Monday, December 28, 2009

Merry belated Christmas!

Merry Christmas to me--I got what I asked for: no snow BEFORE Christmas (for business purposes, and that was fantastic). Plus, scraping snow/ice off car windows really is the worst.

Anyhow, the evenings after coming home from work, I busily figured out how to sew using our sewing maching (breaking a couple needles in the process. Note to self: must buy more needles for the machine, just in case...)

But here is what I made:






Monday, December 07, 2009

Hello, December!

Well, it's been eons...and a lot has happened (ha, that tends to happen when time flies by). Anyway, this past Saturday was the open house at Craft Akron, which is a fabulous place--and they will have classes there. There's some I want to take, but I know I'll have to wait until Christmas is over, so I can focus on things like finals week! And Christmas working! You know. That sort of thing.
Anyway, over the past few weeks, I have tried my first beignet in New Orleans. I went to Nola for a convention, which was completely and utterly overwhelming, but it was cool to go there. Seriously, the best part of going to New Orleans is the food...I kid you know. Between the beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde, there was also this great dish at Cochon that was so mouthwateringly delicious, even though the description was pretty boring. (I ordered: ham hock with sweet potatoes, pickled greens & black eyed pea ham broth $18) There was also Cafe Adelaide, where I spent the most I have on food (Sea Salt-Tellicherry Pepper Shrimp & Grits $26.00 roasted garlic-rosemary stone ground grits, lemon croustade and New Orleans BBQ sauce blanc), but had some really fabulous shrimp (with heads on!) on grits. There was also brandy punch and much overeating involved at Cafe Adelaide. Of course, I topped all this off with the beignets at Cafe du Monde, without which no trip to New Orleans would be complete. I made a mess of myself, ending up with powdered sugar on my elbow, my pants, my new bag from the convention, the front of my shirt...but you know that it didn't matter. It was just completely and utterly worth the powdered sugar on everything. I want to go back to New Orleans to eat.
I also started another pair of Monkey socks on the trip to New Orleans. Can I just say that the pattern is so mindless and easy to remember (especially since I am using the no purl monkey pattern). I am now working on the pair.
In addition, I have had this blue and turquoise yarn staring at me for months, so I decided to cast on for another project (as if I don't have enough on my hands, what with the Monkey socks, lovingly dubbed Christoph-Probst-Str. 12 A, in honor of the dormitory I lived in--and had the same colored curtains in my room!)
So I am starting another Owlie Cowl, which is likely to become someone's Christmas gift this year.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Exhaustion

It's been a long time--but it's also been one of those hectic times, and it's not likely to let up anytime soon. Frankly, I'm rather tired at the moment.

Anyway, first I must thank my secret pal, Martha (very belatedly!) for the lovely gifts that she sent to me for the final package! In the package were a felted purse that Martha made, and this really cool little mini-project bag, which I think will be absolutely perfect to bring to my upcoming trip to New Orleans. And with that bag, I'm going to bring this awesome Knit-Knack thing that I had been coveting (so how did you know I'd been thinking about that, Martha??) which has (very importantly) TSA approved scissors. :) And chocolate. And a vanilla scented candle and candle dish.
I've also been knitting a little--working on a Habu sweater in the evenings and weekends when I'm relaxing. I'm hoping it will turn out okay, as I'm following the Habu pattern, which is a little new for me, as it is a very symbolic looking thing, rather than having all the instructions written out.
I'm also working on another sweater, and am also trying to make some of my Christmas presents (and this is the earliest I've been, as far as starting and making items. I won't say what they are, just in case).

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Just because...

Just because I don't really feel like heading off to school just yet (well, I have a little time before I actually have to be there), I decided to share pictures of my latest work in progress-which is nearly done, actually! Because I loved my Owlie Cowl so much, even though I knit it too big (shame on me for not doing a gauge swatch. You think by now, I'd know better), I decided to cast on with some leftover yarn of a red and teal (though it looks blue here) so I can knit down my current stash.

