Well, I expressed the socks to geeyouknit this morning. They should be on her doorstep tomorrow by noon. I'm not completely sure what is going on with Yarn Monkey who is in charge of the competition, but she still hasn't opened up the place where you post you are dead on the Forum. Oh well. Just wondering if the person who was to assassinate me has been killed yet.
I did send my target some goodies, hoping that will soften the blow!
Friday, September 29, 2006
Thursday, September 28, 2006
The force (so far) is with me
I'm still in process on said International Sock of Doom. It's actually going pretty well now that I have calmed down enough to realize that I need to get a grip on reality.
I am finishing the foot on the second sock so in all likelihood, I will get the sucker mailed out tomorrow. I'm probably going to pay big bucks for express Saturday delivery, but so be it. I've got to kill at least one person in this competition. The damn things are turning out fraternal, but I blame Regia. I started in what I thought was the exact same place on both balls, but they screwed me. I worry that it is insult to injury to be killed by fraternal socks, but what the hell? They can't all be pretty, they're DK weight for goodness sake! I'll try to post a photo tomorrow before I mail them!
I am finishing the foot on the second sock so in all likelihood, I will get the sucker mailed out tomorrow. I'm probably going to pay big bucks for express Saturday delivery, but so be it. I've got to kill at least one person in this competition. The damn things are turning out fraternal, but I blame Regia. I started in what I thought was the exact same place on both balls, but they screwed me. I worry that it is insult to injury to be killed by fraternal socks, but what the hell? They can't all be pretty, they're DK weight for goodness sake! I'll try to post a photo tomorrow before I mail them!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
One down . . .
One more ever-loving sock to go. Unless of course, I don't get killed tomorrow, in which case, there will be others. But for now, the first sock is finished and I have casted on for the second, which better go faster. Thankfully, geeyouknit isn't frankenstein so I am only knitting size 8 socks!
I am feeling badly that I may assassinate, geeyouknit, because she just got dumped, on Rosh Hashannah no less. Of course, she fed-exed her socks that she already finished to England, so . . . not sure exactly how this works.
I am feeling badly that I may assassinate, geeyouknit, because she just got dumped, on Rosh Hashannah no less. Of course, she fed-exed her socks that she already finished to England, so . . . not sure exactly how this works.
One down . . .
One more ever-loving sock to go. Unless of course, I don't get killed tomorrow, in which case, there will be others. But for now, the first sock is finished and I have casted on for the second, which better go faster. Thankfully, geeyouknit isn't frankenstein so I am only knitting size 8 socks!
I am feeling badly that I may assassinate, geeyouknit, because she just got dumped, on Rosh Hashannah no less. Of course, she fed-exed her socks that she already finished to England, so . . . not sure exactly how this works.
I am feeling badly that I may assassinate, geeyouknit, because she just got dumped, on Rosh Hashannah no less. Of course, she fed-exed her socks that she already finished to England, so . . . not sure exactly how this works.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Death wish
I am on my third try of this [many, many expletives withheld] International Sock of Doom. You would think I just learned how to knit because clearly I have problems.
Okay, so I kind of ignored the DK weight part not once but twice. Though, in my defense the second time, the gauge was accurate and the yarn a bit thicker. But after watching Linda knitting hers today (Damn you for making me want to start over a third time), I realized, that I will at least have to be a gracious loser, so that when I am certainly killed first, based on my utter lack of ability to get this {more expletives withheld] pair completed, I will at least have something semi in progress to send to my assassin.
I met my yarn pusher at a restaurant (yes, Linda again) and she gave me two skeins of DK she had laying around (the same DK she is using for her sock) and then I headed off to Michaels because that was the only local place selling needles that was still open at 7:45 (as I raced around to be home in time to knit to Prison Break). And would you believe, Michael's doesn't stock circulars in a size smaller than 6 in any brand. This makes me hate the chunky eyelash scarf phase even more (and, yes, I too made some of those fugs) because I know damn well that is why they don't have smaller needles. So, I bought the sixes, I didn't do any kind of gauge swatch and I am off on yes, my third try of the first sock. The good news is that I found the errata in the pattern all by myself earlier today and fixed it accordingly. Damn that heel!
What was I thinking getting into this competition? And if by some chance in hell I manage to assassinate geeyouknit before I get killed, I'm screwed for next week because I have to have surgery on Thursday to have a soft tissue tumor (benign people) removed off of my shoulder. No, it couldn't be in my calf or somewhere more convenient to my knitting schedule. That would have been way too easy.
Seriously, what am I doing at this computer? I have to go knit that [so many expletives you can't even imagine] sock right now!!!!
Okay, so I kind of ignored the DK weight part not once but twice. Though, in my defense the second time, the gauge was accurate and the yarn a bit thicker. But after watching Linda knitting hers today (Damn you for making me want to start over a third time), I realized, that I will at least have to be a gracious loser, so that when I am certainly killed first, based on my utter lack of ability to get this {more expletives withheld] pair completed, I will at least have something semi in progress to send to my assassin.
