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.

Monkey Sock Swap Four Questionnaire

Monkey Sock Four is out and last time proved to be so much fun I decided to do it again. I love Cookie A. sock patterns. They always turn out nicely.

Monkey Sock Questionnaire

Shoe Size: Size 10 in US
Foot Length in inches: 9 1/2 inches
Circumference: 9 1/2 inches

Yarn Preferences

What are your favorite colors? I love pink, blue, purple, and really any color except orange. I am happy with anything chosen!

What colors clash with your wardrobe? Orange
Do you prefer solids or varigated yarns? Not picky. I don’t have any solids yet.
What are your favorite brand sock yarns? Again, not picky. I do like soft yarn. I love to experiment.
Any new sock yarn you would like to try? Surprise me! I really love all the yarns I have tried and I am willing to try new ones!

Cookie A Patterns
List the pattern you do not have and would like to receive. I have Thelonious and Fliker. Any of her patterns are fine with me. I love them all.

Allergies
Do you have any allergies your pal needs to know about? I have a hard time when things are exposed to smoke.
Will your knitting be exposed to animals? No
Will your knitting be exposed to cigarette smoke? No

Shipping
What country do you live in? United States
Are you willing to ship outside your country? Yes

How do you ladies do it?

I am at a loss how so many of you accomplish so much. I seem to get further behind and I just don't get enough knitting in. I know that I work 50 miles from home and this takes at least 2 1/2 hours out of my day. Lately I have been coming home and just collapsing. I guess maybe I burn the candle at both ends too much and I am not that young anymore. Okay, I am not that old either. I need to post pictures and get things out to the post office. I also am frantically knitting socks for my SITMT partner and a kazillion other things. My buzz work lately has been...FOCUS...FOCUS Iva FOCUS!!!!! Think it will help????

On a happier note...I have lost 10lbs. My healthier eating style is making me feel better, but I just wish the energy level would rise. Okay...I have gobs more weight to loose and this might just take time for the energy level to come up to par. But I am focused on that. I have been 10 weeks without a diet coke...I went cold turkey and the only time I really crave one it when I have a burger, a healthy one on whole grain bun with lots veggies. I drink tea or water instead. But other than that I am really enjoying this.

I promise I will publish pictures. I have received some very nice packages in the mail and my poor swap partners have had to ask me if I have received them. I am so ashamed! I will hold the suspense until this weekend when I finally take the pictures and post them!

I am at work doing this and I need to get some work done.....so until this weekend ...let me hear those knitting needles click!

Oooops...forgot one of my gifts!

I participated in a Swap-Bot swap and I received this wonderful package from Scotland. I absolutely love the vintage lace and tray cloth. I love the yarn. I have gotten into so much color lately, it is nice to receive some neutral yarn. The mints are long gone....yum!

I thought I would also include pictures of my little bear I bought myself. I keep him near my computer and pose him when I am down....I haven't named him yet....hmmmm, maybe a contest is in the works....stay tuned!

New Pictures...Finally!

Well this is the last week of February and I am doing well on my healthier eating plan. I have to say it has been trying at times but I have become determined and am doing well. I have been 6 weeks without diet cola. A feat in itself. I have lost about 10lbs. in the last 5 weeks. I have lots to go and no I won't do one of those counters. I am doing this for myself ...to feel healthier and bring my blood pressure under control. So enough of that.

I went to my LYS and of course had to add to my stash. Actually some of this is headed to some of my secret pals I have ....but it will be a secret until they receive it!

I have in the last few days recieved some wonderful gifts from secret pals and it has lifted my spirits. I have been down in the dumps about my job. I have decided not to really talk about it but pull up my bootstraps and prove my old supervisor wrong. Just a little background....She is and will always be, I am sure, a mean and vindictive "B". She lied on my apprasial and well ...she created problems for me. Needless to say she has been demoted to a job way in the corner of a room that is dreary and sad.....LOL....and thank goodness I have no reason to have contact with her. Enough of her....on to my wonderful gifts!

From my secret pal, Sock it To Me Twice, I received the cutest sock bag, beautiful yarn, and the cutest stitch holder and card.

From Swap-bot pal I received this wonderful yarn, pattern, and beads with needle to feed the beads onto the yarn. Oh and another wondeful yarn bag. This one is made from reproduction vintage fabric...love it! The pattern is from knitty and I find it a very interesting yarn. It will go on my do list for later....I can't wait...I have been so blessed! Oh my I almost forgot about the dark chocolate bar! I absolutely love dark chocolate and it is so much better for us. Now this is tough....I have to only eat small pieces at a time but it so worth savoring! Hmmmm....yummy!

This is my yarn I purchased at my LYS yesterday....Yummy....hmmmm......Oh and I couldn't resist this book and a set of needles to try knitting two socks at one time. Always need to try something new! The yarn is Plymouth Happy Feet. One of the ladies at the shop was knitting with it and she loves it. It is very soft and the colors were so beautiful! Hard to make a decision. The colors are richer than I could photograph.

(I have blocked comments from this post because some wonderful spammer has let a message and if you accidently open it, it will run somesort of spyware. So if you would like to comment just leave it on the later post. Thanks)

A Contest -Woo-Hooo!!!

