The Crafty Conservative
Here's what's going on around here...
1. Still excited about the prospect of being a new mother again. We are meeting with the birthmother on Wednesday.
2. I've finished Jane Eyre (yawn) and Wicked by Gregory Maguire. I don't recommend Wicked. Not my cup of tea. I've started A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel. Pretty good so far.
3. I've finished my Booga Bag and another umbilical cord hat. That's #5 and #6 for the year (if you're counting...I am!).
4. I only have 2 projects on the needles right now. A pair of socks for my mom and a vest for my Sugar Daddy. The sweater vest is coming along nicely. I hope to finish it time for him to wear it to his job interviews. He's finishing his PhD and will be a professor of mechanical engineering soon! The socks remain hidden away. I can't get motivated after I totally botched up the first one and had to start over.
5. I ate Orange Chicken from Panda Express for lunch. I'm sick now. But, only because I'm a glutton.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Friday, January 28, 2005
The "REAL" wait is beginning!
The Crafty Conservative
So, I've been blogging a bit about our adoption status. Here's the absolute latest! We've been chosen by a birthmother!!!! Guess what? She didn't even see my super-cute profile!
Anyway, we're really excited and we're due March 3rd. Gender unknown. Race: Hispanic/African American. Apparently, my background as a Spanish teacher and the fact that we already have an African American child put us over the edge with the other prospective adoptive families. Yeah for us!
I'm allowing myself to get excited about this and enjoy it...even though nothing is really for sure until those papers are signed after the baby is born. I understand that. But, I don't want to be in denial about that fact that in just over a month I will become a parent for the second time! Wahoo!
So, I've been blogging a bit about our adoption status. Here's the absolute latest! We've been chosen by a birthmother!!!! Guess what? She didn't even see my super-cute profile!
Anyway, we're really excited and we're due March 3rd. Gender unknown. Race: Hispanic/African American. Apparently, my background as a Spanish teacher and the fact that we already have an African American child put us over the edge with the other prospective adoptive families. Yeah for us!
I'm allowing myself to get excited about this and enjoy it...even though nothing is really for sure until those papers are signed after the baby is born. I understand that. But, I don't want to be in denial about that fact that in just over a month I will become a parent for the second time! Wahoo!
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Secret Pal Questionnaire
The Crafty Conservative
I have joined the Secret Pals 4 brigade. I should find out my secret pal in the next few days. My secret pal will also find out about ME! So, in anticipation, I have this questionnaire from the SP4 website to keep me occupied.
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high- a nd/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you? I'll knit with just about anything. I did some stuff with Red Heart and wasn't too happy about it. But, I haven't had problems using Lion Brand or some other acrylics. If I had an infinite amount of money, I'd always go high end, of course!
2. Do you spin? Crochet? I don't spin. I definitely crochet. My friend reminded me that I once said, "I don't need to learn to knit. I can make anything I could ever want by crocheting." Boy, am I eating my words now!
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.) I am allergic to pet dander and I'm assuming, smoke. At the very least I HATE the smell of smoke.
4. How long have you been knitting? I tried to teach myself a couple of years ago (no luck). I thought I'd try again last summer. It worked!
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Nope.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) My favorite perfume is Happy by Clinique. Bath and Body Works...my favorite is Moonlight Path. But, I used to work there and have stockpiles of all things B&BW.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? How about a pizza tooth? That's my weakness. I used to be a Twizzlers junkie but I've given that up.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I like to make as much stuff myself as I can. I'm in a card exchange most months and I stamp them.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I teach Spanish so I'm always looking for some good songs to share with my students. I don't listen to as much music now that I've been listening to books on tape. My computer can play mp3s but my car stereo won't.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? I love deep reds, navy, hunter green.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? No pets! One husband, one 2 year old son, hopefully one more on the way (via adoption).
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) I'd like to have a nice home. Big enough to have get-togethers often. Lots of friends. Enough money to take fabulous vacations each year.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I don't really have a favorite. It's all good!
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Probably the Red Heart if I have to choose something.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? I'm trying to knit gifts for EVERYONE in my family for Christmas. I've started already. I've been busy searching out the perfect projects.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I like knitting sweaters, baby clothes, socks, anything!