I met my yarn pusher at a restaurant (yes, Linda again) and she gave me two skeins of DK she had laying around (the same DK she is using for her sock) and then I headed off to Michaels because that was the only local place selling needles that was still open at 7:45 (as I raced around to be home in time to knit to Prison Break). And would you believe, Michael's doesn't stock circulars in a size smaller than 6 in any brand. This makes me hate the chunky eyelash scarf phase even more (and, yes, I too made some of those fugs) because I know damn well that is why they don't have smaller needles. So, I bought the sixes, I didn't do any kind of gauge swatch and I am off on yes, my third try of the first sock. The good news is that I found the errata in the pattern all by myself earlier today and fixed it accordingly. Damn that heel!
What was I thinking getting into this competition? And if by some chance in hell I manage to assassinate geeyouknit before I get killed, I'm screwed for next week because I have to have surgery on Thursday to have a soft tissue tumor (benign people) removed off of my shoulder. No, it couldn't be in my calf or somewhere more convenient to my knitting schedule. That would have been way too easy.
Seriously, what am I doing at this computer? I have to go knit that [so many expletives you can't even imagine] sock right now!!!!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
The sock
I've been working on this [expletive withheld] sock all day today. I have a cold and some other medical crap going on and my heart isn't in it. Except that I can't shake the feeling that the person who has to assassinate me, is hastily knitting her sock. I just screwed up the heel so I ripped out and I am getting ready to re-do. My goal is to get at least halfway done with the foot before I have to give up and go to bed. I can see that absolutely nothing will be getting done at my house for the next two days.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Sock Wars OMG
I just got my target and I am totally freaking out. I have to get on this sock because it's going to take me long enough that I will probably be killed first, but try I must. Holly, are you knitting the International Sock of Doom already?
Friday, September 22, 2006
Cupido yarn
My mom was in Rome, this week and last week. I'm not sure if she was able to go on the mohair quest today for the stash I wanted, but last week, she brought me the most amazing yarn. Cupido brand, I haven't seen it in the states, but it is just lovely. The deal was with this yarn, you had to buy 10 balls. And I think the balls came out to $5.70/ball. Way cheap if you ask me. So, the other flight attendant with her who knits took 5 of each color and I got five of each color and here is the passion! I showed the yarn to Jodi and she said it was from the same mill as another brand, but of course, now I can't remember which brand it was. I do know, however, that it was twice the price as how my mom was able to get it. It's just luscious! This is when the Internet lets me down because I can't let you reach out and touch it!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
If you love Addi's
Well, friends the bad news is that, apparently, Addi has had some delivery issues getting their needles to Astrid and so she has decided to stop carrying them. But the good news is, she is having a huge sale on them! Here are the details:
These are the prices:
Circulars:
size US 000 - 8 US$ 5.00
size US 9 - 11 US$ 6.00
size US 13 - 35 US$ 9.00
Crochet hooks:
size 2mm - 5mm US$ 2.00
size 6mm - 9mm US$ 3.50
size 10mm - 12mm US$ 5.00
size 15mm and 20mm US$ 7.50
DPN's:
size US 000 - 8 US$ 5.00
Bigger sizes US$ 7.50
Prices are excluding shipping costs!
Minimum purchase will be US$ 35.00 excl. shipping costs and it will only be for the sizes still in stock.
You can find these sizes on our website.
Returns cannot be accepted.
Please allow a delivery time of approx. 3 weeks on these needles, as we will be very busy with this sale!
These are the prices:
Circulars:
size US 000 - 8 US$ 5.00
size US 9 - 11 US$ 6.00
size US 13 - 35 US$ 9.00
Crochet hooks:
size 2mm - 5mm US$ 2.00
size 6mm - 9mm US$ 3.50
size 10mm - 12mm US$ 5.00
size 15mm and 20mm US$ 7.50
DPN's:
size US 000 - 8 US$ 5.00
Bigger sizes US$ 7.50
Prices are excluding shipping costs!
Minimum purchase will be US$ 35.00 excl. shipping costs and it will only be for the sizes still in stock.
You can find these sizes on our website.
Returns cannot be accepted.
Please allow a delivery time of approx. 3 weeks on these needles, as we will be very busy with this sale!
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
And for more speechless outrage
I mean, really, people. Check out my friend Linda's blog. The fact that we are both having such a day is just beyond me.
What the hell is wrong with people?
I know I have mentioned this before, but where the hell has customer service gone?
I was raised in a household by a single mom, a single mom who was a flight attendant and had to deal with the public all day. Who had to deal with people trying to grope her, people blaming her for what was out of her control, people handing her poopie diapers and demanding she do something with it. And she took it all and smiled.
