Eat.Knit.Sleep

EDIT: I wrote this post a week a go, but have not yet been able to locate my camera cable so I'm posting without pictures.

I don't really have any excuses. I have been absent. I bailed on some things. Life got rough for me for a while.

I hesitate with what I want this blog to be. What it's original intent was, to meet knitters, and to record projects when I was newly obsessed and felt isolated. Some of that has been co opted by ravelry, which to be honest, I haven't been using to the best advantage.

I needed a break. Not from blogging because I never did that regularly anyhow, but just a break from everything that caused pressure.

I've noted here about my stresses at my job, and while I still don't believe that it is the long run career for me, the leaving of my former boss released so much stress, that I'm much happier where I am. This happiness has caused me to second guess some of my choices regarding going back to school for teaching. Do I really want to teach? Will I be a good teacher? Do I really want to earn less to most likely work harder? I'm somewhat torn between my desire to have a career that is meaningful, and starting to wonder if my meaning should be outside my career.

I'm still in school and plan to continue pursuing teaching, but all of this thought has brought up some interesting ideas about my life, my relationship and where I think everything is going. I've been thinking about whether or not I want to have children, and what that means for me and C (he does not). I've been thinking about knitting and spinning and baking (but not really doing much of any of it). Same goes for yoga and running. At some point I realized that during this "break," I inadvertently gave up a lot of things that I loved, finding myself watching TV with my knitting in front of me and not picking it up.

C and I were/are going through a rough spot, brought on by both of us questioning our lives in a probably very healthy way, and then reacting to those questions in a unhealthy and destructive way. I guess I'm still trying to figure it out. It's a strange thing growing up with someone in your life.

Any how, I don't think I've shown you what I have been knitting, if very intermittently and I have been enjoying it. It's Gale (Ravelry link), by Anne Hanson, in a beautiful kit from Wooly Wonka fibers.

Posted by Jenny at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hi, I'm Jenny, and I'm a procrastinator. After spending the majority of last week cramming for my midterm and then swearing I'd get ahead of my school work, here I am at 4:55 pm Sunday just starting. Ick.

I did have a good weekend though. Friday Carlos made a nice dinner and we had some wine and talked. Saturday we had a lazy day (although I skipped yoga which annoys me) and then went to IKEA to get a new desk chair for me and into Philly for dinner. We meant to go to a sushi place a friend recommended, but the wait was 2 hours and instead ended up all dressed up at a little hole in the wall Middle Eastern place and had an amazing meal. We then went to our favorite Belgian place for a few beers before trekking home to A-town.

Today was another lazy day . . . bagels and lox, 2 pots of coffee, and a lot of knitting. I did finish the first Jacobean sock, but I couldn't get a great picture so today I've actually been knitting on my scarf for the boy.

I'm pretty happy with how it is turning out. It is the Corrugator (ravelry link) pattern and is easy to memorize. It is a nice use of the Shephard Worsted C picked out when we were at Purl in December. It's getting very long and I'm not done yet with the 2nd skein (I bought 3) so he may end up with a matching hat or the like.

I'm making some excellent vegetarian split pea soup for the week and have to start the baked casserole for dinner tonight. (Did I tell you the trick to do work, school, and 90 minutes of yoga 3-4 times a week is cooking ahead on Sunday? Highly recommended). Oh, and do homework, so hopefully a better shot of the Jacobean sock later on.

Posted by Jenny at 04:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

So, I am home sick today. I have this weird combo of sinus headache, sore throat, and horrible stomach pains. I have been taking the time being home to catch up on some sleep, laundry, studying, blog reading, Lost watching, and yes knitting.

I had been focusing much of my energy on Oscar's sweater (which I have not blogged about yet) but misplaced the contrast yarn and the buttons that are needed for it, so that is on hold until I find those. I have been knitting however.

I decided, against all logical thought, to join the Sock Knitters Pentathlon (which is both a Yahoo group and a Ravelry group) even though I'm horrible about keeping up with these things. I did cast on for the sock last night and although the toe is a little weird shaped (this is only my second toe-up sock) I am enjoying it so far.

