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.