But I fear my stash is right where it started--because a store near me is goin out of business on September 30th, and the yarn is 40% off currently, so I just HAD to go over there--and buy the Habu yarn that I was coveting. At the end of my spending spree, I have tons of Tsumigi yarn in Whiskey (which I will double up to make a lovely sweater), a couple kits, some merino yarn (quite a bit, too), and a cone of stainless yarn. I can't wait to knit it up. So after I finish this and my zebra mittens, I'm going to cast on for something (I also picked up some red sock yarn -- 3 skeins worth--and I think I may knit myself a cute top (short sleeved, with a lace pattern) for Christmas/new year--it actually has silver running through it!--so I think for the holidays, it will look incredible.

And of course, I walked away with 2 skeins of Noro Silk Garden sock yarn, so I can make a neat pair of knee high socks. That is, if I don't get second sock syndrome...All right...I ought to prep a little more for my lecture today...even though I'd rather stay home on this drizzling day and do other things, even work on dissertation.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Progress--even more!


Over the past couple weeks, much has happened. I am settling into a routine at school and am becoming more used to teaching a large class. Earlier, I signed up for the World Yarn Swap, and a few weeks ago, I recieved a package from Jane in Scotland . In
this package, I received some Scottish breakfast tea, some delicious looking candies that I've not seen here and plan on savoring after teaching lots of math and physics. She also sent me this cute magnet of a cow with really long hair :)
And of course, need I mention the yarn? I mentioned that I am totally into fair isle knitting at the moment, so I also have some lovely new Rowan yarns in varying colors and am now planning some nice knitted projects. Or maybe I'll end up with many Owlie Cowlies ;)










I also received a package from my Secret Pal, which included some prettily colored sock yarn, a book by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, a potholder and towel (perfect for cooking), window clings, and a pattern for a knitting on the go bag. But one of my favorite parts of the gift was the llama necklace (I have never seen anything like this before, and this made me smile!)







I also finished my Owlie Cowl in this Debbie Bliss Cashmerino yarn that I have had for a few years. It is an incredibly easy and fun knit, and the yarn is wonderful. However, the problem is that I am terrible about doing gauge swatches, so the cowl became the size of a very small tube top! which of course, is too small for me, but I'll hang on to it because it is pretty cute.
In my goal to make a more wearable cowl, I cast on for another Owlie Cowl a few days ago, in a bright, color contrasting combination, using my stash yarn (of course). So far, I am loving it even though it is very bright--the colors are a good contrast for each other. Also, I invested in a Habu kit that I've been lusting after for a couple weeks (when one lusts after something for quite some time, i think one is meant to have it. It's made out of pineapple yarn and I think I'll cast on once I finish this cowl and my zebra mittens (no picture as of yet).


















Thursday, September 03, 2009

Back to September

Things here have been super busy on my end...lots of things have happened in the past few weeks.

1) I went to one of the craziest, over-the-top birthday parties I've ever attended. Truly, it was like going to a kid's birthday party (but it was for a 50 year old guy). Anyway, the party had everything but the kitchen sink--including an ice cream truck, drag queens, psychics, and male strippers (the party was for a gay man). There was more stuff, too.

At the party, I had my palm read by a psychic, who told me the following:
  • I like to read thrillers (true)
  • My dream is to write a novel
  • I will own my own business in the future
  • I will be wealthy
  • I will have 2 children, one boy and one girl
  • I like kids
  • I work with computers (?)
  • I will be teaching within the next three months
  • I will be traveling a lot within the next year or two, but not sure why

These were the main things that I remember her saying. I laughed at the teaching thing though, because I didn't see that in my future (well, I see teaching in my future, but figured it would take some time to get the job I want). I'm keeping tabs on these to see if any of these do come true at all.

