The Crafty Conservative
Oh my! Two posts in one day. Two posts within one hour. What's going on?
Well, the Forbes list of the best places is up. Lafayette, Indiana (where we live now) is listed as number 23. Mind you, this list is for small metro areas. There is another list entirely for the more metropolitan cities. Lincoln, Nebraska (our new home...in 3 weeks!) is ranked number 7. Not bad. You can check and see if your own city made the list here.
The movers are coming tomorrow to do an estimate. If everything works out according to my master plan, we will be able to have them pack everything, move it, and still have some moving expenses left to pay my dad to drive up the rest of our stuff from Oklahoma.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
To my dear Frog:
The Crafty Conservative
Frog,
I know you're almost 28 months old and all you want to do is drive us batty with your tantrums and entertain us more than any high-paid celebrity ever could. I just have a tiny suggestion. Could you please grow up a little slower? I don't even mean developmentally. I mean physically! You're getting too big for your britches (literally) and I'm not emotionally ready for you to be in 4T clothes yet. So, can you keep on squeezing into those 3T for a little while longer...maybe 18 more months? Think about it. And don't even get me started on your shoes! Do you really need size 11?
Your loving Mommy
Frog,
I know you're almost 28 months old and all you want to do is drive us batty with your tantrums and entertain us more than any high-paid celebrity ever could. I just have a tiny suggestion. Could you please grow up a little slower? I don't even mean developmentally. I mean physically! You're getting too big for your britches (literally) and I'm not emotionally ready for you to be in 4T clothes yet. So, can you keep on squeezing into those 3T for a little while longer...maybe 18 more months? Think about it. And don't even get me started on your shoes! Do you really need size 11?
Your loving Mommy
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
An Open Letter
The Crafty Conservative
To the apparently two different people that decided the back of my van was a good place to leave your shopping carts:
STOP IT!!!!
To the bloggers that don't know the difference between loose and lose:
GET A DICTIONARY!!!!
To those who smoke:
If you like smoking so much, why do you insist on smoking with your window down? The smoke blows into my van through the vents and it is icky. Granted...I'm a super-smeller. I can smell even trace amounts of cigarette smoke in unlikely places. It's a curse. But, back to the point. Why don't you keep your smoke in your own car?
To my blog readers:
Excuse my crabbiness this day. That second shopping cart was the last straw!
Thank you.
To the apparently two different people that decided the back of my van was a good place to leave your shopping carts:
STOP IT!!!!
To the bloggers that don't know the difference between loose and lose:
GET A DICTIONARY!!!!
To those who smoke:
If you like smoking so much, why do you insist on smoking with your window down? The smoke blows into my van through the vents and it is icky. Granted...I'm a super-smeller. I can smell even trace amounts of cigarette smoke in unlikely places. It's a curse. But, back to the point. Why don't you keep your smoke in your own car?
To my blog readers:
Excuse my crabbiness this day. That second shopping cart was the last straw!
Thank you.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
FO # 10 is here! Okay, I finished it a while back but now I have the pics to prove it. It's my Clapotis. I'm so glad it's over. It's the first thing I've made that I've really started to hate before I finished (except an ugly poncho that I crocheted). But, now that it's done and I've taken the pics, I'm going to try and heal and think happy thoughts about it.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Ipoddy Goodness
The Crafty Conservative
Most of you will remember that my mom got me an Ipod Shuffle for my birthday. I love it so much. I keep it in my pocket. When I get a chance, I listen to some of my favorite upbeat music and dance around the house. I have some of my favorites on there already.
What's missing? NEIL DIAMOND! I haven't imported any of my music from my Neil CD's. What the heck am I waiting for? He is my all time favorite singer of all time. He was on the Today show this morning and I was going to miss it because I had to work. Well, not so! I decided to turn on the TV and I watched it with my class. Unprofessional, you say? I don't think so! Most of them DIDN'T KNOW WHO HE WAS!!! Oh, the horror! So, I consider it extremely educational. It was just to see two songs...America and Sweet Caroline (one of my faves).
Most of you will remember that my mom got me an Ipod Shuffle for my birthday. I love it so much. I keep it in my pocket. When I get a chance, I listen to some of my favorite upbeat music and dance around the house. I have some of my favorites on there already.
What's missing? NEIL DIAMOND! I haven't imported any of my music from my Neil CD's. What the heck am I waiting for? He is my all time favorite singer of all time. He was on the Today show this morning and I was going to miss it because I had to work. Well, not so! I decided to turn on the TV and I watched it with my class. Unprofessional, you say? I don't think so! Most of them DIDN'T KNOW WHO HE WAS!!! Oh, the horror! So, I consider it extremely educational. It was just to see two songs...America and Sweet Caroline (one of my faves).
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Response from Wrigley
The Crafty Conservative
Dear Christy,
Thank you for visiting Wrigley.com, to let us know about the difficulty
you've had finding Extra Cool Green Apple gum in your neighborhood.
Because we share your interest in having our products available to anyone
who wants to buy them, we appreciate hearing from you.
We've checked in our database to learn that the following stores
regularly carry this product:
*Amoco, 706 Western Ave, West Lafayette, IN
*Express Mart, 808 W. National Ave, West Terre Haute, IN
*Shell, 1160 W. US HWY 40, West Terre Haute, IN
Please check the candy aisle as well as the check-out counter displays.
If one of these stores is temporarily out of stock, you might want to
ask the manager to order some for you.
If you are still unable to find this product you may purchase them
on-line at www.elite-distributing.com, www.candydirect.com, www.hometown
favorites.com or www.candyfavorites.com.
Again, we appreciate your interest in our products and thank you for
contacting the Wrigley Company.
Sincerely,
WM. WRIGLEY JR. COMPANY
Melissa Griffin
Consumer Affairs Representative
Dear Christy,
Thank you for visiting Wrigley.com, to let us know about the difficulty
you've had finding Extra Cool Green Apple gum in your neighborhood.
Because we share your interest in having our products available to anyone
who wants to buy them, we appreciate hearing from you.
We've checked in our database to learn that the following stores
regularly carry this product:
*Amoco, 706 Western Ave, West Lafayette, IN
*Express Mart, 808 W. National Ave, West Terre Haute, IN
*Shell, 1160 W. US HWY 40, West Terre Haute, IN
Please check the candy aisle as well as the check-out counter displays.
If one of these stores is temporarily out of stock, you might want to
ask the manager to order some for you.
If you are still unable to find this product you may purchase them
on-line at www.elite-distributing.com, www.candydirect.com, www.hometown
favorites.com or www.candyfavorites.com.
Again, we appreciate your interest in our products and thank you for
contacting the Wrigley Company.
Sincerely,
WM. WRIGLEY JR. COMPANY
Melissa Griffin
Consumer Affairs Representative
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Lovely Lincoln
The Crafty Conservative
Did I mention that Lincoln is the home of the National Museum of Roller Skating? It's even free! If this doesn't make you want to come stay at Hotel Nelson, I don't know what will!
Did I mention that Lincoln is the home of the National Museum of Roller Skating? It's even free! If this doesn't make you want to come stay at Hotel Nelson, I don't know what will!
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Green Apple Gum Mystery Solved!
The Crafty Conservative
I found some of the Extra gum. Alas, I was disappointed. It's not that great.
I still have shingles. But, now I have meds. I also have an eye infection. More meds.
Sugar Daddy has agreed to having professionals pack up our house! Wahoo! So, I don't have to worry about that anymore. I'm SO HAPPY about that.
We had our post placement visit for Big Apple today. It's just a formality to make sure everything is okay before the adoption is finalized. I'm glad it's over.
I think I may knit some this afternoon. What a novel concept!
I found some of the Extra gum. Alas, I was disappointed. It's not that great.
I still have shingles. But, now I have meds. I also have an eye infection. More meds.
Sugar Daddy has agreed to having professionals pack up our house! Wahoo! So, I don't have to worry about that anymore. I'm SO HAPPY about that.
We had our post placement visit for Big Apple today. It's just a formality to make sure everything is okay before the adoption is finalized. I'm glad it's over.
I think I may knit some this afternoon. What a novel concept!
Monday, May 02, 2005
The Ever Elusive Green Apple Extra
The Crafty Conservative
Have you seen the commercials for the new flavor of Extra gum? It's cool green apple. I have a feeling that I will LOVE LOVE LOVE this gum. But........I CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE!!! I've searched in two states and in many different types of stores. Nowhere. Watch out Wrigley. I'm gonna send you an email.
Have you seen the commercials for the new flavor of Extra gum? It's cool green apple. I have a feeling that I will LOVE LOVE LOVE this gum. But........I CAN'T FIND IT ANYWHERE!!! I've searched in two states and in many different types of stores. Nowhere. Watch out Wrigley. I'm gonna send you an email.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
We have a house! But, I'm the one with SHINGLES.
The Crafty Conservative
We're back from Nebraska. We were so busy trying to find a suitable place to live in 2 days, but we did it! I'll post pictures later.
Due to my weakened immune system (from the huge viral infection of a few weeks ago), and my increased stress level (uh, like see a couple of posts down) I have shingles. I had them once before when I was a senior in high school. My parents were divorcing and I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. Figures that I would get an illness that is most common in people over 60. I'm going to try to get an appointment tomorrow for some antiviral medication. Unfortunately, I opted against getting insurance this semester thinking that last semester I had a big physical (for the adoption) and this summer we would be getting insurance through SD's work. Luckily, I can go to PUSH (Purdue Univ. Student Health Center...so, why isn't it PUSHC?) for only $40.
So, enough about me. Let me talk about the house. It's exactly what we were looking for! It has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a big fenced in yard, a finished basement, a family room, a living room, a dining area, and it's in a wonderful neighborhood (a big step up from our ghetto mansion that we live in now). The only downside is that the kitchen is pretty small. But, it has new appliances. They also just replaced the roof and the furnace. We're good to go! It's nice knowing that we have a place to go to in a few more weeks.
Oh! I revealed myself to my Secret Pal, Allena. Go check out her blog. She always has lots of fun things to say and pictures of her adventures!
I still haven't heard from mine, yet. But, it's only May 1st. I can wait. I got See's Candies...who can complain about that? NOT ME! I'm still working on some of those lollipops (my fave: Butterscotch). The candy only lasted a few days, though.
Needless to say, I haven't been knitting much. I took the Hogwarts scarf to Lincoln but it didn't make it out of the suitcase. We really spent the whole time searching for a place to live. We found it at 5:30pm Saturday night, decided at 8:30pm, signed the lease at 9:30am the next morning, checked out of the hotel, ate lunch, got on a plane, and came home! I'm sure I'll have more knitting news someday. I can't go for too long without picking up the sticks.
We're back from Nebraska. We were so busy trying to find a suitable place to live in 2 days, but we did it! I'll post pictures later.
Due to my weakened immune system (from the huge viral infection of a few weeks ago), and my increased stress level (uh, like see a couple of posts down) I have shingles. I had them once before when I was a senior in high school. My parents were divorcing and I was trying to figure out what to do with my life. Figures that I would get an illness that is most common in people over 60. I'm going to try to get an appointment tomorrow for some antiviral medication. Unfortunately, I opted against getting insurance this semester thinking that last semester I had a big physical (for the adoption) and this summer we would be getting insurance through SD's work. Luckily, I can go to PUSH (Purdue Univ. Student Health Center...so, why isn't it PUSHC?) for only $40.
So, enough about me. Let me talk about the house. It's exactly what we were looking for! It has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a big fenced in yard, a finished basement, a family room, a living room, a dining area, and it's in a wonderful neighborhood (a big step up from our ghetto mansion that we live in now). The only downside is that the kitchen is pretty small. But, it has new appliances. They also just replaced the roof and the furnace. We're good to go! It's nice knowing that we have a place to go to in a few more weeks.
Oh! I revealed myself to my Secret Pal, Allena. Go check out her blog. She always has lots of fun things to say and pictures of her adventures!
I still haven't heard from mine, yet. But, it's only May 1st. I can wait. I got See's Candies...who can complain about that? NOT ME! I'm still working on some of those lollipops (my fave: Butterscotch). The candy only lasted a few days, though.
Needless to say, I haven't been knitting much. I took the Hogwarts scarf to Lincoln but it didn't make it out of the suitcase. We really spent the whole time searching for a place to live. We found it at 5:30pm Saturday night, decided at 8:30pm, signed the lease at 9:30am the next morning, checked out of the hotel, ate lunch, got on a plane, and came home! I'm sure I'll have more knitting news someday. I can't go for too long without picking up the sticks.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Somos los campeones
The Crafty Conservative
For those of you that don't know, I teach Spanish two hours a day at a high school here in town. This high school is the best public high school in the state. We have lots of money and the students are WAY above average (university town). I feel I have to mention this because what I'm about to say has very little to do with my teaching skills. WE WON QUIZ BOWL!!!!
Last night, we competed against nine other schools in the area and I must say, we KILLED THEM! ha ha ha. It's really all about having a good time and not caring about who wins or loses. Yeah, right. I'm so competitive. I was so happy to win! I knew we would. Last year was this school's first year to compete. I was able to put together a few lower level teams for that competition but it was made up of only Spanish I students (they compete SpanI/II and then another level with Span III/IV). With a team of ONLY Spanish I students last year, we got 2nd place. So, this year, I was pretty sure we could win. AND WE DID! Can you tell I'm excited about it? Quiz Bowl day is my favorite day of the year. This year we doubled our number of teams (for all languages--Spanish, German, and French). Word got around about how much fun it was. Our school took home 4 out of 5 trophies. The one we "lost" was for the upper level Spanish and that was because we didn't have any upper level students that were able to compete. I used teams of Span II students in that level and they still got 2nd place! So, next year I'm anticipating a CLEAN SWEEP! Too bad I won't be there. My students assured me that they will email the results to me. They better.
So, just wanted to brag a little about my great students (they really are awesome).
We're going to Nebraska tomorrow to find a place to live and we won't be back until the 30th.
Another shameless plug: If you want any Pampered Chef, email me before Saturday with what you want. Remember: 10% off or free shipping (whichever is greater).
For those of you that don't know, I teach Spanish two hours a day at a high school here in town. This high school is the best public high school in the state. We have lots of money and the students are WAY above average (university town). I feel I have to mention this because what I'm about to say has very little to do with my teaching skills. WE WON QUIZ BOWL!!!!
Last night, we competed against nine other schools in the area and I must say, we KILLED THEM! ha ha ha. It's really all about having a good time and not caring about who wins or loses. Yeah, right. I'm so competitive. I was so happy to win! I knew we would. Last year was this school's first year to compete. I was able to put together a few lower level teams for that competition but it was made up of only Spanish I students (they compete SpanI/II and then another level with Span III/IV). With a team of ONLY Spanish I students last year, we got 2nd place. So, this year, I was pretty sure we could win. AND WE DID! Can you tell I'm excited about it? Quiz Bowl day is my favorite day of the year. This year we doubled our number of teams (for all languages--Spanish, German, and French). Word got around about how much fun it was. Our school took home 4 out of 5 trophies. The one we "lost" was for the upper level Spanish and that was because we didn't have any upper level students that were able to compete. I used teams of Span II students in that level and they still got 2nd place! So, next year I'm anticipating a CLEAN SWEEP! Too bad I won't be there. My students assured me that they will email the results to me. They better.
So, just wanted to brag a little about my great students (they really are awesome).
We're going to Nebraska tomorrow to find a place to live and we won't be back until the 30th.
Another shameless plug: If you want any Pampered Chef, email me before Saturday with what you want. Remember: 10% off or free shipping (whichever is greater).
Friday, April 22, 2005
My Top 5 Stressers...and other reasons I may not be blogging regularly
The Crafty Conservative
1. We're moving in less than six weeks to Lincoln, Nebraska. We don't have a place to live yet and Sugar Daddy wants us to pack up the house ourselves, even though the university will pay for that.
2. Having a six week old baby in the house doesn't make it easy to pack. With just Frog it's hard enough. But combined, it's near impossible to have 2 adults available at any given time.
3. Our basement is flooded. It has loads of our stuff (already packed and some waiting to be...) down there. SD won't let me go down there. It stinks.
4. I'm behind on the laundry. It's in the basement. So, see #3.
5. I'm tired and I can't think of anything good to write about. The kids are the same (although Frog is taking his singing to a new level with "The Battle Hymn of the Republic"...a song we're practicing for the choir). My life is the same. I'm working in the mornings. I come home. I work harder. I stress about all I have to do but can't because my hands are almost constantly full with one child or another. I think that's about it.
