Purls of Hope

Are you wondering if I'll ever come back?

2006-04-04T08:13:00.000-04:00

I'm am here now. If you remember I had been talking about getting away from blogger. See ya there! And thanks for the break!

Things I learned yesterday...

2006-03-27T10:32:00.000-05:00

It is much better to keep your own house than to help keep anothers.
No matter what others think or say of me, I can go to sleep at night comfortable with myself.
I think I use this blog as anger management more than a knitting blog.

So I thought I would let you know...that I have my own "housecleaning" to tend to and will be absent for a bit.

Have a great rest of March and I'll see you in April.

Oh, and the stash buyers, I will be following up today. Sorry for the delay.

OUCH

2006-03-25T21:37:00.000-05:00

You Have a Choleric Temperament

You are a person of great enthusiasm - easily excited by many things.
Unsatisfied by the ordinary, you are reaching for an epic, extraordinary life.
You want the best. The best life. The best love. The best reputation.

You posses a sharp and keen intellect. Your mind is your primary weapon.
Strong willed, nothing can keep you down. Your energy can break down any wall.
You're an instantly passionate person - and this passion gives you an intoxicating power over others.

At your worst, you are a narcissist. Full of yourself and even proud of your faults.
Stubborn and opinionated, you know what you think is right. End of discussion.
A bit of a misanthrope, you often see others as weak, ignorant, and inferior.

What Temperment Are You?

Sorry...

2006-03-25T21:13:00.000-05:00

This is the deal...
While I will not take the post down, I am sorry that I have to resort to commenting in this way on a very unfortunate situation.
I would like to point out that I did not get very much sleep last night...don't worry, not because of these situations, but rather that I stayed out much too late last night and was awoken much too early this morning by Mr. Clean. I and everyone around me is surviving and I am heading to bed.
I have come to the realization that I won't see those Girl Scout Cookies that I paid for... but it's okay because things come back 10 fold. I also realize when I want the Girl Scout Cookies that I paid for and don't get them when I am severely sleep deprived, I am a tad bit on edge.
I also came to the following conclusions:
1. I seem to lose my cool when someone accuses me of not being a good friend.
2. I seem to lose my cool more when someone attacks one of my friends.
3. People who steal disgust me.
4. Maybe in some areas, I really don't have a conscience.
5. Stepping back from a situation sure brings a lot of clarity to it.
6. I love my husband and though no marriage is perfect, we are able to work through things.
7. I am extremely grateful for the "true friends" in my life... you know the ones that aren't afraid to hold me accountable(because I would do the same for them)
8. I love my kids soooo much and work very hard to teach them the right things.

If you are someone that I may have offended unintentionally, I really am sorry. And I will make every effort to get enough sleep before running my fingers on a keyboard again!

It's funny how people can turn really ugly.

2006-03-25T11:51:00.000-05:00

Let's start with the birdhouse auction. Wow, GREAT. I am extending the donation period to next week. I am sorry I haven't gotten back to some of you, yet. Things have been super busy.

Next is the situation I have been rambling on about:
Lori has set up her blog to be a "bashing blog" which I think is funny because she had moderated comments. Please note...no moderated comments here...

Here's how the story goes...
Lori in blue
Paige in purple
Me in RED
Below is a comment left by Paige (Kevin's Girlfriend) on a thirdparty's blog. I have inserted my responses and questions to what Paige has said.

Paige said...Okay now it is my turnChristine,In Kevin's defense, he tried to go back to Ct and make things work, he did not speak to me for more than a month, and then only to say hi.
Lori's reply:
Wow, a whole month of not talking to you? If a marriage already has problems and you throw a girlfriend waiting in the wings what makes you think not talking for month is going to make a difference. And, you knew at that point that Kevin was married, what gave you the right to continue contact with a married man even if it was to just say hi?
Some people can get past some things and remain friends. Saying Hi isn't a sin.

Only when he realized that things there would not work did he and I start to talk. It was more than a year before we saw each other. I admit I only know Kevin's side of the story and what he has told me, but for my part, I do not live my life in the past, I live in the now, learn from the past and pray for the future.
The whole time he was carrying on with you he was telling me and his children that he loved us and wanted to be with us and wanted to be a family. Tell me, why was he telling us for almost 3 years that he loved us and wanted to be with us if he knew shortly after he had come home that it would not work? What he did was deceitful. If you took a test for school and got a 90% and were told you could retake it to try and get a better grade how hard would you really work at it? You probably wouldn't work at it at all, afterall, you already have a 90% waiting for you should you fail so why bother.
Is this why you don't bother to clean your house, or get a job, etc?

I don't have any regrets except for wasted time.
My daughters have a lot of regrets over wasted time. All of the time Kevin has been spending with you was time he could have been spending with his daughters. You say further on in this post that I made him miserable than why didn't he just spend time alone with the girls? He didn't want to. He made every excuse in the book to not have to have any responsibility for the girls. When Cas was getting up early in the morning for school he would deliberately leave the house just before she got up so he would not have to help or spend time with her. Instead of her taking the bus to school he could have dropped her off on his way to work and this would have given him some alone time with her so he could build a relationship with her.
You have made it impossible to spend time with the girls and make it acceptable for them to say nasty things to him. How do I know, I have been there when it has happened.

I KNOW Kevin loves his girls and is trying to do what's best for them.
Really, from the two times that reports have been filed with Social Services regarding Kevin's abuse behavior , not to mention all the times they weren't called, you'd never know it. And, what did Kevin do to try and make things right for them? NOTHING!!! They're still in therapy and probably will be for a very long time.Unfortunately they have been made to believe he is the only one to do wrong in this.No one has made the girls believe he is the only one to do wrong in this. Kevin's behavior and attitude have shown the girls how he truely feels and they have come to their own conclusions.
Isn't it mental abuse to teach your children that it is okay for them to HATE their father?

I don't believe they have ever met the Kevin I know, the one who smiles and laughs. They only one they know the one Lori has made miserable.
No one can make you miserable only you can make yourself miserable. Kevin had full control over his life and yet chose to be manipulative, deceitful and vengeful. Nobody forced him to come home after he got out of the Army. He was actually told if he really didn't want to come home to just not come home. And, no one ever threatened him with never seeing his kids again no matter what he thinks. Again I say, why didn't he make the time to spend alone with them? Because in his words he could handle one or two at a time but didn't want to be with them all at the same time. These are his children, he knew how babies were made, if he didn't want them he shouldn't have had them.
That's funny, nobody FORCED you to stay married to him.

As far as the comments about me not wanting him to have a relationship with the girls, nothing could be farther from the truth. I hope one day he can have a great relationship and I can too.

How about what the girls want? They wanted a truthful, loving father who gave 100% to try and make his marriage to their mother, who gave 110%, work. Maybe if Kevin had been open and honest from the beginning of all of this the girls wouldn't have so much mistrust and anger toward Kevin. He was the one who continually lied to them that he wanted to be with them and be a family knowing all the while that he really wanted to be with you. Then when they finally realized that he wasn't sticking around why did he continually have to tell them how bad they were and compare them to your son. My daughters are all very intelligent and insightful children. They know a two faced liar when they see one.
Your integrity is in question here, because you are not exactly truthful or loving.

I would have loved to have met them when I was in New York, but they did not want to and so Kevin and I respected that.How would Kevin know what the girls wanted, he never told them he would be spending their Christmas vacation with out them but with you or even asked them if they wanted to meet you and the son he tells them is their brother. The last they heard from him was on Christmas Eve and then he was gone. When he didn't come home for over a week what were they supposed to be told? I have said many times before that I will not lie to my children. Lies are always found out in the end and it only leads to mistrust. I will not put that burden on my relationship with them.

Okay so I opened it up now everyone can bash me, I have a blog site, but haven't had time to set it up. Thanks for letting me say what I had to say here.
As you can see, I did not bash you as so many have bashed me. I simply have stated the facts that you say you know. I have been with Kevin for almost 20 years, I dont' think you will ever truely know everything no matter what Kevin tells you.
NOBODY HAS BASHED YOU. It is your twisted paranoia. You have, however, bashed Paige...Please check the comments of your husband's blog...remember you called her a tramp. Your issues should be with Kevin, not Paige. And she had a right to defend herself.

And finally a comment left on her blog, that she surprisingly hasn't deleted, yet.
islagiatt said...
I find this interesting, quoting you: No one can make you miserable only you can make yourself miserable. That is a truly profound statement. It might be worth spending some time meditating on that statement and how it pertains to your own situation. Negative energy attracts negativity and repels positive energy. I heard something on the radio today, thanks to Dr. Joy Browne: "if you find yourself in Hell, don't stop! Keep moving and get out of there" No one can get you out of your current situation but you. Venting might feel good in the short run, but ultimately does no one any good if dwelled upon. Unfortunately, e-mail cannot convey tone of voice, so I pray that you can see that I am only trying to give a bit of neutral perspective on what seems like a miserable situation for all involved.

I WANT MY GIRLSCOUT COOKIES!!!!!

Books

2006-03-24T08:46:00.000-05:00

The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd
The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns by Ann Budd
Knit Baby Blankets! by Gwen Steege
Knitter's Stash
Weekend Knitting

Make me an offer!

The rent costs more than you are paying.

2006-03-24T07:40:00.000-05:00

friend ( P ) Pronunciation Key (frnd)n.
A person whom one knows, likes, and trusts.
A person whom one knows; an acquaintance.
A person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause; a comrade.
One who supports, sympathizes with, or patronizes a group, cause, or movement: friends of the clean air movement.
Friend A member of the Society of Friends; a Quaker.

That's funny. Do you see anything in there about a friend having to agree?

And to Laura... yes the charity does know about the bad parts of me... see that's what makes them love me more. You see, what I learned in that group home was: It's okay to not be perfect, but you must learn to grow as a person. Now both of you have taken up too much of my very valuable time.

whining trolls aside, check this out...

2006-03-23T23:10:00.000-05:00

The birdhouse to be auctioned for Project Return. I knit and felted it, added the "snow" and my friend Terri (who owns The Needlework Shoppe in Westport) did the silk ribbon embroidery

Didn't Terri do such a nice job on the flowers?

I love it...and I hope someone nice buys it. No whining trolls allowed :)

OMG This is disgusting!

2006-03-23T22:42:00.000-05:00

Go here but only if you have a strong bug stomach.

Here's who got what so far....

2006-03-23T17:13:00.000-05:00

Here is the beginning of the list!

