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August 31, 2005
Wonderful Wednesday
I'll spare everyone pictures of incremental knitting progress. Instead, I'll share the highlights of my day.
***
I arrived on campus BEFORE 9am thinking this would help me locate a secret ninja parking spot. Hah! I ended up parking literally at the farthermost point possible from my building. And, I was lucky to have that spot! Next I dragged the 30 lb Uninterruptible Power Supply in a rolling suitcase three-quarters of a mile to the lab. I didn't stop to rest once. I also didn't regain the use of my right hand until after lunch.
Sometime in the afternoon, I get the following email from Roberta, concerning my acquisition of necessary samples from Prof. X.
He'd better [have those samples for you], or else just pound his ass into a sample sized pulp and run that through the AFM.
I guess the virtual voodoo threat worked, 'cause I have my samples. Prof. X is actually a very nice and helpful person. Thank Goodness!
The Husband totally set himself up for this over email, I wonder if I can hold him to it?
The Husband: I can help you out [being you are stuck in the lab desperately trying to collect thesis data] any way you want.
Me: Mainly what I need to complete my thesis is more yarn
and fabric.
And in closing, I opted to jog the 3/4 mile back to my car. What I didn't take into consideration is that at 5pm the campus is packed to the gills with students. Let me just say knitting in public is much easier than jogging in public. Fortunately no one called me a fatass to my face.
Today was a good day.
Posted by Michelle at 07:39 PM | Comments (0)
August 30, 2005
Driving while under the Knitfluence
1am-2am Wake up in a cold sweat wondering how long I'll be stuck in the school parking lot.
10:30am Arrive on campus. Proceed to Parking Authority to buy overpriced parking pass.
10:30-11:10 Knit in first of many lines of the day.
11:11: Purchase Parking Pass.
11:11-11:31 Cruise lots fruitlessly (knitting sock while stopped), cursing the parking gods, the students, and the administration for breaking ground on new parking structure to be completed after my graduation *and* in doing so, taking away more parking.
11:31 Pull to side of lot in predatory manner. Alternate knitting and putting car from park to drive, while eyeing lot for exiting cars.
11:47 Break laws of physics to be to first available parking spot that opens up in my row.
This is what I suffered the unwashed masses for today.
Loose Knitting
Wondering about my loyalty to Ene? Article 1 Section 1 of My Proclamation to Knit Monogamously states Thou shalt finish other sweaters when Ene becomes unsatisfactory. Section 2 states Thou shalt have a small carry along project for the neverending lines on campus, to prevent acts of murder and mayhem.
Thusly I claim to be faithfully devoted to Ene despite her shrewish behavior.
I'm adding a bit of length to the Harry Potter sweater. I'm still working from the original yarn purchase, but I may need a bit of the extra yarn for the sleeves and collar.
Posted by Michelle at 06:21 PM | Comments (0)
August 29, 2005
Me-Me Me
I was tagged by the lovely Stephanie. If you'd like to respond to this Meme, feel free!
10 years ago I had just experienced my first year living on my own. I fed and clothed (if you count black tights under rolled up jean shorts and combat boots clothed-GAH) myself successfully. I was a Jr College Drop-out. And boy oh boy was I Artsy-Fartsy. So glad those days of acrimony and angst are over.
5 years ago I was finishing up my first summer internship in Sunny California. It was a summer of firsts, first plane ride, first time outside the US, first train ride, first trip to Disneyland...
1 year ago my Husband and I were recovering from our wedding. We were also dealing with my Father in Law's terminal cancer. It was a rough year. I was just starting to knit which was a wonderful and soothing respite from the battering year.
Yesterday we went to our favorite Vietnamese Restaurant, shopped at Target, went for a jog, watched our Sunday Night HBO shows and relaxed.
Today I have to figure out how to get my Uninterruptible Power Supply for my Atomic Force Microscope on campus with 35,000 students and the land of 10,000 parking spaces.
Knitting Content
Who thinks I gave up on being a one project gal? Well to be fair, I am still knitting Ene. Though it is making me batshit crazy. I keep making mistakes, and, feeling guilty for not frogging or fixing mistakes. It's a train wreck really. But I soldier on.