I am a little further a long than this is here:

Today has also given me some more time to think about things. I posted here before about my complete disinterest in my job, and you all know that I've started back to school for a career change to teaching. In the back of my mind since I made this decision, was a knowledge that in the fall I'm going to need to do some fieldwork as part of my classwork and I'm frightened that my job will not be supportive of me having to change my schedule. I've been trying to figure out a way to take more classes, and have more flexible work, but I've never had to do this with the responsibilities of a mortgage and a household and without wanting to put too much of a burden on C. Anyone have any experience with this? Well-paying part time jobs, flexible or work from home jobs, taking out student loans to cover some living expenses? Any advice would be appreciated

Posted by Jenny at 07:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I finished this hat awhile ago but never posted. It turned out too big for me, but fits C's big noggin just fine. Which is actually fine with me, as I really just knit it to try my hand on fair isle. I've already cast on for a new hat with the orange handspun from the other day.

Not the best picture I know -- he didn't much care for being the model.

Here's a closeup:

Posted by Jenny at 08:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

or rather, Baby Surprise! (I'm sorry, that was awful).

I knit this without really mentioning it, for a friend's baby shower at the end of the month. I just need to find buttons that are suitably feminine.

I'm thinking little purple butterflies or ladybugs.

I'm still recovering from this awful cold and work has been pretty crazy, but I'm still working on the CPH, the Earl Grey socks, and the hat.

Posted by Jenny at 08:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

or better known as, hurry up, its cold!

I've been sick as a dog this week, actually missing 2 days of work. Trying to catch up on life and blogging will be a part of that. I am knitting a lot so expect to see more content.

Posted by Jenny at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

and not told you . . .

After frogging my Secret of the Stole, which I will get back to with a vengeance. Someday.

I needed something else that was challenging, new, and matched my winter coat.

Enter Ufserud:

Horrible photo, as it is before my coffee right now, my first color work, and incidentally, my first hat.

Enjoy. I am.

Posted by Jenny at 07:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, today was C's first day at work, and it seems like a good fit. A lot of responsibility, the complete opposite of the cog in the giant machine he was in before he got laid off.

However, the new job is far away. Not so far that we have to move, but far enough that it is more convenient for him to stay in NJ 2 nights a week (I really hope my Dad meant it when he said this was ok).

So, his first big day and he's not coming home. Weird for me, and very weird for Oscar who has had him home with him for the last 4 months.

So, I made a salad for dinner, and am doing some laundry, drinking a beer, and frogging back my Secret of the Stole to the beginning. I made a mistake somewhere, and as I was tinking back to find it, I realized I really wish I had gone a needle size smaller, so that I will do. Hopefully, I won't regret it.

(BTW, lace knitters- Knitpicks is having a great sale including some of their lace weights. I may have bought some, and finally succumbed to buying Wrap Style even though I hate ponchos and can't imagine wearing a caplet!)

Posted by Jenny at 07:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I want to thank all of you for your good wishes on C's new job (and on the brown sweater - which I love). He starts tomorrow and he is uber excited.

Friday, I took a half day at work so we could celebrate. We went down to IKEA and bought a whole bunch of stuff -- a new bookshelf/yarn storage unit for me, some shades for C's office, a desk chair, and then headed down to Philly for the best place on earth: Monk's Cafe

While I know there is a lot of great food in the Lowell/Boston area -- I'm so glad we don't have to leave the driving vicinity of Monks! Belgian beer, mussels, what more can a girl want (and also in walking distance of Rosie's Yarn Cellar, but I didn't go this weekend)

Saturday we did a whole day of "back to work" shopping. C has lost some weight and wanted to get some new clothes and I have gained some weight and reluctantly bought new clothes; all in all a long tiring day where I DID NOT buy a new MacBook Pro.

We also registered for a half marathon this weekend, which is scary and exciting being that neither of us currently run on a regular basis.

I've also been knitting. Here are some progress shots of the Monkey socks and Ariann:

Posted by Jenny at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

It's my best fitting sweater yet . . . and I really need to clean my bathroom.

I hope to get a better picture, but we are in NJ this weekend so who knows.

I'm trying to pick back up on Ariann. I wish I had just knit this straight through, as I'm having a hard time figuring out where I was, or even what size I was knitting.

Posted by Jenny at 05:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

just in time to start Hint 2.