17. What are you knitting right now? a baby hat, a lace scarf, and a pair of socks.
18. What do you think about ponchos? I've made a couple (crocheted) but I don't think I would wear one.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? I've used both and I like them both.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I REALLY like my bamboo needles. But, I don't have anything against the others.
21. Are you a sock knitter? trying to be...
22. How did you learn to knit? Self-taught with some encouragement from friends.
23. How old is your oldest UFO? Since I've finished my sweatshirt...just a couple of weeks.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? I love elephants but I don't really have any elephant stuff.
25. What is your favorite holiday? My birthday (April 11th) Although, this year I'll be 30. That kind of stinks.
26. Is there anything that you collect? I collect fertility dolls. I only have 2 but I haven't been looking for any lately. It goes in spurts. But, it's definitely something I want to pursue collecting. I'm not the kind of person that believes in that stuff, but I think that it is interesting and most are really beautiful.
I think that's about it! Wow, 3 posts in one day. Is that my record? I think it is.
I have joined the Secret Pals 4 brigade. I should find out my secret pal in the next few days. My secret pal will also find out about ME! So, in anticipation, I have this questionnaire from the SP4 website to keep me occupied.
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high- a nd/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you? I'll knit with just about anything. I did some stuff with Red Heart and wasn't too happy about it. But, I haven't had problems using Lion Brand or some other acrylics. If I had an infinite amount of money, I'd always go high end, of course!
2. Do you spin? Crochet? I don't spin. I definitely crochet. My friend reminded me that I once said, "I don't need to learn to knit. I can make anything I could ever want by crocheting." Boy, am I eating my words now!
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.) I am allergic to pet dander and I'm assuming, smoke. At the very least I HATE the smell of smoke.
4. How long have you been knitting? I tried to teach myself a couple of years ago (no luck). I thought I'd try again last summer. It worked!
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Nope.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) My favorite perfume is Happy by Clinique. Bath and Body Works...my favorite is Moonlight Path. But, I used to work there and have stockpiles of all things B&BW.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? How about a pizza tooth? That's my weakness. I used to be a Twizzlers junkie but I've given that up.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I like to make as much stuff myself as I can. I'm in a card exchange most months and I stamp them.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I teach Spanish so I'm always looking for some good songs to share with my students. I don't listen to as much music now that I've been listening to books on tape. My computer can play mp3s but my car stereo won't.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? I love deep reds, navy, hunter green.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? No pets! One husband, one 2 year old son, hopefully one more on the way (via adoption).
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) I'd like to have a nice home. Big enough to have get-togethers often. Lots of friends. Enough money to take fabulous vacations each year.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I don't really have a favorite. It's all good!
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Probably the Red Heart if I have to choose something.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? I'm trying to knit gifts for EVERYONE in my family for Christmas. I've started already. I've been busy searching out the perfect projects.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I like knitting sweaters, baby clothes, socks, anything!
17. What are you knitting right now? a baby hat, a lace scarf, and a pair of socks.
18. What do you think about ponchos? I've made a couple (crocheted) but I don't think I would wear one.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? I've used both and I like them both.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I REALLY like my bamboo needles. But, I don't have anything against the others.
21. Are you a sock knitter? trying to be...
22. How did you learn to knit? Self-taught with some encouragement from friends.
23. How old is your oldest UFO? Since I've finished my sweatshirt...just a couple of weeks.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? I love elephants but I don't really have any elephant stuff.
25. What is your favorite holiday? My birthday (April 11th) Although, this year I'll be 30. That kind of stinks.
26. Is there anything that you collect? I collect fertility dolls. I only have 2 but I haven't been looking for any lately. It goes in spurts. But, it's definitely something I want to pursue collecting. I'm not the kind of person that believes in that stuff, but I think that it is interesting and most are really beautiful.
I think that's about it! Wow, 3 posts in one day. Is that my record? I think it is.
Monday, January 24, 2005
We have ZIPPER!
The Crafty Conservative
Yeah, baby! We have a zipper. First try. YIPPEE! I did have to call a friend to have her talk me through it. Thanks Tara! It worked out famously and now all I have to do is stitch on the hood, weave in all the ends, and wear it EVERYDAY!
Pics to come...
Yeah, baby! We have a zipper. First try. YIPPEE! I did have to call a friend to have her talk me through it. Thanks Tara! It worked out famously and now all I have to do is stitch on the hood, weave in all the ends, and wear it EVERYDAY!