I then went to work at many a restaurant on and off (mostly on) for the better part of seven years. I worked with the attitude that the customer is ALWAYS right because you know what? They almost always are. Even when they are a pain in the ass, your livelihood depends on your customers. Is it fun to deal with customers who are zits on the butt of humanity? No, it's not, but often when you work with the public in any capacity, it's your job. Also, dealing with these fools makes you a better customer. And people today that are business owners could care less. Maybe it's because there is a lot of competition and they are just hedging their bets that they are going to lose some customers no matter what. But, when it is consistently bad behavior, it's not the customer's fault, it's the owner's.
Perfect example. Today, I call at 11:45 to make an appointment to get Mimi's hair cut. Okay, bring her in at 1:00, they have room. I'm doing them a favor in some respects, because I am sure the only reason they have this appointment is that someone else cancelled. This is a salon that I take the kids to for haircuts, and I use for my waxing needs. Last week, prior to the wedding, they screwed up my appointment. I know it wasn't my fault because I had to call (well in advance of 24 hours of the appointment) and changed it from Thursday to Saturday. Apparently, the desk help was unable to comprehend that Saturday was two days after Thursday, but she must have thought so a little because she didn't give me the date of the following Saturday. I get there, and they say, oh no it's next Saturday. I say, okay, I will come back during the week. At no point do they apologize for screwing me up nor do they try to fit me in. Additionally, I am giving the salon more business that same day because my dad is in town and wants a haircut. I let go of the fact that they don't apologize and move on. Until today.
Because when I called back at 12:00 to cancel Mimi's appointment (15 minutes after I have made the appointment) because she is obviously very tired from school and won't be a very good client at the salon, this is how the conversation goes:
Me: "I need to cancel my daughter's hair appointment that I just made."
Them: "Name?"
Me: "Mimi blah blah blah"
Them: "Okay, the next time you make an appointment we need at least 24-hours cancellation notice."
Me: "Since I just made this appointment 15 minutes ago, which I just mentioned to you by the way, I didn't have 24 hours and by the way, since you screwed up my last appointment you might want to check your attitude."
And then I did something I haven't done in at least 15 years, I hung up on "them." I am not proud of this. But, I think I get a pass on this one. And why?
****I'ved edited this part because I needed to for now*****
More later . . .
I was raised in a household by a single mom, a single mom who was a flight attendant and had to deal with the public all day. Who had to deal with people trying to grope her, people blaming her for what was out of her control, people handing her poopie diapers and demanding she do something with it. And she took it all and smiled.
I then went to work at many a restaurant on and off (mostly on) for the better part of seven years. I worked with the attitude that the customer is ALWAYS right because you know what? They almost always are. Even when they are a pain in the ass, your livelihood depends on your customers. Is it fun to deal with customers who are zits on the butt of humanity? No, it's not, but often when you work with the public in any capacity, it's your job. Also, dealing with these fools makes you a better customer. And people today that are business owners could care less. Maybe it's because there is a lot of competition and they are just hedging their bets that they are going to lose some customers no matter what. But, when it is consistently bad behavior, it's not the customer's fault, it's the owner's.
Perfect example. Today, I call at 11:45 to make an appointment to get Mimi's hair cut. Okay, bring her in at 1:00, they have room. I'm doing them a favor in some respects, because I am sure the only reason they have this appointment is that someone else cancelled. This is a salon that I take the kids to for haircuts, and I use for my waxing needs. Last week, prior to the wedding, they screwed up my appointment. I know it wasn't my fault because I had to call (well in advance of 24 hours of the appointment) and changed it from Thursday to Saturday. Apparently, the desk help was unable to comprehend that Saturday was two days after Thursday, but she must have thought so a little because she didn't give me the date of the following Saturday. I get there, and they say, oh no it's next Saturday. I say, okay, I will come back during the week. At no point do they apologize for screwing me up nor do they try to fit me in. Additionally, I am giving the salon more business that same day because my dad is in town and wants a haircut. I let go of the fact that they don't apologize and move on. Until today.
Because when I called back at 12:00 to cancel Mimi's appointment (15 minutes after I have made the appointment) because she is obviously very tired from school and won't be a very good client at the salon, this is how the conversation goes:
Me: "I need to cancel my daughter's hair appointment that I just made."
Them: "Name?"
Me: "Mimi blah blah blah"
Them: "Okay, the next time you make an appointment we need at least 24-hours cancellation notice."
Me: "Since I just made this appointment 15 minutes ago, which I just mentioned to you by the way, I didn't have 24 hours and by the way, since you screwed up my last appointment you might want to check your attitude."
And then I did something I haven't done in at least 15 years, I hung up on "them." I am not proud of this. But, I think I get a pass on this one. And why?
****I'ved edited this part because I needed to for now*****
More later . . .
Update
I feel as if I have been off the reservation for longer than about a week! It's been crazy as usual. We left for my best friend, Jen's wedding last Wednesday, finally got home this Sunday and I am just now getting my blogging act in gear.