Annie got the KOIGU KPPPM
Keri got the Mission Falls
MOM(aka Susie G.) got the Fixation and Bearfoot
Susan got the Noro Silk Garden
Amy Artisan got the Kersti, Pink Frog Tree and the Purple Matchmaker
Julia got the Noro Kureyon
Laurie got the Purple Frog Tree
Jennie got the Jamaica and Sock it to me

I am feeling so guilty about some of this :( But I only got what I got. There is more...and it is coming to this blog near you. I really, really, really would love to give each and every one of you exactly what you wanted, but alas, my stash is only so big.

Please email me at this address with if I have gotten you a solid price or not. Thanks!

Hey Lori!

2006-03-23T14:41:00.000-05:00

Here's my response to this post. And now I am done. Don't talk to me, about me, for me or anything. As I have said before, there is only so much bitching and moaning a person can take! You are not willing to change anything about yourself to make anything better. You would rather have people pity you than take responsibility for you part in things. By the way, being supportive is not agreeing all the time, it is also pointing out things that could be worked on. If I am a bad person because I call you on it...well so be. Go cry to Mommy and run her into the poor house because you can't be a BIG GIRL and get a job. Constructive criticism is not agreeing with you.
Shut up, stop whining and get a real life!

ETA:
Lori says the following:

Thanks to Laura and everyone else who has given me their support and
advice. I truely appreciate it because I know that when you tell me there is
something I need to change it is because you truely want to help and not
just
bash me to make yourselves feel better.

I think it is funny that you are so self centered that you think that other people feel better by "bashing" you. I don't need to bash anyone to make myself feel better. I also really don't need anyone telling me whether or not I am a good person, mother, etc. I don't talk to my mother because she acts the exact same way you do.

K, now we need to get back to the whole I'm selling my stash for charity thing...

And it continues!

2006-03-23T08:20:00.000-05:00

So, here it goes... I am sorting some of the emails, so please be ever so patient with me (the baby is mobile, ya know) You can ask me questions and I promise to be as detailed and prompt as i can! If you don't want any yarn, but would like to make a donation to the Group Home, you can do so here (they take paypal) Oh yeah, I take paypal too! Please stay tuned, as I will be heading for the books! And thanks again for all of the support you are showing!

~~That's more Noro Kureyon $10 for all 4 and if you want to add the other contact me!~~

~~Jaeger Matchmaker Merino 4 ply $10 for all 4~~

Misti Alpaca Lace $4

~~8 skeins of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino~ I paid $68, how about $30~~

Stay tuned for tomorrow...when I can take pictures again....

2006-03-22T19:20:00.000-05:00

Rowan Big Wool $5

~~Frog Tree Alpaca cost $18 willing to sell for $9~~

~~Noro Kureyon Color 90 $5~~

~~Koigu Kersti bought for $11 each, sell all 3 for $11 (There's a pattern for fingerless mitts in LMKG)~~

LB Wool Ease... I got 4 different kinds here $10 for the whole lot?

see above

see above

Wanna add it to the ones above add $1

Paton's Canadiana (I think this was one of my first yarn purchases) $1

please add me to the above wool ease!

And the sale is on...

2006-03-22T09:36:00.000-05:00

Hello there! Thanks for stopping by. Please note all proceeds will be going to Charity! And there will be more! This is all I could keep my attention attached to at the moment!

~~Cascade Fixation... $2.50 each or $15 for all~~

Bernat Soft Boucle ... $5 for all 5

~~KOIGU... paid $33 willing to let it go for $15 (I have 3 persons behind a Scissor Squadder~ Annie?)~~

~~Noro Silk Garden pd $11 each willing to let go for $10 both~~

~~I bought this to make Wendy at Knit and Tonic's Girlfriend tank. How's about $10 for the 2 (cost about $30)~~

~~The original Mission Falls Cotton... $5 for all three?~~
Special Thanks to Keri for donating an additional $15 to my charity!
~~More Mission Falls... how about $10 for all?~~

~~I have no idea where or when I got this...just that you can have all 3 for $5~~

Here's Gracie... So I want you all to know that any of the money collected before Friday will be donated to the Group Home I was in when I was a teenager. So not only do I get a more organized stash I get to give back to a place that has and continues to do so much for me! Thanks in advance for your help. Please email me at knittinpal@gmail.com

We interrupt our regular scheduled destashing to set the record straight

2006-03-22T08:36:00.000-05:00

While I thought I was being nice by not involving this situation on my blog or leaving her comments... I must be wrong.

ETA: you can follow the drama on her husband's blog here. Oh and I sent another email that she won't reply to, but would rather play attack in blog comments.

So Let's set the record straight.

I have been friendly with her since last year, as my eldest was in the same class as her middle. Now as I have said over and over again... her situation sucks, but take accountibility for the choices you make. And be kind to the family members that help you ALL THE TIME. Jenny, you are my hero, because you are telling her what she needs to hear. But she is so far in denial that she can't.

Last year, I asked her if she would like to make some money by watching my kids while Mr. Clean and I went to a convention and then to Cabo San Lucas (mind you, we never go anywhere...ANYWHERE alone!) So, it gets closer and closer and no word...finally I ask her how much she wants for the week. She said she would call me back, not only did she not call me back about this...she has the audacity to ask me if she could be my Nanny. Now to me this is looking for the easy way out.

I am very punctual, she is not. I ordered Girl Scout Cookies from her and she got them in the BEGINNING of JANUARY and mentioned she needed the money the day before I was going to go to the Convention BY MYSELF! I told her that I didn't have time to meet up with her and she asked if Mr. Clean could write her a check. So I sent CASH in with the eldest.

Now, while I will admit to avoiding her calls, (I can get a little snippy when I am angry) she still should have sent the cookies in with the eldest. The excuse is something about Christmas presents, etc. We don't need Christmas presents... we want the cookies I PAID FOR>>>back in JANUARY!!!!

Last week I sent an email to her in response to a comment she left on my blog...it made mention of the things that have been bugging me. NO RESPONSE.

Now my comments are being deleted from her blog...classy.

So here you go... the email I sent to her:

Hi Lori,
I am sure that you think that “Jenny” is me, but it is not. Not that I don’t agree with some of her points. I haven’t spoken to you, because I do not wish to hurt your feelings. And while the quote on my blog was a hidden “jab” of sorts, your response just shows me how much denial you are in. I will make my points below:
1. While it can be agreed that Kevin is an asshole, you do need to take responsibility for marrying him again.
2. You were happy at first that Social Services was going to help with counseling, etc. Until it became too big a burden on you. (I thought that you were most concerned about your children)
3. I spoke to you about my concerns and tried to do so in a manner that wouldn’t upset you too much. And instead of being upset about an important part of our conversation, you were mad about me telling you that you feed your children too much junk food. I was flabbergasted.
4. You do live above your monetary means. This is the 21st Century, One of your children is old enough to watch the others, and you really need to get a job. I felt really awkward when you asked if you could be my Nanny when you wouldn’t even get back to me about how much money you wanted for the week we were going away. And the closer the time came to go, the more uncomfortable we both became about leaving the children with you. As far as worrying about an employer, you should be worrying about yourself and as I have mentioned before, Stew Leonard’s has a program for Mothers with children in school. Maybe you are above working in Stew’s.
5. Your children do know way too much and I have told you that before. And I think that you do need to sit down with them and cut back on things such as the movies, cheerleading, etc. My kids don’t do all that stuff and they are fine.
6. If you keep taking money from your parents, then you are showing your children that when they are adults, it’s okay to get Mom to pay for my mistakes.
7. Get a divorce, your children are learning that you should stay married to an idiot so that you can take his money.
8. People aren’t easily changed and I understand if you get mad at me for this email, but as I have been saying for a while, yeah he’s a jerk, but at some point you need to lace up those boots, suck it up and do something about it. It will be hard at first, but if you put all of the effort into it that you have been putting into finding an “easy way” you would be halfway there by now.

I am sorry if this email hurt you, but being true to the person I am, I can’t leave you wondering why I haven’t talked to you. Also, I paid you for the Girl Scout Cookies in January by sending in the cash with Dylana. I would like you to send the cookies home with Dylana, please.

Christine

PS. Just for your information, Harold doesn’t give me money, nor do I ask him for money. You asked me at the last possible moment for the money for the Girl Scout Cookies and I found a way to get the money to you. Yes, I got mad over that. I was pressured enough having to go on a trip all by myself, to have someone pressure me more by being last minute about the whole thing. I am a very timely person and get flustered with added pressures.

So please excuse this...but I am sick of this crap

THANK YOU, ANNIE!!!

2006-03-22T08:18:00.000-05:00

Thanks Annie, for making the purging of the stash go, oh so much easier!

Keep in tune for a stash sale right here on this here blog! I have to go take pictures and then post! Please note, this sale is not first come first serve, well sorta. Hat City Scissor Squaders get first dibs and most of them work, so I will let you know as soon as I can.

Off to take pictures!!!

In the spirit of Spring...

2006-03-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Spring everyone!

It is that time of year where I decide I need to organize my life...he he
So here's the game plan:
1. I have made myself a daily task list...no knitting or watching of the shows until all items are checked off.
2. I must clean out the old stash...(Annie~with no blog has offered to help, so please let me know when you have some time)
3. Stash Sale...coming to this blog in the very near future...be advised that Scissor Squad members have 1st dibs (I promised)
4. Finding all of that important paperwork that seems to disappear when most needed!
5. Clean the back room, or we'll never get an aupair!

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like a very warm day out here in the Northeast! We'll see though!

I'm not wearing GREEN!

2006-03-17T11:00:00.000-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
No I'm not wearing green! 1. I don't have anything but green underwear...oh, I am wearing green...lol. 2. I am Irish and one bout with my temper would tell you that :) 3. I thought maybe I would make something green....next.year.

Yesterday's quote was: Do not look to the ground for your next step; greatness lies with those who look to the horizon. ~ Norwegian proverb.

Have a great day and don't drink too much!

ETA: The link has a little History Channel video about St. Patrick's Day.

Peekaboo

2006-03-14T08:12:00.000-05:00

A Friend accepts us as we are yet helps us to be what we should. ~Anonymous

I say this: But what if you feel that there isn’t any help you can give?

It has been a while since my last post, but I’ve got news! I have knit the birdhouse… I have decided not to make it into a purse and I still have to embellish it.

Finished Birdhouse… T & H wearing unfelted pieces

(I was having technical difficulties, so please click the link!)

I thought that I would needle felt some snow on the roof and maybe do some beading around the lower roof line. I have to make a hole and I think I might do some beading around that too. (Please note: this is a decoration, not functional and for a silent auction to benefit teenage girls in a group home) I thought that I would embroider 7 flowers (one for each of the girls in the group home) I have purchased a butterfly to attach to the very top of the birdhouse. And then I am out of ideas!

