greenie beanies are finger food

I a sitting at work eating my lunch waiting for those ladies taking their lunch breaks to come in and disturb me. It actually makes lunch take longer, leaving me to not eat as much. It's a good thing. But those ladies, they aren't coming in. I suppose I shouldn't just say the ladies since we do have men come in, but they are not the regular lunchtime shoppers.

I made a flank steak stuffed with portabello mushrooms I got at CostCo with greenie beanies and bread. It was better last night (the steak). The greenie beanies, divine!!! I recommend anyone and everyone to eat them instead of fries. Finger food. It makes things taste better! With a hint of sea salt...mmmmm.

Tonight is knit night at my friend, Amy's. I am quite excited. We were supposed to all get together last week, but she postponed it due to the snow. Today is sunny and lovely out. I don't plan on drinking any wine, but I do plan on showing her that I found my sweater pattern. She and I were going to knit sweaters together this winter. We've slacked because of me. I couldn't find the pattern I wanted to use. Now, after running to Powells with my friend Shannon on Sunday, I have the pattern. I just need to find the yarn next. That shouldn't be too tough. We'll just head to my favorite LYS and figure out if my favorite alpaca yarn would work for it.

I'm excited. A shoe store pal I've not seen in a while just popped in. We're going to set up a date to knit. Our dogs have played together once, but we kind of lost contact after that (you know, life rearing its head and getting in the way of new friendships).

Okay, rambling has commenced so it is my sign that I need to sign off and continue my lunch.

hair thair everywhair

did i say something about photos?

Seriously, I don't think I let anyone else hold Henry for more than 20 minutes when we were visiting. And it's kind of hard to take photos of yourself holding a beautiful baby. So, no photos were taken. Although Mom promised me to send me some of him wearing his hat and I am sure we will get some ourselves. I really want a picture of me holding him while he's wearing it...you know, for my portfolio of knitted goodness.

I'm waiting for our friend, Shannon and Kiley, to arrive. Shannon and I are having a Shannons Day Out today. We start with haircuts and then off to Powells. When done there we will meet the boys for some food. They, meanwhile, will be sitting on their duffs watching football.

Oop, I think they've arrived!

tonight!

Tonight I get to go squish on a new baby. Henry was born last week...wow, just last week...and I've only met him once. However, I am hooked. This boy is the bees knees. He's the cat's meow. He's just beautiful.

I made him a hat. I couldn't resist, nor could I stand the sight of him wearing a yellow acrylic hat the hospital had given him (I know that somebody handmade it for the hospital, but acrylic just doesn't seem warm and cozy to me...especially in yellow). As soon as we got home Wednesday last week, I got the hat on the needles. I swore I'd have it completed by our next meeting. It only took me a few days to get it done.

After finishing the hat, I decided to find some little Robeez "shoes" for him too. I mean, we have a kids shoe store in the C-N-More family so why not?!? OMG! There are dinosaurs on them. And those dinos are green...just like the warm, snuggly, washable merino wool hat I had just made.

But I couldn't stop there. I was in Target yesterday with friends and saw these onesies that made me melt. There, on the front one of the two in the set, a monkey. A SOCK MONKEY! DRIVING! A CAR! Yeah, so those made it in my arms too. Looking back, the little blue and green and multi colored striped onesie would probably "gone" more with both the hat and the booties, but you just can't pass up sock monkeys driving. I mean seriously!

The camera will be taken. And photos will collect rapidly on it. I might even get to share (once I get permission from Henry's Mom and Dad).

SO yeah, I'm a little excited about seeing that boy again. What can I say? He stole my heart.

blogging with animals

Yeah, another post so soon after that lame list. I know! What did you all do to deserve this? Nothing, but the animals...you can thank them.

I'm sitting here reading my favorite blogs, waiting for A. Kev to get home and B. for it to be 6:00 so I can feed the crew and get them off my back (I do not believe in feeding them early just to regain my sanity because it reinforces this annoying behavior). They do not care what 'time' it is, rather they want food and they want it NOW. I have Josie poking me with her wet nose in the left elbow and Simon attacking my left hand. His attack makes Josie ever so happy and excited and much more poking ensues along with wiggling and jumping up onto my lap. Chloe sits quietly and lets the other two do her bidding. Have I told you she's my favorite?

what did you do today?

• Looked at Fall 07 Dansko styles at store.
• Attempted to work on handbook, but all attempts were foiled by the fact that the information was all on the laptop which I'd left at home.
• Ran to bank for store.
• Stopped by Jill's and deep cleaned her kitchen sink.
• Drank coffee and watched silly tv.
• Drove home in slush.
• Chatted with my Daddy-O.
• Now and debating what to do tonight...play games with Kev or work on handbook.
• Am also thinking about yoga tomorrow and the fact that my neck feels better now, but unsure how it will feel tomorrow.

So there you have it, a list. Not the most exciting, but it's what I've done thus far today. Exciting, no?

let it snow let it snow let it snow *UPDATED!*

So we are actually getting real! live! snow! in Portland. Usually the substance called snow by the locals resembles styrofoam balls, you know like the ones in bean bags? But this is real snow. Josie is beside herself, although has only gone out twice in the hour and 45 minutes we've been up (by we I mean me and her). There are still giant flakes falling as I type, too.

I know in years past my boss has told us to close up shop, but that is normally when it's slick. I don't think it is, but will see when I'm heading in on the bus. I think I may just take the knitting I was going to start at my friends house tonight into work. I also am not sure I will venture out tonight if it stays like this all day. I am sure she'll understand. Although a cozy fire with friends knitting sounds lovely. We'll see. I grew up in this and Dad taught me how to drive in this. I suppose it's the other people on the streets Dad didn't teach how to drive that worry me most though.

Yeah, a screwy punctuation post! :) Hell, when my neck hurts as much as it does (I have no idea why it does, either) I am not going to worry about a correctly placed comma.

So, camera...where are you?

*Oh and Dad, as for yesterdays photo of us all on the sofa, it's hard to take a self portrait with that many beings. Hopefully in May when you and Mom are here we can recreated it and you can be our photog. :)

****added****

It ended up being slick on my walk to the bus stop. I got there, barely, called Charles and told him I was bagging it. It's still snowing, many hours later. My neighbor said she'd not seen a bus go by in over a half hours. I've only seen one coming up the hill and it had chains on.

Surprise of the day, Kev got to stay home too! John, is assistant manager, came by earlier to get the keys (he'd forgotten his at home) and was saying the roads were horrible. A few hours later, Kev got a call from John saying that corporate was closing up several locations today because of the weather. This means Kev gets two days off in a row again! Tomorrow is a work at the office day for me, so really it's a work at home day I am guessing.

Stay safe and warm everyone (all who are in cold and nasty climates).

The one thing I do wish? That my neck felt better. I would be more up for snowy adventures if it were. As it is, I simply want to tuck in and work on some knitting.

cozy

Imagine, if you will, two people filled to a comfortable full after a wonderful dinner sitting on their sofa. On his lap, a rotund orange cat. On hers, a sleek calico. Under their feet, their diggity dawg.

This is a rare occurrence, all three of the animals in the same space. It's a rare occurrence for Josie to "allow" Chloe to join us on the sofa. I hope it becomes the norm soon. I love my little family.

any cuter?

I am in the process of designing fliers for the Valentine's Day yoga practice. It is a donation practice with all the proceeds going to the Oregon Humane Society. Diana and I spoke of having images of animals on the fliers. She was wanting to use images of animals who had been adopted, instead of bred and bought. I couldn't have agreed more. I came home and promptly start taking photos of the trio. All were adopted, although Simon was the only one from the OHS. Chloe was adopted from the Kansas Humane Society and Josie through Second Chance Companions.



I got a great shot of Chloe today, but adapted one of Simon and Josie to suit our needs. I'm now just waiting for the template to come from Diana's boss so I can plug stuff in.



Do they get any cuter than these three?

who knew?

A few weeks ago our fan in the bathroom decided it had had enough. It up and died. We could hear that something wanted to work, but the motor was just not turning. Kev and I enjoy doing things to our home. We like feeling the accomplishments of a job well done (although sometimes it is simply a job done). We purchased a new bathroom fan shortly after the old one passed away. It had sat on our kitchen table patiently waiting for its time to shine.

That time was today. Last week Kev started the process but we were out of batteries for our flashlight so the job had to be put on hold. After watching the Bears beat the Seahawks today he said he was going to get a bit of lunch and then run to Fred Meyers to get a few essentials. Batteries were on that short list. He got home about two hours ago and started straight in on that fan.

We have success. We will have to do a little patch work because the fan we bought was a bit smaller than the one we replaced, but seriously, it's in and it works. Patching is not too difficult and we'll do that in the next few weeks. I'm just thrilled to have a shower again with the fan on so I'm not in a sauna afterwards. I don't like the thick air in the bathroom after a hot shower. Call me crazy.

So, I will now start dinner so we can sit and relax the rest of this evening (although at some point when the bathtub is dry I do have to go in and lay down the new no slip strips...).

done

So right after we got home from the hospital on Wednesday night I immediately set to work on Henry's hat. Today, it is done. It's the sweetest. I made it out of the leftover superwash merino I made my sleeves out of. This means, they can wash it. It gets softer with every washing. I can hardly wait to get to see him again and snuggle it on his head. Don't worry, pictures will be taken!

