Random List Tuesday

Just popping in to share a few things:

1.  The Bakery Story app on my iPod is my new obsession.  I can’t stop playing it! It has gotten so bad that I go to sleep worrying if I’ve made enough food to keep my shop going while I sleep.  I even worry I won’t wake up in time to take my baked goods out of the oven.  Sad but true.

2.  I buy way too many clothes that need to be ironed.  Note to self, buy more knits.

3.  Boys are not naturally clean creatures.  5 garbage bags full of trash, 3 full of old clothes and 6 hours tell me this.

4.  I think I’m listening to too may audio books.  It now feels odd when someone is not talking in my ear at all times.

5.  I’m in a major transition period with my knitting.  I keep starting things but can’t seem to finish anything.

6.  I started Weight Watchers.  I’m having so much fun “shopping” for good stuff to eat and reminding my body that fruits and veggies are really good.  Hopefully by the end of the school year I’ll be able to take Boy Child to the pool in actual swimwear instead of shorts and a tank top.

7.  We’ve gotten a bunch of new things in at the shop, and I’m having real trouble restraining myself. (see #5)

8.  Boy Child has a new “grown up” bed and needs a new quilt.  He has requested that I make him one.  So, I will embark on my first queen size quilt.  Hopefully no one will get hurt in the process.

9.  I love doing laundry but hate putting it away.  What’s up with that? I also like vacuuming, but hate sweeping.  And, I love to mop but only with my steam mop. (I know that sounds crazy, but I’m okay with that.)

10.  I’m getting my very own room for my yarn and my sewing!  I’m so excited.  When I’m not thinking about my bakery (see #1), I’m thinking about how I want to set up my new space.  Yea!

WIP

Hi! It’s been a long time since I was in this space.  I was slightly shamed I haven’t been more diligent in blogging this weekend when I was honored to meet Bubblesknits from Alabama Fiber Dreams.  (Hi!)   Lest you think she did the shaming, let me assure you the shame was all internal.  So, I have decided to try spending more time in this space. (I know I’ve said it before; but like dieting, I will continue to start anew until it takes.) I had forgotten how nice it feels to share my knitting projects and plans with like minded people.  So, let me get started.  Here is what I have on the needles:

Project #1: Creature Comforts Cardi

(photo credit: Madelinetosh via Ravelry)

I’m using the wonderful Madelinetosh Vintage in the Brair colorway. 

(photo credit: Eat.Sleep.Knit)

I can not even begin to describe my love for this yarn.  It knits up so smoothly and has a wonderful drape.  Another bonus is how light it feels even though being 100% wool.

 

Project #2: Cecilia by Elin Berglund (Ravelry Link)

(photo credit: Elin Berglund via Ravelry)

I’m using another Madelinetosh yarn.  This time, it is the Tosh Sock in composition grey.

(photo credit: Eat.Sleep.Knit)

While I know I will love this sweater and will wear it to death, I’ve had a hard time getting started.  You’d think that when you start a project 4 times, it would be a breeze.  I’m sure it is just me since many other people have finished it with no problems.  I’ve decided to just fudge where I need to and keep going.

Project #4: Pampas by Rowan

(photo credit:Rowan Yarns)

I’m using a new yarn we have in the shop, Creative Focus Linen by Nashua in chocolate.

(photo credit: WEBS)

It is so great.  I’ve been wanting to work with linen for awhile, but I find it hard on my hands.  I love the way linen feels worked up, but I can’t work with it.  Granted the CFL is 50% cotton, but it is going to be so light and great for summer.

 

Those are the only things on the needles right now.  I have plans for several more, though.  Maybe those projects will be motivation for me to finish these.  As soon as I get my camera up and running, I’ll try to get some in progress photos up.

The one where I reflect on 2010

It is done.

This year has brought really good things for me.  It brought me a little understanding about who I am and what I want from life.    It gave me the courage of putting aside a really bad job that made me good money and ask for a really great job that allows me to get by.  While very, very scary, it was the best thing that ever happened to me.  I now look forward to going to work.  I don’t want to leave at the end of the day.  To me, that is a really good feeling.

This year has brought me closer to my husband and son.  It is nice to settle into a good and easy place.  I’m hoping 2011 will bring me more of the same.

I read on someone’s blog (Dang, I’ve already forgotten where.) that she does not make resolutions.  Instead she has hopes and goals for the year.  I like that.  There is an inherent sense of failure when you use the word ‘resolution.’  Setting goals seems to allow you a sense of positive beginnings.  So, in that thread, I would like to share some hopes I have for 2011.