I've been seaming and fixing the Harry Potter Sweater to give my self a break from Ene-Mistake-Central. I'll post pictures when I have substantive progress to report.
Baby Fishes
The Angels have taken Meshack and Abendigo home. I expect another celestial visit to the tank soon. We've tested the water and have discovered that the water's pH is too high, as are the nitrites. Brown Algae is also popping up all over the place in the tank. If Shadrack doesn't make it, I'll clean the tank and it's contents thoroughly and start again.
Coldplay
What was supposed to be a two hour trip to the amphitheater turned into a four and a half hour drive. Fortunately we arrived on the lawn just as Coldplay started their set. Despite the crowd and the unbearable car ride the concert was amazing! I will definitely be seeing Coldplay again, only in a closer venue and with better seats. I'd rate the concert second only to the Bauhaus show I saw in DC's 9:30 Club. No one is cooler than Peter Murphy!
Happy Monday : )
Posted by Michelle at 08:51 AM | Comments (0)
August 26, 2005
Clint Eastwood and Vegan Cheese
Today's entrees include For a Few Dollars More and Easy Vegan Lunch Pita.
Mr. Eastwood puts the "Man" in Mancho.
Upon first tasting the Follow Your Heart Gourmet Vegan Mozzarella, I've been waltzing around the house singing
Mozzarella, Mozzarella, Mozzarella and Manchoooooo's
to the tune of Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries.
Contributing to today's silliness is the much anticipated Coldplay concert this evening and the 50% off sale at Alamitos Bay Yarn Company.
***This regular blog entry is interrupted for the following Public Service Announcement***
If you are married to my person, I have made the following statement:
To my dear Husband I say this: I found this yarn sitting all by itself on the front curb. I couldn't very well leave it out there in the 90 degree weather could I?
PS Once my purported "new" yarn touches the ball winder and is no longer new.
The preceding announcement was sponsored by the letters S, H, R, E, and W.
***Everyone else not married to me may proceed at this point***
It was so hot and crowded. I wondered if any one was a blogger and if so, would they blog about my shabby non knit wearing appearance? 'Cause unfortunately it was just to friggin hot to put on the wool sweaters, socks, shawls, and mittens.
I am delighted with my purchases the new yarn and yarn implementation devices that fell out of the sky on my doorstep.
Sew What?
This is my first pin cushion, inspired by the cute fabric I found at Hancock Fabrics a few weeks ago.
Ene is coming along. I finally made it through that interminably long first chart, with a few mistakes that I refuse to frog on principle. I'm working my way through the 3rd chart, I'm really enjoying the process. I'm going to switch to the Addi Naturas (from Addi Turbos) for more needle to yarn contrast, and I'm hoping for a less slippery needle.
Have a great Weekend!
Posted by Michelle at 12:54 PM | Comments (0)
August 25, 2005
RIP Abendigo
oh lovely fishlet
how sad we are today to
say goodbye to you
Posted by Michelle at 10:36 AM | Comments (0)
August 23, 2005
Conservation of Yarn Momentum
In the interest of creating less entropy in the Universe (those that know me may commence laughing now) I've drafted a new theory*
You may want to steady yourself before you read my controversial new
Grand Unified Knitted Theory.
I'm either Casting on for new projects
or
Buying yarn.
You may wonder where I'm at now, well, I'm buying yarn. And I've limited myself to one project at a time and must finish everything that is not finished in order. It's going to be a long time before I can cast on again. Can you see where this is going? I am (Unless you are my Husband, I am lying for effect, or hyperbole) buying mass quantities of yarn. I have even decreed that I will take in my lunch** (potential energy) every day this week to build up for more yarn buying (kinetic energy).
I hope my new theory helps shed some new light on the 3 Newtonian Laws of Knitting.
1. A body remains at rest, or if in knitting motion it remains knitting uniform motion with constant speed in a straight line, unless it is acted on by an unbalanced external force like Husbands who angrily wave around newly balanced checkbooks.
2. The acceleration produced by an unbalanced force (Angry Husbands) acting on a body is proportional to the magnitude of the net force (How much money spent), in the same direction as the force, and inversely proportional to the mass of the body plus the mass of the knit object.