Please disregard crappy picture.

Posted by Jenny at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In fact, tired doesn't even describe how tired I actually am.

I did not get much sleep last night. That being said, the amount of sleep I got last night was more than a typical night in college, which was only 6 years ago.

Anyway, I was completely useless at work today, and was especially thrilled by the "motivational" emails my boss likes to send me to ask me why I am not on the phone with customers (on my lunch hour), and skipped out as soon as I could.

Did I rush home to take a nap? to have some tea? to go for a long walk with C and Oscar?

Nope. Secret of the Stole beckoned. I'm obsessed.

Posted by Jenny at 07:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am really loving this pattern. I'm a bit further along than this photo represents, but my pictures weren't coming out well.

That picture also shows the Knitpicks Harmony DPNs for those of you who haven't seen them yet. They oddly match the yarn I'm using almost perfectly.

I've also cast-on for the Secret of the Stole and am loving knitting it so far. Pictures also came out blurry.

Turns out a personal day on Friday is just what I needed. Had lunch with C and picked up some yarn to make my Dad's Birthday present. (Henry if anyone is interested). We also watched Transamerica, which is worth watching.

Yesterday we slept late, which I hadn't done in FOREVER, and we took Oscar for a long walk, went out to lunch again (really great behavior for couple living on one income) and out for coffee.

Today I'm taking some much needed knitting time and then making chili (and C will make margaritas).

Good weekend overall, and I'm going to try to keep the stress levels down moving forward. I know eventually C will find a new job, and we will leave PA, and I will get to quit my job. So I'm going to try to do my job, but I'm not going to go above and beyond or succumb to the pressure and the stress and the "do or die" environment that they want me to or to the unethical behavior that some feel the need to do to keep their jobs. If I lose my job, then that's what happens.

Hope all of you are enjoying your weekends as well.

Posted by Jenny at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Also, not one but TWO pairs of finished socks.

Not to be without a sock on the needles. I started a pair of Monkey's with this last night

No one at the yarn shop told C about dyelots but these look pretty close!

Posted by Jenny at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

There are so many posts that I could have written in the last 2 weeks. Why is it when life is most interesting, and I feel like I have SO much to say (and no one to say it to) I don't come here?

The weekend in Boston/Lowell was good. We liked the area a lot, we spent a beautiful day in Boston (and I'd be showing you pictures right now if the camera cable wasn't AWOL again). We had a nice dinner with C's potential employer.

Without getting too personal about C here, the interview didn't go as well as he had hoped, but after many talks and emails, strong references, we have a preliminary offer that we are waiting to be finalized. It isn't as much money as we had hoped, as Mass is much more expensive than PA, and we will be responsible for our own moving costs, but word is on the street that there are no other jobs out there period right now, so we'd be stupid not to take the offer.

I'm happy for C, because this is a relief for him. I'm starting to feel overwhelmed by the idea of living here alone, selling a house, moving someplace where I don't know what I will do or how I will fit in. I started looking online for potential jobs, and I don't even know where to start because I really don't want to keep doing what I am doing. I know I will be fine and I will figure it out, but from this side of things, I can't see how.

So, I've been knitting and spinning a lot because they are the last thing I should be doing. I've finished the second Trekking sock, and will cast on for the second Calla Lilly sock today. I'm almost completed with the body of the Bluebell Boatneck from Fitted Knits. I've purchased yarn and beads and swatched for the Secret of the Stole KAL.

Distraction is the best plan right now.

Posted by Jenny at 08:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

So, we are going up to Massachusetts on Saturday. C's interview is on Tuesday and we are going to be having dinner with his potential boss in the weekend before so things seem good. I'm excited and happy and freaking out all at the same time. Wish us the best.

The idea of him moving there without me and me being left to sell the house scares me. I've never sold a house. Will we be able to afford to keep an apartment and the house? What is the alternative? When should I quit my job? All of it is scary and exciting and I am so ready to shut this chapter of our life.

That being said, I've been knitting along on the Boatneck which WILL be a Rhinebeck sweater. I'm also at the toe decreases of the sock. I just tried to take some pictures but they sucked so I will post some when I have some natural light.

