Happy New Year...

and may 2009 be the best ever.

Thanks be to God...

I know that 'officially' Christmas is past and everyone is moving on to shopping sales, making returns and planning for the next celebration - New Years, but since I am up so late (2:07am), I wanted some time to reflect.

I am thankful for the many who have supported me through my unemployment and family struggles that seemed to consume most of this year. Without all of them I don't think I would have gotten this far.

I am thankful for employment that begins January 5th.

I am thankful for the severance and unemployment that has allowed me time to address personal needs before financial needs became overwhelming.

I am thankful for the loving, giving spirits of my kids (most of the time ;) ).

I am thankful for my spouse who is trying...

I am thankful for a fairly new family member who has helped by just connecting.

I am thankful for my health - though I think I should start taking better care of myself!

I am thankful that I live where there are 4 seasons - truly God's work.

I am thankful for my cuddly puppy (all 55+ lbs) when she snuggles up to me early in the morning.

I am thankful for family, near and far, who have helped, even with just a phone call.

I am thankful for a home, working furnace and the ability to pay my bills.

I am thankful for a church family who are supportive, fun and keep my eyes on Jesus.

I am thankful for knitting - keeps my hands busy and out of mischief and snacks and has connected me with some wonderful people.

I am thankful for neighbors who see a need and step up to help and are always available when a shoulder is needed to cry on.

I am thankful for Jesus, joining us here on earth as a man and dieing on the cross for my sins, and his resurrection, that I may join him for eternal life.

Though this year has had some really tough times, and many are still unresolved, I am amazed at all there is to be thankful for. Praise be to God.

Wonderful Pre-Christmas Weekend

Wow - had fun this weekend! Friday was just relaxing.

Saturday, though quite snowy, was shopping, wrapping, knitting, live nativity, petty zoo, meeting camels and a Christmas open house. All that and I was still home by 10pm.

Today was primarily spent at church, though not all church stuff. Went to Jr. High Gathering, big church for a sampling of the concert/drama. Ate Chipotle there for lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon knitting with 'my girls'. We all were trying to finish up Christmas gifts. Ran home for dinner and returned for the 'full' version of Christmas Rewind - we have such talented people at our church!

Now relaxing, knitting and happy to be able to sleep in tomorrow!

BRRRRrrrrrr!

I am sitting here at home, under a heated blanket waiting for the furnace repairman to come. The appointment is for between my call (much earlier) and 4:30pm today. What is the most frustrating, is that I thought I had done everything to avoid this type of issue - my furnace is just 1 year old! Thankfully the high today is actually supposed to be above zero!

I will be knitting with my gloves on!

All of my 'must have' knitted Christmas presents are completed. I have 2 'commissions' that I am now working on. The first is about 75% complete, the other I just received yesterday - got some fast knitting to do - good thing it is hats, mitts and scarves.

Also while sitting under the covers I am watching the news. It is scaring me! There is a huge number of accidents during the commute and many of them are on the different routes I will have to take to get to my new job. I think I will have to make a test drive this week to see just how long this commute will be.

Stay warm!

Employment At Last...

Hello All!

As of today, I have accepted an offer of employment as a Project Manager - Marketing Applications at SuperValu. My official start date is January 5, 2009 (yea, I took the Christmas season off).

I am excited and I can now focus on my Christmas knitting so that hopefully I will complete all the projects I have on needles and in queue.

On another note, I have entered into a new season of life with my teen - cell phone with texting. I hope that the first couple of days was just the excitement, but I don't think I can handle being texted from the basement while I am upstairs - just to chat! Teens! The great thing is she had to get a 3.5 gpa or above to get the phone. Now she has to maintain that to keep it.

Off to my knitting!

And the answer is...

Check back often to find out.

See answer on the December 10th post - I made a decision on which job offer to take!

My plagiarized thoughts on FORWARDS...

This is from Michaela and I think it really does say it all about e-mail forwards.

I just want to thank all of you for your educational e-mails over the past year. I am totally screwed up now and have little chance of recovery.

I no longer open a public bathroom door without using a paper towel or have them put lemon slices in my ice water without worrying about the bacteria on the lemon peel.
I can't use the remote in a hotel room because I don't know what the last person was doing while flipping through the adult movie channels.
I can't sit down on the hotel bedspread because I can only imagine what has happened on it since it was last washed.
I have trouble shaking hands with someone who has been driving because the number one pastime while driving alone is picking ones nose (although cell phone usage may be taking the number one spot).
Eating a little snack sends me on a guilt trip because I can only imagine how many gallons of trans fats I have consumed over the years.
I can't touch any woman's purse for fear she has placed it on the floor of a public bathroom.
I MUST SEND MY SPECIAL THANKS to whoever sent me the one about poop in the glue on envelopes because I now have to use a wet sponge with every envelope that needs sealing.
ALSO, now I have to scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.
I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl (Penny Brown) who is about to die in the hospital for the 1,387,258th time.
I no longer have any money at all, but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates/Microsoft and AOL are sending me for participating in their special e-mail program.
I no longer worry about my soul because I have 363,214 angels looking out for me, and St. Theresa's Novena has granted my every wish.
I no longer eat KFC because their chickens are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers.
I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.
THANKS TO YOU I have learned that my prayers only get answered if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.
BECAUSE OF YOUR CONCERN, I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.
I no longer can buy gasoline without taking someone along to watch the car so a serial killer won't crawl in my back seat when I'm pumping gas.
I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put 'Under God' on their cans.
I no longer use Saran Wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.
AND THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW I can't boil a cup of water in the microwave anymore because it will blow up in my face... disfiguring me for life.
I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.
I no longer go to shopping malls because someone will drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.
I no longer receive packages from UPS or Fed Ex since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.
I no longer shop at Target since they are French and don't support our American troops or the Salvation Army.
I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica , Uganda , Singapore , and Uzbekistan ...
I no longer buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.
THANKS TO YOU I can't use anyone's toilet but mine because a big brown African spider is lurking under the seat to cause me instant death when it bites my butt.
AND THANKS TO YOUR GREAT ADVICE I can't ever pick up $5.00 dropped in the parking lot because it probably was placed there by a sex molester waiting underneath my car to grab my leg.
I can no longer drive my car because I can't buy gas from certain gas companies!
I can't do any gardening because I'm afraid I'll get bitten by the brown recluse and my hand will fall off.
If you don't send this e-mail to at least 144,000 people in the next 70 minutes, a large dove with diarrhea will land on your head at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon and the fleas from 12 camels will infest your back, causing you to grow a hairy hump. I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's beautician. (Or so I was told in a forwarded e-mail.)
Oh, by the way.....
A German scientist from Argentina , after a lengthy study, has discovered that people with insufficient brain activity read their e-mail with their hand on the mouse.
Don't bother taking it off now, it's too late.

I was tagged...

I was tagged by Jillsknit with the Six Things Meme.

These are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random, arbitrary things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they’ve been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Here we go -
1. I am unemployed.

2. I have 2 kids, 1 hubby and a black golden doodle.

3. Favorite hobbies are perennial gardening, knitting, scrap booking, camping, swimming and reading, but I DON'T COOK!

4. I love to downhill ski.

5. I have a great aunt who is 103.66 and still lives on her own.

6. I used to have a private pilot's license.

Now the people I tag.

Red Hat Knitter
Hexed and Jynxed
Yarn and Chocolate
Krafty Ky
All Things Great and Crafty
Spazerchick

Another day, another set-back

NUF SAID!

Black Friday

Well, I learned why today is called 'black friday'. I guess it is the day that retailer's hope to get out of the red and into the black as far as sales and that the sales numbers for today are an indication of how the holiday shopping is going to be for the season.

