mail call - AHEDE

You just gotta love the friends that you make through swaps! I was first introduced to Anne in a swap a while back, maybe a year ago or so, and I've been following her blog ever since. And now, this round of the dishcloth exchange I was lucky enough to be her downstream pal. Not only do I enjoy reading her blog, but now I can say that I've truly enjoyed being spoiled by her as well. And boy was I spoiled! First up is this luscious yarn. It's Cotton Twist from Berroco and has such a lovely sheen to it. I've never knit with it before so I'll have to find something really special for these three skeins.

And there there were goodies to eat! And boy were were they goodies! Those peeps barely made it through all the unpacking and photo shooting. And that Reeses is at the moment being savored to the fullest extent. You don't even know how long it's been since I've had one of those! OMG!!!
Anne didn't stop at treating just my needles and my tastebuds, she also threw in a few items to treat my feet (go Socktober Fest!!!) and my nose (good thing too since it looks like it's going to be a long sickly season for me).
These fun items will be dancing in the kitchen soon enough. And a good thing too. Anne, how did you know that I don't really own any pot holders and with the new dinning room table I'm afraid to put hot items on it so I've been wanting to get some?
And for more pampering lovelies, Anne included these. But what's in the knitted wrapped package you ask?
Ta-da!
This pumpkin dish will be out this weekend when we host Iron Chef Arlington, Battle Pumpkin. And again, a cotton yarn I have yet to try. If only these computer thingies came with feel-o-vision then you could feel how soft and lovely it is. I'm already thinking I'm going to save this little lovely for when I'm really stressed. I'm sure it will do wonders for me. Once again, Anne, you're the best! Thanks for everything!

promises, promises

OK. So I blew one of my promises. Get over it. I did. I don't really want to talk politics, but those of you who know me would be proud to know that I actually went to a debate party and didn't get home until really late. And today has been a day filled with yarn shopping and coughing up lung parts. I guess instead of leaving those bread crumbs along the blog path... OK, I won't go there. But I do have some good stuff to share.

My SP12 pal was good to me. She revealed herself to me with her final package that arrived on Thursday. Everything was wrapped so pretty but I couldn't find my camera before opening it all. I just wasn't patient enough for that. But I did take the time to look for it afterwards so that I could share my spoils with all of you.

There was a beautiful card with a lovely message inside from Allison and after visiting her blog, I have to wonder if she took this picture herself. It's so pretty that I might just frame it. The other photos on her blog are just as beautiful so if you have a moment to drop on over and check them out and leave her a little hello, I'm sure that would make her happy.

One of my favorite items in the package was this bag. Chan, it's got all the right pockets in all the right places. I've already decided that it has become my current go everywhere knitting bag.

These three cuties were also included and the first two have made their way into my desk at work to help bring a smile if a grooling day should cross my path. The pink kitty thing is a stapler of sorts. Two kids were in my room the other day and were fascinated with it! And I adore the monkey tape measure! I recently purchased a robe from Targeet with a sock monkey on the pocket (a photo saved for a future post through Socktober Fest) so I giggled like an 8 year old when I saw it. I keep showing all my knitting friends this weekend and now they want one too

And of course there was yarn. You can't forget the yarn.

Allison knew that I wanted to try my hand at some lace so she sent along some Silky Alpaca Lace by Classic Elite in a warm fall purple. She even made a few suggestions on patterns and I'm thinking of trying my hand at this one - Lacy Scarf Sampler. So maybe in the middle of all my started Christmas knitting I'll be crossing my fingers to actually work on this. But then again crossed fingers might prove to get in the way. But Allison was really a swapper after my own heart when she included some Dream in Color Smooshie in Chinatown Apple. This photo washes out the colorway a bit (damn crappy weather is effecting more than just my lungs). These will make lovely autumn socks.

And speaking of socks, I will leave you with a beginning of one of the other promises that I made, to show of my Sketchers. I'm planning to wear the every Friday during Socktober Fest to celebrate the hand knitted sock.

Postponement and Promises

OK, so I took my camera to school today to take some photos of some great stuff going on in classrooms and I forgot the camera in my desk. So I don't have the photos to download to the computer from the fab-u package my SP12 pal sent me yesterday. Have I mentioned that I love my SP12 pal? Well, I do. And when you see the photos you'll love her too.