I should get back to cleaning out my office. I'm trying to do the prelim stuff to make this house look less cluttered.

Oh, I wish I could quit my job now!

Posted by Jenny at 08:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So last week or so I won a contest on the YoYo Knits.

Alyson sent me this:

Which contained this:

I love it!

So, I'm feeling much better today. Slept a lot last night and C and I went out to lunch and to get a new shade for our deck door. We are planning on going mountain biking tomorrow.

I've spent some time working on neatening my office and turning this

into this

It is some beautiful brown Cascade 220 Heathers destined to become the Bluebell Boatneck (warning: Ravelry link) from Fitted Knits . At the rate I've been knitting I decided casting on for a Fall sweater makes the most sense. Of course, given Murphy's Law this means I will finish this sweater while it is still hot out.

Also, yesterday C got a call from a headhunter about a possible interview for a position in Lowell, MA. Anyone have some thoughts on the area? I've been doing some research and it seems like a city that might be turning around. Last time I was there (probably late 1980s) it was pretty dodgy. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Posted by Jenny at 05:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

So, the yarn I showed you the other day? It's already on its way to being a sock.

I'm a little further a long than that now, and I"m really enjoying the knitting, even if the sock might be a little too big. It is the first installment from long ago of the Sundara Yarn Petal Collection. Beautiful yarn.

I keep joining these clubs and stashing the yarn. I don't know why. I'm weird like that.

I've also been a member of Boogie's Spunky Fiber club, and never spun it. Until now.

Here are my singles of the July selection, Shetland wool in Celebration. I made an effort to spin thicker and they are pretty crazy looking.

I'm home sick today. I was up all night with a terrible headache of which the remnants still remain. I'm totally not focused enough to be at work today, especially because my job involves talking to clients and being consultative. No consultations for me today.

So my friend who's niece I knit the Daisy sweater? Now she is expecting, and the baby is due in February. I'm thinking of doing something special like a blanket, but I'm not sure. Maybe the ubiquitous Baby Surprise. Decisions.

Posted by Jenny at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It is horrible that I keep track of this, but someone unsubscribed to my bloglines. I'm sorry if I bored you to death? Although I'm not particularly surprised.

I found my camera cable so I can provide a little bit of entertainment in that way. So I have finished a few items since last I showed photos.

Finished Sockapalooza socks already received by my pal. They are Tofutsie and a slip stich rib from Sensational Knitted Socks.

I also finished a dishcloth, that I may not have blogged about at all.

And a Daisy sweater, which I think is adorable for a baby just 10 days old.

I also did some frogging. I apparently think I am Shrek sized.

Exhibit A: Second Trekking Sock

The top finished sock is big and slouchy. The bottom sock was loose on C's size 13s and these socks are for me. Frogged and sent to their room without supper. Plan on recuperating with some of this:

I also frogged CeCe which I was really enjoying. I took it off the needles to frog back to fix a mistake and realized that it would fit around a person twice my size. This is even though I swatched and I was spot on. I'm going to try again in a smaller size but I need to do some more swatching.

This time of year is touch because I can't decide whether to squeeze one more summer project in, or to get started on fall. Tough call.

Posted by Jenny at 08:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dude, this is my 200th post!

And I'm still the loser with no camera cable. I swear it is in this room somewhere and I had it not too long ago!

I'm having one of those days. I didn't sleep well last night and I've been a little grumpy and fat today. I'm not sure the fat part has anything to do with the sleeping, but I feel particularly fat today. I'm sure that has nothing to do with the fact that I ate ice cream twice yesterday.

Our trip to New Hope was nice, although I'm very sunburnt right now. I'm sure that is helping a lot with the crankiness.

In knitting news, for some reason I realized only today as I started the toe decreases that the second Trekking sock is made for someone with the gout. Or elephantitis of the leg and foot. Or Shrek. I need to rip back, but I also need a break. Working on CeCe is a nice change from the stockinette sock and I hope to be able to show you soon.

I've also been spinning up my Celebration Shetland from the Spunky Club. I'm making a real effort to spin a little heavier, but I'm nervous about the plying because I suck ass at it. I'm thinking of making my own lazy kate (per Elspeth's advice and the fact that my Woolee WInder bobbins don't fit well on the Kate that came with my wheel).

