Taking time to be ME!

Its been a great week though it has had its ups and downs. Learning how to pace myself and avoid unnecessary stressors so that I can live a healthier lifestyle. Need to work on stress management in order to be successful in other areas of my life, for I'm finding stress can cause me to miss out of some vital things and not do anything at all. School is going well and added Humanities 2 & French 2 to my class schedule. Have been enjoying my books and looking forward to the next 7wks, it will be busy for sure.

On the knitting front, my dishcloth is almost done and its yummy. It feels too good to use but I must. Purchased the lovely 2nd skein of Malabrigo I need to make my grandson's Owlie hat and a new lovely scarf. Will be taking a knitting class on Wednesday to make the Calligraphy Fringed Scarf but w/o the fringe. Looking forward to sitting home knitting, cross-stitching and enjoying the wonder of the fall weather.

Off to make plans for upcoming meals, birthday, exercise and homework. Hope you all had a great day!

Knit Therapy...aahhhh

Time to share some FOs and WIPs ~ enjoy!

My "love yarn" day treat ~ so yummy soft too :D

~ Oct 15th ~

New day, new beginnings and a new outlook on life. Yup, thats for me and I'm lovin' it. I'm reassessing who I am, where I'm going and what's most important in my life. Yesterday was a very long day that started at 6:30a and ended at 11:30p. I've started my new bedtime of 10:30p during the week and am trying to find the right wakeup time. I don't think 6:30a is it haahaa. By 9p, I was ready for bed and no where near home. The purpose of these time changes is to get ready to become a full time student and transition into teaching. I'm looking forward to the new endeavors, however, discovered being a night owl and sleeping in late isn't going to help me. Hopefully, in another month I've developed the habit and will be early to bed and early to rise which supposedly makes one healthy, wealthy and wise.

On the knitting front ~ I'm working on a lovely Garterlac Dishcloth in Sugar n Creme's landscape. Its so soft and pretty, pics soon. I've enjoyed allowing myself the freedom to do the things I love again. I'm scheduling time to do these things so that I'm no longer deprived or stressed by life. Knew I missed my joys but didn't truly realize how much until I held that yarn and felt my body relax. Now to make beautiful things for my grandson...I've got my mojo back. LOL

Off to finish my day at work and prepare my Art History paper. Have an awesome day!

Simple Stress Relief

Its been a great day already. Though I awoke much later than I'd like, I'm doing wonderful. Had the greatest feeling as I held a ball of cotton yarn. Aahhh, what a lovely stress reliever. Me thinks I need to make a dishcloth today.

Tomorrow is "I love yarn day" so I plan to spend my free time touching, holding, and knitting some lovely yarn. What are you doing to celebrate this glorious day?

Hello world ;)

Its been 2 weeks since my last post and I'm doing well. Enjoyed a relatively quiet spring break that was filled with lots of sleep, knitting, making new friends and simply doing nothing. Had plans to take a trip, to go shopping and all that but ended up staying home. It turns out that it was one of the best decisions I'd made in a long time.

No new progress on my move since I've been taking everything a little slower than before. I have been spending time with friends and myself contemplating what it is I want along with doing my school work. I've managed to get school under control and feel a little more confident about finishing up this semester. Started a new class ~ American Government and Politics, not really liking the textbook but it is rather interesting. Voice lessons improved a little since I rested my vocal cords but still need to learn how to do breathing and warm up techniques. No worries, I'll get a handle on it in time. Its only been 8 years since I last sang lol.

On the knitting front, I've planned 6 new projects and started on the socks but unfortunately had to frog them. The pattern I'd chosen was Yarn Harlot's Earl Grey Socks which has a lovely cable down both sides but the yarn I've chosen is too busy. So tonight I'll cast on for a simple pair of men socks that will compliment the varigation of blacks/greys. I'm making birthday gifts ~ pair of men socks, a hat, a pr of hand warmers, dishcloth & towel set. I'll be keeping busy for the next few weeks along w/homework.

