July 20, 2006

Men

Men are like knitting...

You spend a lot of time on them, you put a lot of love into them. Sometimes they turn out beautiful and worth the frusteration and enjoyment. Sometimes they just need to be frogged.

July 17, 2006

Never ending ball of yarn is now plyed!

Yay!!!!! Into the ball winder it will go!

July 16, 2006

Socks!

Yay! I finshed the socks.

I've also finished plying the never ending ball of yarn. But I don't have a picture yet.

July 05, 2006

Back to the yarn...an adventure in plying...

Look! I finished the never ending bag of wool!

Finally!!

So, I thought I'd give the andean ply a whirl. A way to ply from your wrist without having to ply from two separate balls of yarn.

I quickly realized...that 1) I was only half way through unwinding my spindle, 2) my hand was full, 3) I needed to pee.

So, I unwound it th long way...see...I'm almost done!

So then I had to break out the best thing ever. No, not the football, but the ball winder!


Looky! It's done. With only a little bit I had to snip. All ready to ply. Although, I did have to wind it twice because I didn't realize that the thread guider wasn't in the right position.

BUT, the never ending bag of wool is done!!

...plus a quarter is fifty

26) I get distracted, I will leave trails of things I am doing all over the house. This would explain why I have so many projects involved with yarn unfinished.
27) I am easily guilted. I have this sense of over responsibility, to the point where I will apologize for things that are not my fault at all...like someone else's behaviour.
28) I don't like spiders. I don't hate them. I just prefer them outside and at a safe difference. And as an odd note, I've noticed that lately when I see a spider, there is usually going to be something coming down the pipeline with the X.
29) I love rain. I love walking in the rain. It's weird. Despite the cold and the wet, I will walk in the rain if I can.
30) I am completely spontanious. Really. Impulsive might be the better word. I've decided to move out of my parents in one week (years ago), flown to L.A. because I found a good ticket in a week in a half, cut my hair in an afternoon (meaning, many inches and not a trim). I think knowing that I tend to be impulsive is a good thing...makes me use a little too much sense when it comes to men.
31) I'm not very good with people telling me what to do. For some reason I seem to think I know it better. Although I realize that this is not the case...and when it's not the case, I just don't want to hear it.
32) I am sucker for food that is not good for you. Buffalo wings, McDonald's fries, pie, pizza, etc...yum. I have to constantly remind myself not to eat nothing but junk for a solid week. I did well today...turkey sandwich on wheat bread.
33) I hate to exercise. It's not that it's that bad, it's that I just don't think I'll ever be that 20-year old again. Sigh.
34) I really really need motivation. I know that it is a mind set, but I just like warm blankets so much more.
35) I am not a morning person. My mother always told me that one day I'd learn to adapt to it. I'm still waiting.
36) I have a hard time with change. I hate to admit that. I don't let things go very easily. I don't know why that is. Seriously, there are people in this world that if you had asked me 10 years ago if I expected that I would be enjoying their friendship now...I would have laughed. Problem is, is that this often can spill over to my relationships with some men too, which explains my entire relationship with the X. I am noticing that this has been happening more recently as well with new people.
37) I hate to admit when I am wrong. Although sometimes I do...it depends on the issue.
38) I can admit to all sorts of faults. I'm not very good at altering the behaviour though. I'm trying...work in progress. :)
39) I am not sure how to "be myself" although I think I do it everyday. I do have this tendancy towards extreme self conciousness.
40) I don't give myself enough credit. Other people see me as a strong, independant, self sufficing, individual. I don't see this myself.
41) I like to read. A lot. Too bad that a majority of it is just fluff for the brain though.
42) I like to learn. Although...it goes back to the whole discipline thing...not so good.
43) Depression does not exist in my world anymore...for me that is...this coming from someone who was medicated once upon a time, when the X helped me to convince myself that I indeed was crazy. I realize that depression is a very real thing for many many people...many many of my friends as a matter of fact. I just don't want to wake up one day and look back and be like...damn, is that what I did?
44) I think I offend people sometimes...not intentionally, but by accident because I don't necessarily plan out my words...I just spill my thoughts.
45) I like ren faire...I think. I used to go almost 6-7 times when it was in town for the 2 months it runs. But last year I didn't go, this year I might make it. The whole incident with my X has deterred me from a lot of things.
46) I really have to watch that non-existant flood gate of my mouth...see #44...sometimes I share information about my life that I really shouldn't...like with the normal people...like people I work with.
47) I don't think I really fit in with the normal people. I can. But they just tend to be so mundane. They don't have a lot to talk about...other than, cute kids, bad dates, drinks, gossip, sports, work...etc.
48) Although...I think that in some ways are my friends...I consider my friends to be family. I have good friends and I am happy about that.
49) Sometimes I put friends ahead of my family. My parents and the kids are really the only people I consider to be family in the traditional sense...everyone else is sort of on the outskirts. They don't really know me. I think that bothers me.
50) I can write very boring boring blogs...I swear I will commence the knitting again soon. I've taken the pictures, I just haven't had the time.

