. She said I seemed out of it, like I wasn’t myself.
Hmm. In some ways, I’m feeling better, but in other ways, I’m adjusting. Who would have thought that being without 25 mg of a substance would have such an effect? Actually, I think my scatteredness today had more to do with lack of sleep than anything else.
But still. It’s weird to think that other people are noticing that I’m “off,” especially when I thought maybe I was getting back “on.”
February 16, 2005 at 9:59 am · Filed under family
Today’s horoscope:
You might wake up this morning, look around you, and decide that you want to spend as much time as possible working on your home. You could well be bored with your decor, and want to make some changes. Spend the day coming up with ideas, then in the evening try to analyze the situation and see what’s feasible at this time. Most likely you’ll be able to do some of what you want, but not all.
Well, I think they’re a day late. Yesterday after everyone left at 7:15, I did not go back to bed… I cleaned the kitchen. And I put various mislocated items back where they belonged. (Open door to kids’ rooms — avert eyes and toss item inside the black hole.) In the evening, Pete and I moved our dresser to the opposite side of our room, revealing about a half inch of dust underneath. Vacuuming it was strangely satisfying, which shouldn’t be surprising to those of you who know how fascinated I am by earwax.
We decided to move on to the storage area, where everything is covered in a thin layer of drywall residue. After digging out the bookcase, we wiped off all the scrapbooks in it and relocated the whole thing to where the dresser used to be. Now we probably need to paint, but I’m not thinking about that right now. Nope.
February 12, 2005 at 10:31 pm · Filed under blather
Moon and I took Foxxi for a walk this afternoon, and the sunshine was a welcome sight. The puddles were another story, but hey.
Let me tell you, withdrawal from Clomipramine is no picnic. After two weeks, the dizziness and nausea seem to have subsided. My emotions seem to be settling down, too. Timing this decision to coincide with my period was a master stroke of genius on my part. Yesterday I had a series of crying jags, and I think Pete was a little surprised when I picked him up for his Red Cross* appointment with tears streaming down my face and the sound of futility in my voice. Of course he was very good about the whole thing.
Fortunately, I had a lunch date with Carrie, and that helped brighten my spirits. I got to check out her new office and catch up with what’s been going on in her life. And it gave me a chance to step outside my own stuff for a while.
Today I spent several hours at the salon, which is always a good thing. My hair is shorter in the back, and I posted a terrible picture that doesn’t really show the cut very well, but you can peek at it anyway. In other news, I picked up additional yarn for Sis #1’s Fuzzyfeet and started my mom’s novelty yarn scarf.
February 10, 2005 at 4:19 pm · Filed under moon (rachel)
When Peter was two years old, he was running around in the nursery room at the YMCA and whacked his chin on a table. I was teaching water aerobics at the time, and had to cut class short so I could take him to the clinic and stop the bleeding. Since he was such a squirmy little guy, he had to be strapped to a papoose board before the doctor could do the stitches. He was not happy about it; in fact, he screamed more about being restrained than he did about the needle.
And, oh my God, it was as if someone punched me in the stomach. I wanted so badly to change places with him, and I guess that’s part of what being a parent is all about. Your kids’ pain hurts you more than anything you ever imagined.
I went through the same thing when Moon was tested for insulin problems. My baby, who rarely cries (because she apparently used up most of her tears during her first three months of life), broke down sobbing when the second draw missed her vein.
It was horrible, but watching her suffer emotional pain is even worse. She had a horrible day this week, one which made her doubt herself and worry that she might never be loved (parents don’t count). It was heart-rending, and I eventually succumbed to my own tears. Was that bad? I just felt for her, because adolescent angst is still so fresh for me. The years just roll away from my mind and heart.
The bad day is behind her now, and I daresay things are even better than they were before. But I know there will be more roller coaster rides ahead, and as much as I’d love to spare her (and Peter) from life’s pains, all I can really do is just be there on the ground, waiting.
February 10, 2005 at 4:03 pm · Filed under mememe!
(From Lolly, who tagged everyone.)
The last movie you saw in the theater: The SpongeBob Square Pants Movie. I thought it was pretty cute, and I loved all the visual puns, but I admit I dozed off for a little while.
The last movie you watched at home: Love Actually. Parts of it were okay (I liked the little kid), but I was sorely disappointed in the plot revolving around Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman.
How many movies do you own? About 20. I don’t like having too many of anything. I figure that if I want to watch something, I can always rent it. Anything I own had better be worth watching over and over again.
What is the last movie you purchased? Return of the King. You better believe we have all three LoTR movies.
Got Netflix? What are the next three movies in your queue? No, but I ought to consider it. We have a Hollywood Video two blocks from our house, though, so maybe we don’t need mailbox delivery. Hmm, what are some upcoming releases I want to see? I Heart Huckabees. Shark Tale. The Notebook. (Only for James Marsden, though.)
List five movies you adore/mean a lot to you:
- The Matrix. It rocked my world, and it’s so entertaining. I never get tired of watching it. I’m one of the few fans who enjoyed the sequels, too.