Pics to come...
Saturday, January 22, 2005
I'm SCARED!!!
The Crafty Conservative
My hooded sweatshirt really looks good! It even fits. But, I'm scared. Terrified, actually. I'm scared to put in the zipper. I can take skeins of yarn and turn then into fabulous garments but at the sight of a zipper, I run scared. I'm going to ask around at church tomorrow to see if anyone will come over and hold my hand while I do it (figuratively, of course...it would be kind of difficult to sew in a zipper with one hand). I really want to wear it soon but the thought of having to do and re-do (maybe more than twice!) the zipper is keeping me from touching it.
The good news? I've started with the second skein on my Booga Bag. It's really coming along. I'm using Noro Kureyon #102. It cheers me up. But, then you all will probably hear me being scared about felting in a couple of days. My first attempt didn't go so well. But, it was just for a potholder. I didn't have a lot invested in that project. But, my BB is another story!
My hooded sweatshirt really looks good! It even fits. But, I'm scared. Terrified, actually. I'm scared to put in the zipper. I can take skeins of yarn and turn then into fabulous garments but at the sight of a zipper, I run scared. I'm going to ask around at church tomorrow to see if anyone will come over and hold my hand while I do it (figuratively, of course...it would be kind of difficult to sew in a zipper with one hand). I really want to wear it soon but the thought of having to do and re-do (maybe more than twice!) the zipper is keeping me from touching it.
The good news? I've started with the second skein on my Booga Bag. It's really coming along. I'm using Noro Kureyon #102. It cheers me up. But, then you all will probably hear me being scared about felting in a couple of days. My first attempt didn't go so well. But, it was just for a potholder. I didn't have a lot invested in that project. But, my BB is another story!
Friday, January 21, 2005
Biting the Bullet
The Crafty Conservative
If you read the previous post, you'll know what I'm talking about. If you haven't...why don't you? I'll wait.
Okay. I called a friend to help me today and she called a friend and we all got together to put together a really cute profile. I couldn't have done it without them. Scrapbooking is not my forte. I'm really so proud of what we have done. I would scan them and post them but they really have too much information I'm not willing to share in cyberspace. So, you'll just have to take my word for it and know that I'm sure this profile can compete with any other in a competition of "cutesyness". I did compromise a little. There is a lot of space for writing. I condensed our letter some but the main concepts are there. It went out in the mail tonight to a potential birthmother. She'll get it tomorrow. Pray for all of us!
What I'm reading:I'm almost done with Jane Eyre. I think I may just go ahead and finish it, even though our book club already had the discussion and I saw the movie. It was my turn to suggest a book for next month and after a frantic call to my homegirl in Oklahoma (hey Tiff!), she helped me choose. We're going with "A Girl Named Zippy". I have it on hold at the library and I'll probably pick it up tomorrow or Monday.
FO #4 update:I have to sew up one more side seam, put in the zipper, and attach the pockets and the hood. I thought that's what I'd be doing this afternoon, but the adoption profile fiasco came first. In anticipation, I FINALLY cast-on for the Booga Bag. I worked on that during book club last night.
If you read the previous post, you'll know what I'm talking about. If you haven't...why don't you? I'll wait.
Okay. I called a friend to help me today and she called a friend and we all got together to put together a really cute profile. I couldn't have done it without them. Scrapbooking is not my forte. I'm really so proud of what we have done. I would scan them and post them but they really have too much information I'm not willing to share in cyberspace. So, you'll just have to take my word for it and know that I'm sure this profile can compete with any other in a competition of "cutesyness". I did compromise a little. There is a lot of space for writing. I condensed our letter some but the main concepts are there. It went out in the mail tonight to a potential birthmother. She'll get it tomorrow. Pray for all of us!
What I'm reading:I'm almost done with Jane Eyre. I think I may just go ahead and finish it, even though our book club already had the discussion and I saw the movie. It was my turn to suggest a book for next month and after a frantic call to my homegirl in Oklahoma (hey Tiff!), she helped me choose. We're going with "A Girl Named Zippy". I have it on hold at the library and I'll probably pick it up tomorrow or Monday.
FO #4 update:I have to sew up one more side seam, put in the zipper, and attach the pockets and the hood. I thought that's what I'd be doing this afternoon, but the adoption profile fiasco came first. In anticipation, I FINALLY cast-on for the Booga Bag. I worked on that during book club last night.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
I'm not "cutesy" enough! What the HECK?