June 27, 2006

It's a start

I'm still wicked tired.

But I thought I'd post a few pictures.

My car...yes yes...I did NOT hit a parked car this weekend...thank goodness...but this is the damage to my car by the beemer. Doh. The rear is going to be replace. At least it's covered by insurance.


The view from the cabin I stayed at for KHC. I had to buy more sock yarn before I left, just in case, I finished the sock I was working on. Of course I didn't finish that sock, which was fine since I had left my spare set of double pointed needles and a darning needle at home.

Look it's me with an olympiad...but I took the picture down...doh.

Hee, hee, we look like tourists! We took over the Pizza Hut in Winter Park and I think scared some of the customers.

It was a good time. I am glad I went. New faces, old faces...it was a good time.

June 26, 2006

Camp made the news

check it out

Tired!

So much to say. Too tired to write. The good news is that my karmic start was not a repeat of last year at KHC. I am happy. I think things turned out much better than I expected.

June 21, 2006

Here's yer sign...

Tis that time of year again. KHC camp.

I was worried about meeting a bunch of new people...something I don't necessarily excel at. I had a lot of personal stuff on my mind concerning the divorce. I had a lot of things on my mind about my "heritage." Last year the day before camp I was rear-ended on C-470 and University by a white minivan.

This year I'm worried about meeting a bunch of new people. I'm still not getting much better at meeting new people...glaring example of the Fiber Festival in Estes Park this year. I still have a bunch of personal things on my mind this year. I am still exploring my "heritage." This year...the day before camp, I was rear-ended on 1st and Milwaukee in Cherry Creek by a silver BMW.

No one was hurt...except for the cars...again...in the same place...again...

I need a hug.

June 20, 2006

BUSY

ACK!

So this weekend I have KHC (see side Heritage Camp). I volunteer as a counselor for the kids. I think this may be my last year.

Plus...I am knitting a tiny bit, and spinning a tiny bit (must...finish...never...ending...bag...of...fluff), but I'm also stuffin' stuff in boxes...get some shite organized. I'm here I swear...

June 18, 2006

Well then

Busy weekend.

Friday I hung out with friends. They are starting a new game of Spelljammer. I spent the evening knitting...

...I'm hoping that it will be a felted purse for my daughter. So we'll see...my first venture into felting. I also spent the few hours trying to convince the GM that I should be allowed to play a mind flayer. I would open up the conversation, "So...what's your feeling on Illithids?" Followed by all of my dear friends in unison saying "No!" to which my reply was "Well what about an eye tyrant?" I still find some amusement in play a completely difficult character. I don't know how well I'd do it though. I've noticed that many gamers who play table top and LARPs to a certain degree tend to play similar characters. At least I do...in all 5 games I've played in over the last 10 years. I'm still not convinced that gaming is my thing. I like watching, I like to listen...I even was the mast in a 7th sea game...which was me coming over with my then...well...guy I was dating and watching him and the rest of our friends play this game. So one day I was there and they were playing...I was knitting, and someone said "Run up the pirate flag" to which I held up my knitting needle and the piece of scarf I was knitting, and thus became the mast. At least I am amused. I think I get to be the ship's nav computer next time...since they are going to start a space adventure next. That game was the first game I ever saw, in my 10 years, come to a close.

On Saturday...I went to lovely Estes Park with Imbrium and her boyfriend who was gracious enough to drive to the Fiber Festival.

