Saturday, March 29, 2008
My birthday
So today I moped around a bit and felt sorry for myself because things didn't turn out even remotely as well as I hoped they would. To be honest, it was just like any other day and I was beginning to feel annoyed that I actually took the day off. I went back and forth between making Apollo feeling guilty and smiling and making jokes. (I think I need to talk to my doctor about those hormones she has me on.) Anyway, on the way home from buying my own birthday cake from Extraordinary Desserts (oh yes, oh yes I did dammit), we stopped at a grocery store to pick up garlic bread for dinner. Apollo went inside while I sat in the car, listened to sad songs on my iPod and felt sorry for myself.
Then I met Richard.
I watched him in front of the store talking to people who walked by, some of them pretending he didn't even exist. He realized I was sitting in my car and walked up to my window to talk to me and ask for money. Thankfully Apollo showed up at that time because honestly, I was getting a little nervous about a stranger approaching me like that. Long story short, after talking to Richard, a homeless person, I realized how silly I was behaving and how lucky I am. It was as if someone deliberately put him in my path so I would get a nice dose of Reality Bitch Slap. We ended up talking to him for a little while and learning about this life. It was the best birthday present I could have received.
Friday, March 28, 2008
1x1 Rib Cast-On
Faythe asked what the difference was between the two and at first I didn't think there was a noticeable difference. But my curiosity got the best of me and I cast on some Long Tail stitches to compare. Well, I was wrong! The top needle is the usual Long Tail Cast-On I usually start out with while the bottom shows the 1x1 Rib Cast-On. I'm glad I decided to follow the instructions after all.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
I Love Gansey's
I finally finished the I Love Gansey socks available through the Six Sox Yahoo group. I used Artisan Sock Yarn in Tulip. I'm quite pleased with them, if I must say so myself. The only change I made was to do one less set of repeats on the leg portion since the recipient likes shorter legged socks.
The only problem with the pattern is you can't really see the seed stitch hearts. (Or maybe I'm doing something wrong, but how can you do seed stitch wrong?) I'm concerned that when worn they will stretch even further and be even more unrecognizable.
This yarn is really pretty though. I'm not sure if you can see it, but even though this is a solid yarn there are subtle variations in the color. Really nice. I purchased even more Artisan Sock Yarn recently so you'll see more of this soon. Yes Chad, more yarn and socks! :)
Meanwhile, the scent of jasmine makes me want to go buy more flowers, even though I swore off crowding my patio with plants. It's nice to catch the scent of something foreign to the city.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Rednecks, Oprah and litter
Anyway, considering I've been watching rednecks party for the past couple hours, you have to realize where I'm coming from when I excitedly flipped through my first Oprah magazine and did a double take when I saw this picture:
OK, so am I just damaged from redneck programming or do you see it too?
In other news, Aimee convinced us to switch to Arm & Hammer's High Performance cat litter. It's a natural alternative to that dusty clay litter we usually use. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind what we've been using but why not try something new? Besides, Simba keeps peeing on our bed and we're trying to figure out if it's related to the litter. (Turns out it's NOT.)
The only thing I don't like about the new litter is it's so light and fluffy that it gets everywhere!
A couple days ago I was telling Aimee how I'm always finding the litter in Zoe's fur when Zoe, apparently doing her part to prove a point, hopped up on the chair next to me with a face full of litter.
Alright, back to my Redneck Wedding show. I can't believe someone just said "git 'er done" without it being part of a joke! O.M.G. The soon to be mother-in-law is squealing like a pig in excitement because her son shot a hog!!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Fail!
I sat down on the couch and waited, mocking him all the while. I could tell he was lying since he kept trying to talk his way out of it but mostly because he was scaring Zoe. If Zoe was familiar with this thrice-weekly event, she wouldn't have been spooked. Well, to save his feelings I won't tell you how many he did (one, girl style).
I think my bullying got to him because he quickly jumped up and started giving me a foot massage. HEHEHE! The only thing it did was bring my painfully white feet to my attention. Ouch!
Meanwhile, Simba continues to adore Apollo and sleeps in his lap any way possible. He's freakishly adorable. Looks like Simba should do a few push-ups himself.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Back to the "crazy cat lady with 50 cats" hobby
I also finished up the Vera socks made from Lorna's Laces made in, you guessed it, Vera. More stripes! Anyway, so I knit them slowly during these past couple weeks. I was a bit tense so the gauge was a bit smaller than usual and some of the rows were larger than others, so I decided to block them.
This is only the second time I've ever blocked socks and I'm still amazed at how well it works! They worked out so well, I should block grandma's Monkeys before I send them. You know, I think I will!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
I survived! I SURVIVED!!
And the fact that I just told Faythe it's a luxury to read her blog....WELL. I just can't imagine doing patent research for a living. No, it's just not my cup o' tea. (Pulease, I'm hoping the instructor gives me a B for effort!)
I'm sure certain friends, if they still read my blog, are wondering why I haven't talked to them lately. Sorry! I'll get in touch!
Meanwhile, I now appreciate my life and the time I have to myself. In fact, I'm going to spend all of tomorrow doing selfish, unproductive things like going to a movie, going shopping or knitting! EEE! I think Bob Marley's Jamming which I'm listening to right now pretty much sums up my mood. Turn up the volume, baby!
I may take a class next term, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. In about two weeks. I feel nauseated already!!
Friday, March 07, 2008
Laughing maniaclly on the inside
In other news, I may be insane because I'm considering staying in the IP program.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
215 yards
I thought I cast on 70 stithes but when I started the second sock realized it was 72. Which is interesting since my calculations for the first heel flap were based on 70 stitches. That could explain why my notes don't match up.
That's one of Zoe's mice.
PS: I got my grade on a recent midterm and it was a lot better than I expected. I feel much better!