This and That

The end of another year.

2011-12-30T16:38:00.000-05:00

2011 is almost over. I don't know how I feel about it. The year is ending with much tension and I don't like it. Why can't things be easy and simple? Why can't everyone get along? Why do some people put other people in the middle of uncomfortable situations?

I'm always a little sad when the year wraps up and afraid of what may happen in the new year. It's scary and exciting at the same time. I guess all I can do is close my eyes, take a deep breath, and put my foot forward and take that first step into the new year. I pray that it's a good one. I pray that we all get along. I pray we make it through in one piece, healthy and happy.

Good bye 2011. Hello 2012.

I am a DUMBASS

2011-07-12T09:48:00.000-04:00

So, last week I was getting ready for a night out in the City. We were going out to celebrate my brother and his wife's first wedding anniversary (I had a great time). So I showered, blew my hair dry and then further used my InStyler to straighten my hair. I turned it off, unplugged it and placed it on its cooling pad on my bed. I walked out, walked back in and sat down on my bed to put something on (or off, I don't remember). Suddenly I felt this sensation, and it wasn't a good one. You guessed it...I. SAT. ON. THE. INSTYLER. It wasn't just hot...it was SCORCHING HOT. Not just scorching hot but HELL HOT. So now I've got a lovely burn on my ass. I didn't think I'd have a scar visible to the general public but it turns out I will. Only during the summer when I wear a bathing suit will this scar be able to be seen. It didn't bother me much at first. It is now though. Oh well, live and learn! I won't be cooling anything off on my bed any time soon!

Chellooooo!

2011-05-01T20:06:00.000-04:00

Ok, so let's recap. Two years ago at this exact time, I was miserable, working in a job I hated, waiting to hear on a new job opportunity. In September of that year I got the job I prayed for. I had 9 blissful, stress free months of happiness. In July of last year I was forced to switch positions with someone else, doing something I had no idea of how to do. (Just imagine this; you are a receptionist at your office. The accountant isn't doing their job well. Management decided that you should become the accountant, they become the receptionist...yeah, that's what happened to me). Now I sit here before you today, as stressed out as I was two years ago (and that stress built up over a period of, ohhh, 10-15 years) and trying to figure out what the hell am I supposed to do now. Please don't misunderstand me, I thank God every day that I have a job. The benefits are great, the people are great, the job is just really, really, stressful. At least it is to me. I am already planning on how I will do things differently next year. But getting through this last month or so is proving to be very difficult.

Ok, enough of that crap. I had a very lovely day today. My friends and I volunteered our time at the Sheep to Shawl Festival at the Kissem House Museum in Huntington. It was a beautiful day of sitting out, showing some of our knitted stuff, knitting and socializing. It was such a pleasant way to spend the day. Here are a couple of pictures:

The Spinning Guild was there too:

These guys were really cool:

Call me insecure

2011-02-07T17:25:00.000-05:00

So, a few weeks ago I met this....man. He turned me off right away after, on our first phone call, he asked me a question and in the middle of my answer interupted me and brought the conversation back to himself. I was hesitant, but after many phone calls and text messages I met him. He was nice enough, but I had no interest in him whatsoever. I mean, I could not for the life of me see myself with him. Afterwards, he walked me to my car and asked if he could continue calling me. Like an ass I gave in and said yes. I said yes because didn't know how to say no to his face. So he started calling and texting me every day. I kept putting him off, not answering, hoping he'd get the hint. I began to dread the sound of my phone. Then it hit me....I've done that very same thing. I am sure of it. And that realization really upset me. That was also when I decided to just call this guy and tell him it just wasn't working. I felt badly, but I knew I wasn't being fair to him. It was obvious he was very much interested in me and I decided I didn't want to lead him on and give him false hope. Although I could hear the hurt in his voice, he took it well and I feel better about it. I can only hope that I am given the same consideration.

Think Happy Thoughts....

2010-09-14T20:30:00.003-04:00

I am terribly unhappy with my new work situation. It's not because of thee people because they are all very nice. It's just that I was hired to do one job and I fell in love with it. It was relatively stress free and it was fun. I guess hoping that it would last a little longer than it did was asking too much. I keep trying to find the silver lining, but it's hard. I suppose the silver lining is that I actually still have a job and I'm not one of the countless jobless people that are out there. So, I will try to keep my thoughts to myself and try to be positive.

What I did this weekend and Thank God for 2 day work weeks!

2010-09-08T12:40:00.005-04:00

For those of you who do not follow me on Facebook:

Hello out there......

2010-08-15T21:27:00.002-04:00

Geez, almost a year between posts? I've been so busy I haven't been able to catch up. Let's see...last September I left my job of 20 years and started a new one. I worked there for 9 months (the best and happiest I've been probably ever) and now in the infinite wisdom of the district I've been moved to a different position. Grrrr. I left one stressful place and now I'm in another. I guess I should be happy I had 9 months to recover and be blissfully happy.

Update.....

2009-11-11T22:11:00.003-05:00

Wow, it seems as if I haven't been here in a dogs age! Well, let me give you all a little update.

After almost 21 years in the insurance biz, I finally packed it up and moved on. I haven't talked about it much but at the urging of my mom (THANK YOU, THANK YOU!) I took the Nassau County Civil Service exam almost two years ago. She went for bi-lingual clerk typist and I went for regular clerk typist. She scored very high on her exam and I was about average. A few letters came for me, but some of the salaries were way too low. I was unhappy in my situation, but I wasn't going to settle for such a low salary. If, on these letters you indicate you are available but not interested for a certain reason, they will not offer you anything in that salary range. So, for a while I didn't hear anything. All the while I was riding an emotional roller coaster at work. Some days were good, most were bad. I was under a lot of pressure. Whether this pressure was real, or imagined, I felt it. It was horrible. I felt as if I couldn't do anything right. I felt I was just screwing up all the time and in the insurance business that 'aint good! So, I prayed and asked God to please send me a job offer in a school within a reasonable salary. I promised him I wouldn't squander my chance and that I would do my best. Last December I received a call from a local Elementary school and went in to interview. I nearly had a nervous breakdown! It was right around Christmastime. Right after the interview, we received our Christmas bonuses and went to our holiday party, and my manager gave me a beautiful gift. I felt like crap at the thought of giving my two week notice. It was all for naught as that job fell through. I got back on the roller coaster and plodded through another six or seven months. I got a few more letters. Some I answered with a yes, some I did not. Then, I interviewed for a position in a Middle school. I got lost and arrived 15 minutes late. I actually think that worked in my favor. I was a little flustered but I interviewed really well. I remembered some of the questions asked of my at the Elementary school and felt better prepared to answer them. I also did a quick search on the schools within this particular school district and in the course of the interview, it came out that I had done that. It turned out that one of the women sitting in on the interview was the mother of a former high school classmate. She brought it up at the end of the interview and we chatted for a few moments. So as I was taking my little typing test, the secretary whose desk I was using came over and whispered excitedly to me.."THEY LOVE YOU!!" She implied that I was a shoo in, and I was excited, but afraid. I didn't want to take it too much to heart, but I left there very happy. I went on with my life, making plans, working, stressing and praying. A short time after that I received a call asking me if I was interested in the position and with barely a moments thought I said YES!!! I gave my two weeks notice on August 28th. My last day was September 11th (weird, who would've thought that day 8 years ago I would be starting a new life?), and I started a new chapter of my life on September 21st. Getting to work at 7:30am is a challenge, but I don't mind it. I love my new job. I haven't been this happy in years. Truth be told, I was pushed into that other job. Don't get me wrong. While I hate insurance, I love the people there. The company was good and fair, I just couldn't do it any more. I am so much happier now. I am still paranoid that I'm not doing a good job. I guess that's something left over from before, but everyone is so nice and I just got my 5 week review and it came out excellent, so, I guess I'm doing OK! Things are good. I'm happy. Really happy. It's a weird sensation, this relaxed feeling. I think I can get use to it.

My Special Half Day Off

2009-08-09T11:08:00.005-04:00

On August 5th I took my half day to go into the city with my friends for a concert. We went to see Chris Issak at the Beacon Theatre. I highly recommend that you go see him...even if you only know a song or two of his. He's not just putting on a concert, he's a performer. He is so funny, and sexy, his band is awsome, and he just goes out of his way to please the crowd. He also has a meet and greet after the show. If you purchase something at the concert, he'll autograph it and take photos with you. We didn't wait around this time, but we had a great time.

Paige & Diane on the LIRR

The inside of the newly renovated Beacon Theatre.

Chris (yes, I've seen him so many times we are now on a first name basis) singing my all time favorite song, Wicked Game.

A few shots from the very long taxi ride to Penn Station.

Holy C---!!

2009-07-29T14:37:00.002-04:00

Wow, so much has happened over the last few months I don't know where to begin. I don't know why I've not been blogging other than life has been busy. I also sometimes feel overwhelmed and after being at work all day my brain is scrambled. I tend to retreat into fantasy land rather than face reality.

Things are going OK at the moment though. I'm waiting to hear about a couple of opportunities that could have a positive effect on my life. I need a change in my life and hopefully one or two of these situations will go through.

More to come.....

Holy Crap! Has it been that long?!!

2009-05-18T21:16:00.005-04:00

I can't believe I haven't blogged in so long. Well, it's been even longer since I've seen this crowd. I went to my 25 year High School Reunion. I can't believe it's been that long since I've seen some of my friends. Some of us have kept in touch via e-mail. A handful even went to our 10 year reunion. This one was special though. It was organized by one of our classmates who put it together from out of state. I had such a great time. It was nice seeing everyone, reconnecting and getting to know some people that I was too shy to talk to at the time.

Some of us ended the evening where we spent a lot of time over the course of 4 years...the Palace Diner. It's been refurbished and looks a lot different, but it brought back great memories. I personally spent almost all of the last 4 months of my senior year there. I heard stories of some of my classmates getting caught by teachers or the truant officers, but I never got caught. I really had a great time!

I'm alive, really I am...

2009-03-12T12:29:00.002-04:00

Wow, almost a month since my last post. I can't believe it. Well, I've been a very busy girl. I was recently inducted as the Knitting Guild's newsletter editor. It's lots of fun and so far we've gotten positive feedback on the new look and layout of the newsletter. I'm really trying to make it fun and informative. It was always the thing I looked most forward to when I was a memeber, so I want the same for the rest of the group.