1. I want to be more present in this space.
2. I want to design my own knitwear.
3. I want to back off from adding to the yarn stash.
4. I want to finish my Christmas knits early.
5. I want to grow my sewing skills to include garment making.
6. I want to be kinder to my body (aka eat better & exercise more).
7. I want to learn to make bread, by hand and machine.
8. I want to make a quilt for my bed.
9. I want to perfect my yogurt making skills.
10. I want to convert the room downstairs into a true yarn/sewing studio.
11. I want to journal according to this book.  (I know this one sounds a little odd, but this author makes you feels like your life, whoever you are, is important.

So, that’s it.  Those are my goals for this year.  I hope I will continue to grow in myself as a person.  I hope I will continue to grow in my marriage and as a mother.

I hope you find all you need, whatever that is, to make your life good.  Happy New Year!

The best thing I have seen in a long time.

 

Big baby that I am, I cried.  I love the fact that our Lord is being celebrated in such an everyday place.

SAFF take 2

With the help of my wonderful friend Suzanne, I was able to make my second trip to SAFF this past weekend.   We drove up Thursday afternoon.  On Friday, we got up bright and early in order to get first dibs here:

 

After her loss of stock, we knew if we waited too long, it would be slim pickings.  Miss Babs was one of the two things on my list for this trip.  I did good, too.

 

On the bottom, that is Yowza in Mahogney.  In the middle is Yowza in Turquoise Mine (left) and A Day Picking Red Grapes (right).  On the top is yummy Superwash Sock & Baby – 2 ply in Cadet (left) and Bamboo Baby in Changling (right).

 

Miss Babs also had these cute bags on sale.  I also found these 2 cute stitch markers in the bottom of my bag, too.

 

This was our next stop … Blue Ridge Soap Shed.  The owners are a husband/wife team.  He is a retired chemistry teacher.  Their soaps are wonderful.  When I bought some last time at SAFF, I didn’t know what to expect.  As soon as I used it for the first time, I wished I had gotten more.  So, this time I did.  I stocked up.  I am not sad I did, either.  Yummy!

 

I was not expecting this, but I could not pass this up.  It is Wolle’s Yarn Creations Color Changing Cotton in Pecod (bottom) and Silver Navy (top).  She had the Sweet Jazz Shawl knit up.  The yarn is transitioning, so the top of the shawl was the lightest color and gradually changed to the darkest at the bottom.  It was gorgeous!  The best part … it is 100% cotton.  That is perfect for year round wear in Alabama.  The bigger of the two was only $18!  Yes, $18 for a shawls worth of yarn.

 

Once we had seen everything we could see at SAFF, it was long past time for lunch.  We decided to head out to find something to eat.  After being ignored Thursday night, having 4 parties come in after us but sat before us &  deciding to walk out, we decided to give them another chance and had an early dinner/late lunch at the Laughing Seed.

 

Sadly, I forgot to take photos of out meals, but I ended up having the Omega Hempnut Burger with Jalapeño-Onion Fries.  Yummy!   Suzanne had the Indian Thali Plate, which she said was very spicy.  We also had a special lemongrass-dill hummus plate as a start.  I could have bathed in that hummus it was so good.  The staff was a little flaky, but the food was good.

 

Just down the street was a little yarn shop.  Neither of us found anything, but again, we were ignored.  Asheville is definitely a different environment than Birmingham.

 

On Saturday, I was honored to take Suzanne on her first trip to the Biltmore.   This is one of my most favorite places, and I was so happy to share it with her.

 

After we finished our tour of the house and the wine tasting & buying, we decided to head back into town to check out another yarn shop, Yarn Paradise.  Again, I stuck to my budget and didn’t pick up anything.  However, they had a great selection.

 

From there we decided to eat dinner at The Lobster Trap.   Now, I do extensive research before a trip, especially for local cuisine.  This was one of the few places I had picked out.  Most of the reviews I saw online were positive.  The menu looked good, too; so I was excited.  What a HUGE disappointment.  After a wait (at 5 pm) we were sat at a table next to the front door.  When I say right next to the door, I’m talking so close that I could have sneezed on the people waiting for a table.  Shortly after we were sat, a group of very drunk, very talkative “ladies” were shown to the table next to ours.

 

We both ordered the black bean and crab soup as an appetizer.   It had absolutely no flavor whatsoever.  Their website claims they are “using fresh produce from local farmers.”  That is a lie.  There was nothing “fresh” about that soup.  The beans were mush.  Suzanne couldn’t even eat hers.  For our entrees, I ordered the Drunken Pumpkin Salmon (Baked salmon filet with vanilla-bourbon puree, crushed pecans, local goat cheese) with lobster macaroni and cheese and mushroom wild rice.  Suzanne tried the Shrimp and Grits.  These too were a complete disappointment.  My rice was overcooked so was the salmon.  The flavor of it was nice, but I pulled out a bone.  Now, I eat salmon a good deal.  It is my favorite fish.  Since I have been eating it, I have never found a bone.  I also ended up picking out a shell from my mac & cheese.  After that, I stopped eating.