Of course this makes knit night on Tuesday a bit of a mystery to me...whatever will I work on? I suppose there are a couple of scarves I wanted to make for my father in law and his wife. But with them wintering in Phoenix, it doesn't make much sense nor does it create a sense of urgency to get them done. Maybe I'll make myself some wrist warmers or a small skull cap...hmmmm.

wow, a week

So last we heard our heroine was battling the solar system. She'd been successful, but it was a hard journey. Okay, so it wasn't really that hard and it wasn't even all that time consuming. She simply painted, but whatever.

Since that day she's become an aunt (you know, when a very close friend has a baby and all their friends become aunts and uncles). Henry was born on Tuesday the 9th at 10:30 pm. He is possibly the most perfect and beautiful boy she's met! He's got his own blog, but currently it's just pre-birth stuff. He is just pretty. So far he's gotten one burp cloth, and has a hat on the needles. Our heroine vows to keep this child in knitted things. She also swears she will have his hat done by the next time they meet.

Other than that excitement, work has been the main focus of her attention. With her boss out of the country she's more hands-on with bills and the like. Stress has become her middle name. And today she has decided to work from home to work on the company handbook. We'll see if she truly holds true and does not go in.

Only time will tell...

duuuuuuuuuuude

I am sooo high man. Okay, not really, but if I sit in this sewing room much longer I am going to be flying because of the fumes. Cuz you know what Jill suggested we actually do today? PAINT! She was on a roll apparently, because she'd painted her basement this morning (a small wall she decided to do after she'd really painted and redecorated the rest of it over the past week or so) She is a painting gem. She enjoys taping off. She is all about cutting in. Yeah, I was happy she suggested it and offered to come help.

Kev and I moved into this house going on three and a half years ago. We love our little under 1000 sqft home. It's warm, inviting, full of fur and 100% us. My sewing room hasn't been getting much action. The ceiling was a deep blue/black background color and there was a mural of the solar system. Quite good really, but notice the past tense I use. I only felt slightly sad claiming it as my own space and painting over the whole thing. I know, a lot of work was put into it and it wasn't done poorly, I just like to feel as though my head has a bit more clearance. That ceiling felt like it was right above my head whenever I would work back in the evenings, especially in the winter.

Now, it's light and amazing and...wow, those fumes! Duuuuuuude.

unbearable lightness of being late

Yesterday we were going to get together with our exceptionally pregnant friend and her husband. Let's just say she is so pregnant, they're going in TOMORROW to get induced.

Anyway, we thought, according to the original plan, that the two of them would be coming out to the house and then we'd head to dinner. She called me in the morning to say they'd call us when they were on their way to the house. At the appointed time Kev got a call from her husband saying they were going to stop by Best Buy on their way. Then words about 5 and the restaurant we were planning on eating at were exchanged. Now keep in mind, Kev was in the middle of a computer game where the words, "WHAT? SHIT!" kept coming out of his mouth with the occasional, "YEAH!"

So when at 5:20 our friends called and asked us which one of the locations we were at...

We hopped into the car (after feeding the crew in record time) and headed to meet them. She's already ordered and consumed an appetizer. When you are pregnant and hungry, you eat. We felt so bad, but we all had a good laugh over it. I have told her that the next time we were trying to hook up with each other, she and I would do the calling and planning. :)

We're never on time anymore. I really don't understand it. I used to be the early one, he used to be much later than he is now. I thought we'd balance each other out and we'd actually be one of those "on time" couples. Nope, he's taken me out and we are now the Latersons.

Ah well. Makes it an adventure.

saturdays with ella

For a while now I've come down an hour prior to opening on Saturdays and will sit and knit while eating my bagel. Most people who read these ramblings know this already. However, there has been an addition to my Saturday mornings and her name is Ella.

Every Saturday morning I will go in, get my latte and bagel and sit to work on whatever knitted thing I currently have on the needles. I get a few rows done before Ella comes in. As soon as she comes in I put down the knitting and give her my undivided attention. Ella is an elderly woman. She has macular degneration. She has tremors. She's fallen and broken ribs. But every Saturday she makes it into the city to have her coffee and get her hair done. We've become fast friends. I look forward to our conversations. Sometimes they are about a time long past. Other times current events. She has grown very dear to me.

I am hoping to get her photograph soon. I want to always remember her zest for life. Just today she told me that she will sometimes take the Max (our train) out to the airport to simply get a cup of coffee and to walk around the shops there. "It's an adventure. It's fun," she says. I smile and know that it's things like that that will keep her young at heart. Her freedom is important to her. She doesn't let her body get her down. Sure she moves slower than she used to, but she makes adjustments and deals with things accordingly. She doesn't let her eyesight hinder her love of life. She quite simply, lives.

I get something from her that I have been missing. And I don't think I knew I'd been missing it until just recently.

next week

Okay, so next week will be the official beginning of my real routine (I better go knock on/touch wood right this very second). This week has been great, though. The snafu, not the employee's fault. It was the person who does the schedules fault (if we are pointing fingers). He owned up to it though (although he said it was "our" mistake).

I got a ton done yesterday at the office. I got an ad re-done (who knew I'd sent the one for Feb in already?) and re-sent in (we liked the one I did yesterday better). I got some kids clogs added to our link to the kids section at our website. I got things ordered for the kids store (receipts nothing fun). I got all puffy eyed from sitting in front of the computer. Oh, I did manage to put most of the yearly paperwork in boxes and get them labeled correctly. That was no small (or fun) feat.

Now, I just wait to go to work. I better go make a sandwich!

the oddities of dreams

I woke this morning shaking my head.

Dream: my sister is about to get married to the guy she dated prior to the man she is actually married to in wakeful life. This guy, for some reason, is in a wheel chair (I am fuzzy as to why in the dream but am sure it is not permanent, but an accident).

The "wedding" is in an old warehouse. There is a lack of coordination and a judge is performing the nuptials from behind an old wooden podium. At some point, during the chaos of getting everyone on the rights sides of the podium, this guy looks up at me. I smile through my dislike and he asks me to lean in, he's got something to tell me. I figure this will be good. He says, "NEVER call my your brother. I am NOT your brother..." I am baffled.

Something happened and the wedding never takes place and we fast forward to a sunny beach. She is in a beautiful gown that is blowing in the wind. David (her real life husband) is there in an off white pair of linen pants and a white button down shirt, barefooted. Before they can do anything, he looks at me and smiles. I know at that instant I can call him my brother (even if it's in-law).

END

I guess it's safe to say I am thrilled that my sister did indeed marry David and not that last guy. There was also an instant in the dream where I was floating down some canal listening to my Zune. I floated by some dolphin enclosure and they were out, performing. I was impressed until some little girl said to her mother, "I wonder what that one's name is?" and the dolphin smiled and answered in plain english. I shook my head and floated on muttering things about it being an outrage that dolphins don't speak in our language. I was pissed that the idiots around me were whispering, "did you hear that? it's name is donna!"

okay END now...

(writing this post I am lead to remember words a dear friends father used to tell her, "Nobody wants to read about your dreams, Jennifer." And I smile. Perhaps this time, he'd be right.)

yoga and a broken neck

Okay, so I don't really have a broken neck. I probably shouldn't even joke about it. But, I was so stressed yesterday morning and my shoulders ended up somewhere around my ears for the better part of the day leading to...duh duh duuuuuuhnnnn...a stiff neck/shoulders. I can't roll over in bed without searing pain running through my neck. I can kind of look left and right and up, but not so much down.

I have taken my medicine. However, if I recall correctly, it normally doesn't work until after the second or third dose. I didn't take any last night because I'd taken something earlier and then (many hours later mind you) I had beer. I don't know the particulars as to beer and this drug, but I didn't want to risk anything. So had I actually taken the first dose last night, I'd probably be feeling better by now....maybe.

As it is, yoga is going to be an adventure. And trust me, I am NOT going to miss this practice. It's been a month. A whole flipping month since I last went. Not due to me being a slacker, never that. More like, what I shall refer to simply as, the holidays. They get in the way of many things every year. This year, yoga. Last year, yeah I don't remember that long ago. I suppose I could go back to my archives, dig dig dig...but that's not my style. I am a live in the moment kind of girl. So, at this moment, I am going to get a single piece of toast and some coffee. Even though I prefer not to practice with a full stomach, I've got just under two hours before Kev takes Jill and I to class. Plus, we don't really do inversions (headstands, etc) in this community class. And even if we did, I'd not be with this neck. Unless...

um, yeah

So I think I celebrated a bit too much and a bit too early. I got to work today and at 10:15 Charles felt the need to call downtown. The guy who we thought would be working wasn't there. Not only not there, but not answering his cell either. At first I was pissed. I was ready to jump on a plane, find him, and beat him with his own phone. Then I started getting worried. I mean, it's not like him to not call if we've called him. Then I finally got him on his phone (many hours into my day of working the floor again) and he was in CO flying home...according to his schedule. It would seem as though when he originally made the plans to go away for the holidays he was not working on Wednesdays. Also, the specific date he would return was not written down (not my department people). So he will be there tomorrow. We have no fears. I will be in the office the next two days (which makes me happy since I have an ad due on Friday that I still have to shoot and put together).

In other fun news, I got to go do surveillance tonight. Kev has to do it once a month at work. Basically we went and sat in front of his store (across the parking lot) and watched his two employees. Happily, they were working. It was a riot though. I told him next time we need walkie talkies so we could go hide behind bushes and get better vantage points. We also picked out our parking spot for next month already, too.