Make sure you go to Nancy's blog and read about her contest. She has posted 300 times! Can you believe it? What an inspiration! Her rules are so easy and her blog is fun to read! Make sure you mention to Nancy I sent you!

My knitting tip: I always keep a mechanical pencil with all my projects...when I find an area that needs to be changed in a pattern or an area I might have changed I immediately have my pencil there to jot my notes on my pattern. I also make several copies of the pattern instead of using my original book or pattern. Then I will be able to transfer the changes to the original. I always have a project to go and I don't always want to take the book or pattern with me.

The person I get so much of my information from is Miss Me. Check out her blog. It is such a joy to read and she is such an accomplished knitter!

Until another time..keep the knitting needles clicking!

My Goddess Doll Swap

I recently did a Goddess Doll Swap and this is the lovely one I recieved the other day. I still and working on mine and will post a picture before I send it to my swap parnter.

I am also adding a picture of a mug that was given to me at Christmas.....I just love it. Several of us have a running joke about the "Talk like a Pirate Day" and we have had so much fun with it. I have a big bag of pirate men that came from the dollar store and they will appear in peoples coat pockets or hidden somewhere on their desk. Surprises are always around the corner...It has been so much fun! I have just ordered pirate magnet dolls. You can dress them and add different clothes and shoes and such....more fun!

My Mystery Shawl

I have joined a KAL for a mystery shawl. It is my first lace pattern and it truely is a challenge for me. I have learned the fine art of frogging plus an emense amount of determination. I can't have much noise around and I have had to count over and over again to make sure I have completed each row correctly. I am so far behind....they have hint #4 already out and I just finished hint #1. The color isn't quite right in the picture. It is acutally a beautiful coral color.

Where I can I buy more time?

The new year is here and I seem to need more time than ever. I am still burning the candle at both ends trying to complete my degree and work full time. I just can't seem to budget my time well and this completely frustrates me. I fantasize about knitting all day with out a care in the world...now wouldn't that be nice. I think getting all of this work done to my house and with everything else I am just mentally drained. And for some reason ...people in general are just getting on my nerves. Think I need another vacation? I feel I am on the coaster to happy land and it forgot to stop and let me off. I know once the weather warms up and all this work is done and I can finish putting things in order in my home I will once again feel better.

I need to post pictures...have taken so many but have not posted.....okay I really....I lost the cable to attach my computer to my camera and I just found it! YEAH! Once again....I need order in my house! It's coming but not fast enough for me!

Is there anyone out there that can send me a sanity lifeline? Just kidding.....but still had to ask.....LOL

Oh My..How Time Has Flown By!

The last two months have just flown by and I wish I could say they were memorable...well they were but not in a good way. I am finishing up my degree and the push is on. My classes are so packed with homework and to top it all off, I had to take a two week class for work which was over 65 miles from where I live! The trek alone did me in....I finished both my college class and class for work with flying colors...but I got sick...I mean down in the bed for week sick. I had the flu, along with what the doctor thought was pneumonia (thank goodness it wasn't) and my allergies all at once. I ran a high fever and just wanted to sleep forever....all of this one week before Christmas....needless to say...not shopping, no baking and no decorating took place at my house. I love Christmas and the joy of being with family and friends..but this year I can say I am glad it is over. I hope this next year proves to be a better year and I can get things more organized in my life. I need to post pictures of the wonderful things my swap partners have given me....plus some of the thoughtful gifts I received for Christmas.

I have started my quest to get organized. I have the battery charging for my camera (it has been dead for months) and I have finally put my address list in a file in my computer. I have been slowly putting things away in an organized manner and yes I can find them again when I need them...I think I might have turned over that new leaf. The weight issue...well one problem at a time. Will post pictures within the next few days....in the mean time....

I hope everyone will have a wonderful New Year as we embark upon this clean slate to our lives in the year 2008! May all your prayers be answered, your lives be enriched by your friends and family and your faith in God be the first priority this year.

God Bless Each and Everyone!

Sock It To Me Twice Swap!

I am participating in Sock It to Me Twice secret pal exchange! Below are my answers to the questions.
The Questions:
1.How long have you been knitting? Do you consider yourself beginner, intermediate, advanced?
I consider myself an intermediate knitter. Always room for improvement!

2.How long have you been knitting socks?
A little over a year. Knitted sweaters, afghans and such before

3.What are your favorite fibers to work with?
I am bit of a yarn snob. I love wool and other natural fibers.

4.What is your favorite color?
I love pink, purple, and blue.....but I love all colors except orange.

5.What are your current WIPs (works in progress)?
Oh...so many...several socks, a sweater and a lace shawl. The lace shaw is my newest venture. I actually have just gotten the yarn but it is so calling my name!

6.Name your favorite yarns, (brand, fibers, colors, etc.).
Debbie Bliss, Jitterbug, Lornas lace, and well I am game for any yummy yarn that is a natural fiber.....I love to experiment!

7.What are some yarns/fibers that you stay away from.
Acrylics...they feel so yucky....it is so hard to knit with them.

8.What is your family situation? (Married, kids, pets?)
I live alone..divorced, no pets and my daughter is grown (she is an avid knitter like her mom!)

9.Name some of your hobbies.
I love to quilt. There are times I can't decide which to do....knit or quilt! I am a fiber lover!

10.Name some of your favorite movies?
Driving Miss Daisey and Steel Magnolias....I am a true Southerner but with a modern outlook!

