May 2006-July2006
Monday, March 26, 2007
I am so excited!
This little blog is very, very close to receiving it's 200th comment!! Let me tell you, I did not expect that to be happening - and certainly not before the end of this month...I thought maybe mid-April. But readership and/or commenting has grown over the last few weeks and the time is now.
The lucky people who leave the 200th, and then the 201st comment, will win some knitting swag!
200th Comment: Oregon Felted Tote pattern and yarn.
201st Comment: Scarf or Sock Kit - pattern, yarn and needles - your choice
And, because I appreciate all the commentors who visit, I will place everyone's name from this month, in a draw for 2 seperate sock yarn or felted bowl projects (winners can choose!) I will even give you a choice of colours.
Here are some of the items you may win:
If you have been reading here for awhile, you know that I refer to myself as a Slow Knitter. Am I? Really? Perhaps I am just a considerate knitter?
This was how we spent much of yesterday - lounging, finishing Season 3 of the Sopranos and trying to get some of my Ravenclaw House Scarf done. I am sure you can imagine how difficult it is to knit with a pup sleeping under your arm! But she was too cozy, not to mention cute, to move. So little progress was made - just a 2nd set of silver stripes.
I did cast with my PS2 dyed sock yarn, you know since there are like 5 days left in the month. :-D
I am going to try Grumperina's Jaywalkers. I know, I am pretty late jumping on that wagon (ummm...2005?) but they look like fun.
I hope to get more done tonight - another cheesy episode of 24 is on and we are going to start Season 4 of Sopranos. (our plan is to catch up before the final season starts April 8th -we're enjoying it - though our language has really taken a dive!)
Good luck everyone! I can't wait to announce some prize winners!!
ETA: 200 and 201 have been written! I will contact the winners shortly. I guess I shouldn't really hold the draw until Sunday morning to be fair to everyone, I did say 'all the commentors this month'. Why must I be so impatient! What do you think?
Ok. All winners will be announced on Sunday, April 1st. -- no mention of Fools --
Labels: Bloggy Stuff, Contest, Movies, Project Spectrum 2, Socks, Stashalong, TV
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Some Fo's
It certainly took long enough - here is Uniscarfity blocking in the sun. (well, it was in the sun earlier)
After FINALLY finishing the Endless Scarf, I cast on for the new pattern at FunDishCloth KAL.
It was a quick easy pattern - a welcome treat after the tedious boredom of the ES. These were so fast to knit up - one in the morning, one in the afternoon. Excellent knitting for Rome and Season 2 of the Sopranos (finally in @ the library).
The yarn is Peaches & Cream in an unknown colourway (ball band disappeared prior to posting!) that was gifted to me from the author of Unravellings.
This is the first time I have used Peaches & Cream cotton - it seems like a nice thirsty yarn, perfect for a dishcloth. Slowly, slowly there will be no more storebought dishcloths here. Then...the face cloths are next to go!
I saw Zodiac this weekend. It was very long - but maintained the tension and interest throughout. Pretty high praise, since I had already seen the documentary on A&E last year. Robert Downey Jr. does brilliant work - there are quite a few famous to familiar faces in this film. I would recommend the film without a soda! I love Dennis Fincher's films (maybe not Panic Room so much...)
I also got out in the garden to cut back some old growth and dead stalks and check on what is growing. Looks like 2 of the 5 raspberry canes I planted last year have survived the winter. 1 is really thriving. Could have some better fruit this year! Yum.
Up next: The Oregon Tote and Baby Surprise Gift
Thanks for all the congrats for my brother - really we don't know who to be congratulating. His fiance is the best woman - we are all so happy!
Labels: Family, KAL, Movies, Stashalong, TV
Monday, March 05, 2007
Dribs and Drabs
This is a pic that didn't make it into yesterday's post. But I really like it.
This post is going to contain a little of everything - 'signifying nothing'.
1st let me just say what a difficult time I am having with this tragic news-story. When I first saw her missing person's report on Nancy Grace I already knew how this was going to end - that it already had ended. Who didn't know the outcome before we heard the entire report?