So instead of photos of received packages I'll post some promises.

1. I promise to post tomorrow night regarding the SP12 package. For tonight I'll just enjoy it!
2. I promise work on finishing up my AHEDE pal's package this weekend so that it'll be ready to send out sometime next week so that she'll have plenty of time to enjoy all the fun stuff included as she prepares for Halloween.
3. I promise to get back to knitting socks. Even joined Socktober Fest. I'm hoping to finish the Anastasia socks, knit me some Steelers socks, and start on Aunt Carol's Christmas socks. I may be shooting high, but at least I'm shooting.
4. I promise to take photos of my clear Sketchers that I purchased over the summer to show off my knitted socks to add to the excitement of Socktober Fest. I even plan to wear them once a week during Socktober Fest.
5. I plan to somehow catch up on my blog reading and maybe even leave a few comments like bread crumbs along the trail.

Somebody loves me

Well, maybe 'love' is a strong word seeing how my swap pal is a stranger to me. But that's how I felt when I opened my latest package from my SP12 secret pal. She must have been reading along or telepathically knows that life has been quite sh!tty this year but that I'm ready to begin turning things around. Actually, I've been wanting to be ready for quite some time now, but it just wasn't happening just yet. But now I'm ready to make my move. And this package is a clear reminder of that. That yarn you see there is as soft as melted butter only not as greasy. It's Classic Elite's Inca Marl in a oh so me rusty red. I'm going to have to knit something special just for me out of this. That is if I can stop rubbing it all over my body long enough to knit with it!

This photo doesn't do the yarn justice and looks too purply. But wait till you see what else was included with it! My darling secret pal made me these knifty row counters. They are so crafty and what a great idea. I'm going to have to figure out how she made these because I'm sure that a few of my knitting friends are going to want some.

Also included was a pen, a dpn holder, and a box of Swedish Fish. The pen has already made it into the bag I carry daily, the dpn holder is already in use with a pair of socks that I hope to be carrying around to finish (how did she know that I had these on my LoopyEwe wish list?) and the Swedish Fish are already gone. I haven't had a snack in two days (back on WW again) and was jonesing for something sweet. I haven't had Swedish Fish in SO long! They were always a favorite of mine. But I think the best part of the package (other than the yarn of course!) and most significant for me was the other two items. The message on the nail file is one that I need to remind myself of daily so it's going in my daily bag as well. There are lots of little good things going on in my life and I want to focus on them so that the sum of all the little things will make the bigger picture look brighter and happier. And I'm learning that day by day, life is going by. If we don't enjoy it now, when will we?

And this item is totally the way I feel right now. I'm ready to start over. Last Saturday I re-registered with WeightWatchers, work begins on Monday, I actually bought make up the other day (if I'm going to land another man I'm gonna have to look good right?), I've been buying new clothes.... so many things to mark a beginning. So what better way to start each day than a big mug of reminders?
My SP12 pal my not 'love' me but I can feel the loving thoughts she has sent my way. I certainly am in love with each item she included and can't wait to find out who she is so that I can tell her myself how much I appreciate her 'love', support, and friendship so far.

KCiSDE packages

Yesterday I received a wonderful package from my Keepin' Cool in Summer Dishcloth Exchange pal, Darcy! She was very thorough to include so many things that I would like. When I opened the package, this is what I saw:

Everything was wrapped up in these summery bags (which I've saved for future use!). I had to wait a few moments to open everything because Sarah is so excited about her new camera that she insisted on taking several pictures of everything. (Please go to her blog and rave about what wonderful photos she's now taking. Maybe it'll urge her to blog more often. ha!)

First up is the yarn goodies! I don't think kitchen cotton has ever looked so beautiful than in this picture. Do you? And the multiples of cloths that Darcy knit were perfect! At the moment I'm not using knitted cloths in the kitchen but I said that I would love some for the bath. Darcy made two washcloth sized ones for in the shower and three coordinating smaller face scrubs for the sink. They are adorable!!! And the exfoliating soap smells divine. I wish the blogs came with smell-o-vision!