11.Do you like to read?
Yes..mysteries!

12.Do you collect anything?
I love any type of sewing gadgets, and I am a tote bag queen....I love little zippered pouches and such!

13.Do you own an iPod or mp3 player?
I have an iPod.

14.What are your favorite type of knitting needles?
Addis or wooden

15What knitting notion could you not live without?
My trusty tape measure, which I always seem to misplace but eventually find in the previous project bag!

16.Who are some of your favorite designers?
I like most..haven't picked a fav yet.

17.Do you subscribe to any magazines? (Knitting or otherwise.)
No not yet...just keep looking at them....I am more of a book person.

18.When is your birthday?
December 29th...just around the corner..wink, wink!

19.Do you have a "wishlist", (on Ravelry, Froogle, or Amazon)?
Working on one....but not yet...I seem to buy a book before I put it in my list.

20.Do you have a Ravelry ID?
Will post when I set it up...please check back.

21.If you had a sheep, what would you name it?
Scrappy

I Have Overwhelmed Myself Again

Right now at this moment I am trying to hold it together. I finally got out 3 packages of swap things. Yeah...one big task down. I still owe one more and I know she is furious with me. But my heart has not been in it. I am now trying to clean out 30 years of memories and make room for my new bedroom set. It is being delivered in 2 weeks. I also am having major work done to my home and oh my what a mess! They actually won't start until 6 weeks from now but guess what time frame that is???? Christmas. So..along with school and my other things ...well .... I am majorly over extended. My mom ..bless her...is down helping me throw out ...weed out...and put things away. It is a major undertaking and I am completely overwhelmed. So say a little prayer that I will be back close to normal when Christmas rolls around!!!

Well....I am off to dust ville!

Sock It To Me Twice

I just signed up for this swap Sock It To Me Twice . Miss Me had it on her blog and she always has fun and interesting things there...so I took the leap and signed up. I am so excited. I love socks and love to knit them! Go and check it out.

I start my next class tonight and I will be so busy for the next 8 weeks. But it will be one more class down to complete my degree. The end is so close and before I know it I will be walking down that graduation isle and I will be so happy. I have reached the "I am so tired of this stage" and I am so ready to move on to other things. Mainly just have adult fun and relaxation!

Thank goodness for my portable knitting that I can take and relax even for just a moment. I am so greatful for that. I am a quilter and I miss my bigger projects...but I have put them on the back burner since I have been in school....just not enough time.

Well...better get things ready for tonights class and take advantage of being off today.

I am still sick...but better!

I broke down and went to the doctor today. I coughed all yesterday and lost my voice. I knew I wasn't going to shake this until I got some meds. to help it. Well one dose of my medicine and a 3 hour nap....I feel so much better!

I am in Ravelry! I love it .....I just need about a day to search and search! Thank you to my best ever Secret Pal for my invite!

Well..I think we finally have our fall. It turned cold last night and was rather chilly today. With all this hot weather we have been having and no rain, the pollen count has been thru the roof, thus my allergy problem.

I have just about 15 more rows to finish on my Monkey Socks for my secret pal and out they will go. I got behind when I got sick. I have some other projects to send out. I have gotten the packages ready and I will head to the post office on Sat. morning.

I will be going to FL again in Nov to visit my friends. We had such a good time when I was down in Aug that we decided life was too short not to get together again....so here I go! Think I can knit them each a pair of socks by then.....I plan to...Monkeys at that because I believe I can do them in my sleep now! And they are an easy knit on the train! Oh goodness knows I have enough of stash yarn! I got them each a handmade tote bag and I thought socks inside would be fun!

Well, time for bed .....more later.

My weekend was interesting....

First of all let me say that last Thursday I came home feeling terrible....I have a bad cold mixed with my allergies and all I wanted to do was sleep. Well...Sat. I had a nail appointment...I met a friend for breakfast or rather brunch and then had my nails done and went home and went to bed...by Sun. night I still felt terrible. Well ..Monday the holiday I managed to knit a very little bit ...I didn't even feel like concentrating...
Remember that date I was to go on.....well we met on Tuesday and I figured he will like me sick or not sick...I put on my best face and smile and met him for coffee (we had soft drinks..I am a very cheap date when I am sick...! LOL) and we hit it off....he was so much fun to talk with and wants to see me again...I just hope I feel better the next time...I got a great hug though!

To my Secret Pal 11...Thank you for the invite to look at Ravelry....my intentions tonight or tomorrow night. You know I am sick when I didn't even feel like surfing the web either.

Say a little prayer that my allergies subside and the pollen goes away (if we ever have rain!)

I am getting Closer!!!!!

Just checked and I am getting very close to getting on Ravelry! Here is my count today!

You signed up on August 18, 2007
You are #26702 on the list.
4128 people are ahead of you in line.
12534 people are behind you in line.
57% of the list has been invited so far

I keep ready about everyone else getting their invites...and I am getting jealous! Not really just anxious.