What I learned from going there...

1) Llamas are cute but creepy. They stare. I like their fur.

2) I should never ever shop with Imbrium. We are such a bad influence on each other..."No, no...now really where are you going to find something like that except for here?" Yes...I'm sure we'll be shopping together again.

3) Always, always...it's a small world...since I ran into my co-worker up there. Which didn't surprise me since she does love knitting.

4) I am an impulse buyer. I found this beautiful spindle I held it for awhile and then I put it back worried that I would miss something else and wanted to check out everything first. And of course it was gone by the time I got back. SIGH I emailed the designer today...perhaps I will get one yet...lesson learned? Listen to Imbrium next time...see #2. :)

So...we then went to dinner with Bakerina and Snow who invited us to their cabins with many other knit bloggers (and if I missed anyone please forgive me). It was wonderful meeting all of you. I hope to read your blogs in the future. :) Bakerina made a wonderful shepherds pie and strawberry and peach pies for dessert. Yum!

Whilst I was there I worked on my heel flap and turning my heel on my sock project. I also learned how to knit socks on circular needles. I'll have to try that one of these days. I'm a visual learner. I can remember...usually what people show me...

I bought the following at the fiber festival...

Spindle and roving...oh and the best part of that was I learned how to draft out the roving in a new way. Much faster, much thinner...beautiful!

Cashmere for a lace scarf...

Lace weight yarn, for something lacy (also Imbrium's doing because of her fantastic work on her lace work)...

And something for my daughter...it'll be something lacy.

And a little something for the kids. I think I should have gotten two. Girl child calls it her "pet"...its been strategically in her bedroom...I think to make sure her little brother doesn't notice it...

And last but not least...an ornament for the Christmas tree. I need to glue a ribbon to it. Once I get my glue gun...out of the storage unit.

June 15, 2006

A Quarter

Why not take a stab at this...