I'm sleepy now, and am going to get ready for bed. Good night.

Posted by Jenny at 09:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, no pictures today either. Which sucks, because I actually have stuff to show you.

I've turned the heel and done the gusset decreases on the Trekking socks, which are so autumn it kills me.

I've finished the knitting and seaming on the Daisy sweater, and just need to sew on buttons and mail it off the the baby who is 6 days old.

I've finished knitting the Ballband Dishcloth and it is already in use in my kitchen.

I've finished spinning the BFL from Hello Yarn, and just need to get up the nerve to ply it. I suck at plying.

It's been a little touch and go around here.

My job is extremely demoralizing . . . they are asking us to work harder for significantly less pay (I'm earning about 1/3 of what I was a few months ago) and they are not letting people move to different positions within the company. I can't afford to quit because C still hasn't had any job interviews and we don't know where we will be living so I don't want to look for a new job around here.

We are 12 days a way from when C loses his benefits and gets his severance pay out which is all he will get (besides unemployment) until he gets a new job.

One of C's former coworkers who was laid off with him killed himself, leaving behind a wife and 3 small children. C is taking it hard. It makes me extraordinarily sad, while simultaneously, very grateful for what I have.

I don't have time to go searching for the cable today, or at least right now, because we will be heading down to the New Hope Automotive Show to hopefully distract C and let him have a good time before heading off to the service for his friend tomorrow.

Posted by Jenny at 09:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I actually finished these a while ago, but hadn't gotten around to posting them yet.

This is my first pair of solid socks, and I'm hoping the Knitpicks Essential softens with washing. Done with those, I've started my Sockapalooza socks:

It's made from Tofutsies, which is a little splitty but makes a nice fabric for warm weather socks, which was my intent.

I'm pulling myself back on the wagon with diet and exercise, as I realize I really have let myself go. Running, weights, cardio and yoga, and an eating plan designed to boost my metabolism. We'll see how this goes.

Had a nice weekend -- saw some friends from high school I hadn't seen in almost 10 years, which was interesting, and made me realize I really need to get out of my job. Anyone successfully make a career change in their mid-twenties?

Posted by Jenny at 02:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This is the current state of Ariann after I wrapped my head around joining the sleeves and starting the raglan decreases. I am still enjoying this sweater very much.

I'm in my room keeping Oscar calm while C vacuums, and am going to be spending some time playing around with Ravelry.

Posted by Jenny at 11:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

but evidence of progress!

This is actually the second sleeve of Ariann which means I might actually have a finished object some time this millennium.

I had a good time in Cleveland, but time with my family always makes me reevaluate what I'm doing with my life, as my family always seems to be doing something more meaningful and seem more content with their respective lives.

Apparently, my introspection makes me somewhat difficult to be around, and thus C has been feeling a bit like this lately.

I'm tired and it is hot, and I have to go out to dinner with the boss from hell tomorrow so I leave you with Oscar on the road . . .

CLOSEUP!!!

I love that dog!

Posted by Jenny at 09:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So I signed up for Sockapalooza 4 even though I'm not much of a joiner, and when I was in NJ this weekend for a friend's wedding I did a little yarn shopping for her.

She lives in So Cal where it is mild in climate and she likes purple and green. She said she either likes patterned socks in solid or semi-solid colors, or plain socks in beautiful variegated yarns. She also would be interested in cotton-blend or lighter-weight socks she said. Going through my stash, and with the purchase made on Saturday, I think I have two options.

Collinette Jitterbug in a beautiful semi-solid purple. I would have the option to do a more patterned sock here. Problem is, my pal has slightly larger feet than I do, which are a women's 8.5-9 and the yardage on the Jitterbug is pretty slight, especially when taking into account a textured pattern. I'd also have ZERO problem making myself some anklets with this stuff!

I also found this in my stash, which is lovely, but also not colors I'd wear, and it has the prerequisite purple and green.

With the Wildfoote I wouldn't worry about yardage, but I'd feel weird making very plain socks, so I suppose I could do a bit of a fancy rib.

What do you guys think?