 

Suzanne’s meal was not any better.  Everyone I know will tell you that Shrimp and Grits are presented as follows:  perfectly cooked grits with large juicy grilled shrimp on top.  What was brought to her was a sickly orange-colored mush with small shrimp stirred in.  It looked like someone had been sick on her plate.  seriously, we thought they had brought her the wrong plate.  Needless to say, we did not stick around much longer.  I am so surprised that people like this place.  It was seriously awful.

 

Even with all the trouble we had with the food, it was a wonderful trip.  The weather was perfect.  The company was great.  The yarn was squishy.  I can’t wait to go again.

A New Start

Today was the first work day in 11 years that I didn’t have a job to go to.  If you don’t count that 6 months right after Boy Child was born, it has been 17 years.  That’s right, Friday was my last day at my job.  I won’t go into details, but it was the main reason I haven’t been in this space for awhile.  This job was not the right place for me.  It hasn’t been for 3 years, but I attempted to stick it out.  Once I realized it was taking a tole not only on my family but my health as well, I bailed.

 

I’m not sure where my path will lead, but I am excited for the journey.  I can’t wait to spend more time with Boy Child before he grows up.  I know I’ll be working a little bit at my LYS.  (I can’t wait to start that one.) I’ll be able to keep the house work under control and growing my sewing and knitting skills.  I want to like to cook, so I also want to use this time to learn to enjoy it.  I want to finally conquer the bread making skill.

 

I also want to be able to come back and spend more time in this space.  I’ve finished a bunch of projects.  I’ll give you a sneak peak tomorrow.  Also, I’m headed to SAFF on Thursday.  So, even though I don’t have an outside job, I’m busier than ever.

 

I’m Pooped!

So, here’s what I’ve been up to:

Thursday:

• Left work early to register Boy Child for school.
• Stood in never ending lines.
• Found out Boy Child’s vaccinations are not up to date even though I was told they were.
• Rolled my eyes at the PTO fees.  (What is the PTO for anyway? I’ve never seen them do anything useful, and now I have to pay them to do nothing?!?!)
• Stunned at what the PTO was charging for school supplies.
• Bypassed the madness & decided to buy supplies somewhere else.

Friday:

• Took day off work to participate in the tax-free shopping while everyone else was at work.
• Left house @ 9 am
• Went to Target for school supplies
• Went to JC Penny for shoes.  Boy Child did not like any of them.
• Went to Wal-mart for remainder of school supplies.  (If you haven’t tried Sharpie pens, do it.  They are so cool.)
• Took a break for lunch.
• Went to Old Navy for jeans & clothes for Boy Child.
• Went to Books-a-Million for school books.
• Stopped at second Wal-mart to pick up what first one did not have.
• Dropped Hubby off at home.
• Went to the mall.
• Made returns at the Gap.
• Boy Child had a minor meltdown.
• Went to Macy’s for a backpack.
• Boy Child’s meltdown continued.
• Boy Child apologizes for bad behavior.
• Stop in at J. Crew for me.
• Go to second JC Penney to to check out selection of shoes.  Boy Child did not like any of them.
• Stop in at Banana Republic for me.
• Grab a drink at Starbucks.
• Go to Joanne fabrics to get buttons for recently completed cardigans.
• Go to Band Try-outs – 4:30 pm
• Listen to 40 children who’ve never played anything, try out 9 instruments – tuba, trombone, trumpet, saxophone, drums, ect.
• Get a pounding headache.
• 7:30 pm – leave school & try-outs
• Eat dinner.
• Get home about 8 pm.
• Fall on couch & get into bed at some point in the night.

Saturday:

• Do a little sleep in.
• Get a call from band director about instrument Boy Child will be playing.
• Go to Bailey Brother’s music.  They have no more of the required brand available for rent.
• Go to Art’s Music.  Discover that they run your credit in order to rent for $78 a month. The were willing to sell me a used on for …. $1,168.
• Go to second Target & pick up a few things for me.
• Take  a break for lunch.
• Boy Child eats a cinnamon roll the size of his head.
• Go to second Gap.  Pick up a few things for me & Boy Child.
• Go to Anthropologie. (Boy Child vegged out playing on the iPod.)
• Stop at the grocery store for a few necessities.
• Cooked dinner.
• Scoured internet for a used instrument.

Sunday:

• Got up early for church.  Started new volunteer usher post.
• Come home.
• More internet research for instruments.
• Took a nap.
• Back to church for knitting group.
• Watch a little Gilmore Girls.
• Sleep.

