May 2006-July2006
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Feeling Sassy Anyone?
You come across these random online tests all the time. Usually they are fun and more than a little ridiculous.
Check this one out:
| Your Stripper Song Is |
|
During my wild and hedonistic youth Closer was MY SONG! Anytime I hear it, it takes me right back. I cannot sit still when this baby comes on. I did not expect this song to be on the test though.
Here is another fun blog test:
| Your Personality Profile |
 You are elegant, withdrawn, and brilliant. Your mind is a weapon, able to solve any puzzle. You are also great at poking holes in arguments and common beliefs. For you, comfort and calm are very important. You tend to thrive on your own and shrug off most affection. You prefer to protect your emotions and stay strong. |
PS I only post them when they feel accurate!
PSS Thanks for all of the compliments for the FO's. I am hoping to have Darling completed and modeled by the end of this weekend.
Labels: Bloggy Stuff
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Headway is being made!
Honestly, this pattern is so adorable it should come with a warning. Wait until you see it on the recipient - we had a fitting the other day, and while she was a blur of motion, it was a charming blur.
Darling is nearly complete, still needs: Belts sewn on, embroidery added, loops and buttons, ends woven in and blocked. Not too shabby for a knitter of my speed.
The whirlwind that is my Mother's talent, resulted in this sweet vest. (intended for the same recipient - which means we will have to start something for her brother right away!)
This evening I began my Ravenclaw House Scarf while watching GoF. See the nearby Kleenex? My eyes were 'glistening with the ghosts of the past' - so recently past. Poor Cedric.
Notice how all of these items fall into the current PS2 theme?
It has been a busy weekend. My brother is visiting - so lots of catching up, visitors, visits and phone calls. My Mom and I drove in to the city to pick up some yarn for a project of hers. While there I bought some yummy yarn for my SP9 - that's right folks, I am still shopping: Late much? I also found a fantastic sewing project that will premiere here shortly.
I saw The Number 23 - people save your money! Fortunately we used free passes and our popcorn was fresh, so not a total waste. Really, really bad movie.
I finished a great book, Animal Dreams - now to get through the stack on my nightstand...
Oh, and I found a cool photo game - check it out here.
Labels: Books, Family, Movies, Project Spectrum 2, Stashalong
Thursday, February 22, 2007
The Signs are Everywhere
Sound the flute!
Now it's mute!
Birds delight,
Day and night,
Nightingale,
In the dale,
Lark in sky, -
Merrily,
Merrily, merrily to welcome in the year.
Little boy,
Full of joy;
Little girl,
Sweet and small;
Cock does crow,
So do you;
Merry voice,
Infant noise;
Merrily, merrily to welcome in the year.
Little lamb,
Here I am;
Come and lick
My white neck;
Let me pull
Your soft wool;
Let me kiss
Your soft face;
Merrily, merrily we welcome in the year.
Labels: Garden, Poetry Thursday
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Strike One!
I have to apologize for the pic - it is not the best light (maybe click on it to get a better view) today.
What you see on the left is 10 balls of hunter green Lana Gato that Cindy generously gave away! When is green part of PS2? Hmmmm....lots of time to come up with the perfect pattern.
It's a very soft wool-acrylic blend.
In the very front you can see the 2 skeins of hand-dyed sock yarn that I won at KnitPastis' contest last month. Beautiful wool just right for making some much needed ankle socks.
On the right there are 4 balls of dk. blue and 2 silver/grey Merino Superwash that are destined to become a Ravenclaw House Scarf over at the Countdown To Harry KAL. They also just happen to fit right in with the PS2 colour theme. The only thing is I will have to take a strike at Stashalong - 'cause I bought these ones.
In lieu of a project pic -- Darling is coming along; I should finish the body tonight and hopefully do the collar while I 'get my Lost on' tomorrow night -- I will leave you with a few links to some great blogs I found through PS2.
Fat Chick Crafts - some gorgeous Kool-Aid dyed yarn
FrickKnits - Knitting and books: a winning combo
The Knitting Philistine - come on, that title alone is worth the visit!