Wait! I thought of more.
5.1 I also have to get out my SP4 package. And my thank you notes (written already, thank goodness!). And the baby announcements (waiting on finding out our new address so I can include that). I hate the post office.
5.2 Our social worker is coming next week for a post-placement visit. It's necessary for the adoption to be finalized (May 24th). Our house is an absolute MESS!!!
5.3 We're flying out to Nebraska for 2 days next week. The whole family. All of us. Yep, all of us. We're going to try and find a place to live. Sound like fun? Oh, yeah. Going on a plane and living in a hotel for 2 days with a 2 year old and an infant. Lovely. But, once we find a place to live I think my stress level will go down.
5.4 I'm trying to get a Pampered Chef order together for this month. I'm closing it out April 30th. Shameless plug: If anyone wants to order anything, let me know by email (free shipping or 10% off...whichever is greater). I was going to quit after this month but I have one more show scheduled now in May. Oh yeah, I should probably start getting my act together for that one.
5.5 I'm teaching the lesson in church this Sunday for our women's group. I haven't read it yet. I couldn't even tell you the title.
Maybe now I'm done. I thought this might help getting all of the things I have to do in writing. But, now it's making me feel a little more overwhelmed. So, what the heck am I doing on the computer???? I better get to work!
1. We're moving in less than six weeks to Lincoln, Nebraska. We don't have a place to live yet and Sugar Daddy wants us to pack up the house ourselves, even though the university will pay for that.
2. Having a six week old baby in the house doesn't make it easy to pack. With just Frog it's hard enough. But combined, it's near impossible to have 2 adults available at any given time.
3. Our basement is flooded. It has loads of our stuff (already packed and some waiting to be...) down there. SD won't let me go down there. It stinks.
4. I'm behind on the laundry. It's in the basement. So, see #3.
5. I'm tired and I can't think of anything good to write about. The kids are the same (although Frog is taking his singing to a new level with "The Battle Hymn of the Republic"...a song we're practicing for the choir). My life is the same. I'm working in the mornings. I come home. I work harder. I stress about all I have to do but can't because my hands are almost constantly full with one child or another. I think that's about it.
Wait! I thought of more.
5.1 I also have to get out my SP4 package. And my thank you notes (written already, thank goodness!). And the baby announcements (waiting on finding out our new address so I can include that). I hate the post office.
5.2 Our social worker is coming next week for a post-placement visit. It's necessary for the adoption to be finalized (May 24th). Our house is an absolute MESS!!!
5.3 We're flying out to Nebraska for 2 days next week. The whole family. All of us. Yep, all of us. We're going to try and find a place to live. Sound like fun? Oh, yeah. Going on a plane and living in a hotel for 2 days with a 2 year old and an infant. Lovely. But, once we find a place to live I think my stress level will go down.
5.4 I'm trying to get a Pampered Chef order together for this month. I'm closing it out April 30th. Shameless plug: If anyone wants to order anything, let me know by email (free shipping or 10% off...whichever is greater). I was going to quit after this month but I have one more show scheduled now in May. Oh yeah, I should probably start getting my act together for that one.
5.5 I'm teaching the lesson in church this Sunday for our women's group. I haven't read it yet. I couldn't even tell you the title.
Maybe now I'm done. I thought this might help getting all of the things I have to do in writing. But, now it's making me feel a little more overwhelmed. So, what the heck am I doing on the computer???? I better get to work!
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
J-lo dream
The Crafty Conservative
I had a dream last night about my blog. So, of course, I have to share it! I was sitting on a couch knitting. I think I was at a store like Barnes & Noble. At any rate, it was a public place. On the other end of the couch were two girls...also knitting. It was a big couch. They were talking about my blog. Of course, I was listening (it was my dream, after all!) and I introduced myself. I said, "Hi. I'm Christy from the blog". Then I started giggling because it reminded me of the J-Lo song "Jenny from the Block". And of course, I started singing, "Don't be fooled by the sticks that I got, I'm still I'm still Christy from the blog". If this were real life, I don't think those girls would keep reading my blog. Especially since if it were real life I'd be just goofy enough to do this exact same thing. I'm glad it was just a dream!
I had a dream last night about my blog. So, of course, I have to share it! I was sitting on a couch knitting. I think I was at a store like Barnes & Noble. At any rate, it was a public place. On the other end of the couch were two girls...also knitting. It was a big couch. They were talking about my blog. Of course, I was listening (it was my dream, after all!) and I introduced myself. I said, "Hi. I'm Christy from the blog". Then I started giggling because it reminded me of the J-Lo song "Jenny from the Block". And of course, I started singing, "Don't be fooled by the sticks that I got, I'm still I'm still Christy from the blog". If this were real life, I don't think those girls would keep reading my blog. Especially since if it were real life I'd be just goofy enough to do this exact same thing. I'm glad it was just a dream!
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Another Benefit?
The Crafty Conservative
I get the www.babycenter.com emails for my kids. They send them out every so often saying what should be going on with them and give tips and tricks. I usually skim through them and delete them. Today I got Big Apple's 5 week-old email (has it really been that long already???) and it mentioned that next week I should be able to start having sex again. I told Sugar Daddy and he got a kick out of it. So, is this really a benefit of adopting? Not having to wait? I'll let y'all be the judge.
I get the www.babycenter.com emails for my kids. They send them out every so often saying what should be going on with them and give tips and tricks. I usually skim through them and delete them. Today I got Big Apple's 5 week-old email (has it really been that long already???) and it mentioned that next week I should be able to start having sex again. I told Sugar Daddy and he got a kick out of it. So, is this really a benefit of adopting? Not having to wait? I'll let y'all be the judge.
Monday, April 18, 2005
You Spin Me Right Around Baby Right Around Like a Record Baby Right Around Round Round
The Crafty Conservative
I learned how to spin using a drop spindle last night. I would have taken pictures but I left my camera at school over the weekend (full of pictures that I needed so I could make an 8th grade cookbook...but I was too lazy to drag my butt back up there on a weekend). I'll bring the camera home today and hopefully tonight I can have a few moments to practice (definitely needed!!!) and take a few pics. I used the drop spindle that SD made for my birthday. It seems to work fine but he needs to do a little work on the hook end (just a little sawing action). I also got to try out a friend's spinning wheel. He did the spinning, I just did the drafting to try and get the feel for it. He let me have some of his roving, too. He's a vet student and has access to a lot of fleece. People just give it to him. So, I'm a lucky recipient of that, as well. He's also making a gift to us (courtesy of Big Apple) of some spun yarn, most likely alpaca. It's so I can knit it up myself into something for the baby. What an awesome gift for a knitter, don't you think? I don't know if I'll get totally hooked on spinning. It seems a little labor intensive when I'm most interested in the final product (a knitted garment). But, I'll reserve judgement. I mean, I only did it for about 30 minutes last night before Frog started threatening to destroy our friend's spinning wheel.
I learned how to spin using a drop spindle last night. I would have taken pictures but I left my camera at school over the weekend (full of pictures that I needed so I could make an 8th grade cookbook...but I was too lazy to drag my butt back up there on a weekend). I'll bring the camera home today and hopefully tonight I can have a few moments to practice (definitely needed!!!) and take a few pics. I used the drop spindle that SD made for my birthday. It seems to work fine but he needs to do a little work on the hook end (just a little sawing action). I also got to try out a friend's spinning wheel. He did the spinning, I just did the drafting to try and get the feel for it. He let me have some of his roving, too. He's a vet student and has access to a lot of fleece. People just give it to him. So, I'm a lucky recipient of that, as well. He's also making a gift to us (courtesy of Big Apple) of some spun yarn, most likely alpaca. It's so I can knit it up myself into something for the baby. What an awesome gift for a knitter, don't you think? I don't know if I'll get totally hooked on spinning. It seems a little labor intensive when I'm most interested in the final product (a knitted garment). But, I'll reserve judgement. I mean, I only did it for about 30 minutes last night before Frog started threatening to destroy our friend's spinning wheel.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Dr. Sugar Daddy, I Presume
The Crafty Conservative
August 1994: I met an 18 year old Sugar Daddy as soon as he got to the University of Oklahoma. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, jeans, and a hat. He seemed nice enough. He didn't remember meeting me that day.
September 1994: I asked SD out on a "date" to the OK State Fair. We were supposed to see Toby Keith but missed the concert because we were in the karaoke tent. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, jeans and a hat. He seemed nice enough. We didn't set another date.
October 1994: SD asked me out on a date. He didn't have a car so we walked to a free concert on campus. We went back to his house and hung out with his roommates. We made plans for the next night. I saw him the next night. He fixed me dinner. We stayed up all night talking (Kim was there, too). I saw him the next night. We had our first kiss. He stopped dating any other girls after that. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, jeans and a hat. He seemed more than nice enough.
May 1995: SD left to go back home and prepare for his 2 year mission to Paris, France. I went to see him in June. I met his parents and brothers (except Eric...I met him later). We were the only ones in the world that knew we were going to get married. I don't think anyone else thought it would happen. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, shorts, and a hat. We were in love.
January 1998: SD is home from his mission. I'm home from mine (18 months in Guadalajara, Mexico). He's got another girlfriend (long story, maybe later). I break them up. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, and jeans. Apparently, he got a new hairstyle on his mission and the hats are a thing of the past. I was mad at him and then back in love with him again.
February 1998: We get engaged. A couple of weeks later, his ex-girlfriend does as well. We make some calls. People don't understand. SD's parents say we're too young, not ready. My mom wants me to find a guy with a job and a car. I tell her he has potential. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, nice glasses (courtesy of my friend, Brenda), and jeans. We're engaged!!!
August 1998: We get married in the Dallas Texas temple. He was skinny, wore a tuxedo, and looked mighty fine! No turning back now!
August 2000: We moved to Purdue. SD got his BS from OU that May and it was time for grad school. By this time, his parents are okay with me (I think) and my family now asks SD why he married a girl like me. He's the favorite. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, nice glasses, and jeans. Still in love.
January 2003: We added a little Frog to the family. SD still working on his degrees. Still skinny, still wearing t-shirts, same glasses (not so nice anymore), and jeans. Did I mention that these are the very SAME jeans and t-shirts that he's had since 1994? It must be love.
March 2005: We added a Big Apple to the family. SD almost done with his degree. Interviewing like crazy. Still skinny, new glasses, and wearing his hand-knit "I'm gonna be a professor" sweater vest. He must really love me.
April 14, 2005: Sugar Daddy, PhD. He defended his thesis today. He's done. School is over for him. It's the end of an era. We're really looking forward to the next chapters in our life. You can count on the fact that he will still be skinny, wearing glasses, t-shirts, and jeans. And don't forget, I'll be loving him oh so much!
August 1994: I met an 18 year old Sugar Daddy as soon as he got to the University of Oklahoma. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, jeans, and a hat. He seemed nice enough. He didn't remember meeting me that day.
September 1994: I asked SD out on a "date" to the OK State Fair. We were supposed to see Toby Keith but missed the concert because we were in the karaoke tent. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, jeans and a hat. He seemed nice enough. We didn't set another date.
October 1994: SD asked me out on a date. He didn't have a car so we walked to a free concert on campus. We went back to his house and hung out with his roommates. We made plans for the next night. I saw him the next night. He fixed me dinner. We stayed up all night talking (Kim was there, too). I saw him the next night. We had our first kiss. He stopped dating any other girls after that. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, jeans and a hat. He seemed more than nice enough.
May 1995: SD left to go back home and prepare for his 2 year mission to Paris, France. I went to see him in June. I met his parents and brothers (except Eric...I met him later). We were the only ones in the world that knew we were going to get married. I don't think anyone else thought it would happen. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, shorts, and a hat. We were in love.
January 1998: SD is home from his mission. I'm home from mine (18 months in Guadalajara, Mexico). He's got another girlfriend (long story, maybe later). I break them up. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, big glasses, and jeans. Apparently, he got a new hairstyle on his mission and the hats are a thing of the past. I was mad at him and then back in love with him again.
February 1998: We get engaged. A couple of weeks later, his ex-girlfriend does as well. We make some calls. People don't understand. SD's parents say we're too young, not ready. My mom wants me to find a guy with a job and a car. I tell her he has potential. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, nice glasses (courtesy of my friend, Brenda), and jeans. We're engaged!!!
August 1998: We get married in the Dallas Texas temple. He was skinny, wore a tuxedo, and looked mighty fine! No turning back now!
August 2000: We moved to Purdue. SD got his BS from OU that May and it was time for grad school. By this time, his parents are okay with me (I think) and my family now asks SD why he married a girl like me. He's the favorite. He was skinny, wore a t-shirt, nice glasses, and jeans. Still in love.
January 2003: We added a little Frog to the family. SD still working on his degrees. Still skinny, still wearing t-shirts, same glasses (not so nice anymore), and jeans. Did I mention that these are the very SAME jeans and t-shirts that he's had since 1994? It must be love.
March 2005: We added a Big Apple to the family. SD almost done with his degree. Interviewing like crazy. Still skinny, new glasses, and wearing his hand-knit "I'm gonna be a professor" sweater vest. He must really love me.
April 14, 2005: Sugar Daddy, PhD. He defended his thesis today. He's done. School is over for him. It's the end of an era. We're really looking forward to the next chapters in our life. You can count on the fact that he will still be skinny, wearing glasses, t-shirts, and jeans. And don't forget, I'll be loving him oh so much!
Monday, April 11, 2005
Things to look forward to...
The Crafty Conservative
1. Pictures of Clapotis, the ever elusive yarn guzzling FO #10.
2. Pictures of me and Tiffany at age 15. I'm trying to work on a little "I'm 30 now" retrospective.
3. An explanation of the word "WO", how it came into existence, and how very few people were ever a part of this exclusive "club".
4. Pictures of my birthday presents from Sugar Daddy (homemade ball winder and drop spindle).
5. The announcement of where we will live after June 1st. I still don't know this one but I can let everyone know that we got a job offer at Nebraska. It's a super good offer that I don't think any other school can beat. But, SD won't commit yet. He has until the 18th to decide. So, until further notice, we're waiting for divine confirmation.
Something you don't have to wait for: My birthday update! It's been a pretty darn good day. My mom sang happy birthday to me over the phone this morning (a tradition!). She's newly married so I got a little harmony this year. Not bad!
My students were really good. My Spanish II brought all sorts of goodies including cupcakes and ice cream. I even had candles (a 3-0 pair). After school, I went to the mall to use some great Lane Bryant coupons ($15 off a $15 purchase). Nothing is $15 so I had to spend a little $, but it's my birthday!!! I got 2 t-shirts (lime green, pink/yellow/white stripey) and a green button down 3/4 sleeve shirt. I tried on about 6 pairs of pants but all were too long! Even the petites. That's sick.
I got home around noon and SD let me take a little nap. Then, he finished up the taxes while I played with the kiddos. I "opened" my present from him (he just brought it out of the computer room) and played with my homemade ball winder. We ordered the pizza and then he had to go to school for a bit. When he came home, both kids were sleeping and it was time to go to the movie. We decided to skip the movie (I hate waking sleeping kids!) and just go mini golfing later. My premonition came true. I did not have the energy after my illness to pull out the victory today. In fact, I was crushed. I only got 1 hole in one (pitiful for me!) and SD got 5 (he usually only gets 1 or 2). Oh well, I will be humble in my defeat. hee hee.
After mini golf we took advantage of the babysitter and went to the store to buy baby wipes, 10 boxes of Veggie Tales fruit snacks (the ONLY kind Frog will eat even though the others are made by the exact same company in the exact same flavors...Snoopy, Sharks, or Dinosaurs just won't do for him. They have to be Veggie Tales!), and stuff for smoothies. We didn't get around to making smoothies tonight before the kids went to bed. So, we don't want to tempt fate now by making them. Maybe tomorrow. I'll have to appease myself w/ leftover pizza and grape kool-aid.
What did you do today?
1. Pictures of Clapotis, the ever elusive yarn guzzling FO #10.
2. Pictures of me and Tiffany at age 15. I'm trying to work on a little "I'm 30 now" retrospective.
3. An explanation of the word "WO", how it came into existence, and how very few people were ever a part of this exclusive "club".
