Whew....the weekend is almost here!

I know it sounds like I wish my life away. I don't really. My knee and foot problems are just wearing me down. The doctor finally issued me my form for a temporary handicap sticker until March. I am going on Friday to pick it up from the DMV. I have to walk so far in the morning when I catch the train I am exhausted before I get to work. The afternoon does the same thing to me when I have to walk to my car. I am so beat by the time I get home I can't get a thing done. Okay enough about me hurts and pains.

I have been knitting a pair of mittens for a swap I am in. I have chosen a really neat pattern. It's new for me. I am trying to improve my skills with patterned (intarsia) knitting. I am doing pretty good. Need to work on the flow of the carried threads though.

I have also gotten into fabric postcards and I am really enjoying this. I finally set up my machine in the cabinet I purchased over a year ago. I just need to clean out the room to organize my equipment.

Well....this weekend I am going to pamper myself and enjoy the long weekend....I am off on Friday and I need it so badly.

Wedding Knitting - facinating story!

I was looking at the local Fredericksburg paper online and came across this story about a lady who is going to knit her entire wedding ensemble. There is a real story behind all of this. Go to this link and read the story. It is very fascinating. Rather sad how is started out but kind of neat how she is such a determined person.

http://www.fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2008/102008/10242008/416703/index_html?page=1

No Pics Yet!

Okay...now is when I need to really get down to business and organize my life. I have taken pictures and now I can't find my cord to hook up my computer and camera. When my friends were in town and my mom being there soon after......someone put my cord away and now I can't find it. I haven't hunted in all the possible places but I have looked where I thought it might be. I am so frustrated. When I get home at night I have just enough energy to eat and get ready for the next day. I really need to get myself organized and place the things I use everyday somewhere easily accessed. Okay I did have them that way but either my mother or my friends didn't seem to think laying on table was a good way to find it.....my life isn't my own sometimes. Oh well......once I find it I will be able to share pictures.

Oh BTW....did I talk about the fact that I have a huge grey moon boot on my left foot and leg. My achilles tendon decided to flare up and hurt me so badly that I was getting to were I couldn't walk. My doctor was afraid it would rupture....soooooo for the next 4 weeks I get to wear this gosh awful, gee this isn't sexy boot.......I have had it on now for two and it will be a total of 6 weeks I have to wear this yucky thing.....ugh.............

Keep good thoughts that I find that darn cord so I can post pictures!

Anyone out there have a brother or friend looking for a good Martha Stewart type?

Not really rant...but a sigh of frustration....and a bit of lonliness thrown in.

It was worth a try....LOL.....I am now 16 years alone and I have not found a good man for a companion....what is wrong with this picture. I am either their best friend or they only want one thing and it doesn't include conversation.....mmmmm.....

I have tried everything...church okay I go for the right reasons but it doesn't hurt to look, the grocery store ....that was nuts.!...every match site know to man...and they love to take our money on that....okay haven't tried the bars but don't want to.....not a 21 year old and don't like that scene anyway.......And the worst thing that someone can say to me is ...."all the good ones are taken"......I can't believe that because I am a good one and I am not taken!!!!!

Okay...I have vented enough. I am looking forward to my long week next week. I will be off from work and I am going to sew, knit and enjoy the week. I am going to take a lady to lunch that I went to High School with. She has a severe case of MS and she just moved into my area, got in touch with me and I thought this would be nice for her to get out for the day. She doesn't drive anymore and is divorced. My good deeds still abound....I enjoy it.
(But keep in mind if you have a guy just hanging around and you don't know what to do with him....LOLOLOLO)

I am Very Tired

It's October 1, 2008 and this begins the new year Federal employees. This was very tough getting through this year. I have the supervisor from hell. She, I have come the conclusion, is very predigest against older females. I am 16 years older and she finds fault with me every step of they way. When I requested a day off to go to the doctor she accused me in a round about way that I was creating a 4 day weekend (I work a compressed schedule and have every other Friday off) and having off on Thur. Friday and the weekend was a habit I was creating. I have never done this and so I am now using Thur. as my day off to take care of my dentist and podiatrist appointment and coming in on my Friday. OH BTW....she took off today...said she was sick....the day after the Govt. fiscal. I have big issues with this...we are all tired...and I drug my tired pain wracked body in so I could get my work done......She is just a BITCH. Enough said.....needless to say.......I am looking for a new job....maybe out of this agency. I am weary of negative comments and favoritism. Okay ...yes I know it happens but this office is the worst I have ever been around. I am too darn old to be treated so shabby.....especially when I try so hard. But I will not kiss anyone A$$! I draw the line.