I'm a little sad today as one of my favorite people at work quit/was pushed out on Friday when I was out and it makes me really hate my job and boss right now. And one of my little baby Basil's bit it while we were away as well:

Posted by Jenny at 05:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I meant to post this last week . . .

Posted by Jenny at 11:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, a couple of weeks ago I broke my nose. I got hit with a door, big nosebleed, the whole nine yards. I didn't really believe that I had broken it, so I waited a few days to go to my family doctor. He suspected it was broken, sent me for an x-ray and referred me to a specialist. My nose was swollen and crooked looking, and I was having trouble breathing out of the right side. The X-Ray showed no fracture, or cartilage damage, although my septum was deviated and the Dr. thought that was the reason for the trouble breathing (although if my septum had ALWAYS been deviated, I don't know why it would only give me trouble after I banged my nose!). Anyway, I pressed, and he decided I should have a CAT Scan in case the swelling was hiding a fracture. I had that last Thursday, and a follow up appointment with the ENT specialist on Tuesday. Yep, there was a fracture, and it was indenting my bone into my nasal canal restricting my breathing, so yesterday I had surgery to straighten it out.

Now I look like this:

Please excuse the no makeup, bad hair. I haven't showered since yesterday because I need to take baths until the splint comes off next week, and I need Carlos' help to wash my hair. (This is when a boyfriend who actually has hair might have come in handy, although he was a sweetie who took the day to spend with me in the hospital yesterday although it was a minor, out-patient procedure).

The pain wasn't so bad last night or this morning, although just now when my Percocet wore off it hurts a lot, and I'm not looking forward to going to work tomorrow, in pain with the funny splint on my nose. Why I have no problem posting the photo on the internet, I do not know.

I spent a fair time knitting, spinning, and reading today which was nice. I finished the bobbin of 2-ply I was working on, started the waist increases on Ariann, and have been knitting on the Cable Rib socks, because I really need some grey socks. Oscar definitely enjoyed me being home.

Really, really don't want to go to work tomorrow. Think the big plaster cast will help in my quarterly review from the boss with completely unrealistic expectations (how a sales person who has never missed their quota, and has a great relationship with my customers and coworkers and consistently get negative reviews, I will never know! -- I need to find a job without all the politics).

Posted by Jenny at 05:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Again, a week without posting. It's been 8 days since my last post, so I'm aiming for less than 7 this week, kids.

Last week was hectic with work, and I didn't accomplish much outside of it. I may have started a little something with the Ultra Alpaca from last week, and no I did not finish Thermal. It started as this:

And has since turned into the first 6 inches of Ariann. I'm loving this pattern, and I'm neglecting my other knitting projects and my spinning! I have to go dry my hair, walk Oscar, before heading out to a drs appointment, but more about my great weekend in NYC later.

Posted by Jenny at 08:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I didn't mean to go a week without posting. Although, I never do.

This week was a little hectic. Drs appointments, holidays, blah. I got out of work early on Friday for the holiday. It was unexpected, so I took it as free time and headed up to Nazareth, PA.

And, as Carlos joked, I did see Jesus in Nazareth. Walking up the street, carrying his cross with disciples behind him. (is that right? I'm Jewish, don't know much about the New Testament). Anyhoo, I saw Jesus as I was parking my car at Kraemer's Yarn Shop.

I hadn't been there in about a year, when my mom was visiting, and I wasn't disappointed again. I managed to leave there with only 2 4-oz . bundles of roving. (Woot, local roving!) and 6 skeins of Berocco Ultra Alpaca to make Ariann. I tried to get some yarn for Wicked, but they only had Ultramerino, and Luxury Stripes by Artyarns (which I thought was Supermerino until they told me it was $26 a skein).

I've been knitting away on Thermal, as this cold weather gives me hope that MAYBE I will get to wear it this year. I'm done with the body, and it fits well, and I'm about half way done with the first sleeve. The cold weather is REALLY making me want to cast on for Ariann though.

I've been spinning too, but not much to show now.

As for the working out, I've lost a pound in the last week, which is something, and I've run 4.6 miles towards the Runagogo Challenge. I'm a little behind, so I'm going to run again tomorrow instead of weights at the gym. It was cold this morning, but somewhat nice to watch the sun rise.