Today, no shopping done by anyone from my house. Caribou and knitting for Marissa and I along with some friends. Finished up a pair of mittens today and over 50% on a wallaby sweater. Marissa worked on a hat for a friend - got quite a bit done. Pat put up some 'hanging' stuff at home, including the towel holder and tp holder for the basement bathroom (been sitting around for over a year). Gunnar continued his quest to clean his room (wish Marissa would start that project).

Hope the stores got what they needed, our Christmas will be a little less this year, but that is really a good thing.

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

Fun Day?!?!?!

Kids are home, expecting a few more of their friends. House is a mess (except the spotless kitchen). So today is for laundry and general clean-up while the kids busy themselves with scrap booking and wii.

I gave the requested Christmas wish list to my dh and kids. My husband had the audacity to say that I had enough yarn! He is probably correct, but really now, who ever has enough yarn stash?

Thought for the day: Why is the day after Thanksgiving called 'Black Friday'? I mean there are huges sales (a good thing), you are probably still feeling well fed (good), and if you don't shop, you can sleep in or relax. Maybe it is the color of the sky when you have to wake to get out to get the great bargains?

Wrinkly Fingers

Well, today was Marissa's day to be cleaning boss. She wanted the entire main floor 'deep' cleaned. She was satisfied with just the kitchen being completed - thank goodness! She is quite the slave driver. Most of the work I did involved water, so my fingers are all wrinkly and my wrists hurt from scrubbing so hard. The kitchen really looks nice.

Tonight we will be watching a movie with popcorn as our reward. I am so exhausted I can hardly get energized to clean up my self. Well, have to move again - have to referee the decision between watching Get Smart vs. Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Productive Week

Friday already?

It is the week before Thanksgiving, who would have know how busy with interviews I would be? I guess I figured at this point that I would be in a holding pattern until 2009. So far, the interviews seem to be going well, 2 more today.

For anyone praying for Sharon and family, if you didn't know, she went home to Jesus on Wednesday evening. I am still praying for her family and the service is Saturday at 11am. God is good, Sharon's pain is over, but the grieving of those left behind is VERY TOUGH!

My daughter (yes - a teen) has declared tomorrow 'house cleaning day'. She plans to be handing out the duties - YUCK - I hate house cleaning. It will be fun to see how she leads us in this effort.

Almost done with my 'barter knitting' - these are fun projects!

Terrific Tuesday

Today I am speaking to four career contacts - YEAH!

Of course the other of life's little chores are awaiting my attention as well - laundry is the BIGGIE!

At 1pm I will be praying for Sharon - replacement of shunt in her head. Please pray for healing and protection for Sharon, wisdom and skill for her doctors, and peace and comfort for Leigh and her 3 boys.

Thought for the day:

I am thankful for good friends.

Coveting Concerns

I am a knitter. You might even say I am a bit obsessed. It is the time of year when sock yarn clubs are opening up for 2009 and I WANT TO JOIN ONE! (In reality I would actually like to join more than one, but I am trying not to be too greedy.) Needless to say, with my employment situation, I will not be getting on any of these this year.

For any of you who are sock knitters - go out and look - they look like WAY TOO MUCH FUN.

OK, I need to be honest. I am not only coveting the clubs, but just the ability to buy more yarn in general! It is so hard to surf the net and peak at e-bay but not be able to purchase. Don't get me wrong, I am not starving for yarn - I am a proud member of SABLE (stash accumulation beyond life expectancy) but I seem to have discovered my 'shopping weakness' - YARN. If you want to get a look (sorry no virtual touching) at some of these check out Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Wool Girl, Sundara, Loopy Ewe, Perfect Day Yarns, Lorna's Laces and ZenYarnGarden. Be careful - they are really nice.

Back to the job hunting work for the day!

Tuesday tidings...

Today was fun. I did the weekly unemployment thing. Applied for a few jobs on-line (Trib want-ads were mighty thin). Went to knitting and worked on sleeves using the 'magic-loop' method. Had to try something new cuz I didn't have 2 size 8 circ's and recently lent out my dpn's in size 8. Good to know alternate methods!

This evening got to read with son - Harry Potter #6 and then watched the Mentalist with daughter.

A few thoughts for the day:

• The less people understand a theory, the smarter they believe it is.
• Failure is good - it brings you experience. Success can make youlazy and arrogant.

• There is no egg in eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren't invented in England or French fries in France. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat. We take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 indices? Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend. If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of them, what do you call it? If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?

  In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by truck and send cargo by ship? Have noses that run and feet that smell? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites? You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out, and in which an alarm goes off by going on.

Slackin' Day, Kids Off Tomorrow - AGAIN!

Today is a designated slackin' day. I am planning nothing and WILL NOT feel guilty about it! I am sure that knitting will be a significant part of the day, lots of Christmas knitting to complete. Job outlook is continually interesting - very different from the last time, but 13 years has changed more than just the job hunting process.

Tonight is NW Suburban Knit Night Out. We will be knitting preemie items for charity.

The one good thing about kids having school off is that we all will be sleeping in. But for me, not so late as to miss my Caribou!

Election is OVER!!!

My happiest moment in this whole election is that the

HORRIBLE CAMPAIGN COMMERCIALS ARE OVER!

I guess it is a bit obvious that I was just totally fed up with the negative campaigning - I love the freedom of speech, but what ever happened to "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all"? I would be much more inclined to listen if I was being told what the candidate stood for and what they hoped to achieve if elected vs. what 'the other guy did/didn't do'.

At this point, the only race in MN that isn't decided seems to be the Coleman/Barkley/Franken senate vote. It is also the only one in which I have VERY strong feelings about (that I am not going to get into here). At this time (11:30pm) the percentages are 42%/15%/42%.

This is a historic election and it is kinda neat to be alive for it. I am sure that there are many in my parents generation (probably in mine as well) never thought that a person of color or a woman could ever get elected. I have to say that McCain made a truly gracious concession speech. Now watching Barack's speech. Boy I don't envy him coming into the presidency in the midst of all this economic turmoil and the Irag war still waging.

Well, after the speech, off to bed.

November Knitting Challenge

The Northwestern Suburban Knitting group meets this Thursday night. I am hoping we have a record turnout for our preemie donations knitting. We will be knitting hats and booties for preemies and donating them. Goal is to see what we can get done in the time we are there. Even if you haven't attended before, come in November it is for a great cause!

Interesting Fact: a correctly sized preemie hat should fit an average sized orange!

Quick Update

Aimed a little high, but I did get the most important stuff done!

Today just has to be productive...

OK, I have wallowed in my grief and the pity party is over. I have to get motivated. I have made up the check list and am ready to roll. There are 16 items on my to-do list. Most are just making a phone call, a few more daunting (like prepare small group lesson for Wednesday), but nothing that can't get done in a single productive day. Will check back later to note how much I accomplished.

Fall Clean Up Day

Well today we got moving pretty early (for us). The leaves were mowed/bagged, lawn furniture in the garage, garage cleaned out, much tossed and 3 giveaways ready to go. My allergies are killing me, but it is a good job done. (the leaves aren't done, but we got what was on the ground! Both kids have their Halloween costume, and the first of the parties is tonight.

Off to upload some finished knitting pictures and then on to knitting socks for the night.

MEA day 1

No school today. One child gone for day scrapbooking, has kidcare this evening, swim practice tomorrow morning and possibly Saturday morning. The other resting for the day, but has gymnastic this evening followed by a sleep over, a day of costume shopping, Surf's Up with friends and then 2 friends over at our house for the night.

I have quite a bit to do as well, but nothing really unusual. Hopeing for family time on Saturday. Maybe a movie??? Have to check out what is in the theaters - really not up to speed on what's showing.