The Crafty Conservative
We're nearing the final stages of our next adoption. Okay, not really. But, we're entering the first major phase of the "waiting game". We're waiting for some young woman to choose us to raise her flesh and blood. Forever. I really try to understand how these women feel. I know I can't. I do know how I feel, however. It is IMMENSE GRATITUDE! *just a few tears being shed as I type* A woman we barely know gave us the greatest gift we could ever imagine. A life. Our little Frog. The cutest boy in the world. Thank you, V!
The waiting game isn't so fun. We get calls about once a week giving us updates on what's going on. Today we got one of those calls. Our profile is set to go out to 2 potential birthmothers. The gal that works for the agency is a really good friend. I actually "introduced" her to adopting. She's hooked. She already has two kids (and she started after us!). Anyway, she tried to put it nicely (she did, actually) but apparently our "Dear Birthmother" letter isn't cute enough. She said compared to what everyone else has, ours was kind of boring. I'll admit it. We put more effort into what our letter said than what it looked like. We don't really want someone picking us on the basis of my cute paper punches and fabulous stamps (which I have, of course!). We want a potential birthmother to choose us because we are a loving family that (we feel) has a lot to provide for a child. So, I'm torn. I need to update it anyway. Do I go whole hog and make it super-cute? The agencies we worked with to get Frog needed an actual letter. This agency wants more of a scrapbook page approach with most of the personal information about the family coming from phone calls. Hmmm. Any opinions out there for me?
We're nearing the final stages of our next adoption. Okay, not really. But, we're entering the first major phase of the "waiting game". We're waiting for some young woman to choose us to raise her flesh and blood. Forever. I really try to understand how these women feel. I know I can't. I do know how I feel, however. It is IMMENSE GRATITUDE! *just a few tears being shed as I type* A woman we barely know gave us the greatest gift we could ever imagine. A life. Our little Frog. The cutest boy in the world. Thank you, V!
The waiting game isn't so fun. We get calls about once a week giving us updates on what's going on. Today we got one of those calls. Our profile is set to go out to 2 potential birthmothers. The gal that works for the agency is a really good friend. I actually "introduced" her to adopting. She's hooked. She already has two kids (and she started after us!). Anyway, she tried to put it nicely (she did, actually) but apparently our "Dear Birthmother" letter isn't cute enough. She said compared to what everyone else has, ours was kind of boring. I'll admit it. We put more effort into what our letter said than what it looked like. We don't really want someone picking us on the basis of my cute paper punches and fabulous stamps (which I have, of course!). We want a potential birthmother to choose us because we are a loving family that (we feel) has a lot to provide for a child. So, I'm torn. I need to update it anyway. Do I go whole hog and make it super-cute? The agencies we worked with to get Frog needed an actual letter. This agency wants more of a scrapbook page approach with most of the personal information about the family coming from phone calls. Hmmm. Any opinions out there for me?
Finished Object #4....Coming Soon
The Crafty Conservative
I should be finishing my hooded sweatshirt (from Hip to Knit) this week. I've finished all of the knitting. I'm working on the finishing now (including sewing in a zipper...oh no!). I HOPE to have it done with some pics posted here by Saturday.
I can FINALLY start that darn Booga Bag!
I should be finishing my hooded sweatshirt (from Hip to Knit) this week. I've finished all of the knitting. I'm working on the finishing now (including sewing in a zipper...oh no!). I HOPE to have it done with some pics posted here by Saturday.
I can FINALLY start that darn Booga Bag!
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Clapotis
The Crafty Conservative
Am I the ONLY knitting blogger that isn't knitting a Clapotis? Am I missing the intrigue? Must I drop everything and start one today?
Am I the ONLY knitting blogger that isn't knitting a Clapotis? Am I missing the intrigue? Must I drop everything and start one today?
Friday, January 14, 2005
Dr. Phil
The Crafty Conservative
The Dr. Phil show yesterday was so extremely disturbing for me. If you didn't see it, take a moment to read the re-cap about Melissa and Bobby.
This couple adopted a child from India. They want to send him back. They don't love him. They TELL the child that they shouldn't have adopted him. They are admittedly strict in their discipline with this child (compared to their 2 biological daughters...whom they love with all their hearts).