Well back to work for me. Hope you all are doing well and enjoying the first weeks of spring. ;D

Life is good

Its been a busy week already and its only Tuesday lol. Enjoying the activity though and the desire to get my life back to some of the normalcy it once had. Been dealing w/allergy and sinus symptoms to the point of having laryngitis. Starting to feel better but realize I'll prolly be taking some decongestants for the rest of winter so I don't get a sinus infection like last year.

On the knitting front, started my scarf using 10s but not sure I'm liking the look or the feel. Its rather tight and I really want a more loose. Will prolly frog it and start again w/13s or 15s. Planning some socks since I've a ton of sock yarn that is calling my name. Just checked out a new sock book at the library and can't wait to take time to look through it. Its call Country Weekend Socks by Madeline Weston.

Well, back to work and more later. Have a great one!

~ My new project ~

My lovely OSU yarn ~ ready for my scarf...woohoo! Been too long not knitting. Time to let my creativity have its way and my mind to enjoy a good book. Aahh, I do love winter time just as much as fall for these simple pleasures.

Lovin' Life

Woohoo ~ been a good one today. Feeling pretty fabulous and enjoying the storm. Planning, thinking and simply being is the order of the day. I need to upgrade my resume and make some changes in how I think about my future but I'm no longer concerned for I now know its all in the Father's hands and He hasn't failed me yet.

I did finish my Circus Peds ~ yay! Starting a new pair for a friend then need to finish up a few washcloths. Other than that nothing on the queue but I'm sure w/the new Loops I'll find something like the new sock pattern I brought last week. Churchmouse Classics Turkish Bed Socks...can't wait to find the yarn that would make these look adorable. Which means time to go through my stash heehee.

Well time to get back to my reading and planning. Hope everyone has a wonderful day! ;D

Feeling fabulous

Well this is my new mantra ~ I've decided to keep my head up and continually remind myself that I'm fabulous. Its been a wonderful last few days and I've managed to get some needed rest. After leaving work on Saturday, I chilled at home w/my kiddos and a few of their friends. It was a lovely evening of doing absolutely nothing.

Early yesterday, I celebrated the birthday of a very wonderful friend, my gift to him was spending time together. I think that is a very priceless gift ;D. After leaving him to celebrate w/family, I got to spend the day with my good friend Sean who promised me he made great coffee. Well, he does haahaa. He has a awesome Cuisinart maker and made us some Starbucks Breakfast Blend. I actually drank my coffee with a little sugar and no creamer ~ what?! Yes, surprised myself because I love my creamer. After watching him do some laundry and drink 2 cups, we headed to his friends Matt & Mindy who just purchased a house. He was to help w/the painting and I was to keep the pregnant lady company. I did for the most part but spent most of my time sitting on her fireplace knitting my dishcloth. Yes, you read that correctly ~ knitting my dishcloth. I started a garterlac cloth back in November trying to keep my hand at knitting and would pick it up here and there but never really doing much. Well progress at last and I've only 2 rows left before bind off ~ yeah me! Don't think my knitting mojo is back but I'm starting to feel like one who loves to knit again along w/live my life to the fullest again.

Off to wrap up the last hour of work at the library then head home for some quiet time. I was planning to visit w/friends tonight but I think a hot bath, lite snack, maybe a movie are the only things I need to do tonite. Have a good one!

Some FOs

Herringbone Scarf for my friend

One for me ;)

Matching Pairs #1 ~ Two-needle Socks by Debbie Bliss
Yarn ~ Wisdom Yarns San Francisco

Matching Pairs #2 ~ Toddler Sock

Sock Wars 4 Sock
Pattern ~ Air Raid
Needles ~ Size 2
Yarn ~ Trekking Pro Natura in 1607

Sock Wars 4 sock ~ closeup

I'm working on getting my knitting mojo back ~ whatcha think? ;)

Deep Thinker...who me :)

Deep Thinker You think deeply about things going on in the present, past, and sometimes even future. You often drift off during work or class and start thinking about other things. You always hide what your thoughts from your friends and it often takes a poke or a snap of the fingers to bring you back to reality. Your eyes often portray a different personality than you are. Your eyes are a different part of your soul.