Monday:

• Wake up 1 1/2 hours early.
• Take Boy Child to doctor for required vaccination.
• Go back to work.
• Catch up on e-mails & work from taking the day off Friday.
• Take Boy Child to lunch.
• Get irritated by the people who choose to sit right next to us when there are dozens of other tables available.
• Go to Wal-mart for oil to counter act the squeak in my ball winder.
• Almost get hit by a little old lady who (I’m hoping) did not see me.
• Deal with horrible petty people at work.
• Stay late at work because I came in late.
• Come home.
• Finally decide on an instrument for sale on eBay.
• Buy instrument for a fraction of what the music store wanted.
• Think about how long it has been since I’ve posted.
• Write this post.

Pooped! Pooped I tell you!

Small Things

Sometimes the smallest things can make a really bad week better.

• Spending the day with a really good friend.
• New shoes

• New knitting goals

Maude

* photo courteous of Coco Knits

Kiloran

* photo courteous of Twist Collective

• A great new jacket

* photo courteous of Anthropologie

Trying

It has been a few days since my declaration of wanting to look for and pursue happier thoughts. ‘Cause you know, I live in my head most of the time; and I can say with complete certainty, I don’t want to live with such a Crabby McCrabby Pants.  I’ve been consciously trying to see the good things (big and small) and trying to catch myself when I have negative thoughts.

I’ve noticed a few things in this little exploration.  When I start my day off in prayer, I have I good day.  When I hit my snooze button 5 times before jumping out of bed and speeding off to work without my prayer time, I have a really, really bad day. Now, I know rushing could be the cause, but I’m convinced it is the praying thing.  When you spend 30 minutes first being thankful for all you have (including the job you really hate, but are grateful for because it keeps you in yarn) and then praying for all the people who are having tough times with death, illness and job loss; the tacky co-worker who takes personal time off at the most inconvenient times without asking if you had plans and leaves you with a mountain of her work to finish up on top of your own doesn’t seem too terribly important.  See! Crabby McCrabby Pants!  Sigh.

Mostly I’m doing okay with things.  I’ve really fallen out of the habit of writing about what I’m experiencing, so forgive me while I get back into the groove of things.  So, here are a few good things in a really frustrating/bad day:

• I heard about this video this morning.  It made me smile.

• I made it to work on time even though I hit the snooze button 6 times.
• Whole Foods Strawberry Shortcake
• Project Runway starts tonight! Yea!

Hello

I know it has been a long time since I posted.  I know that everyone who used to read this blog is probably long gone.  However, for those of you who are left, I wanted to explain my absence.  When I started this blog, I was in the grips of becoming a full-fledged Knitter. I was making the transformation from knitting as a cute little hobby to knitting as a character trait I use to describe myself.  During this transformation, I discovered there were lots of people out there who loved knitting as much as I do.  I thought having a blog would be a wonderful way to connect with these people.  It became a fun way to share my passion.  Let’s face it; there are few spouses out there who are willing to discuss the pros and cons of working in the round versus knitting flat.   However, on the internet, there is ample opportunity!  I was so excited to embark on this new world.

At first it was fun, but it soon became a chore.  I didn’t really have anything to say, but I thought I “should.”  (I hate that word by the way.)  It started to feel like all I was doing was complaining.  I didn’t want to be one of those people who see the negative in everything.  And seeing as this is exactly how my nature trends to, I find it difficult to be positive in real life much less on a blog.  I thought it would be better not to post than to continue a litany of rants and aggravations.  So, I stopped posting for a little bit. That “little bit” turned into quite awhile. 

Today I was reading another blog.  She and her family have been having difficulties.  Apparently, they are not life threatening  in any way, but still difficulties nonetheless.  She described it as “life.”  I like that term.  Life happens.  Nobody’s life is perfect.  Things happen.  I started thinking about that one too.  I seem to handle bigger life events better than little ones.  Having a baby, geting divorced, getting married, moving – I think I handled all that like a champ.  There was a beginning, a middle and an end to each of those events.  Yes, there were strong feelings associated with each, but I knew where I was headed.  (Though with Boy Child, I’m a little scared about where we are headed sometimes. Hee.)

Now that Hubby and I have settled into our lives and made it past the first little bit of figuring out how to live together, I am so happy.  Boy child is in a really good school he likes.  I love Hubby more everyday.  I have a good job and even got a raise.  Hubby has a good job.  We have a lovely home.  Yes, life happens, but things are great.  Here is where the negativity tendencies in my personalities come into play.  Without a major event happening in my life for me to focus on, I let “life” get me down.  I let other people’s neuroses affect my own.  I’m letting other people make me unhappy.  How absurd is that?!?!  I am letting myself be unhappy.   Not anymore.

I want to make a change, and I think coming back to the blogosphere may help.  I want to be able to see all the good things in my life.  That is a little hard to do when all you can see is the frustration.  If, however, I have to post about all my good fortune, I’ll have to look for it.  So, that is my plan. I’m hoping that posting = seeing the good things in life.  I’m crossing my fingers it will work.  Can you cross your fingers, too?