Wishing you all a wonderful and productive day!

Disappointing news… Did you know that the Blue Moon Fiber Arts Sock Club Memberships are now closed….booohooo!

2006-03-09T19:57:00.000-05:00

Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open. ~ John Barrymore

It's funny because I was just having a conversation with Mr. Clean about how I don't think I know how to be happy. But, in recent days, I have noticed that I must know how, or I wouldn't smile or laugh! So here's your happy thought of the day! I hope you have enjoyed.

BTW- 1. I have decided to start the birdhouse/purse without the pattern and see what I come up with. (I ordered the pattern and yarn from WEBS, but I was worried about how long it would take.
2. Still looking for help with Typepad. Anyone, anyone, Bueller?

I sang...I did it I sang...well sort of

2006-03-08T10:42:00.000-05:00

My song last night was Enter Sandman by Metallica... Okay enough with the laughter, I know its not really singing...but I didn't get sick like I did when I sang I'm too Sexy by Right Said Fred!

I am having technical difficulties with Typepad (I am programmed for Blogger) If you are familiar...I would love to email you my site and maybe you could help me get rid of some unsightlies!

I can't find the felted birdhouses pattern locally. One shop has it on order, one hasn't gotten back to me and I am running out of time! Any suggestions would be ever so appreciated!

ETA: I like Metallica, but what I like most about singing/yelling Karaoke is that I really don't have to sing at all...so, Delly Bean you make a very fine suggestion of singing AC/DC. I would also like to sing Megadeth's Sweating Bullets, but alas, they never have it! Regarding the birdhouse thing...the reasoning for the pattern is I would actually like to make it into a convertible purse. Not to mention I suck at needlefelting.

Yesterday seems so far away...

2006-03-06T08:32:00.000-05:00

Yes, there is a point to that title...

Good Morning, Afternoon, etc.

Some of you know of my life and some of you don't.

When I was 16 I lived in a Group Home. You can find out about this Group Home HERE.

They have an annual Birdhouse Auction which you can find out more about in the link. Okay, back to the point. I was one of the alumni asked to be in part of a video telling the people at the auction what and how the house made a difference in our lives, and reflecting back on it, the difference they made is huge! I totally could have been a very different person, had I not had them standing by me all through the years! And things that you would maybe think to be very trivial really do make a difference in a teenage girls life. We took trips to NYC to see plays and dance groups and musicals, not to mention eat in Little Italy and eat Sushi for the first time. (these trips, as a side note, are donated by very generous benefactors who believe in the difference this house makes to the girls) I urge you to think of just one person who has made a difference in your life and if it is possible, thank them!

Yep, there's more. The director asked me to make a birdhouse even though the deadline has already passed. I have only until March 24th to get it done. Any suggestions????

I think I am losing it...

2006-03-03T18:19:00.000-05:00

Quirky
I guess I’m officially a dunce- Amy has tagged me with the “list 5 quirky habits” meme. IN JANUARY! Sorry Amy!

1. I smell my food before I eat it.

2. I chew on my tongue when I am engrossed in an activity.

3. When we go on vacation (as a family we drive to all destinations) I fall asleep almost immediately in the car and pretty much don't wake up until ultimate arrival or when Mr. Clean needs to sleep in a hotel.

4. I have a real gift for smart ass. You could say something to me and I can have a comeback fairly quickly (it comes from being picked on due to looks, nerdiness, etc during grammer and high school...I wish they would get a reunion together)

5. I am at times very ashamed of "success"

I tag YOU!

OOOPPPPSSSS

2006-03-03T16:59:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot, with all of my getting annoyed about people not taking accountability for their own problems and telling you about contests and all the other stuff that gets in the way :)

I am doing a 30 day trial of Typepad. And once I figure out the sidebar I'll let you in on the addy!

Knit and Plenty

2006-03-03T14:42:00.000-05:00

If you get a minute, check out Purl's blog this coming Sunday…Maybe you can ask your readers to hop on over to www.knitandplenty.com and vote!!

Here’s a preview:

Cast Your Vote:
Which of these will win the Oscar for Best Picture?

Berocco Mountain - A touching love story about a strong worsted weight yarn named Suede who falls for Lavish, a fanciful eyelash, who just wants to ride along with Suede into the sunset.

Good Knit and Good Luck - A crisply paced docudrama in which a seasoned TV reporter takes on the conservative crochet movement of the 1950's, attempting to help a group of knitter who are blacklisted when they refuse to make poodle-covered gin bottles and toilet paper cozies.

Clapotis - A riveting drama about an avant-garde author who travels to the Midwest, wraps himself up in a little French shawl and quickly reveals everyone's biases.

Stash - A moving morality piece set in L.A. that asks the question: can leftover skeins of acrylic and remnant wool all live together in a world without their labels?

Muknitch - All hell breaks lose in this action packed thriller as knitters are taken hostage by the Harlot’s Olympic challenge.

And the Oscar goes to....

Sounds like fun!

Only i can change me...

2006-03-02T20:41:00.000-05:00

You Are 74% Evil

You are very evil. And you're too evil to care.
Those who love you probably also fear you. A lot.

How Evil Are You?

Things I learned in School Today...

2006-03-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

I am taking a class that started today and ends tomorrow called "Personal Accountability"

Not that I didn't know these things, but apparently repetition is a key to success.

I am responsible for my own actions. I can't change others, I can only change myself and how I view things. I can't save the world, I can only save myself. Playing the blame game, or feeling sorry for myself, or procrastinating does not do any service to myself or my children.

Sorry if I offended you, but I had to get it off my chest.

Nobunny knows Easter better than Cadbury!

2006-03-01T21:57:00.000-05:00

OMG... I had to make an emergency run to Target for a school project for D and guess what I found...mmm.mmm.mmm. Cadbury Creme Eggs in a 4 pack. I have found in the past few years, that the singles are always hard in the middle and that's just not fun.

Okay, you may be wondering what happened with Hourglass Sweater. No fix in sight, yet. I am following some advice and looking for some sort of strappy thing to go under it. The only thing I found in Target, was just too big for me. Oh well, maybe TJ Maxx!

Toodles!

Katie (not little sis, the other one)

2006-02-28T21:20:00.000-05:00

So, I've been doing a little shopping. Nothing too extravagent but very cute indeed. Please see below. Now for a little background... Katie, the purveyor over at Pink Sheep was my Secret Pal and she did make me feel special. I already had some handmade stitchmarkers from her, but these were just way tooo cute to pass up, so see them, love them and go buy some. (She has some green sheep for St. Patty's day)

It's done!

2006-02-28T21:13:00.000-05:00

Wahoo, It's done!
OMG...Did you see that horrible collar...ewww. Don't worry I have a plan and it will be enforced tomorrow!
Hourglass sunning itself.
I think this was taken prewash...it seems that when I washed it, it widened.
Yuck, horrible fuzzy mirror picture.

Okay, I think I will lay this one to rest.

Gold or No Gold...

2006-02-27T09:57:00.000-05:00

There will be no Gold for me!

I was moving along quite well, until I messed up the positioning of the markers and had I not been so anal, I would have made it, but not me, uh uh, nope...had to rip it out and figure out how to get those stitches back on the circular needle (never did that before). Then when I was just getting my groove on...bam...the ick. Having kids makes you get the ick more often than not...I should have equated that in when picking my project!

The ick is almost gone and I am almost at the turning point of the collar! I will keep trucking today. And I promise pictures later! :)

As the anxiety kicks in...

2006-02-24T22:24:00.000-05:00

Gosh, way too much computer time today...
Here's the quote of the day from yesterday and today...
23 February... You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands: you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. ~Psalms 128:2 (Let me tell you, this little passage has kept me from building a fire in the fireplace and throwing this cute HGS in)
24 February... In every woman there is a queen. Speak to the queen and the queen will answer. ~Norwegian Proverb

~Did you say I promised pictures? TOO BAD, NO TIME!

Check in tomorrow...must make coffee now!

Uh, excuse me while I jump out my picture window...

2006-02-24T15:56:00.000-05:00

Don't worry it is on the first floor.

I have picked up all of the stitches, but as usual the count is off! I must say that I was jumping for joy when I read Stephanie's post of the day. Sorry Steph, I couldn't help myself.

Thanks to the supporters out there. I am only off by 2 stitches so I will keep trucking and clicking my ruby slippers. I haven't even gotten into the shower today...I'm disgusting...I better hop to before Mr. Clean gets home.

Pictures later I promise!!

Houston, we have a problem...

2006-02-24T11:04:00.000-05:00

In my haste to rip quickly without any tears... I forgot to mark the beginning of the round and now I am kicking myself in my dumb ass because, if you remember, I've already hemmed. Uh oh, it's seriously looking like no gold for me!

Knitting Olympics

2006-02-23T19:25:00.000-05:00

Okay, here's the dilemma, remember all the fun I was having on Tuesday night? Well, 14 Decrease rounds in on the raglan... I noticed the stitch count is off...so here's the question, should I keep trucking and fix it after Sunday or rip it now????? Arrggghhhh!

ETA: I am too anal to not rip it. I went to bed early last night, napped already this morning and now it is time to rip! 2/24 10:18am

The Stash Sale is Coming...

2006-02-23T08:18:00.000-05:00

So here's how it is going to go...
1. Private Invitation Only for a select few who asked me personally if they could.
2. Hat City Scissor Squad gets next dibs.
3. Posting the rest on the blog.

Why, do you ask, would I want to sell off my stash? Because I found the Socks that Rock Club and I want a full year membership and just can't justify it with all the stuff I already have!

Details will follow soon!

Yeah, so I think I screwed up...

2006-02-22T10:03:00.000-05:00

I will be spending this wonderful morning trying to figure out what I did last night to my almost completed Hour Glass Sweater.

Why would an anal knitter maybe screw up her almost done Olympic Sweater. It was in the excitement of the Hat City Scissor Squad weekly outing that happens to have Kareoke, too! And why would I be excited about that, you ask. Because some guy sang Enter Sandman by Metallica! Yeah baby! So I have spent this early am trying to find songs on iTunes that can be "sung" in heavy metal, because I just love to punish myself and think that I can carry off a pretty good Dave Mustaine, James Hetfield, and maybe even Angus Young. Singing not being my thing, yelling is.... So onward little soldiers, let the practicing begin!

Yes, I readily admit to being on the odd side!

So off I go to fix the sweater and yell some heavy metal!

Difficult

2006-02-20T15:59:00.000-05:00

I hereby recognize in a public forum, that I am difficult. You either love me or hate me and there really isn't an in between. I understand. I accept responsibility for my opinions, vices, actions, etc.