This couple gives adoptive parents a bad name. They weren't going into this with their eyes wide open, apparently. They'll take the "for better" part of raising a child for life but prefer to give him back when things are "for worse". Would they consider "getting rid of" one of their biological children if they were diagnosed with a disease (as was their son in question)?
Being a parent is hard work. We are struggling with Frog's temper. It could be that he's turning 2 and he's just at that age where hitting is his main form of recreation. Do I like it when he hits us for no apparent reason? Of course not! Do I want to send him back? NO WAY! Adopting children is not a recreational activity. You can't get one, try them out and then throw them back if they don't meet your "standards". Children are innocent and need to be taught how to love and be loved. It's not their job to love us unconditionally. It's a parent's job and one can just hope that the child responds accordingly. I have a feeling that if this Dr. Phil couple would just give their child a chance, they could have a wonderful relationship and teach this child how to love and be loved.
The Dr. Phil show yesterday was so extremely disturbing for me. If you didn't see it, take a moment to read the re-cap about Melissa and Bobby.
This couple adopted a child from India. They want to send him back. They don't love him. They TELL the child that they shouldn't have adopted him. They are admittedly strict in their discipline with this child (compared to their 2 biological daughters...whom they love with all their hearts).
This couple gives adoptive parents a bad name. They weren't going into this with their eyes wide open, apparently. They'll take the "for better" part of raising a child for life but prefer to give him back when things are "for worse". Would they consider "getting rid of" one of their biological children if they were diagnosed with a disease (as was their son in question)?
Being a parent is hard work. We are struggling with Frog's temper. It could be that he's turning 2 and he's just at that age where hitting is his main form of recreation. Do I like it when he hits us for no apparent reason? Of course not! Do I want to send him back? NO WAY! Adopting children is not a recreational activity. You can't get one, try them out and then throw them back if they don't meet your "standards". Children are innocent and need to be taught how to love and be loved. It's not their job to love us unconditionally. It's a parent's job and one can just hope that the child responds accordingly. I have a feeling that if this Dr. Phil couple would just give their child a chance, they could have a wonderful relationship and teach this child how to love and be loved.
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Monday, January 10, 2005
Yet Another FO for 2005!
The Crafty Conservative
I am on a roll! I just finished a really cute 0-3 month (maybe 3-6) sleeveless dress for a friend that just had a baby on the 5th. I started the dress on my vacation to Oklahoma. It really didn't take me too long to knit it up. I'll post a picture later today or tomorrow. I still need to add a ribbon belt and a button. I just wanted to get a post out while I was waiting for my PDA to re-charge.
Now, I only have 2 WIPs. I'm making a pair of ribbed socks for my mom using Regia self-patterning yarn (absolutely gorgeous!). I'm also working on my hooded sweater. I only have a few pieces left to knit up (a sleeve and a half, the left front, and the i-cord). I imagine that I can have this finished by next week. That is, if I don't think of some glorious new project to do between now and then. I'm holding off from casting on for anything else until I get that done. It's going to be really hard, too. I have some Noro waiting in my stash wanting to become a Booga Bag. I guess that's more motivation to finish my sweater...beside the fact that I really want to wear it. It's gonna be cute!
After some begging (not too much), my husband got me a head lamp. I've really been wanting one to help out with the night knitting. The light in our living room just is not cutting it. It was a little bit of an adventure. He got me one at Target using one of our gift cards from Christmas. It was really bulky. When he gave it to me he said I probably wouldn't like it and he was willing to take it back AND go to another store to look for another kind. WOW! So, he took it back, found another kind of Target that I might like better and then went to Wal-mart and found another one. He brought them both home so I could choose which one I liked. I chose the one from Wal-mart. It's promise of 200 hours on the bulb won me over (the Target one promised only 50). Other than that, they were virtually identical. Now, he is going to go back to Target to take the other one back. What a guy!
I am on a roll! I just finished a really cute 0-3 month (maybe 3-6) sleeveless dress for a friend that just had a baby on the 5th. I started the dress on my vacation to Oklahoma. It really didn't take me too long to knit it up. I'll post a picture later today or tomorrow. I still need to add a ribbon belt and a button. I just wanted to get a post out while I was waiting for my PDA to re-charge.