Another First (that is mostly a last)

At noon today Marissa had her braces removed. She is very excited and now is researching teeth whitening. Here teeth actually turned out beautiful, but she has wanted to whiten her teeth long before the braces. Gonna ask Auntie Kirsten.

Made a few more connections today about jobs. Praying something turns up soon - I want to install underground doggie fencing before the ground freezes. I know - WEIRD - but it is what we need most right now.

Second to last swim meet tonight also. Kinda thankful that the season is ending - way to much time competing with homework.

Back to the EZ February Baby Sweater - I seem to have to RIP back way to often for something that seemed so EZ!

Busy, busy, busy...

Yesterday went sooo fast. Got kids off , went to 2 hour interview (more on that later), errand running, follow up calls for job hunt, G's conference and then off to pick up girls for small group. I even forgot one gal - thankfully she wasn't able to make it and had sent me an e-mail I wasn't home to read.

Today was a bit better. However, you know the day isn't going the way you want it when, while you are on a teleconference, your child calls and want you to come get them and your dog barf's on your bed. YES ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Needless to say, I will be taking that teleconference class again so I can actually listen to the instructor.

Well, as soon as dh and ds get home, we're off to CPHS swim meet. Won't be back until about 9:30. How did I manage all this when I was working? I think the answer is that I am more organized the busier I am????

So for anyone who actually reads this - what is your secret to staying organized?

Recovery Day

I spent the weekend 'up north' at Trout Lake Camp's QUEST. It is a retreat weekend for Jr. High Students. I am exhausted, but it was great fun. I went as an adult leader chaperoning 41 kids (yes, and we were not the largest group). Some of the highlights:

• Molly the cheeseball chick - key speaker. Great messages, relevant, impactful. Check out her Cheese Ball Chic movie!
  

• Football tournament where Grace Fellowship took 2nd place

• Zip Line - yes I took the leap!

• Mountain scootering - scary but fun, the walk up was way harder than the ride down.

• Paintball (not my thing)

• Slack Line walking (if you could)

• Night games that involve sneaking around in the woods and beach to get past guys in trees with flashlights - trying not to get spotted.

If any of this is of interest, check out my Facebook - pictures are there. Back to recovering!

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, its on retreat I go...

I have the honor of going north this weekend on a retreat called Quest. This is a first for me and I am so excited! First you should know that I am going as a chaperone of a fairly large number of Jr. High students. That may sound scary to many of you, I really enjoy these kids. Second, this is at a camp on the Whitefish Chain north of Brainerd where my kids attend. I have always wanted to go to the camp myself - it looks so fun!

I received my packing list earlier this week. It was addressed to me and 'my parents'. Good chuckle! The packing list made this weekend sound exciting - I am to pack dark clothes for 'night games'. Will report back on this weekend to let you know how it went.

Last night had a great time at the Northwestern Suburban Knit Night. Smaller group, but lots of great conversation, awesome knitting projects and just a general good time.

Off I go to pack!

New Neighbors & Camper Closed

Our camping neighbors of the last 7 years are gone. They bought land and took the camper there. We will be friends forever, but no longer summer time neighbors. This weekend our new neighbors moved in - I think it will be a fun time, too bad we all were closing up this weekend. Our camper is closed up now until May of 2009. I wish we could stay for the October colors, but it is also a blessing because getting up there once school and all it's activities start, it is hard to tkae the kids and leave town for a weekend.

On to fall clean-up at home...

Tough Tuesday...

Thunderstorms, dark, dreary and me - lazy and
unproductive. So in the spirit of trying to feel like
I was slightly productive, here is the done list:

Drove carpool this morning
Got needed shot
Appointment with outplacement guy scheduled
Went to SSK (knitting group)
Finished M's wrister's (hunter orange)
Picked up dog food to transition Mocha to adult food
Called 103yo Aunt Kat
Called Dad
Made dinner for G and I (very big deal)

Well, I guess I wasn't a TOTAL slug...

Happy 17th Anniversary to Us

Today is my 17th wedding anniversary. Hubby and I celebrated yesterday with a day at an art fair and dinner out. I cannot believe 17 years have gone by. I look older, but mind has not caught up with my body. I pray that we can get through all the 'stuff' that we are dealing with now and that we will have many more.

Panic Attack Arrested...

OK, not really a panic attack, but I was beginning to wonder if I had made some horrible interviewing blunder. I have had 2 interviews with a company I am very interested in. It was said that they would be scheduling the 3rd interview with me this week. I also provided them my reference list. As far as I new, no references had been contacted and today it was over a week since the last interview. TRYING REALLY HARD NOT TO WORRY!

At 5:01pm (at least by my clock) my cell phone rang. IT WAS THE HR REP. FROM THIS COMPANY. Overjoyed, I have my 3rd interview scheduled (not until October). I will continue to press on with the hunt, but I have high hopes.

getting into a routine?

So, it has been almost 3 week since school started. The kids seem to be liking school - all but the homework (typical). I am actively job hunting. I have had some interviews - scary - it has been a while.

In addition, I have traveled to north eastern WI and into MI. Fun trip with 16 9th graders in a RV. No, I am not insane, but I wouldn't recommend it for everyone. I have also been catching up on knitting projects that need finishing, house cleaning, budget, bills and some reading.

So with all this going on you would think our family has gotten into some type of routine. I think all have but me. I have to get a job soon. Not the financial aspect (though that is getting tighter), but to get me on a motivating schedule. I could easily fill up my time with vounteer work and other items, but I am afraid to make commitments because I don't know when I will land a job, what the work week will look like, etc.

Lake Escape 2008 @ Bond Falls, MI



Praying that God will light my path toward a job that will glorify him.

1st Day of School & Why I go NORTH!

The house seems awfully quiet. The freshman and 5th grader are off to school...



We spent a relaxing weekend up north. Below are a few pictures of why I just love it up there!

Olympics Complete

OLYMPICS: Our family doesn't do TV in the summer, but we made an exception during the Olympics. They were truly fun to watch! I had also joined some 'olympic knitting' competitions. I completed the top I was knitting (though barely) during the closing ceremonies. The top was a challenge for me because I had to use math (na, na, naaah) to alter pattern for my size. I also felt the need to knit in the round (hate seams) and early Friday morning a 'Super Knitter' RedHatKniiter (blog in list on right) noticed I had forgotten arm holes - YIKES! Maybe deep in my psyche I felt I was in need of a straight jacket? It was a good thing I had a 3 hour drive north to FROG and really focus on my knitting routine. So, below is the finished product, will try to post a picture of it on, but no one was around to take a picture this morning.
JOB HUNT: Sent out first resume last week. God is pretty cool. After taking the summer off, I received a call from a friend with a referral to a company that is looking for a PT project manager, she virtually introduced me to a contact at the company. Even if the job isn't THE ONE, it gives me hope that PT is available. I will continue fine tuning resume this week as well as shopping for some interview clothes, getting a hair cut, etc. Next is the fun part - sending off resumes, getting rejection - OOPS, I mean acknowledgment of my existence letters, interviewing and hopefully the ultimate - a job offer!

FAMILY: Our summer is winding down. Tomorrow is the big 'back to school' orientation day. The kids have orientations, open houses, pictures, etc. Then we will be off for Labor Day, getting in one more relaxing weekend AND THEN THE FUN BEGINS! The color coded dry erase calendar on the refrigerator is looking mighty full all of the sudden. Up north closes the end of September too. It is a little sad up there right now. The family that really talked us into getting a spot up there is moving on to their own land after 8 summers of camping with us. Not that we won't keep in touch or get to see them (they are only moving about 30 minutes away), but it just won't be the same. Personally, I am experiencing just too much change lately, need some stability!