4. Pictures of my birthday presents from Sugar Daddy (homemade ball winder and drop spindle).
5. The announcement of where we will live after June 1st. I still don't know this one but I can let everyone know that we got a job offer at Nebraska. It's a super good offer that I don't think any other school can beat. But, SD won't commit yet. He has until the 18th to decide. So, until further notice, we're waiting for divine confirmation.
Something you don't have to wait for: My birthday update! It's been a pretty darn good day. My mom sang happy birthday to me over the phone this morning (a tradition!). She's newly married so I got a little harmony this year. Not bad!
My students were really good. My Spanish II brought all sorts of goodies including cupcakes and ice cream. I even had candles (a 3-0 pair). After school, I went to the mall to use some great Lane Bryant coupons ($15 off a $15 purchase). Nothing is $15 so I had to spend a little $, but it's my birthday!!! I got 2 t-shirts (lime green, pink/yellow/white stripey) and a green button down 3/4 sleeve shirt. I tried on about 6 pairs of pants but all were too long! Even the petites. That's sick.
I got home around noon and SD let me take a little nap. Then, he finished up the taxes while I played with the kiddos. I "opened" my present from him (he just brought it out of the computer room) and played with my homemade ball winder. We ordered the pizza and then he had to go to school for a bit. When he came home, both kids were sleeping and it was time to go to the movie. We decided to skip the movie (I hate waking sleeping kids!) and just go mini golfing later. My premonition came true. I did not have the energy after my illness to pull out the victory today. In fact, I was crushed. I only got 1 hole in one (pitiful for me!) and SD got 5 (he usually only gets 1 or 2). Oh well, I will be humble in my defeat. hee hee.
After mini golf we took advantage of the babysitter and went to the store to buy baby wipes, 10 boxes of Veggie Tales fruit snacks (the ONLY kind Frog will eat even though the others are made by the exact same company in the exact same flavors...Snoopy, Sharks, or Dinosaurs just won't do for him. They have to be Veggie Tales!), and stuff for smoothies. We didn't get around to making smoothies tonight before the kids went to bed. So, we don't want to tempt fate now by making them. Maybe tomorrow. I'll have to appease myself w/ leftover pizza and grape kool-aid.
What did you do today?
Sunday, April 10, 2005
It's Contagious
The Crafty Conservative
I bit the bullet and went to urgent care yesterday. It was getting to the point where I hadn't been able to swallow without immense pain and I was starting to get really hungry. I can only live on freezer pops for so long... It's just a sinus infection gone bad. It hadn't turned into an ear infection (though my ear was starting to hurt, as well). I was prescribed pain medication (for my throat) and antibiotics (for the infection). I didn't fill the pain medication since it would make me drowsy. It's kind of hard to be drowsy when you're taking care of two kids. So, I bought some Chloraseptic to help with the pain and I've been taking over the counter pain reliever. Late yesterday afternoon I was able to eat a tamale and later that night I ate a hot dog. Yum yum yum. I skipped church today since I haven't been on the antibiotics long enough for me to stop being contagious. But, I will be going to school tomorrow. By then, I should be okay.
About tomorrow...I've changed my mind about what I want to do for my birthday. I've decided that we'll get the fabulous Monday special from Mad Mushroom Pizza (large cheese pizza for $3.99) to eat at home with the kiddos. Then, we can drop them off at the sitters while we go to a movie. I wanted to see Fever Pitch with Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore but not bad enough to pay movie theater money for it. That is, until I was up in the middle of the night last night and watched Ebert and Roper. They gave it 2 enthusiastic thumbs up. I don't usually care about what they think b/c the kinds of movies I like aren't usually the ones that they think are good. But, to hear them talking about this movie, it made me really want to see it. I hope I'm not too disappointed. Plus, I'm still a little weak after the illness and I don't want that to have to be a reason for losing to SD at mini golf!
I bit the bullet and went to urgent care yesterday. It was getting to the point where I hadn't been able to swallow without immense pain and I was starting to get really hungry. I can only live on freezer pops for so long... It's just a sinus infection gone bad. It hadn't turned into an ear infection (though my ear was starting to hurt, as well). I was prescribed pain medication (for my throat) and antibiotics (for the infection). I didn't fill the pain medication since it would make me drowsy. It's kind of hard to be drowsy when you're taking care of two kids. So, I bought some Chloraseptic to help with the pain and I've been taking over the counter pain reliever. Late yesterday afternoon I was able to eat a tamale and later that night I ate a hot dog. Yum yum yum. I skipped church today since I haven't been on the antibiotics long enough for me to stop being contagious. But, I will be going to school tomorrow. By then, I should be okay.
About tomorrow...I've changed my mind about what I want to do for my birthday. I've decided that we'll get the fabulous Monday special from Mad Mushroom Pizza (large cheese pizza for $3.99) to eat at home with the kiddos. Then, we can drop them off at the sitters while we go to a movie. I wanted to see Fever Pitch with Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore but not bad enough to pay movie theater money for it. That is, until I was up in the middle of the night last night and watched Ebert and Roper. They gave it 2 enthusiastic thumbs up. I don't usually care about what they think b/c the kinds of movies I like aren't usually the ones that they think are good. But, to hear them talking about this movie, it made me really want to see it. I hope I'm not too disappointed. Plus, I'm still a little weak after the illness and I don't want that to have to be a reason for losing to SD at mini golf!
Friday, April 08, 2005
Update
The Crafty Conservative
I'm still sick sick sick. But, I'm starting to get a little more energy back. The food my students made looked really good. But, I couldn't swallow anything! I did have some Potato, Garlic and Chipotle soup. It was a cream soup so I could just drink it. That student gets and A+! The rest of my students were so sweet to me! They made sure I was comfortable during class and most of them wrapped up little samples for me to take home. I'm still not up for "solid" food but Sugar Daddy sure did like the empanadas and the tamales. I think he's saving me one of those.
Monday is my 30th birthday. OH NO!!! SD got a babysitter and we're going to go out to eat (El Rodeo) and then I'm going to beat him at mini golf. My Spanish II students have a party planned for me. We can't break a piñata by hanging it from the ceiling (we could do some major damage) so we are planning on bludgeoning it to pieces. I sure hope I feel up for that! Sounds like a promising day.
The whole family went on an outing this evening. We drove down to the Fleece Fair. It was really interesting. I've been toying with the idea of taking up spinning and some basic supplies are on my birthday wish list. SD wanted to go down and check it out, as well. I will admit that I was way out of my league. I don't know ANYTHING about spinning...except that it looks really fun and I KNOW I would enjoy the final product. Frog liked all the animals that were there. Oh, who am I kidding. He didn't really care about anything except the tops he found today (I hid them about a year ago). Those tops didn't leave his hands until after when we made a little stop at McD's for some chicken mcnuggets. Big Apple was just happy drinking her formula (Similac makes her poopy diapers smell 10 times worse than Enfamil!) and being admired by everyone. "Look at all that HAIR!". Yeah, I know. To be honest, though, it is pretty amazing hair. She's a doll!
That trip was a little too much for my fragile state of being. I slept all the way home and have now drugged myself up sufficiently that I don't think that I will be able to keep my eyes open for another 20 minutes. I'll leave y'all with that. Happy knitting!
I'm still sick sick sick. But, I'm starting to get a little more energy back. The food my students made looked really good. But, I couldn't swallow anything! I did have some Potato, Garlic and Chipotle soup. It was a cream soup so I could just drink it. That student gets and A+! The rest of my students were so sweet to me! They made sure I was comfortable during class and most of them wrapped up little samples for me to take home. I'm still not up for "solid" food but Sugar Daddy sure did like the empanadas and the tamales. I think he's saving me one of those.
Monday is my 30th birthday. OH NO!!! SD got a babysitter and we're going to go out to eat (El Rodeo) and then I'm going to beat him at mini golf. My Spanish II students have a party planned for me. We can't break a piñata by hanging it from the ceiling (we could do some major damage) so we are planning on bludgeoning it to pieces. I sure hope I feel up for that! Sounds like a promising day.
The whole family went on an outing this evening. We drove down to the Fleece Fair. It was really interesting. I've been toying with the idea of taking up spinning and some basic supplies are on my birthday wish list. SD wanted to go down and check it out, as well. I will admit that I was way out of my league. I don't know ANYTHING about spinning...except that it looks really fun and I KNOW I would enjoy the final product. Frog liked all the animals that were there. Oh, who am I kidding. He didn't really care about anything except the tops he found today (I hid them about a year ago). Those tops didn't leave his hands until after when we made a little stop at McD's for some chicken mcnuggets. Big Apple was just happy drinking her formula (Similac makes her poopy diapers smell 10 times worse than Enfamil!) and being admired by everyone. "Look at all that HAIR!". Yeah, I know. To be honest, though, it is pretty amazing hair. She's a doll!
That trip was a little too much for my fragile state of being. I slept all the way home and have now drugged myself up sufficiently that I don't think that I will be able to keep my eyes open for another 20 minutes. I'll leave y'all with that. Happy knitting!
Sick sick sick
The Crafty Conservative
I'm sick. I can't breathe. I can't swallow. I can type. But, I don't feel like it much. I have a crick in my neck. I'm in a bad way. There's no way I can miss school this morning. My 8th graders are bringing in their food projects. This stinks.
I'm sick. I can't breathe. I can't swallow. I can type. But, I don't feel like it much. I have a crick in my neck. I'm in a bad way. There's no way I can miss school this morning. My 8th graders are bringing in their food projects. This stinks.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Still Here
The Crafty Conservative
I'm still around. I haven't been posting much because I was working on a post about an article I read on some US Catholics. I don't think I'm going to put it on my blog. It was just nice to write it. Let me just say this: I'm not a Catholic. I think the Pope is an important world leader. I think the US Catholics that want a Pope that is pro-choice and gay marriage are missing the boat. The Chicago Cardinal said it best on the Today show (when Katie Couric asked him about this possibility). He said that there is no way it could happen because no college of Cardinals is going to elect a heretic to be the Pope. Maybe those "catholics" should join a church that takes a more liberal stand on those issues.
Knitting news: I finally finished Clapotis. yeah. *yawn* I'll post some pics when I get a little more time to post. Right now my Frog is pounding on the gate trying to get in here. Big Apple (the little angel) is sound asleep.
I'm still around. I haven't been posting much because I was working on a post about an article I read on some US Catholics. I don't think I'm going to put it on my blog. It was just nice to write it. Let me just say this: I'm not a Catholic. I think the Pope is an important world leader. I think the US Catholics that want a Pope that is pro-choice and gay marriage are missing the boat. The Chicago Cardinal said it best on the Today show (when Katie Couric asked him about this possibility). He said that there is no way it could happen because no college of Cardinals is going to elect a heretic to be the Pope. Maybe those "catholics" should join a church that takes a more liberal stand on those issues.
Knitting news: I finally finished Clapotis. yeah. *yawn* I'll post some pics when I get a little more time to post. Right now my Frog is pounding on the gate trying to get in here. Big Apple (the little angel) is sound asleep.
Friday, April 01, 2005
WIP's
The Crafty Conservative
This post is going to be pure knititng content. So, if you don't care about knitting (Eric), don't bother reading.
I'm SO CLOSE to finishing the Clapotis. I'm really starting to resent this project. I had to go and buy one more skein of yarn for probably no more than 2 yards. I imagine that I'll finish it tonight if the kids cooperate. So, probably tomorrow.
I cast on for one of the Harry Potter Gryffindor scarves. I'm using Caron Simply Soft yarn in Autumn Red and Mango. I really like this yarn. Yep, it's 100% acrylic. But, I really, really like it.
The service we worked with to match us with a birthmother for Big Apple is wanting to send a little gift to the babies that are born and placed through their business. We got our fee donated to us so I feel really strongly about helping them out with this. I'm going to work up a couple teddy bears from a Debbie Bliss pattern and see how they look. If they're quick and easy enough, I'll be making a boatload so they can present them to the adoptive families after placement. Otherwise, I'll probaby make hats and/or booties.
The family that donated our adoption fee has been so good to us! They loaned us a whole big tub of baby clothes for Big Apple. They've given us tons of size 6 diapers (leftovers of theirs) for Frog. They are just great friends. There's really no way to repay their kindness. So, I'm just going to knit for them! The mom chose a couple of patterns for her two kids (a boy and girl...just like us!) and I went to buy the yarn today. She chose a cardigan for her boy (beige cotton w/ scottie dogs and argyle along the bottom), and an a-line jacket w/ embroidered flowers for her girl. Both will get a beret to match (their dad is the French teacher). I want to get these done before we leave Lafayette so they'll probably move to the front of the pack pretty soon.
I'm still plugging away on some of the gifts I'm knitting for Christmas. Okay...I'm thinking about it, at least. I've got a couple of hats I need to do for the CA boys, a couple of sweater for my OK boys, and some socks for my UT boys.
I guess that's it from here!
This post is going to be pure knititng content. So, if you don't care about knitting (Eric), don't bother reading.
I'm SO CLOSE to finishing the Clapotis. I'm really starting to resent this project. I had to go and buy one more skein of yarn for probably no more than 2 yards. I imagine that I'll finish it tonight if the kids cooperate. So, probably tomorrow.
I cast on for one of the Harry Potter Gryffindor scarves. I'm using Caron Simply Soft yarn in Autumn Red and Mango. I really like this yarn. Yep, it's 100% acrylic. But, I really, really like it.
The service we worked with to match us with a birthmother for Big Apple is wanting to send a little gift to the babies that are born and placed through their business. We got our fee donated to us so I feel really strongly about helping them out with this. I'm going to work up a couple teddy bears from a Debbie Bliss pattern and see how they look. If they're quick and easy enough, I'll be making a boatload so they can present them to the adoptive families after placement. Otherwise, I'll probaby make hats and/or booties.
The family that donated our adoption fee has been so good to us! They loaned us a whole big tub of baby clothes for Big Apple. They've given us tons of size 6 diapers (leftovers of theirs) for Frog. They are just great friends. There's really no way to repay their kindness. So, I'm just going to knit for them! The mom chose a couple of patterns for her two kids (a boy and girl...just like us!) and I went to buy the yarn today. She chose a cardigan for her boy (beige cotton w/ scottie dogs and argyle along the bottom), and an a-line jacket w/ embroidered flowers for her girl. Both will get a beret to match (their dad is the French teacher). I want to get these done before we leave Lafayette so they'll probably move to the front of the pack pretty soon.
I'm still plugging away on some of the gifts I'm knitting for Christmas. Okay...I'm thinking about it, at least. I've got a couple of hats I need to do for the CA boys, a couple of sweater for my OK boys, and some socks for my UT boys.
I guess that's it from here!
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Ranting Lunatic
The Crafty Conservative
Blogger has been making me super mad this week! I've written three posts just to have them be lost forever because Blogger times out. Stupid blogger.
But, my main rant is about stupid things people say about adoption. I think that our having a multi-racial family makes people feel more justified in making comments to us (not just mean comments, but ones that they think are nice or productive...they're not!).
1. We did not adopt out of the goodness of our hearts to take in the "poor, unwanted" children. We did it because we wanted a family and the more traditional way to have a family just wasn't working out for us.
2. We know you don't understand how those young girls could just "give away" their children. You will never understand. It takes a special kind of person to be a birthmother. One that is self-less. One that is thinking about the well-being of her child above her own. I hope that the people that make these comments never have to be in the position to actually make this kind of decision.
3. To go through the adoption process, you want to really have kids. So, this next comment is probably the most absurd and the worst of its kind. "Well, now you're just going to get pregnant", "My third cousin's sister in-law's babysitter adopted and then found out the next month she was pregnant", etc... Now, really. What purpose do these comments serve? How am I supposed to respond to that? "Oh no! I better not adopt this child since I could get pregnant now that I've started the process since EVERYONE else gets pregnant after adopting. I wouldn't want MORE kids!" "So, you're saying that even after having unprotected sex for 6 1/2 years and using major fertility medication for at least one of those years isn't what is going to get me pregnant? It's adopting? Why didn't we do this years ago?" So, please, I'm begging you. Even if you really do know someone that got pregnant after adopting, we don't care.
4. "Where did they come from?" Okay, this one isn't too bad. I know you're curious. Heck, maybe you're thinking about adopting and just want some information. But, when my kids get older and can understand, quit asking in front of them! I don't go up to you and ask the details of how you got your children. "So, which position did you use to conceive?" "Was this one an accident?" "She doesn't look anything like your husband, did you sleep around, or something?" I think I've made my point.