Now, an aside for Dad: labels...I might use them, I might not. I'm not into the beta thing and only joined because blogger said the new version was replacing the beta version. Of course the email saying "Welcome" mentioned "to the new BETA" and it turned me off immediately.

sweet, sweet routine

I know I've said it before, but I like a routine. I don't mind dabbling with occassional bouts of non-routine things every once in a while. However, when it comes to work, give me routine. In at 10 out at 6 type of thing. I don't care if what happens between those hours is all goofy and odd, just give me the knowledge that I start at 10 and end at 6.

That routine will be changing a bit, but the idea is the same. When I work at the store, I am 10-6. When I work in the office, I can go in when I want and leave 8 hours later. Today. I am going to go in at 9 so I can leave at 5. I likey!

I debated about taking the car today. Kev has off work today and tomorrow. I figured he might want it, but then remembered it was Kev and sitting around the house on one day off is a brilliant thing for him. So today I drive, tomorrow I will see if I can motivate him to take me and Jill to yoga in the morning so he can go to CostCo and do other things. Then he can just pick me up so we can go to Jenn and Dugan's for dinner. Easy Peasy.

Okay, my latte is getting cold and a shower is calling.

my list

So, many of my friends have lists of things they would like to acheive in 2007. Mine is simple:

1. continue to be true to myself and those around me

End.

when one doesn't listen

Yeah so I am antsy. I want to cook when I want to cook. Kev called about an hour ago to see if we had dinner plans. I told him I was cooking. He then asked if there would be enough if someone he works with joined us. I said of course!

I originally had the thought to wait until they got here to start. The two recipes are listed in the "quick and easy" section of our Cooking Light cookbook. I figured that 45 minutes after he called it would be safe to start cooking. Yeah, they're about half an hour from being done. D'oh!

So I've turned the heat off under the beef as well as the orzo. I figured if I have to redo the orzo, not a big deal. The meat, it will be fine when I turn the heat back on. I just wish I'd had listened to the inner voice that told me to wait.

Ah well. I suppose my stomach was winning that battle. And now for pennence, the smells eminating from the kitchen are sooooo amazing. I'm so hungry!!!

and away we go

Our neighbors like to celebrate. They really like to celebrate WITH fireworks. Our dog does not like fireworks. We decided to try a little something different last night. I figured if we acted like there was nothing happening and all was normal, Josie would pick up on the vibes and remain calm. And you know what? It worked (for the most part). She only grumbled a bit instead of the full on pant, pace, bark fiasco of the past. We went to bed, turned off the music and there were still some pops and snaps happening. She got up once and tried to get on the bed with us but I told her firmly to go to HER bed and she did.

The cats, they were a bit freaked out, but they just snuggled up with us and were fine.

We had a lovely evening of ordering pizza after all the cleaning I mentioned in the last post. We watched I <3 Huckabees (can't figure out how to make a little heart icon other than that way). It was...well...it's over now. It was not like any movie I'd ever seen. Not good, not bad, it just simply was.

I continued working on knitting, but part way through one of the scarves I decided to call it a day with the knitting. Finishing two projects (both had been started already and one had very little left to do) as well as starting two made me tired. I may not knit today, I just don't know. Yeah. Right.

Kev is off to work and it's just me and the crew in the quiet of the house. The only sounds we hear are the heater and the clicking of the keys as I type. I like it this way. Kev thinks I'm nuts for not having music playing all the time. I tell him I like the quiet. He just shakes his head at me.

Oh, he wore the hat today. Actually, I put it on last night and told him I liked it so if he didn't I'd take it and he could go buy himself one. The look on his face! He promptly put it on and wore it the last few hours of 06. His remark to why he's not sure about it is: "It's just looser that I expected." I told him that if he wore it and he wasn't satisfied I have the other ball of yarn still and would make him another one, with 10 sts fewer still. I think he'll keep this one. :)

So yeah, I've got the rest of my day ahead of me and nothing in mind to fill it with. I'm sorry to those who had to go in to work today. It's one of my regular days off though so I'm not all that sorry.

done

Well, I finished Kev's hat (again). It turned out much better this time. In fact, it fits his head even! He seems a bit underwhelmed by it, but we'll see what becomes of that after he walks to work wearing it tomorrow. If he dislikes it, I will simply take it for myself and he can freeze.

I also finished a burp cloth for a friend. I'd had it bound off and everything, but it "felt" wrong. So I undid the end and added a few more rows. It's quite nice. I hope that they will use it!!!

I have a couple of other projects I have in my head to start. Two scarves are on the short list and some wrist warmers and a felted bowl are on the longer list. The scarves are for gifts so...I suppose I'll start with those tonight. One had been started but upon looking at it, I don't think I am a fan. I think I might use the pattern I have started with that yarn for another project, with the other yarn bought at the same time.

We've cleaned the house today. It feels good to have a clean environment. Granted I keep my studio space quite picked up now and with the door being hung agian I can always close myself off to the world out there. I did several times today. It was really quite lovely. Chloe and I hung out and spent some good, quality time together. She's asleep in her chair right now.

Okay, off to pick up the next project. YEA!

sheep

I clicked and here I am...at the NEW blogger.

I am a sheep.

The upside of being a sheep, I can produce my own wool (and that shit gets expensive!). The downside of being a sheep...I'm a sheep.

I am going to post a photo of the hat. You know, the one I made lovingly for my dear husband that would have covered his entire face and made him get hit by a car cuz he couldn't see it while crossing the road? Yeah, that hat.

Interesting. When uploading a photo...it makes you click by a "I accept the terms" box for photos.

Anyway, the hat. Keep in mind, it's a flipped up brim. Keep in mind that I don't do drugs, but as Jen said "The only appropriate caption for that is "Duuuuuuuude.""

This was taken with Ahmed's phone. Oddity: the phone actually flipped the image horizontally. It should not look as though the racks of clogs are behind MY left shoulder, they were in fact behind my right. Ah well.

Enjoy your laughter...

interesting

Now that the Blogger team has gone from calling it "BLOGGER BETA" to the "NEW" Blogger, I'm more interested in changing over. You think they did research to see how people responded to BETA?

Not happening yet, but in my mind for sure.

latte

math

I was on the math team in Jr. High School. I wasn't all that good so I am not sure why they kept me on the team. I wasn't the only girl, before any of you say "girl quota" to me.

It has become apparent that I still am not all that good with the numbers. I set out this year to make Kev a hat. He walks to work now and I really don't like thinking about him walking down there without proper head gear. He's my shmoopy and I want him to be comfortable walking to and from work. Last night, as I am finishing up the hat, I didn't look at it. I was simply focused in on the stitch I was working on. Then the next. And the next. You get the drift.

I tied off the yarn and said something to the effect of Eureka! It is done. Then I put it on Kev's head. Um, yeah, seriously? What was I thinking.

*picture of me with hat on, covering half of my face* (camera got left at Jill and Mark's Xmas eve)

So, instead of trying to shrink it in the dryer (which was a thought) I have decided to rip it all out and start over. MINUS 40 STITCHES!! How could I have thought that I needed to cast on 140 stitches? I know my non knitting readers are scratching their heads, scrolling down in hopes of finding some non-knitting related banter. Sorry, you should just move on to the next blog you read because this post is all about the knitting today.

This hat was to be a symbol of my love for Kev. Yeah, he didn't know this, but in my mind it was. It was going to keep him warm and safe from the wind and cold. Instead it would blind him and end up with him being hit by a car while crossing streets or parking lots that lie between home and work.

He doesn't know this yet, but he is not going to be wearing that hat until it's done in the proper size. I have half the mind to go get it now and start ripping so he doesn't have the chance to argue with me about it. Although something tells me he would be relieved to not have to wear it today. Part of me thinks he is secretly fearing what happens if he leaves the house without the hat planted on his head (rather, flopped on his head with bits oozing off). I will tell him he is off the hook and will not be made to wear the ridiculous looking thing...yet.

much

Yesterday was a lovely day spent sharing time with my dear Kev (when he wasn't watching movies that quite frankly, bore me), working on laundry (hell, it's sadly not going to do itself), knitting (getting closer adn closer to finishing Kev's hat), feeding the boys (you have no idea how good it is to say boyS when refering to our friends cats, Vladimir and Vincent...Vlad was missing for a few weeks about a month ago), eating food (although that trend is OVER now)...

We spoke to all our family (well, all but my sis who I left a message for on her machine telling them I love them and I was going to be turning off my phone- at 3:30 in the afternoon), we spoke to our friends (yes the boys are doing great and were happy to see us and get snuggles from us), we spoke to each other (I know! Get out!)...

We got generous gifts from our families (seriously? thank you!!!! new hot water heater here we come). We got thoughtful gifts from one another (music, you can never go wrong with music. Or gigantic computer monitors). We got sweet gifts from friends (a game for a system that is on the horizon, Wii!; a book to help us save money around town; jewels to make me sparkle and the Hobbit to keep Kev busy, for the PS2)...

We got some serious snuggle time in from the trio (who were all happy to have us both home). We even got to eat our favorite Mexican food last night (who knew El Tapitio would be open?).

So thank you all for the well wishes in comments, cards, emails, etc.