And then there is 1

Well, for a change of pace, today I am the only one home. Helps with productivity, but a bit quiet. Beautiful day. Not sure I will complete my Olympic knitting challenge, but it is keeping me knitting more than on the computer!

M: working at camp
G: play date
P: at work

OK, back to the to-do list.

Schedule's are out...

Well, it is official. I am a parent of a high school student. Her high school information came today including house assignment, adviser, orientation schedule and list of things to buy. Of course we just now returned from a Target run - guess we are going back again! She is a bit bummed, her schedule is supposed to be handed out during a freshman rally she cannot attend. I'll make some calls.

Wonder when we will get G's class assignment?

Soccer wraps up this week with tournaments for both kids on Friday & Saturday. High school swimming started at 7am yesterday. HAH! Marissa has to get out of bed early!

Dentist & orthodontist also mostly wrapped up. All had great check-ups, even me. They said if I lived to 103, it could very likely be with my own teeth. Gunnar lost two teeth while there and will lose two more next week. His mouth is small and so some of the baby teeth are being removed early to make room for the permanent teeth trying to come through.

I have started my Olympic knitting projects. Not sure I can finish, but I am giving it a shot.

STOP THE PRESSES!

It is a miracle here at our house - something that has happened rarely (so it seems) this summer. All 5 of us are home today! Yes, I said 5 - Mocha counts - even she has had the a long day away this summer for veterinary reasons.

M returned home from her missions trip late last night. Though exhausted, we did get a few stories from her. We were also given strict orders not to wake her up this morning until she got up on her own. We had the last laugh there - her body has gotten used to getting up earlier so this morning she was up before ME! Now she says that to continue resting her body, she is calling for a movie day on the couch.

G came home from a sleep-over at 7:30am this morning - something about a dentist appointment that had been forgotten. He didn't seem to mind, spent some time with big sis watching a movie (he does miss her when she is gone) and is now outside playing. What he doesn't realize is that he will be early today because he has to finish packing. He leaves tomorrow for a week at camp.

Pat and I are here too. A few errands to run, but otherwise, not much on the official agenda. Probably mowing, groceries, bills, herding kids and dog, etc. Notice that house cleaning didn't make the list - we have actually been keeping up on that task and so there isn't any BIG need to pick up after a week or three of being lazy.

Once I get everyone in the same room today, I am hoping to gather some pictures to update this blog. M has had her hair cut recently, Mocha too and Pat is off currently doing that same thing. As for G - he is just GROWING! Me, well, someone thought I had looked like I was shrinking, but I will probably be behind the camera - HAH!

Time Flies - summer 1/2 gone...

As I get older it seems that time goes by faster and faster. Add to that some physical pains because I am out of shape and you get the picture of how I am feeling this morning.

We had a lovely family day yesterday. Church & then a family trip to the Elm Creek Park Reserve for the annual church picnic. Here is where I made a miscalculation. Father/son chose to ride bikes. DD is a roller-blader. Didn't want her to be the only one, so I chose blades as well. Things I learned:

1. To be a competent blader - you should do it more than once a year.
2. At my age, starting with a hilly, branch strewn path more than 3 miles long (1 way) is way too much.
3. In addition, because I am no longer a competent blader, tricks or 'fancy' moves are not advised (i.e. stepping of a curb while still rolling). This leads to falling.
4. Finally, stopping can often be considered a ‘fancy’ trick.

Other than the transportation method chosen, the picnic was great! I watched family friends dd's baptized and 3 gals I know well from the jr. high program baptized as well. Thankfully, the evening consisted of sitting (key component), watching a movie and knitting - RELAXING!

We are keeping very busy. Both kids are in soccer and they both have games on Monday/Wednesday nights (different parks). This is how mom's become logistics experts. Seems as though the kids have been competing for latest sleep-in time. Unbelievably enough, the night-owl mom (who used to love to sleep til noon) is the first one up. Of course I do have a little help - Mocha (large dog) like to jump on me if she has not been fed by 8:30am. This helps me have a bit of time to myself - bible study, job hunting work, etc. I am officially no longer employed at Medtronic. The hunt begins. DH is busy in his program 4 nights a week (again with the logistics) + homework. The kids don't seem to be suffering too much with mom's idea of dinner, but they do appreciate when he is home to cook.

Well, signing off, they may be getting up soon! HAPPY SUMMER!

From SHAGGY to SHORT???

For any of you who don't know much about my ds, he doesn't like to get his haircut - EVER! So today he volunteered and I jumped on it. He actually likes the results - I wanted it shorter.

Happy Birthday Gunnar!

I now have both children in double digits - where has time gone? They grow so fast!

Well I am learning that if I am home, they will need rides! I have spent more time in my car & put on more miles than when I was working and commuting all the way across town! Fencing camp was pretty cool - there is so much more to the whole sport than I would have guessed. Since school let out on June 10th, my running has been wild and the kids busy. The kids and I have been north to the camper for a downright lazy few days. Then in just one week dd has been to a local beach with friends, Valleyfair with church, pool party/sleep over, afternoon with Mama for manicure and pedicure and leaves tomorrow for adventure camp where she will spend a week in the Boundary Waters. As for the birthday boy, even while fighting a sinus infection, he has had a week of fencing camp (3.5 hours each morning), soccer practices started, a sleep over and play dates galore. Both of them are also starting an online class learning PSP. Wish I had they're energy!

Today we will be having some family birthday fun - hopefully relaxing as well. Mocha was spayed yesterday, so she has to stay low key. Tomorrow is the lovely 6 hours of driving to drop dd off at camp - not as bad as it sounds, it is the one time of year I get to have a long conversation with a dear friend.

Summer has finally begun here - I had to break out the sunscreen! And of course with summer comes bugs! YUCK! I have aphids in my gardens and ants in my lawn - bug patrol starts today.

My job search has not really begun yet - but next week I start. As far as health insurance, well I am appealing the decision, but they won't get back to us for 30 days. In the mean time we are trying a different program - praying that it works.

Wasn't it raining for my last post?

Well, I think here in MN, the weather thinks that it is still April.

I have found a new soapbox to jump on - Medical Insurance Companies! I am learning just how totally profit centered they are and how dangerous this can be to everyone! I am learning that to receive certain types of benefits you have to be desperate - possibly even jailed. I gave a few people at the insurance company an earful. So, back to square one with NO progress and less hope. Praying for bottom to be hit ASAP so we can all move forward.

Kids finished school yesterday. We are going north tomorrow for R & R. Weirdly enough, the kids don't even want to bring friends - just relax with Mom. We are returning on Saturday, I hope to be home in time to join the World Wide Knit In Public group at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove. This also gives me a great excuse to skip the Sunday traffic back to the cities.

Next week will be an exciting first for my ds - fencing lessons! I think watching will be pretty cool too - plus because of the distance I will have to sit there during the class and knit - bummer ;)

Rain, Rain, GO AWAY!

I wonder if we will ever get summer? As I type this, I am probably going to regret it, but that is how I feel now.

I am much better. Still tired alot, but that is expected. Kids still in school - until Tuesday! They are not happy cuz most other districts are done. My knitting has dropped off - for some reason I have ended up FROGGIN' more than I am knitting. Resume almost done.

Big decision still pending, but I am in prayer and have many others praying as well. It will change up the summer quite a bit, but I feel that it's God's will and ultimately will bring everyone together in the end.

Weather aside, the summer has started. DD has been north to camp twice in 3 weeks, one for fun, the other for training to assist there this summer. She will also be going to camp herself later this month, soccer, a missions trip in July, camp helper in August just prior to High School swim team starting. She is trying to fit in a week of swim camp, but who knows!

DS seems to have the social calender of the house. Two birthday parties this weekend, one last & his own to plan! Add to that Fencing (this will be interesting), soccer and camp. He also is still trying to squeeze in an art class or two. He is going to take an online course on Paint Shop Pro for kids.