3. Whenever one body exerts casts on a force upon a second body new object, the second body no new yarn exerts a force upon the first body (casting on); these forces casting on or buying new yarn are equal in magnitude and oppositely directed.
You may also substitute the words sewing, quilting, crocheting, crafting for all above commentary. All rights reserved.
Q.E.D.
*Hey Roberta, mc^2 - mc^2 = 0!
**Except for today, but it's a going away lunch. I can hardly carry in a peanut butter and jelly on pita sammich to a Restaurant can I?
Posted by Michelle at 08:51 AM | Comments (0)
August 21, 2005
Baaaa
Harsh Measures
Due to the recent influx of unfinished projects I've had to limit myself to one knit item at a time. Which means I'm stuck with Ene's Scarf until it's done.
In other news, I've experienced a surge in sewing creativity because I haven't placed a moratorium on unfinished sewn items.
Sheep Quilt
I'm going to put her in a bucolic setting. I'm thinking hills, water, sun, etc.
Steve the Cat
He's faceless and clawless and without a tail. But we all have our flaws don't we?
Speaking of flaws Ene procrastination new found creativity, I've added another page to my site. It's called Fickle Recipes and it has Vegan/Vegetarian/Meat Recipes that I like to make. Bon Appétit!
Posted by Michelle at 04:53 PM | Comments (0)
August 18, 2005
California is a Wild, Untamed Foreign Country
And I'm not talking about people, folks. Although I'm pretty sure where I'm from* people consider California akin to Sodom and Gomorrah. Myself and the all the other pillars of salt of the community are driving gas guzzling SUVs and talking on Cell Phones at the Gym daily, trying to combat these evil stereotypes.
*the Land of refering to James Carville as Serpent-Head Carville, or the ability to use "Serpent Head" in any sentence.
Anyhoo, on to the Wild Wild Animals. They don't live in zoos. My guess is, they are too busy trying to get "discovered" in Hollywood.
There are crazed Monkey attacks, Tigers wandering around cities, Mountain Lion attacks, Caymans living in lakes, and Dead-Dead Possoms.
And today in my Fickle Compound, Reptillian Sightings. I can only hope this one lives solely off of ants.
I decided to keep James as a pet as a reminder of my roots.
Posted by Michelle at 02:55 PM | Comments (0)
August 17, 2005
Mainlining Marshmallows
I am stressed. So stressed that I get irrationally angry with people who are carefree and happy. For example, Christy posted the following picture.
My immediate response was, why in the Eff is he so happy? I'd want to throw myself OFF the bus if I had that much acrylic!
To soothe my savage inner sea harpy, I am eating everything in sight. Earlier in the week it was Potato Chips, tonight it's Marshmallows. Meanwhile I inexplicably tweaked my knee so I can't jog off the Public-Service-Bitch-Easement calories.
When I'm permanently confined to my couch, but before they have to break down a wall to get me out,
I will be surrounded by my lovely yarn.
UFO Solution
I've devised a way around actually finishing my unfinished knit items. I will start an anonymous Knitting Chain Mail Letter. Those unfortunate souls whose addresses I possess can expect an anonymous package containing an unfinished sweater with a threatening suggestive letter about finishing the sweater and anonymously sending out 10 unfinished items of their own. Those who don't immediately send out 10 packages to 10 other friends will be subject to the Terriers of Hell barking at their Soulcases and various other deeply profound Welsh curses
I think it could work.
And the Austermann Peru? Don't spend a single penny on it. It is the best worst deal I have ever clicked on. It feels like heaven total crap. Do yourself a favor and let me complete my dastardly plans to buy every last remaining ball forget this yarn.
Posted by Michelle at 06:24 PM | Comments (0)
August 15, 2005
Procrastination Station
Helpppppp Usssssssss. We're off the needles but not finisheddddddd.
So erm, about those unfinished objects. I contemplated finishing them for about oh 20 or so seconds.
And them I came to my senses and cast on for the Twist Front Top from the Spring 05 Adrienne Vittadini collection.
I used Lane Borgosesia Bollicina from the stash, so I figure it doesn't count against the abandoned lurking sweaters.
In for a penny, in for a pound
While I was at it I picked two more patterns for the "to be knit next" pile.
Long Sleeved Button banded Crew Neck will be knit from el stash grande, minus the fun fur accoutrement.