5. I don't have any more, but I needed a number 5. I can't help it. I do want to mention this...I don't mind at all speaking about our adoption journey. I just don't share things I don't want to. These are just things that I've been noticing again now that we've got our Big Apple. As long as I've saved one potential adoptive family the horror of hearing comment #3, this post has served its purpose.
Blogger has been making me super mad this week! I've written three posts just to have them be lost forever because Blogger times out. Stupid blogger.
But, my main rant is about stupid things people say about adoption. I think that our having a multi-racial family makes people feel more justified in making comments to us (not just mean comments, but ones that they think are nice or productive...they're not!).
1. We did not adopt out of the goodness of our hearts to take in the "poor, unwanted" children. We did it because we wanted a family and the more traditional way to have a family just wasn't working out for us.
2. We know you don't understand how those young girls could just "give away" their children. You will never understand. It takes a special kind of person to be a birthmother. One that is self-less. One that is thinking about the well-being of her child above her own. I hope that the people that make these comments never have to be in the position to actually make this kind of decision.
3. To go through the adoption process, you want to really have kids. So, this next comment is probably the most absurd and the worst of its kind. "Well, now you're just going to get pregnant", "My third cousin's sister in-law's babysitter adopted and then found out the next month she was pregnant", etc... Now, really. What purpose do these comments serve? How am I supposed to respond to that? "Oh no! I better not adopt this child since I could get pregnant now that I've started the process since EVERYONE else gets pregnant after adopting. I wouldn't want MORE kids!" "So, you're saying that even after having unprotected sex for 6 1/2 years and using major fertility medication for at least one of those years isn't what is going to get me pregnant? It's adopting? Why didn't we do this years ago?" So, please, I'm begging you. Even if you really do know someone that got pregnant after adopting, we don't care.
4. "Where did they come from?" Okay, this one isn't too bad. I know you're curious. Heck, maybe you're thinking about adopting and just want some information. But, when my kids get older and can understand, quit asking in front of them! I don't go up to you and ask the details of how you got your children. "So, which position did you use to conceive?" "Was this one an accident?" "She doesn't look anything like your husband, did you sleep around, or something?" I think I've made my point.
5. I don't have any more, but I needed a number 5. I can't help it. I do want to mention this...I don't mind at all speaking about our adoption journey. I just don't share things I don't want to. These are just things that I've been noticing again now that we've got our Big Apple. As long as I've saved one potential adoptive family the horror of hearing comment #3, this post has served its purpose.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Down Time
The Crafty Conservative
I had absolutely NO down time yesterday! It was go go go all day. Big Apple was a little fussy (we are blaming gas and promptly bought some gas drops) and Frog was resisting all nappage. He did finally go down at 5pm. At 5:03pm I got out my knitting, desperate to work a little on it. It is SO relaxing! At 5:03 and 20 seconds, Big Apple started squawking. By the time she went back to sleep, Frog was up and at 'em. Sugar Daddy is busy with his thesis (he has to give it to his professor for final review on Thursday) so he came home long enough to eat and give me about a 20 minute break. He left again and I was alone w/ the kids until 10pm. We all got to bed pretty soon after that and I did have a good night's sleep. So, I can't complain too much. But, it was definitely a busy day.
Once SD gets his thesis in, he's not going to have a lot to do. This makes me SUPER happy. There's even talk of having a visit from his brother this weekend. It's always good having another set of hands around...plus it's fun to have him (you can visit anytime, Eric!). I'm confident that I'll be able to finish Clapotis by the end of the weekend. Wahoo!
I also just found out that I don't have school April 7th or April 15th. One is for an inservice. The other is for a snow make-up day that we didn't have to take this year. Having been both a teacher and a student, I am confident in saying that teachers look forward to the days off more than the students do.
I had absolutely NO down time yesterday! It was go go go all day. Big Apple was a little fussy (we are blaming gas and promptly bought some gas drops) and Frog was resisting all nappage. He did finally go down at 5pm. At 5:03pm I got out my knitting, desperate to work a little on it. It is SO relaxing! At 5:03 and 20 seconds, Big Apple started squawking. By the time she went back to sleep, Frog was up and at 'em. Sugar Daddy is busy with his thesis (he has to give it to his professor for final review on Thursday) so he came home long enough to eat and give me about a 20 minute break. He left again and I was alone w/ the kids until 10pm. We all got to bed pretty soon after that and I did have a good night's sleep. So, I can't complain too much. But, it was definitely a busy day.
Once SD gets his thesis in, he's not going to have a lot to do. This makes me SUPER happy. There's even talk of having a visit from his brother this weekend. It's always good having another set of hands around...plus it's fun to have him (you can visit anytime, Eric!). I'm confident that I'll be able to finish Clapotis by the end of the weekend. Wahoo!
I also just found out that I don't have school April 7th or April 15th. One is for an inservice. The other is for a snow make-up day that we didn't have to take this year. Having been both a teacher and a student, I am confident in saying that teachers look forward to the days off more than the students do.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Happy Easter
The Crafty Conservative
Earlier this morning I wrote a post with this same title. It was a heartfelt, sincere post about how much I love Easter and what it stands for. Then, my computer timed out while it was uploading. So...no more post. Frankly, I don't have the time right now (or the desire) to recreate that lovely, sure to be destined a classic, post (ha ha).
So, I'll leave you with a picture of my lovely Big Apple dressed up to go to a church activity earlier this week. It was a production of "Women at the Well". A lot of my friends participated in it. It was truly inspiring.
Earlier this morning I wrote a post with this same title. It was a heartfelt, sincere post about how much I love Easter and what it stands for. Then, my computer timed out while it was uploading. So...no more post. Frankly, I don't have the time right now (or the desire) to recreate that lovely, sure to be destined a classic, post (ha ha).
So, I'll leave you with a picture of my lovely Big Apple dressed up to go to a church activity earlier this week. It was a production of "Women at the Well". A lot of my friends participated in it. It was truly inspiring.
Friday, March 25, 2005
All My Children
Frog is starting to really take to his "esther" (translation: sister). Big Apple deals with multiple hugs and slobbery kisses like a champ. I love All My Children.
Really, I love All My Children. My grandpa (yes, grandPA) used to watch AMC (yes, the soap opera on ABC) everyday. You see, he trains race horses (so does my dad), and he would come in the house after the morning feeding, eat lunch, drink a 7up, and watch AMC. I was usually right there with him. I grew up with Tad and Erica and Adam. I took a break when I was in school but once I got into college, I picked it back up again. It only takes about a week to get caught up. Soaps are amazing like that. I took 18 months off for my mission to Mexico and then off and on between then and now. But, I usually try and catch it at least once or twice a week. Any more than that is just too slow and drawn out for me. Really, how long can it take for someone to finally come around and tell the truth or get out of the hospital? They just killed off a character a couple of weeks ago. Edmund's dead. I think he's really dead. But, in a couple of years, he'll probably come back miraculously (even though they actually have his dead body...unlike most other soap "deaths").
I can't believe I just wrote a post about a soap opera. If I hadn't banned myself from my Sims game, you'd probably be reading about how Oprah Winfrey keeps coming over to my house uninvited and Neil Diamond is desperately trying to woo Britney Spears.
Knitting news: I'm decreasing on my Clapotis. As soon as it's done I'm casting on for a Hogwarts scarf. Still plugging away on the socks (if that means thinking about them but not actually taking them out of the knitting bag).
Really, I love All My Children. My grandpa (yes, grandPA) used to watch AMC (yes, the soap opera on ABC) everyday. You see, he trains race horses (so does my dad), and he would come in the house after the morning feeding, eat lunch, drink a 7up, and watch AMC. I was usually right there with him. I grew up with Tad and Erica and Adam. I took a break when I was in school but once I got into college, I picked it back up again. It only takes about a week to get caught up. Soaps are amazing like that. I took 18 months off for my mission to Mexico and then off and on between then and now. But, I usually try and catch it at least once or twice a week. Any more than that is just too slow and drawn out for me. Really, how long can it take for someone to finally come around and tell the truth or get out of the hospital? They just killed off a character a couple of weeks ago. Edmund's dead. I think he's really dead. But, in a couple of years, he'll probably come back miraculously (even though they actually have his dead body...unlike most other soap "deaths").
I can't believe I just wrote a post about a soap opera. If I hadn't banned myself from my Sims game, you'd probably be reading about how Oprah Winfrey keeps coming over to my house uninvited and Neil Diamond is desperately trying to woo Britney Spears.
Knitting news: I'm decreasing on my Clapotis. As soon as it's done I'm casting on for a Hogwarts scarf. Still plugging away on the socks (if that means thinking about them but not actually taking them out of the knitting bag).
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Interview Updates
The Crafty Conservative
Sugar Daddy is back from his last scheduled on-site interview. There are a couple of other universities that may try and send him out later next month but as of right now, he's done. Judging from his reactions after each interview it looks like we may be on our way to living in Lincoln, NE.
"Lincoln, Nebraska, has earned a reputation as one of the Midwest's most beloved cities. Home to fine culinary and artistic treasures; a budding live music scene; breathtaking parks, golf courses, and trails; and a friendly Midwestern attitude, Lincoln offers the exhilaration of a big city and the serenity of the countryside all in one place." courtesy of www.lincoln.org
I especially like the link "Where is Lincoln?". Exactly. Where the heck is Lincoln? In the middle of NOWHERE!!! But, you know what? I think I'll really like it there. I'm such a sucker for fine culinary and artistic treasures.
Sugar Daddy is back from his last scheduled on-site interview. There are a couple of other universities that may try and send him out later next month but as of right now, he's done. Judging from his reactions after each interview it looks like we may be on our way to living in Lincoln, NE.
"Lincoln, Nebraska, has earned a reputation as one of the Midwest's most beloved cities. Home to fine culinary and artistic treasures; a budding live music scene; breathtaking parks, golf courses, and trails; and a friendly Midwestern attitude, Lincoln offers the exhilaration of a big city and the serenity of the countryside all in one place." courtesy of www.lincoln.org
I especially like the link "Where is Lincoln?". Exactly. Where the heck is Lincoln? In the middle of NOWHERE!!! But, you know what? I think I'll really like it there. I'm such a sucker for fine culinary and artistic treasures.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Adoption Benefits
The Crafty Conservative
In response to Tiffany's comment about being put together well enough to take a family pic when the baby is so new, I've decided to come up with a short list of adoption benefits (from my point of view).
1. I didn't have to be pregnant. I have not doubt that I would be horrible at it. I would whine and complain. I'm a notorious puker. Everything makes me gag. I can only imagine it would be worse if I was pg.
2. No labor. No pain. I should say, no physical pain. I still get a lot of the emotional stuff. I mean, you guys read my posts while I was waiting. But I'm sure even that is better than labor. Included in this one is no recovery time.
3. Eric...you may want to skip this one. My boobs could not take it. I'm sure of it. They don't need to get any bigger and the thought of breastfeeding isn't appealing to me at all! But, if I were pg, I'm sure I'd do it because I am aware of the benefits (aside from being cheaper than formula!).
4. Our kids are more beautiful than anything we could have produced ourselves. I'm sure of that! Sugar Daddy and I were cute kids, of course, but I don't know what putting us together could produce. A crafting, engineering musical genius? Or, more likely, a bossy skinny uni-browed nerd.
5. We can blame nature for some of the crazy things our kids do. It certainly isn't nurture! I mean, we're doing everything right!
In response to Tiffany's comment about being put together well enough to take a family pic when the baby is so new, I've decided to come up with a short list of adoption benefits (from my point of view).
1. I didn't have to be pregnant. I have not doubt that I would be horrible at it. I would whine and complain. I'm a notorious puker. Everything makes me gag. I can only imagine it would be worse if I was pg.
2. No labor. No pain. I should say, no physical pain. I still get a lot of the emotional stuff. I mean, you guys read my posts while I was waiting. But I'm sure even that is better than labor. Included in this one is no recovery time.
3. Eric...you may want to skip this one. My boobs could not take it. I'm sure of it. They don't need to get any bigger and the thought of breastfeeding isn't appealing to me at all! But, if I were pg, I'm sure I'd do it because I am aware of the benefits (aside from being cheaper than formula!).
4. Our kids are more beautiful than anything we could have produced ourselves. I'm sure of that! Sugar Daddy and I were cute kids, of course, but I don't know what putting us together could produce. A crafting, engineering musical genius? Or, more likely, a bossy skinny uni-browed nerd.
5. We can blame nature for some of the crazy things our kids do. It certainly isn't nurture! I mean, we're doing everything right!
Monday, March 21, 2005
Back to Work
The Crafty Conservative
Spring Break is over. It was back to work for me today. So, I only teach 2 class periods each day so it's not so bad...but I can't help the fact that I didn't want to go back. High school students are oblivious to the fact that the teachers are the ones that really need the breaks, not them! My students were a little rowdy. I was a little distracted (thinking about my brood back at the house). *Can I call them a brood now that I have two?* I'm really behind. But, I guess I'll get back into the swing of things soon enough. My Spanish II kids made commercials and I collected them today. Maybe I'll watch them this afternoon. One promises to be a "classic". It's about irritable bowel syndrome (remember, 10th graders made these!). They were practicing using commands. What better way then to try and sell me something?
Books: I finished The Time Traveller's Wife. Apart from the aforementioned "f" words, I would highly recommend it. It might not be so "harsh" in the written word. But, hearing it over and over in my car (audiobook) got a little old. There are also some pretty graphic sex scenes (maybe they seemed more graphic than they actually are since my mom was in the car for at least one of them!). It's not something I would feel comfortable recommending to my book group as a whole, but I think a couple of the members would really like to read it. I just started another audiobook today. It's Peace Like a River. I've read it before but I couldn't remember much about it. I may just listen until I can remember the story. So many people have been talking about it lately and I couldn't remember most of the plot. I also got the Diary of Anne Frank. I've never read it before. There must have been something wrong with my high school.
Knitting: I finished the first of the socks for my mom. She tried it on and liked it. There's no way I'll get the other one done before she leaves. At least she knows I'm working on it! Clapotis is clippity clopping along. I don't think I'll get back up to the amount of time I was able to knit w/ just Frog around for a long, long time. But, I'll keep knitting at least a little each day (I hope!).
Spring Break is over. It was back to work for me today. So, I only teach 2 class periods each day so it's not so bad...but I can't help the fact that I didn't want to go back. High school students are oblivious to the fact that the teachers are the ones that really need the breaks, not them! My students were a little rowdy. I was a little distracted (thinking about my brood back at the house). *Can I call them a brood now that I have two?* I'm really behind. But, I guess I'll get back into the swing of things soon enough. My Spanish II kids made commercials and I collected them today. Maybe I'll watch them this afternoon. One promises to be a "classic". It's about irritable bowel syndrome (remember, 10th graders made these!). They were practicing using commands. What better way then to try and sell me something?
Books: I finished The Time Traveller's Wife. Apart from the aforementioned "f" words, I would highly recommend it. It might not be so "harsh" in the written word. But, hearing it over and over in my car (audiobook) got a little old. There are also some pretty graphic sex scenes (maybe they seemed more graphic than they actually are since my mom was in the car for at least one of them!). It's not something I would feel comfortable recommending to my book group as a whole, but I think a couple of the members would really like to read it. I just started another audiobook today. It's Peace Like a River. I've read it before but I couldn't remember much about it. I may just listen until I can remember the story. So many people have been talking about it lately and I couldn't remember most of the plot. I also got the Diary of Anne Frank. I've never read it before. There must have been something wrong with my high school.
Knitting: I finished the first of the socks for my mom. She tried it on and liked it. There's no way I'll get the other one done before she leaves. At least she knows I'm working on it! Clapotis is clippity clopping along. I don't think I'll get back up to the amount of time I was able to knit w/ just Frog around for a long, long time. But, I'll keep knitting at least a little each day (I hope!).
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Friday, March 18, 2005
My first birthday present
The Crafty Conservative
My mom is here for the week helping out with the baby. She really is helping! I've been able to get all sorts of stuff done. Today we went to the mall to get pictures made at The Picture People. I wanted a matching picture of one we got of Frog when he was just a week old. They delivered! It's gorgeous. We also got an updated family pic. As soon as I scan them, I'll post them. I've been busy. Oh, yeah, taking care of a new baby. Here's my other reason:
My mom gave me my birthday present. It's an iPod Shuffle. I've been adding songs to my playlist for the past hour. I'm not neglecting my family too badly...Eva's sleeping, Caleb's playing nicely, and Mom and SD are chilling on the couch. Is Pepsi still doing the iTunes free song thing on their bottles? I may have to try my luck and see if I can get a "free" song or two.