Today though is a really down day for me. I am getting a cold and mixed with my allergies, I feel just plain yucky...now you know Murphy's law has stepped in because this weekend I am suppose to have a date with a new gentleman and we are meeting for the first time. We have talked on the phone but now I get sick...I am hoping by Friday I feel better. I am eating chicken soup and drinking as much liquid I can to flush this thing out! Wish me luck, he sounds like such a good person. Will keep all posted. This is so tough dating at this age. We all have so many habits and it's hard to bend or change some of them...I have been alone for 15 years and I am finding it hard to change.....but I am so willing to try.....by change I mean having someone else share the bathroom and the other things that go along with being a couple. Now do you think I have put the cart before the house? LOL I have enjoyed talking on the phone with this gentleman I am hoping things progress.....Okay now I am acting like a teen...LOL

I have almost finished my monkey socks for my secret pal...I have the toe to finish on the last sock and then block them. I have knit the majority on the train coming and going to work. They have been so much fun...

Will fill everyone in on my date later......

Yeah...My Monkey Sock Swap 3 Package Arrived

I had to work yesterday.....we awarded the last of 2007 Contracts and I wearily came home and to my surprise....Look what I found under my carport! My Monkey Sock Swap 3 Package from my Secret Pal! Wow....and look what I found inside of the package!

See the sweet little moneky and my wonderful socks! Not only did I receive these I got a monkey bookmark, a book cover, some calming tea, some candy and lipgloss. There also was the cutest monkey card, some monkey tissues, little monkey buttonand the yummiest pink yarn for new socks. My pal did such a wonderful job! And my package came all the way from Hawaii! This couldn't have arrived at a better time...I was so tired and weary from work and to come home to a very thoughtful and caring package with so many goodies....well...I could just feel the love that come out from the package. The socks are more beautiful than poor picture taking skills show. They fit so nicely and I cant' wait to wear them.....they are so cozy! Thank you Monkey Swap Secret Pal! Thank you bunches! P.S. Please send me your blog!

Now I just need to finish my pal's socks and get them in the mail next week. I have all her monkey items and then I will get them in the mail.

Monkey Socks Almost Done!

These are the Monkey Socks I am knitting for my swap partner. I have to say all of the socks posted on the Monkey Sock blog site are wonderful. If you get the chance browse the site. Cute....cute ...way too cute!

I have only been able to knit on the train. My nights right now are working late and when I get home it's studying. Two more weeks and then life will be a little better.

Well..I have to put the clothes in the dryer and head to bed....

Keep those needle clicking!

Ravelry wait list

This is were I am in the Ravelry count. The other day 13902 were ahead of me....so there is hope still! Yeah!

You signed up on August 18, 2007
You are #26702 on the list.
12740 people are ahead of you in line.
6980 people are behind you in line.
40% of the list has been invited so far

It's Almost October!

Never thought I would wish my life away for a period of time. But the month of September has become such a miserable month! My chosen profession is what makes it hard....it is so busy because of the end of the fiscal year for the Federal Government...but I shouldn't complain...at least I have a job. On to better things in this post!

My daughter's birthday is this coming Sunday...I have some nice things for her but she reads my blog, so I will have to wait to talk about them!

I have almost finished my Monkey Swap partners socks. I posted them on the Monkey Swap sight...I don't know why I forgot to post them on my sight. I will later. I am at work and can't access my files. I do have some very cute items for my monkey pal...who would believe I could find to many cute things. I have had so much fun getting things for her.

My Secret Pal 11...I have been gather things for her....now she is a little tougher to buy for and I must say I have had to put my thinking cap on for her. She is vegan and of course does not eat meat ....so this extends in to edible treats and yarn. I did find some very yummy cotton yarn that looks very sophisticated...I hope she will like my choice. I think I might make some other things for her and try to find really unusual items for her. I must say, participating in these swaps has me searching the inter net and little shops around town......it has become such an adventure!

Well lunch time is over and I need to get back to work......I will try tonight or at least sometime this week to post some pictures.....I keep promising and I keep forgetting......getting older has it's advantages and then it doesn't

Side note...I still have to get out my felted bag for my swap partner....I have disappointed her immensely and I feel really bad. I have it almost finished.....I can't take my sewing machine on the train and sew....so this project fell by the way side.....I promise Mindy if you read this I am going to get it to you very soon....if you are upset with me....you have every right to be....but my life has been so hectic.

Take care to all and keep those needles clicking.

It's Sunday Morning and I am at work.....Boo!

It is Sunday morning and guess where I am? At work! It is that time of the year when I earn my overtime or comp time. Government end of the fiscal year consumes those of us in the procurement field. But this too will pass with the coming of Sept. 30th! And then it is on to other issues. LOL

I have finished one of the monkey socks for my swap partner. I have the other to finish hopefully this weeks. I have knit about 95 % on the train going and coming for work. So this little pair of socks has traveled before they are sent! I have truely enjoyed knitting them and plan to knit some others from the pattern. It is a fun and quick pattern to do.

I have been gathering all types of goodies for my swap partner for SP11 and my monkey sock swap partner. I have a mitten swap I am doing also but we haven't been assigned our partners yet.

I need to get busy and post pictures. I don't know why this is always the last on my list...Maybe sometime this week....

Until then...keep those needles clicking and have a great week!

My Last Long Weekend till October!

Well...I enjoyed my last long weekend until the end of September. Since I work for the Federal Government and it is the end of the fiscal year, I will have to work weekends to get all of our contracts and procurement awarded by September 30th! UGH...but it is my chosen field of employment!