Let it be known that 2007 will be an amazing year. Because? We will make it so!

the list of christmas

1. awaken late and feed animals who are dancing on my head. *DONE*

2. come out to computer and putz around on it for a good hour. *DONE, with more to come throughout the day I am sure*

3. make latte and cut a slice of cheesecake for breakfast. *DONE and DONE*

4. sit around in my pj's all day *started and will be DONE all day*

5. knit a bit

6. knit a bit more

7. call family

8. open the two boxes we got from family

9. eat more cheesecake

10. maybe knit a bit more even

hope your day today is exactly how you need it to be. for me, pj's, lattes, knitting...listening to kev play guitar hero (when he wakes up)...that's all i need.

happy holidays

So I got the cards sent. Only one person mentioned looking forward to reading the letter we normally send out (only one). I emailed her back promptly and said, well then you are in for a surprise because I didn't write one this year. I ended up sending a brief update of our past year in Portland.

As I sat down tonight ready to unload about a challenging day, I decided I should reflect on a few fabulous things that have happened in our life (I know some are thinking it should be lives and my answer to them is simply: one).

Let's see, where to start? We got to start the year witn an amazing trip to Mexico with Mamasita, Walter, and Catherine. It was the right way to start the year. We relaxed and enjoyed simply being. Something we all need to do much more.

We had such a great time. We ate, we drank, we just relaxed. Some of the live performances put on at the hotel were just...

After that great start we settled into our routines, and a few months into the new year, Kev got a new job working for a mortgage/loan company. Let's just say, a fantastic job came his way shortly after and he's now happily managing a record store (well, cds, dvds, and games). He can walk to work. He can walk home for lunch (when he sits down long enough to take one). He has never been happier with a job, I believe.

Shortly after taking the new job, we headed to Hawaii to spend time with my family (he had alerted them prior to our departure that he had plans). The first full day there Kev and I hiked with David and Julianne (my sister and her husband). It was amazing. We walked through bamboo forests that almost made me cry. They were truly beautiful. The top was vast. It felt so big and calm. Will have to share some of those photos after I get them uploaded to flickr or something...

We've started making plans to head to Chicago in spring or summer (I'm hoping spring) to see Dad and Kathy. It's been far too long...

And on that note, I hope everyone has the holiday they need.

when sleep isn't there

I tried to go to bed at an early time tonight. I was yawning all day at work and figured it'd be smart to get some extra Z's tonight. Kev's passed out due to the fact he's had to be AT work at 7:00 in the morning the past two mornings. And his work? It's crazy during the holiday time. So, he didn't get a lunch today and has been running around like his ass is on fire. Tonight, he crashed and burned.

I snuggled up all warm with cats on my legs...POP, eyes open. So here I sit. I would love to turn on lights and knit, but if I do that I fear I am only asking to be awake a lot longer. What I really want to do is go back to bed, turn on my light and do some crosswords. I think Kev would not appreciate that though and I don't want to annoy him when he's trying to get some quality sleep. However, he doesn't go in tomorrow until 2:00 or so...

I wish I had amazing and wonderful words to spill forth. Lately I feel as though I've nothing exciting to share. Is it the holidays? Can we blame them for everything?

I'm tired...holidays.

I'm wishy-washy...holidays.

I'm ready to poke someone in the eye...holidays.

It could work. It could work.

tony vs. paul

Kev sent this to me to watch while I ate my bagel this morning. Music isn't key, but it adds, so if you have headphones or speakers, I suggest you listen...

rivaling russell t

I swear every single time I log into this place (or now, as I am logging in) large messages are coming up about "YOUR NEW BLOGGER IS READY!" They even went so far as to switch up the log in sides, left normally being where the old, worn out and tired blogger sign in is; right where new! exciting! thrilling! blogger sign in is. This morning, those two sides switched. They almost had me, but you know what...I was taught to read what you sign!

Okay...so, what I was really going to write about:

Is it just me or when you commit to something (say work) you should really mean that commitment? Especially when you confuse the person (say me) you are having cover for you? Is it nice to then call the other guy and ask for the original day you said you would work off? So other guy calls (me) and asks (me) if I can work in the store because our boss said to him "everything she has to do in the office can wait until Friday." Well, this would be true, but Friday I am only going to the office for maybe an hour before going to the store that is only roughly 25 minutes away from downtown, so make that 35 minutes away from the office. AND I get to drive home in the middle of rush hour! He only wants me there two hours of each persons shift...so 1-5. I will have a two hour drive home. I will be adding that time into my work day and will not be going back to the office afterwards. I will simply drive straight home. I won't even pass go to collect $200.

And if you think that is confusing, it is much worse in real life. We have switched this day on and off back and forth between the two of us, because this kid can't figure it out...does he want time with his brother? does he not? Would have made my life easier to be able to have this all down weeks before the actual day I am having to cover (which is how long he's known his bro was going to be in town)...

Ah to be 22 and carefree again. Methinks we will be having a talk with our young newbie about this one.

oooh orts

What day is it? This not having a true, set schedule is starting to play with my mind. I feel as though I am one day off, all the time. All I can keep saying to myself is, "the first of the year is near" to get through this holiday season at work.


Started some gonna be late Xmas gifts for one "set" of in-laws. We're going shopping for the other "set" today because where they life, knitted things would really just make no sense. I suppose they won't live there forever, but you never know.


My left wrist does not like it when I work with a small gauge and I'm doing ribbing. There, I said it. I can see some of you all scratching your heads, which are cocked to the side. Eyes squinting trying to figure out exactly what that mumbo-jumbo means. Then I can see some of you smiling and nodding with the sense of understanding exactly what I am saying, and feeling my pain.


My slippers have had a blow out. I suppose one or two too many times of popping out onto a slightly damp deck to check on Diggity has happened, causing the stitching to rip free. They really are not all that warm these days because of that.


I really want printer ink so I can print some photos off of the computer to replace some we've had up for a while. Although I love the photo of Russ with his first born son playing a video game when the child was still a baby (this was from our trip to Florida to see them oh so long ago)...it's time to replace it with a new photo of them.


Dogs are energy. They are large balls of energy. When that energy does not get to be released every single day, they become bouncing balls of energy. We gotta get Diggity out today, otherwise she might just knock a few things over (and by things, I mean tables, chairs...big stuff).


I had all three animals on or near me last night as I laid in bed doing crosswords. It's gotten rather cold for here and at night our thermostat is set low. Normally, not a problem. Lately, well let's just say we have two blankets, a quilt and a comforter on the bed, along with the sheets. The animals, better than any hot water bottle could ever be!

lights back on

Well, we got power restored last night a bit before 6:00. I went to Jill and Mark's (where yesterdays post was written) and around dinner time for the trio (Simon, Chloe and Josie) Jill and I zipped by the house. As we drove up the hill we noticed lights on in the hood. We were all smiles when we pulled up and saw a house alit. It was still really cold in the house though and Jill said the clock in the bedroom wasn't flashing much past 12:00 so we figured it'd just come back on. She and I went to dinner ourselves then back to her house to finish taping for painting...I wanted to let the house re-heat itself before I had to hang out too much.

So, work today, blah. Knitting I am working on, great, but somehow I turned myself around on the hat and am working it backwards from where I started. However, it's not effecting it since I am staying with the rib pattern, but I'm annoyed that I've somehow screwed that up. I will watch it when I'm working on Kev's hat.

Okay, off to bed since I work tomorrow. Let's just say, I'm taking knitting and expect to be able to get much done.

is it dark in here?

So yesterday we had some major stormy weather. It started earlier in the day, but really got going around 5:30. I left work a bit early to batten down the hatches at home. I get home and decide to grab the speakers that Kev has plugged into the computer so I can have that great Bose sound coming out of my little laptop instead (hell, the computer up front is plugged in through the stereo...). As soon as I stand in front of the desktop, *FLASH* the power bobs a bit. I decide to go ahead and light a few candles, turn off both the computers and just watch a bit of tv. The local news, all about the weather.

A few hours later, when it had sounded like it was dying down *FLASH* power is out. That was at 9:30 last night. As of 3:00 this afternoon, still no power. I called Jill and left a voice mail asking to call when she got home so I could shower. I called work and told them of the situation. They were fine with me not coming in. I am currently sitting at Mark's desk playing on the computer with our website for work and checking emails.

It's good to have great friends, but it's even better when they live so darn close! Thanks, Jill...for everything, always!

happiness

...is a clean room.

...knowing your partner doesn't hide things from you.

...cats that let you sleep in.

...a rainy day with your best girlfriend.

...knowing you get a day off together very soon.

...a latte by your side in an amazing ceramic mug.

...things just clicking.

beauty in my life

<----Meet the newest to our family of beautiful objects.

My friend has an annual ceramics sale where she and at least three other potters sell their wares. This is quite possibly, the sweetest piece of pottery I've ever held in my hands. It sits sweetly and fits perfectly in the palm of one.

My friend did not make this, although I do love her work a great deal. Her friend David (whose last name is gone out of my mind, but he's had cups he's made photographed in a book of beautiful cups) did. We had gone to dinner as he was setting his things up. I simply went back in the house to grab my knit bag and there Bliss was (that's what I've named it). I was simply drawn to it. I picked it up and couldn't set it down.