I was also working on a surprise gift for my brother. I can't believe all three of us are now in our 40's! (woohoo). We celebrated two weekends in a row. First we went out to two wineries and dinner on the 1st, then dinner at my parents house on his actual birthday (the 4th) and then his fiancee organized a wonderful surprise party for him on the 7th. As part of the surprise I got a nice digital frame and put a bunch of pictures of him, us, friends and his fiancee and son on it. Because I am so uptight about these things, I tried to keep it in chronological order. We set it up at the party and had a slide show going the whole time. I also made some CD's to give out to the guests. It was a great party and the biggest surprise for all of us came in the form of my brother 'A' who lives in North Carolina. He surprised us by flying up for the party! It was like a dream. I can't believe he was there, but I have the photos to prove it (which I will post at a later date).

So that's my news for now. The first few months of the year are always so busy for us as a family. We have birthday's starting on 2/26, then 3/4, 3/15, 3/27, 4/11. And we can't forget Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter. In May we have Mother's Day, and a very special first birthday on 5/17. I think we have a break in June, then there are two birthday's in July, one in August and an anniversary in September. We have a nice long break until December where there is an anniversary and two days later, a birthday, then Christmas and New Year. I'm not even putting in the birthday's of my friends!! Is your head spinning yet?!

Random photos

2009-02-13T23:36:00.004-05:00

Vernal Equinox Shawl Part 2

2009-02-13T09:27:00.004-05:00

So on the advice of P, I bound off the bit of shawl I had done the other day, blocked it and gave it to her daughter for one of her dolls. Then I restarted the shawl. I am much happier with the way it looks. I breezed through clue 1 and just started clue 2 last night. I'm going to try and work through the pattern. As much as I'd like it to all be pretty and lacy, I decided that I'm not going to drive myself crazy. At the first sign of trouble, I'll rip back to clue 1 and just knit that particular section.

TGIF and have a nice, long weekend!

To The Pond I Go!

2009-02-11T12:06:00.006-05:00

I don't know if any of you know this but I've been working on this pretty little thing:

It's the Vernal Equinox Mystery Shawl. What I like about it is a one row pattern. You only knit two, purl, then knit the last two stitches on the wrong side. What you see here are clues 1 and 2. I am now going to have to rip it all out and start from scratch. Many of you are saying, 'Oh no! Why?! It looks so pretty!' Well, here is why, 1) The above photo is an old one only showing clue 1. It looks like this now:

This is knitted up to the very beginning of clue 3. What happened to the lacy part in clue 2 you might be asking. Well after ripping it out about 3 times I decided to just knit that section (the designer said we could do so at any point of the shawl if we wanted to.)

2) You see the little, um, nipple looking thing at the end there? The thing that looks like a handle to a fan? Well, it always bothered me and after looking at a few photos of shawls that have been completed on Ravelry I realized why. Dorky over enthusiastic me did not read the pattern correctly. I started it all wrong! And while I have been known to say, 'I was told by my knitting instructor that the Amish put something a little wrong in everything they made because the only one perfect is God', I decided that this was more than just a 'little flaw' and I am going to rip it out and start all over. There is just no way I can see to work around this little nipple thingie. I can't tuck it in, I can't cut it out, and it just doesn't look right! So, later on this evening, while I am watching Lost I will be frogging and restarting. Oh well, maybe it will go faster for me now that I know what to expect!

25 Random Things About Me

2009-01-27T17:55:00.005-05:00

I'm on FaceBook now and got tagged with this. I thought it would be nice to put it up here too.
1) I love Matthew, Danny and Gabriel more than anything in the world.
2) I pictured my life much differently from what it is, but I am not unhappy.
3) I wish I were braver.
4) I love looking at maps and can't understand how people get lost.
5) I would love to be the first Hobbit to attend Hogwarts.
6) I still have dreams about walking around my high school.
7) I wish I had dated more boys in high school.
8) I pray every morning.
9) I find that I go to bed late because I don't want to face another day at work.
10) I would love to knit myself a sweater someday.
11) I wish my dad would retire so he could enjoy himself a little.
12) I miss my brother and his family.
13) I like the thought of one of the photographs I've taken hanging in someone's home and it giving them pleasure.
14) I daydream. All. The. Time.
15) I constantly worry about my family.
16) I try to notice people's eyes and smiles before anything else.
17) I like movie soundtracks.
18) I want to buy an astronomy book and learn to recognize some of the constellations.
19) I wanted to be a mermaid.
20) I also wanted to be an astronaut so I could take pictures of the earth from the moon.
21) I wanted to marry Mr. Rogers...and Underdog.
22) I want to go back to PR and visit my cousins again.
23) As long as I live near a body of water I will be okay.
24) I worry that I am not living my life to my full potential.
25) After watching Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind I decided that I wouldn't want any of my memories erased.

Here are some photos from Christmas:

Sad news...

2009-01-17T20:42:00.004-05:00

I'm very sad today. One of my good knitting friends 'lost' her husband. He'd been in the hospital since before Thanksgiving and he finally passed away today. P was such a dear, sweet man. My heart goes out to D and her family.

All Right, All Right!!

2009-01-07T11:03:00.003-05:00

I've been getting a lot of slack for not updating my blog so, I am making a feeble attempt now. Of course I am at work so I'm doing this on the sly. It's going to be weird to work past 12:30 today. For the past two weeks we've been getting out early. This is going to be a shock to my system.

So, let's see, my brother and his family came up from NC and stayed for about 5 days. The boys had a ball with their new Wii. We had a great time. New Year's was quiet. We just stumbled across the street to a friends' house. We ate and played 'Name that Tune' the 80's edition. I did fairly well with some rock, lots of alternative and forget about the big hair bands. My parents even got in on the fun.

On the knitting front, I made a pair of these mitts (Evangeline can be found on Ravelry). I made them out of Manos Silk in a beautiful coral color. I used probably about half a skein for both mitts. I now want to run out and buy a skein in each color, make a bunch of these then use the leftovers for a funky scarf. Until I do though, I've started another pair in Lion Brand Wool Ease in Gray. I finished one last night and am planning on starting the second one today. They are an easy and quick knit. In fact, the one you see started in this photo was done by the time I finished watching Mamma Mia...which was a great movie. I loved it as much as I did the Broadway show.

I promise to post a few photos from Christmas. My nephew looks adorable with no front teeth. You can't help but smile when he does!

Okay, that's it for now. I need to get back to work!

Horriblescope for Dec. 17

2008-12-17T10:37:00.001-05:00

Today's Aries Horoscope:Dec 17, 2008

Dreams or visions could bring sudden and exciting insights with regard to career issues. These dreams could steer you toward books, Web sites, and other sources of information that can provide further guidance that could well prove invaluable. The source of your insights may be rather unorthodox, but don't write them off for that. Think of them as messages from your Higher Self, and make the most of them.

Hmmmmmmm..........

Sunday Morning Sky

2008-12-07T07:56:00.001-05:00

First/Last snow of the season?

2008-12-06T23:49:00.002-05:00

I need an intervention....

2008-12-04T19:12:00.003-05:00

Hi, my name is Angela and I am a Potterhead.

I own all 7 Harry Potter books...both American and British versions.

I own all the movies and soundtracks.

My cell phone ring is 'Harry's Wondrous World'.

I think I may have a little problem...

I am thankful for (in no praticular order)....

2008-11-29T21:11:00.007-05:00

I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for all my friends. I am thankful for the roof over my head and the food on my table. I am thankful for this beautiful, scary, imperfect world I live in. At times I don't feel it, but I know I am very lucky.

Random Tuesday

2008-11-11T18:13:00.004-05:00

In no particular order, for no particular reason...

What's on my needles

2008-11-01T23:59:00.004-04:00

Now that I've finished what I began to call the 'big green thing' I had to have something to do with my hands. I went to Panera one night and with the help of a good friend I balled up a hank of Silky Wool and cast on for this:

The Branching Out scarf found on knitty.com. It's an easy knit and is coming along nicely. However, because I get bored easily and I just can't have one thing going at a time I also cast on for this:

The Swallowtail Shawl. I have all this Knitpicks yarn laying around so I got a bug up my butt that I had to start this Right. Now. Or. Else. I had to rip it out a couple of times and I think I screwed up but I may fudge things a little and make it work. I don't know who either of these are going to. I may keep them or I may gift them. I'm not sure yet. I have to see what happens when and if I finish them.

My First Swap

2008-10-22T22:12:00.002-04:00

I joined a swap through one of the groups I belong to on Ravelry. I've never done this before. It sounded like fun, so I decided to go for it. I got a message that my package was on it's way earlier this week. Then I came home today and this is what I found on my doorstep:

I ran upstairs and started to unpack it:

Inside the tissue and bubblewrap was this:

How gorgeous is that?! And inside I found this:

And this:

There is yummy candy, point protectors, cable needles, a yarn cutter pendant...it is wonderful!! My swapper hasn't revealed themselves yet and they may not. Whoever it is, I want to say thank you. This was so much fun and the things they sent were just great. I can't decide which is my favorite thing. The bag is just beautiful, the chocolate is yummy, and I can't say enough nice things about the stitch markers. I love the Sushi markers and the jewelled ones are so pretty too. I hope that my swapee enjoys the package I send as much as I did this one.

RHINEBECK 2008

2008-10-18T22:41:00.015-04:00

First off, I have an FO (finished object for you non-knitters). I started this in May, stopped for the summer months, then picked it up again. I wanted to wear it to Rhinebeck. I was up most of the night finishing it and in the morning, J cast off one wing while I was getting dressed then I finished the other. It was warm, I got lots of compliments and I love it!!

The drive up to Rhinebeck was wonderful. We got there in a couple of hours and this is what we saw:I knew from Franklin's blog and from Ravelry that he was going to be signing his book on Saturday. I admire him a lot, but I had no plans on meeting him. I figured there would be a mob and I felt a little weird about it. We happened to be wondering in the building he was in and when I saw him, I couldn't resist. My first purchase of the day was his book. The line wasn't too long so I hopped on and waited. The people around me were very friendly and while on line I bumped into one of my friends, K. The wait on the line went especially quickly because I spent most of it looking at what she had bought. Then I was at the front of the line and I met the man himself. I was a total bumbling ass. I shoved my ginormous yellow messenger bag that had one of his designs on it at him and said, 'Look, I brought Dolores!' He was very sweet and had a good laugh at it, he also liked my pin that said 'Swatch Me'. There was much confusion because I knew he had lots of people waiting to see him and he wasn't going to be there much longer so, I was rushing (not him). J & K pulled out their cameras and pretty much forced me to take a picture with him. This is me telling K to please hurry up!