On a much brighter note....I recieved my first package from my SP11...I was so excited! I will post a picture tonight and explain what I got in my package.....I must say she is a very cool pal! She read my blog and has taken note on my likes and needs! Thank you Secret Pal! You are the best.

In the mean time I also have signed up for 2 more swaps and I am working on those also. Will explain more tonight. I am at work and should be actualy working, but I managed to get here really early for me and now I am trying to get in my morning coffee and function at such an early time. I am truely trying to improve myself and this is one of my biggest faults...dragging myself in so late I have to stay late and then working becomes this exhausting circle...so Tuesday morning start right week!!!!! Later...........

I was tagged twice in May~

I have been tagged twice by the same tag...two different people...but I am going to be a really good sport and list 14 things about myself! LOL I am trying to catch up on so many things and I can't really understand how the months of June, July and almost August have disappeared! Swap partners...I hope this will help you know who I am!

1. I travel 100 miles round trip to work which is in Washington, DC capital of the United States.
I love my job and find it stressing and rewarding at the same time. The commute I try to enjoy the best I can and to use the time wisely....I either sleep, knit or read.

2. I love kitties but have decided that I no longer want the responsibility of a cat after mine died several years ago. I am gone too much and can't devote the time to a little furry friend.

3. I love pampering myself! I go one a month for a massage, manicure and pedicure. I love red polish and this is what I pick for my toes! Recently though I have changed to pink...I love OPI polish and I am using Susie sells Sushi down by the seashore....try saying that fast five times!

4. I love history and love to learn the unusual tidbits of history that usually is never told.

5. I to go to little boutiques and small shops where people are friendly and fun to talk with.

6. My previous job I ordered guns and ammo for all law enforcement officers in the Federal agency I work for. This always is a surprise to my friends.

7. My favorite holiday is Christmas....I love the spirit and true meaning of Christmas and family time. I also love to give gifts. I love to listen all year to my family and friends and then get them things they have talked about or have meaning for them. Now for the selfish part....4 days after Christmas is my birthday and I enjoy getting together with friends and celebrate.

8. I am very shy, but work very hard at not giving anyone that impression of me.

9. If I could, I would never wear shoes in my life again. I would rather just wear socks or go barefooted.

10. I love to eat breakfast more than any other meal. I could eat it anytime during the day and be happy.

11. I love to come home at night from work and snuggle in my favorite chair and unwind. Perfect would be to have a Mr. Right in my life to do this with but I know the good Lord will take care of this in time....or not.

12. I love fresh flowers and would have them in my house everyday if I could afford them. (I am not so good at growing them.)

13. I love teddy bears. I use to collect them, but not much anymore. I still love the antique looking bears and items that are related.

14. Last but not least, I am a quilter plus I love to knit. I think I could quilt and knit the rest of my life and be content. I right now, collect as much fabric as I do yarn. I love to touch it and oh my I know you all do it too.....smell the yarn! I just wish I could make a living at both and not work my regular job.....but until I retire ...well I just won't torture myself.

Hope you have enjoyed my little extra info about me.

Monkey Sock Swap THREE Questionnaire

Monkey Sock Swap THREE Questionnaire

The basics:

Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep? I consider myself an Advanced Intermediate knitter. I have been knitting for a very long time but new to sock knitting with newer fibers.

The measurements: Shoe Size: 10 US
Foot circumference: 9 ½ inches
Foot length: 9 ½ inches

Yarn Preferences:

What colors do you love? I love all colors. My favor colors are purple, blue, and pink.

Do you prefer solids or variegated? It really doesn’t matter to me. I love both.

Do you prefer wool, cotton or acrylic yarn? I like only natural fibers. Cotton or wool…either one is fine with me. I don’t like acrylics.

What colors would you never wear? Orange…not my favorite color.

What are your favorite brands of yarn? I like just about any brand name that is soft to the touch. My feet are rather sensitive and I like the feeling of soft socks.

Are there any new brands you would like to try? I am sure there are many out there I haven’t heard about. I am game for any!

Cookie A. Patterns:

Which of her patterns have you already knit? Her Monkey sock pattern that was free on Knitty. I loved knitting that one.

Which pattern(s) would you like to knit and don’t already own? Any of her patterns would be fine, because I do not have any of her patterns yet.

Other pertinent information:

Would you be willing to have an international Monkey Pal or do you prefer one in the US? I wouldn’t mind having an international Pal. It would be fun.

Do you have any allergies? Yes, trees, grasses, smoke, and other outdoor things. Nothing to do with food or fibers.

Will your knitting be exposed to smoke or animals? No

Are you on Ravelry yet? If you don’t mind having new friends, what is your Ravelry name? No not yet…have heard about the sight but have not checked it out yet.