I'm going to get back to my iPoddy goodness now. Here's a little tease for tomorrow...introducing Eva's new blog name.
My mom is here for the week helping out with the baby. She really is helping! I've been able to get all sorts of stuff done. Today we went to the mall to get pictures made at The Picture People. I wanted a matching picture of one we got of Frog when he was just a week old. They delivered! It's gorgeous. We also got an updated family pic. As soon as I scan them, I'll post them. I've been busy. Oh, yeah, taking care of a new baby. Here's my other reason:
My mom gave me my birthday present. It's an iPod Shuffle. I've been adding songs to my playlist for the past hour. I'm not neglecting my family too badly...Eva's sleeping, Caleb's playing nicely, and Mom and SD are chilling on the couch. Is Pepsi still doing the iTunes free song thing on their bottles? I may have to try my luck and see if I can get a "free" song or two.
I'm going to get back to my iPoddy goodness now. Here's a little tease for tomorrow...introducing Eva's new blog name.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Non knitting day
The Crafty Conservative
This is probably only the 2nd or 3rd day this year that I haven't knit a stitch. I spent the time getting used to having Eva in the house and I picked up my mom from the airport.
Nothing else to report.
This is probably only the 2nd or 3rd day this year that I haven't knit a stitch. I spent the time getting used to having Eva in the house and I picked up my mom from the airport.
Nothing else to report.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
She's home!
The Crafty Conservative
After holding our baby "hostage" all day, the Dr. finally came around to do the 48-hour check and discharge the baby. We got home at 10pm. So far so good. I've gotta get ready for bed while I can (next feeding 2am). My mom is coming to visit for a week starting tomorrow. That'll be fun.
Knitting news: Well, what did you expect? It is a knitting blog. I'm ALMOST to the decrease rows on my Clapotis. I have about 2 inches left before I start the toe shaping on the socks for my mom. I'm about to frog the hat. I've just inherited so many 0-6month outfits from friends that I'm rethinking the jacket for Eva and might make a bigger size later.
Books: The Time Traveller's Wife. Love it. It has lots of "f" words in it which is kind of annoying. But, the story is really good. I'm almost done.
After holding our baby "hostage" all day, the Dr. finally came around to do the 48-hour check and discharge the baby. We got home at 10pm. So far so good. I've gotta get ready for bed while I can (next feeding 2am). My mom is coming to visit for a week starting tomorrow. That'll be fun.
Knitting news: Well, what did you expect? It is a knitting blog. I'm ALMOST to the decrease rows on my Clapotis. I have about 2 inches left before I start the toe shaping on the socks for my mom. I'm about to frog the hat. I've just inherited so many 0-6month outfits from friends that I'm rethinking the jacket for Eva and might make a bigger size later.
Books: The Time Traveller's Wife. Love it. It has lots of "f" words in it which is kind of annoying. But, the story is really good. I'm almost done.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
One more night of sleep
The Crafty Conservative
We're back at home again tonight without the baby. It's a little sad. But, we're looking at the bright side. One more night of sleep for us.
Everything went well today up at the hospital. The social worker from yesterday was a real pill. She wasn't too nice or accomodating to us. But, she wasn't there today. The one on duty today was SO NICE! She was bending over backwards to help us out. The nurses have been fabulous. All of them have been really helpful and that has really helped me feel better about having to leave Eva in their capable hands when we're not there. We finally met the lawyer today. He's funny. All of the paperwork was signed by the birthmother and she requested not to see us again (she did request to see the baby again if we would let her...of course, we did!). She said her goodbyes to the baby. I really hope she can feel at peace for her decision. There really are so few people that can make this kind of decision.
We had to make a trip to Valpo (about 20 min away from the hospital) to sign some documents and get the court order requesting the baby's release to us. Our lawyer just happens to be the mayor of the town. I swear he knew every single person that we ran into on the street. It was kind of neat...a local celebrity. But, the paperwork has been filed and we have a court date for finalization (May 24th). Unless the birthmother can prove that we bribed her (ha ha....we didn't...how could we????) or that we both have AIDS and we didn't tell her (we don't...but if we did, we would have), she can't revoke her termination of parental rights. Indiana's laws are very pro-adoptive parents.
Thanks everyone for the comments! I really appreciate it. More tomorrow!
We're back at home again tonight without the baby. It's a little sad. But, we're looking at the bright side. One more night of sleep for us.
Everything went well today up at the hospital. The social worker from yesterday was a real pill. She wasn't too nice or accomodating to us. But, she wasn't there today. The one on duty today was SO NICE! She was bending over backwards to help us out. The nurses have been fabulous. All of them have been really helpful and that has really helped me feel better about having to leave Eva in their capable hands when we're not there. We finally met the lawyer today. He's funny. All of the paperwork was signed by the birthmother and she requested not to see us again (she did request to see the baby again if we would let her...of course, we did!). She said her goodbyes to the baby. I really hope she can feel at peace for her decision. There really are so few people that can make this kind of decision.
We had to make a trip to Valpo (about 20 min away from the hospital) to sign some documents and get the court order requesting the baby's release to us. Our lawyer just happens to be the mayor of the town. I swear he knew every single person that we ran into on the street. It was kind of neat...a local celebrity. But, the paperwork has been filed and we have a court date for finalization (May 24th). Unless the birthmother can prove that we bribed her (ha ha....we didn't...how could we????) or that we both have AIDS and we didn't tell her (we don't...but if we did, we would have), she can't revoke her termination of parental rights. Indiana's laws are very pro-adoptive parents.
Thanks everyone for the comments! I really appreciate it. More tomorrow!
Monday, March 14, 2005
Sunday, March 13, 2005
It's TIME!!!
The Crafty Conservative
We're off to the hospital! Wahoo. It's about darn time. I probably won't be back to blog until we're home safe and sound.
We're off to the hospital! Wahoo. It's about darn time. I probably won't be back to blog until we're home safe and sound.
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Yarn Spree
The Crafty Conservative
To compensate for the fact that we don't have a baby yet, I went shopping for yarn. First, I went to Hobby Lobby. I just needed some cheap acrylic for a couple of Hogwart's Gryffindor scarves. Mission accomplished. I got Caron Simply Soft in Autumn Red and Mango. I also bought a circular needle (size 8--16 in.). It's one of those interchangeable ones. We'll see if that works well for me. I found a really cute tote bag as well. I don't really need another tote bag but I can never seem to find one availabe when I need it. I also took a trip over to my LYS, River Knits. I wasn't expecting to buy anything (yeah, right). Let's just say that I didn't have a project in mind. I found some sock yarn 20% off and I found some really interesting yarn that is cotton/elastic. The owner told me it washes up really great and ends up feeling like your favorite t-shirt. She said it would be good for socks or a hat...accessory type knits. I bought 3 balls of earth-tone variegated. I think it may end up being a pair of socks someday.
Well, SD is waiting for me. We're going to watch The Lizzie McGuire Movie. We can't wait! :) I should get quite a bit done on my socks. Frog is sleeping (poor kid has a runny nose). Lucky for me, that'll mean I probably won't have to go to church tomorrow. I love church, I just don't want to have to face everybody and explain that we don't have a baby yet. Oh well. Off to see the movie. Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of!
Update: The Lizzie McGuire Movie. Pointless for anyone not a girl between the ages of 6-11. We borrowed it from the library so the only thing we lost on watching it was time. I did get several rows done on my socks, not a total waste.
To compensate for the fact that we don't have a baby yet, I went shopping for yarn. First, I went to Hobby Lobby. I just needed some cheap acrylic for a couple of Hogwart's Gryffindor scarves. Mission accomplished. I got Caron Simply Soft in Autumn Red and Mango. I also bought a circular needle (size 8--16 in.). It's one of those interchangeable ones. We'll see if that works well for me. I found a really cute tote bag as well. I don't really need another tote bag but I can never seem to find one availabe when I need it. I also took a trip over to my LYS, River Knits. I wasn't expecting to buy anything (yeah, right). Let's just say that I didn't have a project in mind. I found some sock yarn 20% off and I found some really interesting yarn that is cotton/elastic. The owner told me it washes up really great and ends up feeling like your favorite t-shirt. She said it would be good for socks or a hat...accessory type knits. I bought 3 balls of earth-tone variegated. I think it may end up being a pair of socks someday.
Well, SD is waiting for me. We're going to watch The Lizzie McGuire Movie. We can't wait! :) I should get quite a bit done on my socks. Frog is sleeping (poor kid has a runny nose). Lucky for me, that'll mean I probably won't have to go to church tomorrow. I love church, I just don't want to have to face everybody and explain that we don't have a baby yet. Oh well. Off to see the movie. Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of!
Update: The Lizzie McGuire Movie. Pointless for anyone not a girl between the ages of 6-11. We borrowed it from the library so the only thing we lost on watching it was time. I did get several rows done on my socks, not a total waste.
Friday, March 11, 2005
False Alarm
The Crafty Conservative
I spent all day having physical pains waiting for THE phone call. It never came. At 3:30pm I started to freak out. I called the birthmother. No answer. I called the lawyer. The social worker at the hospital was going to call the lawyer as soon as the birthmother was admitted. No call. Okay. She's not at the hospital. She's not answering her phone. I have babysitters lined up for the next 48 hours. What should I do? I call the sitters. No news. Sorry. I call the birthmother every hour for 4 hours. No answer. I give up. Sugar Daddy calls from Tampa. He's had airline delays all week and problems with taxis and shuttles. I feel bad for him, but not as bad as I feel for myself. I'm lonely. My only company is the Frog. I don't really want company, but I do. Know what I mean? I wish SD was home. I try one last time to call birthmother before I go to bed. She answers. She apologizes for not answering the other times (her family was all around and she couldn't talk privately). Have I mentioned how great this girl is? She explains what happened at the doctor. He decided that he'd rather wait another week to see if she can deliver naturally. She told me that she gave him the evil eye and said not to mess with her. But, apparently, it didn't work. She went back home. She's more upset than I am (understandably so---she's got a little person living inside of her). So, the new deadline is March 17th. She said that the Dr. said for sure he won't let her go past that date. I really hope she doesn't have to wait that long. The good news: SD should be here for the birth. I was really feeling bad about him missing it (selfishly, actually. I need the help!). Bad news: everyone keeps calling me for news. I have to keep explaining. Small price to pay, I guess. I'll have a baby eventually. It can't stay in there forever.
I spent all day having physical pains waiting for THE phone call. It never came. At 3:30pm I started to freak out. I called the birthmother. No answer. I called the lawyer. The social worker at the hospital was going to call the lawyer as soon as the birthmother was admitted. No call. Okay. She's not at the hospital. She's not answering her phone. I have babysitters lined up for the next 48 hours. What should I do? I call the sitters. No news. Sorry. I call the birthmother every hour for 4 hours. No answer. I give up. Sugar Daddy calls from Tampa. He's had airline delays all week and problems with taxis and shuttles. I feel bad for him, but not as bad as I feel for myself. I'm lonely. My only company is the Frog. I don't really want company, but I do. Know what I mean? I wish SD was home. I try one last time to call birthmother before I go to bed. She answers. She apologizes for not answering the other times (her family was all around and she couldn't talk privately). Have I mentioned how great this girl is? She explains what happened at the doctor. He decided that he'd rather wait another week to see if she can deliver naturally. She told me that she gave him the evil eye and said not to mess with her. But, apparently, it didn't work. She went back home. She's more upset than I am (understandably so---she's got a little person living inside of her). So, the new deadline is March 17th. She said that the Dr. said for sure he won't let her go past that date. I really hope she doesn't have to wait that long. The good news: SD should be here for the birth. I was really feeling bad about him missing it (selfishly, actually. I need the help!). Bad news: everyone keeps calling me for news. I have to keep explaining. Small price to pay, I guess. I'll have a baby eventually. It can't stay in there forever.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Too stressed to come up with a title
The Crafty Conservative
Here's my post for today. I'm cranky. I'm tired. And, I don't even have a newborn yet to blame for it! Oh no! I running around trying to get everything arranged for the impending birth. Frog is being pretty darn good about it all. I thought I hurt him really bad yesterday. He decided on the way to the changing table that he wanted to jump and flop out. I had a really good hold on his wrist. It popped. He cried. A lot. He stopped crying. He wouldn't use his arm for anything. Not even clapping (one of his favorite activites!). He wouldn't hold his juice in that hand. I was worried. Sugar Daddy was gone. Would I need to take him to the dr.? Oh no! Well, at around 4pm, he was healed. All of a sudden, he started shaking my diet cherry coke cans violently. Two-handed. Then, he started clapping. I was saved! No dr. trip. More importantly, no guilt trip. He also got a splinter from our wood floors. AND...he has two bloody lips from falling down repeatedly and biting them (and a carpet burn from nursery on Sunday). They keep cracking and bleeding throughout the day. But, it doesn't seem to bother him. I wipe him up, balm him, and we're good to go. Back to clapping and jumping.
This post wasn't really going to be about Frog's "mis"adventures. Oh well. I'm trying to get ready for tomorrow. But, how much can I really plan for? I don't know. I'm still worried. The cut-off time is 3:30pm tomorrow if we want to take the baby home on Saturday. Otherwise, it's an extra 2 day hospital stay and coming home on Monday. Yuck. We're praying praying praying for a quick delivery.
I probably won't post for a while. I won't have access to a computer at the hospital. You'll have to come back Saturday or Monday to see the latest!
Here's my post for today. I'm cranky. I'm tired. And, I don't even have a newborn yet to blame for it! Oh no! I running around trying to get everything arranged for the impending birth. Frog is being pretty darn good about it all. I thought I hurt him really bad yesterday. He decided on the way to the changing table that he wanted to jump and flop out. I had a really good hold on his wrist. It popped. He cried. A lot. He stopped crying. He wouldn't use his arm for anything. Not even clapping (one of his favorite activites!). He wouldn't hold his juice in that hand. I was worried. Sugar Daddy was gone. Would I need to take him to the dr.? Oh no! Well, at around 4pm, he was healed. All of a sudden, he started shaking my diet cherry coke cans violently. Two-handed. Then, he started clapping. I was saved! No dr. trip. More importantly, no guilt trip. He also got a splinter from our wood floors. AND...he has two bloody lips from falling down repeatedly and biting them (and a carpet burn from nursery on Sunday). They keep cracking and bleeding throughout the day. But, it doesn't seem to bother him. I wipe him up, balm him, and we're good to go. Back to clapping and jumping.
This post wasn't really going to be about Frog's "mis"adventures. Oh well. I'm trying to get ready for tomorrow. But, how much can I really plan for? I don't know. I'm still worried. The cut-off time is 3:30pm tomorrow if we want to take the baby home on Saturday. Otherwise, it's an extra 2 day hospital stay and coming home on Monday. Yuck. We're praying praying praying for a quick delivery.
I probably won't post for a while. I won't have access to a computer at the hospital. You'll have to come back Saturday or Monday to see the latest!
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Still Waiting...part 2
The Crafty Conservative
The birthmother called me yesterday. It seems like they are going to have her induced on Thursday. There will be an end to this waiting!!! I've been so much more calm since we spoke. I'm not freaking out every time the phone rings anymore. I have a "plan". Well, kind of. SD's going to be out of town still but I have a good group of people that are going to be passing around Frog (to share the "burden") while I'm at the hospital. SD gets in Friday night, he'll pick up Frog, get a good night's sleep, and then come up to the hospital on Saturday. If the timing is right, we'll be able to take the baby home that day. If it's not, we'll have to wait until Monday. It all depends on the time of birth. If it's too late to file the paperwork on Friday (24 hours after the birth), then it will have to wait until Monday and we won't legally have guardianship of the baby until then. The lawyer is supposed to let me know this morning if there is some way that we'll be able to avoid this, but I doubt it. Oh well. Maybe she'll deliver really quickly.
I haven't been knitting too much. I'm on my 5th repeat of the straight rows on Clapotis. It's starting to drag along. But, the novelty of dropping stitches is still there so I just keep plugging along...I live for row 8!