Now, I only have 2 WIPs. I'm making a pair of ribbed socks for my mom using Regia self-patterning yarn (absolutely gorgeous!). I'm also working on my hooded sweater. I only have a few pieces left to knit up (a sleeve and a half, the left front, and the i-cord). I imagine that I can have this finished by next week. That is, if I don't think of some glorious new project to do between now and then. I'm holding off from casting on for anything else until I get that done. It's going to be really hard, too. I have some Noro waiting in my stash wanting to become a Booga Bag. I guess that's more motivation to finish my sweater...beside the fact that I really want to wear it. It's gonna be cute!
After some begging (not too much), my husband got me a head lamp. I've really been wanting one to help out with the night knitting. The light in our living room just is not cutting it. It was a little bit of an adventure. He got me one at Target using one of our gift cards from Christmas. It was really bulky. When he gave it to me he said I probably wouldn't like it and he was willing to take it back AND go to another store to look for another kind. WOW! So, he took it back, found another kind of Target that I might like better and then went to Wal-mart and found another one. He brought them both home so I could choose which one I liked. I chose the one from Wal-mart. It's promise of 200 hours on the bulb won me over (the Target one promised only 50). Other than that, they were virtually identical. Now, he is going to go back to Target to take the other one back. What a guy!
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Our little Frog is enjoying the Orange Bowl party. He had a most excellent time knocking our guests around and jumping on the OU beanbag. He will yell "Touchdown" and put up his arms. Unfortunately, he got to say it a few too many times for USC. Oh well! He's our most cute OU baby...I mean, big boy.
The Agony of Defeat
The Crafty Conservative
Oh, the Sooners got their butts kicked last night! OUCH! The party was fun, though! I thought I would feel really bad if OU lost but I really don't. I watched most of the game and realized that they were just stinking it up and USC really deserved to win. So, I'm not even really being a sore loser. Crazy.
While I was watching, I knit a little on my sister's scarf. It's taking me longer than I had anticipated. I should have made it about 8 stitches less in width. The length will end up being just right. And...she doesn't want fringe. Hallelujah. That'll save me an afternoon!
Pics should be up later today.
Oh, the Sooners got their butts kicked last night! OUCH! The party was fun, though! I thought I would feel really bad if OU lost but I really don't. I watched most of the game and realized that they were just stinking it up and USC really deserved to win. So, I'm not even really being a sore loser. Crazy.
While I was watching, I knit a little on my sister's scarf. It's taking me longer than I had anticipated. I should have made it about 8 stitches less in width. The length will end up being just right. And...she doesn't want fringe. Hallelujah. That'll save me an afternoon!
Pics should be up later today.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Boomer Sooner!
The Crafty Conservative
I'm a University of Oklahoma alum (so is Sugar Daddy) and we love love love Sooner football. Tonight is the Orange Bowl and we can't wait! Our stinky fridge is much better, by the way. A thorough cleaning with vinegar did the trick.
So, about the party. My mom got us a pack of OU paper products and I got some OU Tostitos. I'm making some lil smokies, queso, and salsa. We're also having mini eclairs, cheese and crackers, and a veggie tray. Should be good stuff. Now, if only I could guarantee a Sooner victory. Hmmmm.
Our little Frog got a Sooner football jersey from his grandma. He looks so cute in it! I'll post some pics hopefully tomorrow. I'm still dependent on the Sugar Daddy for picture posting. I promise to learn how to do it myself soon.
I'm a University of Oklahoma alum (so is Sugar Daddy) and we love love love Sooner football. Tonight is the Orange Bowl and we can't wait! Our stinky fridge is much better, by the way. A thorough cleaning with vinegar did the trick.
So, about the party. My mom got us a pack of OU paper products and I got some OU Tostitos. I'm making some lil smokies, queso, and salsa. We're also having mini eclairs, cheese and crackers, and a veggie tray. Should be good stuff. Now, if only I could guarantee a Sooner victory. Hmmmm.
Our little Frog got a Sooner football jersey from his grandma. He looks so cute in it! I'll post some pics hopefully tomorrow. I'm still dependent on the Sugar Daddy for picture posting. I promise to learn how to do it myself soon.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
The Stinky Fridge
The Crafty Conservative
Ah, we're home from vacation. But, we have a stinky fridge. Apparently, my husband forgot to empty out the last of the yummy smashed potato soup before we left and it made a lovely sort of stinking smell in our fridge. It's horrible! I can't stand it! The good news is that it only stinks when we open the fridge. But, how can that be avoided? I've avoided it all day but I can't see it happening for much longer.