I am so anxious to start working on my newest adventure ...fabric postcards. I have received the most beautiful ones and I will start mine this weekend!

If anyone would care to send me an encouraging word, I could sure use one, two or plenty! I am pretty beatten down at the moment and I am just weary with all of my health issues. Better yet, just pray for my health to improve and the other hopefully will fall in line...maybe she will leave.

911 - A Time To Reflect

Seven years ago I had just begun my career as a Federal Government worker. I was into my first year as an Admin Assistant for Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). I was secure in my little world I had entered and felt safe in my newly aquired career choice.....one that would bring me the most out of life.

On September 11, 2001 my world took a complete turn. A chapter in my book that turned and changed my life, my heart and my commitment to my faith and country that I never felt before that day. I won't go into too much detail but that day I felt fear and worry that I hope I never have to ever feel again. The crowds of people in a panic state, blocked traffic, sirens, no phone service, worried relatives, and so much more. Kaotic kaos is all I can describe. And the Pentagon I had passed daily for a year, place my own father worked when I was a child...Burned and smoldering.....horror griped my heart and soul. It was like a dream. Coming into the city two days later....seeing armed soldiers and glimpses of snipers placed strategically on buildings......it was a world that I only saw on television in other war torn countries and movies.....not us! I moved warily around the city, fearing I would become a non trusting person...profiling in my own mind, fearing anyone who looked different...sadness filled every crevice in my mind.

Six months after 911 I changed jobs and I began working for Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in my current field as a Contract Specialist. One year and one month later, Department of Homeland Security was formed and INS along with 22 other agencies were gathered under DHS and we became a newly formed Security Defense agency and thus my career soared to what I do today. I worked for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for 4 years and now I am at DHS Headquarters. I have worked for DHS since its beginning.

I have learned so much about America through the eyes of immigrants and law enforcement. We have so much in our country at our fingertips. We too often criticize our law enforcement and how we guard our borders. If you sat with any Federal law enforcement agent and heard their side and how everyday they defend our country keep the "nuts" out it would frighten you to your very toes....There are so many who try to enter our country yet try to destroy what they fully want. Go figure!!!

Our country was built on Christianity, which is forgotten by so many. We are a nation of many...many who are free to express their beliefs, but we are a Christian nation. I am thankful for our choices and the greatness we experience. I welcome anyone who enters our country, but don't try to change it to yours. Embrace your customs but respect ours.

I am proud to be an American and for what we stand for....for the lost lives of those who have defended our country. I fly my flag with pride and I would take on anyone trashing my great country for what it was founded for and what we live each day for....FREEDOM....

Bow your head each day and give thanks that we live in a great nation and the beauty of the world that GOD has given us through his grace and understanding and above all his love.

Disagree with me....move on to another blog....negative comments will not be published...sorry.... my only wish for you is the hope that God Bless each and everyone who reads this.
Iva

It's a new Monday!

Well...I survived my little same day surgery. I have some lady issues and I had to have the dreaded D&C. So far things are fine but I will know more when I go back to the doctor on the 19th. Other than that I had a nice weekend. My mom came down to be with me and of course now my house is all clean and all the laundry is completed. Okay...we all know that is won't stay that way forever...but I will do my best. But for the next week, I can knit and sew guilt free....Okay....I do that anyway....but I don't have to wade through the mess at night now. LOL.

Hopefully I can get some pictures taken of some very nice things I have received...boy I am so far behind there!