It infuriates and sickens me that women are brutally slain by the people they should most be able to trust. There is nothing wrong with divorce. WALK AWAY. Her children were upstairs for goodness sake. It is just dreadful because there is never any punishment that can recover what has been lost. Despicable. Cowardly. Selfish. There isn't even anything more I can say.
Sorry - usually I don't post about things that upset me. But this, this is a big one.
Anywaaaaays.
I am out of the running in the KnitOff. What a relief. I was not making quick progress with this scarf at all. I do think, however, that it will be perfect for my cousin Richard. Just his colours. Here is Kira letting me know how she feels about me spending another afternoon with needles in hand! Edited to preserve her dignity!
I watched the Queen yesterday. I really enjoyed it. Initially I had no interest, but so many people I trust loved it, and Helen Mirren did win an Academy Award...I quite liked it. It is so hard to believe it has nearly been 10 yrs since Diana's death. So sad. I distinctly recall all the negative press directed at the Royal Family. I too thought the Queen should have spoken up sooner, but I really felt for her in this movie. She reminded me of my Nana a little - same generation. I loved her line to Tony Blair about the press turning on him one day. If she really said that, how right she was.
I ordered some soap from here. Go check out the shop - all of the soaps sound delightful. And she is thinking of adding bath salts and teas - if you haven't tried a bath tea, you really must. They are heavenly.
A pic of my loony cousin playing around with my camera....shhhh. She doesn't know about this blog! She hates pictures of herself. I love them.
My Mom and I watched Lifeboat. A Hitchcock Oscar winner. It was so good. Riveting from the outset. I highly recommend it. I grew up on the Hollywood greats and I was sure I would be one of those tough talking ladies who could put everyone in their place, down two fingers of scotch and then apply their lipstick just so. We've come a long way baby! ;-D
I also read a book. I didn't love the book, in fact I had some real problems with some major parts of the storyline, but I did read it in a day and a half. I cannot recall the last time I read a book so voraciously. Apparently I needed the distraction! I have a major craving for Cinammon Rolls too...they are mentioned perhaps more often than vampires in this book. Please do not take offense if you are a fan (I know there are a lot of you) but this book really reminded me of This Book - which was a very painful read for me.
Perhaps it has become clear why I was not a real contender in the Knit Off? It was fun and I will definitely check out the patterns for the next few rounds. Thanks YarnMonkey!
Spring continues to make itself known. On Thursday I saw Robins! Lots of Robins. In the morning the birds are chirping before my alarm clock goes off and...nestled next to our living room window in a sheltered spot we have this:
Flowering Plum! Check out those leaves!!! Let the gardening begin!Just realized that yesterday was my 200th post! How cool is that? Soon I will be announcing a contest for the 500th comment...stay tuned.
Labels: Books, Contest, Etsy, Family, Garden, KAL, Movies
Friday, March 02, 2007
Of virtues and vices
Patience is the most oft mentioned virtue. It is also in rather short supply here this evening.
I joined YarnMonkey's Knit Off and Round 1 begins on March 3rd. For some reason I thought sure it began from her time and so expected the pattern to be up when I got home from work this evening. Ah me. Still no pattern. But here is the yarn I will be using - and you can also see a sneak preview of a little sewing project that has been in the works the past few days - just a peek because my virtuously patient SP9 recipient will be receiving one of these projects.
Reading, commenting and posting on blogs takes time. Time that some of my pets would like to share with me. This is a common sight while I am on the computer.
The blur is becuase of Jeeksy's rapid movements - he is truly an energetic beasty.
You can see right above his head, the sliding thingy that our keyboard sits upon. The other day I was typing away and talking on the telephone when all of a sudden...
No more waiting! Time to play.
Jeeksy had reached his paw up from behind the sliding thing-a-ma-jig and 'caught' my hand. A noisy surprise that sent him flying out of the room.
Persistence led me to knit on though injured and here is a pic of my Ravenclaw House Scarf in all it's rolling glory - yes, those are straight pins you see holding it in place - I had no choice or you would not be able to see how much I had actually knit.