I find that people love to blame thier childhood's, parents, and anyone else that they point the finger at, instead of accepting responsibility for their own actions. I am not perfect, I have pointed the finger in the past, but do you know what I have learned? I've learned that when you point your finger at someone, you are pointing 4 more back at yourself.

And that Boys and Girls is your lesson for today :)

There have been examples of the blame people floating around in my head for a couple of weeks now and while I am very opinionated, I will not be pointing fingers because I don't like to have the 4 pointing back at me. I have been trying to keep in mind that my actions cause reactions and maybe those wouldn't be appropriate right now.

And the Calendar Says...

2006-02-20T08:15:00.000-05:00

Do Good Avoid Evil...

Hmph. Spoiled my plans for the day...just kidding!

Last night was emotional breakdown night. You see, I have this fear of mental illness and becoming like my mother (biological) You know, no matter how much Mr. Clean (aka HWWTS&J) can embarrass me or sometimes hurt my feelings, etc. He is awesome and ever so supportive (maybe not all the time, but definitely when I really need it!)

Thank you so much for your input regarding the blog changes! I am still researching, so feel free to give me more suggestions!

Does anybody have any idea why my iPod won't update or charge via my computer???? HELP!!!

Olympic Goals for today:
Swim off of Sleeve Island! And stop connecting the tubes!

A Less Cranky Olympic Knitter...

2006-02-19T20:31:00.000-05:00

And this is the beginning of sleeve island...

This is after hemming the sleeves...did I mention how long this is taking...the body of the sweater went much faster!

Please Mommy take our picture!

Getting farther...

and farther....

Only an inch and a half before more shaping!

Cranky Olympic Knitter

2006-02-18T21:42:00.000-05:00

I would post pictures, but I am tired and have to leave my house at 5am to get to the farthest airport in the tristate area to bring the eldest to go see her dad... I am cranky and haven't gotten very far on my sleeves.
That's another story...a not so funny one to me, you might feel differently.
I haven't yet tried to make 2 circular items on one circular needle until now. And funny thing is, I was plugging along spectacularly until the sleeves. I have had to tink back at least 6 times because I connected the 2 tubes. Geesh. Now I also had to make the medium sizing, because, um, I have a wide back, yeah that's it. My fear is that the arms are going to be way, way, way too long! I will have to do some calculating after a nap tomorrow!

OMG... I finally got to watch Curling and I so love it!

Brightening my Horizons

2006-02-17T08:58:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking of getting a blog that I can do more with!
I am looking at Typepad and PrettyPosies.
Any thoughts????
I am looking for witty names for my new space too. I feel a contest coming!

Here are the reasons... I'd like categories and to be able to email people from the comments and to have the ability to know how many comments I have, etc.

Wasteful...

2006-02-17T07:52:00.000-05:00

So, I know some of you are dying to know what has transpired over the Au Pair thing (yeah, right). She didn't feel well last week so she cancelled and hopefully it will happen today.

LYS Issues...
Well I had to go to the LYS that was 10 minutes from my house, because otherwise I couldn't get my sleeves started...but alas, she didn't have the correct length of Addi Turbos for me to be able to do Magic Loop, so yesterday, I made the Trek to Knit Together and got the correct length and also found out that they sell Mountain Colors Bearfoot! Yay. It was really busy in there and I had the 3 little ones, so no real time to check out all of the changes!

I have also decided that I either need to sell some of my stash or start knitting away, because as the title suggests, I am being wasteful. This weekend, I'll have to dedicate some of my Olympic Knitting time to Olympic Organizing Time... Mr. Clean (HWWTS&J) decided, while I was away, that none of my knitting belongs on the main floor of the house and banished it upstairs. And lets just say he made a mess up there!

Sorry no pictures today. ( I am a little disappointed in the lack of progress yesterday )

Have a good day and maybe I'll have some pictures of my stash closet and progress later!

And you thought I was done for the day...ha

2006-02-15T21:59:00.000-05:00

I've decided to weave in my ends as I go

Not a perfect hem, but it is my first!

I first started to do that knit the edge and next row together for a hem thing...just not workin' for me, so I moved on and as I got bored with all of the stockinette, I hemmed.

ooo a finished edge...looks purty.

This is the body of the sweater with the first 16 rows done of each sleeve...then on to the yoke.

added the tape measure for size!

And who can pass up a picture of a sleeping Gracie?

Or some of that crazy arse snow?

And here is HWWTS&J plowing the driveway (cuz I'm just a house bitch...I don't do outside work... he he, besides I had Olympic Knitting to do and nowhere to go!)

Good Grief!

2006-02-15T08:38:00.000-05:00

Can't we all just get along? So, I try not to get all religion on this blog...but this whole cartoon thing is getting to me! I find that it is unnecessary to provoke what is already strained.
When was the last time you saw a cartoon of Jesus with a bomb strapped to him? You don't because you would have riots. Don't you think the Muslims deserve the same respect. I personally know quite a few Islamic people, who would not resort to any of this violence and to be honest, I am not by any stretch condoning it! Somebody, anybody, step up to the plate and stop all of this hideous behavior!
Unfortunately, the Islamic religion is judged on some extremists, but lets recall that their are extremists in both Judaism and the Christian religion. I wish that all people, religions, etc. would stop resorting to killing to get their points across.

Creativity

2006-02-15T07:48:00.000-05:00

Creativity is not the finding of a thing, but the making something out of it after it is found. ~ James Russell Lowell

So, I am at a crossroads with my sweater. You ask why... well, as with most things, I do not have enough foresight to think of getting the tools that I need in advance. You see, I had to go up a needle size to get gauge, and I only bought one circular needle in that size. I now need to knit the sleeves (yes, little miss speedy is at the sleeves, but fear not, you may be able to catch up) So back to my dilemma... I need a certain needle size and I am mad at the Local Shops...which means that I would have to drive approximately 45 minutes to get to Knit Together to get a set of circular needles... Should I forget what I said and drive the 10 minutes to the lady to talks nice to me about my friend and then not so nice to others or drive the 45 minutes to the shop that hasn't ever talked bad about any shop? HELP!!!

OH, I am joining the Odessa KAL, because I fear I will be done with this sweater way too early.

Olympic Valentine

2006-02-14T08:01:00.000-05:00

3 more inches of stockinette in the round and I am at the yoke!!!

I would have pictures, but for whatever reason, I can't upload right now!

A BIG FAT HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO YOU ALL.

ps... I though that I would make an Odessa Hat if I finished the HGS before the 26th... What do you think???

2006-02-12T08:23:00.000-05:00

This is THE Knitting Olympics Project!

"But I can't taste the snow, it won't go in my mouth"

This is where I am watching the Olympics.

This is me knitting away!

Look D is knitting too!

The blizzard has started! 10:30pm 2/11/06

Olympic Update

2006-02-12T04:17:00.000-05:00

10 February
2:15pm half of the stitches to my HGS cast on.
2:30pm joined the round
3:15pm 3 rounds done (don't look at me like that, I kept thinking I twisted my stitches!)
11 February
I have knit approximately 9,254 stitches so far. I have just finished the decreases and now it is just time to keep knitting until I reach 6 and a quarter inches.
Are you wondering why I would be up this early, when I should be getting my anti-cranky sleep. HWWTS&J figures if he has to get up to plow, we should all be up, just kidding. Gracie decided that while he was plowing she'd like to cause a big ruckus!
~~
ON a VERY sad note:
~~
Go Visit Sarah and Mary... they lost their cat Flane yesterday to Cancer. We lost our Timmy (AKA Boogie) the same way a couple of years ago, so when I read about it on thier blogs, I was moved to tears! Go give them some cyber love.

Quotes and such!

2006-02-10T10:29:00.000-05:00

To imagine the unimaginable is the highest use of the imagination. ~ Cynthia Ozick

What a great quote for the start of the "Knitting Olympics"
I think I would like to join the "What was I thinking Team"... ha.
D has decided she would like to join in on the fun and knit a scarf during the Olympics (she can't really stick to knitting, so I think this will be great!)

I will give you a picture of my swatches and caked yarn during a midday post.

I have to clean today too, because we have an interview with an Au Pair Agency. Wish me luck!

Too bad I've never brushed up on my German!

2006-02-09T09:13:00.000-05:00

Responsibility

2006-02-08T11:41:00.000-05:00

I think as a society, we are taught that it is okay to shift blame elsewhere to make ourselves look or feel better. Time and time again, I come across people saying "If you... or If you didn't". We forget to take responsibility. Repeat after me: (And please note, I don't think I am exempt from this)
I am responsible for my own happiness.
I am responsible for the words that come out of my mouth (or in this case out of my keyboard).
I am responsible for the health and welfare of myself and my children.
I am responsible for getting off my ass and making the above happen!

*stepping down from my soapbox now*

I am better due to yarn shopping!

2006-02-07T15:46:00.000-05:00

I went to my friend's shop "The Needlework Shoppe"! I picked up some Regia Sock Yarn because I so want to make Rainbow Brite Jaywalkers! I also purchased some Jaeger Matchmaker 4ply in a very deep purple to swatch for my Sockapaloooza Pal! I'll be a swatching fool until Friday 3pm.

Grace is so mobile she is giving me a run for my money and she LOVES Cheerios.

Oh, and on my way home, I remembered that I forgot to tell you that there is a Grey's Anatomy Podcast available on iTunes (remember, you don't need an iPod to use iTunes)

A not so good day...

2006-02-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Here's the quote: "Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour." ~ John Boswell

HWWTS&J and I are on the outs. I am angry, hurt and sad all at the same time! That's all for today!

Ya gotta love Google

2006-02-06T21:42:00.000-05:00

So in my angst today... I decided to Google Grey's Anatomy...and I found the greatest thing since sliced bread!

www.youtube.com

I got to watch the whole episode start to finish with no commercials, right here at my puter. This site apparently hosts video...and I have a pirates dancing video from my last day in Mexico that I may try to upload, just so I know it works :)

Oh yeah, back to what I was talking about... So I went to the site and just did a search for Grey's Anatomy and there are a whole bunch of scenes, episodes, compilations, etc.

Go now, I can wait, have fun.

Thanks for all your help everyone...and by the way... Not too happy with the cliff hanger either!

Tivos, DVRs and not enough space!

2006-02-06T11:32:00.000-05:00

I was so proud of myself last night...