Interesting...I entered "stinky fridge" in a yahoo search and got back several good ideas. Unfortunately, most say it takes about 3-5 days for it to get back to normal. We're having an Orange Bowl party on Tuesday. This could be bad.
Ah, we're home from vacation. But, we have a stinky fridge. Apparently, my husband forgot to empty out the last of the yummy smashed potato soup before we left and it made a lovely sort of stinking smell in our fridge. It's horrible! I can't stand it! The good news is that it only stinks when we open the fridge. But, how can that be avoided? I've avoided it all day but I can't see it happening for much longer.
Interesting...I entered "stinky fridge" in a yahoo search and got back several good ideas. Unfortunately, most say it takes about 3-5 days for it to get back to normal. We're having an Orange Bowl party on Tuesday. This could be bad.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Insomnia
The Crafty Conservative
I had entitled this entry "Happy New Year". But, what a drag. "Insomnia" is so much better. I'm not the type to ring in the new year. I went to bed about 9:30pm. But, now I'm awake and it's 4:45am (Oklahoma time). We are travelling back home to Indiana today so I really need all the sleep I can get. So, why am I blogging in the middle of the night? Sheer madness.
As soon as I left for vacation, my knitting schedule went out the window. I changed patterns for my socks. The toe-up version just was not working. I'm now about half-way done with the first sock but I must admit I haven't touched it for a week. I've been consumed by a request from my sister for fingerless gloves and a scarf. I decided to make them post-haste so I wouldn't have to ship them. So, I dropped all of my other projects to concentrate solely on her request. The fingerless gloves turned out much better than I had expected. After making one glove too big with the thumb in the totally wrong place, I wisened up and got them near perfect. I'll post pictures and my first original pattern (wow!) once I get home. The downside...she chose Red Heart acrylic yarn. It's a bugger to knit with. It feels like plastic (go figure!). But, that's what she wanted. It was the perfect color. Electric Blue. I gave them to her last night. It was about 70 degrees here but she wore them most of the evening. She will definitely receive more hand-knit gifts in the future.
I have some goals that I feel I should list on this the "unofficial" date of goal-setting. Well, I don't know if they're all really "goals". They're more like thoughts for the new year.
1. I will give hand knit gifts for Christmas next year. I will start today by making a list of projects for specific people. If I always have at least one gift on the needles, I should do fine. I have two little brothers that deserve some Weasley sweaters. My mom wants some socks (which I will probably present to her in a booga bag). My father-in-law deserves a new sock cap (his fashion accessory of choice). My brand-new stepfather will get some of those nifty mittens that fold over to fingerless gloves (perfect for golfing, he says). My husband wants an OU sweater (go Sooners!). So, as you can tell, I really need to get started now.
2. I will lose 50 more lbs. I've already got a pretty good start on this one. I'm down around 15 lbs (who knows exactly now after the holidays) already and I really want to kick it up a few notches before I turn 30 (April 11th). I have PCOS which contributed to the weight gain (along with my insane love of pizza) but I'm really committed to working hard and getting down to a manageable weight. I still won't be skinny after losing the 50 lbs. But, at least I won't have to shop at Lane Bryant anymore.
3. I will read more good books and write about them either here or in a journal. I haven't been reading as much since I've been knitting like crazy these past couple of months. I still get in about 2-3 books a month. But, these have been mostly books on tape. I love listening to books on tape, but there is something about the actual book in your hands that is part of the experience. Here are some of the books I'd like to read this year: "A Great and Terrible Beauty" by Libby Bray. "Jonathon Strange & Mr. Norrell" by Susanna Clarke. That book was recommended to me by my friend that is a librarian. It's a "must-read" and I have it on hold right now at my local public library. My genre of choice is historical fiction. I also love reading the classics. Any suggestions?
4. I will become a mother of two. This is kind of out of my hands at the moment. We are waiting waiting waiting waiting to find our next child. We are really hoping to adopt in the next couple of months so we can finalize before we move (my husband will finally have his PhD and we'll be going to some other University town). I believe it will happen. I just don't know when. It could be tomorrow. We didn't know about our little frog until the day before he was born. Actually, that's kind of nice. No time to worry about potential birthmoms backing out, worrying about so many things out of your control... It was really exciting to get a call about a baby being born the next day and seeing if we would be able to come and get him. OF COURSE! We were out the door a couple hours later and drove all night. My labor was pushing the gas pedal and lack of sleep. Worth it!