Keep me in all of your prayers for my poor old worn out body to heal...did I get some sympathy there....LOL

Secret Pal Question #11

This weeks question is: What is the best thing you've ever received in the mail?
This is a tough question because over time I have recieved many wonderful things in the mail So many new friends with wonderful ideas. I have to say the best thing I ever received....and this is going to sound awful, but it was money. Okay.....now to elaborate. When my ex first left (15 years ago), I was having such a hard time ...both mentally and financially. I sewed for people, worked up to 3 jobs at a time and just wasn't having any results trying to get a really good job to establish myself as a career woman. Well one day I went to the mailbox and there was a card in that day's mail. When I opened it, the card said "from your secret pal". At this point in my life I didn't have 2 nickles to rub together let alone buy things for a secret pal! I was not in any groups and pretty much had a non existant social life. Inside the card was a $20.00 bill and handwritten was "from your secret pal". I received a card every other month for about 6 months with a $20.00 bill. That $20.00 every so often was a big help. By this time I had started my job with the Federal Gov't and my life was looking up more and more each day. What I found out was a lady at church had been doing this. I had hemmed some pants for her son and she said she knew I would not take a handout so she did this until she heard I had gotten my good job with benefits. I was so greatful for "my secret pal". My heart still warms when I think of how God put so many angels in my life when I needed them. It is times like this when I am asked a question and I remember these angels. Sometimes when we are at our lowest we need the little tap on our shoulders from God to remind us to be greatful for the simple things in life because love and kindness will always prevail...no matter what. Always pay forward...you will be rewarded in ways that are beyond any riches you can imagine. Thank you hostess for this question...it has helped me today more than you will ever know!

I am happy because I am close to getting caught up!

I am feeling a little less pressure on myself right now. I have gotten out the swaps I was a little late on and even got one out early! I am now trying to get my pictures taken so I can post the wonderful items I have received from my swaps pals.

I have to say I had a wonderful weekend with my daughter and her family. I took my grandson out for school shopping, and then my daughter and I hit 2 yarn shops and 1 quilting shop. I was good, but I did add some to my stash. I mostly bought things for my swap partners on the next list of swaps and I just truely enjoyed myself. Very healing! Good positive experiences.

Now this weekend it is going to be....organize and put things away. I am planning to put away so many clutter items....not get rid of them because they mean a lot to me....but just put them away to rest! I have to get a handle on all my stuff!

My heathier eating habits are not so good lately....so tonight it is to the grocery store and I am packaging my snacks and things up so I can grab and go in the morning! The whole key to my life right now is planning. Writing things down and checking the list off....I didn't even pay anyone to tell me that! Can you imagine.....I just thought of it myself....I guess I finally hit my rock bottom of the barrel and now I am climbing back up.

Well....back to work and work on my new organizational mindset for work too! I will keep all posted...but still say little prayers for me! I will need all the help I can get!

SP 12 Question

I am so far behind the questions that I can't even remember which one this is....but here goes...this is me trying to get caught up and put a check mark for a task on my list! Yeah for me.

Which Olympic event would best describe your knitting/knitting style?

This is a tough one because I have not even taken the time to watch the Olympics...but I think my knitting style and my knitting would be like the balance beam routines. I execute well, I juggle all the projects at once, but unless I am perfect with my timing...I just fall off of that beam. Right now I am struggling on keeping my balance and staying on the beam of projects. My knitting style flows with that, because unless I get it right I will try over and over again until it looks great for a 10 score......Whoo hoo!

I am so bummed!

Here it is the first of August and I am so far behind I can't see where I am going. We are super swamped at work and trust me...it is going to get worse. It's the Fed. Gov't end of the fiscal year here in the US! I am so far behind in my blogging...okay I had a great vacation with my grandson! He, at 10 loves Elvis, so as a very early BD present, Grandma took him to Graceland and we also did other things in Memphis. What fun...we had such a good time and it will be a time I will always remember and I think he will too!

I have received so many wonderful swap packages and I have sent some....still owe others. But each night I try to complete something. I do have my three day weekend coming up and I am going to relish it. I have plans to get all my swap packages out and spend time at the sewing machine and in my comfy chair to knit. I really need some mental down time. The hot weather has drained me and I found out that yes I will need a knee replacement for my right knee once I make the decision. I have terrible arthitis in my kneess, thumbs, heels, and I am sure other places I haven't had an ache yet in....but I am determined to get through this. My first step is back on my healthy eating and loose more weight!

I am going to work real hard and post more and get some of my pictures from my wonderful swaps posted....sharing is so much fun but lately I haven't had the energy once I get home from work......okay....I need words of encouragement ladies....give me some organizational tips and health tips that I can use! A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL!