2) A week or so later, I got an urgent sounding voice mail from the chair of the department, asking me to call her back. I called her, wondering if I did something wrong, and basically, she said, "Dr. X is on emergency medical leave and will not be able to teach at all the semester. Could you teach his class the rest of the semester?" Please look at the prediction that I laughed at. I didn't really compute that till this morning.

3) My poor little baby brother had his wisdom teeth pulled out today. Poor thing. He's so miserable right now.

4) I'm working on a cowl right now and have finished a hat but just need to put on a button. Also have received some of the most awesome knitting books in the mail today (japanese knitting books with amazing patterns). I'll post pictures later. At the moment need to do some things and check on poor baby brother.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Right now...

... I'm really not in the mood to do much of anything. I have all kinds of things to do, but would rather read a book (currently re-reading "The Little Lady Agency in The Big Apple") instead of doing work things. Anyway...in knitting news, I had these two skeins of this wonderful Elsbeth Lavold Angora yarn that I've had sitting around for a couple years, and was debating whether to make a hat or a cowl. After I saw Natalya, these two skeins became a gorgeous hat.

This hat took 2 days of knitting in front of the TV (which is great) and it was my first foray into the world of making bobbles.
After I was done with this hat, I cast on for another hat to give away (Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora), which used up about 2 skeins/balls of yarn. I still have two balls left. Although I love knitting this hat, I probably should knit something else entirely with my last two balls of yarn!

Saturday, August 01, 2009

1:25 AM

I'm a wee bit frustrated. After an entire week of being sick with a cold and conking out by 11 PM--and at times, by 9:30 PM...here I am at 1:24 AM, wide awake. Aargh. I have taken NyQuil just a little while ago, and maybe that will help me sleep (and keep my sinuses clear the rest of the night)? Luckily for me, tomorrow is Saturday and I have no grand plans except a nice sleep-in (if I can get to sleep, that is), some quality lazy time with my boyfriend, and some knitting!

But while I was sick, I took my Wednesday to try and do some dissertation stuff (somewhat successful) and knitted up most of Felicity. The next day, I finished knitting this. I think this is rather cute--it's one of the ArtYarns in a soft merino. I like how it striped up--I wasn't sure how it would work up in a knit. I'm planning on a few more hats (easy knits) and am working down that stash...hopefully I can work my way down a little more of it this summer. The last month of summer, anyway.
Also, I got this package from my Secret Pal! Thank you! There's this cool knitting book, Knit So Fine, which has this lovely dress that I will one day have to make, and some vests and sweaters that are classic but unique at the same time (that's totally my style). Also that really cute tape measure in the shape of a bee...stitch markers, yarn cutter, foot soak (which will be good for after a long day at work or night of dancing), and this incredibly stretchy bag that my pal made. Thank you so much! It was so nice to get something on a day when I was feeling utterly miserable, even with DayQuil and cough drops :)
I think one reason I've been relatively sleepless today is that we're getting geared up for a big fundrasier at our store next Sunday--if you need more details, let me know. We're planning all kinds of things, like games and activities for kids, and nice things for grown-ups too.
Oh, it feels like the NyQuil is starting to kick in...thank goodness. Off to bed now. Hopefully to the land of sleep...

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Missing sweater

I am officially losing it. Today, I have been knitting Akegeomi but am a little tired of knitting the same pink yarn, so I was going to pick up an old sweater (well, not really old, but one I was working on)...but...while I found the bag of yarn for the sweater, and the book with the pattern, I cannot figure out where this sweater is! I give up. I've looked in all my bags where I keep my knitting, on my yarn shelves, and my yarn tote in the living room. No sweater! Argh!

The only thing I can think of is that maybe it got moved somewhere and hidden in some box during The Great Flood in our house. But I am not sure.

In Akegeomi sweater news, though, I am working on the first fold of the sweater, so it is pretty exciting. Although I am still wondering where that sweater is...Hmm.