Gee - only 11.5 more sections to go! Talk about a fast knit.
While I await the release of the pattern I have been blog surfing. I found this Meme that clearly highlights the vice I most often give in to (2nd only to peanutbutter and chocolate in all it's various forms). Movies.
It’s been alleged that if you’ve seen over 85 movies you have no life. Mark the ones you’ve seen. There are 239 films on this list. Copy this list, go to your own blog, paste it in and put x’s by the ones that you have seen. Add them up, figure out whether you’ve got a life or not, and post it.(X) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(X) Grease
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean
(X) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest
() Boondock Saints
(X ) Fight Club
( X) Starsky and Hutch
( X) Neverending Story
(X) Blazing Saddles
(X) Airplane
(X) The Princess Bride
(X) AnchorMan
( X) Napoleon Dynamite
(X ) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) White Noise
( X) White Oleander
(X) Anger Management
(X) 50 First Dates
() The Princess Diaries
() The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
(X ) Scream
(X ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
( ) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
() Scary Movie 4
( ) American Pie
( ) American Pie 2
( ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
( X) Harry Potter 1
(X ) Harry Potter 2
( X) Harry Potter 3
(X ) Harry Potter 4
( ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
(X) The Wedding Singer
() Little Black Book
(X) The Village
( ) Lilo & Stitch
(X) Finding Nemo
(X) Finding Neverland
(X) Signs
(X ) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
() White Chicks
(X) Butterfly Effect
(X) 13 Going on 30
() I, Robot
() Robots
(X) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
() Universal Soldier
(X) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
(X) Along Came Polly
( ) Deep Impact
(X) KingPin
(X) Never Been Kissed
(X) Meet The Parents
(X) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
() Joe Dirt
( ) King Kong
( ) A Cinderella Story
(X) The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
(X) Dumb & Dumber
() Dumber & Dumberer
( ) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
(X) Halloween
(X) The Ring
(X) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving Christmas
( ) Flubber
( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
(X) Practical Magic
(X) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship
(X) From Hell
() Hellboy
(X) Secret Window
(X) I Am Sam
() The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards
() The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child’s Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky
( ) Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
( ) Gothika
(X) Nightmare on Elm Street
(X) Sixteen Candles
( ) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
( ) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
(X) The Mask
( ) Son Of The Mask
( ) Bad Boys
( ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
(X) Lucky Number Slevin
(X) Ocean’s Eleven
(X) Ocean’s Twelve
(X) Bourne Identity
(X) Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
( ) Predator I
( ) Predator II
( ) The Fog
(X) Ice Age
( ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George
(X) Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
(X) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
(X) E.T.
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
() Maid in Manhattan
( ) War of the Worlds
() Rush Hour
( ) Rush Hour 2
( ) Best Bet
(X) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
( ) She’s All That
() Calendar Girls
(X) Sideways
(X) Mars Attacks
(X) Event Horizon
(X) Ever After
(X) Wizard of Oz
(X) Forrest Gump
(X) Big Trouble in Little China
(X) The Terminator
(X) The Terminator 2
(X) The Terminator 3
(X) X-Men
(X) X-2
() X3
( ) Spider-Man
( ) Spider-Man 2
( ) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
(X) Catch Me If You Can
(X) The Little Mermaid
(X) Freaky Friday
( ) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
(X) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
() The Hot Chick
(X) Shrek
(X) Shrek 2
( ) Swimfan
(X) Miracle on 34th street
(X) Old School
( ) The Notebook
(X) K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf’s Tribe
() A Walk to Remember
( ) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
(X) The 40-year-old Virgin
(X) Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
(X) Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
(X) Lord of the Rings: Return Of the King
(X) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(X) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(X) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
( ) Base-ketball
( ) Hostel
(X) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
(X) Elf
() Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
(X) American History X
( ) Three
( ) The Jacket
( ) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer
( ) Night Watch
(X) Monsters Inc.