First some sales you should know about. Kaleidoscope Yarns is at it again with the Koigu, this time the KPPPM is 15% off. I think they are trying to get rid of "old" colors to make way from the new. But, really with Koigu, there's never a bad or old color as far as I am concerned. And, Astrid still has the 10% discount on all of her fall yarns plus if you order $95.00 worth they will send you a set of Profi needles for free (your choice of size).
I wanted to share at least one wedding photo and thought this was probably one of the most fun, so here is the gorgeous Jen in her beautiful gown with all of us fools in tow:
Man, we had too much fun Saturday night. The singing went well, the throat held out. I must say I am glad that it is over. I stressed out more about it than I realized. Funny how sometimes you only see those things in retrospect.
I also wanted to mention, that DH and I (unbeknownst to each other) got each other an iPod for our birthdays last week. This is great because I am listening to more knitting Podcasts and this way I can pass the time in the car (especially running back and forth to school to fetch the girls). I want to encourage all of you, if you haven't had a chance to listen to any of the knitting podcasts, get out there and listen. A good one to start with is Cast On by Brenda Dayne. Once I get my act together, I will put her button up on the site. She's a very generous podcaster, always willing to help other podcasters, and I am really enjoying her interviews and chat. There are a few others, but I haven't decided which other ones I really like, so I will save discussing those for another day.
I also have to get a photo of the truly luscious yarn my mother brought back from Rome. WOW is all I can think to say. More on that later!
First some sales you should know about. Kaleidoscope Yarns is at it again with the Koigu, this time the KPPPM is 15% off. I think they are trying to get rid of "old" colors to make way from the new. But, really with Koigu, there's never a bad or old color as far as I am concerned. And, Astrid still has the 10% discount on all of her fall yarns plus if you order $95.00 worth they will send you a set of Profi needles for free (your choice of size).
I wanted to share at least one wedding photo and thought this was probably one of the most fun, so here is the gorgeous Jen in her beautiful gown with all of us fools in tow:
Man, we had too much fun Saturday night. The singing went well, the throat held out. I must say I am glad that it is over. I stressed out more about it than I realized. Funny how sometimes you only see those things in retrospect.
I also wanted to mention, that DH and I (unbeknownst to each other) got each other an iPod for our birthdays last week. This is great because I am listening to more knitting Podcasts and this way I can pass the time in the car (especially running back and forth to school to fetch the girls). I want to encourage all of you, if you haven't had a chance to listen to any of the knitting podcasts, get out there and listen. A good one to start with is Cast On by Brenda Dayne. Once I get my act together, I will put her button up on the site. She's a very generous podcaster, always willing to help other podcasters, and I am really enjoying her interviews and chat. There are a few others, but I haven't decided which other ones I really like, so I will save discussing those for another day.
I also have to get a photo of the truly luscious yarn my mother brought back from Rome. WOW is all I can think to say. More on that later!
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Getting nervous
My best friend is getting married this weekend (the one that I knit the beaded bag for). I have been looking forward to this long before she had a groom. I cannot wait for this weekend. However . . .
I'm starting to freak a little bit tonight because I am singing the Ave Maria in the wedding in Latin (not the nervous part) and my damn throat is sore tonight. Christ. Could this cold snap have any worse timing? I'm sitting her drinking a hot cup of tea and praying. It's an ache-y throat rather than a scratchy one and I just need it to hang in long enough for me to get through the opening of the wedding. I practiced today, and while that should not have been a reason for me to suddenly have a sore throat, I am hoping that maybe, just maybe, it had a tiny bit to do with it. I'm resting it tonight and seeing what's up in the morning. I want to exercise again tonight, but part of me is thinking it might not be the worst idea to take a night off. I've exercised every single day of the last 8-10 (I can't remember past the 8 day mark with any certainty).
I pick up the bridesmaid dress tomorrow. I'm packing like a sherpa tonight because I just want to make sure I have every possible contingency planned for. Yeah, right, cause that's something I am typically so capable of planning around.
Tonight is a perfect night to knit and relax and de-stress. I have to keep repeating that.
I'm starting to freak a little bit tonight because I am singing the Ave Maria in the wedding in Latin (not the nervous part) and my damn throat is sore tonight. Christ. Could this cold snap have any worse timing? I'm sitting her drinking a hot cup of tea and praying. It's an ache-y throat rather than a scratchy one and I just need it to hang in long enough for me to get through the opening of the wedding. I practiced today, and while that should not have been a reason for me to suddenly have a sore throat, I am hoping that maybe, just maybe, it had a tiny bit to do with it. I'm resting it tonight and seeing what's up in the morning. I want to exercise again tonight, but part of me is thinking it might not be the worst idea to take a night off. I've exercised every single day of the last 8-10 (I can't remember past the 8 day mark with any certainty).