No More Humdrum Mittens Swap Three Questionnaire

I just signed up for this mitten swap. If you are interested just skip over to MittenSwapThree and sign up!
Questionnaire:
How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
I have been knitting for about 34 years.
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I would consider myself a little more advanced than intermediate.
What are your favorite colors? Any you dislike?
My favorite colors are pink, purple and blue...okay all colors except orange. I really like brown and cream together for accessories sometimes.
Do you like Latvian type patterns? If so, what are your favorite patterns?
I love them...I haven't tried to knit any so all the patterns are so beautiful to me. I love the animals and florals.
Do you desire mittens for yourself, your "special someone else" or your child?
Oh for me....cause I love them.
What is the measurement from your wrist to the tip of your longest finger?
7 1/2 inches
What is the circumference of your hand at it's widest point?
7 3/4 inches
What other things do you enjoy knitting?
I love knitting socks, scarves and shawls.
What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum)
I like them all. It depends on what I have available when I get ready to knit something. I am partial to the wooden needles...circulars when a bigger project.
What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make?
Latvian mittens and socks.
What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with?
I have worked with many different types.
What other hobbies do you have?
I love to quilt. There are times when I can't decide if I want to knit or quilt.
Do you spin? Not Yet Sew? Yes Garden? Not really but love to try herbs. Cook? I live alone so for cooking I have to be in the mood.
Besides yarn, do you collect anything?
Fabric, pincushions, and teacups
What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty?
I love butter cookies. Okay I love chocolate...dark....but I am really trying to stay away from all of this. For salty....I love beef jerky...
Anything you hate or are allergic to?
Nothing I know of...I hate to smell cigarette smoke.
Do you have any kids? I have a grown daughter who is 34.
Pets? No
What is your favorite part of Winter? I love to knit on cold mornings. I love the smell of the crisp, clean air. I love fresh fallen snow and drinking a hot cup of coffee with a fresh bagel or pastry in the morning. I would love to say snuggling with my honey, but alas I have no one in my life at the moment. Sad face.....
What is your least favorite part of Winter?
The day after a snow fall. The snow is so messy and I have to go back to work. Okay we really don't get that much snow but I love when we do.

Well...that is me in a nutshell.

House Guests

For the last week and a half I have had two very good friends from High School staying with me. It has been so much fun. We have talked and talked. They have gone to visit family and friends in the area and when I have gotten home my house is clean and laundry is done. Wow how great is that. Now you ask...why haven't I blogged more with time on my hands. LOL....well...the talking part has just kept me run down. I have stayed up way too late and have had to go to work .....getting older just sucks! I wish I could do those all nighters like we did in HS but alas....no my mind says yes ...the body says...what the heck!?!? It has been fun though. I will put some of my adventures on the blog later....for now I need to rest...LOL...or at least try!

Swap 12 question #3

What would you consider the perfect amount of stash?

Something very manageable. More isn't always better. I think a large tub is just fine. I have that and I want to keep it manageable to just that. Sounds stupid doesn't it but I have so much clutter from quilting and knitting I am trying to keep things in perspective. I want to enjoy all my things and not drown in them....Okay I didn't say what size large tub. I mean the ones that are about 72inches by 36inches and at least two feet high....and have it crammed so full the lid won't stay on...bet you thought what a doofy lady having a manageable stash....okay I am really trying here!

Secret Pal Question #2

As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?

I think I look mostly just not going to school. But I looked forward to warm days and as a kid I love to do projects. I learned to sew at a very early age and I would sew and sew all summer. I created a great deal...more of a mess when I was younger but I still wore those outfits. Didn't care what others thought. LOL

I guess the next thing was relatives would come. We lived just right outside of Washington DC and that meant we could go site seeing with all the relatives...it was fun! I walked my legs off in the hot sun and saw it all! Then we would go back and mom would have a great lunch or dinner made when we got home. Everything seems to fall into place....remember...this was the era when there were no cell phones nor blackberries.....you saw phone booths on the corner. No metro either. Wow....those were the good old times....am I dating myself?