Let's start off with, while I was away HWWTS&J messed up the DVR taping schedule. So 2 weeks missed of Grey's Anatomy, Gilmore Girls, Medium and it just brings me to tears, so I'll not embarrass myself by telling you all the shows I tape...(I fall asleep watching tv so this to me is a necessity)

During Superbowl XL, I remembered that perhaps I hadn't fixed all of my taping and one of my absolute favorite shows was going to come on after superbowl. Well, because said football game ran over past 10pm....guess what i taped....

The ass end of said football game and half of the McDreamy show... The ER Nazi was having a baby whilst her hubby was getting surgery from a car accident... the code black and then...NOTHING... geesh!

Did anyone tape it???? Any bribe takers? HELP!!!!

More Mexico

2006-02-04T15:52:00.000-05:00

Oh Dear Jaywalker, RIP... I got so far on my trip to Mexico and alas you are now spaghetti!
Sunset from a Sunset Cruise on the Buccaneer Queen in Cabo San Lucas. (Although parts of my trip were not too much fun, I would definitely recommend this particular excursion!)
Sunset on the Ship!
This is to be known from now on as the "Jaywalker Burn" You see, I am stubborn, really stubborn and I was first asked if I would like some sunblock...I of course refused! Then I proceeded to keep saying just one more row and I'll relax in the sun, which became, well just one more repeat, onto well it's not much further to the heel...etc.
Ah, and yet another sunset shot from the ship!

So, at the end of the trip we are getting ready to board the plane and low and behold some moron drove the baggage conveyor right into the plane... the nose to be exact and OMG left a gaping hole... so after waiting four (that's right 4) hours in line wearing flip flops and standing the whole time, I was able to get a flight into LAX with a 4 hour layover to head to JFK. I slept alot in LAX and on the red eye home. Did I mention that Nextel doesn't work in Cabo? Can you imagine the horror of HWWTS&J when I told him not to bother leaving, that he would have to pick me up in NY instead in the morning. Oh, and to make matters worse, I got that special tag on my boarding pass that gets the "random" feel down and rummage through stuff...too bad for the guy that was going through my stuff, it was mostly laundry. So the only way I will EVER go to Mexico again is if we drive or arrive by boat (Cruise).

The Post Du Jour ~ Warning Picture Heavy!

2006-02-03T07:07:00.000-05:00

(Not as picture heavy as I hoped~ more pictures later)
I am sitting at my kitchen computer station contemplating what I should tell you about my trip, and as I sit, I have this silly little calendar trying to give me hints... So first, here is the quote of the day... The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes. ~Marcel Proust

So in light of the quote, I have decided on showing you happy pictures from my trip... Are you ready???

The Glass Factory to the Left, Below is Land's End

Whales seen on Sunset Cruise and more Glass Factory

Sunrise on my last day in Cabo San Jose

Let's start with the beginning...

2006-02-02T07:12:00.000-05:00

Arrival in Las Vegas was fine! I had a great time... a little bothered by the smoke, but all in all a great time. I also forgot that I was going to a Trade Show. So I seemed to have had all of my suitcases chock full to the brim of Trade Show stuff. I should have mailed most of it home...seeing how I was going to Mexico. Oh Well! We left for Cabo San Jose bright and early on Friday morning. A bit of turbulance on the plane, but it was okay. (I actually liked it, felt like a roller coaster) BTW, I met some local people in Vegas during the ceremonies and found that I would meet them again in Cabo...
Okay back to the plane...
Bob sat next to me... I guess people who know who he is call him Bobby Tan. He is hilarious! I prefer to call him Bakin' Bobby. He lives in Long Island, has never been in a tanning bed and is tanner than I have been on a good summer! (His secret is he tans all year round on the beach) I helped him fill out his customs papers and such and we ended up hanging out most of the Cabo trip! BTW, HWWTS&J was told of all that went on. Bob~ or if you are new to my blog~ HWWTS&J stands for He Who Wears T Shirts & Jeans ~ also known as my husband.
So the day we arrived, it was raining, yuck. With the rain I started to really miss home...

That's it for now...I will post again either later or tomorrow!

What Time/Day is it?

2006-02-01T21:49:00.000-05:00

Well, I am back and will let you in on all the stories (with pictures) manana (tomorrow, for those of you who haven't been stuck in hell...ahem, Mexico) Talk to you in the morning....

I hate leaving on a sad note...

2006-01-23T14:10:00.000-05:00

Please keep my Mammy in your thoughts and prayers.

Things I have learned from my "Mammy"
1. Do what is right for you, don't worry about what others will say or think.
2. The Rock is HOT!
3. Love is love, no matter what.

My Mammy passed away on Thursday. Tonight is her wake. She was 93 and lived the fullest life I have ever seen anyone live. Sometimes when I was in a tough place, I would ask myself, what would Mammy do or say...and maybe I didn't exactly follow it, but I did think of her. It kind of stinks when as you get older, you seem to drift away from the people that are important to you. As much as I loved Mammy, I didn't nearly make enough time for her. We did get to see her this past summer when Mom came here from California.

I should probably back up a bit. Mammy was my step-mother's grandma... So to make it easier for you that would make her my Step-Great-Grandmother. I have to tell you though, we could have fooled anyone. As much as my blood relatives treated me not so nicely, my Stepmom's family treated me as their own and to be fair I have known them as family since I was 3.

I don't do wakes as a general rule (I am a visual person and would rather not remember my loved one in that way). But I will surely miss the funeral as it starts 3.5 hours after my plane takes off.

Anyways...I love you Mammy and you are in my thoughts and prayers! Thanks for all of the wonderful memories!

ETA: Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and well wishes! 2/2/06

You know

2006-01-23T10:52:00.000-05:00

If I can finish swatching for Hollis' socks, I may just join Sockapaloooza! I know, I know, I said no more...but, I love the socks I received last time and I was pretty timely last time. They aren't due until May and I do believe I can do it!

Here are the SET Socks DONE~

See I do have follow through...a little sleeplessness over these socks and I hope Cindy likes them!

Betcha didn't know...

2006-01-21T08:59:00.000-05:00

I am such a sucker for babies. I hate being pregnant, but love babies (not enough to snatch any, so don't worry) I love to look at newborn babies! Last night while in Target, there was a baby there that just had to be smaller than any kid I've ever gotten out of me :) She was so cute. Then I wake up and find on Mom's Blog, that she helped deliver a baby over the last 36 hours....Go look, I'll wait. Too Cute!

So, I have realized that I am already starting to feel separation anxiety (isn't this only supposed to happen to the kid?) The older kids will be fine, I am confident, and besides they are staying with Daddy, but Gracie, she's my last baby and in a week, who knows she could be walking ;)

I am not a mushy person, by any stretch, but for some reason, I am worried and sad to be leaving.

In other news, HWWTS&J has to give me the credit card back, or I can't sign in to the hotel room. HA! Oh, to foil the husbands plans! Too bad I won't be bringing the laptop (I don't want the responsibility of losing it!) So no email for me, unless by chance, I happen to go to the little offices. Those of you who know me...I'll have my cell phone, if you need to talk or something!

Monday will be my last email/post day. I'm bringing the camera and will post on February 1st.

The Weekend Quote~ Anything is Possible...

Give me a P!

2006-01-20T15:13:00.000-05:00

P!
Give me an R!
R!
Give me an O!
O!
Add Gress and what does that spell? PROGRESS!

On lots of fronts....

Gracie is crawling and pulling herself up (my knitting stuff is officially in jeapordy)

And are those two, yep two, SET socks I see????

This is Gracie with her Beannie "Grazie" Thanks MA!

The first of the SET Socks!
The first finished SET sock.
Proof that I am not reposting pictures :)

Isn't someone doing some sort of "Skywatching" Thing? This was a picture of the trees and sky in my front yard, yesterday...too pretty to pass up.

Did I tell you I am going away? I am, I am. All by my lonesome, which is a little disturbing, but also exciting. My eldest's teacher just had a baby 2 days ago, so I plan on making a baby sweater. And I just recieved the information for Project Return's Annual Birdhouse Auction...so I plan on getting my stuff together on that (the birdhouses are due by February 7, which doesn't interfere with the Knitting Olympics.

I plan to design and knit something bird related...wish me luck.

Oh, are you wondering where I am going? Huh, huh? I am going to Vegas for a Convention and then I am off to Cabo San Lucas....sans hubby and kids. Can I handle it? We'll see!

Just another quote...

2006-01-20T06:07:00.000-05:00

The secret to having a good marriage is to understand that marriage must be total, it must be permanent and it must be equal. ~Frank Pittman

Remind me of this quote when I am really angry with HWWTS&J.

Tagged Again.

2006-01-19T18:09:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged by Dorothee:

4 jobs you have had in your life

Coffee Girl at Dunkin' Donuts
Convenience Store Clerk
Deli Girl (I kept slicing my fingers...mmm)
Secretary (they couldn't wait to get rid of me... Me~a little outspoken)

4 movies you could watch over and over

Fly Away Home
Grease
Harry Potter Series
They Might Be Giants ABC's

4 Places you have lived

Poway, California (hated it, was too sunny all the time...oh, and no jobs)
A group home
By the Beach in New England
In the boonies in New England

4 TV shows you love to watch (...ok, this is fairly recent)

ER
CSI (Las Vegas, NY, Miami)
Law and Order (CI, SVU, and regular)
Gilmore Girls

4 places you have been on vacation

Las Vegas
California
Maine
Florida (I am a little over Florida, too)

4 websites you visit daily

Bloglines, Gmail, school website, google

4 of your favorite foods

chocolate
sushi
Cookies
brown rice

4 places you would rather be right now

here
here
here
well, okay, if I have to Colorado

4 bloggers you are tagging
Sarah
Mary Helen
Katy
Susie

I've been tagged!

2006-01-19T07:09:00.000-05:00

My new blog pal- Amy has tagged me with the "list 5 quirky habits" meme. Seeing as I am one really quirky chick..Here goes
1. If you knew me as a kid and know me now, I have become really conservative in my clothing and hair choices. I really want to dye my hair pink, but I am enrolled in sales school and other people just don't understand.
2. I love sardines!
3. I have a very "different" sense of humour.
4. My mouth never gives my brain enough time to think about what I am saying.
5. My sense of smell is acute. I can tell you when my kid's feet stink from across the house. I am easilnauseateded by smells.
I will venture to tag: Katy
Yarnista
Mom

2006-01-19T06:42:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Gracie turned 9 months. Oh, how the time flies by! She has a doctor appointment this morning, so I am up and at 'em bright and shiny early (well, not so bright and not so shiny)

I set up a frappr map a while ago, go ahead and stick me :)

http://www.frappr.com/shteeni

Misery!

2006-01-18T15:19:00.000-05:00

We have Scissor Squad on Tuesdays, so I record Gilmore Girls...love those Gilmore Girls. Well, I decided last minute to record American Idol, too!