Then he signed my book and offered his hand to me but I didn't realize it because I was being stupid. Then K yelled at me for not shaking his hand so I turned to him and apologized and shook his hand. He was just so sweet and gracious and it was one of the thrills of my day. Just before seeing him, I spotted HER, the one and only....YARN HARLOT. She was with a group of ladies and I didn't have the nerve to walk up to her. All I could do was excitedly tell J and walk away. Later on in the day we were walking blindly around and walked into one of the stalls to look at what was there. As I walked out I looked up and saw the guy behind the counter was Mel of the blog Cabezalana(http://www.cabezalana.blogspot.com/). I, of course was a complete and utter ass. I think he thinks I'm crazy, which at that point I was.
Other than the book, I bought theses:
And this (for my mommy):
We walked around some more:

I forgot how overwhelming it can all be. I bumped into two friends from my knitting group early in the day, then just walked blindly around. We left at around 5-ish, stopped in town for a cup of coffee then headed on back home. I had a very nice time but next year, I am going to get a room. I was so tired all I could think about was going somewhere warm to rest.

Last but not least..

2008-10-15T22:53:00.005-04:00

So the Peanut's Christening was on September 27. My brother A is his Godfather so was coming up from NC. He told us his wife and the boys couldn't come because she had to work and they had school. So I came home Friday knowing he had arrived much earlier in the day. I was looking forward to seeing him because I really missed him. I planned on hugging him and having a few rum & cokes with him. So, I pulled up to the house, and I changed out of my shoes into sandals, grabbed my bags, stopped to pet a dog that was pooing near my front lawn and walked into the house. I saw my brother laying on the sofa and I dropped most of my stuff and hugged him and said, 'Oh! I am so happy that my brother is here!" and from the back of the sofa, my sister in law, and the boys popped up and yelled, "And so are we!!" To say I was shocked is an understatement. I was teary and choked up just seeing my brother, I very nearly lost it when I saw them. They came as a surprise and boy what a surprise it was! It was just so nice having everyone together. Everyone just adores the Peanut. The boys can't get enough of him, especially D and my brother & his wife just love him too.

Four of my six favorite men.

D pretending he's Grandpa.

My two little men. I can't wait till Peanut can stand next to them.

It was hot as the sun in this Mickey D's. I swear, I almost swooned just sitting there.

I love the bright colors of this piece of graffiti.

This is one of the prettiest churches I've been in.

The proud Godparents with Peanut and Mommy & Daddy.Mommy, Peanut & Daddy.

Me and the Boys.

Our little house was busting at the seams. It was a busy weekend that ended too soon. I am looking forward to a repeat performance at Christmas time!

Next up....

2008-10-07T22:39:00.005-04:00

September 25th was the last ever Stitch and Pitch at Shea Stadium. A group of us were going to go but unfortunately the weather did not cooperate. Some (most, actually) people decided to stay behind and bask in the warmth that is Panera. I on the other hand left work a little early and took the train in.

The ride in wasn't so bad. I think I've only been to see a game at Shea Stadium once. I went to Yankee Stadium twice for concerts (U2 and Billy Joel). I was rushing to get in because it was almost time for the game to start. It was chilly and windy and there was a threat of rain.
This sight really took my breath away. I don't know why. I was just amazed by the largeness of it all. And the people were all so nice. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood. It made me sad to think it's all going to be torn down. This place has been here since I can remember.When I looked for my seat I bumped into a couple of friends of mine...did I mention it was cold, and windy? I also brought a project to work on. But it was my 'Hobbit' shawl. It's getting ginormous and I need to follow a pattern. I think I did one row and then put it away.

Here are a couple of other brave souls I bumped into.

I think that due to the weather the whole thing was a little disorganized. There was nobody directing us to our seats and due to the weather there were lots of empty seats so we were spread out.

Unfortunately is started to rain a little harder around the 7th inning. At this point, the score was tied, I was cold and a little tired. I left with my friends and by the time I got home the Mets had won the game at the bottom of the 9th.
It makes me sad to think this is going to be torn down and the new stadium is going to have some stupid name. Just like the Jones Beach Theatre is known as Nikon at Jones Beach and the Westbury Music Theatre is now Capital One Theater at Westbury. I think it's dumb. But that's me.Goobye Shea. It was nice knowing you.

September 20, 2008

2008-10-05T23:12:00.005-04:00

Okay, so I know this I'm a little behind. Over the next few days you'll understand why. A few weeks ago it was my BFF's birthday. I've said it before and I'll say it again, all of my friends are ageless to me. So it was P's birthday and we did what we love the most.

Went on a road trip.

For one reason or another we haven't been able to do this all summer long. Her birthday was the perfect excuse. Before coming to a screeching halt at one of the wineries we stopped for lunch at our favorite place.

After lunch we had enough strength to stop at Duck Walk. J doesn't drink wine but was a sport and sipped at ours. There was only one that she liked.

So we bought a bottle and drank it...well, P & I drank it.

It was such a beautiful day.

We tried to go to Greenport, but there was some sort of festival going on and we couldn't find parking. We ended up going to Port Jefferson and walking around a bit. It was just such a relaxing day.

Then, we went home.

Fun Thing

2008-09-19T15:43:00.004-04:00

So I was surfing through some of my Ravelry groups and checking out some of the blogs of the people that are in those groups. I've added a TON of new blogs to my list. Anyway, there was this questionnaire type of thing on the dailystitches.wordpress.com. I thought it was interesting so I am going to do it here. I must answer the following list of questions with one word:

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Where is your significant other? None
3. Your hair color? brown
4. Your mother? work
5. Your father? home
6. Your favorite thing? laughter
7. Your dream last night? weird
8. Your dream/goal? happiness
9. The room you’re in? office/cubicle
10. Your hobby? Many
11. Your fear? failure
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
13. Where were you last night? Paige's
14. What you’re not? unhappy
15. One of your wish-list items? drop-spindle (okay, technically two words but I'm putting it in)
16. Where you grew up? NY
17. The last thing you did? renewed
18. What are you wearing? jeans
19. Your TV? discovery
20. Your pet? none
21. Your computer? Dell
22. Your mood? anxious
23. Missing someone? nephew's
24. Your car? toyota
25. Something you’re not wearing? lipstick (much to my mother's horror)
26. Favorite store? LYS
27. Your summer? fast
28. Love someone? yes
29. Your favorite color? blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? yesterday

There was also something where I had to list my 7 favorite blogs, but I couldn't decide so I left that part out.
So, did you learn anything new about me?

Catching Up

2008-09-17T21:24:00.006-04:00

Well, I haven't been blogging much but now that the summer is over, hopefully I will be. It's been a busy few months and it looks like things aren't going to let up any time soon. I'll put it into these terms; I get paid twice a month so for me, there are 6 paychecks till Christmas. How scary is that? I have to say though, as much as I love the summer and I truly do, I think Fall is probably my favorite time of year. I love the turning of the leaves and all the holiday's that are coming up. I love to decorate for Halloween, Thanksgiving and most of all Christmas. I love the cooler weather so I can wear all my cool scarves and the funky hat my friend made for me last year.

So, today after work I grabbed a book, my sock and my IPod and to Jones Beach. There weren't too many people. Check out the sunset they missed:

And these were taken with my cell phone! I love the way the beach looks at night too. I don't know what it is, but I get a little scared. Even though it's the same old beach as during the day, it looks much wilder at night. There was some sort of photo shoot going on down by the shore. I'm surprised they weren't asked to leave. You usually are after sunset. Maybe they had a permit to be there. I stayed as long as I could because I wanted to see who they were, but it was getting a little late and I wanted to get home.

Well, I am off to finish the cuff on my toe up sock.

I am having so much fun knitting it, I am looking forward to starting the other so I can wear the pair. Then I am going to practice making one sock on two circular needles, one sock using the magic loop method, then I am going to decide which method I like best and knit up a pair of socks with my Noro Sock Yarn! Can you say OOOOO, AAAHHH!!!

What I did this Summer...

2008-09-07T21:29:00.002-04:00

Summer Night at Jones Beach

2008-08-21T22:55:00.004-04:00

A friend of my brother is in a band. I can't think of the name but they played a free concert at Jones Beach tonight. I went there with my friend P, her daughter and her friend. As soon as we got there, guess who I found? My beautiful little Peanut, who is not such a Peanut. He's 3 months old now and is growing so fast. He was laughing up a storm every time I told him he was crazy.

No, he doesn't have Grandma & Grandpa wrapped around his finger..not at all!

Little Miss M (on the right) and her friend M. They are often mistaken for sisters.

Mom being mom and dad trying to pretend she's not there. Actually, I think he was amused by her.

The boardwalk was actually pretty busy for a week night. They have so much going on at the beach during the summer. Every night there is either some sort of band playing, line dancing or movie showing. I'm really going to have to take advantage of all of that next year.

Karen's FO

2008-08-19T12:47:00.004-04:00

Karen, she of the Porch does not as of yet have a blog. I am a bad, bad friend and haven't yet helped her set one up. So until I do and she does, here's one of her FO's. Pretty damn cute, huh?!

I've been keeping busy myself. I've got the Hobbit shawl I'm working on that at the moment requires alot of quiet and concentration. I've split for the wings and decided to work them at the same time. I am sure that I'd be as confused as I am now if I'd decided to work them seperately...or that's what I like to say. I need peace and quiet to work on it. I'm also working on my Candle Flame scarf and a lace trinity stitch (or bramble stitch) scarf. I've also just gotten into bead weaving. I succesfully made one bracelet (which I gave away to one of my cousin's) and am working on two more. Yeah, I believe in keeping myself busy.

Which HP Character Would You Marry?

2008-08-08T12:28:00.002-04:00

I found this cool quiz on Ravelry and this is how it came out:
(sorry the graphic is ginormous, if I could shrink it just a tad I would!)

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Weasley Twin

Your perfect HP man is Fred and/or George Weasley.