1) I am inspired by other people, this causes me to be concerned that I tend plagiarize. Although I have not on purpose plagiarized on purpose.
2) I worry a lot. I always have. About what the future holds. I am a little obsessive about it. I can plan out 20 years of my life, but I have a hard time with 12 months. I also worry about what people think.
3) I like my live to be moving forward rather than standing still. I realize that I may not love my job, but it's a good job. I can't afford and I don't have the time to go back to school, I am raising two children, but maybe one of these days. Which is why I've come to the decision that life must move on and that I must do something about it.
4) I think the only person in charge of one's life is the individual (me in this case). I think a man can rearrange his own stars (A Knights Tale). I think that people these days are lacking in personal responsibility. That if they think life sucks, it could always be worse. If you are dissatisfied, then figure it out. People are smart if they take some time to think. I also think that there are some things in life you just cannot control. I am waiting for the other shoe to drop.
5) The other shoe is my ex-husband. I don't think that man will ever realize how deeply I cared for him and how loyal I was to him. That's fine. Makes me a tiny bit sad at times, but I really have no feeling for it anymore. I don't know how much of my life I will ever share with the internet. Only because I am one of those people who likes the anonymity. It's unfortunate though because the only reason I like so much privacy now is because of the ex. I really don't care what people know about me. There are a few things I keep extremely private. Otherwise most is fair game.
6) Speaking of males...okay not really but, I have discovered that I like compliments, thoughtful gifts, cuddling, and talking. I've gotten more compliments out of men in the last 6 months than I did over my 10 year relationship with the ex. How sad is that?
7) I've never thought I was pretty. I grew up in a pretentious mountain town where the pretty girls had designer clothes and boys drooling all over them. I was the minority where I grew up. I have had people tell me that I should be proud of my country (meaning the one where I was born), but really, I'm proud to be an American (although in disagreeance with many topics these days). I don't get why people think I ought to claim another country I don't even remember.
8) I'm only starting to accept that I may in fact be pretty. "Beautiful," "gourgous," and "hot" are the words men and some women have described me as of late. It's a bit awkward for me to think of myself that way, but it didn't stop me from buying shirts that say "Dreams do come true when you're hot" and "Crush, an infatuation with a person of the opposite sex that is completely out of your league. Which is what most men have with me." Many of my very long time female friends have told me that they like this me much more than the old me. Me too.
9) I lived so long wondering who exactly it was staring back at me in the mirror when I was with my ex that it's onlybeen recently that I have been discovering who I am. I feel like I got stuck and I am only realizing things like...I like clothes. I like shopping. I like to dress up and go somewhere nice. Now I just need to find someone to go with.
10) However, that at times is difficult because I am shy. I am extroverted but shy. I like to be around people, I just won't necessarily talk to them. I am working on this.
11) I think my problem stems from the fact that I am a very good listener and I don't think that I have anything important to say.
12) Although, it has occurred to me very recently that people listen to what I have to say. They often repeat my same advice to me. Or tell me things they have thought of...that I have said to them. It tickles me when this happens.
13) I am a bit forgetful. I do the best I can. But I tend to be clutter and you can follow my progress on projects as I go through my day by following my clutter piles. I am working on this too.
14) My mother said, "some of us clean and tidy, others of us knit." Meaning me of course. I hate cleaning, but I am very good at it. I always get to it when I do, when I'm tired of looking at it. It's really not as bad as it sounds. I just like to do it when I am ready.
15) I am often not "ready." I work better under stress rather than pacing myself like my mother always advised. I don't know why I do this to myself. I hate feeling stressed.
16) I love massages. Any way, any shape, anyone. But especially a professional one. Helps me to de-stress.
17) I'm not very good at giving them back.
18) I tend to be a bit selfish, I blame that on being an only child.
19) I am not a very good communicator. Especially in relationships. I do not know how to verbalize what I want in order to get it. I am too nice and I am not picky enough.
20) Although, I am pretty good at presentation, teaching, and the like. I enjoy teaching.
21) Despite that I get a bit panicky when I have to speak in front of a crowd.
22) I don't like crowds. I am a little claustrophobic. I also get car sick now, which is unrelated to claustrophobia.
23) I do like talking. Mostly, about myself I think, or things that affecting me. I like to talk about people I know, how they are doing, what they are doing. On the phone, in person...
24) I don't like calling people on the phone, but I am really bad at calling men on the phone.
25) Relationships make me a bit hyper. I've figured out that I often date men who are emotionally unavailable. When I've actually date men who are emotionally available I don't know what to do and I usually will end up not being as interested anymore. See #7.

Hmm...
I've only made it to 25. I think it is due to me being tired and well...re-discovery. Maybe I'll think of some more. Knowing me it will be once I shut the computer down. :)

June 14, 2006

Kind of lame I am

So, I was invited to go out with my co-workers after work, 1) to watch them play softball (they even asked me to play...haha...), 2) to drink beer 3) to join them at BW3's after the game. I thought about it briefly...and my supervisor asked me if I was going to join...and after thinking some more...I thought that I'd rather go home this time and knit something.

Well, thus far I have accomplished checking email, checking blogs, checking myspace and livejournal...eating dinner and yea...that's it. I really ought to go out more. You know, meet new people, that is a good thing. sigh

I bought a new purse yesterday. My other one...the man-made strap of whatever, was cracking and peeling off.

My choice was this...


...it was between the backpack type and this...and my biggest thought while deciding on what purse would be perfect?

Will it hold a ball of yarn?

I am looking forward to going to the fiber thingy in Estes this weekend. I am sure it will be fun. Although, things may turn out a little weird if the kids' dad doesn't get them this weekend. He's forgotten that this weekend is his weekend.

June 11, 2006

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

I spent my afternoon with my family today. I took the kids to the local farmer's market. They had sno-cones and got to nose around at the vendor's goods...speaking of...I wonder what happened to my beef jerky.

I spun a little bit of wool. Not much. Just a tiny tiny bit. I think I may invest in another spindle so i can finish out this bag of wool. My friend pointed out to me that I ought to take off what I had thus far and then spin the rest. To which, I disagreed, and swore I could do it all on the one spindle. right... being...she was right. So I will look at more spindles when I go to the Estes Fiber Festival next weekend.

The only other thing that I worked on this weekend was this...


This is a blanket single crochet with the symbols in the center, hopefully, saying "love" in Korean. I think I will give this to my sister. Now looking at this picture...I didn't realize the funky pattern the yarn is making. Huh.