(X) Titanic
(X) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
( ) Shaun Of the Dead
(X) Willard
( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
( ) Hulk
( ) Dawn Of the Dead
(X) Hook
(X) Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
(X) 28 days later
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
(X) Waterworld
(X) Kill Bill Vol. 1
(X) Kill Bill Vol. 2
( ) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) the Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave
( ) The Last House on the Left
( ) Re-Animator
(X) Army of Darkness
(X) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(X) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
(X) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(X) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(X) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(X) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks: Caravan Of Courage
(X) Ewoks: The Battle For Endor
(X) The Matrix
(X) The Matrix: Reloaded
(X) The Matrix: Revolutions
( ) Animatrix
( ) Evil Dead
( ) Evil Dead 2
(X) Team America: World Police
(X) Red Dragon
(X) Silence of the Lambs
(X) Hannibal
Total: 124 movies out of 239. Apparently I do NOT have a life. Since I have seen over half of these films. You would kind of expect me to have more FO's wouldn't you? But then you are not taking into account one of my other vices - procrastination combined with a short attention span when it comes to projects!
ETA: Boo ya! The pattern is up. And boy it looks like something I would never have done - let the game begin. It is only 3:48 am --- don't worry I am not knitting yet, I just had to take Kira out and thought I would check!
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
Monday, February 19, 2007
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!
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
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Television Knitting
It is another crisp, clear day here on the West Coast. Took Kira for a run at the track. We also played a bit of fetch with a humongous stick of her choice.
Her version of fetch is to bring the stick 2-3 ft away from me and flop down to chew it for a few minutes. If I don't go retrieve the stick from her soon enough she loses interest. Fetch generally lasts 3-4 tosses with this one! She has the same attention span I bring to my knitting projects!
But tonight, tonight will be different. I plan to get a lot of knitting done.
24 begins with a 2hr premiere - as much as I mock it, and as often as I complete the lines before the actors - it can be good. There is something comforting about that ticking clock - but I do wish all the Palmers were dead! I'll give it a chance. Though I do hate when television shows dominate more than one evening in a row - seriously, 2 2hr premieres in 2 days?! FOX - could you be feeling a little desperate?
Then the 2nd Season of ROME premieres tonight!! This series is incredible, I can hardly wait to see Pullo and Lucius again. It is an odd experience seeing history as drama - knowing the ultimate end of the main players does detract on some level. This was the 1st time I ever felt truly badly for Caesar as he was murdered in the Senate - {boy was I glad they did not script in "Et tu Brute?". I even felt a little badly for Brutus - his mother is a hag!} His death was unexpectedly moving. Possibly influenced for my feelings for Ciaran Hinds as an actor? No, couldn't be. :-P
And then - the old standby - Desperate Housewives. So here we have it - a minimum of 4 hrs of knitting time today. Thank goodness I joined Runagogo - who knows what all this knitting and viewing could do to me otherwise!
Labels: Movies
Friday, December 01, 2006
Meanwhile...
I've been sick and we had this:
Kira loves the snow almost as much as I do!
It has actually stayed cold here this week so the snow has stayed. Of course I have been sick all week so I haven't been outside myself but Kira enjoyed it. I have felt a pressing need to watch homey, snowy, family movies. So I am sending my Mom out to pick up The Family Stone. I love that movie. My brother is planning to bring it for me when he comes over on the 21st but that is so far away...
To be continued...
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Cuteness Follows
Still no knitting pics - can't be bothered to get the camera out (talk about lazy Sunday!)
Lately I cannot stay focused on a project. I mean, don't get me wrong, I do have a habit of beginning things frenetically and then abandoning them when they take too long. But I mean, I am getting about 3 inches in and casting on for something new. What is that about?
I started crocheting this blanket today. I hadn't crocheted in about 2 years. This blanket suits me just fine since I don't really have to learn anything or follow a pattern. Plus I am using up all sorts of extra yarn bits. I am not sure if I can bring myself to use that many colours though. We'll see.