Laughter is important to you. You want a guy who's never boring, who can always put a smile on your face, and who can pull the best of pranks and never get caught. Or possibly two such guys. Because let's face it, they're pretty much a two-fer. You get one, you get both. Even if one of them's only a friend, he'll still be around so much you'll feel like you're married to him, too. Sure, they may not seem like the most mature guys in the world, in a traditional sense, but just ask them about their business plan. When they drive you nuts by relentlessly testing their latest inventions on you, you can console youself with that huge stack of cash and dragon-leather jacket. Besides, you know you're powerless against those stereo smiles.

Take The Harry Potter Husband Test at HelloQuizzy

Till Next Year...

2008-08-06T15:15:00.004-04:00

Early morning drive to the airport..

The guys are finally on their way home to NC.

Oh, yeah, I was there too....

2008-07-28T23:32:00.005-04:00

To be continued....

Andy's Adventures in Sanibel Island

2008-07-28T17:46:00.009-04:00

Arriving at the Fort Myers International Airport

Chillaxing with a friend, good music and sunscreen Bunnicula checking out the sites
Water is just right!
Hanging with Gramma
Hanging 40 on the boogie board

Checking out the Sanibel shells & sand dollars

Relaxing with Grandpa, waiting for dinner

F-O-O-D!!

A nice bath before bed

On our way back to NY

Waiting to take offBye-bye Sanibel...till next year!

Back in NY

Grandma's & Granpa's house!

Vacation time again...

2008-07-18T10:36:00.004-04:00

It's going to be a bit before I post again. At least a week if not more. I'm heading down to Florida for our annual vacation tomorrow morning. For those of you who don't know, my parents and I have been going to Sanibel Island for a few years now. We meet up with family and have a great time. You will all be bombarded with photos like this:

Anyway, before I go I must tell you all about a great podcast I listen to. It's called 'Stuck in the 80's'. You can link to them here: http://blogs.tampabay.com/80s/. If you lived through the 80's this is the podcast for you. I heard about it through Ravelry and listened to a few current podcasts. Then while waiting for a new one to come out I decided to download all their back episodes. It's hysterical. I can relate to pretty much everything they say. Check it out, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. The hosts, Steve Spears and Sean Daly are a riot!

Well, that's it for now. I must go pack. See you in a week!

New Project

2008-07-09T16:29:00.003-04:00

I know, I know, crappy pictures but what can I say? I took them with my cell phone. I'm trying my hand at Crochet. A couple of people I know made this little scarf. It's called a Queen Anne's Lace scarf and can be found on Ravelry or you can go to: http://1craftyboy.wordpress.com/2007/12/11/okey-dokey/

It's lots of fun and not too difficult. I can't wait till it's done!

Yes, I am alive...

2008-07-03T11:28:00.003-04:00

Greetings from Field 6 of Jones Beach. This was me yesterday. Today, I am at work. Although we are getting out early (woohoo). My brother and his family have been visiting since last Friday so things have been crazy. I will be posting some photos of their visit shortly.

On the knitting front, I've been knitting a simple little lacy scarf with one of the skeins of lace I bought from Knit Picks. I'm also trying my hand at crochet. I've started fooling around with the Queen Anne's Lace scarf I found on Ravelry through one of my friends. It's coming out rather nicely. I'll be posting photos of that soon too.

Well, have a happy and safe 4th of July.

Watch out Spot!

2008-06-26T15:58:00.002-04:00

Uh-oh, looks like someone is muscling in on Spot! I'm going to have a talk with the wee one.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've just gotten a message from these guys:

Spot's Posse is not happy with the little Lass. I will definitely have a stern discussion with Miss Siobahan!

Saturday

2008-06-24T22:47:00.006-04:00

There was a baby shower for my cousin.

This is what my mom and cousin look like on one sip of wine.

My Weekend

2008-06-15T21:48:00.004-04:00

I just love this place. I wish I could live there all the time. It's just so peaceful.

We left early Friday morning and got there at about 11:30 or so. When we got there, we were the only campers there. By 5pm there were a few more campers but the place was not filled to capacity at all.

After dinner we took a walk down to the beach. I wanted to take pictures, mom wanted to fish.

Note to self: Must remember - Mother likes to catch the fish...

But not take them off the hook. She caught 2 Bass and 1 Pickerel. I refused to unhook the Pickerel so dad did..and got a huge cut on his thumb.

(This is me unhooking Bass #2)

We ended up leaving Saturday afternoon. The weather was going to turn bad and we did, in fact get caught in a horrible downpour. Before we left though, we went to a really nice nursery. Mom picked up a few flowers.

It was a nice trip cut much too short. I'm always so sad when I leave. It's not that I don't love my home, because I do. It's just nice to be somewhere else sometimes.

Life is good...

2008-06-12T12:37:00.005-04:00

Peanut is going to be 1 month old next week.

My brother and his family are driving up from NC around the 26th.

It's summer time.

I'm going camping this weekend.

I ordered more yarn from KnitPicks.

I have a baby shower to go to next week.

Porch knitting starts in earnest next weekend.

I bought an Empire State Pass so now I can go to the beach.

Life is good.

How the ignorance of people astounds me....

2008-06-08T22:15:00.003-04:00

Okay, so instead of going to Church today I went to the beach. When I came home my mother told me that the Church is finally on the verge of renting out the convent building that's been empty for a good year. They apparently are hoping to rent it to tenants who are going to turn the place into a school for autistic children. I almost cried with joy when I heard. However, my excitement and tears of joy were quickly turned to disbelieving tears of anger. Apparently someone, an ignorant somebody, who instead of researching autism was putting unsigned fliers with misinformation on the cars of people in the neighborhood. A parishioner sent a letter to Father R and said pretty much that this person was a coward and instead of contacting the church to discuss their concerns with him, they just decided to upset everyone instead. And true to his nature Father R doesn't want us calling this person a coward (I actually have a much more strong words for them). He just thinks he or she didn't know that the Church door is always open and all they had to do was open it and he would explain everything. I'm sorry, but I am not as forgiving. In this day and age it is so easy to research what any kind of disease is. What is this person afraid of? I don't understand. It's not like the children will be let out to run wild in the streets. They are not criminals, they are not druggies. They are innocent children with varying levels of a disability that 1 IN 150 children will be diagnosed with. There is no known, there is no cure. These kids and their families didn't ask for this. Many marriages break up due to the strain of it. I just don't get it. If you want to learn more about it, just go to: http://www.autismspeaks.org/whatisit/index.php.
I'm sorry, it's late, I'm tired, I am not coherent. Suffice it to say at this moment, I think this person is not a coward, but a moron. What he or she did is cowardly and underhanded. Why did they do this on the sly? Why didn't they come out in the open with their concerns? I am glad Father R is so forgiving because at this moment, I am not.

Just checking in...

2008-06-05T09:40:00.002-04:00

Yes, I am alive! I've just been busy. I finished the Hemlock Ring blanket and will post a photo soon. I'm working on the Elann Highland Chunk Wool Wrap otherwise known as the Hobbit Wrap for the 'One Shawl to Rule Them All' Ravelery group. I'm just rows away from where I split for the wings. I think I am going to stop there and work on something else. Knitting a winter wrap out of 100% wool just isn't fun when it's 80 degrees and humid! I also just started another baby sweater for a cousin of mine. I'm making it in a pretty mint green color. I have until the 21st to finish it, but I'd like to get it done sooner rather than later.
So, I guess that's it for now. I've been really lazy and not taking very many pictures of anything other than Peanut. I'll need to get back on track now!

My Precious

2008-05-27T15:07:00.002-04:00

I promise, I promise! There will be some knitting content very soon!

Going home...

2008-05-21T10:55:00.004-04:00

Doesn't Mommy look beautiful?

He's going home in the hat and blanket that Grandma crochet.

I was also told that underneath that he's wearing the sweater I knitted. I don't care whether he is or not. I'm just glad they are finally going home!

More of the Peanut

2008-05-18T21:27:00.005-04:00

Yes. I fully intend to become one of those annoying people who posts photos of their amazingly beautiful nephew's every chance they get.

I mean, really? Can you blame me?

Welcome to the world...

2008-05-17T23:38:00.004-04:00

I give you:

The Peanut

7lbs, 19"

DOB: 5/17/08

4:54PM

It's just as good the third time as is it was the first and second.
I am so blessed.

Stuff

2008-05-17T00:27:00.005-04:00

Here are my little men. Aren't they just the most handsome guys?

So, let's see, what's new? I finished my Hemlock Ring blanket. All that's left to do is block it. I've been working on my shawl for the 'One Shawl to Rule Them All' Ravelry group I belong to. Naturally it is a Hobbit shawl. I'm knitting it in a beautiful dark green color. It's coming out very nice too.

Oh, the Peanut is really kicking his mommy's ass. She's been having labor pains since Friday. They are getting progressively worse but when she went to the hospital they made her walk for 2 hours, examined her and told her to go home. Poor thing. I really feel sorry for her. Hopefully I'll be posting a photo of the baby soon.

Greetings and Salutations

2008-05-12T15:59:00.003-04:00

Here's the family. I wish I could block myself out. By the time we got to the church, the littlest man pulled off his tie, suspenders and jacket. My sweet little angel. Just look at those freckles!

Greetings from down south...

2008-05-09T19:55:00.003-04:00

Well we arrived in North Carolina in no time at all. We've lucked out on the weather so far. I've actually got a bit of a sunburn on my chest. I haven't been so lucky with my health though. I don't know if I've got a cold or if it's allergies, but I can't stop coughing for shit. I'm taking Sudafed during the day, Zyrtec at night and sucking on cough drops like they are going out of style. I was feeling crappy the day we got here, better yesterday and now I'm back to crap today. The kids stayed home from school today and we went to the North Carolina Airplane Museum which was very cool. I took lots of photos and videos. If I can figure out how to download the videos I will. Well, I'm off to have another another RUM and coke made especially for me by my brother will help make me feel better. I'll try to post again tomorrow after the big Communion event.