I helped one of her other friends out, setting things and arranging. She gave me the most glorious mug! My entire fist can fit inside of it! It's about a 20 oz mug. 16 oz to the bottom of the drippy glaze inside. I also bought a gorgeous bowl/vase from her collection for some friends here locally (who I know read this and will probably figure out it is them but won't see it until we get together to celebrate). I know I talk about not wanting to feel the pressure of the season and not having to feel like we HAVE to get anything for anyone (as they should not feel compelled to do for us) but when things scream, I listen. I celebrate in the moment. And tonight, the moment was right.

funny aside: when I logged in tonight, the message "your new blogger is ready to go!" meaning "switch to beta!" Funny it should come after I posted that I'm not a fan.

open letter to my blogger friends

There once was an online web log provider called Blogger. It was a bit quirky and awkward in the beginning, but as it aged it got a little easier, a little faster, a little (dare I say) better. Then it offered something called "beta." Now, I know that this provider is trying to make things even easier, even faster, and yes, even better for its users. However, when I am trying to comment on my friends sites who have made the switch and they have the word verification thing turned on, I get no word. I get the little red X in the corner of what appears to be where an image would be. In the past, I could hit "publish" and it would come back with another word for me to verify. And more times than not I would be able to see it that next time. However, not anymore.

I wanted to warn my friend Kristin that Gracie, will eat shoes again and now that she has once, anytime she eats one that is left out it is as much the person's fault as it is Gracie's. Gracie is a dog...dogs will sometimes do dumb things we wish they wouldn't. Josie is a confirmed shoe eater and even though she's not in some time, I still put my favorites away. I also wanted to tell her that it's okay to look forward to a trip if it means getting to sleep in! Totally fine.

I wanted to tell my father to have a safe trip to see my family in PA and to give them all hugs for me and tell them hello. But I could not.

Thankfully my friends like Jen, Shari, among others, have not made the switch. It is to these friends I implore, please...don't. do. it.

That is all.

Oh and Chloe is flipping adorable when she is trying to have a conversation with a crow that is sitting on a branch outside. Just want to scoop her up and squish on her.

Now, that is all.

i wrote and it went away

Ah the joys of blogger and the newest version of IE. I know there are people out there wondering why in the world I still use IE...my answer, because. :P

Anyway, I logged in this morning to blogger. I wrote out a rather lengthy post about decorating for the holidays for my friend who is on bedrest for possibly the last month of her pregnancy. I spoke of us probably not decorating our house since we are not home together for full days at all, until THE day.

I then hit spell check. I clicked the "allow pop ups" bar across the top. The post vanished. Blank screen.

So, nutshell: we ain't decorating, but in decorating my friend's house, I feel as though I'm in the spirit.

the things i learned today

Sundays are slow downtown this winter.

I can choose to be annoyed by choices Kev makes or realize the opportunities that those choices offer me.

Wind is the scourge of the earth. You can not hide from wind when you are waiting for the bus, even if there are bus "shelters" at your stop.

Girls in Indy are fabulous and funny and make me smile.

Simon is a heater hog. The little bastard slept smack dab in front of the vent in the living room all night until his Pop got home, then he went to Kev's lap.

Dogs like Port Wine spread cheese.

Television is rather irrelevant. There are shows in our DVR that were recorded when we were away. Honestly, if I didn't see a one of them, I'd be fine.

It's okay to have friends who make you smile and laugh in spite of the anger you are wanting to hold onto. And then, it's okay to let go of that anger.

Thanks, friend. ;)

oh banyan, how i love thee

banyan
Originally uploaded by chlortence.

Our trip was amazing. There were moments of annoyance. There were more moments of stuffing ourselves silly and enjoying each others company. We hiked (sadly, Kev and I only went out once). We ate. We drank fancy drinks with umbrellas. We ate. We took many photos of trees and other flora. We ate. Thankfully we walked a ton and I only managed to put on about 4 pounds (I'm averaging here people, it was five yesterday and only three today so we'll say it was really four pounds gained). Did I mention we ate?

The hike we took had moments of feeling like we were walking through someplace that wasn't really real. The bamboo forests...wow. This banyan tree I'm standing next to...unbelieveable. Without me standing next to it, you probably wouldn't get the true size of it. Can you find me?

out

I had to go into work today for a while. Not exactly what I'd planned to do today, but...when someone is ill, we all must pull together. But now I am packed. I have the note written for Chuck. I am ready to go (Kev is too, but he's still at work).

I'm off for a week. I won't be checking in. I won't be logging on. I won't be near a computer if I can help it!

Everyone have a great turkey day!!!

Aloha.

thanks a lot, jen... :)

I've been tagged. My darling friend, PlazaJen tagged me for this meme.....

The Guidelines: List 5 weird things about yourself or your pets. Tag 5 friends and list them. Then, those people need to write on their blogs about 5 weird things, and state the rules, and tag 5 more people. Don't forget to let the people you tag know by posting a comment on their blog (shanny addition: but if they read your blog regularly, like i read jen's...they already know)!

1. I feel guilty getting my hair cut when it's only been five weeks since the last cut. My hair grows like wildfire and my stylist is amazing, but I felt horrible yesterday calling and telling her it hadn't grown out the way I normally love (she'd tried something new...as she always does and i normally love). Usually, I see her four to six times a year. She was as surprised as I was and told me to come in an hour before she normally starts today...I love her, but feel soooo guilty.

2. Everytime I am going on a trip I start obsessing on the clothing I will take about a month out. It starts with just thinking. Then making a list of what tops and what bottoms. Then come the sketches of each outfit and which day I will wear them on. Sometimes, I actually wear them on the days noted, but often I will mix it up and wear them on a different day. I will not, however, change and mix up an outfit (even if all the components I take will mix and match).

3. When I was a kid I wanted to wear glasses sooooo badly that I actually bought a pair of glasses with fake lenses. Now I am supposed to wear them (when driving or working on the computer) and I typically can find them on top of my head. I do wear them while driving. Oh and I can't knit when wearing them, I always look under them to see what I'm doing.

4. Even though in a few days we'll be hiking in Hawaii, I am not sure I'm as excited as I would be about hiking if Josie were with us. I am happy by her utter JOY of hiking and that's half the hike for me. Just watching that joy. I am sure I'll love the hike and think the scenery is gorgeous, but I will think to myself at least once that I wish Josie were with us.

5. I'm afraid of learning how to knit socks. I hear that once you start it's a slippery slope and you never buy socks again. I've got friends with a one in one out rule. For every pair of hand knit socks she makes, she tosses one store bought. I'd never knit anything but socks...this, this I fear.

So what five friends (or people whose blogs i stalk) shall I tag? Really, it's kind of a fun one to write and was easier than I'd thought...shush!

So, Kerri, Shari, Bronxbt, Kat, and Dad...tag, you're all it.

happy birthday, bay-bee

Bay-bee,

My life changed when you enetered it, my dear Kevin. It got richer. It got way more fun. It got crazy (or crazier).

Just over ten years ago we met. I saw you at an orientation meeting at work. I thought you cute, but didn't ever expect to be at this point in our life. I'm glad I didn't let the hairy neck get in the way. ;)

You support me when I am having a craptastic day. You encourage me when I have doubts. You ignore me when I'm being stoopid (and we both know that hardly ever happens so you spend copious amounts of time paying very close attention to me).

You just started a new job. I've seen a change in you even in the short time you've been there. You glow. You smile even more than before. You laugh and joke and there is nothing heavy about you. You're home there. You deserve so much on this day of days.

You deserve to know just how much I love you and I love our life together.

Always,

me

normally

Normally I don't like to forward things I get in emails along to friends. Normally I am not a fan. However, there was one email my boss got that I had to forward to myself...I know, the irony.

It is this:

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

I've always tried to be kind to those around me. I believe that you reap what you sow. I care for my friends and family. Often times those friends become family. I wish only the best for everyone in my life. And I am thankful for each and every one of you.

I suppose this is my "Thanksgiving" post as I won't be near a computer on that day.

Did you hear, I'll be somewhere tropical. :)

time? it's actually zipping!

I really thought this week would start slow and build to a slow so slow that I'd actually be able to see time. Not so. Yesterday was done in a flash. Work, fast. Knit night, fast (I even finished my friend's short, tuck in scarf). Sleeping, that's always fast.

I woke up a half hour early today and decided to get up. No use laying in bed feigning sleep. I putzed around reading various blogs. I checked the weather to make sure what I'd picked out last night would be appropriate (yeah, it was...cuz you wanted to know). I scratched on Chloe cuz she's a crazy lover kitty in the wintertime (something about it being colder makes her want to sit on us, which makes us thankful because she's warm and we keep the house cold).

Tonight I have no idea what we are going to do. Kev has off today so he's having lunch with his pal and running to CostCo and the grocery store. Yeah, seems funny to do those two things before we leave, but since Chuckles will be here with the kids we are going to leave him with food.

Yeah, the excitement that is my life.

are you ready? yes i'm ready.

Well in seven short days we will be on a plane heading to Hawaii. It's a much needed vacation. I have one more knit night (tonight) before we go. I have one more yoga practice (Thursday) before we go. I have one more day of doing laundry (Sunday, if I don't have to work) before we go. I have one more Monday with Jill (duh) before we go. She's going to come over and help me pack. We might make a run to the bra shop but the jury is still out on that.

I am feeling better. This is good. I still have that raspy, sultry voice. But along with it I am sniffling and blowing my nose and coughing up a lung. And if that wasn't enough fun, I've added sneezing to the list. Yeah, must remember to take tissues on the bus this morning so nobody in front of me...well, you get the picture.

I'm done with the four projects I was working on for this trip (remember, the knitting). I've lined up the projects I will take on the plane. I have spoken with Kev and he agrees that we'll check our little suit cases (it is a direct flight) and just take on a backpack (him) and a medium sized satchel (me). I can stuff my purse in the satchel easily. I want those four projects WITH me on the plane, you know.