I don't know what it is, but come on, you have to know when you can't sing. Anyways, HWWTS&J calls up and says, "Wow, you're in a good mood, what happened?" I told him that I taped Idol and was watching it. Says he "That explains a lot."

So I started really thinking about this comment, Why is it that so many of us (because I KNOW I am not the only one) find so much fun in someone else's misery?

I loved the mother daughter Ho's. They had to be my favorite. And in case you are wondering, I only watch the first few cuts of Idol because after they get rid of the rifraf, it's just not fun anymore. Oh wait, I loved the girl trying to go up the down escalator! That was funny!

Just to Clarify...

2006-01-18T11:28:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the wonderful comments yesterday and I will address them each in a moment.

For right now though...I present you with the philosophy of child rearing by Christine~

First...I have been through a lot of things in my 30 years so this is all based on my life experiences. I don't expect everyone to agree, but it is my blog and they are my views.

1. There is no right of privacy in my house. I am responsible for all that my children do or do not do, therefore, I will be nosy.
2. Children are dumb, call it innocence or whatever you will, but they have no judgment.
3. As a parent it is your responsibility to teach your children how to survive...This means they need to learn to cook and clean and be self sufficient by 18. Start little chores at age 5, like picking up toys and graduate every year until they are responsible for their laundry and such. My girls have lots of chores, I would stop the chores if those of you with sons would sign a marriage agreement with me and promise that their child would take care of mine forever....See not gonna happen, right. Thought so ;)
4. In my house, everyone has to earn priviledges, such as email, TV, sleepovers, toys.
5. The computers, TV's and everything else in the house is MINE. I only need to provide food, clothing, shelter and love. That means that they don't have to have the latest or the greatest in toys, computers, gadgets, etc.
6. It is my responsibility as a parent to make sure my children are healthy and fit. I will not make a meal for each of my children that is different or go for something easy, just because it is easy. Kids deserve to be taught what is healthy and what is not. (I am by no means a healthnut, but I want my children to have a good body image and be happy)
7. Lying is unacceptable and punished severely here.
8. Disrespect is not tolerated. By anyone. This means friends, relatives and the such. I do not tolerate disrespect from my children to anyone, either. (this is probably one of the reasons most other parents don't like me)

Okay~for now on to the comments~

I don't think you're out of line at all to be strict with your kids and the internet. I worked at a community center a few years back, and I was often shocked by the poor judgment of the kids. It wasn't that they weren't bright, but they were extremely trusting. And it's got to be tough to decide what to do with kids and the internet because, short of watching over their shoulder, no method or firewall or rules seem to cover all of the possible problems.

Is there a way on g-mail to only approve certain senders?
I have done this with MSN. I like Gmail because I can just have the email forwarded to my address and if I don't like something that was said, I address it. Only family members have her email address. I don't even think she remembers what it is and only I have the password.
That way you could only let her talk with people she knows, but you wouldn't have to read her e-mails? I don't think there's anything wrong with reading her mail as long as she knows you're doing it, but this is just an idea.
I thought a lot about the privacy thing and to be honest, it is better for her if I know what is going on even if she doesn't know that I read them.
# posted by Katie : 9:04 AM, January 17, 2006

I agree with you 100%. When I was in high school my best friend was kidnapped and killed.
I am truly sorry about your friend.
I'm a very paranoid mother. I read my kids email and their IMs (which are blocked to anyone but their friends). I find that kids are imaginative and find ways around things, so there are no IM's except to Grandma Snooze and I still monitor (not that I don't trust Grandma Snooze, just to make sure she is the only one D is chatting with)
No chat rooms. The world is full of freak jobs and it is our responsibility to take care of them. I can't even begin to think about the day they move out. You are doing the right thing. :)
THANKS!!!!
# posted by Heather : 9:24 AM, January 17, 2006

I've really been enjoying your quotes each day, I used to have a quote of the day calendar and each morning it was like waking up to your own little piece of inspiration, to be interpreted anyway you want.
When I was young, the internet had yet to really take off so I never had email accounts or IM until I was late HS or college. I was actually very surprised that younger kids have email now! What happened to video games? =) It's very scary out there what people are capable of doing, stalking or hurting children. I think the way you protect your kids is admirable, you never know where these predators are hiding. They do have software out there that protects kids from going to certain sites and even scans their email for inappropriate words and flags the messages and sends it to your email box. It may make your job a little easier. =) I don't even let my kids play video games...I believe they should be active. Everytime the school sends home research to be done on the internet, I send it right back. (I have reference books that are helpful up to college level and usually she can find what she needs there) As far as software, I would do something like that, but again, I don't want my kids getting used to sitting in front of a computer when they could be active.
# posted by kmckiernan : 9:28 AM, January 17, 2006

I don't think you're paranoid about the internet at all. My boys aren't anywhere near 'Net browsing age (3.5yrs and 1yr) I go on the computer with my boys when they've been really good and they love www.noggin.com , but DH and I have already decided that there will be no computers in their rooms. Any browsing will be done on a 'puter in the family room and we will monitor *everything*. DH is a computer consultant and has dealt with some really weird stuff on his clients' computers that involved kids/teens. He is all for key-recording programs!
Some days I wonder if I should even post my kiddos' pics on the net! You take such beautiful pictures, it would be a shame to not post them anymore. I am very careful not to mention names. Except for Grace...Because it really is a pretty common name.
# posted by shizzknits : 1:18 PM, January 17, 2006

You're a good mom Christine =)
I totally agree with you. You can never be too careful when it comes to the Internet and young kids. There are just too many bad things and bad people in this world. That wonderful cloud of childhood innocence doesn't last forever, but it should be preserved for as long as it possibly can be. I think you are absolutely doing the right thing =)
*hugs* to you and the munchkins =D I love you guys! We love you too! Thanks for the encouragement!
# posted by Kate The Great : 8:49 AM, January 18, 2006 http://www.rhymeswithorange.typepad.com/

So now that I have offended at least half of my readers, I'll go hide and watch Gilmore Girls and Idol whilst finishing that darn sock :)

2006-01-17T07:49:00.000-05:00

The potential possibilities of any child are the most intriguing and stimulating in all creation. ~Ray L. Wilbur

Hmmm. Well, I guess this calendar is just asking for my opinions. Most of you know that I have 5 children and usually I downplay how hard it really is to be a parent to 5 children. I do, however, find it so very cool that they all have their own little personalities. There are certain things I am adamant about and other things I let slide.

I grew up during the whole Adam Walsh abduction/killing thing, and I totally understand why my mother would not let me off my front porch until I was 10 years old. I am beginning to feel the same...But maybe in a different way.

I have internet issues. I make the choice to not let my children play on the internet unless I have the time to stand over them and watch. There are just too many sexual predators out there and they are going to have a hell of a time getting to my kid! My eldest has an email account through gmail, but her emails all get forwarded to one of my email accounts for review and she has to earn the right to respond to and read her email. (Sorry Katy, her attitude has stunk lately. She did get your email and as soon as she is respectful again, she will respond) Some people find that I am too strict, but you know what, it will be my fault if she is found dead in a mall parking lot...There will be no one to blame but me. I think that I will moderate the comments to this post, just because my parenting has been attacked on someone else's blog and it's my right to moderate the things in my life.

Ending note: Please cherish those potential possibilities if you have children!

2006 Knitting Olympics

2006-01-16T18:49:00.000-05:00

I've joined The Harlot's 2006 Knitting Olympics...
Here's what Stephanie has to say:

The 2006 Knitting Olympics

Eligibility: Any knitter who, embracing the
"Citius, Alitius Fortius" ideal, would like to challenge themselves while
embracing the Olympic spirit, and is just whacked enough to play along with me.

Concept: You must cast on a project during the Opening Ceremonies of the
Winter Olympics (Feb 10)- and finish before the Olympic flame goes out (Feb 26).
That's 16 days.

Rules:
1. The project must be a challenge for you to
complete in 16 days.
2. There are no rules about what a challenge would be.
Like the real Olympics, there are many areas to compete in. If you are a new
knitter, then a garter stitch baby sweater might do...If you are experienced,
well. I've already considered Torino. Use your own conscience.
3. While this
is intended to be somewhat difficult (like the Olympics) it is not intended to
ruin your life. Don't set yourself up for failure. (Olympic athletes may cry,
but they do not whine pitifully, sob and threaten members of their family with
pointed sticks because they haven't slept in five days. ) This is intended to
(like the Olympics) require some measure of sacrifice, and be difficult, but it
should be possible to attain.
4. No casting on before the flame is lit.
5. Finish before the flame goes out.
6. You may swatch before the games.
(I consider this "training.")

Medals?
The Knitting Olympics has only
a gold medal. (There is only do- or do not.) Finishers get a gold medal button
for their blog, their name entered into a draw for a chance at a prize from me,
and the joy of knowing that they are an Olympic level knitter, no matter how
experienced they are. You are only competing against yourself. (Well. And the
Olympic schedule.)

Who's in?
If you're just crazy enough itching to
be part of the Knitting Winter Olympics, leave a comment (or send an email)
telling me who you are, what you're knitting and a link, if you have one. I'll
list you in the sidebar. Consider carefully. Done right, this will suck up 16
days of your life and be an epic work.

What am I going to knit, you ask? It will be the Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts out of Elisabeth Lavold Silky Wool. Are you daring to ask what kind of challenge this is? Well, I'd like to see you knit a whole sweater in 16 days with 5 kids :)

Friends

2006-01-16T09:23:00.000-05:00

A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be. ~Douglas Pagels

I have to tell you that I am not always the best friend I can be. I am not good at returning calls, following up. But, if I call you a friend, I really mean it. I am not sure why this quote hit me like it did today, but it reminds me that sometimes I need to just say no, or plot a time to call, etc. Contrary to what many believe, I really don't like to hurt anyone's feelings and sometimes I do. I wish some of my friends understood that it is hard to call and sometimes even keep in touch, with 5 kids and therefore 5 different lives that I MUST keep up with. I put my children first when it comes to this. I will not let the things that I went through happen to them without my support and supervision.

Okay enough of that. (Can you tell that I wasn't paying attention in school when we went over paragraphs...so much for the anal Virgo schpeal, huh?)

Hubba Hubba times 24

2006-01-15T22:16:00.000-05:00

Oh, the waiting and was it worth it. Yes, I am talking about the season premiere of 24. I have such a crush on Keifer Sutherland! You can bet your buns I'll be tuning in tomorrow to see the second half!!!

Okay on to the important stuff...