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love natural fibers. I don't really like acrylics. I have been looking at solids lately because I love the lacy socks. I also have been looking at some lace patterns for shawls. I love cotton yarn for socks too!
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a painted crock for some and baskets. I, unfortunately, seem to start so many projects I have them pretty much in the yarn most of the time.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learned to knit when my daughter was an infant...so that was 34 years ago. I knitted on and off for many years, but my obsession started last year for my sock knitting. I would consider myself an advanced intermediate knitter.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have a list but I have purchased most of the books on the list. But I don't have any type of knitting magazine subscription so I am open to any magazines.
5. What's your favorite scent?
I love floral scents, along with citrus smells and lavendar. In love the smell of roses. I don't like heavy scents, mainly because they give me really bad headaches.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Oh my yes....I love dark chocolate....but I have never turned down a good piece of chocolate.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I am a quilter so I covet fabric like I do yarn. I don't spin yet.
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 of music. I especially like music from the 60's. My compter will play MP3s.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love all colors. My least favorite colors are browns unless mixed with brighter shades of any other colors.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live alone and alas.......no pets.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear the first three but not ponchos.....I hated them in the 60's too.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks, scarves, and afghans. But I will try anything once.
13. What are you knitting right now?
Socks, socks, socks!! Oh ...and a sweater, some dishcloths and faces clothes.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
But of course....who wouldn't! They are made with love and care and who wouldn't want that!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I like them all....I love my Denise needles....my Brittnays, my Addis but I haven't knit with plastic in years.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have both...treated myself and my daughter several months ago with a set for each of us!
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Twenty years old....and I have no intention of ever finishing it....sweater for a friend and I never bought enough yarn....glad I never told her about it.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
I love all of the holidays...but I especially love Christmas because my Birthday is 4 days later...so I get more presents....okay...I really just like to go to dinner with friends for my birthday.
19. Is there anything that you collect?
I love sewing gadgets of any kind and pin cushions. I like both antique and new. And tote bags...both big and little.
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 don't subscribe to any knitting magazines. I love Woolgirl yarns, any sock yarn, Debbie Bliss yarn ( I love her silk yarn), Brittney sock needles. I am really not picky...I love to try new things.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I am still wanting to learn to knit with the magic needle techique.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I wear a size 10 shoe. My foot measures 9 1/2 in length and 9 1/2 inches around the foot.
23. When is your birthday?
December 29th
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Unfortunately no....I just heard about it and I haven't put my name on the list...something in my to do list.

Whoops...I can't believe I have been a slacker again!

I can't believe I let time slip by once again....I need to really update my blog! I just returned from Florida after a week with friends and I am so rested. I came back to the rat race and I already feel like I need another vacation. I can't believe how DC can make me such a frustrated person...well really it is my office for me right now....but I came back to find out I no longer have the supervisor I had and ...well...yippeeeeee!!!!!

Okay now that I found this out....I can really have a good attitude adjustment! I promise I will post this week things and pictures and stories and such..... I am alive, kicking and ready for new adventures.

I have signed up for SP11 and I need to post my info questions......so until later this week....hope all is well with everyone and I will join in soon with the needle clicking and new projects will abound!

OH MY!!!!!

Oh my goodness...I can't believe it has been almost a month since I posted! I need to get pictures on the site!

Anyway my class that just about did me in finished last night! My group gave a presentation and we did very well. Hope that I did as well as the entire group! Anyway....it is done ...complete....I have breathing room and this weekend is party time! I am going to relax, catch up with my blogging, my house, my knitting, and my life in general! I feel human again. I only wish this really was my last class....but alas I have about 5 more to go....but I will finish this degree..hopefully this May.

I have planned a trip to Florida for the first week in August. I am very excited. Two good friends from High School live in Jacksonville and I am going for a week to meet with them and we are going to have fun! We are planning all sorts of things to do. But during the week when they are at work....I am going to venture out on my own. I am going to shop, relax on the beach and cruze for guys! Thought that would get everyones attention. Really I am going to let loose and really enjoy my life. I have needed this vacation for so long and it will be great to get away from home and work.

When I get home this evening I am going to try and post pictures of the wonderful swap things I have gotten and enjoy a very good dinner without the worry about homework!
Later .....

Whew ...it is finally the weekend

I am so glad it is the weekend! I at least can relax even though I have homework to complete plus a midterm to do. But I am in the bunny slippers (not really) but I am relaxed and ready to sit back quietly and accomplish what I need to.

On Thursday I came home to a wonderful package from one of my swaps ....not sure which one but once I charge my camera up I will take pictures. It was so wonderful...a book "The Knitter's Gift", a great felted mitten pattern, four skeins of felting yarn, beautiful stitch markers, the cutest snowman from a wooden spoon, and fabric fat quarters!

Then on Friday I received a wonderful package from my Secret Pal 10. A really nice skein of Paton yarn, a yummy candle that smells so good, a needle gauge, my favorite candy (Rocher) and the sweetest little card. I can't wait till she reveals herself. SP 10 has been fun!

Again,.....gotta charge the camera up and once I do I will take pictures. I let it run down...gee you think I was busy and had no time...LOL ! I am lucky to remember to keep my cell phone charged.

I better get to the homework and try to complete it so I can have a day of rest tomorrow. I will knit tomorrow...has been way too long...I think it will bring me back to a center of calmness I need right now. I hear all those knitting needles clicking and they are calling my name!

Burning the Candle at Both Ends is not good or wise!

Well once again my over acheiver alter ego has surfaced! I found out if I work really hard I can earn my Bachelor degree next May instead of 2 years from now. But I have to just about kill myself do this. Okay ...not really kill myself, but make a lot of sacrifices and plan the heck out of my life. Not one of my strong points since the creative side emerges whenever it feels like it. The new man in my life is not really on hold but he wants to take it slow and right now that is fine with me. Okay not really but I will worry about men issues later. I too old for my wants to hurt me....and just young enought to care....