Okay, my day is about to really begin now. Must go check a couple of gmails and get my teeth brushed and a smidge of make-up on before catching the bus.

barry, is that you?

I've been sick. I have been achy and snotty and not feeling well at all. Luckily (if anything about being sick can be lucky) I was feeling my worst on the days I had to work in the office. So I went in, did a few things both Thursday and Friday and left early. I worked all day yesterday at the store with Drew sounding like Barry White was once again trying to come back to this world through me.

Today, I woke early with the need, yes NEED, to blow my nose at 7:00 when Kev's alarm went off. I haven't been able to get back to sleep. I tried to call my mom, as is the norm on Sunday mornings, and she could barely hear my squeak out to her that larengitis had set in. I whispered at her that I'd call her later this week and I'd email her. She told me to get rest and try to rest the voice. She's a funny lady, that mom of mine!

So I brewed some peppermint tea. If you know me, you know I can not stand tea (with the exception of raspberry tea from Celestial whatever and I couldn't find any the other night at the store which made me sad). I have choked down a couple of sips, but can't for the life of me figure out why anyone would enjoy this flavor. I suppose many don't understand my lust for lattes either...ah well.

I am supposed to go knit with my friend, Amy today. I hope when she calls she can hear me whisper, or Kev is home to translate for me. He had a work meeting this morning and then is coming home to nap. He closed last night and didn't get home until 11:00. Sounded jazzed about the job still. This makes my heart sing!!!

just how late is late?

I am kind of wondering what others think is late. Kev left last night to go watch football with our friend, Chuck. His last words were, "I won't be too late." At 1:00 I began wondering what his concept of too late was. Apparently he doesn't think 1:30 is too late...I kind of do. In my opinion once you hit midnight you're heading into late. So with that theory, 1:30 would be "too late."

I guess I just don't sleep well while he's not here (especially when he's going out with Chuck to watch a game of some sort). Last night with my cold on top of it, I got maybe two hours of sleep and that was once he was home and up front watching more tv. As soon as he came back to bed I was awake again. Snoring usually wakes me up. Let's just say it's going to be a long day at work today. Thankfully I'm not feeling as rough as I was Thursday and if it's slow enough I can go home early (I'm the extra help now on Saturdays).

Kev works tonight so I can putz around the house and maybe even get some work done on an ad I am having done next week, with enough time to do a second draft before heading to Hawaii.

I digress.

The question is: How late does it have to be to be considered late or too late.

my take

Well, most of you have the same views as I do when it comes to customer service. A quick Hello and then leave me to do my shopping. That's how the store I work at runs. Sometimes people get very "I'M JUST LOOKING!" with us and we simply say, "great, let me know if you have questions that come up." They then look at us with disbelief in their eyes, like we aren't going to really truly leave them alone.

Kev just started a new job. He noticed on the first day he was there that the folks that work there didn't even acknowledge people as they came into the store. He is managing a record store. This store has much theft. My thoughts (and his as well) were if you greet people, and look them in the eye, they might just be less likely to take things...at least that's my theory. Oh and making people check their bags in at the front desk would be the best idea too.

a survey

Just curious. If you were to walk into a store and not be welcomed, what would you do? Same goes for if you are overwhelmed by the sales staff.

A conversation is happening with my animal list friends and I'm curious what others think on the topic. You tell me, then I'll tell you.

carpet poo'ing dog

So last weekend when we headed to LA for the whirlwind party celebrating all that is fabulous in my sister and her new husband's lives, we left Josie with my yoga teacher and her beau. When I asked Diana how it all went she said it went well, but she was exhausted because not only did she have to watch the diggity, but the yoga studio where she works opened their new space that weekend too. Of course there were fabulous events and things were all a buzz the entire weekend.

When I saw Lawrence (the beau) at practice on Thursday and asked how he liked my dog his response was, "You mean the dog that poo'd on my carpet?" He said it with a smile and love, but something tells me she'll probably only be invited over when we are in town and aren't leaving her behind. She followed him everywhere and was constantly under his feet, he said. I am sure she just felt like she needed to be near him, because when we first got her, that's what she did to us too.

We head to Hawaii in two weeks! Two weeks, people!! Originally we were going to use last weekend as the test run to see if they'd want to have her for the whole week. Then they had a better offer presented to them. A few days in a friends cabin in the woods. Yeah, I'd pick the cabin over a carpet poo'ing dog too.

Our friend, Chuck, is staying in town and has been called to duty. He is going to stay at the house and watch the critters. We'll give our friends, Shannon and Kiley, his number and vice versa, just in case. I'm glad Chuck is staying here. He's a good guy. Josie needs some bonding time with him without us around. The cats already adore him.

Okay, off to finish cleaning up a bit before gathering my knitting and heading to Jill's for the afternoon. I debate, take the car or ride the bus? It's not that cold out, just windy. Kev might need the car later (post forthcoming) and I'd hate to have it down at Jill's house if he needed it...we'll see.

Also, must figure out what things I am taking to Hawaii. Oh man! I love picking out clothes for trips. Usually, there is a list as well as sketches of each outfit. I know, I'm a freak. But the beauty of my system is, I can look back at the sketches and remember things about each and every trip I've been on. Sometimes, they are better than the photos we take while at the destination.

Just call me Ramblin' Rose today.

la!

and she's chatting with me right now!

I read Mir's blog. Everyday. Some days make me laugh until my sides hurt. Others make me want to hurt those who are causing her annoyance.

I have another blog friend, Shari (whose blog I always read every single day). One day she was online at the same time I was online. I noticed she only had google talk so I downloaded it myself.

Who else should I see there? Mir the pretty. I feel real special that both these girls would chat...with me!

Now I know they both exist and are real! live! people!

half day pj day

I got a call last night with ten minutes to go at work. It was the woman who works Sundays saying she was still not feeling well and the bug she had last weekend (she didn't work last Sunday either) had come back full force, making her leave her other job early. I told her not to worry, we'd figure it out and to let us know as soon as she could about Monday. I told Ahmed that I'd just plan on working, that I'd left Chas a message on his phone, but it would be taken care of.

I got a message back from Chas last night when we were at Shannon and Kiley's eating and playing Scene It, the Turner Classic Movie edition (I got one single answer right...). When I listened he said he'd go ahead and work today. I told Kev on the way home that I'd still plan on working, I'd call Chas this morning and tell him I could cover it. When I called him, he told me not to worry about it since he was not going to be in town next weekend. I told him if she called off for tomorrow, I'd work and we'd figure something out so he wasn't always having to cover when people are sick. He seemed to like that idea. I totally hope that she doesn't call off, but he said he'd call me and let me know. If I don't hear from him by 4:30 I'll give him a call to check in.

I've been loving working two days in the office (this past week was the first week of that) and can hardly wait until it's the real three day office week with two on the floor.

So now, I'm still in my pj's, I'm knitting (when not writing here), while Kev is watching the Bears play the Dolphins. I've got a call out to a friend to see if she wants to get together and sit and knit today and she's going to call me later after she's done with a couple of errands she already had on her plate. I hope we can get together tonight. I always have such a lovely time with Amy. It's funny to think she (as well as some of my other friends) started out as a customer.

Happy Sunday everyone. :) If you can, I highly suggest a PJ Day!

the hook is coming

Years ago in college (no I won't count and figure out how many it's been because that gets a wee bit depressing) Jill and I were walking down the hill from class. We saw this poster on a telephone poll for a band. We looked at each other, neither saying a word, and started laughing. Finally...Dancer Bob?

It wasn't until later we realized their name was Danger Bob. And they had this song that was infectious, even to this day.

"the hook is coming and the hook is coming and the hook is coming...." and of course I can't remember any other words. But here it is .....

Man, life was so...different...then. I love my life now, but I love my life from then too. Sigh.

six is my favorite number

I took six pictures in Cali. Yep, six.

Two of Oscar. Four of the tables before anyone got there (actually it was still in the day when Julianne and I were setting up). I didn't get any in the evening when the candles were lit. I didn't get any of my parents or my cousin or my mom's best friend. I didn't get any of Julianne or David. I did get one of Kev, but that was because Oscar was sitting in his lap.

I'm tired. I'm glad I have off today. Kev ended up calling in because he just doesn't feel great. He wasn't feeling great the entire weekend. We did have a wonderful time visiting with everyone. Thankfully we did get some quiet time with Julianne and David. Granted that time was almost always in the car, but at least we got to just be with them.

The cats were spoiled rotten. Shannon and Kiley left us with a fabulous Jack-O-Lantern waiting on our porch (pictures will be taken and shared). Josie was happy to see us, although I suspect she had a blast with Diana and Lawrence. We are all happy to be home.

Here are just a few of the photos I took...really, a few of the few.

headin' back to cali

We head out tomorrow morning. It's going to be a whirlwind weekend for us.

Friday:
bake muffins, meet David's family, eat dinner

Saturday:
wake early, make tartlets, host shower, clean up, hopefully get some time to go to a yarn shop with David's mother, get ready for reception, go to reception.

Sunday:
nothing but visit with family. leave at 7:00 pm

Even though it doesn't seem like a lot, it really is. There will be running around and setting things up for the party and helping calm my sister's nerves.

Have a great weekend everyone. We're off now to take Josie to Camp Goodtimes!

camp goodtimes

Josie has no clue what is in store for her this weekend. I know she will be taken to new places, hiked with and loved on. She will miss us for a while, but our hopes are she has such a good time and she is such a good girl that Diana and Lawrence will beg to watch her again in November!