This was one of those facebook quizzes and I thought I'd share my results. I'm not sure but I do believe they got it right. LOL

Life around here has been hectic but I've managed to carve out some quiet and allowed myself to rest. I've not done more than light housework and driving kiddos to work in the last couple of days. I don't plan to do alot in the next few days either since I realize I'm running myself into the ground and its not good. I've been knitting and listening to audio books between my chores which has been great fun. I'm more peaceful too and that I must say is worth every single minute I spend doing nothing. Its hard for me to do nothing but its needed. Another quiz I took actually help me to realize this as well, I may share that one too.

I've finished the first mitten of my WDK Mystery Yarn Ball and started the 2nd ~ halfway done. I've begun working on a Herringbone Neckwarmer for a friend and have plans to do more knitting to including knit night. Yeah me! Haven't been in over 3months. School is coming along and we are getting excited as the summer approaches bringing graduation and our annual trip to NC ~ can't wait.

Well, better be off to get more work done before I return to my knitting and book. Have a wonderful day.

~ Lacy Love Scarf ~

I'm done ~ making my lovely scarf. I love the colorway and the pattern, it was an easy knit . Its warm and snuggly. I'm glad I made this one and look forward to making another.

Here it is with details:

Yarn ~ Malabrigo Intenso

Pattern ~ Lacy Scarf by Debbie Bliss

Needles ~ Bamboo 10s

Now to get motivated to finish off my stashalong list. I've only one item left now and I can't seem to get it done. Its my CPH ~ its over a year old and it really needs to be finished up. I'll work on it this week though I really want to start another project. Its the only thing left unfinished, well except for the B2S I have to buy yarn for since it is official ~ the yarn is gone. LOL

I want to make new socks, I want to make a sweater, I want to make dishcloths but for some reason I really am not interested at the moment. Could be the fatigue, the stress, and being sick on an off the past 3 weeks. I don't know but I'm getting excited about receiving packages in the mail and getting DirecTV ~ woohoo. I have sent off my ISE7 package and I will be sending off my KCS4 package in the next day or so. I've all the goodies and I've even scored some local, well to Arkansas, roving for my international pal. Can't wait for her to get that. ;)

I'm looking forward to a mini-vacation soon ~ definitely need it and I can't wait to go to Vegas. Dh and I are finally going, wow its been over a year since we won those tickets. Oh well, better late than never.

Gotta run, need to update and send emails. Have a great evening!

Knitter's Progress

I've been busy and unfortunately, sick. I have managed to complete another project ~ woohoo and it is a good thing since I would love to have another swap done.

Here is the pic of my ISE7 pal's completed scarf:

I'm also working on a KAL w/i KAL project for me ~ Lacy Love Scarf, which is the same pattern as above but modified a little. The February KALs theme is "Love of self" so I choose something red and pretty to make. Here is a progress pic:

The KCS4 is underway and I've just took a roadtrip to a lovely yarn shop in Arkansas and found goodies for my pal. I hope she loves them as much as I did. The yarn shop is called Knit Wicks and its in Rogers ~ downtown area. It was very nice, the trip and the shop. ;) I hadn't been on a roadtrip in a long while so it was nice to get away by myself. I'm looking forward to going soon.

Nothing else to report since we've all been sick off and on for the past week. I'm prayerful that its coming to an end and grateful that I'm off today and tomorrow.

Talk w/you all soon.

~ Woohoo ~

The lovely Lacy Leaf scarf is done. I need to wash it and block it then gather goodies for my pal. I'm hoping to have it in the mail by Friday. Pics soon.

2008 Finishes

Dishcloths
Baby washcloths
Manly Socks ~ Plain Vanilla
Monkey Peds
Madder Socks
Aurora
Not Peds ~ 4 pr
Yummy Scarf
Various Scarfs

Living Outta Boxes pt 5

Whew! Busy day and life is good. I've been working on my knitting and lesson plans more than trying to get rid of boxes. Lol. I'm ok with this though I know I can't live this way much longer w/Christmas fast approaching. I did manager to clear out the fridge, cut up the leftover turkey, make turkey hash and write lesson plans for the week. I'm finding that I'm getting more productive as I spend more time resting. I work early hours this week and I needs to have plans in place. Hmmm..its menu monday ~ I need to write one up real quick so that's outta the way too.