The class I am taking at the moment is so intensive. It is a fourteen week class crammed into 7 weeks. It is just about to take me down.....but I will make it through.

I have been so busy that I have even knitted in about a week. This has frustrated me but I also have had to work late at work all week. Exhaustion has been my middle name. Why does it seem like everything hits the fan at once?

I did recently order some beautiful yarn to knit some washclothes and soap bags for Christmas presents. The pattern is so beautiful....it looks like a Victorian set. I got the pattern and yarn from Patternworks. Will have to take pictures and post some of my WIP and some of my other stuff.....today is my thought gathering day and I will be getting organized! Wish me luck!

I am Calm Now...Men are really okay...

Thanks to all who were so kind. I emotionally wrote my blog the other day....not good. I will not give up on this one. We started out as good friends and this can not change. Good friends are hard to find. But I truly believe this one will eventually be more than that....It's in Gods hand and if he feels it is right it will work out.

At least I wasn't non productive from my emotions...I cleared and cleaned a lot of my past life clutter. There were so many closets and stuff in my house from my ex husband that I needed to clean out. And I have! Amazing how much you can throw away when you are on a mission. Thank goodness for being a older wise women...you can snap right back into your thought pattern of " I am women, hear me roar....I am independent and I can go and do what I want..!!!!" Now let me tell you all a little secret.....my sweetie is 10 years younger than me...maybe I was more women than he anticipated...but continuing to being good friends is very important to me....I can handle this and I will.....I am too much of a good person which he readily admits to....he is really a good one....can you imagine a man with a good moral compass...one who values friendship even though he wants more.....we work more closely than I let on in my earlier post. We work in the same office, same department, and same team.....But we came over from the other component to headquarters the same day and we worked at the other area for 2 years.....how do you spell destiny......I am not giving up.

I took a class on Sat. to improve my intarsia technique a little better. Great class...only two of us in there so we really got a lot of hands on help. I will post pictures later....I have to do homework now. My summer class for my degree is "Financial and Managerial Accounting" ...how load can we all say YUCK! Only 6 more weeks to go....and I will be one more class ahead.

This driven women is going to call a friend for dinner and relax her tired self.

How do you spell broken hearted?

Well...what I thought was a budding realtionship turned out to be not one at all. "He" decided that a work relationship was not working and would be better that we stay friends. I am so crushed. I don't know if I will ever trust a man again. Right when I thought doors were opening they have been slammed in my face....again. I have cried my last tear over a man...I am done. Don't feel sorry for me...I know that I am a pretty terrific person and I know that God loves me and I guess there is a reason for this.
I will have several good cries and move on. A sad day. Trust is a very hard thing to give and when it is broken...well....it just hard.

The Weekend ...thank goodness!

This has been the week that takes a good women to her last nerve! If it wasn't for my new sweetie....I think I would have just lost it!

I tired to get a hair appointment 3 times and with me not being able to make it or my hairdresser not being able to keep the appointment I finally gave up and made it with her partner. I teased Tammy, my hairdresser, telling her that her new found happiness in marriage is making it hard for us. She has changed her schedule and it is not good for the rest of us loyal customers....LOL....we will adapt! We are happy for her. Anyway....I also had to cancel my other vice for pampering ....my monthly manicure and pedicure...I have to work on my day off so I had to reschedule my pampering day....oh well......another day will be okay.

But my new sweetie told me I was still pretty....he is a real keeper! Can't go into too much detail ....we are in the early stages of our relationship and hopefully it progresses......we have know each other for 3 years....and this just started to get to be a little more than just friends.....oh yeah! BIG OLD SMILE FOR ME! Enough gushing for now.....will gush more later.

I just received my order from Blue Moon Fiber Arts..Socks that Rock....colors, Lunasea, Little Bunny Foo Foo and Love in Idelness....they are beautiful.....I have other projects to finish and then I am going to dig in! They are yummy, yummy, yummy!!!

Well...off to bed to dream about my sweetie ....hmmmm.

Secret Pal 10 Contest #5 - My Favorite Knitting Spot

My hostess from Secret Pal 10 has a new contest! I am to describe my fav. way to knit. So here it goes...............

My favorite place to knit is in my recliner. I snuggle down in the chair and put my bag on the side and knit my little heart out. I like to have a good cup of hot coffee on the table beside me sometimes and I ususally have the TV on to a favorite show which could be any HGTV show or a "who done it show". Sometimes I recline back some and knit very relaxed.....but this can be deadly....because I usually fall asleep and this is not productive! Oh I want to start to knit.....so I think I will endulge myself and knit for awhile....
Keep those needles clicking!

I am Greatful!

I was off from work yesterday and not feeling well so I just watched TV and knitted. I was watching a show about the generosity of people in disasters and I started thinking how grateful I am to be who I am and what I have. In the last 14 years of my life I have accomplished so much and have done a lot with my life....even though some may look at it as it has been a very small accomplishment....But I think it is huge. A few facts about me in the last 14 years.

1. I was a stay at home PTA mom when my husband decided to leave me and move on to what he said was his view of happiness and it didn't include me. We had been married 23 years by then. I had never worked so I was scared and frightened.

2. After a number of extremely poor years and worrying to the point I thought I would loose my mind, I decided to go back to college. It took me awhile, because I wanted to get my daughter through. In the meantime I worked very small odd jobs to make ends meet and prayed a lot that I would not loose the house or my mind!