Dissertation progress: I have written one page of my prospectus. Plus a rough outline of what I want to cover in my prospectus. My goal is to write as much as I can during the last few days of summer, because in the words of a former professor (well, he wasn't my prof, but a chair of the department), I would have a greater advantage at getting a job with a PhD than with ABD, and I'm hoping that certain things will line up correctly the next few months or year. We shall see, and I shall not say too much for fear I would jinx something.

Friday, July 17, 2009

The tunic progress

Here is my progress on the tunic. I am so excited that i am way past the armholes and now am partway up the back!

I am looking forward to finishing this soon, so I can start something new...

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Progress

I am now officially up to the armholes on the Akegeomi sweater. FINALLY. After tediously knitting rounds of stockinette, I'm starting to feel like I'm making progress--yeah!

Thursday, July 02, 2009

I'm pretty excited that Secret Pal 14 is starting! So without any further ado, here is the questionnaire...

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I really love Noro yarns, but also love yarns that are very soft, such as alpaca or merino wool (examples include Malabrigo, some Debbie Bliss, Ella Rae, etc...). I'm trying to break the Noro addiction, though. I hate knitting with squeaky acrylic (I prefer natural fibers).

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have this old Winnie-the-Pooh makeup bag from high school that I use, plus a few other random bags for different needles.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
I've been knitting since college (since I was 18), even though I learned how to knit and purl before that (but it wasn't till college that I learned to do things like make scarves). My mom taught me how to knit and purl, and I made things up in college, and finally took a few classes in grad school to learn how to make a sweater, do entrelac, and to do fair isle knitting.

Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I'd say I'm intermediate, but am pretty adventurous, though some pattern charts nearly give me heart attacks.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, but I don't even remember what's on it anymore!

5. What's your favorite scent? Patchouli, also citrusy scents.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? YES. I love chocolates (dark) and I work at a store that sells gourmet chocolates, so that can be a bad thing! Also love peppermints.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I used to do a lot of jewelry making, but knitting requires a lot less clean-up. Does cooking also count? Do I spin? I have a drop spindle and a little fiber, but have not quite got the hang of it.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I listen to folk rock and indie rock, so some good examples are: Lisa Loeb, Jill Sobule, The Decemberists, Jill Tracy, Laura Viers, Over the Rhine

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I like purple, green, red, blue...hate pale/pastel colors and absolutely loathe yellow.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live at home and do not have pets

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear scarves, hats, and mittens.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I knit scarves and sweaters. Once in a while I get in the mood to knit mittens, hats, or socks.

13. What are you knitting right now?
I am working on the Squirrelly Mittens (2 years in the making...), the Akeogomi Tunic, and a pair of socks from Cookie A's book.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Circulars, and bamboo

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

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
2 years!

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
It's a toss-up between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I observe Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Yes--postcards (I have a special collection of tacky postcards that are all black and say things like, "Cleveland at night")

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Berroco 288,
Berroco 289
A Stitch in Time Knitting and crochet Patterns, vol. 1
Little Birds (sweater pattern by Ysolda Teague)

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
steeking, even though it terrifies me!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Sort of. I have lots of sock yarn. I wear a size US 9.

23. When is your birthday?
June 19

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Yes, I am jukeboxheroine

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Colors

Just a day till it's July, and I can't believe that summer's flying by so quickly--meaning that I need to get a jumpstart on my work! But in the meantime, updates on what's new. For my birthday, I bought myself a few lomography cameras, so I am excited to see how pictures turn out (granted, I haven't taken many pictures yet).

And, I am working on a pair of socks. These are knit with Socks that Rock (Titania). I'm liking how the yarn is dyed in such a way that it is slanting along with the pattern (rick by Cookie A.).

The Akeogomi Tunic is shaping along...slowly. I got a little distracted by the socks, plus I don't really like knitting with metal needles, which adds to my aggravation. But here is the sweater so far:


Sunday, June 21, 2009

30+2

Yep, I am now officially on the "other" side of 30--30 years, that is. Well, now it's 30 years, two days. And is it any surprise that I am now noticing more gray hairs?