My mom's birthday is the 15th of March so I need to get cracking on those socks. She's planning a visit on the 17th so I have a couple of extra days but I don't know if that will help. I better put away Clapotis and start working on those while I can, I guess. Clapotis will be a good hospital project.
I haven't cast on for the baby jacket yet. I don't think I will until after the birth. Especially since SD is going to be gone all this week. I won't get as much evening knitting in as I do when he's here to run interference with the yarn-loving Frog.
Books: Started listening to The Time Traveller's Wife. I had to stop it for a while because I felt I hadn't paid particular attention in some parts so I think I may have to rewind a bit so I don't miss anything important. I don't know if this is going to be a good "car" book. I usually listen to young adult fiction in the car. We'll see how it works. I'm taking SD to the airport today so at least on the way home I'll have some uninterrupted time to listen.
Still plugging away on Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. I decided to take it with me to the hospital and see how far I get. I may just have to put it on hold again at the library so I can get it again to finish it. I have to have it turned in by the end of this month to avoid a fine.
I think that's it from here...
The birthmother called me yesterday. It seems like they are going to have her induced on Thursday. There will be an end to this waiting!!! I've been so much more calm since we spoke. I'm not freaking out every time the phone rings anymore. I have a "plan". Well, kind of. SD's going to be out of town still but I have a good group of people that are going to be passing around Frog (to share the "burden") while I'm at the hospital. SD gets in Friday night, he'll pick up Frog, get a good night's sleep, and then come up to the hospital on Saturday. If the timing is right, we'll be able to take the baby home that day. If it's not, we'll have to wait until Monday. It all depends on the time of birth. If it's too late to file the paperwork on Friday (24 hours after the birth), then it will have to wait until Monday and we won't legally have guardianship of the baby until then. The lawyer is supposed to let me know this morning if there is some way that we'll be able to avoid this, but I doubt it. Oh well. Maybe she'll deliver really quickly.
I haven't been knitting too much. I'm on my 5th repeat of the straight rows on Clapotis. It's starting to drag along. But, the novelty of dropping stitches is still there so I just keep plugging along...I live for row 8!
My mom's birthday is the 15th of March so I need to get cracking on those socks. She's planning a visit on the 17th so I have a couple of extra days but I don't know if that will help. I better put away Clapotis and start working on those while I can, I guess. Clapotis will be a good hospital project.
I haven't cast on for the baby jacket yet. I don't think I will until after the birth. Especially since SD is going to be gone all this week. I won't get as much evening knitting in as I do when he's here to run interference with the yarn-loving Frog.
Books: Started listening to The Time Traveller's Wife. I had to stop it for a while because I felt I hadn't paid particular attention in some parts so I think I may have to rewind a bit so I don't miss anything important. I don't know if this is going to be a good "car" book. I usually listen to young adult fiction in the car. We'll see how it works. I'm taking SD to the airport today so at least on the way home I'll have some uninterrupted time to listen.
Still plugging away on Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. I decided to take it with me to the hospital and see how far I get. I may just have to put it on hold again at the library so I can get it again to finish it. I have to have it turned in by the end of this month to avoid a fine.
I think that's it from here...
Monday, March 07, 2005
Still Waiting!
The Crafty Conservative
No baby news yet. Maybe today? She's only 4 days overdue so I shouldn't be so impatient. But, I can't help myself.
Sugar Daddy leaves tomorrow morning for an interview. He'll be gone until late Friday night. We thought we may try to reschedule his trip but decided against it. We don't know when the baby is going to decide to come and it would be kind of worthless for him to sit around and wait and then have the baby be even later. So, if the baby is born this week, I'm going to be one busy "single mom".
Saturday night was spent trying to decide what to do so we could get out of the house. There isn't a lot to do in this town, especially with a 2 year old. We didn't go anywhere. I got too stir crazy and finally asked if I could go to Hobby Lobby to get some cotton for a baby jacket. SD stayed home with Frog and I was off. We picked out a pattern for a lace-edged baby jacket. It's rather cute. I was going to hold off making anything for a girl (so as not to jinx anything, I guess. I don't know what my problem is). I worked on the gauge last night. I'm just barely off using the needles I want to use. I think I'm still going to make it with those. The pattern is for size 6-12 months. I'd like it to be smaller, so it should work out okay. I'm using the Sugar & Cream 100% cotton in a sage green color. This sweater should only cost me (after I buy buttons) $7.50. I hope I enjoy knitting w/ cotton. I haven't done it before (except to get gauge and that wasn't too bad). I'm sure having a whole jacket in that will be a nice accessory for a baby. And, if we don't have a girl, I can pass it on to any of the numerous people I know that are pregnant and probably having girls.
I'm about to go in to work this morning. My students are going to be mad. They want me to be gone so they can watch Harry Potter en español. Every day last week they were upset when I was there. Oh well. One more day of actual Spanish instruction and then they can have their "break" before Spring Break. Whether the baby comes or not, I'm going to take at least the next 3 days off while SD is gone.
No baby news yet. Maybe today? She's only 4 days overdue so I shouldn't be so impatient. But, I can't help myself.
Sugar Daddy leaves tomorrow morning for an interview. He'll be gone until late Friday night. We thought we may try to reschedule his trip but decided against it. We don't know when the baby is going to decide to come and it would be kind of worthless for him to sit around and wait and then have the baby be even later. So, if the baby is born this week, I'm going to be one busy "single mom".
Saturday night was spent trying to decide what to do so we could get out of the house. There isn't a lot to do in this town, especially with a 2 year old. We didn't go anywhere. I got too stir crazy and finally asked if I could go to Hobby Lobby to get some cotton for a baby jacket. SD stayed home with Frog and I was off. We picked out a pattern for a lace-edged baby jacket. It's rather cute. I was going to hold off making anything for a girl (so as not to jinx anything, I guess. I don't know what my problem is). I worked on the gauge last night. I'm just barely off using the needles I want to use. I think I'm still going to make it with those. The pattern is for size 6-12 months. I'd like it to be smaller, so it should work out okay. I'm using the Sugar & Cream 100% cotton in a sage green color. This sweater should only cost me (after I buy buttons) $7.50. I hope I enjoy knitting w/ cotton. I haven't done it before (except to get gauge and that wasn't too bad). I'm sure having a whole jacket in that will be a nice accessory for a baby. And, if we don't have a girl, I can pass it on to any of the numerous people I know that are pregnant and probably having girls.
I'm about to go in to work this morning. My students are going to be mad. They want me to be gone so they can watch Harry Potter en español. Every day last week they were upset when I was there. Oh well. One more day of actual Spanish instruction and then they can have their "break" before Spring Break. Whether the baby comes or not, I'm going to take at least the next 3 days off while SD is gone.
Friday, March 04, 2005
My Booty
The Crafty Conservative
Pretty good title, eh? I just wanted to let everyone know how the service auction went last night.
The dinner provided was really yummy. Or, I could have been really hungry (I don't know why I've been eating like a horse---I blame it on the stress of "waiting"). Anyway, it was hot dogs, nachos, homemade pretzels (salted and cinnamon sugar), cupcakes, and lemonade. Talk about health food! Mmmm.
The first thing we had to do before starting the auction is fill out our survey. I earned $770 this year. That seemed about average. Some others got up to $900 or so but I don't think anyone had over $1000.
The third thing up for auction was what I was there for. Another baby blanket. This one was a bunny. Frog's is a cow. They are so cute. I bid. I gave the evil eye to all around me. Some new lady bid against me! What? In the end, she had more money than me. I was prepared to spend it all on that blanket and then just sit around and knit and enjoy the atmosphere. Darn it all. She doesn't even have little kids! Oh well. I hatched a plan. The lady that made the blanket as the service sells them. I'm either going to have to buy one, or bribe her neice (who happens to be a student of mine) to give me one as a present. I'll tell her I'll give her an A. Which, I will! *disclaimer: I really am an ethical teacher. I would never allow a student to "buy" a grade with presents. This girl is getting an A anyway!*
Without getting the blanket, I was forced to pay attention the rest of the night and ignore my knitting. My fabulously knitted scarf went to a fabulously fashionable lady (Meg--for those of you that know who these people are). In the auction program it really was listed as #6 Fabulously Knitted Scarf. Funny. In the end, I spent my money on homemade bread ($150---a bargain---from Mindy) and babysitting ($300---also a bargain---from Marcie). I had quite a bit of money left over (you do the math) but I didn't get to spend it. Everyone was able to purchase at least one thing.
Other news: I've added a Works in Progress section. I've been wanting to do that since the beginning of my blog and have been lazy. So, it's finally up.
Baby news: STILL WAITING!!!!
Books: I'm almost done listening to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (book 4). I just got a new audio book from the library yesterday: The Time Traveller's Wife (on suggestion of Tiffany, thanks!). I'm still reading Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell but I've been kind of slow. I can't renew it b/c there are holds on the book and I don't think there is any way that I'm gonna finish by the time they start charging me. I still haven't decided what to do about that yet.
Pretty good title, eh? I just wanted to let everyone know how the service auction went last night.
The dinner provided was really yummy. Or, I could have been really hungry (I don't know why I've been eating like a horse---I blame it on the stress of "waiting"). Anyway, it was hot dogs, nachos, homemade pretzels (salted and cinnamon sugar), cupcakes, and lemonade. Talk about health food! Mmmm.
The first thing we had to do before starting the auction is fill out our survey. I earned $770 this year. That seemed about average. Some others got up to $900 or so but I don't think anyone had over $1000.
The third thing up for auction was what I was there for. Another baby blanket. This one was a bunny. Frog's is a cow. They are so cute. I bid. I gave the evil eye to all around me. Some new lady bid against me! What? In the end, she had more money than me. I was prepared to spend it all on that blanket and then just sit around and knit and enjoy the atmosphere. Darn it all. She doesn't even have little kids! Oh well. I hatched a plan. The lady that made the blanket as the service sells them. I'm either going to have to buy one, or bribe her neice (who happens to be a student of mine) to give me one as a present. I'll tell her I'll give her an A. Which, I will! *disclaimer: I really am an ethical teacher. I would never allow a student to "buy" a grade with presents. This girl is getting an A anyway!*
Without getting the blanket, I was forced to pay attention the rest of the night and ignore my knitting. My fabulously knitted scarf went to a fabulously fashionable lady (Meg--for those of you that know who these people are). In the auction program it really was listed as #6 Fabulously Knitted Scarf. Funny. In the end, I spent my money on homemade bread ($150---a bargain---from Mindy) and babysitting ($300---also a bargain---from Marcie). I had quite a bit of money left over (you do the math) but I didn't get to spend it. Everyone was able to purchase at least one thing.
Other news: I've added a Works in Progress section. I've been wanting to do that since the beginning of my blog and have been lazy. So, it's finally up.
Baby news: STILL WAITING!!!!
Books: I'm almost done listening to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (book 4). I just got a new audio book from the library yesterday: The Time Traveller's Wife (on suggestion of Tiffany, thanks!). I'm still reading Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell but I've been kind of slow. I can't renew it b/c there are holds on the book and I don't think there is any way that I'm gonna finish by the time they start charging me. I still haven't decided what to do about that yet.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Service Auction
The Crafty Conservative
Every year the women's group at our church holds a service auction. It is my MOST FAVORITE activity of the year! I was sad when I thought I might miss it (I did the year Frog was born) but it looks like I'll make it tonight. My phone still won't ring! Darn it. I guess he/she is waiting for 03/04/05 *wishful thinking*.
There is a survey to fill out at the beginning of the night to determine how many "Bishop Bucks" you get. It includes things like: If you've ever ridden in a tractor you get $30, if you were born in Indiana you get $20, if you were born in any other state you get $25, etc... Everyone gets plenty of "$" to spend. A real auctioneer runs it for us. We have cards to hold up and everything. It's a blast. Here's an example of some of the services I've "bought" in the past few years: babysitting, sewing lessons, a baby blanket (Frog's favorite!), machine embroidery on any item. This year I'm contributing my Airy Scarf. Most people donate services to be rendered at a later date. But, this year, with the baby coming and all, I decided I could just donate a service I've already done (knitting that beautiful scarf) and be done with it. So, there you have it.
Every year the women's group at our church holds a service auction. It is my MOST FAVORITE activity of the year! I was sad when I thought I might miss it (I did the year Frog was born) but it looks like I'll make it tonight. My phone still won't ring! Darn it. I guess he/she is waiting for 03/04/05 *wishful thinking*.
There is a survey to fill out at the beginning of the night to determine how many "Bishop Bucks" you get. It includes things like: If you've ever ridden in a tractor you get $30, if you were born in Indiana you get $20, if you were born in any other state you get $25, etc... Everyone gets plenty of "$" to spend. A real auctioneer runs it for us. We have cards to hold up and everything. It's a blast. Here's an example of some of the services I've "bought" in the past few years: babysitting, sewing lessons, a baby blanket (Frog's favorite!), machine embroidery on any item. This year I'm contributing my Airy Scarf. Most people donate services to be rendered at a later date. But, this year, with the baby coming and all, I decided I could just donate a service I've already done (knitting that beautiful scarf) and be done with it. So, there you have it.
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Clippity Clapotis
The Crafty Conservative
Frog has the Fisher Price "old school" barn. You know the one that moos when you open the door? We got it wrapped up for Christmas from SD's parents. They found it in their garage. It is at least 30 years old. It's full of old toys (not necessarily that go with the barn). There's a really old plastic snail. Huh? Anyway, I'm digressing.
Back to the point of this post. There are a couple of horses in the barn. Frog loves to play with them like they are cars. We had a breakthrough the other day. I told him that they were horses and they go "clippity cloppity, clippity cloppity, neigh!" and I trotted them around the floor. It was a big hit, oh yeah. He got it and I caught him trotting his cars around. Oops. He's only two, right?
Anyway...I catch myself saying as I'm knitting, "clippity clapotis, clippity clapotis, yeah!!!". I'm really enjoying the process of knitting. I can't WAIT to get to the part where I can drop stitches.
Frog has the Fisher Price "old school" barn. You know the one that moos when you open the door? We got it wrapped up for Christmas from SD's parents. They found it in their garage. It is at least 30 years old. It's full of old toys (not necessarily that go with the barn). There's a really old plastic snail. Huh? Anyway, I'm digressing.
Back to the point of this post. There are a couple of horses in the barn. Frog loves to play with them like they are cars. We had a breakthrough the other day. I told him that they were horses and they go "clippity cloppity, clippity cloppity, neigh!" and I trotted them around the floor. It was a big hit, oh yeah. He got it and I caught him trotting his cars around. Oops. He's only two, right?
Anyway...I catch myself saying as I'm knitting, "clippity clapotis, clippity clapotis, yeah!!!". I'm really enjoying the process of knitting. I can't WAIT to get to the part where I can drop stitches.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
This is the final product of the "I'm Gonna Be a Professor" sweater vest. You can see where the button-hole band sneaks up compared to the rest. Oops. SD assures me that it is okay and that he'll wear it all of the time. Our marriage is safe! Whew. This is the first thing I've made for him. Next up: socks.
I decided against making a baby afghan with the new Encore I got and decided to make a Clapotis. I know, I know. Peer pressure. I know you can't really tell what color it will be but it is a mix of pinks and greys. I'm gonna run out of stitch markers (it calls for 18!) so I may just take a page from the Yarn Harlot and purl the stitches to be dropped so I can tell where they are. Updates to come later...
FO #9 The "I'm Gonna Be a Professor" Sweater Vest
The Crafty Conservative
I'll have a pic of this up on my blog later (once I can get Sugar Daddy to model). But, I had to announce that it is finally finished! It turned out nicely, though I wish I had picked up more stitches around for the button-hole band. It's kind of tight and even after blocking, it didn't stretch out as much as I had liked. So, it kind of hikes up in front. I think once I have my model, I can tweak it a little and it should be okay if he buttons up the bottom buttons. Well, y'all will see how it looks on him probably later tonight once I have him here to take a picture.
I made a trip to the LYS, River Knits. I picked up 4 more skeins of Cascade 220 so I can make some more hats. I also picked up 3 skeins of Encore in a variegated pink that I saw Cicely working with during our SnB meet-up last night. I don't think I would have given it a second look in the store had I not seen how nicely it looked knit into a baby afghan. I think that is what it may end up being for me, too.