On the knitting front:
Da Boy's sock had to be ripped back twice. Ugh! I finally figured out I was trying to get it done in a hurry and failed to do the heel turn ~ dummy me! Back on track now ;)

Christmas items ~ this list has changed a few times and I'm sure will change again:
4 pr of socks
4 scarves
3 beanies
1 pr of mitten/gloves for me
10 wash/dish cloths
~ not too hard right?!

Football Challenge ~ managed to finish 10 squares this past week and hope to double that this week ~ need to make 46 more.

That's all for now, wrists getting tired ~ using mobile. Talk w/you all again soon.

Baking Day

Whew! I just sat down since I began baking at 1p. I'm not done but I needed to rest my feet ~ don't want them to ache too bad before Friday. I've enjoy myself today, trying new recipes and making favorites. I made a chocolate pudding pie, an apple krisp & pie, a sweet potatoe pie and dinner rolls. The chocolate pie is the only thing not made from scratch.

I've made some of the ingredients for stuffing, made the candied yams, and will finish off the rolls as well as make potatoe salad tonight. I may even cook the collard greens and baste the turkey before going to bed. Riley made triple chocolate chip cookies ~ absolutely delicious.

I've been in a very homey mood, fixed spaghetti casserole last nite and made enough for a house warming present. We are invited out tomorrow and I will take macaroni & cheese and iced tea. We will have cranberry cocktails with our dinner~ yummy.

Well the thumbs are getting tired and I need to check the rising bread. Have a great evening.

~ 3rd Quarter Goals ~

Wow ~ 3rd quarter already. Time flies when you're having fun, doesn't it?! I must admit I am having fun especially when I look at my progress over the past 6mos. Shall we take a look together. (I know I did a 2nd qtr update but I want to look at all FOs for the year thus far.)

Progress as of 6/30/08:
1. complete WIPs (1 done)
2. complete UFOs
3. make 1 pr of socks per month (7 pr done)
4. make 1 dishcloth per month (5 done)
5. extras (2 done)

15 total items completed in 6mos plus 1 square for a UFO. Not too bad, huh?!

3rd quarter goals:

1. complete all WIPs ~ currently 2
2. complete 3 UFOs
3. make 3 pr of socks
4. make 3 dishcloths
5. extras ~ KalnKals or mystery kals

yarn purchases ~ 1 free per month allowed.

July's plans:
1. complete all WIPs
~ CPH (1/3 done)
~ B2S vest
2. complete 1 UFO
~ Color Play vest
3. make 1 pr of socks
~ Secret peds
4. make 1 dishcloth
~ dishcloth kal
5. extras
~ casablanca shawl

I believe these are very doable and I'll have fun. More details to come ~ yarn, pattern, etc.

~ June 16th ~

Goodies in the mail. . . while I was away, I received my Yarn Junkies-Black package from Kathleen in MI. Its fabulous, there is sock yarn ~ Araucania in charcoal 107, one that I was planning to buy myself and 2 skeins of Hempathy in cool blue 09, another wish list item. I’m loving my yarn ~ lovin’, squeezin’, huggin’ and calling them my very own. Whoops ~ thats looney tunes. LOL Here is a picture of them which also includes a little note and lovely crocheted bookmark ~ there‘s a hope angel charm on it:

~ Araucania Ranco in 107 Charcoal ~ sock yarn ~

~ Hempathy in 09 Cool Blue ~

I’ve been gone for almost a week and it was a good time though I was very tired. I didn’t realize how tired until the drive home yesterday. I couldn’t actually drive all the way as I’ve done in the past. I wasn’t physically able to do ~ my body is sore, swollen and simply worn out. Its my own fault since I took that new job which I really thought would be great. I love the work, the store and helping people, but I stand alot and it’s just too much for me. I will get a good pair of shoes this week to the tune of $60 but if I ever leave this job, what will I do with the shoes? I know, I should just think about my body for now since the shoes will greatly help in feeling better. My schedule for this week is much lightly than past weeks and I’m very grateful. I was thinking of working more for the summer to make a little extra $$ but now I will just rest. You know, I’m not getting any younger ~ I’ll be 41 this year and I really want to live and feel better about myself but first I have to learn to say "no". LOL