3. At the age of 46 I entered community college and received my Associate Degree in Business 4 years later. I graduated with honors and I knew then the world was at my feet.

4. I had the opportunity to start working in the Federal Government and that lead to an internship. I have moved up rapidly in my job (both financially and career wise and today I am comfortable and able to support myself and do the things I have wanted to do.

5. I enter college again to earn my Bachelor of Professional Studies majoring in Leadership and Management. I have maintain a 3.5 GPA throughout my college days and I will graduate a year from now.

There are times where I get very lonely and frustrated with the opposite sex, as proven in my rant a week ago.....but I am proof positive that you can do anything you want to do and do it well.

I am so grateful for my life, my family, my daughter, my grandson and my son-in-law. I am in fairly decent health and I have good friends I can call on. Above all of this I have the love of GOD and without him I nor would anyone else have the blessings we have today.

My point to all of this is to stop when you are angry, count your blessings and see just how rich you are. Riches aren't always counted as money....they are the gifts we give others and how we receive gifts back. Look at all the talent when we read each others blogs! Wow....I find it amazing and overwhelming at times.

We all have so much to share and to be grateful for and I wanted to just express it today. May God Bless you and may you go forth and rejoice for what you have and what you can share. All of have gifts, whether they are sewing, knitting, cooking, or just being a good friend. Dig deep and figure out what your gift is and freely give it. You will find your gift will come back to you many times over.

With all my sincere sisterly love,
Iva

A Lazy Weekend!

I can't believe I left my rant up so long. I intended to post this week end but.....I was just out of it. Thanks for the positive feedback Kaki! It's great when you have new friends that post nice things.

After working so hard for my great grade for my class....I have become the all time slug! I have been so tired. But this is the allergy season and it seems worse than ever. I start back to school May 21st and I am not really looking forward to it. But it will be one more class down and the light at the end of the tunnel for graduation has finally shown brightly! I went to my counselor and found out that I can graduate next May if I really put my nose to the grindstone....and you better believe I am. I love attending classes but I am so tired of doing homework. But the rewards for all my hard work over the years has been worth it!

I still haven't talked about my class with Melissa Leapman. My daughter and I had such a good time. We learned several different types of edgings and I can see using them on socks purses and of course sweaters. I was so enthralled with learning that I forgot to take pictures at the class.....can you believe that. Both my daughter and myself had our cameras and we forgot to take pictures. I will take some of my samples and post later. However, we did get our books autographed by her. At least part of the old noodle was working.

Today being Monday is even harder to get motivated but I really need to get into the swing of work. I really should have come in on Sat. to work...but like the little child I can be..."I didn't want to!".

I did get to see a friend from high school who was in town from FL. We got to visit for a few hours....it was nice and I hope she is able to come back up and we can get together again....maybe I will make the trip down there. I need to start planning a few trips......need to find more yarn shops! LOL

My daughter is visiting a friend in CA and I called her last night. She found some really neat yarn shops and she said she is bringing me home some treats. I can't wait. I have the best daughter in the world!

Well better actually earn my living.....until the next post....keep those knitting needles clicking and new yarn shops on the horizon.

A little Irritation Please!

Well...yesterday was an all time aggrivating day. I dropped my car off at the dealers (first big mistake there) to have the oil changed, tires rotated and State Inspection. Now mind you my car is only 3 years old. No problems noted and none that I could see, feel or hear. Well....they called me to let me know that my breaks needed to be replaced. I only had 48 thousand miles on it. When I arrived my bill was almost 2 car payments. I hit the roof. I managed to get them to remove some charges that they couldn't seem to explain, but now you know where my tax refund it going. I was planning on buying some new yarn....maybe take a little extended weekend trip or what ever.....but no this has to go for something that I know I was totally ripped off. I know this is because I am a women and they saw me coming.....well....no more....I told them I would not ever return nor would I recommend them. I hope I gave them a bad evening....I wasn't ugly...just firm.

And my other rant.....I have been separated and divorced for 14 years. I have put my nose to the grindstone and put my daughter through school, myself through (I am actually going now and almost finished) gotten a very good job and taken care of myself very well. I have no issues or at least very few...fun to be with, a good cook, a hard worker, pretty decent to look at ....so what's the problem.....MEN...what the heck do they want. I have not dated much and at my age it's hard to find them alive and kicking (LOL). I subscribed to EHarmony and I have had a lot of matches, but the men don't communicate.....they close me before we can even get to know each other......usually its the checked box..."I don't believe there is any chemistry"....How the heck can they tell?????? By a few questions?????? To have chemistry folks you have to get to know someone....my big issue with myself is my weight and I belive MEN are looking for one thing....a roll in the hay and they can profess being a Christian all they want but I know they have one thing on their mind and if a women doesn't look like Barbie or act like they haven't a brain in their head....well some of us are just left out. I know that a lot of you have wonderful husbands, but you are lucky.....some of us are not. I would give anything to have a wonderful partner in my life to share things with......but I guess right now it is not on the horizon for me....in the meantime I will wish, hope and pray that God will give me a good man before I get so old I won't know what to do with him! LOL....Rant over.

Will post more tonight when I get home.....have to tell all about my knitting class with Melissa Leapman....fun, fun , fun......