The Stitchin' Wench - check out her Peapod set
Thee Handworks - incredibly beautiful quilting
Tiennie Knits - stranded colour work
Turtlegirl's Bloggy Thing - Yarn Pron Fridays!
Velma's World - Scrumbling - I would love to try that.
Labels: Contest, Project Spectrum 2, Stashalong
Monday, February 19, 2007
Alphabet Meme
The Alphabet Meme:
A - Available or Taken: Available
B - Best Friend: Kira
C -Cake or Pie: Cake - chocolate of course!
D - Drink of Choice: Water - ice cold and with lemon if I can
E - Essential item you use everyday: Moisturizer
F - Favorite Color: Blue
G - Gummy Bears or Worms: Worms
H - Hometown: Prince Rupert, BC
I - Indulgence: Ben & Jerry's 1/2 Baked
J - January or February: January - so many possibilities
K - Kids & ages: NA :-(
L - Life is incomplete without: Laughter
M - Marriage Date or Most Memorable Date ( and why): May 4th, 1991 (baptism)
N - Number of Siblings: 1 sister, Jen & 1 brother, JD
O - Oranges or Apples: Crispy, crunchy apples.
P - Phobias or Fears: Whoops - Spiders
Q - Fave Quote: 'Maybe, maybe not, maybe go....' The Departed (just at this moment)
R - Reason to Smile: Family
S - Season: Spring
T - Tag 3 or 4 People: You wanna play? Go for it.
U - Unknown fact about me: I have had vegetables caught IN my larynx...twice. yep. See X
V - Vegetable you don't like: Mushrooms!
W - Worst Habit: Procrastination
X - X-rays: Really? Ankle, Knee, Throat (carrot in the larynx, yep - no voice whatsoever - and there were med students so I got the whole Barium experience), Chest.
The reason I hesitated at the start of this is 'cause I have broken my ankle twice, had multiple x-rays for a severe knee injury (and then 4 yrs later for a re-injury), and had chest x-rays many times too (pneumonia - twice).
Apparently if I am going to sustain a bodily injury/illness serious enough for X-Rays, I will do it twice!
Oh forgot teeth - do I glow in the dark yet??
Y - Your Fave Food: Thai
Z - Zodiac Sign: Scorpio - watch yourselves!
I found this at Studio T
One of the many cool and inspiring blogs I have discovered so far at the Project Spectrum Participants list.
I am trying to check most of them out. Shouldn't take long...there are only 1131.
But hey, I am at Ta now!
Oh - and I changed my header to reflect the current PS2 colours.
I am going to try and come up with some creative ways to do this....if I could only find some more time in the day...
Labels: Meme, Project Spectrum 2
All things Potter
As the countdown to Movie 5 and Book 7 continues I have discovered some truly magical things online.
Are you looking to catchup or re-read before the final book? Then Knit Down to Harry might be the blog for you! Book discussions, knitting projects and contests - a sort of Knit the Classics for Junior Fiction.
I have pre-ordered Alison Hansel's, of Blue Blog fame, Charmed Knits.
I read the most enchanting blog entry over at Lickety Knit.
And I took a fun Which-Character-Are-You sort of test; results below:
You scored as Ron Weasley. Though you may not be very academically astute, you are definitely witty and make good points that most people overlook, mainly because you often tend to be a bit stubborn and lack confidence in situations. You're surrounded by people who have thus far outshined you, and this makes you irritable to where you put yourself in a low place; though you shouldn't. You're a great friend to have as you're loyal and caring and would do most anything to save your friends from harm.
Harry Potter Character Combatibility Test |
I have to say, I don't really think that this is too accurate - I was sorted into Ravenclaw after all! So not academically astute? Maybe in math...
I only posted this because I like my 3rd place characters - notice the tie? Between Dumbledore,Luna, Snape and Voldemort?! I do adore Snape, but I think it is a funny combo of characters to meet in a 63% tie.
Does anyone else think it is a little funny that Oliver Wood is listed? Also, please note: this test is for comBatability not to be mistaken for comPatability. ;-D
Oh goodness, and in case you haven't seen the pics of Daniel Radcliffe for Equus...let's just say shocking!