Then there were other goodies. Tons of stuff for relaxing in the bath. There's Awake body wash from B&B Works and some Coconut lotion from there too. A very Feng Shui candle that is already sitting on the stand next to my bed. Another scrubby for the shower and some bath cubes and a tea that I haven't tried yet. Planning on a little of that tomorrow morning with breakfast! And then there was this adorable bee bag that I'm just SO in love with! Inside was packed with more yummies for the tubby. But I think the bag is my favorite item! I'm totally diggin' it!

There was also three great patterns for more bath items and three recipes for summer refreshments. Thanks Darcy for such an awesome package!

My downstream partner, Alana, also received her package and you can check out her goodies here. While you're there, send Alana some good vibes, I'm sure she'd appreciate them.

On my own knitting front, I've finished the Spring Forward socks but they need some blocking to really bring out the beauty of the pattern so you'll all have to wait for photos and details on them. and tonight I've cast on for the Aquaphobia socks in a wild colorway that I received in a contest package. I'll post progress pics of those too, once there's enough to really see the pattern.

Inspiration....

I came across this notebook the other day and realized that it makes a statement that my heart has been trying for. Some of my friends have told me in the past that I'm just too nice to people. That I'm too giving without getting much or anything in return. Isn't that what most women do? I guess that I'm just hoping that if I put out enough kindness that someone will find that they can love me. I was wrong with Honey. And now my skin is a little thicker and my heart still a little scared. But I still have hope for love. Right now I'm working on getting back to scattering that kindness because it makes me happy. And what better way to get back on the wagon than to make yourself happy. But this time I'm going to make sure that I include myself in the group of that I scatter that kindness to. I want to be nicer to myself as I'm reinventing who I am without Honey.

In an act to scatter kindness I sent out three packages last week. One to Ann's subliminal healing project (with hats that Sarah mostly knit but whatever). One to my KCiSDE pal. And one to my SP12 pal. I hope that they all enjoy the kindness (and love) that went into each package. It certainly felt good to put them together. I felt like a piece of me was rejuvenated with each item I chose to include.

Already some kindness and love has come back my way. The other day I received a package from my SP12 pal. She sent a great little package with some very cheerful items. Tofutsies in a bright cheery limited edition colorway. A fabulous book about strength, friendship, and knitting that I've already started reading. Some Soak to make the Tofutsies smell fresher. And a spring notepad that symbolizes for me the growth and new beginnings I'm going through. Thank you secret pal! Your package hit the spot!

SITMT pal meet up

On Saturday I had the opportunity to meet up with my downstream SITMT secret pal. She happen to be driving up to the area so we met for lunch at Panara's. She had commented on the sock blockers that I made and I promised that I would help her make her own pair. Here she is donning a pair of her very own.

After chatter for hours and getting very little knitting done, we decided to head over to World Market to pick up a few goodies for current swap pals. Iva had her Loopey Ewe with her so we did a sort of 'round the world photo shoot - Africa, India, China.

Thanks Iva for a wonderfully fun afternoon! I hope that we get to do it again sometime

Today Sarah and I were out and about picking up great deals. Got some great yarns for secret pals so I can't show them here... sorry.

Secret Pal 12 Questionaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I'm in love with Jitterbug but there are so many other great yarns out there and so many that I haven't tried and that I would love to try. I'm game for anything but the froo-froo fluffy acrylic stuff.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have a cute corky vase that I keep my bamboo straights in and I recently purchased fabric fold-over thingies for my dpns and my Option Interchangables.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting for about 4 or 5 years. I would say that I'm an intermediate knitter. I haven't really gotten into doing anything too challenging and advanced like. At least I don't think so. I'm not really into designing or anything and I haven't done very many garment items but I'm pretty confident that I can follow most patterns.

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

5. What's your favorite scent? At the moment it's honey or coconut. They feel like home to me and remind me of summertimes with my family as I was growing up.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I do have a sweet tooth... try 32 of them! I love my sweets a little too much, especially of the baked goods variety.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I make a meager attempt to garden with herbs and greenery in the yard. I also like to read in bed and on the side porch on summer mornings. I don't spin but I'm hoping to try my hand at dyeing this summer.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I listen to a lot of county but have a mix of stations programed into my car stereo. My new phone (Sony Ericksonn Walkman) has the ability to play MP3s but I haven't figured it out yet.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love fall earthy colors - pumpkins, rusts, bronzes. In the summertime I'm also attracted to clear blues that remind me of the ocean and soft breezes.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I've been recently singled. My friend Sarah is moving in. We're not allowed to have pets here.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear scarves, not just for warmth but also as an accessory to my outfit. Hats don't usually do well with me - I have an oddly shaped head. Not so much of a mitten gal but fingerless mittens or gloves are pretty cool. Only have one poncho type item and I love it. This past winter I got into the stole idea, love that too.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Not really sure. But looking at my projects posted on Ravelry it would appear that I enjoy socks and bags.