I ordered an astonishing amount of Austermann Peru from my dearest enabler, Elann. I'll be using it to knit up the Blue Cardigan from Bernat Cables and Raglans circa 1966. We won't discuss what size I wear according to the demonic "size chart."
***
JD, you are my new hero! She correctly identified the previously unidentified Green Fuzzies from my last post.
Kiccoro (light) and Morizo (dark) are the "forest sprite" mascots of the 2005 World Expo in Aichi, Japan. They probably do eat a lot. of tofu. (^o^)
It's a good thing they eat a lot of Tofu! 'Cause I have it coming out of my ears right about now.
I'm lusting after Beth's Geranium colored Knit Picks Sock yarn. I haven't actually tried any of the new crack Knit Picks Yarn, but I may have to bow to peer pressure in this case. Some Delinquent lace weight could follow home the Sock Yarn, you just never know.
Posted by Michelle at 07:38 PM | Comments (0)
Tofu in Review
Tired of Tofu yet? Me neither. Joan left the following comment
I'm glad someone can find tofu good to eat. My hubbie is vegetarian and every now and again, I put some in the stir fry. I just cannot like it. I am persuaded tofu ice cream would be just as bad
My response is this, Have you ever tried Tofu deep fried? I never cared for it until it's deep friedy goodness touched my lips. It's grown on me in other forms since that fateful day. I bought a couple tofu specific cookbooks at the festival which contain recipes I will spring on the poor, unsuspecting husband. Bwah hahahaha. Which brings me to:
Tofu Festival, a Day in Review
Pleasant Surprise!
My Ipod Shuffle works with the tape/cd player adapter I bought a few years ago. The only downside is it doesn't charge the Ipod.
LA Traffic for the Uninitiated
For most of the trip we were actually creeping along. So fun! NOT.
LA City Limits
We crossed into LA Proper while listening to "Nobody Walks in LA."
First Course, Tofu!
I'd share the 2nd through the 6th course, but it was far to delicious to be photographed. I'll add that tofu desserts are very high in fat, and quite delicious. However consumption of certain huge chunks of Tofu Cheesecake in extreme temperatures is not suggested.
Refreshing Tea
Rare Sightings
I present, TOFUZILLA!!
A Giant Tofu Beast who walks (waddles?) around shouting, TOFUZILLA!
RAR!
The vendors were selling t-shirts emblazoned with TOFUZILLA and I had to have one. But I could really use ZILLA shirts with other prefixes. I'm thinking WIFEZILLA, BITCHZILLA, STUDENTZILLA, POTATOCHIPZILLA, and KNITZILLA. Care to add your own?
Unidentified Fuzzies
Have you seen these Fuzzies? They were located near S San Pedro and 2nd Street in Downtown LA. Just up the road from the LA Tofu Festival. Sadly, the Husband would not let me bring one home. Tomorrow is another day.
Posted by Michelle at 06:23 PM | Comments (0)
August 13, 2005
Tofu for Two
The Husband and myself will be heading to the LA Tofu Festival for some fun, tofu ice cream, food and entertainment. If you decide to check it out, I'll be the one attendee knitting. Have a great weekend!
Posted by Michelle at 08:07 AM | Comments (0)
August 11, 2005
Still Fresh Out of Funny
Pattern: Uptown Boot Socks, Interweave Knits, Winter 2003
Yarn: Kroy Sock Yarn, Color 54106, Westport Check
Needles: 40" US 1 Addi Circs
This is all I got folks. I have no seamed Weasley Sweater, because I've been sucked in by a new sock. Totally worth the other knitting shunning, I might add.
He kill ssspiders and writes great run on sentences.
I think I'll keep him. The Husband saved me last night from a vicious spider. The spider circled me twice, causing me to take a sharp breath followed by loud screaming, and then bellowing. I take my spider sightings seriously.
Ssstress Relief
One of my big worries is set to rest. I can defend my thesis in Mid-December as opposed to Mid-September, which I definitely wouldn't be ready for unless I pulled some marathon all nighters. I'll just say I am not my best without sleep. In college there was one 48 hour hurry-up-and-finish project that really took the wind out of my sails. I grabbed a brief 2 hour nap during that period which was fraught with nervous twitching and stomach clenching. But, I made it successfully through the ordeal even if I inexplicably smelled like day old pizza. Those were the days.