Next up: Some knitting content and maybe a little bit of yarn. I have been working away at Darling all week and I nearly have an FO!
Friday, February 16, 2007
10 Weird Things
Finally, this could quite possibly be the slowest response to being tagged...
1. I am quite confident when it comes to public speaking - but to speak to individuals whom I don't know? Terrifying.
2. I will go to ludicrous lengths to avoid spoilers for shows/books I am excited about: eg. Deathly Hollows - when I get it at 12:01 AM on July 21st I will be in total seclusion until I have finished it - no phone, no tv, no internet, NO friends who might have read faster/heard something
However, if it is something I am not that keen on I will search for info and speculate away - eg. There were absolutely no surprises for me during last night's Grey's - although the show is the buzz everywhere and I have heard reports of people being devastated and trying to reassure each other that they didn't pronounce so Meredith is fine.
3. I collect utterly useless things that even I don't know what value I originally saw in them. eg. Postcards, letters, photos with or about times, people or places that only have bad connotations. Why??
4. I can't stand to have my food mixing on my plate. Imagine the horror of a buffet or potluck dinner! Yes, yes I know. It is all mixed once eaten. Isn't that what makes it weird?
5. I have no tolerance for fiddling or chatter - though I have been known to chatter - and is knitting a form of fiddling?
6. I would much rather eat most food with a spoon.
7. Eating with plastic utensils and dishes gives me shudders. Ugghhhh.
8. I generally view housework as monumental tasks that require Herculean effort. Once I tackle them I am surprised at how simple they are and vow to do them more often. EVERY WEEK people. Every week.
9. I can't bear to use the same towel, face or dish cloth twice. The idea makes me physically ill. You should see my bag for camping!
10. If the laundry doesn't get into the dryer within a 3 hr time frame, I rewash it. With more soap. Even though I hate to waste water. It is an inner conflict. And if you consider #9 you will realize I do a substantial amount of laundry.
Yikes - once you get to 6 the list just kind of flows ~~ What does that say about me?
And now a picture that could go on our neighbours List of Weird Things:
Click on picture to view in a larger window - this one needs to be seen up close!
And just for the h*ll of it. Kira @ work.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Poetry Thursday
Jabberwocky
'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"
He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought -
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.
And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
"And hast thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!"
He chortled in his joy.
'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe
Lewis Carroll
Labels: Books, Poetry Thursday
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Dabbling with Dyeing
I decided to dye my own sock yarn for PS2 this colour round. Mostly because I couldn't find anything that really suited me.
I picked up some dye - the kind you need to cook for 20-30 minutes [what was I thinking about?] - and started with KnitPicks Bare.
I have seen people doing this online - well, like most things it looked a lot easier to do than it proved to be.
I used one pot of Royal Blue and one of Black - watered into a grey.
See those yellowy brown spots? Yeah. That was me, cooking the yarn. I wondered what that smell was.
After those 2 colours were done I placed the other end in a pot of Navy Blue - which totally looked purple and had me a little worried initially.
Not taking a lesson from the yellow spots I left the room to check blogs. Another 20 - 30 minutes watching wool sit in dye did not appeal. Well...I came back to find that the Navy Blue had seeped its way throughout the yarn. No more White and no more Grey. As pictured above.
I considered leaving it that way but I really wanted grey. So I went back to the plastic wrap and microwave method and overdyed the center yarn. Which resulted in this:
It is now drying and waiting to be wound and knit into fabulous PS2 sockies.
Next time I am going to skip the entire pot experience and stick with the plastic wrap and the microwave. Cleaner. Easier. Clearer colours. Faster. Much Faster.
Still no White - but I am considering using a colour remover which I also bought along with the dye.
Next Post: 10 Weird Things About Me
It would appear 5 are not enough as I have been tagged!
Labels: Project Spectrum 2, Socks
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Posture
One doesn't generally think of a slouch as a good thing. But when it is a jaunty cap, it is a very good thing indeed. Here is my 1st PS2 project.