I pick up the bridesmaid dress tomorrow. I'm packing like a sherpa tonight because I just want to make sure I have every possible contingency planned for. Yeah, right, cause that's something I am typically so capable of planning around.
Tonight is a perfect night to knit and relax and de-stress. I have to keep repeating that.
Redskins Debacle
See, the combination of Monday Night Football where the Skins never win AND TomKat in the freaking owner's box, for God's sake, enough with the hexing of my team!
Monday, September 11, 2006
More on Knitty
One small confession before I get into the knitting. Football season is here. I am warning you now that there will probably be some football ranting going on some Monday mornings. I have issues. We know this. It's not new. Just so you know, my team is the Washington Redskins. I grew up outside of DC, so there really was no hope for me. Anyone maligning the team will be banned from commenting on the blog, even when they stink and I am complaining about them. It's kind of like, you can complain about your family, but you don't want anyone else to complain about them. I will refer you back to this post if you comment negatively about them, don't say you haven't been warned. And, Go Skins!
Okay, this is a great issue of Knitty. Maybe I think it's so great because the last few left me a little flat, but regardless, I am thrilled by how many sock patterns there are. How amazing is this pattern:
I'm not completely in love with the colors they chose, but so what? The pattern is AWESOME. And, the washcloths are simply adorable. My cousin just went off to college and now I know I am going to have to make her some. Just furthering my washcloth addiction.
I've gotten zero done on DH's sweater since he has been out of town. Boo, me. But, the good news is, I have started the Opal Pony Tail Beanie in Flamingo for Sugar Bear. This is the beanie in another color:
.
Okay, this is a great issue of Knitty. Maybe I think it's so great because the last few left me a little flat, but regardless, I am thrilled by how many sock patterns there are. How amazing is this pattern:
I'm not completely in love with the colors they chose, but so what? The pattern is AWESOME. And, the washcloths are simply adorable. My cousin just went off to college and now I know I am going to have to make her some. Just furthering my washcloth addiction.
I've gotten zero done on DH's sweater since he has been out of town. Boo, me. But, the good news is, I have started the Opal Pony Tail Beanie in Flamingo for Sugar Bear. This is the beanie in another color:
.
Fall Knitty
It's up ladies and gentlemen. The fall Knitty, is actually pretty cool from the nanosecond I had to look at it. You won't find my ass in that crisscross skirt anytime soon, though.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
K yarns sale
FYI--sale at Kaleidoscope Yarns on Koigu Kersti, 15% off, I think. It's really beautiful, hand-dyed and, I think dk merino.
In case you missed it
Actual quote from President Bush's softball interview with the new and improved Katie Couric:
""You know, one of the hardest parts of my job is to connect Iraq to the war on terror."
Looks like his internal monologue failed again. Rove better tighten that choke collar before he starts spouting off about avenging the death threat against his pappy. Sir, it's the hardest part of your job because prior to you invading the country, they were pissed off about us, but after burning a few flags in public rallies, they all went home, knelt on the rugs and left us all the hell alone. Now because revolution is a dirty business (not to mention imperialism) we're stuck with these Al-Qaida fools being in Iraq. As an American, it almost makes you long for Saddam. At least he kept those freaks on a leash.
And also, in case you missed the front page of many a paper today:
Headline: Senate Intelligence Committee Findings Released Friday Say Saddam Hussein Didn't Support Al-Qaida Or Bin Laden.
The findings in the report that every American should know (quotations from the Hartford Courant, a paper I don't count on for news, and certainly not a paper that is often proofread, prior to printing, but nonetheless came in handy for this rant):
1) "On weapons of mass destruction: Iraq was not rebuilding its nuclear weapons program, did not have biological or chemical weapons and was not developing a missile to deliver biological agents" (as if there was any doubt that Saddam had the brain power to pull this part off).
2) "On links to terrorism: Saddam Hussein distrusted Al-Qaida and viewed Islamic extremists as a threat to his government" (cause you know, of any of the dictators out there, clearly Saddam was the least paranoid).
"There is no credible information that Iraq was involved in, or knew in advance of, the Sept. 11 attacks" (no matter what approximately 40% of the American population believes--in case you were wondering, these Americans in the 40% are the people you often see on Leno during the Jay-walking segment).
"There is no credible information that Iraq intended to use Al-Qaida or any other terrorist group to strike the United States before or during the Iraq war" (he had enough problems on his own trying to attack us, he certainly wasn't going to let in furriners (for those of you not originally from the South "foreigners") without letting those wackos in his country).
3) "On reports from Iraqi National Congress: False information from sources affiliated with the congress was used to support key intelligence agency assessments on Iraq" (White House and Pentagon officials literally ignored intelligence officials because the information didn't mesh with the agenda).
You know, it's always nice to be validated, but when it's getting validated and bent-over at the same time, it really leaves a bitter taste of disgust in your mouth.