Posted by Jenny at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ok, the weekend is over, and I have been completely unproductive. Work very nicely let us go at 12pm on Friday and took us for lunch and happy hour, where I apparently drank too much, because I basically managed to (possibly) break my nose walking into a door later. Ouch!

Carlos is sick again. Not with the same thing. He has gotten better and sick again in the 5 days since my last post. Healthy couple we are!

I've been spinning and knitting, and NOT doing any gardening or housework of any kind. Really must stop neglecting these things. I do have progress to show however . . .

Still working on the wheel wool. Here it is skeined up:

Carlos saw this and noted that my spinning is starting to look like "real yarn." I agreed, and decided I was ready to spin some pretty yarn. Not so sure . ..

That's some BFL from Hello Yarn that came with my original spinning kit. I do apologize for the photos. I'm too lazy to clean any of them up in Photoshop right now.

I've also been knitting away on Thermal . . .( not part of Claudia's war however).

This picture, and my somewhat enlarged belly (partially hidden by the disgustingly dirty mirror), is a good segue to my other plan. Starting tomorrow I'm embarking on a 3 month, very healthy eating and workout plan, designed to help me lose 15-20 lbs of fat, and gain 10lbs of muscle. I'm tired of being tired, and weak, and flabby all at the same time. I'm somewhat designing my own challenge very loosely based on the Body for Life challenge, with less processed food, a little more lee-way for my foodiness (and especially Carlos', since he cooks half the time and is not going on this plan with me).

I want to be in uber-shape before going to Santa Fe in July. Yah, we are visiting my mom this year! So excited, as I haven't been to Santa Fe in 6 years!

Posted by Jenny at 07:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This was my plane knitting for my trip to Seattle. Been putting off finishing it.

Feeling slightly better . . . debating whether to take another day to recover. I've never been good at deciding when is sick enough to stay home . . .especially since I've already been sick one day this month, and will have used up half of my sick days in March alone.

Posted by Jenny at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So I'm trying to muddle through. Things aren't much better at home, but I still managed to have a decent night. (This does not explain the way I managed to pick a fight this morning).

After dinner, which C made, and we watched a West Wing episode off our DVD, I decided to watch a movie. I brought down my basket of Romney roving and turned it into this:

I watched Thirteen. It was pretty disturbing but well made.

I also wanted to show you the status of my Everyday Cardi and my Bejeweled Scarf, both of which are lying on the floor of my office with the upmost respect. I found this:

Notice he is not just lying on the sweater, but the pattern himself. I got him off, and took this picture of my Bejeweled scarf:

And turned around and saw this:

I gave up, and went to bed.

Posted by Jenny at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

One still cold . . .

Posted by Jenny at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I'm feeling a little blah today . . .I'm hoping that goes away before my run in 9 hours!

I'm definitely feeling like I'm having trouble getting going this year. For the first time ever, the only thing i seem capable of accomplishing is my fitness goal. (I have run/walked every other day since the new year).

I've lost some momentum at work, and have had some confusion as to how to deal with some possible upcoming issues there, and I'm starting to think I may have handled things the wrong way and now need to back track.

It is finally cold enough to wear the Everyday sweater but I'm too lazy to finish it. This is what it looks like now:

I've sewn one sleeve on (badly) and the other is pinned on, and I still need to knit the collar and buttonbands.

I haven't knitted on Bejeweled in a few days, although I think I will a little tonight, because after seeing Margene's, I want to wear mine!

I have been spinning a bit, but still haven't completed my first bobbin! I think it is fear of plying that is holding me back.

And I finished my first Fetching glove, but haven't cast on for the second.

I'm hoping the 3.5 day weekend I have will help get me out of my funk!

Posted by Jenny at 09:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The first step is admitting you have a problem . . .

The yarn is some Cascade 220 that a secret pal once sent me to knit a felted bag . . . then I remembered while taking off my gloves on a cold morning, that I don't carry felted bags . . .

I did some spinning as well, but the picture looks pretty close to the last, but with more yarn on the bobbin.

Next run is tomorrow.

Posted by Jenny at 10:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So this weekend was good, low key, but good.

Friday we had a work outing to go bowling. I suck at bowling, but I had a good time, and was home by 7 for pizza and wine with C.