Baby news: none yet. The birthmother is due on Thursday. While I would love to have the baby born right now, I was thinking it would be really cool if he/she was born on 03/04/05. I'm a sucker for numbers and that would be just awesome for me! SD's birthday is 07/06/76. I love that, too. Frog and I have the oddballs (01/29/03, and 04/11/75....you can probably figure out which is which, I hope!). Anyway, I have the cell phone on. It's in my pocket. RING PLEASE!!
Frog's favorite new saying: I farter (taught by SD, of course!).
Chocolate update: The 1 lb. box of See's Candies is GONE!!! It wouldn't be so bad if I had truly shared it with SD (who weighs a meager 125 lbs.), but I didn't. He got about 6 pieces total. I ate the rest. Gluttony. I admit it. But, it really hit the spot and I'm good to go for another year.
I'll have a pic of this up on my blog later (once I can get Sugar Daddy to model). But, I had to announce that it is finally finished! It turned out nicely, though I wish I had picked up more stitches around for the button-hole band. It's kind of tight and even after blocking, it didn't stretch out as much as I had liked. So, it kind of hikes up in front. I think once I have my model, I can tweak it a little and it should be okay if he buttons up the bottom buttons. Well, y'all will see how it looks on him probably later tonight once I have him here to take a picture.
I made a trip to the LYS, River Knits. I picked up 4 more skeins of Cascade 220 so I can make some more hats. I also picked up 3 skeins of Encore in a variegated pink that I saw Cicely working with during our SnB meet-up last night. I don't think I would have given it a second look in the store had I not seen how nicely it looked knit into a baby afghan. I think that is what it may end up being for me, too.
Baby news: none yet. The birthmother is due on Thursday. While I would love to have the baby born right now, I was thinking it would be really cool if he/she was born on 03/04/05. I'm a sucker for numbers and that would be just awesome for me! SD's birthday is 07/06/76. I love that, too. Frog and I have the oddballs (01/29/03, and 04/11/75....you can probably figure out which is which, I hope!). Anyway, I have the cell phone on. It's in my pocket. RING PLEASE!!
Frog's favorite new saying: I farter (taught by SD, of course!).
Chocolate update: The 1 lb. box of See's Candies is GONE!!! It wouldn't be so bad if I had truly shared it with SD (who weighs a meager 125 lbs.), but I didn't. He got about 6 pieces total. I ate the rest. Gluttony. I admit it. But, it really hit the spot and I'm good to go for another year.
Friday, February 25, 2005
THANK YOU SP!!! My SP is awesome. I really can't believe that this showed up on my doorstep today. Along with it came a note suggesting that this isn't my "real gift" from my SP. WHAT THE HECK? Are you kidding? I'd be perfectly happy if this is all I get. Oh, the power of the blog. Does anyone out there want to send me a double stroller? :) That's my next immediate need (beside another WIP--see next pic).
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Scarves, shawls, socks, and sweaters (oh my)
The Crafty Conservative
I want to knit knit knit. But, what the heck do I do with some of this stuff when I'm done? I'm not the shawl-wearing type but I'm drawn to them! Do I become a shawl-wearer? What exactly IS the shawl-wearing type and why am I not one of them? How do I join the club?
Also, how many scarves can one person have? I have two but I only wear one. I'm thinking of frogging the other and making one that I'll like a little more. I know of some people that have five or more. I'm sure there are some knit enthusiasts that have even more than that. Can I justify having that many scarves and/or shawls?
Is my fashion going to be predicated by what I can knit for myself?
I want to knit knit knit. But, what the heck do I do with some of this stuff when I'm done? I'm not the shawl-wearing type but I'm drawn to them! Do I become a shawl-wearer? What exactly IS the shawl-wearing type and why am I not one of them? How do I join the club?
Also, how many scarves can one person have? I have two but I only wear one. I'm thinking of frogging the other and making one that I'll like a little more. I know of some people that have five or more. I'm sure there are some knit enthusiasts that have even more than that. Can I justify having that many scarves and/or shawls?
Is my fashion going to be predicated by what I can knit for myself?
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
My new love...
The Crafty Conservative
I started making a stocking cap with a norwegian motif for my FIL. He wears caps every day and if I'm not mistaken, in the winter, he often sleeps in them. This blog entry isn't about whether or not my FIL is normal, although sometimes I seriously question whether or not that is the case. It's about how much I love knitting this cap.
I've never done a project that required color changes mid-row. This is my first one. I was worried about how to carry the yarn along the back (piece of cake!) and how it would look (almost as beautiful as the front!). I was worried about reading the chart (no problemo!) and my color selection (navy and cream). I'm worrying no longer! The hat is turning out to be absolutely gorgeous (pics to come) and I'm really enjoying the process of two color knitting. I've already started to think about tackling fair isle. It seems not so scary now.
I started making a stocking cap with a norwegian motif for my FIL. He wears caps every day and if I'm not mistaken, in the winter, he often sleeps in them. This blog entry isn't about whether or not my FIL is normal, although sometimes I seriously question whether or not that is the case. It's about how much I love knitting this cap.
I've never done a project that required color changes mid-row. This is my first one. I was worried about how to carry the yarn along the back (piece of cake!) and how it would look (almost as beautiful as the front!). I was worried about reading the chart (no problemo!) and my color selection (navy and cream). I'm worrying no longer! The hat is turning out to be absolutely gorgeous (pics to come) and I'm really enjoying the process of two color knitting. I've already started to think about tackling fair isle. It seems not so scary now.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
A Girl with the Pearl Earrings
The Crafty Conservative
Sugar Daddy doesn't read this blog. He knows nothing of my goal to wear jewelry. I did share Melessa's necklace story with him a few days ago, though. This morning when he came back from the airport, he said, "Hmmm. Pearl earrings. Inspired by Melessa?". I just smiled.
Sugar Daddy doesn't read this blog. He knows nothing of my goal to wear jewelry. I did share Melessa's necklace story with him a few days ago, though. This morning when he came back from the airport, he said, "Hmmm. Pearl earrings. Inspired by Melessa?". I just smiled.
Monday, February 21, 2005
Dressing Up
The Crafty Conservative
Melessa at But I digress wrote a fabulous post about a necklace. I've known her for over ten years now (get outta here! How can that be?) and I know her family. I don't know if that made it more meaningful to me, or not, but I am so proud of you, girl!
Melessa's necklace post, along with sitting next to a fabulously dressed girl at church yesterday made me contemplate my own "fashion". I must use this term very lightly as what I wear could not truly be considered fashion. I dress up just enough not to get in trouble at work (even though we don't have a dress code...we're supposed to look a little professional for the students). If I didn't have to get dressed for my job, I doubt I would get dressed at all. As soon as SD gets a job and we move, I'll be a full-time SAHM. I can really see myself "letting myself go" (more than I have already). This is very scary to me. So, I'm going to do something about it.
I have lots of great jewelry. Okay, not great. But, okay. I'm going to wear it. I'm going to wear some piece of jewelry everyday. Jewelry doesn't go with sweats so I'll avoid those. I always feel better about myself when I look good. And, gosh darn it, I usually get more done, too. There you have it. I thank you, Melessa. I thank you, fashionable lady at church. I think my husband will thank you, too.
Melessa at But I digress wrote a fabulous post about a necklace. I've known her for over ten years now (get outta here! How can that be?) and I know her family. I don't know if that made it more meaningful to me, or not, but I am so proud of you, girl!
Melessa's necklace post, along with sitting next to a fabulously dressed girl at church yesterday made me contemplate my own "fashion". I must use this term very lightly as what I wear could not truly be considered fashion. I dress up just enough not to get in trouble at work (even though we don't have a dress code...we're supposed to look a little professional for the students). If I didn't have to get dressed for my job, I doubt I would get dressed at all. As soon as SD gets a job and we move, I'll be a full-time SAHM. I can really see myself "letting myself go" (more than I have already). This is very scary to me. So, I'm going to do something about it.
I have lots of great jewelry. Okay, not great. But, okay. I'm going to wear it. I'm going to wear some piece of jewelry everyday. Jewelry doesn't go with sweats so I'll avoid those. I always feel better about myself when I look good. And, gosh darn it, I usually get more done, too. There you have it. I thank you, Melessa. I thank you, fashionable lady at church. I think my husband will thank you, too.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Sweater Vest Update
The Crafty Conservative
Sugar Daddy leaves this afternoon for his first scheduled interview. It's at the University of Texas-Arlington. Out of the schools that he applied to, it's one of the lowest ranked. But, it's in a great location for us. We love the Dallas area and it's close to home (Oklahoma)...but not too close. I'm really hoping that when it comes down to accepting an offer, it will be an easy decision.
We checked the weather forecast for Arlington and it should be around 70 degrees while he is there. So, I gave up working like a maniac on the sweater vest. I could have finished if knitting was all I did last night. I have to finish the edging around the last armhole and sew on the buttons. It could also use a good blocking. So, by the time SD comes home from his interview, it should be good to go.
His next interview isn't scheduled until March 8th. That's the one at the State University of New York-Stony Brook. The dilemma with that one: it's a higher ranked university with a very serious cost of living issue. We'd have to make double whatever we get paid in Arlington to be able to have the same lifestyle. I seriously doubt that would happen. I also know the decision won't come down to just rank and cost of living either. He could only get one offer. That would make it easy. Or no offer at all. Although, I doubt that. SD is a genius with awesome research ideas and multiple funding opportunities (so he says...ha ha). He will also want to feel comfortable with the department. That's how we ended up here for grad school instead of MIT or Georgia Tech (both higher-ranked for his program). He loved his professor, we loved the area, and the price was right.
Considering the fact that I have no idea where we'll be living after this summer, I'm doing quite well. I was much more nervous about the grad school move. But, I think that was because I was trying to find my very first teaching job and was in a time crunch for a decision. This move, I can just go with the flow. I'm not going to work. I just want to find a good area to raise our kids (by then it will be PLURAL!!! YEAH!).
Sugar Daddy leaves this afternoon for his first scheduled interview. It's at the University of Texas-Arlington. Out of the schools that he applied to, it's one of the lowest ranked. But, it's in a great location for us. We love the Dallas area and it's close to home (Oklahoma)...but not too close. I'm really hoping that when it comes down to accepting an offer, it will be an easy decision.
We checked the weather forecast for Arlington and it should be around 70 degrees while he is there. So, I gave up working like a maniac on the sweater vest. I could have finished if knitting was all I did last night. I have to finish the edging around the last armhole and sew on the buttons. It could also use a good blocking. So, by the time SD comes home from his interview, it should be good to go.
His next interview isn't scheduled until March 8th. That's the one at the State University of New York-Stony Brook. The dilemma with that one: it's a higher ranked university with a very serious cost of living issue. We'd have to make double whatever we get paid in Arlington to be able to have the same lifestyle. I seriously doubt that would happen. I also know the decision won't come down to just rank and cost of living either. He could only get one offer. That would make it easy. Or no offer at all. Although, I doubt that. SD is a genius with awesome research ideas and multiple funding opportunities (so he says...ha ha). He will also want to feel comfortable with the department. That's how we ended up here for grad school instead of MIT or Georgia Tech (both higher-ranked for his program). He loved his professor, we loved the area, and the price was right.
Considering the fact that I have no idea where we'll be living after this summer, I'm doing quite well. I was much more nervous about the grad school move. But, I think that was because I was trying to find my very first teaching job and was in a time crunch for a decision. This move, I can just go with the flow. I'm not going to work. I just want to find a good area to raise our kids (by then it will be PLURAL!!! YEAH!).
Friday, February 18, 2005
This post brought to you by the letter "Y" and the number "7"
The Crafty Conservative
Frog is busy watching Sesame Street. He loves that show. He has one SS DVD that he likes so sometimes when the actual TV show is on he tries to use the DVD player to skip to his favorite songs. He only gets a little upset when that doesn't work during live TV. He has also started eating saltine crackers like the Cookie Monster complete with 'yum yum yum yum yum'. Cute, but messy.
FYI: if you thought it was impossible to win Spider Solitaire at the difficult setting (4 suits), it's not! I've won more than once now. Oh, my life is complete. Now if only I can get to the top levels of Pinball.
Frog is busy watching Sesame Street. He loves that show. He has one SS DVD that he likes so sometimes when the actual TV show is on he tries to use the DVD player to skip to his favorite songs. He only gets a little upset when that doesn't work during live TV. He has also started eating saltine crackers like the Cookie Monster complete with 'yum yum yum yum yum'. Cute, but messy.
FYI: if you thought it was impossible to win Spider Solitaire at the difficult setting (4 suits), it's not! I've won more than once now. Oh, my life is complete. Now if only I can get to the top levels of Pinball.
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Ode to Diet Cherry Coke
The Crafty Conservative
Is it wrong that I love Diet Cherry Coke so much that I'm willing to blog about it? Probably. Most people know me as the queen of Diet Pepsi. That's my drink of choice. However, Pepsi has yet to come out with a diet cherry version. Until it does (I will willingly switch back to my first love, Pepsi), I'm forced to become a Coke drinker. I won't feel guilty about it, either. Should I write to Pepsi and tell them of my moral dilemma? If only they came up with their own...
In the meantime, I'll drink Diet Cherry Coke. Mmmmm. Or I should say, more appropriately, ahhhhhh.
*note to my SP* Are you in an area that has See's Candies? They want to charge me an insane amount ($12!!!) to ship a $13 box of chocolates. It's not even warm weather (at least not here). This is just a tiny plea if you are where they sell it. If you're not, then don't even think about getting me some. Heck, even if you are, you don't have to think about getting me some. Who am I to tell you what to send? But, I know I appreciate some feedback from my SPal-ee every now and then. I'm in love with Nuts & Chews (milk chocolate krispys and milk chocolate molasses chips are great, too!). I don't even want a whole box. That's just a little too decadant for me. Just a few pieces to get me through. I don't consider myself a chocoholic or anything, but I haven't been able to get the desire for this candy out of my head for weeks! When she was alive, my grandma used to buy us some every year for Valentine's Day (we used to live in CA). Maybe that's why I've been thinking I need some. That's it.
Is it wrong that I love Diet Cherry Coke so much that I'm willing to blog about it? Probably. Most people know me as the queen of Diet Pepsi. That's my drink of choice. However, Pepsi has yet to come out with a diet cherry version. Until it does (I will willingly switch back to my first love, Pepsi), I'm forced to become a Coke drinker. I won't feel guilty about it, either. Should I write to Pepsi and tell them of my moral dilemma? If only they came up with their own...
In the meantime, I'll drink Diet Cherry Coke. Mmmmm. Or I should say, more appropriately, ahhhhhh.
*note to my SP* Are you in an area that has See's Candies? They want to charge me an insane amount ($12!!!) to ship a $13 box of chocolates. It's not even warm weather (at least not here). This is just a tiny plea if you are where they sell it. If you're not, then don't even think about getting me some. Heck, even if you are, you don't have to think about getting me some. Who am I to tell you what to send? But, I know I appreciate some feedback from my SPal-ee every now and then. I'm in love with Nuts & Chews (milk chocolate krispys and milk chocolate molasses chips are great, too!). I don't even want a whole box. That's just a little too decadant for me. Just a few pieces to get me through. I don't consider myself a chocoholic or anything, but I haven't been able to get the desire for this candy out of my head for weeks! When she was alive, my grandma used to buy us some every year for Valentine's Day (we used to live in CA). Maybe that's why I've been thinking I need some. That's it.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Surprises
The Crafty Conservative
I hate surprises. Wait...maybe I just don't have patience. I hate waiting for surprises. If you send me a wrapped present for Christmas and it arrives on December 1st, it will be opened on December 1st. Why wait? That's my motto. That's a big contrast to what SD has been growing up with. His dad's motto: "Delay gratification". What the heck for? I'm just as excited about my presents when I open them as I would be on the actual date. I just have more time to enjoy them if I open them early.
SD had something up his sleeve for Valentine's Day. He's been working on it for weeks. Did I mention I hate surprises? So, I've been snooping around. SD thinks that this is wrong. He wants me to just leave it alone and enjoy the *in my mind* potentially very embarrassing surprise that he is cooking up. Hello? I hate surprises.
SD had some accomplices. They kept calling and talking cryptically. One actually stopped by to drop off something that SD immediately hid. He's not too smooth, though. I know where he hid it and right after he left the house I promptly began to snoop. I found lyrics and music to Chris de Burgh's "mega" hit, "The Lady in Red". I had just purchased some lovely new red silky pj's for V-day (which I had already shown SD...because I can't wait, EVER!) and I thought that he had told his accomplices and that's what this was about. He assured me this was not the case. I later found out that it really wasn't. Good boy.