When I was away, I was visiting friends and enjoying the scenic beauty of the East Coast. Oh how I love that side of the world ~ beautiful mountains, tall trees and lots of water. Ok back to earth, I do miss living on there and visiting was great. I attend the CM Conference in NC where I visited with lots of online friends, friends I made last year and a lot of new friends. My girls and I left on Wed at 1am headed for TN to picked up my dear friend Leslie and her son. This leg of the drive started out great, we drove thru OK and AK w/o a hitch and good time, I might add, but when I got to TN life as we knew it changed. I love the countryside I mean mountainside of TN but its a very long drive that turned into a nightmare for 2 reasons ~ construction detour and storms. I used mapquest to get me to my friend’s home but it gave me incorrect directions for the detour, so guess what happen? You’re right ~ I got lost. The directions actually took me into the main construction area not the detour which was I640 and into downtown Knoxville which was under a serious storm warning. There were actually 3 parts to the storm and I ended up in all 3 ~ lots of rain, hail, thunder and lightening. I was over 5hrs later than planned which means we arrived in NC at 10p instead of 5p.

The good is ~ we had a blast. Leslie, as always, is a great roommate, her son and my daughters had a good time getting to know each other and I got to sleep. ;O In another post, I’ll share some of the things I learned at the conference to keep my daily report separate. Due to major fog and the generous hospitality of Leslie and her family, the girls and I stay with them before we headed home. I’m glad we did because we got to enjoy her a little longer and Riley made a new friend, Miss M. She is adorable and loves the same things that Riley does though there is a 11 yr difference in their ages.

We made it safely home though we ended driving into a storm that was over OK ~ wow 2 storms in the same cross-state trip, who knew?! I’ll do again to have as much fun as we had. I returned home to my hubby who had been home alone, Da Boy was with a friend off at the lake and now at their family home in Ada. He is having a blast, so I’m not too mad at him that I’ve not talked to him since he left a week ago. Hubby was glad to see us and had done some cleaning which was very nice of him. ;) The house was very inviting and he even had a pot of coffee waiting though I didn’t get to enjoy it until 2hrs later ~ I past out, I told you I was exhausted. ;)

I did some knitting ~ I finish my friend’s peds.

Yeah me! I worked a little on a scarf but I know I need to rest so knitting has not been a priority. I’m getting excited about knitting again but it will be slowly and more for gifts. I really think I can make things to give away for Christmas if I start in the next month.

Thats all for now. Have a great week!

Long awaited post

I promised you and the lovely bunch at ISE6 details about the package I received this round. So without further ado, here it is:

My pal, Chelle, decided to use her heritage for this rounds theme ~ chinese luck. Wonder how she knew I love chinese...food. LOL

My scarf is a shade of red ~ which means happiness, success and fortune, its also my favorite color. Its made from Crazy 4 Dyeing yarn. There is also a very lovely card and a bear dressed in a sheep costume ornament. ;) The scarf is a beautiful, intricate pattern that I will enjoy wearing, once the weather cools. LOL (wow ~ I've 2 lovely scarves from this exchange)

She sent a lovely embroidered bag with a dragon design ~ the dragon represents blessings and power. *here it is w/a lovely skein of Crazy 4 Dyeing in Cool Moss ~ 100% merino wool superwash.

On special occasions, guest would receive a red envelope, called a "hong bao", with money inside which represents good luck and wards off evil spirits to be opened after Chinese New Year ~ my envelope contained a 2008 Canadian quarter (now did she know I collect coins). Its beautiful and its after Chinese New Year so I'll have good luck. ;)

Bar of soap w/the Eiffel Tower ~ smells yummy, a Lush ball ~ can't wait to try this, and a bar of milk chocolate ~ my favorite thing.

This rounds we were to send good karma to our pal along with something they will remember us by ~ I will definitely remember the thoughtfulness of Chelle and cherish the heritage she has shared with me. Thank you. ;)