13. What are you knitting right now? A pair of socks, a pair of felted slippers (because it would appear that everyone in my family now wants a pair), and hopefully finishing Wisp before my cousin's wedding.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes! Especially those that have been well made and have my interests in mind.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I usually use my Option Interchangables for most projects and metal dpns for socks. But I also have a collection of bamboo straights too.

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

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Only about a year and a half old. I started a Lizzard Ridge blanket and got all the squares finished but never seamed it together. Maybe this summer.

18. What is your favorite holiday? How about a favorite season? I'm totally a fall baby. I'm in love with fall earthy colors. Every day of all feels like it's a special holiday especially for me. But favorite holiday to spend with family? No brainer, Christmas. Traditions, family, cold weather outside hot chocolate and goodies inside, sweaters and wool socks. Favorite time to have friends over? Summer BBQ. Nothing says summer fun like meat cooked over flames outside.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Books and tea

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Check out my wish list on Amazon. There are tons of great knit books there that I'm interested in. Most of the books that I already have are posted in my library on Ravelry but there are a few that aren't there to load up yet.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? This summer I would like to work on some lace projects.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I love having a sock on the needles... or sometimes two. I wear a size 9 shoe. Foot measurements include (and please let me know if I’m missing any pertinent information here): Ankle circumference – 9 inches, foot circumference – 9 inches, Foot length – 10 inches. I don’t know if this matters or not, but I have very high arches.

23. When is your birthday? October 17th

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

Secret Pal 12

Those of you looking for another great summer swap, check out Secret Pal 12. There are two levels of involvement to choose from. I've chosen the larger of the two swaps and am looking forward to some summer swap fun!

Keepin' Cool in Summer Dishcloth Swap

I'm jumping on the bandwagon for this fun summer swap. Wanna join us?

1. Do you Knit or Crochet? For how long? I've been knitting for about 4 or 5 years now.

2. Do you enjoy using metal, wooden, or some other kind of needle\hook? I love my Options needles for most projects. And I use the metal dpns that I find in my local cheap-o craft store for socks. I also have a small collection of Clover wood needles. I've seen some really beautiful needles out there but I haven't tried them yet.

3. What are your favorite types of yarn? Any you just can't stand? I'm really into sock yarns right now and am hoping to experiment with some lace this summer. There are so many great yarns out there that I don't know if I can choose just one or even a few right now.

4. When it comes to cotton, are there any brands you'd love to try and haven't? Don't know. I've only used Sugar N Cream for cloths. But I do have some Lambs Pride cotton in my stash that I'd like to play with this summer. I don't really know a whole lot about the cottons out there. But I'm eager to try something new.

5. When you make Dishcloths, do you use them yourself, or tend to give them as gifts? I haven't done many dishcloths. The cloths that I've done have been baby washcloths or trivit-like cloths for gifts.

6. Do you have a favorite color? Any that you dislike? I like very earthy colors. The majority of my house is earthy looking with browns, beighes, blues, and reds. Although my eyes in a yarn store are drawn to the bright colors (I mean, who's isn't?) but the bright stuff just isn't really me in the house. Although I love the bright pinks and purples in my garden.

7. What color(s) (if any!) are your kitchen and bath decorated in? My kitchen walls are yellow and my dishes are very earthy green, yellow, and red pottery. My bathroom is dark blue and retro blue (the toliet was put in in the 40'2 and is retro blue).

8. What are your favorite scents around the house? Clean fresh smells for summer.

9. What is your very favorite thing about summer? No school!!! I have the freedom to do the things I really want to do suring the summer months. Sometimes I take a class or get a part time job that is completely different from my actual job. It would be nice to take some art like class this summer.