Knitting Projects & Stupid Computers

2008-05-05T14:08:00.003-04:00

So with 4 rows and the bind off left on my Hemlock Ring blanket I decided to start my Elann Highland Wrap. I'm up to row 17 of the cable part. Thank God for that lifeline I so intelligently put in. I got up to row 17 a couple of times and had to rip it out because I didn't like the way the cable looked and I wasn't sure the increases were coming out right. I finally got it all together and I am very happy with the way things are going. I love the color, it's such a pretty green and I love the name...Fiddlehead! I also love the feel of the yarn. It's so soft and just a pleasure to work with. The pattern called for 10 skeins which is what I bought but because I don't believe in swatching I'm afraid I may run out of yarn. We'll see what happens. This is the first of 4 LOTR themed shawls or wraps that I'm making. This one is for the Hobbits. There is one for Men, one for Elves and one for Dwarves. It's just something fun to do in the middle of all the things I have to do.

Now on to my stupid computer. I hate it. It's just about a year old and I've had nothing but problems with it. Now it doesn't recognize my mouse and I fear it doesn't recognize my keyboard either. I'm not going to stress about it right now. I'll worry about it when I get back from NC.

Happy Birthday Alice!

2008-04-29T22:36:00.003-04:00

It was the wonderful Alice's birthday on Sunday and we had a little celebration Monday night.

She's a little camera shy. I love the bra.

You must check her blog out at http://www.turboalice.blogspot.com/

She's an awesome knitter, crocheter, beader and person.

In knitting news, here is my Hemlock Ring blanket.
These two were the beginning. I had no problem with this part. I just whizzed pretty much right through the first 47 rows.

These were taken tonight. I have about 15-20 more rows to go. I can't wait to get it done. I keep screwing up on the feather and fan part. I keep missing yarn overs. I've had to put lifelines in. Do you have any idea what it's like to tink 125 stitches 5 times?!

I am keeping this for myself. I would definitely make it as a gift though.

Baby Shower Goodness

2008-04-21T15:17:00.004-04:00

The shower went really well. The t-shirt painting was a hit too.

The restaurant was great, the service the food, everything.

They've got all the loot, now all they need is the baby!

What I've been up to...

2008-04-07T14:40:00.005-04:00

1) Starting a yoga class.

2) Celebrating 3 birthday's in the month of March.

3) Catching a cold.

4) Planning a baby shower which entailed:

a) Purchasing enough ribbons and socks for 40 pins:

b) purchasing 40 onsies so people can,
c) make a special gift for the new baby.
I don't know if the mom to be reads my blog. I don't think so but even if she does and she sees this stuff it's okay. The date of the event will remain shrouded in mystery until afterwards. She's going nuts trying to figure it out. It's really pretty amusing!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

2008-03-27T09:39:00.002-04:00

Today's Aries Horoscope: Mar 27, 2008
This should be a peaceful day, dear Aries. Be sure to make the most of it, because it is the calm before the storm. This could be a day of discussion and exchange with close friends or colleagues at work. It is an ideal day to tighten some of your professional ties. It's possible that some people will suddenly seem more reasonable than you had imagined.

What's Your Personality Type?

2008-03-16T12:32:00.001-04:00

You Are An ISFP

The Artist

You are a gifted artist or musician (though your talents may be dormant right now).
You enjoy spending your free time in nature, and you are good with animals and children.
Simply put, you enjoy beauty in all its forms and live for the simple pleasures in life.
Gentle, sensitive, and compassionate - you are good at recognizing people's unspoken needs.

In love, you are quiet and sweet yet very passionate. You love easily.
You have an underlying love for all living things, and it's easy for you to accept someone into your heart.

At work, you do best in an unconventional position. You express yourself well and can work with almost anyone.
You would make a good veterinarian, pediatrician, or composer.

How you see yourself: Sympathetic, kind, and communicative

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Incompetent, insecure, and overly sensitive

What's" Your Personality Type?

Hmm, what do you all think?

Is it over yet?

2008-03-13T09:16:00.003-04:00

March is a very busy month in my house. This year, we have 3 birthday's and two religious holiday's! It seems as if every weekend there's something to do. I'm not complaining because it's fun stuff, it's just that, I'm tiiired!! I am looking forward to the end of the month only because I am taking the day after my birthday off. I don't know what I am going to do yet. It's just nice knowing I have a free day to do anything or nothing at all!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-03-09T22:51:00.012-04:00

I started my weekend by going into "The City" to see a private screening of Horton Hears a Who. My future sister in law's company sponsored it. It was a great movie....I cried at the end. Yeah, I'm a sap! Then, we went out to the wineries today to finish celebrating my brother's 39th birthday.

We had a great time. Can you tell?

New Blogger

2008-03-05T12:04:00.003-05:00

One of my Panera's buddies just started a new blog. She's only got 3 posts up as she only just started it but she's a wonderful person and I wanted to spread the word. I have a feeling it's going to be a good blog. She is talented, knowledgeable and is so helpful and wonderful about spreading what she knows. I feel blessed to know her and all the Panera knitters. I think I will go to my grave saying and thinking that. So, here's her blog name and link:

Turboknitter - www.turboalice.blogspot.com

Go visit her and say hi. There's nothing a blogger loves more than to receive comments!

What a difference a week makes....

2008-03-03T23:36:00.002-05:00

Friday, February 22.

Sunday, March 2

B-R-E-A-T-H-E

2008-02-28T12:05:00.004-05:00

Whenever I am stressed, I look at these pictures I have on my desk..

and of all the others I have stored in my head.

A Little Something About Me

2008-02-26T12:29:00.003-05:00

I'm having a problem with my computer at home. I'm trying to fix it but until then I am posting a quickie from work. On Friday we got a bit of snow. Nothing too major, but it was icy and scary. Now I live less than a mile from work and it takes me 3 minutes to get here so, I have to come in when there's bad weather. I mean, really, how pathetic would I be if I didn't? Well on Friday we had exactly 22 people in the office and 22 out. The higher ups were very generous and 1) brought in pizza for lunch so we wouldn't have to go out in the bad weather and 2) let us out at 3. Then today we got an e-mail saying that all the people who braved the weather and came in were getting a bonus 1/2 day Friday. We can use it anytime between now and the end of May. It's a silly thing, but I am excited over it. It seems that the possibilities are endless (until May 30th that is). I haven't decided anything yet, but isn't it nice to have that to think about and plan for?

I got this e-mail from someone and I thought it would be cool to put it here. I didn't put it down in it's entirety though. I just thought it would be fun to do.

Things about me that you may or may not know in no particular order.

A) Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Deli worker at A&P.
2. Photo tech in a one hour photo lab.
3. Receptionist at a German baking goods importer.
4. Insurance slave.

B) Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
2. Harry Potter Saga
3. A Room with a View
4. A Christmas Story

C) FOUR PLACES I HAVE LIVED
1. Brooklyn
2. Richmond Hill
3. Westbury
4. New Hyde Park

D) Four TV Shows that I watch:
1. Medium
2. Pushing Daisies
3. Lost
4. Discovery Channel - Mythbusters & Dirty Jobs (Mike Rowe what a hunk!)

E) Four places I have been:
1. Scotland
2. Puerto Rico
3. California
4. Sanibel Island

F) Four People who e-mail me (regularly)
1. Paige
2. The wonderful Panera knitters
3. My cousin Rosie
4. Considering there are more than 4 people in #2 I don't think I need to fill this one in!

G) Four Favorite foods
1. Karen's chili
2. Anything my mom makes
3. Sushi
4. Anything Paige makes

H) Four places I would rather be right now:
1. On a beach with a good book, music and knitting.
2. Sitting in front of a fire with a good book, music and knitting.
3. Anywhere outdoors in the fresh air.
4. In NC celebrating my nephew's 9th birthday.

I) Things I am looking forward to this year:
1. The birth of my new nephew & Barbara's baby!
2. Going to NC for my nephew's communion
3. Vacationing in Sanibel
4. Going camping this summer

Well, that's about it. I could go on but it's nearly lunch time and I am at work.
Hey did anyone watch the Oscars Sunday? Javier Bardem and Viggo under one roof....pant, pant!

Friday Snow Day

2008-02-22T08:09:00.001-05:00

This is what I woke up to at 6am...

Peacefully,

falling,

snow.

More to follow.....

More hats....

2008-02-19T19:13:00.001-05:00

So, a few weeks ago a friend of mine (Helen of Troy) suggested I try knitting the Sunflower Tam from Knitting Nature. Well, I mulled it over, and wasn't sure if I wanted to buy the whole damn book just for one pattern. Well, I must say that pertty much all the patterns are beautiful. Whether I'll knit them all or not is up for doubtful but it's nice to know the possiblities are there. So, here's my tam.

I used a different color for the top because I was running out of yarn.

I think it came out rather nice.
Now I'm off to sew the sequins into mom Koolhaas hat that I finally finished.

February Snowstorm

2008-02-13T08:42:00.003-05:00

We had a big snowstorm yesterday. My company very nicely let us go home at 4:30 because of reports of icy roads. I ran to CVS to buy Valentines Day Cards and to Joann's to pick up some yarn then braved the 10 minute drive home. It took some people 2-3 hrs to get home.

(Yes, I know Ms. Yarn Harlot that you've got more snow than you know what to do with but some of us haven't seen it in quite a while and actually miss it!)

This is what our street looked like at about 6pm.

This is what it looked like at 8:59am.

Bummer. I was hoping for a really good snow day in which to settle down with my knitting.

Oh well. I didn't have to clean off my car and winter isn't over yet. We may still get some yet.

Which brings me to summer. I woke up this morning just dreaming of camping. How funny is that? I'm already planning when I want to go and how we're going to work it all out and stuff. I want to go with Pooh and the kids. Hopefully we'll have good weather and hopefully they will have fun. I always do I just love it up there. In fact, I found a video on You Tube where a group of people went up to Rudd Pond last year. It's right over there -----> up top of my sidebar. It was exciting to watch. I knew exactly where they stopped and camped. I call it civilized camping since there are showers with hot and cold running water and it's mostly platform camping. There are a few ground sites, but I'm old and like the flat platform.

I'm still working on my various knitting projects and mom is a crocheting machine. If I could just work on the blanket I could probably have it done in no time. It's going rather quickly. I'm always amazed when I've finished a row.

Okay well, let me get back to work now before I get into trouble.

WIP's

2008-02-07T23:38:00.000-05:00

So, I've been hard at work knitting a few things.