Hmmm...Lady in Red lyrics and music, at least 3 other accomplices. One hour "meeting" at the church with these accomplices. Barbershop quartet? Could that be it? I told SD that's what I thought. He denied it. But, he's as bad at lying as I am at not snooping.
Yesterday morning, SD spilled the beans. He figured I knew enough of the "surprise" anyway (I did, although they really were only hunches). His "group" was going to serenade the four wives with an arrangement of "The Lady in Red". He would need to be gone for an hour to be able to make it to all of the different houses. I told him I hate surprises and why was he doing this to me? He said it wasn't his idea but it sounded like fun and why am I such a spoil sport?
At 8:10pm last night, they arrived at the house. They began to sing. I didn't wear red. It was actually really good. They put a lot of work into it. SD did the 4 part arrangement himself (he has a real talent for that). Frog was dancing and clapping. I was cracking up at Frog's dancing (pelvic thrusts and bum wiggling...er, I don't know where he learned that). The song ended, quick kiss, quick goodbye, they were off to the next victim's house. I truly was impressed and I can honestly say that it wouldn't have been any better had I been truly surprised. So, really, what's the point of waiting?
*I'd like to remind everyone that my 30th birthday is April 11th. You should know that it's okay to send gifts at any time between now and then.* :)
I hate surprises. Wait...maybe I just don't have patience. I hate waiting for surprises. If you send me a wrapped present for Christmas and it arrives on December 1st, it will be opened on December 1st. Why wait? That's my motto. That's a big contrast to what SD has been growing up with. His dad's motto: "Delay gratification". What the heck for? I'm just as excited about my presents when I open them as I would be on the actual date. I just have more time to enjoy them if I open them early.
SD had something up his sleeve for Valentine's Day. He's been working on it for weeks. Did I mention I hate surprises? So, I've been snooping around. SD thinks that this is wrong. He wants me to just leave it alone and enjoy the *in my mind* potentially very embarrassing surprise that he is cooking up. Hello? I hate surprises.
SD had some accomplices. They kept calling and talking cryptically. One actually stopped by to drop off something that SD immediately hid. He's not too smooth, though. I know where he hid it and right after he left the house I promptly began to snoop. I found lyrics and music to Chris de Burgh's "mega" hit, "The Lady in Red". I had just purchased some lovely new red silky pj's for V-day (which I had already shown SD...because I can't wait, EVER!) and I thought that he had told his accomplices and that's what this was about. He assured me this was not the case. I later found out that it really wasn't. Good boy.
Hmmm...Lady in Red lyrics and music, at least 3 other accomplices. One hour "meeting" at the church with these accomplices. Barbershop quartet? Could that be it? I told SD that's what I thought. He denied it. But, he's as bad at lying as I am at not snooping.
Yesterday morning, SD spilled the beans. He figured I knew enough of the "surprise" anyway (I did, although they really were only hunches). His "group" was going to serenade the four wives with an arrangement of "The Lady in Red". He would need to be gone for an hour to be able to make it to all of the different houses. I told him I hate surprises and why was he doing this to me? He said it wasn't his idea but it sounded like fun and why am I such a spoil sport?
At 8:10pm last night, they arrived at the house. They began to sing. I didn't wear red. It was actually really good. They put a lot of work into it. SD did the 4 part arrangement himself (he has a real talent for that). Frog was dancing and clapping. I was cracking up at Frog's dancing (pelvic thrusts and bum wiggling...er, I don't know where he learned that). The song ended, quick kiss, quick goodbye, they were off to the next victim's house. I truly was impressed and I can honestly say that it wouldn't have been any better had I been truly surprised. So, really, what's the point of waiting?
*I'd like to remind everyone that my 30th birthday is April 11th. You should know that it's okay to send gifts at any time between now and then.* :)
Saturday, February 12, 2005
And the winner is...
The Crafty Conservative
Leslie!!! Leslie picked the name that SD and I decided was the best for our family. What's the name? Eva. Okay, technically, her choice was Ava. But, we're gonna go with the Spanish spelling and pronounciation. It's biblical (which SD and I love) and has an hispanic quality which we were going for. We haven't chosen a middle name yet but I'm pretty sure Eva is a definite keeper for the first name. If it's a boy? Joshua Charles.
Honorable mention: Tiffany for reminding me about Christany Ann.
The names that made the cut: Eva, Elisabeth, Grace, Elena, Olivia, Lily, and Lucy.
Thanks to all for the entries. We had 35 names to choose from. A package will be on its way to Leslie soon (email me your mailing address at sra_nelson (at) yahoo (dot) com). She can look forward to a journal and 2 skeins of mohair.
Leslie!!! Leslie picked the name that SD and I decided was the best for our family. What's the name? Eva. Okay, technically, her choice was Ava. But, we're gonna go with the Spanish spelling and pronounciation. It's biblical (which SD and I love) and has an hispanic quality which we were going for. We haven't chosen a middle name yet but I'm pretty sure Eva is a definite keeper for the first name. If it's a boy? Joshua Charles.
Honorable mention: Tiffany for reminding me about Christany Ann.
The names that made the cut: Eva, Elisabeth, Grace, Elena, Olivia, Lily, and Lucy.
Thanks to all for the entries. We had 35 names to choose from. A package will be on its way to Leslie soon (email me your mailing address at sra_nelson (at) yahoo (dot) com). She can look forward to a journal and 2 skeins of mohair.
Friday, February 11, 2005
Here's our little Frog on his birthday. This is before he got down and dirty in his cake but I chose this pic because it shows the plate I made for him. I made it last year for his 1st birthday. He'll get to use it every year for his cake. It's a tradition I'm glad I started and one that I will continue with the rest of the kids as they come.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Don't mind me...just a general update.
The Crafty Conservative
You have one more day to enter the Name the Baby contest! Go here for all the details. Things are coming along with the baby preparations. We paid the money and we should be okay to make it through the month. Now all we have to do is wait and see what happens. I spoke with the birthmother yesterday and she is anxious to deliver. I assured her that we are too!
I've been itching to start a new project but I'm having a hard time being inspired. I don't have anything in mind. I'd love to knit a baby dress but I don't even know if this baby is going to be a girl. So, I'm going to reserve casting on until after the birth.
I have a deadline now to finish the "I'm going to be a professor" sweater vest. SD's first on-site interview is at SUNY-Stony Brook on March 8th. I know, I know. Our baby is due March 3rd. I'm going to be alone with a newborn and the Frog. But, I'm tough. Plus, these interviews are so important! We really want a job. However, I don't know much about life on the north shore of Long Island, New York. I do know it's expensive. But, wherever we go we'll have a cost of living increase, I'm sure. Maybe not Fayetteville, Arkansas.
I have lots of pics to post but we haven't gotten around to uploading them to the computer. Laziness. Chock it up to all-out laziness. That's been my only excuse these days. Oh, and that I haven't been able to breathe out of both nostrils for a couple of weeks and I've been living on cough drops just so I can talk. Other than that, I'm just lazy.
You have one more day to enter the Name the Baby contest! Go here for all the details. Things are coming along with the baby preparations. We paid the money and we should be okay to make it through the month. Now all we have to do is wait and see what happens. I spoke with the birthmother yesterday and she is anxious to deliver. I assured her that we are too!
I've been itching to start a new project but I'm having a hard time being inspired. I don't have anything in mind. I'd love to knit a baby dress but I don't even know if this baby is going to be a girl. So, I'm going to reserve casting on until after the birth.
I have a deadline now to finish the "I'm going to be a professor" sweater vest. SD's first on-site interview is at SUNY-Stony Brook on March 8th. I know, I know. Our baby is due March 3rd. I'm going to be alone with a newborn and the Frog. But, I'm tough. Plus, these interviews are so important! We really want a job. However, I don't know much about life on the north shore of Long Island, New York. I do know it's expensive. But, wherever we go we'll have a cost of living increase, I'm sure. Maybe not Fayetteville, Arkansas.
I have lots of pics to post but we haven't gotten around to uploading them to the computer. Laziness. Chock it up to all-out laziness. That's been my only excuse these days. Oh, and that I haven't been able to breathe out of both nostrils for a couple of weeks and I've been living on cough drops just so I can talk. Other than that, I'm just lazy.
Monday, February 07, 2005
I WON I WON I WON!!!
The Crafty Conservative
If you haven't heard about "Knitters Without Borders", where have you been? Oh my! Stephanie, aka Yarn Harlot has been giving away stuff for days to those of us that donated to Doctors Without Borders. I gave. I received. I am the new proud owner of a needle case (which I have been wanting and needing). The gallon ziploc bag I've been using is about to be retired! You can check out a pic of them here.
I'm the luckiest girl alive.
If you haven't heard about "Knitters Without Borders", where have you been? Oh my! Stephanie, aka Yarn Harlot has been giving away stuff for days to those of us that donated to Doctors Without Borders. I gave. I received. I am the new proud owner of a needle case (which I have been wanting and needing). The gallon ziploc bag I've been using is about to be retired! You can check out a pic of them here.
I'm the luckiest girl alive.
We interrupt this "adoption" blog for some knitting...
The Crafty Conservative
For the contest, go here.
I was sick most of the weekend and after I got over my feelings of intense slothfullness, I decided to do some knitting. I'm almost to the neck shaping on the back of Sugar Daddy's "I'm gonna be a professor" sweater vest. I'm using Cascade 220. I love it. It's knitting up rather nicely. The worst thing is the guage...7 rows per inch! Ouch! I think it ends up being around 24-25" long. That's a lot of rows. Oh well. It is going to be a most excellent sweater vest.
HELP!!! I've been desperately trying to find a pattern for a Harry Potter sweater. You know, the ones Mrs. Weasley makes for all her kids and Harry? There was a Weasley-a-long but I haven't been able to find any place that carries the pattern anymore. There aren't any on eBay. What can I do? I want to make these for my 10 and 11 year old brothers for Christmas. I guess I could just make a raglan sweater and make my own chart for the letter. I want to make an "S" and a "J". Any suggestions?
I'm starting to get a box together to send to my Secret Pal. For obvious reasons, I can't let you know what I'm sending. BUT...it's really hard for me not to want to keep all of the goodies for myself.
I'm missing our local SnB meeting AGAIN! I'm really starting to get upset. I was out of town for two, sick for one, and now I have a committment at school to keep me from tonight's. We're celebrating World Languages Week this week and there is a big production tonight called "One Community, Many Cultures". In this town, it's really true. I love living in a community with a university. There is going to be lots of food and my students came up with a "dramatic interpretation" of the song "Escapar" by Enrique Iglesias. Should be fabulous! So, I guess it is a good cause as to why I'm missing SnB again, but only the birth of our baby can keep me from the next one!
For the contest, go here.
I was sick most of the weekend and after I got over my feelings of intense slothfullness, I decided to do some knitting. I'm almost to the neck shaping on the back of Sugar Daddy's "I'm gonna be a professor" sweater vest. I'm using Cascade 220. I love it. It's knitting up rather nicely. The worst thing is the guage...7 rows per inch! Ouch! I think it ends up being around 24-25" long. That's a lot of rows. Oh well. It is going to be a most excellent sweater vest.
HELP!!! I've been desperately trying to find a pattern for a Harry Potter sweater. You know, the ones Mrs. Weasley makes for all her kids and Harry? There was a Weasley-a-long but I haven't been able to find any place that carries the pattern anymore. There aren't any on eBay. What can I do? I want to make these for my 10 and 11 year old brothers for Christmas. I guess I could just make a raglan sweater and make my own chart for the letter. I want to make an "S" and a "J". Any suggestions?
I'm starting to get a box together to send to my Secret Pal. For obvious reasons, I can't let you know what I'm sending. BUT...it's really hard for me not to want to keep all of the goodies for myself.
I'm missing our local SnB meeting AGAIN! I'm really starting to get upset. I was out of town for two, sick for one, and now I have a committment at school to keep me from tonight's. We're celebrating World Languages Week this week and there is a big production tonight called "One Community, Many Cultures". In this town, it's really true. I love living in a community with a university. There is going to be lots of food and my students came up with a "dramatic interpretation" of the song "Escapar" by Enrique Iglesias. Should be fabulous! So, I guess it is a good cause as to why I'm missing SnB again, but only the birth of our baby can keep me from the next one!
Friday, February 04, 2005
Money money money money....MONEY!
The Crafty Conservative
Unfortunately, this is what we need to continue with our adoption plans. For the contest...go here.
This is not a plea for money. You don't have to feel sorry for me or try and send me any (I will accept Hershey's Nuggets milk chocolate w/ almonds and toffee---ha ha). That's not what this post is about. It's just a little mini-rant about what I'm dealing with at the moment.
SD is getting his PhD at Purdue. They pay us surprisingly well. I teach part-time (as does SD). We're not going to starve and I'll still be able to buy some yarn here and there (whew!). But, now that we have a birthmother, we have to pay a lot of things up front which means large lump sums all in one month. OUCH! If it were spread out over 2-3 months we would barely be able to "feel the pinch". Compared to the Frog's adoption, this one is a BARGAIN! Alas...I need to send $1500 out to random people (lawyers, agencies, etc...) TODAY. Looks like I'll be going back to the credit cards we haven't been using for over a year (in our effort to get rid of debt).
I must admit...this is all TOTALLY worth it. I'll just consider it my "hospital bill".
Unfortunately, this is what we need to continue with our adoption plans. For the contest...go here.
This is not a plea for money. You don't have to feel sorry for me or try and send me any (I will accept Hershey's Nuggets milk chocolate w/ almonds and toffee---ha ha). That's not what this post is about. It's just a little mini-rant about what I'm dealing with at the moment.
SD is getting his PhD at Purdue. They pay us surprisingly well. I teach part-time (as does SD). We're not going to starve and I'll still be able to buy some yarn here and there (whew!). But, now that we have a birthmother, we have to pay a lot of things up front which means large lump sums all in one month. OUCH! If it were spread out over 2-3 months we would barely be able to "feel the pinch". Compared to the Frog's adoption, this one is a BARGAIN! Alas...I need to send $1500 out to random people (lawyers, agencies, etc...) TODAY. Looks like I'll be going back to the credit cards we haven't been using for over a year (in our effort to get rid of debt).
I must admit...this is all TOTALLY worth it. I'll just consider it my "hospital bill".
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
NAME THE BABY...a contest
The Crafty Conservative
Why is it that my Sugar Daddy won't agree to any girl names that I suggest? It's not that he won't agree to use any, it's that he won't come up with any of his own. I don't think he should be allowed to veto until he has at least put 2 names into the mix. Oh well. I've decided to do a contest on my blog. Here are the rules...
1. We only want girl names (we've decided on a boy name and any other suggestions may cause another war).
2. Please use the comments (make sure I know how to get a hold of you) or email me at sra_nelson at yahoo dot com. Subject line should be "Name the Baby".
3. The winner will be determined by me and Sugar Daddy. If we agree that the name should be "in the running", you win. I must tell you, SD is VERY PICKY!!!
4. Enter as many names as you'd like (up to 10).
5. The name cannot end with an "N" or an "N" sound (like Caroline or Susan).
6. The contest will end on Feb. 11th. The winner will be announced on my blog (and I'll notify the winner by email) on Feb. 12th.
7. What will you win? You'll just have to trust me that the prize is worth it! It will be!
Good luck!
Why is it that my Sugar Daddy won't agree to any girl names that I suggest? It's not that he won't agree to use any, it's that he won't come up with any of his own. I don't think he should be allowed to veto until he has at least put 2 names into the mix. Oh well. I've decided to do a contest on my blog. Here are the rules...
1. We only want girl names (we've decided on a boy name and any other suggestions may cause another war).
2. Please use the comments (make sure I know how to get a hold of you) or email me at sra_nelson at yahoo dot com. Subject line should be "Name the Baby".
3. The winner will be determined by me and Sugar Daddy. If we agree that the name should be "in the running", you win. I must tell you, SD is VERY PICKY!!!
4. Enter as many names as you'd like (up to 10).
5. The name cannot end with an "N" or an "N" sound (like Caroline or Susan).
6. The contest will end on Feb. 11th. The winner will be announced on my blog (and I'll notify the winner by email) on Feb. 12th.
7. What will you win? You'll just have to trust me that the prize is worth it! It will be!
Good luck!
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