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.