Well, we are going to head downstairs to see if there are any storm warnings. With any luck, DS and I will be off tonight - her kidcare and me to the Northwestern Suburban Knit Night that was created through Ravelry.

Fun in the sun...

Today Pat and I went to the Edina Art Fair - highly recommend it! The nice thing was that many of the exhibitors where fairly local, we even found 3 from Champlin. Purchases were at a minimum, unemployment makes me a bit cautious on the 'fun to have' stuff. The only negative is a nasty sunburned neck.

We came home and I moved peonies (pray they live!) and lily's. The rain hit just as I was thinking I would need to water - perfect timing! We're all in now to watch Raider's of the Ark and eat the world's best egg rolls (Que Viet). I will probably get some knitting done as well.

Better Still

Today is even better than yesterday! YEAH!!

I accomplished little (rest & naps should count for more in life accomplishments) but did drive carpool, make a few appointments and felt all the FO's laying around. Was even trying to rest up for a short event this evening, but not going to make it - seem to have this lingering cough that conjures up throat soreness, etc, etc, etc.

Tomorrow I will take out "THE LIST" and try to knock a few easy things off there. Meeting with Christine the wonder accountability friend who will be checking that list twice! Off to bed and a book, night-all!

I'm back - sort of...

OK, the countdown has ceased for the moment. Last week I went from no voice/sore throat on Monday to can't swallow my own saliva on Tuesday. Saw doctor again. Guess what, famous physician words, "ITS VIRAL" - MONO!!! At least I was prescribed steroids to bring the swelling down in my throat so that I could 'stay hydrated'. It is now Monday, May 26, Memorial Day and I am still tired and coughing, but the sore throat only feels bad after a bought of coughing. I am sick of applesauce, but ice cream never gets old (especially a really good vanilla). Popsicles are ok, but a bit boring at this point. Today I actually felt like eating the dinner that was served - yeah - getting better!

Between naps and during odd wakeful hours I accomplished fun things like completing the following projects:

• Little Slip bag (still not felted - would have to get out of bed)
• Snowflake Coasters (not felted - see above)
• Snowflake Drink Holder (see above)

I have also read 2.5 novels, 3 knitting magazines (literally cover to cover) and a number of devotionals.

Tomorrow starts my road back to catching up, making some key decisions & appointments, finalizing some calendar items and hopefully felting all the knitting FO's sitting around on the floor by my bed.

Day 6 = nothing, not even a voice

I was quite the busy bee this weekend and completed a great deal of outside work in the gardens. Sunday I woke up with a terrible sore throat and leg muscles that I had forgotten existed. My hope was to just stretch the legs out as I continued outside, but after a couple of swallows, I knew I wasn't going very far. At first I figured I over did the nose in the weeds - I have terrible allergies, but alas no.

Today I went to the doctor's early. By this time, just swallowing hurt like I was swallowing knives (yes plural). Drinking and eating were too painful to even think about. I have strep. I got the usual antibiotic and Vicodin for the pain. Love the Vicodin, I could finally drink the much needed fluids. As for my voice - I would rather not say... it hurts too much. The Vicodin also puts me to sleep, so I didn't really accomplish anything but rest. Guess that is what I needed. Tomorrow I will work on physically moving - the leg muscles are worse - not much stretching or movement while sleeping all day!

Day 5 = decisions, decisions, work...

Well I was busy and productive today. Way too much time spent driving around. I have completed the 'to-do' list. My career coach provided me with some great ideas that I will look into over the weekend or Monday. I think I am taking the weekends off from the count. I only worked 3 days a week, I don't think I am going to work 7 to find a new job - for now. Took a Meyers/Briggs, I am both an ENFP, with an equal part of an ENTP. It is really cool how the test results for that never seem to change, even the F/T being tied - 4 times now.

We decided to stay in town, take advantage of the weather and try to get some of the 2+ pages of the to-do list done. No real news on the major decision, so we all will keep busy over the next two days.

Riverview Olympics update: Gunnar came in 136 in the 5K (that is good). His class also won the tug-o-war. Sunburns were had by all.

Finally, I am done with clue #2 on my May Mystery sock. Not only is the pattern and what the sock will look like a mystery, but also who will be the lucky recipient - they are too small for M or I and to 'girly' of colors for G. Will start clue #3 tomorrow right after I wind my ball for Mascot from Blue Hands Fibers/All Raveled Up sock club. I even have a pattern ready for the Mascot yarn. It is the Trystero by Cookie A. Really excited for that one!

Well, for tomorrow: GOT TO FIND SUNSCREEN!

Day 4 = baby steps

Today was just a bit more productive than yesterday. I had a wonderful drive with a friend who listened, empathized and gave me some great ideas. A few are:

• I am fully capable of handle what needs to get done
• TAG (Time Alone with God) is a necessity, not optional
• Have I ever thought of instructing? College level?
• She will help me with consumer science learning
• Listen to the professionals
• Keep knitting, I could get my Christmas gifts done before I go back to work!

From there I dialed into a conference call on Career Objective and then one on Resume Writing. I have tons of work to do! I also saw Heidi tonight. It was good chatting, but I don't always like to hear what she has to say. Too bad she is usually right ;)

Tomorrow I won't get much done on the job front because G's school is having Olympics. I even have to cut out after lunch due to a phone meeting with my career coach BOB and a vet. appointment for Mocha. I get to top it all off by picking M up after school - but she is bringing home her art - YEAH!

We are bit undecided about going to the camper - lots of other decision need to get made first.

Good Night.

Day 3 = beyond denial...

Well, I think it has finally sunk in. I am not really angry, but the enormity seemed to stop me in my tracks today - overwhelmingly under productive. I did check on some insurance stuff, not all bad news. I have a few people asking for resume - tomorrow I will be working on that through an outplacement tele-course and lab, so that should force some forward movement.

Sometimes I think that I just need to lay low for a few days and get my head & heart together. The next minute, I am overwhelming myself with all the things that have to get done. Balance is true need (prayer request). Tomorrow I am starting the bible study, that along with the Al-anon readings, I pray will get each day off to a better start.

We had 'true confessions' tonight, next steps will be difficult and I just have to wait and see if they occur. I will get to talk it through more tomorrow & maybe get some 'professional insight'.

Finally, today we had the Jr. High Girls Baby Shower for Rawney. It was a really nice affair. It makes me so proud to see these young women so full of energy, giving and a love for God and each other. It was also super fun to see how surprised Rawney was and how hyper/jumpy Dave the future Papa was. It was a sweet way to end the day.

Day 2 = oddities and HOMEWORK?!?!

Oddities:

• Yesterday, my first day home, unemployed, I received a phone call asking me to participate in a taste test. So, yesterday I earned $26.
• Trust issues are still there and was able to confirm worst fears last night. Why now?

Homework:
I went to the outplacement program this morning. Was basically what I expected, except since I am still trying to figure out the best way to utilize my project management expertise going forward, I wasn't ready for the homework. I have until Thursday, May 22 to complete - I should be able to do that!

In addition to the outplacement work, it looks as if I have work to do to ensure that I receive my severance. Kinda frustrating that I have to take the lead on that stuff, but there is a rather large sum of money they get to keep if I don't. So, I have to:

• 'get permission' to transfer my cell phone number to a personal account
• once (if) that is approved I have to chat with phone company and an administrative assistant at MDT (know idea who that is) to get everything moved around.
• I am responsible for getting any additional property back to them based on a checklist I don't have (2 keys, secure ID & probably phone & ???). I wonder which is cheaper, driving them in or mailing them?
  
• Sign some sort of separation document within a certain time frame, that I don't have yet. Will they mail it? Do I have to request it?