My birthday was relatively quiet (though busy with work), but we were busy, so I guess I can't complain. My best birthday haul was a copy of "Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog" which was...incredible, even with the sucker punch at the end. I didn't even know Neil Patrick Harris could sing. Or Nathan Fillion. Awesome.

In knitting news, still working at the tunic, and took a break from knitting stockinette and made a cute hat with the yarn I dyed myself (no pics at the moment though). I decided that this hat will go to one of my friends. I hope she'll like it.

Friday, June 05, 2009

Exhaustion

I've had a lot of migraines the past few weeks, and I foresee more in the near future. Migraines come on when I get little sleep and/or am stressed out. And with this stupid flood in the basement (not to mention the kitchen), I've gotten very little sleep over the past week or so.

So here is an update on the flooding: Not only did the water leak down into the basement, but it had to originate from the kitchen, which is this lovely hardwood floor. So the floor is now warped. And the water also leaked out in the dining room, which is carpeted. Unfortunately, the spot that got wet was also occuppied by these wood chairs (also stained a dark brown color), and these chairs have left brown rings on the carpet, which won't come out. We called Lowe's to complain, and they sent over a carpet cleaner thingy that we had to use ourselves to clean. Anyway, the house smells like cardboard and the books, boxes, and cards are still drying out. The stain still hasn't come out.

The guy from Lowe's came today and said they could cut out the square of carpet in the corner of the dining room, which mom refused (knitters know that yarn comes in different dye lots, and even carpet does, too! Plus the carpet is older, so if a new square of carpet is used with the old one, it's not going to match well. So of course the carpet is the same as the one in the formal living room attached to the dining room...which of course is the same carpet as the one on our stairs...and the whole upstairs. Sigh. More embarassing is that the upstairs was a total mess while the downstairs was pretty clean after all the cleaning and tidying up we were doing because of the flooding...and I am so embarassed that I've been too pooped to even put away my laundry and books in my room (argh). The insurance guy even went upstairs to take pictures of the rooms (how embarassing--I've never been a neatnik in any case, but oh my goodness). I think the next few days is going to be the best spring cleaning I've done in ages. Wish me luck.

Oh, and I have a feeling knitting is going to take a backseat for a little while. Too bad, since I started this cool tunic...

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Catching up

The past few days have been hectic. Actually, the past few weeks have been hectic and I am in need of a day off--one where I see no one, speak with no one, and do absolutely nothing but prop my feet up and watch cheesy lifetime movies. The likelihood of that happening, however, is quite slim.
Knitting stuff first: I knitted up a shrug, and it's finished! It took me less than a week, and I'm breaking into my stash pretty nicely--but still have a ton to go through. I think this summer (0n one of those days off), i will take pictures of my stash to determine what can stay and be knitted up, or what can be sold or traded. Or given away.

Anyhow, here is the shrug:

I also went away for the Memorial Day weekend, where I knitted. In my attempt to stash-bust, I brought some chunky yarn to make the Shalom sweater, and finished the whole thing. I still have 4 skeins left over (darn it). All that's left to do is weave in the ends and buy a really cool button. I'm thinking a bright yellow or orange button.

Isn't it pretty?


I've also been trying to finish my scarf, made out of Debbie Bliss Pure Silk, and it is absolutely wonderful to knit with. It is incredibly soft and it's also a lovely color.



And finally, finally, I finished my s0-called-scarf. it is very pretty, and I think it will be gifted to someone else.

Other adventures (non-knitting) also included going to Trollbeads University, and also having our basement flood on tuesday evening. Our fridge broke two weeks ago, so we got a new fridge, which has an ice-maker and a water dispenser! The guy hooked up the fridge, but apparently didn't do a good job, so water was leaking into the basement. So on Tuesday night (when the Cavs were also playing pitifully) I stayed up till 2 AM just cleaning the basement with my dad. The next day, right after knitting, i just conked right out (which is early for me, at 10: 30 PM).