Secret Pal 12 Contest - My favorite Summer drink

We were asked by our hostess what our favorite summer drink is. I would have to say my favorite summer drink is iced tea followed by fresh lemonade. I love fresh brewed tea with lots of ice and a touch of lemon. I don' t like my tea sweetened but occasionally I will sweeten it ever so lightly with raw sugar. I also love fresh lemonade, squeezed and with the lemon rings in the pitcher. I am a Southern gal through and through!

Secret Pal 12 Questionnare

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love natural fibers. No acrylics please. I love to try new yarns so surprise me.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Right now I have a glass container I put them in. But then again most are in projects...does need to finish words I should shout?

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting on and off for about 33 years. I was self taught, but also took lessons at the comminity center years ago.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
My Amazon wish list is here.

5. What's your favorite scent?
I love floral or powder scents. I have been using Cashmire mist lately...but I would never expect anyone to get that.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I love dark chocolate...but I am trying to loose weight, so bare minimum please.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I don't spin...want to learn how though. I quilt when I am not knitting. I am not only a yarn-a-holic but I am a fabric-holic.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I love all types but don't have much time to listen. I do have an MP3 player.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love all colors. Browns and oranges are not my favorite though. I am really liking the muted solids now. The ones that look solid but have subtle color through out.

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

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Love scarves and mittens and socks. Don't care for hats or ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks, Socks and more socks. And anything lace.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Two Lace shawls and5 pairs of socks

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes..it shows the true heart of someone.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I love both circular and straight needles. I have bamboo, wood and some aluminum..I like the wooden needles and Addis Lace Needles.

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

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
6 years...it's acrylic...yucky

18. What is your favorite holiday?
My birthday...okay it is rarely celebrated because it is 4 days after Christmas. But I love Christmas, Easter, 4th of July...okay...I love them all!

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Pincushions and teacups. Okay yarn and fabric! LOL

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I have Interweave Knits subscription. I love all books, yarn and I am will to be bold and try anything new.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I am really facinated by the lace patterns out there. I am enjoying the challenge.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Length: 9 1/2 inches Width around instep: 91/2 inches. I wear a size 10 show and my foot it med

23. When is your birthday?
December 29th

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

Oh...too much times escapes me!

I have planned for weeks to get pictures taken and more blogging done....where does the time go? For me right now it is commuting to work and working late and getting home in time to eat dinner and go to bed and then start all over the next day. (Okay too many ands" in that sentence!)

My knees are so bad right now. Weeks ago I fell on the "good" one and now the only way I can describe how I walk is "I walk like a penguin"!!!!! I have an appointment for an MRI for both knees and then I go to the orthopedist...believe it or not I can't wait. I am in pain sometimes and I am too young to be having all these knee problems. I lost 20lbs so far and go figure...the knees are worse!

Anyway...I am doing more knitting....trying to get all my swaps out.....maybe I will get some pictures taken and posted....I can only hope!

Happy knitting everyone!

I am so Hooked on the Stephanie Plum series!

Have anyone of you read the Janet Evanovich books with the bounty hunter Stephanie Plum? I have laughed and laughed till I cry. They are so worth reading. They take you mind off of things and you want to just read and read. They are a quick read and you don't have to think but they are a hoot. There are 12 out in paperback and the 13th is out in hardcover. Her newest one (14th) is due in June. If you want fun reading, check them out......okay this is why I haven't been blogging or knitting much. Well....I also just finished a class for my degree that I thought I would die from. I now need fun reading. I have slipped in knitting though. I have 2 pairs of socks almost completed for 2 swaps I am in. And I am starting on a scarf for a swap. So of course ....priorities first...LOL....warmer weather is around the corner and I have planned some lazy afternoons to do fun things.
Later..............

I have Spring Fever but the Weather is Not Co-operating!

It is cold and damp and the weather is not warm....okay that is typical of Virginia weather but I want it to be a little warmer....

Okay on to a better note. I have lost 16 lbs. in my heathy eating quest. I am feeling better and am proud of what I have accomplished so far. Okay the organizational thing is not up to par yet. I still have to photo my newest and older swap goodies. I am so far behind in photos...but I had to take a new one of myself. What do you think?

Well...will have to post more later. I have a project due for school and I haven't finished the research yet. Back to work and the grind tomorrow so I am headed to bed and will knit for a few minutes before I really have to go to sleep.