""You know, one of the hardest parts of my job is to connect Iraq to the war on terror."
Looks like his internal monologue failed again. Rove better tighten that choke collar before he starts spouting off about avenging the death threat against his pappy. Sir, it's the hardest part of your job because prior to you invading the country, they were pissed off about us, but after burning a few flags in public rallies, they all went home, knelt on the rugs and left us all the hell alone. Now because revolution is a dirty business (not to mention imperialism) we're stuck with these Al-Qaida fools being in Iraq. As an American, it almost makes you long for Saddam. At least he kept those freaks on a leash.
And also, in case you missed the front page of many a paper today:
Headline: Senate Intelligence Committee Findings Released Friday Say Saddam Hussein Didn't Support Al-Qaida Or Bin Laden.
The findings in the report that every American should know (quotations from the Hartford Courant, a paper I don't count on for news, and certainly not a paper that is often proofread, prior to printing, but nonetheless came in handy for this rant):
1) "On weapons of mass destruction: Iraq was not rebuilding its nuclear weapons program, did not have biological or chemical weapons and was not developing a missile to deliver biological agents" (as if there was any doubt that Saddam had the brain power to pull this part off).
2) "On links to terrorism: Saddam Hussein distrusted Al-Qaida and viewed Islamic extremists as a threat to his government" (cause you know, of any of the dictators out there, clearly Saddam was the least paranoid).
"There is no credible information that Iraq was involved in, or knew in advance of, the Sept. 11 attacks" (no matter what approximately 40% of the American population believes--in case you were wondering, these Americans in the 40% are the people you often see on Leno during the Jay-walking segment).
"There is no credible information that Iraq intended to use Al-Qaida or any other terrorist group to strike the United States before or during the Iraq war" (he had enough problems on his own trying to attack us, he certainly wasn't going to let in furriners (for those of you not originally from the South "foreigners") without letting those wackos in his country).
3) "On reports from Iraqi National Congress: False information from sources affiliated with the congress was used to support key intelligence agency assessments on Iraq" (White House and Pentagon officials literally ignored intelligence officials because the information didn't mesh with the agenda).
You know, it's always nice to be validated, but when it's getting validated and bent-over at the same time, it really leaves a bitter taste of disgust in your mouth.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Caps to the Capital
If Socks for Soldiers wasn't your thing, then you might be interested in knitting Caps to the Capital. As referenced on the Save the Children website, "After Save the Children'’s State of the WorldÂ’s Mothers 2006 report highlighted simple, low-cost practices that could save newborn lives --— like warming their heads with a knit or crochet cap --— Save the Children received numerous calls and e-mails from Americans around the country wanting to organize their friends and family to knit and crochet caps for newborns in developing countries. " So, it's time to knit caps to send to President Bush to tell him to get off of his ass and get more funding to these children in Africa so that critical health initiatives can become a reality. You can download the action package here.
Now, if anyone in CT is interested in doing a few hours of knitting with fellow knitters for this cause, please post to the site, or email me and let me know. I'd like to get an evening or a morning organized this fall. We have until January 2007 to get the caps finished. These caps will knit up so fast we could probably get a couple done in three hours or so. What a great cause! This is the kind of thing that makes an enormous difference in the life of an individual. Please join me!
Now, if anyone in CT is interested in doing a few hours of knitting with fellow knitters for this cause, please post to the site, or email me and let me know. I'd like to get an evening or a morning organized this fall. We have until January 2007 to get the caps finished. These caps will knit up so fast we could probably get a couple done in three hours or so. What a great cause! This is the kind of thing that makes an enormous difference in the life of an individual. Please join me!
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Another Drive By
Just a quickie post tonight because I have to head out to Back to School Night. Mindy, thanks for asking, first day of school was awesome! More importantly the dress held up and she managed not to even snag it. But, one complaint on that silly Berocco Cotton Twist, it's a snag waiting to happen, and sewing in the ends, it's so slippery that it seems like ribbon when you are weaving in. In other words, it doesn't sit where it's told very well. But, it looks great, the shine is especially nice. Can't believe I am knitting another one.
Sugar Bear's first day was great but my God she was so tired last night that the attitude was a little much. Just love that first week of school adjustment phase. Mimi went for a whole hour today! Just enough time for me to coffee and grocery shop. I'm starting a nifty hat for Sugar Bear tonight, made out of Opal. It's called the Opal Ponytail Beanie and truth be told, I think I'll be knitting myself one. Talk about great for the winter. I can keep my head warm (and Sugar Bear's) and look good at the same time! I'm using Opal Flamingo. Have to get my mom to hit the Frankfurt yarn store on her next trip to see the new Rainforest colors! Very exciting!