I guess I won't be relaxing too much on this unplanned summer vacation.

Day 1 = what do I want to do when I grow up?

Today is the first day of not being 'totally' employed. I decided that it would be interesting to blog this experience. I will be using a notebook to keep track of my to-do list, but this will be more of the how am I feeling, what am I thinking space.

Some of this experience has been amazingly positive. I have had flower's delivered by a good friend "just thinking of me", many hugs and listening ears, a long distance call from a co-worker in Memphis and an e-mail from another (the latter is a knitter so contacted me via Ravelry). Calls and e-mails from others at Medtronic, checking in on me, a call from a dear friend in WI, my sister in OR, dad here in MN and aunts in IA and GA. My sister-in-law in ND dropped me a line as well as many other friends near and far. I received a card from the Jr. High Pastor and one of my local knitting buddies gave me a gorgeous pair of earrings - miniature origami cranes. Also, all my friends on Ravelry have been very supportive - what a fun group! This outpouring has really helped me keep things in perspective - I don't want to land in a couch potato, depresses state. Even my daughter had some advice - an online career quiz - which I will be taking today. I have even had a few people already ask for my resume (yes, that is on the to-do list).

This morning I am going to find a bible study to work through on my own. I really want God to show me where I am supposed to go next. I am also hoping to get some taste testing cash this week. Today I also hope to clean up some gardens and find our main floor - laundry is every where (clean, unfolded) - and get our older computer over to a friends house to get it up and working so I am not fighting the kids for the laptop.

On a completely different note, this weekend was GREAT! I watched 'Underdog' with my son on Friday night - it was cute. Saturday my dh took off to open the camper - said it went well but the weather wasn't really great. While he was heading to WI, ds and I (along with some knitters from Amazing Threads) went to Shepherd's Harvest. We had a great time. I got my fiber fix and he got to visit and photograph goats, sheep, llama's, alpaca's, bunnies and watch herding dogs in action. His only regret was that I didn't let him bring home a bunny. The Ravelry groups congregated around 2pm at the Kettle Corn, but by then it was raining, so I didn't get to chat long. Saturday evening, ds had a friend over for the night, so I knit and watched a 'mama' movie while they entertained themselves. I was made breakfast in bed on Sunday (thank Dylan!), and spent the rest of the day relaxing. I even finished my Monkey socks (another whole story for later - maybe).

Life is Good!

It's official, I have a teenager in the house...

Today my first born is 13 years old. She is really 13 going on 21, but don't tell her that! If you would stop over you would not be able to tell there is a birthday girl here - cuz she isn't! She is off on a retreat for the weekend, family celebrating has been postponed until Sunday evening. I guess the fact that she really has a busy social life is another sign she is growing up!

Tomorrow ds and I are off to Shepherd's Harvest. I can't wait to see the fiber, he is going for the animals!! DH is going north to open the camper - praying no animals found their way in during the winter!

Finally, thank you to all who have called, sent notes, stopped by, etc. about my job loss. It is wonderful to have such a great support network! For those who have asked, I am getting a severance, so finances are not worrisome for the immediate future. Next I will start thinking about 'whats next' more.

A new season in my life...

Well, today I was laid off from Medtronic. I had been there 12.5 years. I suspected this was coming, I get these 'feelings' and I have learned to trust them.

I think the worst part was how the process occurred. It was very impersonal - actually COLD. Guess my boss didn't have much to say to me, probably wasn't a fun day for him either. Another regret is that I am leaving my internal customer with a huge project, unfinished and with no project manager. I am not one to leave commitments uncompleted.

So, at least until Monday, I am on a break. We will celebrate Marissa's 13th birthday (late cuz she is heading off to a retreat tomorrow), relax for the weekend & I will enjoy Mother's Day.

The biggest question I have at the moment is "What do I want to do when I grow up?" I am praying for a clear answer.

NEWSFLASH! IT'S A GIRL!

I am officially a GREAT AUNT today. Our niece Carrie & her dh had their first child today. Avery Marie was born about 6:30pm today. She weighed in at 7lbs 10oz. According to Grandma, mom and baby are doing fine!

(hope I got the spelling correct)

Hiya Hiya Monkey Socks...

I finished up my first ever Cookie A. Monkey sock. I knit it with a 9" Hiya Hiya 1.5 circular. Loved it, the Pagewood Farms yarn looked awesome! After the first few rounds, really liked the needles too. Ok, onto sock #2 (no 2nd sock syndrome). So after 5 rounds of the monkey 11 row pattern, I hold it up to the 1st soc, and my gauge is totally different! It was a really frustrating FROG! I moved up to size 3 and am working with 2 circulars - I think it is going to match, but still need to complete full pattern round. UGH!

Well, here's hoping my gauge has stablized on the Hiya Hiya's, I want to knit more socks with them. More soon....

Stitch, Bitch n' Die! play review

Last night Pat (dh) and I attended the play "Stitch, Bitch n' Die" written by Joseph Scrimshaw (the last night it was showing - for now). It was on stage in a small "dinner theater" attached to the Bryant Lake Bowl. Pat got a bit of grief from the ladies we sat near (from Woodbury: Nancy & Carol, I think) because he didn't have a knitting project with him. He told everyone around him that he was 'dragged' there, but he admitted to having fun & thoroughly liking the play afterward.

Crowd watching prior to the start of the play was 1/2 the fun. My guess is that 75% of the attendees had a knit or crochet project with them. The play billing said to BYOK (bring your own knitting). Everyone was really friendly & people often ran into someone they had seen at a recent knitting event (Yarn Over, Melville, Yarn Harlot, etc.). People chatted with each other about the projects they were working on, discussed yarn and identified their LYS's.

The play: It was a laugh out loud comedy that we thoroughly enjoyed. It was REALLY funny! They had some fun with knitting terms and "spun a good yarn. The name of the shop was KUI - guess what that stands for? The setting was an evening knitting group, with a the usual wide variety of knitters (levels of abilities, ages, personalities, gender). The knit shop was a combo knit and wine bar - wish I could find one like that around MN! Of course, based on the title, it is a murder mystery, so someone had to die. The play wasn't super long, so I don't want to give much away, but I highly recommend going to see it. Hint - the butler didn't do it.

After the curtain, the playwright let us know that they are planning on bringing the show back to the stage in a few months. Keep an eye out for it, it was definitely worth the price of the ticket! The food was pretty good too (did I mention it was a VERY CASUAL dinner theater?).

Sorry if this review doesn't provide you with enough detail - I know that writing reviews would never pay my mortgage!

Snow again???

I am feeling like I am living in the movie 'Groundhog's Day'. Except for the constant repetition of that day, it is a snow day. I woke up and it was snowing AGAIN! Ok, I get that I live in MN, but this seems a bit late for more snow, and it keeps coming down. At least it is 'mostly' melting - but not completely. Funny how this week I took pictures of spring flowers, contacted the lawn guy, the tree guy (arborist) and got a bid on fixing up my deck. I bet this weather really doesn't help their businesses much!

Make lemonaide from lemons - a day to knit and read!

Friday Fun

Well, I am almost done with my 1st monkey sock (by Cookie A.) - I really like how it looks. I have been reading actual books this week, so actual knitting isn't occurring. The almost finished sock is re-motivating me.

Speaking of socks - I am looking for an interesting sock club. Mostly I like unique yarn, but fun patterns are good too - just not to 'out there'. Let me know if you have any great ideas.

Still raining, but at least everything is turning REALLY REALLY green.

Spring has sprung

Yesterday as I left the house I had a wonderful surprise - some crocuses were blooming!
YEAH!
Well, for me that means a quick trip around the yard to see what's coming up. LOTS! Even though it was (and still is) overcast, I feel spring in the air - it lifts my spirit.