Here is what we at Panera are calling the "Denise Blanket". It really should be the "Sue Blanket" because Sue gave it to Denise who has passed it around to a few other people. I'm making it in a denim blue color and was toying with the idea of making it in different colors. I'm up to the part where I'm knitting a few rows before I start the pattern again. The more I look at it though, the more I think I'll just keep it as is. I'm not sure which baby is going to get this yet. I'll have to see what happens when I finish. I have about 4 different cousins plus my brother who are all expecting babies this year. I'm really going to be kept busy knitting.

This is the Elizabeht Zimmerman baby surprise jacket. Again, I'm not 100% sure who's going to get this. I had this funky verigated yarn and thought I'd see how it would look. I'm not sure if it's to girly for a boy or to boyish for a girl. Another thing I'll have to see how I feel about when I'm done.

Last but not least, mom's Koolhaas. I'm up to the crown shaping so I really don't have much more to do. She also wants sequins like the ones I put in Karen's red hat. I should be done with this soon.

Last Sunday some of my friends and I got together at the unholy hour of 8am and went to Garden City Stitches. There was a Super Bowl Sunday yarn sale. Between 8 & 9 orders that totalled up to $100 got a discount. As the day progressed the sales got less. I've never been to that shop before and was excited to go. We had a very nice time (I didn't buy anything) and when we were done we went across the street for breakfast. It was really nice to get together like that on a beautiful Sunday morning and just chat and relax. After that, most of us went home. I went home, picked up my mom and we hit another yarn shop called Knit. This was a really nice place too. They were way crowded though because they are moving to the Village of Roslyn. It was an experience for mom. She's never really shopped at a yarn shop like that before. Usually she buys her yarn at Michael's, JoAnn's or AC Moore. Not that there is anything worng with that, because I do too. It's just that she's never experienced the crazyness that it a yarn shop during a sale! After a few minutes she was a bit overwhelemed and since neither one of us was really purchasing anything, we left.

And just for your viewing pleasure, the sky over AC Moore a couple of weeks ago. I thought the clouds looked way cool.

Well, I guess that's it for now. The Peanut and mummy are doing great. I haven't gotten any new pictures but if I do I will post them. They are busy fixing up a room for the little turnip head...which reminds me...LOST is back on - WOOHOO!! Although, HELLO, we are supposed to be getting answers not more questions. There are only 8 episodes this season and then I think next season is the last. I want to know who the Oceanic 6 are and is Jack's dad alive or dead? What the hell is going on?! I also love that Eli Stone show. It really made me laugh this week. Two good shows to watch during this stupid writers strike.

Well, anyhoo - it's late and I'm tired so, sweet dreams and talk to you later!

Third Annual Silent Poetry Reading.

2008-02-02T22:48:00.000-05:00

You can read all about this here:

http://branchesup.blogspot.com/2008/01/you-are-invited-to-third-annual-brigid_25.html

This is my contribution:

How happy is the blameless Vestal's lot?
The world forgetting, by the world forgot:
Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!
Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd;
Labour and rest, that equal periods keep;
'Obedient slumbers that can wake and weep;
Desires compos'd, affections ever ev'n;
Tears that delight, and sighs that waft to heav'n;
Grace shines around her with serenest beams,
And whispering Angels propmpt her golden dreams.
For her th' unfading rose of Eden blooms,
And wings of Seraphs shed divine perfumes;
For her Spouse prepares the bridal ring
For her white virgins Hymenaeals sing,
To sounds of Heav'nly harps she dies away,
And melts in visions of eternal day.
'Eloisa to Abelard' - Alexander Pope.

Okay so, the first four lines of this poem were recited in one of my favorite movies which got its name from the third line. I can tell you exactly when it's recited too (the part where they see the elephants walking through Manhattan). It's just a snippet of a much longer poem. In the book I have, it's about 11 1/2 pages long! Originally I wanted to quote a poem written by Viggo Mortensen (as if I had to put his last name in). But I couldn't find the book that it is in and I don't know it by heart. When I finally find it, I will post it.

Some good news, a cousin of mine had her baby. A little boy. I'm not sure of his full name, but for short they will call him Cord. According to my mom, his full name means 'lamb'. I think that is so sweet. Now I'm trying to think of something cute to knit him with a little lamb on it.

In the morning, some of my KBFF's are going to get together at the un-Godly hour of 8am to go on a yarn crawl of sorts. Apparently Garden City Stitches is having some sort of Super Bowl Sunday yarn sale from 8am-4pm. The earlier you get there, the bigger the savings. We're meeting there, doing some damage and supplementing our stashes, going out for breakfast and hitting another yarn shop called Stitches. I have no idea where this other place is but I plan on going there. Unfortuantely after paying my bills this morning, I have exactly no dollars to spend on yarn and just enough for breakfast. I am just going along for the adventure. I don't really need any more yarn anyway. We're going to corrupt one of our fellow knitters who (gasp!) has no stash because (are you ready for this....) she works on ONE project at a time and doesn't work on anything else until she's finished with that ONE project. I know!! It's unheard of and shocking. I don't think I've ever met a knitter who doesn't have a stash throughout their house. I mean, even I have one. It's not that big, but it's pretty big for a person who essentially lives in one room. And this nonsense of working on one thing at one time?! I must have about 3 lace scarves, one Koolhaas hat, a baby sweater, a sock, and a Grabbit blanket all on the needles right now. The Koolhaas hat is actually almost done but the scarves will probably languish forever in the land of UFO's. Anyway, I am really looking forward to this. Unfortunately this means that it's Sunday and the day will go quickly as every weekend does and then I will have to face Monday (ugh!). But, I will try not to think of that now. I am working on getting out of the industry which I fell into. It's time for a change.

(PS: There is something wrong with my spell check. Since I tend to spell things as they sound this could be a problem.)

Finally Friday...

2008-02-01T08:01:00.000-05:00

Someone once told me not to wish my time away. He told me I should enjoy everyday. Well, for the most part I do. Then there are the days when I just can't bear to get out of bed. It mostly happens when I have to do something unpleasant at work, or I know I have to call an unpleasant client. Sometimes I am trying to fix something that I inadvertently screwed up. It's at this time that I feel most vulnerable. I get super paranoid that these slip ups are begining to count up and that one day I may just be asked to leave. I don't like this pressure of worrying constantly. I have to be sure the client is covered, but they aren't happy with the premium and take it out on us. Sometimes I am asked to re-quote policies, increasing coverage so they can be in a preferred company and the premium either stays the same (which is fine) or goes up (which isn't fine) and I need to sell this idea to the client. It's really begining to wear on me. I haven't been able to sleep or eat much (except dinner) this week. I keep saying that I need to find another job, but, what do I do? It comes down to this, I'm unhappy but I'm afraid to leave. If I leave, I want to get out of this industry completely. I never want to look at another insurance policy other than my own ever again. So, what do I do? I keep wondering if there is something I can do with my love of knitting. Working in a yarn shop probably wouldn't pay very much and I need medical benefits. I suppose I could look into it though. I don't know, I just don't know what to do anymore. I have to stop complaining and do something though.

**DEEP CLEANSING BREATH** I need to get to work.

Happy Friday everybody.

------------------------------------------------------
PS: Today's Aries Horoscope for Feb 01, 2008

If you're involved in the arts, dear Aries, expect today to hear about an opportunity to exhibit your work publicly. There should be a very positive reaction to it, so you can expect a lot of compliments and ego-boosts. An opportunity to earn a little money from your work could also come your way. Don't turn it down out of shyness or insecurity. Go for the gold. This trend is likely to continue, so you should make the most of it.

Happy Hump Day.

2008-01-30T08:21:00.000-05:00

Can you tell from these photos the mood I'm in? Kind of blah with no real reason. *deep sigh* It will pass it always does.

It's nice and quiet in the house right now. Nothing but me and the Waltons on TV. I wish I could call in sick but we're already down one person and my desk is piled high with files that need tending to. And everyone, when you call your insurance rep please remember they don't make up the rules. It's not our fault your premiums are going up. We have insurance too so we are in the same situation as you all. We're not out to take you're money, on the contrary, we're trying to protect your assets. If you suffer a loss and find out you don't have enough coverage we're the ones you blame.

Okay, that's it. I've got to finish getting ready for work now. On a happy note, the red Koolhass was presented to it's new owner on Monday night. She loved it! Now to sneak a photo of her wearing it!

------------------------------------

PS: When I got to work, this is my Horriblescope for the day:

Today's Aries Horoscope for Jan 30, 2008
Has the perfect career for you suddenly materialized out of nowhere, dear Aries? If so, don't write it off as being too good to be true. It's very, very real! Take a few days to consider all your options and all possible contingencies. Talk to people who know the ins and outs of the field. If everything seems favorable, go for it. Such an opportunity may not come around again for a long time.

Monday Morning Blahs...

2008-01-28T08:17:00.000-05:00

Why do the weekends go so quickly?

Just checking in...

2008-01-26T11:15:00.000-05:00

So I've just been a knitting fool! I've been working on the Koolhaas hat lately. I've cranked out 3 hats. I'm actually still putting the finishing touches on the third. It's a gift for one of my KBFF's so I can't post a picture of it here. Once it's gifted, I will put a picture up hopefully on the head of the recipient. I also made this:

Please excuse the hair, this is pre-flat ironing.

Anyway, I've got to boogie now.

IT'S A.........

2008-01-22T12:06:00.000-05:00

B - O - Y ! ! ! !

How effing cool is that?

Catch up...

2008-01-17T12:32:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I've been getting lots of poo about being an infrequent blogger. Sorry folks! It's either that there is so much going on that I don't have time OR there just 'aint nothing worth blogging about. Let's see, I've been hard at work finishing the yellow Koolhaas hat (picture to follow) and starting a new one.

A word to non and new knitters, NEVER knit anything in black. I need to get one of those miners lights so I can see just what the hell it is I'm doing. So far, I've only made one mistake (that I can see..it is black yarn after all) as opposed to the three I found on the yellow one. The good thing is that the pattern is so busy unless you really look for it, you can't find it. Also, most people don't go inspecting things the way I do. I mean, I remember when I took Studio Photography a few years ago. I went out to buy a vase to shoot on the light table. Well, my professor had taught us to wear cotton gloves when handling things like glass or mirrors so we wouldn't get fingerprints on anything. Well, there I am, anal retentive, everything must be perfect, trying to pick out a vase to buy. So I see a vase in a box and pick it up to get a better look at the picture. I remember thinking, 'Oh, this is nice, but I could take a better picture than that...' when I saw it...a B.I.G F.A.T T.H.U.M.B.P.R.I.N.T on the picture of the vase on the outside of the box! I bought it just for that and showed my teacher. He just shook his head and said, 'Only you!' And that brings me back to the hat with the one boo-boo. It's staying. When I learned how to knit my instructor told us the Amish purposely make a mistake because 'no one is perfect, only God'. That's how I look at it, unless of course it is just too big a mistake and really must be fixed. But when it's something small that I didn't notice until I was 10 rows above it, it stays.