Today I find myself trying to change from out of state residence to in state. College Bureaucrats are a special kind of beast. I've found myself correcting them forcefully, begging and cajoling, wheedling and needling, and jovially teasing. None of which make any sort of impression. So in the interest of spending all that extra money on my crafty pursuits the house, please break out your best Bureaucrat-persuading thoughts.
Posted by Michelle at 08:55 AM | Comments (0)
August 10, 2005
Whimsicality Wednesday
I'm running low on material lately. I've sort of lost my funny. I hope I find it again real soon. So to make up for my lack of inspiration I decided today's topic will be...The Husband.
We've found a new Netflix must-rent, Freaks and Geeks. One of the first episodes has two Styx songs back to back. The Dearest, Hippest, Suavest Husband in the World sang the most sincere and heartfelt version of Come Sail Away, word for word, from beginning to end. And not the Cartman version. It was really something. Almost as good as his Faux Bulwer sentence.
Bulwer Who?
I'll add that Cassiopeia has been an internet id of mine for the past 5 years. One of his Animal Crack Crossing characters is named Maynard, so despite his protestations that these particular characters are fictional I maintain they are not.
Signed,
Wife with the Stinky Hair
"Cassiopeia's hair smelled like gently falling rain,
although not the type of rain that releases the sweet
scent of daffodils in the springtime, more like the
first few minutes of rainfall following a long drought
in Southern California where the last eight months of
oil and transmission fluid slowly building on the San
Diego freeway suddenly rise to the surface and cause
the SUVs driven by cell-phone-bearing soccer moms to
scatter and crash and cause gridlock, which reminded
Maynard (as he was nuzzling the back of Cassiopeia's
neck) that his car was past due for an oil change."
Posted by Michelle at 07:03 PM | Comments (0)
August 09, 2005
Summer Doldrums
I am nearly finished the Harry Potter sweater. I had planned on focusing my mojo on finishing a certain sleeve, or perhaps a particular mohair-ugh scarf. So what did I do? I cast on for a pair of socks*. I am weak. We won't speak of the off-the-needles-but unfinished-objects in the conveniently opaque bin. Out of sight, out of mind. Guilt free you see. No desire at all to weave in a few measly ends or pick up stitches on those pesky all but done sweaters. I'm afraid to even open the lid for fear of being sucked into the inescapable vortex of done-but-not-done knit items. Maybe the Finishing Fairies will make a surprise visit if I start leaving things under my pillow.
Animal Antics
We had a delightful visit with our friends Rainbow and Christian. They were great houseguests. And the animals performed the whole visit.
I spotted Geiger the Wonder Cat standing on his hind legs trying to push his way into their room. He also performed feats of profound drooling.
Baxter played tug-the-blankie with them for hours on end, so much that he even slept one night through entirely.
While visiting he perfected his drooling on clothes technique, crotch sniffing 101, non commissioned fetching, and marathon dirt pile jumping. The fish lined up alphabetically to send off our guests.
Then they swam in circles in the tank, pausing occasionally to gape at Geiger the Wonder Cat.
All's quiet in the house now. The pets are recovering from an extended play time hangover.
*Karmic retribution dictated that I pick up the loose yarn end and K2, P2'd my way through half of the first row.
Posted by Michelle at 12:51 PM | Comments (0)
August 08, 2005
Grumpalumpagus
It's hot, it's almost time to hurry up and finish my Masters and I am grumpy. And all that damn tofu ice cream is catching up with me. Leading me to make my bi-monthly "I will lose weight" speech. Please someone tell me why knitting doesn't consume 300 calories per hour, 'cause by now I should be supermodel thin. I can't diet because being hungry turns me into the dreaded sea harpy that lurks beneath. And She's apparently really pissed off because the overweight me ate the skinny me a long time ago. What can I say but I was really hungry that day? It seemed like a good idea at the time.
So the game plan is, to jog 15 minutes per day, with a few days of strength training thrown in. And to listen to my hunger meter when it's full.