Pattern: Le Slouch, by Wendy Bernard
Yarn: Lang Tosca -- about 1 1/4 balls
I really enjoyed this simple pattern and I plan to make another in a neutral, solid colour soon. The best part of this for me was that for the first time ever I used my gauge to adjust the pattern and it WORKED. How long have I been knitting again? Never mind.
Very hard to get a photo I liked - mostly because it was moments from GA and I did not want to be bothered doing my hair or putting on makeup - result: I looked sheer exhausted. Not something you want to post online is an understatement.
I finished this hat at work, while the children played tag. Not something I do often but it did lead to this the following afternoon:
"Can I yarn something - I know how to knit." 5 yr old boy who demonstrated his ability to knit by intertwining his fingers and twiddling them quickly while moving his elbows up and down [not my knitting style in case you are wondering - he might just know another knitter].
I then spent an hour 'teaching' 3 5 yr old boys to knit.
It was too fun. They were so excited. 2 of them worked really hard at it too - their attention span was much lengthier than I expected. I plan on bringing in some needles to keep on site - we had one pair and lots of wool.
Here is an excerpt of some of the conversation:
"I'm going to make this into a sweater for my Mom." boy A
"I'm going to make my baby a shirt" boy B whose Mom is pregnant
"What about pants?" asked boy C
"Oh I'll make pants next time" boy B
"I chose Army. I am going to make a Army sweater for my kitten." boy D who had olive green and cream yarn
"I'll be done my baby shirt in about an hour" boy B "Then I guess I should make pants, but what about a sweater too?"
With one pair of needles the plan was to knit 4 sweaters, a pair of pants, a shirt and a blanket before we went outside - about 40 minutes altogether.
Boy C worked about 3 rows and then looked up to ask "When is it going to turn into a sweater?" I was torn between being honest and keeping the experience enjoyable.
Clearly this is something we are going to have to do more of. These are some hyperactive guys who stayed with it for 40 minutes - some sitting on chairs and watching their friends knit. I am sure knitting is good for all sorts of brain development. Could I be any happier to add this component to our day? I just hope none of them get hassled by their Fathers. It happens with dolls and dress up clothes - as if they are never going to be fathers themselves!
Last Sunday was my cousin's 1st Anniversary. Her Mom had an appy night to celebrate. Somehow I failed to take a picture of the happy couple...whenever there are children/babies you will be upstaged!
Here are the girls getting ready for some 'Su-see beans' [edamame].
I am amazed at how universal this is: Young children will put anything in their mouths -- except edamame - they always need an adult to squeeze the beans out for them. Why is that?
Here is Kai-Kai looking desperate to escape another set of arms. I took some video of him trying to walk but I didn't know that you cannot edit video with our HP program and I was holding the camera sideways. So, the picture is sideways. Not the best for ease of viewing.
Labels: Family, Kids, Project Spectrum 2, Stashalong
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Poetry Thursday
The Lady of Shalott.
The Lady of Shalott?
The Lady of Shalott.
Moves over still Shalott.
The Lady of Shalott.
The Lady of Shalott.
The Lady of Shalott.
Labels: Poetry Thursday
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Things, Theories & Themes
I was given the gift of being read to as an infant. Over the course of my childhood I learned the power of the written word to lift you out of your life, to show you what is possible, to teach you to dream and to share your dreams with others.
Included in my family are many dear, longtime friends - family means so much more to me than mere blood relations.
Rescue
Rythm
Thank you Dipsy Doodle for this Alphabet meme.
If you would like to play, leave a comment requesting a letter and I will send you one.
Monday, February 05, 2007
She only looks cute
You're too kind to have viewed these dark videos. I am just learning how to use the camera to film. I have to find a way to tape more than 27 sec worth! Sorry for the 3 seperate clips.
It is nearly finished. Look for it to be modeled soon.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Grey's Fans
Come on over, we really want to hear from you. Yes you!
The Anatomy Lab
A great site that discusses plot threads, characters, actors and social issues. Seriously. A fun place to be.
Labels: TV
Saturday, February 03, 2007
In a bloody big nutshell
(warning - link heavy post ahead)
I have had a week.