I've also been busy finding out what sex the Peanut is. We found out on Monday and it's a......
I have to wait to tell! Sorry, sorry, it isn't my news to tell. Once I get the okay I will yell it out from the rooftops. I just want to make sure that J&N have told everyone they wanted to tell personally.

I can't really think of anything else that I've got to say at the moment. I'll be back to put up the pictures of C wearing his new yellow Koolhaas Hat. Hopefully this evening.
TTFA!!

**UPDATE**

Here is the completed Koolhaas Hat

And its owner wearing it:

Cheer up...it's FRIDAY!!

2008-01-11T11:11:00.001-05:00

For all you knitters out there!

My Friday morning sky.
Aren't you all jealous? Don't you wish you had this view? (LOL)

Koolhaas Hat #2

2008-01-09T12:42:00.000-05:00

Okay, so, it's not as easy as I thought. I am getting stuck on the moving marker rows. I've sent an e-mail to the designer, Jared. Hopefully he'll get to me soon. While I am waiting though I am going to plod on. I've placed life lines on those two rows to make it easier to rip out and start again. I don't know why the second repeat doesn't look right to me. I'm going to have to bring it with me to Panera tomorrow so my KBFF's can take a look at it. As you can see, I am making it in a different color. I suffer from the disease called, 'OIMSIGBARMIA'. That's short for 'Once I Make Something I Get Bored And Rarely Make It Again'. To avoid this, I decided to re-start the hat in the color of on that I plan to give away as a gift. I have until March...or Christmas to finish it. Only time will tell if my attempt at tricking myself will work. Of course, once I get past my little problem it will hopefully be easier. I'll keep you all updated.

Work in progress

2008-01-06T19:45:00.001-05:00

So I cast on a new project the other day. I got in the groove after knitting a couple of simple hats for my co-workers. Theirs were just simple garter stitch hats made with fun fur and Bernat Berella '4'. I've turned into a bit of a fiber snob, so I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked working with this yarn. It's 100% acrylic, but in my opinion doesn't feel like it. It's also very inexpensive. I mean, very. Like $1.99 inexpensive. Anyway, I had a skein left over from the Christmas hats and decided to cast on for the Koolhaas hat designed by Brooklyntweed's Jared Flood. Ever since I saw that hat on his blog (see my sidebar) I've had a bug up my ass to make it. I dug out my Interweave Knits holiday issue and cast on for my hat:

I don't know why I didn't realize it was going to be all cabled. Once I started, I thought it would be hard but it really isn't so bad. I like it because it's not too simple that I'll get bored and not too hard that I'll just give up. I've actually picked up a few skeins of yarn so I can start knitting a few as gift for Christmas this year. I'm really going to try to stick with that train of thought too. Hopefully I'll be done with this one soon and I'll start another one.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2007-12-31T14:05:00.000-05:00

Right now it is about 2 in the afternoon and I'm still in my PJ's wasting a perfectly beautiful last day of the year watching sappy movies and doing laundry. Before I go and take a shower and get ready for my evening I wanted to put down in writing all that I am grateful for. I probably should have done this on Thanksgiving, but now is a good time too.

I am thankful for my mom & dad. I am thankful that they are in pretty good health. They can drive me nuts sometimes (as I am sure I do them), but they are great people.

I am thankful for my brothers, who I love very much and worry about all the time even if I don't say so.

I am thankful for my nephew's. They are the light of my life and I can't imagine what things would be like if those two beautiful little people where not in my world. And now there's going to be a new baby to brighten our lives. I can't wait to meet the new Peanut!

I am thankful for my dear, dear friends who I have known for close to 20 years now. Poo, Neen and I have been through a lot of tears and laughter together. They are my soul sisters and my life would be so empty without them. I am thankful for their kids, who are like my kids sometimes. I am so very proud of all of them. They are all growing into such great people.

I am thankful for my band of new knitty friends. They are all such wonderful, beautiful, talented, giving, loving women. It is sometimes a little overwhelming when I'm sitting at Panera with all of them on a Monday night, and I look at them and wonder, how did I get so lucky?

I am thankful for everyday that I wake up to another day. I may have pictured my life differently when I was a little girl, but I've come to realize that the life I have right now isn't so bad. I may not have a lot of money, I may still be single, but I have the love and support of my family and friends. What more could I ever want?

Have a wonderful and safe New Year.

Why I haven't blogged....

2007-12-30T17:25:00.000-05:00

My babies came, in a flurry of suitcases, stuffed aminals, blankies, hugs and mushy wet kisses...

And just as quickly as they came, they left in a wake of wrapping paper, glitter, tape and tears.

If my life were a soundtrack...

2007-12-19T23:35:00.000-05:00

So I was trolling through my list of blogs and popped into Bronx Girl Knits (check her out at: bronxgirlknits.blogspot.com - it's a good blog). A couple of days ago she posted this thing where you go into your Itunes, or whatever source it is you use to store your music, put it on shuffle and play. You write down the songs and they go under different titles. It's pretty cool and here's how mine came out:

OPENING CREDITS: Tropical Rain Forest - Environmental and Ecological Sounds (funny since the sound of rain makes me want to go to the bathroom)
WAKING UP: Ofelia by Javier Navarrete from Pan's Labyrinth soundtrack
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: Jingle, Jingle, Jingle by the Silver & Gold Singers
FALLING IN LOVE: The Buena Vista Social Club by The Buena Vista Social Club
BREAKING UP: Adeste Fideles by Bing Crosby
PROM: In the Heat of the Jungle by Chris Isaak (I am so sure Joycie and Paige are excited about this one!)
LIFE'S OKAY: Pan's Labyrinth Lullaby by Javier Navarrete
MENTAL BREAKDOWN: No More Toy makers to the King by the Silver and Gold Singers(okay, maybe I should have left the Christmas songs out of the shuffle)
DRIVING: Keep the Car Running by The Arcade Fire
FLASHBACK: Hello by Evanescence
GETTING BACK TOGETHER: Way Back to Love by Hugh Grant & Drew Barrymore
WEDDING: The Game is Over by 'NSync (didn't even know I had this one!)
BIRTH OF CHILD: the Maze by Patrick Doyle from HP and the Goblet of Fire
FINAL BATTLE: Turns the Love to Anger by Erasure
DEATH SCENE: Escape (The Pina Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes
END CREDITS: Is That Love by Erasure

Hmmm, pretty interesting! Maybe I should have left some of the soundtracks off as well as the Christmas music. It's interesting though that not one LOTR song came up!

Well, my brother and his family are coming up for Christmas tomorrow night. SOOOOO, I will in all likelihood NOT be posting till they leave next week. I may try to sneak on, but I have a feeling the next few days are going to be a whirlwind of activity here. If I do not pop in, please all of you who read this, friends, family, and for those of you who are just lurkers and I have yet to meet please have a wonderful, safe and healthy Christmas. For anyone who does not celebrate Christmas, just please be safe and healthy during this holiday season. I keep thinking about where I was when I started this blog a year ago and where I am now and it's such a difference. I'm not going to go on and on right now. I plan on posting again before the new year so I'll see ya later!!

Monday Morning Sky..

2007-12-17T07:18:00.000-05:00

7am morning sky in Westbury.

Trip into 'The City'

2007-12-12T23:24:00.000-05:00

Please forgive me for I have not blogged in...forever it seems.
Well, let's see, what has happened since I last posted?
1) My co-worker but more importantly my friend 'lost' her fiancee suddenly last week. That's a really stupid word for it. He's not 'lost' but I can't bear to say anything other than that.
2) I took and failed (most spectacularly I might add) my NY State Exam. But in light of #1, failing a test is such a petty small thing.
3) Realized Christmas is just days away and I haven't finished a thing.
4) Re-scheduled my State Exam for this Friday (and expect to fail yet again).
5) Realized Christmas is just days away and I still haven't finished a thing.
6) Went into "The City" with my baby bro & his fiancee.

This is what Bryant Park looked like Sunday. We were supposed to get rain and sleet, but the weather held out. There were tons of vendors and we had a really nice time.

For some reason I don't have any pictures of us at Rockerfeller Center. The tree was beautiful, and it was crowded as hell. I didn't mind though because that's part of the fun of Manhattan. Well, I think so anyway. And, you can't do "The City" without popping into St. Patrick's. I think it's such a beautiful, peaceful place. I love the way churches smell.

We lit some candles.

On the way to the train they stopped at E-V-E-R-Y
jewelry window display to look at the diamond rings. Truth be told, it was more him than her!

Speaking of engagement rings, if anyone is interested, should the occasion ever arise in this lifetime, I'd like my engagement ring to be my birthstone (aquamarine).

I love the older buildings in Manhattan and particularly love the water towers on some of those buildings. Sometimes I wonder what it would've been like to live here back when everything was just being built.

I like the way the light is reflecting off that building. How annoying must that be for the person who lives there?

Now here's a sight that is becoming more and more rare. I read somewhere that pretty soon there may not be any more pay phones around.

At this point, my brother demanded that I put my camera away. He said he didn't want to have to defend me if someone tried to steal it. Honestly, I don't know what he was talking about. I don't think he had anything to worry about....but I did it any way.

So that's really it in a nutshell. Things have been hectic at work, we have been grappling with a death, I'm trying to study and prepare for the holiday's. Nothing new, really. I can't believe that another year is almost done. This time last year I was very nearly having a nervous breakdown. I'm feeling much better this year.

OHH - I mustn't forget, I picked up Harry Potter yesterday. NO, I did not pre-order it or pick it up at midnight. I went to Best Buy like a normal person and picked up the widescreen, double DVD version. *Tsk* I'm not that crazy. AND I've been busy so I've only watched it part way twice so far.

TTFN!!