That is the SET sock numero uno. I know, you may say to me, "wasn't that due months ago?" and I would have to say well, yes. But, better late than never and of course I will include make up gifties :) But Shteeni's got her groove on...now if the groove could go to cleaning the house... HWWTS&J would do backflips and I sure would love to see that ;)

So now that I have divulged my lust for another and shown you that I am grooving along...it is time for me to hit the sack. You know, over 30... I need my beauty sleep... or something.

2006-01-13T09:06:00.000-05:00

Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. ~Franz Kafka

Well, it is Friday the 13th with a full moon. I think I am going to track my moodiness to the lunar schedule.

I think your birthday passed Lori. Can you let me know? Thanks.

I must say, I really only wanted to post that quote because I thought it was nice...so ttfn!

Did you know?????

2006-01-11T21:53:00.000-05:00

That you can now have your change counted by coinstar without a fee? You just have to get a gift certificate to borders or amazon or a few other places. Who doesn't need more knitting books...
Speaking of Knitting Books... I am currently creating an inventory list of all my Knitting related books, so I can share with my friends and actually be able to keep track of who has what and when I let them borrow it. Just call it the Library of Christine...lol

National DeLurking Week!!!

2006-01-11T08:01:00.000-05:00

Quote of the Day-

Laughter is part of the human survival kit.~David Nathan

I think I have lost my Knitting Mojo. I am becoming insanely jealous of FO's by others, whilst I can't seem to get anything to keep my attention. I am now talking about the SET socks in my sleep, and HWWTS&J is tormenting me over it...cuz I woke him up. He he. I am getting worried, could HWWTS&J be correct in his prophesies of the demise of knitting in my life, or am I just overthinking?

Well, I guess it's back to the sock books!

This post stolen from....

2006-01-10T18:54:00.000-05:00

An Adequate Knitter

So go leave her a comment too!!!

Another quote day

2006-01-10T08:11:00.000-05:00

Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible ~ Marion C. Garretty

Well, here it is...

SET News
Because I can't seem to get over my analness (yeah, yeah, I know that's not a word) I have started new socks. I am not certain that my pal would have enjoyed the Cascade fixation anyways. Must.Concentrate.On.Way.Overdue.Socks. I am having severe urges to make Gracie a sweater, but I will stay in control!

Family News
My Sister Kendra is engaged! I am happy for her. We are in talks of having the wedding or at least the reception at my house. I can't wait!

The Ick
Thanks for the well wishes! I think I am okay now. Maybe it is a mixture of ick and winter blues. At any rate, feeling much better!

NO real quotes today sooo.....

2006-01-09T10:10:00.000-05:00

Just some thoughts of the day...

HWWTS&J was really sick this weekend. Whiny sick with fevers, coughing and sniveling. IN his sleep he contaminated me by hugging and coughing, etc. So I feel oh so crappy! I had to miss a very important Doctor's appointment. Because when I get sick, if I take anything or don't, I fall asleep driving and the Doctor is about 40 miles away.

IT is no matter, she'll probably reschedule for April or May and then maybe I can get my vitamin regimen up to date ;)

I have decided that the money I would have spent at the two LYS that I mentioned a couple of days ago, I will use to buy audio books for my iPod. I just purchased Memoirs of a Geisha. Yay!!!

Drat...It's a Sat/Sun combined calendar page!

2006-01-08T11:55:00.000-05:00

Rest is the sweet sauce of labor ~ Plutarch

Well, if you've ever been to my house, you would know that rest is not an option...maybe in another 20 years. :)

Day 3 Quote

2006-01-06T09:02:00.000-05:00

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see. ~Edgar Degas

I would like to make a shout out to LYS owners. You shouldn't make comments about other people's stores unless you are prepared for it to get back to them. I have noticed that it seems, here, in the state that I live in the store owners are catty. Well, lets be fair... Knit Together and The Needlework Shoppe have always been kind and nothing has ever gotten back to me otherwise.

There are two stores in particular that will not be getting any more of my business, due to the shop owners comments about other shop owners. And note, just because you didn't say it to me, doesn't mean that I won't hear about it.
End of Rant.

We have all been sickly on and off since Christmas...yuck. H & T were both in my bed last night and they are not peaceful sleepers. Ouch. So depending on the tiredness factor, I hope to have pictures for your viewing pleasure tonight!

Day 2 of Calendar Quotes

2006-01-05T09:49:00.000-05:00

Here is your quote of the day:
Excellence is not a destination; it is a coontinuous journey that never ends ~Brian Tracy

New stuff for 5 January 2006~~

I have added another button to my sidebar... I am going to join in on a collective to knit 2000 socks in 2006...no, not by myself, silly. Go on click the button and check it out....

The Universal Banned List

2006-01-04T09:26:00.000-05:00

Here is the group I have created for other exchange programs, so that we may have a list in one place.

You can only join if you are a host or hostess to a current or former exchange program.

Thanks,
Christine

alt="Click here to join banned">
Click to join banned

Let's put the fun back in dysfunctional

2006-01-04T07:52:00.000-05:00

So, I have this fun little rip a page off each day type of calendar on my computer desk. I thought it would be fun to write the quote here and share what I think about it :)

Here goes~

Let's face it, we are all dysfunctional, why not have fun being dysfunctional...why the race for perfection...it really never comes. You are who you are and that is that! Have fun being you!

Goals

2006-01-03T11:00:00.000-05:00

So, I have never set any goals for myself. *gasp* I know, how can I expect to accomplish anything with out setting what I think needs to be accomplished.

Funny, isn't it.

NO resolutions here...just goals.

Laundry... get more of it done, in a more timely manner.
Knitting... finish projects I have started before starting anymore! (It looks as if I may have to give up my yarn closet for a stretch)
Cleaning... set a schedule and keep to it.
Bedtime... somehow, figure out a way to get all of my children to go to sleep before 10pm eta~ they are in bed before this time, just not sleeping.
Reading(okay listening)... buy some good books on audio instead of so much yarn...oh the horror.
Lists... make them and follow through!
Tolerance... must.be.more.tolerant.of.others.

I am sure there will be more to add on another day.

I think I may make myself a list every week and cross off as things get done. (That way I am more accountable, if someone else can see it)

Here's to hoping everyone had a lovely weekend.

Happy New Year!!!

2005-12-31T23:47:00.000-05:00

Here's to good things in 2006! Happy New Year!

Must.make.goals...yeah, well tomorrow.

Must.finish.projects. yeah, I'll start that tomorrow too!

Must.be.happy...I'll start that one tonight ;)

Expectations

2005-12-29T11:14:00.000-05:00

It seems as if I have dropped off the face of the earth. It also seems that I must take vitamins.

Almost everyone in my house is sick. We usually get sick for Thanksgiving, but this year it was Christmas. And now we have 7 people to see through the ICK.

I have thank you's that need to go out and they will. So those of you that deserve thanks, they are coming and I am ever so appreciative.

I have been trying to tie up loose ends with my Secret Pal Group. I think people should put into check what exactly thier expectations are. I wish I could hold everyone's hand and help them along, but I can't. I was glad to see that the majority of my group was good and did what they were supposed to with little or no whining. On a side note, if you are planning to run an exchange, I have started a universal banned list. And yes, even though people think I am mean, there is a way to get yourself off of the list, but if you get back on you are there for good.

Okay, enough of that... I will try to post holiday pictures today...later.

K, off like a prom dress.

Merry Christmas to All and Have a Good Night!

2005-12-25T10:11:00.000-05:00

So we started a new tradition for Christmas. As many of you know, HWWTS&J is German. We went to Epcot Center this past year and picked up a German Ornament for a special Christmas Eve Tradition.

Here is the splurb directly from Disney :) Dorothee~ you will let me know if this is true, right?

The Pickle Ornament

Pickle Ornaments were considered a special decoration by many families in Germany, where the fir tree was decorated on Christmas Eve. It was always the last ornament to be hung on the Christmas Tree, with the parents hiding it in the green boughs among the other ornaments. When the children were allowed to view the tree they would begin gleefully searching for the pickle ornament. The children knew that whoever first found that special ornament would receive an extra little gift left by St. Nicholas for the most observant child.

T found the pickle and received 2 packs of Harry Potter Trading Cards!

Merry Christmas! Pictures later :)

Holiday Guilt/Anxiety

2005-12-23T23:40:00.000-05:00

So another Holiday...another reason to fixate. Have I made everyone happy? Did each of the children get enough? Did I make anyone feel left out? I am out of steam...Caught in a crossroad. I guess what I am getting at is... Is this how a Holiday is supposed to feel? December is notoriously a bad month for me. Yes, I have issues. But, as I look around, it seems to be a bad time of year for a lot of people. So maybe, just maybe, I am not alone in this.

I have decided to take some pressure off of myself and mail out the rest of the presents I should have sent out long ago, after Christmas. As Mom says...extending the Holiday with extra surprises. And I am trying to tell myself to not feel guilty, late is better than never.

But as the packages keep rolling in, the guilt comes back :)

~~
Onto the New Year...

Last year I decided no more resolutions...why? Because, how many resolutions do you really stick to? I probably stick to 1/4 of what you stick to. And then we go back to the guilt...oh the guilt.

I would really like to work on the guilt thing.
I would like to lose some weight.
I would like to take care of me.
I would like to commit to a monthly pedicure. (I never said I couldn't be shallow at times)...Remember 5 kids and on my feet all the time... I even knit standing most times.
I would like to control my temper and the "you are all plotting against me" thing.
I would like to trust my husband more.

I am sure I will add to this sort of list...it really is just a reminder to me.

Happy Christmas Eve Eve.

OO OO OO

2005-12-21T19:46:00.000-05:00

SP6~
OMGoodness! Here is what my Secret Pal sent to me! Woohoo! Yep, those are 5 balls of a cashmere blend yarn, 3 skeins of Cotton Ease, Candy and the Lucinda Guy Book. You so rock. Thanks for adding the fun back into SP! Go say hi to Katie (the link is in Secret Pal)
Ornamental~
Adele sent me all of this! I am waiting for a link to her new blog and I will happily link!
Kids~
Yesterday my sister, Kendra, came over and we took pictures for her and my stepmom for Christmas. This is a sepia version of the picture. Aren't they all so cute????

Okay~ I have more ornaments to make!!!!

(See, there are some happy days!!!!) = D

Snow Ball Fight....

2005-12-18T21:19:00.000-05:00

.
\ /
\\ \ / //
\\\ \\ // ///
\\\ ######### ///
\\ ### ### //
-- ## ## --
-- ## squish!! ## --
-- ## ### --
\\### ###//

\\\#########///

\\\ \\// ///

\\ \ / //

\ /

You have just been hit with an blog snow ball!