Yours Grumpily,
Fickle Q Exercise-a-phobic
PS Is yarn edible? It seems like a good source of fiber. I bet it comes in dairy free chocolate flavor.
Posted by Michelle at 05:21 PM | Comments (0)
August 07, 2005
Gone Fishin'
Firstly, let me pour out some primo fish water in honor of Lyssa's dearly departed fishlets. She has since restocked her pond and everyone is living happily ever after.
All this fish talk reminded me of how much enjoyment I got from having a 5 gallon Fish tank in college. So I whined bargained cajoled spoke with my husband and we agreed to get a small starter tank.
We had to come up with three coordinating names. The Husband suggested the Three Musketeers, but between the both of us and all our fancy schooling we could only remember Dartanian's name. Next I suggested Lazarus I, II, and III. We decided that was too novel, but liked a good old fashioned fire and brimstone biblical theme. And so I present to you (drumroll) Shadrack, Meshack, and Abendigo.
Fish Cam
In typical diva fashion, Meshack has decided his dressing room is not big enough and is protesting by only being filmed from the rear. He says it's his best angle.
I Craft, Therefore I am
You didn't think fish mongering is all I did this weekend did you?
I got some incredible fabric. The Corduroy in the background cost me all of Three Dollars, and I fully intended to make Simplicity pattern number 4698 out of it. I love that I can make clothing that fits my body, and in flattering colors on the cheap. I do love a bargain.
I'm also done the quilt top. In order to proceed I need to buy a walking foot. I'm trying to sort out which one I need for my Featherweight 132 Singer. If anyone has any suggestions in that regard I'd be eternally grateful.
I'm finished the first sleeve on my ad hoc Harry Potter Sweater. I don't think I've mentioned I'm using an old Raglan pattern from Bernat Cables and Raglans circa 1966. With a few adjustments for my convenience. I knit bottom up in the round until I reached the Raglan decreases, which I worked back and forth. So far, so good! I hope to finish by the end of the week. So I can wear my new wool sweater in the 90 degree heat. But I'll look good, damnit.
Happy Monday!
Posted by Michelle at 06:30 PM | Comments (0)
August 05, 2005
I Like To Party All The Time, Party All The Time, Party All The Timmmeeeeeee
When the Husband is on travel I am left at home to spill things, battle ants, and fend for my self. Here for the first time is a rare glimpse into my sustenance when there's no one around.
It's a good day if I remember to put on my Toga in the morning.
The Dog and Cat also behave strangely when Dad's away.
The Scandal! Caught in a forbidden embrace. Their abandoned Togas are just outside the frame. Scamps.
Doctor's Orders
So it turns out, I'm allergic to everything in my house. Cats, (check), Dogs (check), Dust mites (unfortunate check). I suspected the Cat and Dog allergy, but the Dust Mites were new to me. So I asked my Doctor to write down what we should do. It just so happens most of it works in my favor.
Hardwood Floors
Vacuum Bed & Carpet 1x per week
Hypoallergenic pillow covers
California King Sized Bed
Maybe I did ask him to add King Sized Bed to the list, what of it? He said our bed is hopelessly infested with dust mites, so bad not even the Mighty Dyson could prevail. The only cure is a King Sized Bed. Apparently Dust Mites violently eschew King Sized Beds.
Knitting/Quilting Content
I'm finished the front and back of my Harry Potter Sweater, and plodding along on the first sleeve.
I ordered *cough* a number of extra skeins the other day. When I started I shorted the length by an inch, and the sleeve by 2inches just in case I didn't have enough yarn. When I'm finished I'll go back and pick up and knit extra length as needed.
I spent hours on Wednesday ordering and reordering the triangle placement. I am paying for it now. Unintentional squats! Which should never be done while wearing a Toga. You have a responsibility to your neighbors you know.
I've sewn over half of the fourteen required rows, and hope to finish up sometime this week. I'm excited and nervous at the thought of finishing my first quilt. I can sew straight now, and I have enormous respect for the quilts I've seen online. You really don't have a concept of how difficult something is until you try it!
Sci Fi Friday
Just do the right thing and set your recording device to record from 4-8 PST or 7-11 EST. You can thank me later.
Have a great weekend!
Posted by Michelle at 08:06 AM | Comments (0)
August 03, 2005
Dear Elann, I think I love you.