Sugar Bear's first day was great but my God she was so tired last night that the attitude was a little much. Just love that first week of school adjustment phase. Mimi went for a whole hour today! Just enough time for me to coffee and grocery shop. I'm starting a nifty hat for Sugar Bear tonight, made out of Opal. It's called the Opal Ponytail Beanie and truth be told, I think I'll be knitting myself one. Talk about great for the winter. I can keep my head warm (and Sugar Bear's) and look good at the same time! I'm using Opal Flamingo. Have to get my mom to hit the Frankfurt yarn store on her next trip to see the new Rainforest colors! Very exciting!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Socks for Soldiers
Today I am not interested in the politics of the War. Okay, just for this post, because you know how hard it is for me to keep my mouth shut. But, I came across this organization, Socks for Soldiers, today and wanted to pass along the info. If we can agree on nothing else, I think we all agree that members of the United States military do jobs that the majority of us would never want to do. And I can't think of anyone in the world who deserves hand-knit socks more than these guys and gals.
The deal is this, Uknitted We Stand is a group that is sending hand-knit socks of love to the Middle East. The goal right now is 500 pairs of socks by October but the dream is to send 100,000 pairs eventually. There's actually a link for patterns and sock yarn and supplies over at my darling Astrid's site. If you don't want to knit them or don't have time, you can also donate knitting supplies to people who plan to knit these. Win-win. Holly, get your needles out :)
The deal is this, Uknitted We Stand is a group that is sending hand-knit socks of love to the Middle East. The goal right now is 500 pairs of socks by October but the dream is to send 100,000 pairs eventually. There's actually a link for patterns and sock yarn and supplies over at my darling Astrid's site. If you don't want to knit them or don't have time, you can also donate knitting supplies to people who plan to knit these. Win-win. Holly, get your needles out :)
Not a Yeti after all
I finished it in time for the first day of school. Sugar Bear was so excited this morning when she woke to a completed dress. I found adorable pansy buttons yesterday at Jo-Ann's and I finished sewing up the seams, sewing on the buttons, and pressing it last night before I went to bed. Originally the dress was supposed to be all purple. And no beads at the bottom but ribbons slip-stitched in place. And the straps were supposed to be crochet which I don't really do. And there were not any buttons. So, I redesigned a wee bit :) Just glad I finished because I have got to move onto some other stuff!
Also, I include this picture of Mimi because, frankly, she's just too damn cute. Today was her very first day of school ever! Even though she only went in for about 15 minutes to meet and greet with the teachers. Tomorrow, she gets to stay for a whole hour which means coffee and knitting for me! Woo-hoo!!
Monday, September 04, 2006
Called 411 lately?
This has been going on for a while. And then it wasn't, and now it is again and I am freaking irritated.
When you call 411 in Connecticut . . . you get this lovely autobot asking you first for the city (and/or state) and then the number you are calling for. Even if you are speaking the King's English, the autobot never recognizes whatever you have to say. It makes you repeat it. And then, to add insult to injury, usually the next question is the autobot repeating what she thinks you said, "You said, "Butthead," is that right?" No, damn it, it's not right. And it's never right.
When I actually got a humanoid last time I was informed that this whole process is intended to help speed up gettinig information on 411. Are they kidding? As if they are in the efficiency business anyway. The only business they are in is making me stop and repeat something it would take a human less time to figure out. I'm trying to figure out how many actual living, breathing people they got to fire now that they have this automated system. When are these companies going to learn that this stuff does not work. I know I am not the only one complaining about it. Because when I asked my questions about this new system (they tried it for months, got rid of it for a little while and back it came), they kind of giggled and reported that they have had a lot of complaints about it. She actually giggled.
I can't imagine working for the phone company as part of information is a great job. I'm sure people are rude all day long to them. What irriates me is that they slip this system in on us and now we are supposed to just go along. Activism now! Call SBC/ATT whatever the hell their new name is and tell them to knock it off! Tell them you've had enough too! I just want to speak to a human!
When you call 411 in Connecticut . . . you get this lovely autobot asking you first for the city (and/or state) and then the number you are calling for. Even if you are speaking the King's English, the autobot never recognizes whatever you have to say. It makes you repeat it. And then, to add insult to injury, usually the next question is the autobot repeating what she thinks you said, "You said, "Butthead," is that right?" No, damn it, it's not right. And it's never right.
When I actually got a humanoid last time I was informed that this whole process is intended to help speed up gettinig information on 411. Are they kidding? As if they are in the efficiency business anyway. The only business they are in is making me stop and repeat something it would take a human less time to figure out. I'm trying to figure out how many actual living, breathing people they got to fire now that they have this automated system. When are these companies going to learn that this stuff does not work. I know I am not the only one complaining about it. Because when I asked my questions about this new system (they tried it for months, got rid of it for a little while and back it came), they kind of giggled and reported that they have had a lot of complaints about it. She actually giggled.