5. I will not procrastinate. I have no intention of keeping this one. This is my "throw-away". It is my one resolution I'll allow myself to break. I really just wanted to have a list with 5 (see following post). I'm weird that way, I guess.
I had entitled this entry "Happy New Year". But, what a drag. "Insomnia" is so much better. I'm not the type to ring in the new year. I went to bed about 9:30pm. But, now I'm awake and it's 4:45am (Oklahoma time). We are travelling back home to Indiana today so I really need all the sleep I can get. So, why am I blogging in the middle of the night? Sheer madness.
As soon as I left for vacation, my knitting schedule went out the window. I changed patterns for my socks. The toe-up version just was not working. I'm now about half-way done with the first sock but I must admit I haven't touched it for a week. I've been consumed by a request from my sister for fingerless gloves and a scarf. I decided to make them post-haste so I wouldn't have to ship them. So, I dropped all of my other projects to concentrate solely on her request. The fingerless gloves turned out much better than I had expected. After making one glove too big with the thumb in the totally wrong place, I wisened up and got them near perfect. I'll post pictures and my first original pattern (wow!) once I get home. The downside...she chose Red Heart acrylic yarn. It's a bugger to knit with. It feels like plastic (go figure!). But, that's what she wanted. It was the perfect color. Electric Blue. I gave them to her last night. It was about 70 degrees here but she wore them most of the evening. She will definitely receive more hand-knit gifts in the future.
I have some goals that I feel I should list on this the "unofficial" date of goal-setting. Well, I don't know if they're all really "goals". They're more like thoughts for the new year.
1. I will give hand knit gifts for Christmas next year. I will start today by making a list of projects for specific people. If I always have at least one gift on the needles, I should do fine. I have two little brothers that deserve some Weasley sweaters. My mom wants some socks (which I will probably present to her in a booga bag). My father-in-law deserves a new sock cap (his fashion accessory of choice). My brand-new stepfather will get some of those nifty mittens that fold over to fingerless gloves (perfect for golfing, he says). My husband wants an OU sweater (go Sooners!). So, as you can tell, I really need to get started now.
2. I will lose 50 more lbs. I've already got a pretty good start on this one. I'm down around 15 lbs (who knows exactly now after the holidays) already and I really want to kick it up a few notches before I turn 30 (April 11th). I have PCOS which contributed to the weight gain (along with my insane love of pizza) but I'm really committed to working hard and getting down to a manageable weight. I still won't be skinny after losing the 50 lbs. But, at least I won't have to shop at Lane Bryant anymore.
3. I will read more good books and write about them either here or in a journal. I haven't been reading as much since I've been knitting like crazy these past couple of months. I still get in about 2-3 books a month. But, these have been mostly books on tape. I love listening to books on tape, but there is something about the actual book in your hands that is part of the experience. Here are some of the books I'd like to read this year: "A Great and Terrible Beauty" by Libby Bray. "Jonathon Strange & Mr. Norrell" by Susanna Clarke. That book was recommended to me by my friend that is a librarian. It's a "must-read" and I have it on hold right now at my local public library. My genre of choice is historical fiction. I also love reading the classics. Any suggestions?
4. I will become a mother of two. This is kind of out of my hands at the moment. We are waiting waiting waiting waiting to find our next child. We are really hoping to adopt in the next couple of months so we can finalize before we move (my husband will finally have his PhD and we'll be going to some other University town). I believe it will happen. I just don't know when. It could be tomorrow. We didn't know about our little frog until the day before he was born. Actually, that's kind of nice. No time to worry about potential birthmoms backing out, worrying about so many things out of your control... It was really exciting to get a call about a baby being born the next day and seeing if we would be able to come and get him. OF COURSE! We were out the door a couple hours later and drove all night. My labor was pushing the gas pedal and lack of sleep. Worth it!
5. I will not procrastinate. I have no intention of keeping this one. This is my "throw-away". It is my one resolution I'll allow myself to break. I really just wanted to have a list with 5 (see following post). I'm weird that way, I guess.
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