For those of you wondering how awful it was in the basement--we have a little storage room where we have some things like books, old products, paper, etc, and everything was soaked through and through. It really sucked, but i am glad it wasn't worse. Like, it could have been pictures or my things for school, or heaven forbid--beloved collectibles.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Oy vey

I feel like it's been ages since I wrote, but I have been busy, and when I've had time, I've been too pooped to do much of anything. And I'm waiting for my banana bread to cool off so I can wrap it up. So I'll write a bit as I wait! I'm off for the weekend, and I hope that when i come back, I can show you pictures of finished or almost finished projects (or at least I hope so).

I've also already finished the My-So-Called Scarf (photos coming soon), and I plan on sending it to a friend. I've also finished the Aegean Sea Shrug which is gorgeous, and am contemplating making one for myself in a different color. Not sure though. But it was an incredibly easy and quick knit.

I also went to Trollbeads University on Tuesday/Wednesday, and got a new limited glass bead which is really pretty. Also watched the finale of Dancing with the Stars, and while I'm happy for Shawn Johnson, I still think Gilles was a more consistent dancer. At the same time, I'm not terribly disappointed, as I was when Joey Fatone or Mario Lopez were robbed of the mirrorball trophy :)

Did any of you watch Ugly Betty this Thursday? Wow. It looks like everything is going to pot. And I love it!

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Ahhhh.

Anyhow, I've been up to a few things after finishing up exams...Friday night, I went to buy some yarn for myself. I wound up with some Noro Solk Garden sock yarn and some Malabrigo sock yarn (in Eggplant). 'Twas a splurge, but think I deserved it.


First thing that I did after I came home from my exams and yarn shopping was to cook. I forgot to take a picture of my chicken paprikash before I ate it all, but it was yum.

Then, I knitted a lot. I picked up my Squirrelly Mittens and started knitting the second mitten. But this is not what you'll see here! Despite the fact that I have a mitten to knit, I was just itching to get my hands into the Noro Silk Garden sock yarn, and so I started.

But, I actually had to rip it out several times, because the first time, I was dumb and didn't read instructions straight through. Second time, I ripped it out to the beginning (again) because the sock was too big, so I went down a size. Third time, the foot was still too saggy. Fourth time, I tinked back a couple rows because I missed a block. But right now it's looking good, but it's driving me nuts becuase all I've knitted so far has been purpled, blue, and grey, and I'm seeing some cool pinks and golden colors inside the ball of yarn, and I am dying to get to those...


Then, yesterday, I had a FREE DAY. And because my friend Juniper showed us all this awesome blog, Bakerella, so I bought myself some cake mix and melting chocolates, as well as some cake/candy sprinkles to decorate...


So my first attempt at making cake pops turned out to look like deformed chicks. But they were delish. With a little more experimentation, I made some bunny pops.




Now I am relaxing, sort of. I'm watching Ghosthunters (yes, at nighttime-me, the girl who gets freaked out about ghosts!) but I'm having fun doing this. Plus, my written exams are over. Yay--just have to defend them next week.


On Sunday, my parents wanted to take me out for a celebratory dinner, so we went to one of my favorite Chinese restaurants in Cleveland, we invited my boyfriend along. Anyway mom ordered this dish with beef tendons and beef veins, which I dare not eat. Anyway, prior to eating dinner, we all had gone to the chinese grocery store, where my boyfriend perused different packages of mysterious food. After finding a few packages with no english translations, he told me that it would be a good idea to try these foods and see what they were. So he bought one of the mysterious packages of food. So, at dinner, mom knew about his new food adventures, and asked if he wanted to try her food. So he tried some, and ate every single bit of the beef veins, radishes and tendons that were on his plate. About 15 minutes later he asked my mom what he ate. So my mom told him it was beef veins, and this is what it was like for the next few minutes.
Adam: Beef VEINS? What do you mean, veins?
Mom: Veins.
Fat white man at table behind us: (laughs hysterically)
Adam: I ate beef veins? Which ones were they?
Mom shows him the beef veins
Adam: ugh. (The expression on his face is priceless) What is the nutritional value of veins?
Mom: It's good for your knees.
Adam: What?
Mom: It's good for your knees. You know, it's made of the same stuff as Knox gelatin.
Adam: What?
Mom: Knox gelatin. Collagen.A
dam: Oh, you mean, like Jell-O
Man at table behind us: Jell-o! That's my favorite!
Adam: That's made of of that?
Man at table behind us: Yep, all the leftover animal parts.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