I can't imagine working for the phone company as part of information is a great job. I'm sure people are rude all day long to them. What irriates me is that they slip this system in on us and now we are supposed to just go along. Activism now! Call SBC/ATT whatever the hell their new name is and tell them to knock it off! Tell them you've had enough too! I just want to speak to a human!
Stitchy is coming!
Haven't heard of Stitchy McYarnpants? Well, she's a riot, and you should go see her if you don't know who she is. Aww, heck, go see her even if you know who she is. After the loss of You Knit What?, she's a beacon of hilarity in an ever descending into crappiness knitting world!
But, I digress.
Stitchy is coming to my LYS! If you are interested, visit the Sit N Knit site for more info, but as it stands now, she will be there Saturday, October 14th from 1 - 2:30 p.m. And if I can sneak away from my daughter's Country Fair at her school, I will most definitely be there.
Finishing up Sugar Bear's yeti dress tonight. I only have the straps left. And, as it stands now, I think it is going to fit her without being ridiculous after all. This, is an especially good thing, because she wants to wear it on Tuesday for the first day of school. I love that, because some time and effort has definitely gone into this. I haven't finished the straps yet, but I didn't like the straps the pattern called for so I created my own and I've added button holes (and, yes, I will be shopping for buttons tomorrow) so that I can adjust the straps longterm and hopefully get a little more life out of the dress as she gets taller. And then I am going to have to knit Mimi's in the contrasting colors.
And did I mention DH's birthday is in 10 days and the sweater isn't even close to finished. My goal now is our anniversary, which only adds six days to my knitting calendar, but with him going out of town again, I have hope that I can get some serious marathon knitting completed because I have nothing else right now with a real deadline. Except for the fact that there are a bunch of babies coming up, they will just have to wait for now!
But, I digress.
Stitchy is coming to my LYS! If you are interested, visit the Sit N Knit site for more info, but as it stands now, she will be there Saturday, October 14th from 1 - 2:30 p.m. And if I can sneak away from my daughter's Country Fair at her school, I will most definitely be there.
Finishing up Sugar Bear's yeti dress tonight. I only have the straps left. And, as it stands now, I think it is going to fit her without being ridiculous after all. This, is an especially good thing, because she wants to wear it on Tuesday for the first day of school. I love that, because some time and effort has definitely gone into this. I haven't finished the straps yet, but I didn't like the straps the pattern called for so I created my own and I've added button holes (and, yes, I will be shopping for buttons tomorrow) so that I can adjust the straps longterm and hopefully get a little more life out of the dress as she gets taller. And then I am going to have to knit Mimi's in the contrasting colors.
And did I mention DH's birthday is in 10 days and the sweater isn't even close to finished. My goal now is our anniversary, which only adds six days to my knitting calendar, but with him going out of town again, I have hope that I can get some serious marathon knitting completed because I have nothing else right now with a real deadline. Except for the fact that there are a bunch of babies coming up, they will just have to wait for now!
Friday, September 01, 2006
MagKnits new issue
The new issue of MagKnits is up so go there and take a look when you have a chance. There are three rather intricate looking sock patterns of interest. And beaded fingerless gloves, which between the fingerless and the beads I am a total sucker for!
Also, thanks to those of you who are starting to put pins on my guest map. I like this feature because I know there are a lot of you who probably do not feel like commenting or are a little gun-shy about commenting and so you can go to the map, stick your pin in, and I know generally where you are from without you having to come up with something snarky to say to me. As I think I mentioned in a previous post, sometimes on sitemeter, I'll see that someone has logged in from really far away like Bali, and they actually stayed to read, but I don't know if their server is in Bali or they are in Bali, so the map can help me tell the difference.
I'm almost finished with Callista's yeti dress. No, ladies, much to your chagrin I did not stop and remeasure the gauge, etc. I did not do this because a) she is still growing and though it might be a misled idea, she could always grow into it and b) when I attended a Candace Eisner-Strick workshop a few months ago, she described a sweater that she knit that she ended up having to cut, and just for the experience, if I have to do it, I will. I'm ready to leap off of that ledge.
Also, thanks to those of you who are starting to put pins on my guest map. I like this feature because I know there are a lot of you who probably do not feel like commenting or are a little gun-shy about commenting and so you can go to the map, stick your pin in, and I know generally where you are from without you having to come up with something snarky to say to me. As I think I mentioned in a previous post, sometimes on sitemeter, I'll see that someone has logged in from really far away like Bali, and they actually stayed to read, but I don't know if their server is in Bali or they are in Bali, so the map can help me tell the difference.
I'm almost finished with Callista's yeti dress. No, ladies, much to your chagrin I did not stop and remeasure the gauge, etc. I did not do this because a) she is still growing and though it might be a misled idea, she could always grow into it and b) when I attended a Candace Eisner-Strick workshop a few months ago, she described a sweater that she knit that she ended up having to cut, and just for the experience, if I have to do it, I will. I'm ready to leap off of that ledge.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)