(The first one of the winter.)
It's the start of..... Snow Ball Fight 2005-2006 !!!!

One rule to this game....
You can't hit someone who has already hit you!

Now... go out there and get as many people as you
can, before they get you!

I got you first! and you can't get me back!

We do not stop playing because we grow old; we grow
old because we stop playing.

If you read my blog... I got you!!!!

This is the year....

2005-12-16T18:58:00.000-05:00

That I am not going to stress over making everyone elses Christmas nice. It is my job to make my family happy (immediate that is). Did I tell you that we got all of our Christmas shopping done online...yep, I was happy! Until HWWTS&J got an email from walmart.com stating that their suppliers were out of a few items (almost the whole order) and they weren't sure when they were going to get them...mind you...when placing the order the items were "in stock" I, then, shot off an email to them, and wonder upon wonder, our stuff came shortly after.
Well, today I ask HWWTS&J if he had received an email from amazon.com ... his reply was "I don't know, go check my email account" I check and he received an email on 12/8 stating that the bulk of the order has an estimated delivery date of 12/28. Geesh. Well, I have emailed them as well. I am not even able to access the order through their site. Cross your fingers, as most of the presents are there. (We went light this year, the kids got a couple of toys each) So...still no pictures. I have a small little dinner tomorrow and I must overnight my Ornamental gifties tomorrow. Still working on the SET socks and Hollis' socks. I would really, really, like to make something for myself, but the guilt of the set socks won't let me sleep at night as it is.... Socks wanting to eat me, but can't because they aren't even closed at one end...the horror.

I am just happy to let it be...

One more thing.... To my spoiler for SP6, I do not believe that you will let me down :) I am fully aware of the problems that can arise during this time of year. I will continue to wait patiently.

I heart IPOD!

2005-12-13T11:41:00.000-05:00

No Blogging, No Knitting, No anything...just me and my Harry Potter on Audio and my IPOD. I forgot to mention that Saturday, December 10 was mine and HWWTS&J anniversary(wedding). Can you guess what he bought me??? If you guessed an IPOD, right you are!!!! And now I am addicted to listening to the Harry Potter Books (got all 6 with my IPOD) Now, the hard part is deciding what music I would like to listen to on it!!! We (HWWTS&J and I) have a very eclectic collection of music. Although, I have been trying to upload 20 CD's per day and I am running around frantically trying to find all of my Christmas CD's first. =P I am still trying to find my camera cord and I have to do the rest of my Christmas shopping! Arrggghhh... Need. More. Time. To. Play.

Open Letter to All SP6 Participants....

2005-12-12T09:37:00.000-05:00

I am not a mean person and I am sorry if my to the point attitude has offended you. I do not know how to "fluff" things, nor do I want to. I believe that it is dishonest. Due to my ability to be to the point, people mistook it for being brash, rude, mean, etc. without venturing to actually read the post. This was extremely frustrating. At which point, being barraged by nasty comments by anonymous commenters doesn't make things any better. I cannot be accountable for your issues with other hostesses, I am sorry. As, I wouldn't expect you to hold them accountable for my actions. I would like you to know that I gave any of the persons that I banned every last possible moment to rectify. Maybe I was being too nice.

I want to thank those that have been kind and supportive. And I apologize to the persons I offended without need.

I would also like to point out that if you do, indeed, participate in one of these again, comments are better taken with a name attached to them, rather than anonymous, and if you have a comment that perhaps you don't want your pal to see, you should send an email to the hostesses.

Wishing everyone a joyful Holiday Season.

Quick Update!

2005-12-10T12:32:00.000-05:00

Christmas Elf Name

My Christmas Elf Name is

Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

Hah!

Okay, so the person who writes in this blog has had a dumb moment. Okay maybe not dumb...anyways... I promised pictures of my mail and unfortunately, we have been cleaning alot lately and I misplaced the cord that hooks the camera to the computer...as soon as I have them I will link them!

Tuesday night: I was really considering not going to the "Scissor Squad" meeting, I am so glad I went... My friend Annie(STILL blogless) had seen my complaints and made me adorable stitch markers! Thanks, Annie. And the rest of the girls were so great and picked up my spirits! Thanks! Tonight- we have a little exchange of sorts for the holidays! Oh and I forgot... Jennie brought me some eggs from her hens...yuuuummmmmmmy! Thanks, Jennie!

Okay, so off to the cleaning...must vacuum...yuck!

BTW, all is set with the participant that I accidentally offended! Thanks!

Thankful and not just on Thanksgiving...

2005-12-07T06:40:00.000-05:00

There have been presents and packages, just when I needed them! So here's the scoop (I'll post pictures in links this evening)

The first package of 3 that I opened was:
An RAOK from Jackie of www.knitdaisyknit.blogspot.com It included personalized Zephyr stitch markers, and bath flakies, and such clean smelling soap, a lantern moon bag and Kookaburra Woolwash. It also included a lovely card wishing me a Happy Holiday. Thank you so much Jackie, it could not have come at a better time! I have the card on my computer desk and it has helped me have restored faith. Thank you again!

2nd package: My Ornamental Pal, Adele, sent me my ornaments. I can't wait to put the pictures up! You are talented and lovely. Adele sent me not just one handmade ornaments, but 4 and some additional ornaments she bought locally. Thank you, Adele. Another much needed pick me up!

3rd package: My new little sis, Kate the Great, sent us some presents from Okinawa! Thanks, Kate...I dunno what's in them, okay well I know what was on the declaration, but I am trying to be really good! :) (the kids are not trying so hard....lol) I had all intentions of calling you on Monday, but have been going back and forth with some stuff!!! We are putting together a little somethin somethin for you too! (including refrigerator art!) I'll let you know when it is in the mail!

Also, I can't forget to give thanks for all of the supportive comments. They have really made the process much easier!

Addressing Issues

2005-12-06T06:52:00.000-05:00

Secret Pal~
I felt attacked. I am not a nasty person, as I see someone has mentioned on their blog (with a link)~no, I will not be linking back to that person, because 1. it is her blog and her opinion, 2. I have come to realize that people in the blogosphere don't know me, so I really shouldn't care.
Being a good parent~
I am a great parent~ yeah, I have to work at hugging and playing with my kids, but that's because noone did those things with me~ and the key words being work at. They get hugged and kissed and loved, not only by me but by my husband. I work hard at being a good parent. I know people who grew up in "perfect families" and are a ton worse off than me. I know parents that were doted on all through their lives to only grow up to be selfish. You can ask anyone that really has met or seen me and my children...and they can tell you. I work hard, very hard, and I love them all. Not one of my children would ever leave someone a nasty comment, because they would think of the persons feelings first.
Bad Days~
Look, people have bad days. December is a hard month for me. When I did that 10 things, I forgot that I normally don't put very personal things on this blog. I am sorry if I horrified you that I don't like putting up the Christmas Tree~ It is up, by the way ~but, I used to get beat every year putting it up, because I wouldn't put the ornaments in the proper places. So heres what happens in my house: HWWTS&J brings the Christmas Tree in, puts it up, I do the lights, The Kids put the ornaments where ever they want to, I come back and fill in the top. And they like it that way, and HWWTS&J likes it that way, and most of all, I like it that way. My kids will like the month of December and all that it brings.
So in closing~
My children are happy, they are given a beautiful life and taught how to respect others and themselves. I love them and they love me.

Understanding...

2005-12-05T08:28:00.000-05:00

Hopefully this will be my last SP6 post...

I am sure I have put off a lot of people...but for just one minute...step into my realm.
From the very start...there has been nothing but aggravation. Why? Because people refuse to read before leaving nasty anonymous comments.
I tried to be as clear as possible and more nasty comments.
I am sorry if you are/were doing what you were supposed to and didn't like your gifts or how it worked out, etc. But honestly, there are people who didn't get anything. I understand that you all joined for different reasons. Some of you wanted to receive some of you wanted to give. And it seems, some of you, just wanted to dole out abuse.
It seems like some of the hostesses were luckier than others.
If you are considering being a hostess, please reconsider...there are alot of selfish and nasty people who have nothing better to do than hurt other persons feelings.
I know, Rox, you warned me. And you know what, I think I would have been okay, if I didn't have lots of stuff going on in the homefront.
Unfortunately, I have come very close to "nervous breakdown" status. To the point where I have asked HWWTS&J to take me to the hospital...so there you go, unstable Christine at her best. (And no, it's not from the SP thing)
I do want to say, however, that the nice people are extremely nice and should be applauded and yes, I have made friends and am very grateful.

Ten things...

2005-12-02T21:40:00.000-05:00

TEN random things you might not know about me.
10. I like to stick my foot in my mouth on a regular basis...see #9
9. I speak before I think.
8. Sometimes I can't talk, because my brain is going faster than my mouth.
7. I do not recall most of my childhood.
6. I have to push myself to hug and kiss my children.
5. It is strenuous to even play a board game with my children.
4. I hate decorating Christmas Trees.
3. I can't cook.
2. I love to bake.
1. I am at least 20 pounds overweight.
NINE places I’ve visited
9. Canada
8. Mexico
7. Maine
6. California
5. Arizona
4. Vermont
5. Florida
4. Georgia
3. New York City
2. Henry Ford and Thomas Edison estates
1. The Moon (in the wierd dreams I have)
EIGHT ways to win my heart
8. FOOD
7. Yarn
6. Kindness
5. Understanding
4. Being kind to Children
3. Being spiritual (in any way you can)
2. Patience
1. Did I mention food
SEVEN things I want to do before I die
7. Repierce my nose
6. Fly an airplane
5. Scuba Dive in Australia
4. Hang out in Hawaii for at least a month
3. Travel all over Europe
2. Get my Irish Citizenship (just cuz it's possible)
1. Make money doing something I love.
SIX things I’m afraid of
6. Spiders
5. Being alone
4. My children hating me
3. Deadlines
2. Nursing Homes (not the people in them, but the possiblity of being put in one)
1. Inheriting Mental Illness
FIVE things I don't like
5. Chicken Liver.
4. Hateful/predjudiced people
3. Leeches (of the human breed)
2. Lying/liars
1. Pumpkin Pie (it always goes back to food with me, huh?)
FOUR ways to turn me off
4. Being disrespectful to a family member or friend in front of me.
3. Not speaking English properly.
2. Inability to follow simple directions
1. Backstab
THREE Things I do everyday
3. Tell my children I love them
2. Feed said children
1. Listen to music
TWO things that make me happy
2. Each of my children's smiles
1. Food
ONE thing on my mind right now
1. How I hope MOM isn't mad at me... I didn't mean it.