10. What is your least favorite thing about summer? Those days that it gets blistering hot and you can't even stand to be in your own skin and your electric bill goes sky high from the AC going full blast 24/7.

11. Do you use soap or body wash in the shower? I generally use body wah in the shower. At the sink I go back and forth between liquids and natural hand made bars.

12. What scents do you enjoy in the bath? Just about anything but particularly honey, coconut, and lavender.

13. What is your favorite dishcloth pattern? I don't know that I really have one. But I do know that I don't perfer ones that are really lacy or holey. Tecture is good but I get my fingers stuck in holes. Besides I think I would rather have a bathcloth if my swap pal is ok with that. I really enjoy exfoliating in the shower. I find it really relaxing. Washing dishes are not so relaxing if you know what I mean.

14. What sort of treats do you enjoy? Sweet or Salty? I enjoy all sorts of treats. I'm trying to be good this summer and loose some weight from all those treats. I plan on following the Weight Watchers plan and doing lots of walking this summer. But those yummy treats will find their way into my life every now and then.

15. Imagine today is one of the hottest days of the year - what do you do to keep cool? Or are you one of those folks who loves the hot weather? I love the warmer weather. A perfect summer afternoon includes sitting out on the porch with a great glass of iced tea or lemonaid, reading a book or knitting small projects like socks, and admiring the plants around me. Occasionally going over to rub the rosemary or lavender for a little aroma therapy. But if the weather gets too hot, I'm all about hitting the local indoor ice rink for an hour or two of ice skating. What a treat in the summer heat!

16. What sorts of hobbies do you enjoy besides knitting or crocheting? reading, gardening with herbs and greenery, shopping, drinking tea

17. Do you collect anything (besides yarn!) Books. All kinds. I love Jodi Picoult and kids poetry books. I have an Amason wish list with my current book wants. My Amazon wish list

18. Are you on Ravelry? If so, share your ID! knitknucklehead

19. Do you have any allergies? Mushrooms and all foods that live underwater.

20. Do you have any pets? Not allowed to have pets here.

My SITMT package finally arrived!!!

WA-HOO!!!

Can I tell you how excited I am to receive my socks from my SITMT pal?! Oh my gosh! No one has ever made a pair of socks for me. I'm still getting good at making them for myself. How exciting is this that someone made ME a pair?! Not to mention that they fit PERFECTLY and remind me of CHOCOLATE (which I've been eating a LOT of lately - bad WW girl)! I'm going to have to wear these to work tomorrow and show them off.
The rest of the package included some melt in your mouth Dove chocolate, an adorable fuzzy bunny, a little sign that says 'Eat Chocolate', and some Cascade Fixation yarn for some summer socks. Thanks Iva, you rock!!!

more SITMT contest post

Contest 2: Spring Knitting
Post about your spring knitting plans. Do you have a new project in mind? Joining a new group? Any new goals you wish to share? (5 points)

For this spring I'm really hoping to finish off on the projects I've got going now. And maybe get a pair of socks or two in there as well. I was also thinking of starting up a recycling KAL this spring (we'll see.... maybe). Somewhere along the line I saw someone knit up a shopping tote with all those plastic bags you get at the grocery store. I kind of dig that idea and might like to try it out.

Contest 3: Share the Yarn Love
Let's face it, there are a lot of knitters out there. And with that goes the fact that there is a lot of yarn out there! For this contest you will post 10 of your favorite yarns out there. They can be just sock yarn or lace or whatever your heart desires. (10 points for posting; 20 if you add the links to the companies)

These come to mind at the moment:
1. Jitterbug
2. Malabrigo
3. Lorna's Laces
4. Cascade 220
5. Classic Elite Wool Bam Boo
6. Extra Stampato
7. Rowan Big Wool
8. Lamb's Pride
9. Tofutsies
10. Claudia Hand Painted

SITMT V-Day post

Ok. So I've been down and out lately. I can't say that things are any better around here, but maybe I'm just getting used to it. I'm not crying nearly as much as I was this time last week. But today marks a very crappy day - 1 week since my world fell apart and V-Day to boot! How ironic. I guess the only thing that could be worse would be the crash down happening today. That would truely suck.

In an effort to start picking things up around here again, this post is for the SITMT swap.