Mid April Musings

It is Thursday, which for me is my last work day for the week. This week has been full. I am working hard on just getting healthy. Unfortunately, I was unable to stick to the 24 hour schedule I get paid for - bad me.

I attended a lunch-time seminar on A Heart at Peace at work this week. The corporation I work for has interesting 'workforce inclusion' groups. This workshop was sponsored by CERG (Christian Employee Resource Group). These groups are themselves unique, but the workshop is what I mean to talk about.

First, the definition of stress that was presented: our response to situations, environment, life. This may not be new to anyone, probably not even me if I think about it, but it was a timely reminder. No one can stress me out, situations aren't stress inducing, I have a choice on how to respond. There is so much written lately about the negative effects of stress. I always find it interesting that the Bible addresses our "modern day" issues: A heart of peace gives life to the body. (Proverbs 14:30) I have been thinking about that quite a bit this week, I think I need to start making some different choices.

The speaker (Betsy Lee of Prayer Ventures) went through 3 keys to finding & maintaining peace in your life.

1. SLOW DOWN
   Ruthlessly eliminate hurry in your life. The extreme pace of today's world creates a hurried environment which includes clutter, multi-tasking & diminishes our capacity to love.
   
2. KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS (5 stress stoppers)
   
   • exercise regularly
   • make time to relax & play
   • cut down on over committing - choose wisely
   • be more open & honest in interpersonal relationships
   • have unhurried quiet times with God
3. ASK FOR HELP!
   Don't be an island in the sea of God's love.

This week, I have been thoughtfully & prayerfully considering these tidbits of advice. I can see how my choices are negatively effecting my life. I know in my heart that my responses to life have been unhealthy. My family & friends have been feeling my diminished capacity to love, them and myself.

My choice is to "Seek peace and pursue it." (Psalm 34:14)

Sally Melville workshop today!

I attended a 2 part workshop today with Sallly Melville. SUPER FUN!

The morning was about designing & flattering fit. I found many of her tips, techniques, etc. very interesting and I am going to play around with the different elements to see if I can find my most flatter styles.

For the afternoon, we worked on stranded knitting. It was fun to see both 'throwers' and 'pickers' having to try each other's method and then all of us combine the two 2 color knitting. I learned that for me, a color in each hand works best. If I go to 3 colors, it would be 2 in the left and 1 in the right.

We also learned about stranding while purling back (if doing Fair Isle flat). I guess it is how South American knitters do ALL their patterned knitting. The method we were taught has you wrap one or more of the yarn colors around your neck. From there you don't hold the yarn near the needles, you have yarn around middle finger on right had for tension, both arms in front of you so the yarn coming down from the neck is taught. Insert needle as if to purl, lift up yarn color you want with left thumb grab with right needle and pull back through loop. This was amazingly simple, fast and the only weird part was that the stranding was on the side facing you.

All in all it was a very enjoyable day! For tonight I am going to try to get to bed early so I am somewhat 'with it' for work tomorrow morning at 6am. My projects test lead has moved on, so my work load has increased - UGH!

Happy Birthday to my brother Corey! 39?

The final results are in and...

RESULTS:

• It is April 12 and there is fresh snow on the ground.
• I had a lung x-ray yesterday and have a 'slight' touch of pneumonia.
• I may also have whooping cough - those results won't come back until next week.
• The trust issues I spoke of a while back are on the right track.
• DD's grades are out - she made the B honor roll by the skin of her teeth.
• DS's room is still not put back together!
• Mocha the puppy loves me, the rest of the family, well????
• I am still employed.
• Knitting is my stress relief.

Today I would like to rest, work with DS on his room, read and knit. Because I am a wife, mom and homeowner I will be doing laundry, house cleaning, trying to get my garage opener to work, running children places and hosting a sleepover.

MOTIVATION: I am registered for the Sally Melville workshop tomorrow!

UNCLE!

I give! UNCLE! I don't know what else to say, but this winter is really doing a number on my health! I was coughing again yesterday, followed by a lovely asthma attack. Woke up this morning really stuffed up and added a sore throat over the day. I think I am dealing with cold and allergies, but it has begun to feel like the illnesses that will never end! I have been dealing with something since January. I am going to lay down (yes - it ONLY 5:15pm).

Rainy Days & Bill Pay

Today I made the mistake of making it 'bill pay day'. With the weather so dreary, I have learned that you shouldn't do these two together. I hardly want to waste a nice day on paying bills, but until a few debt's are paid, the two together are depressing.

I am almost done clearing through my mess (piles in my bedroom). So, the good thing is that, by the end of the day I should have two icky jobs done.

Fun Lunch & A New Knitting Group Begins...

So, today was a pretty great day if I just block out work.

I met my new SIL for lunch. So very happy to have her as a part of the family! We had a great chat. She knits too (not the only reason to like her)! It is just so fun that I may get to be in touch with my db's family more now that she is a part of it.

After a hectic run through G-boy's school for taco dinner and viewing of the Arts & Academic Fair projects, I headed over to church. A fellow Raveler organized a new knitting group & we are meeting at my church. First Thursday's from 6-9'ish. We had eight people drop in - our first gathering. It was great fun. I especially like the introductions where everyone had to say their real name and their Ravelry name. What a fun way to meet new people who share the love of all things yarn!

Tomorrow is my normal off day, but the kids are off school as well. I am still planning on knitting in the morning, just have to work the kids into my plans the rest of the day. I have some ideas, like bribing them with DQ if they will go with me to AT Yarn Tasting!

Someone asked what Yarn Tasting was the other day. At the Amazing Threads LYS, twice a year they hold this event. For one day, hand knit projects are on display and if you are interested in one (or more), you can purchase the yarn and pattern for 20% off. I am just going to look (if I tell myself that enough times, it might actually happen).

The Birds

Anyone remember the Alfred Hitchcock movie? It was the creepiest movie I ever saw as a kid. This morning, I awoke to what sounded like thousands of birds outside. The sun was out, the snow sparkling and there were birds everywhere! They seemed to be competing as to who got to eat the crab apples off of 3 trees. Swoop in grab an apple or perch for a second then get bumped by the next bird attempting to get at the tree. It was kinda cool - but VERY loud.

I am going to blame being awakened by this noise for the fact that I was a 'blonde wanna be' this morning. I couldn't find anything and was late for everything that had a start date before noon. I am home now, with no plans on leaving. I don't think I can be late for bed?

(p.s. the color orange brings to mind craziness for me)

What day is it?

I keep hearing it is March 31, but the weather outside is frightning!

SNOW SNOW SNOW!

Don't get me wrong, I love winter and downhill skiing, but what good does all this snow do when the slopes are closed? At first I was thinking all the snow advisories were just a very well coordinated April Fools joke - I guess not. I wonder a what a snow day on April Fools day would be like? Me at home trying to knit or read and my kids planning & pulling pranks all day long on me - or worse yet, each other (I can just hear the fighting!).

Well, I guess I hope that they go to school tomorrow. It is my normal day off, and I truly appreciate the peace and quiet. Plus I have a few errands to run, so I don't want to be tethered by them.

Change of subject (my husband wishes I would say that aloud often in our conversations so he can follow along easier). Took Mocha (new puppy - see earlier posts) for a walk yesterday. I am so impressed! Not to brag, but she is training up really nicely.

Confession: Gunnar's room was completed as far as painting during my break, but his furniture is still not back in place and the wall stickies aren't up. Still some work remaining.

I guess this isn't too bad because I only have 6 UFO's, One only needs buttons and another is hibernating. I am trying to just finish projects this month, but I know I am going to break down and buy something during the April 4 Yarn Tasting at Amazing Threads. I also have this really strong desire to start up a couple of different socks.