I am sick of this!

I have exams coming up the week after next, so my absence from blogging has been due to my burying myself in my notes. Granted, I am feeling a teensy bit better about my knowledge, but not by that much. I'll be counting down each day as I finish my four hours of essay writing a day (it's 4 days, 4 hours of writing each day, on...whatever topic my professors choose to give me). Basically, it's hell. I'm already planning what to do when I'm done with everything. So, my written exams are the week after break, and two weeks after that, I get to defend my answers. After that, I plan to:
  1. Sleep
  2. Watch TV/movies/k-dramas for a week
  3. Spring clean
  4. Knit! Knit! Knit! without the guilt
  5. Work some more
  6. Sleep some more
  7. Buy myself a new Trollbead or two, plus Habu yarn and some cool sock yarn so I can make some awesome knee-high socks that I saw on Ravelry. And some new fun books to read!

But in other news, I finally finished Pomatomus last week. Since I'm also trying to not kill myself as I study, I take time off in the evenings and at lunchtime to relax, so I get to do things like work on a knitting project while watching mindlessly stupid (but fun) TV shows, such as Dancing with the Stars (even though the Woz is a horrid dancer, I want him to make it through another week or two. Goodness knows I need the smile). I am partial to Melissa Mycroft and Shawn Johnson, and surprisingly, I kind of like Steve-O. But there can only be one Steve, so I have to place my loyalties with Steve Wozniak, even though I'm a PC and not a Mac type of girl.






And check this out! I got an awesome new Trollbead in the mail--a little gift from Lise Aargaard herself! So thrilled about my Smiley bead (like I said, I could use the little happiness and smile the next couple weeks--or month--as I slog through the studying and exam-taking and the stress of going through this whole process.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

News


These are two of the new Trollbeads (Sweater and Ball of Yarn). The blue thing in the back? That's Pomatomus. I thought I was doing SO well with Pomatamus and was working on it last night (indeed, this picture was taken in a moment of extreme happiness and pride). The problem was, however...I realized that somehow I am missing stitches. Sigh. So now I have to tink back a while and figure out just how some of my stitches disappeared. I'm not sure how. But this always happens whenever I attempt something that has lace patterns.
The other news that happened: Yesterday, we got a snow day! Ordinarily, I'd be gleeful, but here's what happened. I had to teach at 8 AM, so I went to school in crummily deteriorating weather. Taught class (three of my students didn't show up, due to poor conditions). I get home around 9:30 AM, and then...I get a text message from my school, saying that classes were cancelled for the rest of the day! Go figure.
Also the snow was kind of insane and I got a little stuck in the driveway, which made my search through the garage for a snow shovel (which I couldn't find--I later learned that my dad was shoveling snow in the morning, but the shovel broke). I did find a garden shovel though. Which made me feel like a right idiot in the driveway, shoveling away with this little shovel...

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Welcome (belatedly) to 2009

I hope this year will be a good one. But in the meantime, I realized I forgot to post a picture I made for my friend's baby, which was born just a few days ago!
Also, I completely lied when I said I would never, ever knit lace again. At least this was more bearable than the lace that I knitted for that Brooke's Column of Leaves scarf...
I hope that Tameka will be able to enjoy this sweater when little Xavier gets big enough to wear it...