Contest 1: All About Love

Simple enough post - You will post, on your blog, about a memorable Valentine's day you've had. Could be from when you were a child or now. (5 points) Extra points if you post pictures of anything in red, pink and white, for Valentine's Day. (an extra 5 points) Posts must be made by February 14th.

I don't remember a particularly great V-Day, but I will say that Dad has always been a wonderful thought today. Usually it was mom doing the shopping and picking things up for the kids, or at least a group effort between mom and dad. But Dad always made a special effort on V-Day to pick up some sort of goodie on his way home from work to bring home to us. Some years we got delicious chocolates, sometimes those yummy juju hearts that I could eat a sack full of. Since moving away, I think Dad has called on V-Day just to let me know he's thinking about me. I will hold on to this thought today as I anticipate his call.

I hope all of you wonderful blogging knitters out there receive some sort of lovely gesture to let them you how wonderful they are and that you are loved.

EEEWWWWW WWWWEEEEEE!!!!!!

I sound like a squealing pig! Today was a very good day for me. I can't help but say "it's about damn time!" I had a meeting most of the day at central office that went exceptionally well. I had two meetings with teachers that went very well and didn't take forever. I met Jaz for some knitting time and to catch up on each others lives from the past few weeks. Ruth joined us and the two of us ended up staying way later than we have been lately. I felt so laid back and relaxed. I came home and found a lovely package waiting for me from my SITMT pal. And I have just enough time to post about my wonderful new additions before a new episode of House comes on. The stars must be in alignment just for me today. Or at least things are back to pleasant today which is a big change from the norm lately.

Ok, enough babbling. House will be coming on soon. Let's get to the good stuff!!!

First off I must comment on my first thoughts. I wasn't expecting a package today so immediately I looked to see who the package was for and where it was sent from. The return address said Fredericksburg, VA. I thought "Cool! My SITMT pal is from VA too! How neat!" (Something similar happened before with the color swap when I was paired with Maddie who lives on the same street as me!) Then I opened to find all sorts of goodies inside. I took the time to read and study the card first. In the note, my SITMT pal mentioned that she was mailing it from somewhere else so as to not give herself away just yet. Which made me go back and look at the postage stamp which said "Alexandria, VA" - mailed yesterday. hhhhmmmmmmm????? Fredericksburg, Alexandria????? Might my secret pal be just around the corner and I not even know it?! I mentioned it all to Honey and he's trying to encourage me to go checking through everyone's blog and see if I can figure out who it might be. But I'm enjoying the excitement this is all causing!

So what lovelies were included in my package you might ask? Well, take a peek!

Those of you who have been hanging around here some time will remember the Passionate Purple Socks I made inspired by Stacey and her passion for purple. They were knit up with Tofutsies and I fell in love. I now will have to make plans for a second pair! This time in lovely rosy-purples, oranges, and blacks.

And what am I already indulging in???

The photo appears to be a bit blurry here for some strange reason. But this is the cutest personal teapot set I've ever seen. And it's soooo me! Do you see the little blurry tea cup up front there? It's the most adorable handle to a tea infuser. And the tea is yummy! A perfect ending for today! There were also knitting mints and some yummy shortbread which I'm thinking of breaking into next!

Thanks SITMT pal! You rock! And you've made my day even more sweeter.

Now I must hurry.... House is starting!!!!

Busy week

This week has been tremendously busy. I've been in more classrooms and had more meetings this week than I really thought possible. And amazingly enough, most of them worked out just fine. Usually when it looks to be a busy week things get all mucked up and the schedule doesn't work out how I planned which makes the following week awkward trying to catch up and deal with that week's happenings as well. But this week, well this week went smoothly. Busy but smooth. Which is more than I can hope for.

Honey went alone to build today but he'll be back tonight for a poker game with the boys. It' good to see him have a little boy time fun every now and then. I might drag him out to the Sugerloaf Festival tomorrow so boys night tonight should put him in a better mood for craft day tomorrow. Right now I'm enjoying laying around on the couch, watching movies, and doing some light knitting. The busy week left for little knitting time so I feel like I have some catching up to do. But just sitting slouching here doing nothing as a certain appeal to it as well.