Work. Let's just get that out of the way. I don't like to gripe on my blog much so I will give you the very short, short version. Last week I began a part-time medical leave. I have been called in repeatedly to work while sick since then. My employer is being quite difficult. End result: A meeting with my Union Rep and then a meeting with my Union Rep, Manager and HR lady. Ugly. Ugly. Stressfull. And we all know how much stress helps you get better when you are ill.
Plus we are working with the Ministry to protect a child who may soon be apprehended. Heavy, heavy stuff.
Now for after work: I have been on a theatre binge this week!
1st I saw Blood Diamond. Whoa. Intense. Unbelievably well acted. Djimon Hounsou is utterly shattering in his role. DiCaprio is superb. Quite a violent and terrifying movie -- then again, I could be more sensitive because of my stress level -- I was torn about going. I actually thought I was going to have to leave. I regretted my choice in movie during the 1st scene. I have to say though that I am glad I stayed. It is an incredible film. And I have never felt better that I have no diamond on my hand!
Oh wait - I nearly forgot - ummm aside from DiCaprio finally looking like a man in a movie (doesn't he have a babyface?) the very delicious Arnold Vosloo had a feature role. Thank you!
Last night I saw Babel. Now that movie is one of the best I have seen in I don't know how long. Thoroughly riveting. I cannot recall ever speaking to the screen in a theatre before! Seriously. I was talking to (whispering - I tried people!) and gesturing at the actors. Visceral film. I do have to say that I was warned not to see it by 2 of my cousins and their warning actually made the film easier on me - I kept thinking much worse things were going to befall the people than did.
{Incidentally the same thing happened to me when I watched Band of Brothers. A good friend told me the last episode was going to leave me distraught. It turned out she thought that the 2nd to last episode where they encounter the concentration camp was the last episode. The whole time I was watching feeling nauseous and steeling myself for the next episode, terrified about what could possibly be worse than what I was watching. What a relief that last episode was after that! It did spare me some emotional agony since I wasn't as in the moment as I would have been without her warning.}
Back to Babel. A film worthy of its Oscar nominations. Highly, highly recommended.
Ok and honestly, how do those Fannings keep having such vivacious children?
Finally today I went to see Jesus Christ Superstar: The Farewell Tour.
I had never heard the music before - just the title song. I have to tell you that I thought the words were: 'Jesus Christ, Superstar. Who in the h*ll do you think you are?'
Pretty funny. But those words are sticking in my head even after seeing the show.
The production was fabulous. We had the greatest seats, quite close to the stage - though that served to show us why it was the Farewell Tour! Ted Neeley is looking like an incredibly Old Messiah - though clearly a great talent, I do think it takes a particular ear to enjoy that sort of screechy, hard rock voice; he made me think of Jack Black quite often. Here is a video from his 1973 movie role - you have to wait until 2:07 to hear what I am talking about.
Judas' voice was goosebump-raising phenomenal. Mary was excellent - her voice was sweet without making you cringe (if you know what I mean).
True to Lloyd Webber form the songs are catchy, fun and singable. I had to download much of the soundtrack while I am posting. Go here for a sample of the old ALW magic. I had been worried that it was slightly blasphemous to see a religious musical, but then I remembered how much I enjoyed Joseph & The Amazingly Long Title (Donny Osmond - I saw it as a cynical teen and was blown away) and am glad I went.
Pretty crazy week - I am looking forward to a much quieter week with more time to knit!
Labels: Movies
PS2
Labels: Project Spectrum 2
Friday, February 02, 2007
Again? Poetry Friday
it is at moments after i have dreamed it is at moments after i have dreamed
of the rare entertainment of your eyes,
when (being fool to fancy) i have deemed
with your peculiar mouth my heart made wise;
at moments when the glassy darkness holds
the genuine apparition of your smile
(it was through tears always)and silence moulds
such strangeness as was mine a little while;
moments when my once more illustrious arms
are filled with fascination, when my breast
wears the intolerant brightness of your charms:
one pierced moment whiter than the rest
-turning from the tremendous lie of sleep
i watch the roses of the day grow deep.
E.E. Cummings
Labels: Poetry Thursday, Project Spectrum 2
Grey's Anatomy
Buttons
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
HP and the Philosopher's Stone