Happy Blogiversary to me

2007-12-04T19:41:00.000-05:00

Hey, I just went through my archives and saw that my very first blog entry was December 3, 2006. Of course I did not blog again until May, but hey, it's been a whole year now!
WOO HOO!!

Peanut Update

2007-11-30T10:47:00.000-05:00

I think he's got his dad's ears and big head, and he's tiny and petite like his mom!

I can't wait to meet him. Notice I keep saying 'him'...we don't know for sure yet, but i think he's a he.

Miz Liz and the Birthday Party....

2007-11-29T22:46:00.000-05:00

These are way over due, so:

Here is the amazing Miz Liz and her cake. I happen to like this picture very much. It's just the look on her face and the glow of the candles.

Another great shot.

This is Rich and wife #2. Unfortunately, I did not get a shot of him with wife #1. I love Rich, he can walk into a room full a yapping knitting ladies, speak with ease about Clapotis', Noro yarn, designing quilts and then put up a light fixture like a pro!

Please forgive me PJ, I always seem to get you eating! (LOL)

Liz and some of her cool presents....

Believe me, this was just the tip of the iceberg. I think I have a shot for each gift she opened...I just didn't want to overwhelm ya'll with all of those!

I had a great time at this party. It came at a time when I was really stressing out about my insurance class and I needed this diversion. I hope we celebrate many more events together! I also have to say that I think my favorite part of the evening was when her son came down to say hi to everyone. Pretty brave for a 17 year old to do that. Anyway, he came down, said hello, hung around for a couple of minutes then went back upstairs. On his way up, we all yelled stuff like, 'Nice meeting you' and when he yelled back down, 'It was nice meeting you and you are all beautiful!' he stole all of our hearts! (Well, he stole mine anyway!)

One down, one to go...

2007-11-29T08:36:00.000-05:00

Well, I passed my final..just barely. If I hadn't changed a couple of questions, I would've gotten a slightly higher score. I guess that says something though. I knew the material, just didn't trust myself. And I promise, next time, unless I know for sure I will not change my answers! Some of my classmates didn't do well. They've all rescheduled their tests and I'm sending all my positive energy their way. They will do better this time since they know the test and were told what areas they were weak in. Well, I am off to work and to schedule my licensing exam. I fully expect to fail that one with flying colors. It's MUCH harder than the final, and that was hard. Well, at least my company is going to reimburse me for the class. Now I can finish my Christmas shopping!

I AM COMPLETE!!

2007-11-22T10:28:00.000-05:00

I came home yesterday to this:

Boy those Hobbitses sure work fast! I didn't ask for express shipping and it came the day after it was released. And for those of you wondering, that's a combined total of 105 songs and 7 hrs, 43 min, 53 sec of listening time.

I promise on the Precious that this will be my last Lord of the Ring purchase...(for now...)

E-mail me...

2007-11-21T10:17:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while someone I don't know puts a comment on my blog. It's always a thrill and nice surprise whenever anyone comments, however, I don't always know how to get back to those people. At the moment I am at work and I don't know or have the time to figure this out so until I do please continue to leave your comments here and for those of you who don't know me send me an e-mail at: crustybubblefanny at yahoo dot com. Yeah, yeah, can't get into it right now but anyone who has a kid who reads Captain Underpants should know the story.

One of the questions I got was what kind of class I've been taking. Well, I'm in the insurance industry (yuck) and decided after many years to get off my big fat crustybubblefanny and finally take a Property & Casualty course. I started late September and my final is next week. I can't sleep, I can't eat and I don't know why I did this to myself. It's a mite bit more difficult than I thought it would be. So, cross your fingers and say a prayer for me. I've been studying and neglecting my friends and it hasn't been easy, but I'm trying.

Okay, gotta get back to work. We get off at 2 today and I've got some running around to do but I'll try and post again later. If I don't - Have a totally awesome THANKSGIVING!!

LordoftheRingsaholic

2007-11-20T11:33:00.001-05:00

Hi, my name is Angela, and I am a LordoftheRingsaholic. (We're not even going to get into the Pottermania right now either). Much to the chagrin of many of those who know (and presumably love) me, I have secretly purchased my Christmas present to me. The Hobbit express is scheduled to deliver my gift on or around the 24th. Poor planning on my part as I did not want the parental units I co-habitate with to see it. I guess it really doesn't matter since my father once asked me, 'Do you have that Lord of the Rings movie?' and I just looked at him and said, 'First of all which movie of the three and which version, do you want to watch, the long one or the longer one?' Needless to say, he fell asleep watching the Two Towers and hasn't asked to watch them again.

All the movies are widescreen...of course. And my apologies again to Paige. I told her when I got the extended version, I would give her the theatrical version but couldn't bring myself to do it because the picture on the DVD was different and well...I am a LordoftheRingsaholic.

I got the soundtracks individually then I got a cool little box set that came with really neat picture cards in them which means I have 2 sets of regular soundtracks.

And just because the 'regular' versions of the soundtracks weren't enough, I had to get the 'extended' versions because, well, I am a lunatic. That and the fact that I couldn't ask for this stuff for Christmas or my birthday. They are slightly pricey and I'd hate for anyone but me to go through the expense. Now I can't wait for the last soundtrack to come in so I can put it on my IPod and my collection will be complete!! (OH - not pictured are the paperback and a beautiful hardcover book I have. I just thought that would be LOTR overload for some of you! OH and I have the ONE RING. I got that from my brother and soon to be sister in law for my 40th! )

And for something totally unrelated to LOTR - my brother and soon to be sister in law heard the baby's heartbeat for the first time last night! The doctor said it's a good strong heartbeat. Peanut is really kicking mommy's ass. Poor thing, her first trimester is almost over so hopefully she'll be feeling better soon.

Is it over yet?

2007-11-19T19:21:00.000-05:00

I ask you all again, WHAT MADE ME THINK I COULD DO THIS?! I am totally freaking out. I wish I hadn't had to tell anyone about this G-D class. Turns out one of the two girls in my office didn't want to say anything either, but somehow it got out. They are all done and passed now they just have to set up a date to take their licensing exams. My final isn't until next week and I am DYING! I haven't been able to sleep or concentrate on much of anything, even studying. I tried going to the library a couple of times, but there was construction going on (can you believe that!) so it was noisier than being home. Okay, I'm just going to try and take a deep breath and relax. While I'm doing that, here is a picture of my girlfriend with her birthday gift.
Pretty neat, huh? He's supposed to be life sized but the cut out is 5'9" and he's actually 5'11" so they are liars and deceivers! (LOL)

And I promise, my Panera knitty friends, to post photos of a recent, totally awsome knitty birthday party and a couple of W.I.P's. But for now, this is all I got!

POEM

2007-11-14T12:24:00.000-05:00

I saw this poem by ee cummings and fell in love with it.

i like my body when it is with your
body. It is so quite a new thing.
Muscles better and nerves more.
i like your body. i like what it does,
i like its hows. i like to feel the spine
of your body and its bones, and the trembling
-firm-smooth ness and which i will
again and again and again
kiss, i like kissing this and that of you,
i like,, slowly stroking the, shocking fuzz
of your electric fur, and what-is-it comes
over parting flesh . . . . And eyes big Love-crumbs,

and possibly i like the thrill

of under me you quite so new

Today's Horriblescope....

2007-11-09T09:17:00.000-05:00

Today's Aries Horoscope for November 09, 2007
Unexpected premonitions and gut feelings might prove too strong for comfort, dear Aries, especially if they portend upcoming events that aren't all that pleasant. These feelings are sent to you not to worry you or to cause upset, but to give clues as to how to deal with the possibilities. You may also have to deal with your own self-doubt. Dig in, do what you can, and maintain a positive outcome. Remember, it is possible to spin straw into gold!

Big Red Mittens

I look like I have a wing growing out of my head.

TGIF.

Mental Health Day

2007-11-08T10:00:00.001-05:00

I took a mental health day yesterday. I was supposed to study, but instead I went on a yarn shop hunt to nowhere, got my hair cut, AND knit a funky pair of RED mittens. I finished both but need to rip back one because it's about an inch too long and looks truly silly. I'll post photos of haircut and mittens later. I was just going into blog-posting withdrawals and needed to blog this. Besides the fact that I joined that national blog everyday for a month and haven't blogged since I joined...I hang my head in eternal shame...speaking of eternal, how many of you all out there have seen Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind? I just LOVE that movie. I watch it everytime it's on HBO (nevermind that I actually own it). So, just out of curiosity, let me know if you've seen it and what you thought of it.

Sunday's Saturday Evening Sky & 50 Days Till Christmas

2007-11-04T20:12:00.000-05:00

The remnants of Hurricane Noel

This is my Saturday evening sky.

(Shamelessly stolen from Dave..the idea, not the photo)

It's beginning to look like Christmas!
According to the sign I saw, there are 50 shopping/crafting/knitting/stress out days till Christmas.

with that in mind, have a good week....

Cabin Cove

2007-11-02T09:48:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite blogs is Dave Daniels Cabin Cove. I check it compulsively. I just happen to think he is such an amazing person. He's funny and is so talented in what he does. He's a great photographer, knitter, spinner, quilter, woodworker... in fact, it seems to me that whatever he does, he does with much love and care. He's also a really nice guy. I was thrilled the first time he responded to a comment I left on his blog and even more thrilled when he left a comment on mine. I've never met him, but he really seems like such a genuine gentleman and I am honored to know him (don't blush Dave, 'tis all true). Unfortunately, he's had some problems and his blog is now private. It's such a shame that the general public cannot enjoy him freely anymore. But neither can I imagine the events that led him to do this. If you wish to view his blog, go to my side bar where his link is. There will be instructions there on how to reach him. If I find out that anyone who gets to him through me does anything underhanded in any way, I will weed you out the same way he has by making my site private too. This crap has got to stop.

That's it, end of story....

OH, and momentous occasion has occurred in the family. One of my beautiful nephew's lost his first baby tooth! Woohoo! Way to go Matthew!

(Don't you just love all those freckles?!!)

Panera Knitting Mob...I mean group.

2007-11-01T12:56:00.000-04:00

This is what it looks like when a mob, I mean group of knitters descends on a poor, unsuspecting public eatery.

BTW: We scared off one regular a few weeks back. He was there the first couple of weeks we showed up, then suddenly stopped coming about the time I set off the fire extinguisher.