For those of you who left comments on my day of beauty, I present to you Chocolate Caramel.... I think I kind of like this coloring better than the Chocolate Peanutbutter, which was a little redder than this. Frankly, either coloring isn't all that different than my own brunette hue, but it does add a little shine and body. Who doesn't love that. As for the cut, it's really the same as usual, but she did cut off about 4 inches from the bottom. At least it's not knotting up so much in the back from the static formed from coats and scarves and such.

I mentioned that very little knitting progress was made this week, but I do have a few progresses to report. First up is my SITMT swap sock. I'm now officially 1 down, 1 to go. It's actually going quite quickly... when I have the time to work on it that is. Since my swap pal is a secret, I can give you a little peaky-peaky.

It's coming out beautifully I think. I'm starting to think that I have this sock thing down, baby!!! Wo-hoo!!! The bigger thrill is going to be if they actually fit! Ha! I'm also hoping to make her some sock blockers to go along with them. The finally package doesn't go out until the end of February or beginning of March... really should check on that to be sure. But I'm thinking of putting together a little something to send in the meantime. Sorry, but I can't give any more information than that in case she's lurking around.

In other knitting news, I have an FO to report. This woman that I worked with last year really took me under her wing to show me some of the ins and outs of this position. Come to realize we are both gag-gag over tea. So every time we were able to get together we were exchanging samples of different teas we came across. Just after the holidays, we were able to get together for a little Thai (also a shared favorite) and she presented me with this -

an adorable little travel pouch to hold my teas in my work bag. Before, I carried a stash of teas with me in a plastic baggie. After a few weeks the baggie would start to look like someone got hungry and started to chew on it. This little tea stash pouch is perfect for the tea lover on the go! Thanks Pam!

As for my FO, to thank Pam, I made her these adorable little mug cozies in a very delicious variegated blue from Lamb's Pride. I got the pattern in Interweaves Holiday issue 07.

EWW... mailman's here... gotta go........

January goal list update

I know I've been amiss about posting lately... but I assure you I am alive and well... or at least as well as one might expect. I've had two migraines since Christmas (including the one that started two days ago and might finally have gone away this afternoon). Work has been hectic getting back into the swing of things and this happens to be a crunch time for me as well. I feel like I'm falling behind on all sorts of things, including the housekeeping. I may have to take advantage of Honey building this weekend to get the house back into sorts.

So, checking in with my January goals:

1. develop an exercise plan for two to three days a week - and stick to it!
NOPE. Didn't do that. In fact haven't exercise one i-ota since the new year.

2. reinvest myself in the WW program - actually start following the Flex Plan to a T again.

Kind of. The first week was bad but then I had a good week and actually lost 1.6 lbs. But do to the weather and the looming of the onset of a migraine, I didn't attend the meeting on Thursday so I don't know how I did. But I did succumb to Entenmann's chocolate donuts today. What can I say? Chocolate helps the migraines better than any pill I have in my possession.

3. take my vitamins every day.

Yes. In fact to help get over the loom of various colds that appear to still be going around, there have been days I've taken two. I know you're not really supposed to do that. But if I'm feeling like maybe I'm headed under the weather I've taken two and by lunch time I'm feeling much better and I've been able to avoid the cold.

4. finish (or at least work on) all unfinished knit projects from 2007. Maybe I'll even add a little something to the side bar to help keep track of this one.

Not so much. I do have progress photos though... so that's good I guess. Oh, and a goal that I was actually planning on setting for February was accomplished today with the help of Sarah.

I'm up and photoed on Ravelry!!!

Hopefully this link will take you to my projects, but if not I'm Knitknucklehead. Come check it all out. I'm sure I've forgotten a few things here and there. There was a lot to do. Sarah came over to use my ball winder and swift and in exchanged she helped me to get a Flickr account and get my projects up in photos! In other knitting news I've started working on my SITMT socks. Aren't they beautiful???
Don't you wish they might show up in your mailbox some day??? I'm already beginning to fall in love with them and know it's going to be hard to give them up when the time comes.

I'm using a new yarn for me, Panda Cotton. My downstream pal is definitely a spring time gal and loves greens and blues. I just hope now that I can get the sizing just right... little nervous about that since her feet are different dimensions than mine. Some lovely yarn came in the mail the other day but I can't show it (it's for my SITMT pal). I'm thinking of sending her a second package soon to bide my time so I can finish her socks. I'm thinking the end of January is a good time to receive a package and lift some of those after the holidays winter blues.