- The LoTR trilogy. Well, duh.
- Strictly Ballroom. Best romantic movie ever. Moulin Rouge is second.
- The Sixth Sense. For me, it was amazingly meaningful. Engaging, too.
- Amelie. I only saw it once, but it stuck with me. I really need to rent it again.
Name your guilty pleasure movie (or genre): The Waterboy (and pretty much any other Adam Sandler movie)
What’s your favorite quote from a movie?
Here are three. Bonus round: name the characters!
“Now that’s some high quality H20.”
“Strange things are afoot at the Circle K.”
“I already made like infinity of those at scout camp.”
Name 3 people you’re passing this on to, and why: Ah, I think everyone with a blog has already done this particular meme. But if you haven’t, feel free! Just be sure to leave a link/trackback so I can see your answers.
February 8, 2005 at 11:01 pm · Filed under knit/crochet
I’m halfway done with Sister #1’s Fuzzyfeet, yay! The Campus had an exhibit booth at expos last Thursday and today, and both times I was able to knit on the sly. On Thursday, I ended up teaching another exhibitor how to cast on. Today I attracted a fellow knitter as soon as I whipped out my project. People are really interested in Fuzzyfeet.
In keeping with that theme, here’s Peter wearing his newly felted pair (they were still damp, but he slept in them anyway).
Today’s mail included my highly anticipated new bag. *cue Hallelujah Chorus*
Despite all the knitting goodness, I had a mentally exhausting evening. Which I’ll write about tomorrow Friday. Thank goodness for knitting, and for time spent catching up with my faboo counterpart.
February 5, 2005 at 9:33 am · Filed under spiritual
I tell ya, thinking about Garden State pretty much got me through this week. Between periods of general malaise (dizzy nausea) the fear of being unable to escape through sleep grabbed me from behind. Which meant I wasn’t prepared and didn’t see it coming. And the anxiety and depression, they were not welcome friends at 2 a.m.
I rode it all out because, well, I didn’t have much of a choice.
Thursday was a day of distraction, because I worked in an exhibit booth at the Business Women’s Expo. It was a good way to pass time, because it wasn’t especially mentally demanding. And then yesterday….
….the sun came out. And I drove to Poynette to see Theresa. She’s an incredibly energizing person for me to be around. The road trip was a Good Thing, and we immediately jumped into what Theresa calls “downloading” for at least an hour. That’s where the ideas spill forth and we get out all the stuff we’ve been storing up.
We headed over to the town coffeeshop, where we met another friend/colleague for lunch. We curled up on cushy sofas and I munched on a veggie wrap, which is my kind of business meeting.
After lunch, we toured Birds of a Feather, which is a huge Victorian home that is being offered as meeting and office space for alternative and spiritual practitioners.
I think I’m just drunk on all the potential. It’s everywhere.
Today Pete and I will be working on bringing out some of the potential that resides in our big nearly-empty basement. And so it goes.
February 4, 2005 at 5:31 pm · Filed under mememe!
You are interchangeable.
Fun, free, and into everything, you’ve got every eventuality covered and every opportunity just has to be taken. Every fiber is wonderful, and every day is a new beginning. You are good at so many things, it’s amazing, but you can easily lose your place and forget to show up. They have row counters for people like you!
February 2, 2005 at 12:18 pm · Filed under blather
I neglected to mention that I ran out of my OCD meds on Friday, and decided that it was time to go solo again. I’ve been on the tiniest possible dose for what seems like forever. I’m not a severe case anyway, and I’m ready for this. Thing is, any time you go off something that messes with seratonin levels, there are side effects. Long story short, dizziness and nausea have been my companions since… oh… Sunday. Soon I’m gonna feel great, though. Really.
So last night, I watched Love Actually and worked on Peter’s Fuzzy Feet, AKA Grinch Feet. (Slipper #1 turned out really long — I was using instructions for a yarn that felts more than Lamb’s Pride — and after obsessing about it for a while I decided not to frog the toe and start over.) Good movie, but a little hard to follow. What was the deal with the woman who had the hottie in her bed, but was interrupted by the phone call from her institutionalized brother? Why didn’t she and the hottie end up together? Or did my lack of seratonin cause me to miss something? I also wanted a more romantic resolution for Snape and Trelawney (I mean Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson). Someone fill me in here.
Falling asleep was rough because I started reading Ann Patchett’s Truth and Beauty and didn’t put it down until about 1:30 a.m. Then I had some weirdness with my heart pounding (seratonin stuff again). I slept an extra hour this morning, but then our Amazing Builder Guy (remember him?) arrived and started removing the basement window from the outside of the house. Yes — the last step to our remodeling project, besides going through the pile o’crap in the storage area and bringing stuff out into the open again.
Besides all that, Pete’s at a dead end setting up his new computer system / recording studio, and is FedEx-ing everything back for reconfiguration. I’m expecting that soon the clouds will part, a ray of sunshine will illuminate our house, and all will resolve.