Dear Michelle,
As requested, we're sending you this email to alert you that the inventory levels of Harris Tweed Textiles Shetland 4 Ply have increased. If you wish to continue to be notified when the levels increase please click here.
Best regards,
elann.com inc.
I know I love you, My Dearest Elann. So much in fact I've decided to leave the Husband for you. He took all the tubes of toothpaste on his multiple-day-stay business trip for the last time! I figure he'll contemplate leaving me anyway since I bought this:
If not for the purchase, perhaps because first time quilting will turn me into a fiend. At least I'll have clean teeth.
Posted by Michelle at 12:26 PM | Comments (0)
August 02, 2005
2 Pounds
Is the amount of rice I spilt on the floor by grabbing the wrong end of the bag. I pondered my options as I stared at the mountain of rice on the floor. I narrowed them down to:
A) Leave entire mess on floor and claim Malignant Beady-Eyed Elves broke in and emptied bag on floor. Which I couldn't hear because I was busy knitting. With yarn plugs in my ears.
B) Use horrific mess as an excuse to test the suction ability of the Mighty Dyson.
C) Sweep up mess half assed, and leave the rest for the Husband to clean up with the Turbine-on-Wheels-Dyson. I'd be doing him a favor, 'cause it's only a few iterations from a Bike. And what Man doesn't like Motorcycles?
Any guesses on what I did?
Craftiness Abounds
Look what I can do!
Only, don't look too close. I call all the mistakes "Modern" touches. For all those who might be curious, ruffles are the work of the devil.
I found this cool book,
Making Rag Rugs
I also caved and bought Denyse Schmidt Quilts
Posted by Michelle at 07:28 PM | Comments (0)
August 01, 2005
M is for Maybe Not Having Enough Wool
I know, you figured I'd have learned from the Best Foot Forward Sock Fiasco. Sadly I did not. I bought 9 skeins of Shetland 4 Ply from Elann, not realizing I'd have to hold the yarn doubled. I checked the stock levels of my color daily, and planned on buying a few extra skeins "just in case." Who knew 50+ skeins would sell out in less than a day?!
If that's not humiliating enough, I got a lecture from the husband. It involved Home Depot, planning projects in advance, and buying enough bricks plus 20% the first time. Boy that was real fun.
A Little Glimpse into Pet Ownership.
1:45am Dog puts freezing nose on arm while whining to be let out for bathroom break.
1:47am Let dog out and back in again, get back in bed.
2:00am Cat jumps on bed and sticks me with one claw to see if I'm done.
2:00:10am Jump 3 feet vertically out of bed and miraculously land on feet.
2:00:30am Throw Put cat outside of bedroom and close bedroom door.
2:15am Dog scratches and barks at bedroom door.
2:16am Husband shouts at Dog. Everything gets quiet.
2:30am Cat starts Caterwauling in A minor at door.
2:30:01am Start shouting profanities at Cat, Dog and Husband.
2:45: Cat starts playing in paper bag, sound is magnified throughout
house tenfold.
2:46: Curse everything in range of blurred, sleepy vision. Turn on fan to drown out noise.
5:10am: Dog whines to be let out.
Food for Thought
As a rule I try not to delve into politics on my blog. And all personal feelings on the war aside, the fact is our Soldiers are stationed in Iraq doing their duty for our Country.
We have a friend who has been stationed in the theater and her tour has been extended. So we decided to send her a care package of things that she can't get over there. I've included a picture and list if you are contemplating your own care package, or are just plain curious.
Contents:
Trail Mix
Ziplock Bags
Jolly Ranchers
Marie Claire Magazine
People Magazine
Beef Jerky
Bic Razors
Ink Pens
Envelopes
Legal Pads
Personal Fan
Antibacterial Moist Wipes
Prepaid Phone Card
Lip Balm, 15 SPF
Lots of AA Batteries
Dove Soap
Sweatproof/Waterproof Sunscreen
Baby Powder
Tylenol
Tampons
Hand Sanitizer
Notecards and Envelopes
Playing Cards
Paperbacks
Here's an informative link about sending packages. Or send a prepared kit.
Posted by Michelle at 10:48 AM | Comments (0)