SITMT takes 5

I know I've already posted that I'm setting reachable monthly goals for myself this year, but the Sock It To Me Twice swap is asking that we post 5 goals for the year 2008. While I'm leery about committing to yearly goals, the following are the overarching ideas that my monthly goals stem from.

1. To become healthier. Two summers ago I joined Weight Watchers because I feared that my weight might get out of control. Not that I really consider myself to be largely overweight at the moment, but I don't want to take that long slide downhill towards it. My family is a large one with several health issues run through its jeans. Dad having a quadruple bi-pass at 49 is just one example. I'm already at risk for health issues I can't control, why should I give my body another reason to fail me?

2. To knit. There are so many projects out there RIGHT NOW that I'd love to shake a needle at. And I'm sure the coming year will bring with it a ton more. I'm happy when I'm knitting and who doesn't want to be happy?

3. To finish projects. I've got a few unfinished items just begging for some attention. I don't want to become one of those knitters who have abandoned projects from 10 years ago (sorry if I just offended anyone as I'm sure I did), but I just don't want that to be me. I have enough of that in my life as it is.

4. To blog. I've caught the bug but am still fearful that I'll lose it. Almost did for just a moment there. I'm learning a lot hanging out here in blog land and have met some great people. Can't wait to see what '08 brings!

5. To be a better person. I'm always looking for ways I can improve myself. I regard myself as a life long learner and there is sooooooo much out there still to learn.

Now, off to start on my partner's socks!

SITMT: Holiday Memories and Holiday Knitting

Childhood holiday memories:
I have so many wonderful childhood memories of the holidays. I grew up with the most loving parents anyone could ever ask for and two younger brothers that nothing could top. My parents have always believed in us no matter what path we decided to take. They taught us to weight our decisions and follow through with what we believed in. They've always stood by us even when we might have made the wrong decisions because they were our decisions to make. They taught us how to be our own person.

Growing up in a house of Italian, Czech, Irish, and German descendants means a lot of traditions around the holidays. Even though I now have my own home and my own tree and decorations to put up, I often reminisce about my childhood as I make the yearly preparations. I feel lucky that I have a job that allows me to travel home each year for Christmas and spend about a week with the people I care about more than anything in the world. The people who made me who I am today.

Holiday traditions:
Our holiday traditions begin the day after Thanksgiving. Since everyone had time off Turkey Day weekend, we always put our tree up that weekend. Even now, I put my tree up on the Sunday after T-day when I get back home.

We grew up as a BIG family - grandparents on down. So there's a lot of family stuff to do for Christmas. On Christmas Eve we celebrate on Mom's side of the family with all sorts of Czech foods that we only get once a year. Mushroom and sauerkraut soup, paska, rice pudding, nut roll and other goodies adorn the table. The eldest male aways gives a blessing and uses honey to put a cross on everyone's forehead and everyone takes a piece of wafer with honey and garlic before the meal begins. There are so many other traditions here (gifts - both name exchanges and gag gifts - mass, etc) that I fear I could go on forever... so we'll move on to Christmas day.

(You can check out other Czech traditions here and here. )

On Christmas day, our household wakes up and someone makes a trip to Sheets for free coffee and we exchanges gifts. Then we nap before getting ready for the day. We get together with Dad's side of the family for an early Christmas dinner. (Well, actually for people in their area, 3:00 is an acceptable time for dinner so it's really not an unusual time for them.) Things are a little more low key with this side of the family as they have been in the states longer and have lost a lot of the home country traditions. But most importantly it's spending time with cherished family.

Now that my brother has his own family, we've added another 'Christmas' usually the day after or the next to exchange gifts with them and have a meal together. There are always sugar cookies, chocolate peanut butter balls (buckeyes), lady locks, and nut roll.

Christmas knitting 2007:
socks for me... check!

fingerless mitts for GD#1... check!

fingerless mitts for GD#2... check!

fingerless mitts for GD#2's bro... check!

felted bag for cousin... check!

game day scarf for sister-in-law... check!scarves for the in-laws... check!

And if you've read all the way to the bottom of this post, head over to http://cynicalgal.blogspot.com/ for a contest regarding blog naming her brother and sister.