Things are slow today. When things are slow, time stands still. It's no biggie, except I have better things to do with my time than stare out the window at work. I could be getting things ready to pack. I could be giving myself a mani and a pedi. I could be lamenting the fact that even though the boots shipped, they shipped out yesterday from Jersey. I could be drinking some wine while doing all of those things. Although that would mean I'd have to have some wine at home...wait, we do!!! We'll have to see what kind of mood I'm in when I get home tonight.

The back room is picked up. The note has been written to my coworkers. I am ready to get the hell out of here. But the clock only reads 4:40pm. An hour and twenty to go.

Maybe I'll continue brainstorming on marketing ideas for increasing foot traffic at two of our locations. I'm thinking some kind of benefit thing, buy a pair of clogs, we'll donate $5.00 to a non profit animal rescue (I'm thinking of the place where we got Josie from). Ideas, they are filtering through my brain.

everybody loves a list

1. mani and pedi

2. pack clothing

3. finalize exactly what knitting i am taking

4. write note for shannon and kiley about the cats

5. write note for diana and lawrence about the dog

6. pick up house (nobody likes coming home to clutter)

7. take copious amounts of benadryl to rid my body of the snot

8. get toiletries ready

9. pray boots make it here in time

10. cry because i know they won't

11. write post about not being around this weekend because we're heading to los angeles to celebrate my sister's nuptuals

12. buy wedding gift

13. blow nose

14. prepare for everything

aaahhhhh-chooooooo

All day yesterday I was sneezing. I dropped Kev at work and Jill and I were going to return some mis-sized pants to the Rack. Everytime we'd get out of the car and go into a store, sneezes. Runny nose was also around.

I am not sure why my allergy gnomes decided yesterday was the day to attack...at least I wasn't sure until Jill noticed something very important. The car, it was COVERED. IN. POLLEN! WTF?!?

So, I was drippy and sneezy and unhappy for the entire day because the car needs to be washed. I asked Kev to do that sometime this week on his way home so that when we go to the aiport on Friday morning I am not having to get into the car of sneeze again. That'd make for a lousy trip on a plane for anyone. Snot on a plane. Now that is a movie title!

if you want

To see feathers and fans, check here. If you are my sister, DON'T LOOK!

The image of her is just as she blocks. I plan on getting pretty and artistic shots of both hers and his scarves that are done and post it there.

Right now, I must decide if I am going to wear it once to give it great energy before giving it away. I really want to!!! Plus, the kids at the coffee shop (workers and regulars) will oooh and ahhh over it and be excited to see her done. Okay, I'm wearing it!

Make it a great weekend everyone!

just call me mrs. v.p.

So this morning Ahmed and I are speaking. We're talking of the differences between me and Chas at work. What he will take care of and what I will over-see. He hemmed and hawed and finally spit out that he'd like us to have titles for our new jobs.

Chas will be the Operations Manager (a title I'd approached Ahmed about earlier when the job shift happened). I will be the V.P. of Marketing. Hmmm, I like.

Tonight I am going to stay late and rearrange the downtown store to increase flow through the store. I am not telling Ahmed that I am doing this until it is done and he comes in and asks "when did you do this?" cuz I know he will.

Kev's meeting me here and we'll have pizza next door before we head home for a quiet night. I'm pretty excited. And I've not been able to wipe this smile off my face all day.

but must knit

I want to post here, really I do. I want to say amazing things. I want to share what's going on here. And in these last words I do share...I must knit. November is not far away at all! ;)

just cuz

I read this at Crazy Aunt Purl and decided it was time...

four jobs i've had:
1. rehabilitated a horse so he could be used in riding lessons
2. sold draperies
3. worked in a bowling alley
4. manage operations in a local shoe store chain (that'd be now)

four movies i can watch over and over:
1. Overboard
2. Harry Potter(s)- any of them
3. Breakfast Club
4. Sweet Home Alabama

four places i have lived:
1. fort gordon, ga
2. leavenworth, ks
3. lawrence, ks
4. portland, or (and yes, i've only ever lived in four)

four television shows i love to watch:
1. What Not to Wear
2. Design Remix- or is it Find and Design?
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. Biggest Loser

four places i've been on vacation:
1. Germany
2. Hawaii (getting ready for the second time next month)
3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
4. Fayetteville, Arkansas

four of my favorite dishes:
1. Beef stew (what's for dinner tonight?)
2. Cobb Salad
3. Pizza
4. Bagels in the morning

four websites i visit daily:
1. Plaza Jen's
2. Yarn Harlot
3. Left Handed Catastrophe
4. Knit Meister

four bloggers i am tagging:
nobody...if you want to do it, go for it.

on turning 34

Yesterday was my birthday. Kev and I had a party. It was rowdy. Everyone got home safely.

I have realized, looking back to last night, that I think I'm to the point where rowdy isn't me anymore. I love quiet evenings with friends sharing stories, playing games, drinking wine. I enjoy the soft music in the background. Not being the party, just enhancing it. I'm happy when friends come together and share the experience of simply being.

So I am one year older and many years wiser this morning. Even though the party was not quite what I'd hoped for, or expected, it did show me a thing or two. I appreciate all Kev did, because I simply invited a few people. He made the food, cleaned the house, etc. However, I won't ask him to take it all on again. We are a team. We work well as a team.

another week passes

I swear time gets away from me. It's crazy. Training has been going well. Knitting has been going (I'd love to say well, but there is one yarn that eludes me as to what pattern it wants me to use- I've figured it out, but now have to wait until one of the others is off its needles so I can use them).

Work is work. We are really thinking that by next month, the two are going to be ready. I've told them both we'd like it to be so. I think it may just work. For a while I might stick to T-Sat and just go in for part of the day Sat instead of the full day like normal. It should be great.

Okay, bus time is nearing and I must make sure things are ready.

Happy Birthday to all others who have birthdays on this very day! ;)

helpers in all shapes and sizes

I went and got my hair cut yesterday. Realizing I was that much closer to the yarn shop, I zipped over to get another ball of the kidsoft silk mohair. I had just about run out and was at the halfway mark of feathers and fans. I swear, it knits quickly, but seems to be taking forever.

While there, I found some new yarn for one of the other scarves. I decided I don't like Cascade all that much. At least not the superwash. I think it feels cheap. I know, I know. Yarn snob? Actually I am going to use it, but not for the scarf. I am thinking a blanket for a good friend's baby (he's due to join us in January). I am thinking of pairing it with the Lanette I made the sleeves with (which reminds me, I must post them soon).

Anyway, about that helper. He is just making sure it's soft and comfortable?

Okay, I'm off to work more on the f & f and do some laundry that didn't get finished yesterday (yes, while I was away my dear husband actually worked on the laundry!!!).

knit on. (this was supposed to be posted there instead of here....oh well)

wow, where do they hide the cameras?

Find your own pose!

the time is 6:30

Simon has started his song and dance. Nice because he has started an hour later than normal. I do not stir, nor do I let him know I am awakened by his antics. A while later, Kev gets up and feeds everyone. A small smile passes my lips. Ahhhh, to sleep in a bit. Normally, Kev will get up and feed everyone then come back to bed to sleep in too, but not this am. I hear him getting dressed. I squint open my eyes and look at him. He announces he is taking Josie to Angel's Rest.

I have two feelings rush through me and I'm conflicted. I long to get up and throw on my hiking togs to join them, yet I am a bit excited about the morning by myself with the cats, the laundry and my knitting. I tell him to remember I have a hair appointment at noon and the two of them are off. Josie didn't even know anything was happening. She had no time to get herself worked up and barking.

So I sit here sipping my latte with my feet up on the coffee table writing. Soon I will put on some music and continue down the knitted path I have started for myself. I only have a month and two weeks to finish three projects. I can do it, easily.

can't think straight

I have been training people this week. This means a couple of things. 1. My brain is now Jell-o like in constistancy and 2. I lost a lot of time where I could be blogging because I have to set a good example. Okay, the second isn't 100% true because I really only blog at work when I have everything done and that's usually never, or the end of the day whichever comes first.

I had so many things to write about this week. Did I write anything down? No. Do I currently remember anything I thought I would? No.

DO I feel guilty for not updating this all week? Not a chance. Heh, I have a life outside of blogging kids. Although what that life consisted of this week is a blur.

I do know we went out on Wendesday night to see Guster and our friend Bob was in town. We all had a fabulous time and Kev, he was the first to say "you guys ready to go?" I get to hold that over him for a little while. You see, when I surprised him by saying I wanted to join him for the show his response was, "Just make sure you don't want to leave halfway through." Now, the band was halfway through the encore when Kev suggested we leave because they'd played all the songs he'd wanted to hear (same here). But I could have totally stayed until the bitter end. AND I had to get up for yoga in the morning before heading to the office to finish the organizing of the boxes of shoes and clogs (meaning I climbed stairs carrying my weight in shoes many times that day which resulted in my legs hurting still to this day...thankfully I did practice yoga prior to doing all that which I am sure helped me not be in more pain had I not).

Okay, must go figure out dinner. We're feeling like Chinese tonight and maybe we'll get lucky and find a really great place in our hood.


peace out.

we'd like to offer you the job

On Friday Ahmed and I interviewed two people who were looking for part time gigs. One is a friend through a friend and the other is a guy who, for the past two and a half years, has been popping in to see if we are hiring anyone. We'd interviewed him when he first applied, but we were looking for full time and he for part time. Not this time, baby! He's on board!!! I'm really pretty happy about both people. Melissa has great energy and Drew is very much a people person. I think the two will be great!