June 09, 2006

Nerves of steel

No knitting or crochet. Just stressing. Over moving. Had something better written but I erased it. sigh. I found a lucky penny, so maybe that means something eh?

June 05, 2006

Is it a good thing?

No knitting today.

Is it a good thing when you start thinking in "blog" when walking throughout your day? I think I may blog too much. Although I suspect that it's not as much as I think it is.

The most frusterating thing in the world is trying to plan on moving. I abhor looking for daycares. Everyone has a waitlist. And what's up with this non-refundable deposit. I need the assistance now, not 6-12 months from now. If I find someone else I'll have to go with them. I'm a little offended by this non-refundable deposit concept.

June 04, 2006

Happy soupy brain

Being yappy again...so if you want please skip to the pictures.

So, I've entered into this new phase in my life. When I started the knit, purl, and hurl group once upon a time years ago, it was because I wanted to connect with the women in my circle of friends. I had noticed for years that many of the women came and went but the men had this sort of brotherhood that the women just did not.

It worked out well to go with my new hobby with yarn. Over time, I have not hosted one of these events in years now due to my...well...life. But others have taken the task upon themselves to invite the correct mixture of chatty women to enjoy of crafts and such.

I'm glad that we're able to meet up at times. I am glad that we've grown up. wink

How life changes...sigh...when they started...I was the only married woman in the group, now I'm the only single woman in the group. No problem. Still fun. Glad we can do it.

I don't know if this is true for all craft circles, but I have noticed that some women blend well and some just don't. Period. Don't try it again, there will be fur flying.

Anywho. This story has no real point. The title however of this blog...yes...I think the bottom line...I'd really like men to make sense. I think I'll leave it at that for now.


This is my spindle full of the never ending bag of fluff. However, the mission over the weekend to teach Imbrium how to spin was accomplished. She did fantastic! I have now given many reasons to justify a purchase of a spinning wheel. haha

Next time, it will be on to crochet! She too can have toilet paper covers! giggle


In all of the years doing things with yarn now I never knew I could actually out knit/crochet myself...but after getting this much done...which now doesn't look like all that much...I never wanted to see another crochet hook. But now that it's been 24 hours I think I'm ready to continue. Maybe...

May 31, 2006

To crochet or not to...that is the question...

But let's talk socks first. This is how far I got yesterday before I got the overwhelming car sick feeling. That was fun. Started on the heel flap. Yay!

I was going to start on a blanket for my son with the black and blue yarn, but I got side tracked with a baby shower I have been invited to in two weeks. It was going to be pink and white, but Wal-Mart only had 2 skeins. I buy cheap yarn...don't hate me. So now it's purple and white. I figure when it's about 10 times this size I'll call it done.

It took me so long to figure out if I wanted to crochet or knit this. I decided on crochet because I think I crochet faster and I didn't have a circular pair of needles and the LYS weren't open. I do have to admit that I hate to crochet with bumpy yarn though because I lose stitches. See...if I had had this blog two years ago I would have remembered this.

Ah well. Wish me luck.

May 29, 2006

It's a sweater folks!

Happy happy...although this may not give me a thing to post tomorrow.

It's done! It's done! Oh joy! Buttons and everything...and it's pretty close to the pattern. :) But she likes it and that's all that matters.

May 26, 2006

A bit more about me...

Post edited...I went public 03/25/08.

Anyway...on to the REAL stuff...

I'm still working on it...only 60 stitches to go. *shudder* You can't even tell from this picture...only this cable running through it...will finish before Chika can't fit into it...must...finish...argh...

Happy sock progress. Although the actual sock I finished months ago and now I'm working on it's mate. I love self striping yarn...really any multicolored yarn...keeps my brain entertained. I have no idea how people knit or crochet single colored items...it would drive me crazy...I've tried...it has... :)

I'm looking forward to next Saturday. Next Saturday is St*tch & B*tch...although I am liking knit, purl, and hurl better...definitely PC for the kids. I get to assist in teaching Imbrium how to spin...yippee...I know she'll be hooked. Our other co-conspirator is looking forward to this as well.

Hee hee...you will be assimilated, resistance is futile.