Oh great yarn stash - keep me from adding to you this month! Anyone out there can help try to keep me accountable.

Baby Shower Day

I had a wonderful, relaxing birthday yesterday. It was really fun to get the cards, e-mails, etc.

Today was the baby shower for my niece. I co-hosted and my mother-in-law provided the locale. It went well! She has about 4 weeks left until her due date. I am exhausted - not really sure why though. I was able to sleep in until 8am this morning.

Here are the pictures of the ducky blankie. This was a bear binkie (by Cid of CiD Designs) I was testing knitting, but the colors I had selected (trying to stay gender neutral) ended up making it look more like a duck. Friday the women I knit with at Champlin Dunn's confirmed it was truly a duck - and as a team, the duck feet were designed and knit. Last night I put the finishing touches on it, wrapped it up and gave it to the mother-to-be this afternoon.


I think tonight is going to be a restful evening, except I promised to take dd and her friend to Kohls - better find a portable knitting project or book to bring along.

Officially Middle Age...

at least according to many (45yo). However, I don't think I will really feel like that or be there until 50 - only time will tell.

My son sang me a cute song this morning:

This is your birthday song, it isn't very long - Happy Birthday!

I also have this cute little cake by my avatar on Ravelry & have already received birthday greetings on there and here on my blog. The internet makes this so fun - I get to 'hear' from people all over. Well, off for my day of leisure and yarn related activities!

Three Day's of Rest

Yeah!!! I actually have someone covering all the conference calls that were set up for tomorrow, so I can sleep in, go knitting on time & visit Amazing Threads (preferred LYS) to use my discount on yarn!

To top all this off, tomorrow is my birthday, so I am really excited that I will be living this day of luxury! (Maybe I will even get breakfast in bed?) I had the coolest phone message today - my great aunt Kat (turned 103 last Sunday) sang me Happy Birthday! She said she called while she was thinking about it so she wouldn't forget tomorrow - hah - she doesn't forget much of anything!

Saturday is almost completely restful - there is the baby shower I am co-hosting at noon, but I think that will go well. Again - rest of the time can be filled with fun.

Sunday is church, possibly shopping with my dd & her friend and then a fun gathering with our Couples Life Group.

This week I was one of the 'everybody workin for the weekend'! Can you name the music artist who sang that song.

Vacation Update & Now...Back to Work

Ok, so I did it! Things completed (some of these are repeats, wanted one consolidated list to review when I am feeling unproductive):

• baby shower invites sent
• remainder of baby shower tasks documented or done
• G's room painted
• knit baby booties
• knit baby hat
• knit swiffer covers (up to 4 now)
• knit bear binkie
• seamed baby dress
• tax prep & meeting - RETURN!
• almost done with bamboo T
  
• house cleaned (had company on Saturday)
• laundry completed
• basement ready for a 'youth' party
• trained puppy (not done by any means, but a good start)
• attended church stuff in addition to Sunday services
• survived 2 sleepovers (9/10yo boys)
• survived 4 days of dd's friend visiting (this was actually fun and easy)
• attended 4 knitting gatherings
• attended oldest daughter neighborhood group
• kidcare for a 3yo one early morning
• knit a tribble
• read 2+ books
• updated Ravelry
• blogged regularly
• got card/flowers out to Aunt for 103rd birthday on time
  

Wow - pretty good for Easter vacation!

Happy Easter & Happy 103 Birthday Katty

HE IS RISEN!
HE IS RISEN INDEED!










My great aunt Katty is 103 today. It is the 2nd time in her life that her birthday fell on Easter Sunday. The first time (her 8th birthday), she was told that she would never have her birthday fall on Easter again - boy were they wrong!



Trivia:
This is pretty neat. Easter this year is: Sunday March 23, 2008.

As you may know, Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the 1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify Passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.

Based on the above, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) but that is pretty rare. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above!). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier!

Here are the facts:

The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year 2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!). The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285, 277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818. So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!

MORE SNOW!

Today I'm not complaining - don't really have any reason to leave the house. Plus the white is really beautiful.

Well, the tax man was an answer to prayer. I will get to pay off a few bills that got ahead of me. Today is the 2nd to last day of my vacation. Things on the list for today:

• clean main floor
• prepare for company tonight
• finish G's room
• finish laundry
• finish Bear Binkie knitting
• read
• prepare for Easter morning
• pay bills if time (other wise moves to Sunday)

Not bad, I think with the families help, today will go smooth and allow us all time to relax.

Since I have no control over the weather anyway:

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!

Friday - SNOW!?!?!?!?

OK, I love snow and downhill skiing, but not today! I fell asleep last night about 8pm and overslept this morning (probably a good thing on vacation), but missed knitting at Dunn's. I have the bottom 1/2 of G's room to finish, no ambition left. I have to take M to hair appt. at 11:45, G needs a hair cut, need to make a bank run and I still haven't prepared for the 4:30pm tax guy appt.

I THINK MY VACATION IS OVER!

Ok, enough of the pity party, I need to get moving! Mantra for today - the better prepared I am for tax appt. the more likely the tax return! READY, SET GO...

Thursday...

This morning I got up early to help out a neighbor by watching her grandson for an hour or so. You forget so fast about the earlier ages. He was so fully of curiosity and energy. My son was up, so they played Rescue Hero's most of the time. It was fun. After that I had the privledge of attending 3 meeting for work (YES, I know I am on vacation), icky. I think I will want a nap later this afternoon!
Today's plans:

• kid care for neighbor (DONE)
• 3 morning meetings for work (DONE)
• coat 2 of blue in G's room (DONE)
• coat 1 of green
  
• laundry (still)
• knit at AT this afternoon
• run to some stores
• library run
• post office run?
  
• get Easter stuff?
• prep for taxes meeting tomorrow (YUCK!)

I am notorious for procrastination. That is why the laundry is taking so long and also that I am going knitting this afternoon, putting off tax preparation until as late as possible this evening.

Wednesday - "hump day"

Well, I guess we are getting over the "hump" of getting Gunnar's room done. The primer is done, dry and the 1st coat of the blue is almost done. It will need a second coat - oh well. Then we get to do the bottom part of the walls in a green - I know that will be two coats - covering up old sponge paint job.

Last night I got to visit with my neighborhood group. The four of us are all the first born, daughters, names with K or D, and often feel like we are giving the soap opera's a run for their money as far as funky family stuff. We also always meet after 8:30pm and never get home before midnight - often way later than that!

So since I last made note, here are the accomplishments:

• seamed baby dress (need to work on my knit garment seaming)
• looked for buttons for above dress - will have to go to store (maybe tomorrow)
  
• e-mailed some friends
• watched 7th heaven
• primer done in G's room
• 1st coat of blue done
• will attend "3" tonight with church Jr. Higher's
• more laundry
  
• read
• knit more on M's pink T - still hoping done by Easter?!?!?

Feeling quite lazy today (up to late last night?) - probably will be reading/knitting for the rest of today.

Day 5 of Vacation

Hi!
Wow I love not having to work! I am mixing laziness and productivity - if that can be done. So far I have:

• knit 2 swiffer covers, 1 baby hat, 1 pair baby booties
• knitted with Champlin Knitter's at Dunn Brothers on Friday morning
  
• attended Friday night stitch-in at Amazing Threads
• printed some new knit patterns to play with
• attended Tuesday SSK @ Amazing Threads
• knit a 'tribble'
• updated Ravelry with photo's of stash and projects
  
• bought paint for son's room
• stripped wall paper in his room
• spackle and priming today (at minimum)
• taken dog to vet (her first visit)
  
• invitations for baby shower sent
• reading a book called Deception by Randy Alcorn
• prodded my kids to get the basement cleaned up (done, now they want friends over!)
• laundry

I think I am doing pretty good!