Saturday I ran, which was really rough, after beer and wine the night before and really bizarre weather. I SO should not have been able to run in short sleeves, in January, in PA. But I logged 2.4 miles bringing my total for last week to 6.66 miles. Yes, that creeped me out.

In the afternoon, we went shopping for my running shoes, and I bought a new pair, which I LOVE, which happen to be Nike + compatible so no more knitted pouch, but I still love that little pattern.

In knitting news, I did knit my Bejeweled Scarf and made a lot of progress. I'm part of Lolly's knitalong, and the patttern puts some money towards charity and it is a lot of fun.

I also joined Project Spectrum again, and hope to do a better job of keeping up with it this year. In other crafty news, I've been spinning a bit, procrastinating finishing my Everyday Sweater (although hopefully it will get cold enough to wear it), and I cast on for Fetching this evening with some Cascade 220 from my stash.

I think they will be good running gloves . . .and I did run another 2.51 miles this evening, bringing my total to 9.21 miles so far this year.

Oscar thinks I should spend more time with him

Posted by Jenny at 09:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I hope everyone out there had a wonderful holiday --- whatever they may celebrate, and a happy and safe new year! I did, and I definitely enjoyed the few extra days off.

Christmas was low key and nice at C's parents. He got an 80GB ipod, and I got the Nike + running doo-hickey for my Nano, some DVDs, and at some point some new running shoes. (I guess someone was trying to make a point). That does, however, bring me to my first FO of 2007:

This was from Rachel's great "pattern" and I'm also joining (attempting?) her 100 miles by April Fool's Day challenge, officially once I figure out how to use my ipod thingy.

I'm not calling it a resolution, because then I'm sure to fail, but I'm trying to remember that exercise used to be play and not work!

Speaking of work, I'm really not looking forward to going back tomorrow. I'd rather be home spinning and finishing up this:

That is the body, sewn together, blocking. The sleeves are blocked as well. I just need to sew the sleeves on (which I haven't done since my first sweater) which I'm not looking forward to, as well as knit the button bands and the collar, which I also despise. But I want to wear the damn thing!

I did make some resolutions this year because they are things that need to be done:

1. Blog more. I'm not being specific on this, but one thing I like about this blog (besides the comments which there have been less of late -- due to my lack of regular posting I'm sure), is that it holds me accountable to anything I say here. I mean, theoretically, I could lie, but that would be pretty wrong. I'd also like to work on my digital photography so this would be a great venue.

2. Spin more. See #1. Please hold me accountable.

3. Declutter/clean a manageable amount each day . .. minimum 15 minutes. It is very possible that this house will be sold in 2007 and a big move might be made. To where, I have no idea, but I would like to make it as painless as possible.

4. Be a better girlfriend and friend and daughter. I'm realizing I'm much too old to be self-centered, only child as I may be. I need to work on being a better person in general.

I'd love to hear some of your resolutions/goals for 2007!

Posted by Jenny at 09:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

So I did finish some things in my blog absence . . . the Pea Pod Baby Set is done, and has arrived at its final destination.

Here it is in all of its glory;

Click on the photo for a modeled shot . . .

I have more stuff going on, but I want to drag it out a bit. I did have a good holiday, and got some nice presents, but none of them knitty related.

Posted by Jenny at 06:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Sundays, C likes to watch football. When I say football, I do not mean American football, but what the rest of the world calls football and we silly Americans call soccer.

Today was no exception as C's Chelsea played Arsenal. Oscar hates it when he watches football -- the sounds of the crowds on the TV and C's clapping freaks the hell out of him. I was catching up on some blogs this morning, and Oscar found a perfect Oscar sized niche in my computer desk:

Click on the picture for a little context as to where he is.

Last night was really nice. I hadn't seen the movie in a long time. It was quite enjoyable with some red wine, and later ice cream. (As an aside, did you all know that Hershey's came out with a "extra dark" version of chocolate syrup? So excellent on vanilla ice cream!)

I finished sewing the buttons on the pea pod set, and as soon as the hat is dry I will take a picture before zipping it off to new mom and dad.

I finished the first sleeve of the every day cardi and started the second, and don't be suprised if I cast on for a sock in the next few days ....

Posted by Jenny at 01:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)