This means, of course, I must train people. Not my favorite thing to do, but I can do it. This morning, Drew comes in for his first round. We'll go over the different brands of comfort shoes we carry and general policies and procedures. Damn, I wish I had the handbook done...it's started at least.

Had a lovely, but quick, weekend. Got to spend time with Jill yesterday. I walked over to her house (a good 40 blocks) and then she and I proceeded to go on another walk around their neighborhood to look for houses that are for sale. Found one, but does anyone have $300,000 they could loan me?

Okay, going to finish my reheated french press coffee and put on my face for the day.

just married!

I woke up to find that I had A. missed a call from my sister last night right after their ceremony and B. received a photo of them just after they "I do'd" on my phone.

She's positively glowing. They both are, really. I'm thrilled and honored she'd want to speak with me right after they got married. And I'm sad that I wasn't around my phone when she called. I sent a text message to the new Mrs. G to call me when she had a chance.

my sister is getting married today

So my big sister is getting hitched today. Everyone raise their glass at sundown, where ever you are today, to my sister and her new husband.

I couldn't be happier!

little sister!

Kev informed me a few weeks ago that his sister would be in town on the 28th. We'd spoken about going out to eat for dinner, but then it was decided I'd make dinner so we could just sit around and relax.

She called me around 3:15 or so and an hour later I was relieved from work (I was working at the office and there is only so much organization you can do when the carpenter is taking his own sweet time). I ran to the grocery store and bought stuff to make the Mexican Corn and Bean soup. Man, I got a little carried away with the cumin! :) It was perfect though. I zipped by her hotel and picked her up and the two of us got to spend some time together before we got Kev at work. Let me tell you, I love her. She STILL will be perpetually 23 in my mind, even though she said she's turning 30 with her next birthday. I told her that I always think of her as 23 and she laughed. I think she liked it.

We went and got Kev, Josie came along. She laughed at the greeting Kev and Josie gave each other (I'd told her one of my favorite things is the wiggles from her and the laughter from him). She agreed that it was the sweetest thing.

We went home and I cooked while we all caught up. It was a perfect and relaxed evening. I'm so thrilled we'll get to see her every so often as she flies this way (she's a flight attendant). I told her that even if she doesn't have a couple weeks notice, if it's just a couple of hours...CALL US! I would change plans for her because she is family. Or, she'd be included in plans.

So now I am eating my toast and thinking about my little sister in law and how much I love her and how proud I am of her.

my dear friend comcast

So the past few days our internet connection has been spotty, to say the least. You'd be able to connect one second and the next nothing but a big blank screen. The really odd thing, is it would say we were connected. Both on the desktop and my laptop. Connection was "excellent" on this thing, but I couldn't pull any pages up at all. Kev went in on Saturday and switched out our boxes, they told him to bring our old one in and do just that. Last evening it wasn't much better so he called them and was told there was an outage reported three minutes prior to his call. Now, we are hoping that that issue is what is the real issue and that when it's back for everyone, we're not still screwed.

Thus far, today? It's been fine (knock on wood!) and I just received a call from Comcast to check on our service. Huh? Um, yes, it's working and I simply hope I don't have to call you guys back today...or ever really. But seriously? They called to check in? I'm crushing hard on Comcast right now.

my angel is a centerfold

Today was the day the bedroom got rearranged. While Kev was working on the storage room, which was a one person job, I got busy redoing our bedroom. We weren't all that jazzed with the latest configuration of furniture and I am all for changing things up when needed. During the process I take apart the bed and wash the mattress pad and bed skirt. Both are dry, but the skirt is quite wrinkled. I go back to the sewing room to get the ironing board set up so I can iron the bed skirt. I pass the bedroom and I just can't resist my dear Chloe. I tip toe back to the living room to get the camera where I'd left it after taking pictures of a scarf I am blocking. I just have to spread a little kitty porn...

but what about dirt?

We have several styles of shoes at work that are being made in suede. Lush, gorgeous, fabulous suede (ask me how I really feel). The one question that it always brings to the forefront is: "How does suede do in the rain...doesn't it get dirty?"

My new tactic, other than to say "I've got a couple of pairs of suede shoes and all you have to do is blah blah blah" is this:

Look at person's shoes. If they are scuffed and not taken care of (most of them are in that state) say, "well, doesn't leather scuff and require some tlc?" That'll make them hush up.

rain

Kev asked me the other day if I thought it was odd that he found comfort in the clouds. I told him that I didn't find it odd, I found it true. The clouds are here. I don't think they are here for the winter, as this weekend is supposed to be spectacular, but we're getting a little taste of our winter.

Tomorrow I get to go into the office and work. My boss is out of town so it's just me for the day. I plan on getting much done and many files filed. I meet a rep there when the shop opens to look at shoes and then it's upstairs for a fun filled day when he leaves. I'm looking forward to it.

Nothing exciting here. No spiders this morning (thank goddess). Just a plugged up drain. Sadly, Kev didn't get any drain cleaner on his way home tonight either. I guess he either couldn't find any at CostCo OR he found such a big container he figured we had no place to store it. I'm guessing the first (although the latter wouldn't surprise me either).

Yeah, excitement here. My brain is tired. I had to deal with annoying customers who think that just because they spend money at the store (she's bought and kept maybe two pairs of clogs) that they are above the policies. Yeah, I'm letting Chas take this one. I owe him big! I'm sure she'll have to come in and pick them up when I'm at work though. This is the woman who brings in her two dogs who are not the best with kids and when kids come in, she does nothing to keep them from wandering. It's only happened once when I was working and it won't happen again. Thankfully the mother of the kid was paying attention and the kid was a good listener. I will be asking her to keep ahold of the dogs next time the situation occurs.

Okay, that's boring. I'm going to bed.

'night.

soap gets in your eyes

Okay, I am not a huge fan of spiders and other bugs and insects. There are some I can deal with (ants I'm okay with, although NOT in my kitchen) and some that seriously make my skin feel like it is crawling (for instance the LARGE brown spiders).

So this morning as I groggily walked into the bathroom and pulled open the shower curtain and was met by the biggest brown spider I've seen in a long time...shudder!

To top it off, our drain is a bit clogged. I figured I would have to drown him with a small amount of water and then hope he would make it down the drain before it backed up (yeah, I'm not the type to carry big spiders outside OR allow my cats to chase them in fear that the spider will eat my cats).

Not. so. lucky.

I strategically tried to put things over the drain from allowing him to come back up, but everything started floating (note to self, get a snake and some drain cleaner). At one point I almost screamed, but just a squeal came out. I heard Josie rush to the door in worry (good to know that if I make scaredy cat sounds she'll be there to save my ass). I told her I was fine and to relax, which she promptly laid down outside the bathroom door, just in case I needed her (have I told you all how much I love my dog?).

Kev woke up and looked at my like I was crazed. I'll admit, I had that look of crazy in my eyes. Because not only was there one LARGE BROWN SPIDER trying to eat me from the drain, there were two whispy long legged spiders hanging out above. Normally they do not bother me. UNTIL they decide to start moving above me!!! Let me just say that although I am clean, I don't think my hair got all the shampoo out. Thankfully I have it in a bun and the headache isn't quite full blown yet.

So yes, my morning started off with a lovely surprise. Let's hope that tonight doesn't offer up anymore...

another nail bites the dust

I had beautiful nails once. It's taken me quite a long time to be able to say that. Growing up I had a picking habit. I'd pick at my nails until they were nothing more than nubs on my fingers. I would get nervous...pick. I would be bored...pick. I would just pick any old time. And then, one day many months ago, they were longer. And I didn't feel the urge to pick. So I stopped.

Last week one was about to start splitting so I trimmed it. A few days later it's next door neighbor was doing the same thing, so again the trimmers came out. Today, a dog decided to attack Josie while we were on our hike up at Powell Butte and as I was grabbing this dog and yanking it forcefully away from trying to eat my dog...the third in the row got snagged and ripped. It's okay though, small price to pay when it comes to saving my dog (although she was fine and not even bothered by the episode).

We were just walking up the butte towards our normal route. All of a sudden a yellow lab (friendly dogs, no?) came bounding down through the brush (it's switchbacks the whole way up). We said hello to it and he (yeah, unaltered) started sniffing Josie aggressively. She's not one for dogs to run up her booty so she grumbled as she normally does. Now, usually, other dogs hear it and back off of her. Not this one. He took it to mean "let's rumble" and proceeded to try to eat my dear Josie. Thankfully he had a harness with his leash still attached. Kev grabbed Josie's harness and I grabbed the leash on the other dog and seriously dragged his ass away. He was snarling and yanking, trying to get to my girl. NOT ON MY WATCH! His owner came down, apologizing. She took ahold of his leash, but not very tightly because all of a sudden, he was at it again. Kev grabbed him this time and yanked, and gave me his leash. I again, dragged his ass back up the hill to his owner. As we passed them he was just going nuts. She was saying, "you're supposed to be a nice doggie..."

My girl, she rocks even more now in my eyes. She had no injuries (you can imagine me patting her down to make sure, no?) and was not phased as we walked on. We had to pass them one more time, but this time we leashed up and made sure the woman heard us coming through so she could be ready.