I have got to get cracking on a few things but in the meanwhile...I was wondering if maybe I used my dayplanner and scheduled projects in. Maybe that way I would see things through? Now if only I can find the blasted thing! Can you tell I am not big on schedules?
I recently started going back to the gym and that is seriously cut into my knitting time. However, the chick with the baby
and the double chin? That's me. How weird do you think it
would be to knit while on a stationary bike? Yeah. That's what I thought.
If I could just carry the little one around with me - doncha think he distracts from the double chin?
In other news: I watched Hard Candy today. I loved it. I laughed aloud - though it is dark and controversial. The subject matter may be sensitive for some. Sheesh I sound like a disclaimer. Really though. I almost reccommend it. But then, I don't know what kind of movies you like!
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Calendar Call
I finally got around to this post! Nearly the end of the month...but here it is.
2 work and one home calendar. November is not too shabby this time around. Some years are really bad. Of course March this year had the most stunning picture in the Real Estate Calendar. A tent pitched in the middle of this serene, mossy, green, tree filled forest clearing in the rain. Incredibly tranquil.
I went to see The Fountain tonight. Visually one of the most stunning films I have ever seen. Images of breath taking beauty. Incredible.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Sexy Back
This is one of the funniest things I have seen in a long, long time. I hadn't noticed how often they dance around on The Office.
Speaking of funny...I went to see Borat tonight. I was laughing so much I was crying. But there were a lot of times where I was covering my face. Some things I couldn't believe I was seeing and some things I did NOT want to see. That man has no limits! How he can not break character with some of the responses he gets? How he has the audacity to ask some of those questions? It is staggering.
I know I promised a knitting post but...I didn't knit once today! It is awful. I did however, work, have a meeting, do laundry, walk the dog, nap, workout @ the gym, see a movie, pick up my sister, read blogs, comment and then post here. So...better luck tomorrow?
Labels: Movies
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Time to Change
Stop washing your hair with shampoo!!
I read about this seeming radical change in personal grooming from Haley Alaska - just one of the tips I've gleaned there. Can such a small change lead to larger changes? Attempting to go shampoo free is one of many little choices I try to make to lessen the amount of chemicals in my body and home. So far I am 5 days in and my hair is actually curlier and much easier to manage. I am hoping this continues to be true. It feels good to do something relatively healthy for myself - if I can just stop hitting drive-thru's again! My non-existent waist would thank me!
Now I am going to leap from this little change to global change - I know what you're thinking: Did I just stumble upon a socio-political blog? It's called Knittnfool but...?
I just finished watching An Inconvenient Truth. Talk about food for thought - I have some personal reviewing to do in the next little while. If you haven't seen this film you really should. Its simplicity and clarity are remarkable. I found it upsetting during the film that there seemed to be no suggestions to combat global warming - wait for it. The closing credits are brilliant. And effectively motivating.
IN OTHER NEWS: I also watched The Illusionist today. ("Illusions, Dad. You don't have time for my Illusions.") Beautiful film. Annnnd I watched the orignial debut movie for Trailer Park Boys (who knew they were pet assassins?!) & the Conky episode {my 3rd favourite - the carts episode where Ricky keeps falling down the hill? and the gasbar where he falls with the patch on? Deadly funny. This glut of viewership let me knit about 4" of the baby blanket while I nursed my fever and sore throat.
It also let Kira do this:
Labels: Movies
Sunday, September 24, 2006
It's a boy!
Luc David Brubacher was born at 3:06 AM, Sunday, September 24th.
He weighs 7 lbs 9 oz and is 20" long.
Mom and baby are both healthy and happy!
In other news, Kira and I made the long trek into IKEA today. How long was the trek?
In human time? 2.5 hrs
Before we hit IKEA we went to visit my cousin Richard. Kira was delighted to see him. I am always amazed by her memory capacity. We were about 3 blocks from my Aunt's place and she started perking up. 1 block and she was whining and pawing at the window. Their block and she could hardly contain herself. The last time she was there with me was over 5 months ago.
This is her 10 minutes out from our own house after we met Luc at the hospital. (really it was not 'we', it was me - no dogs in the hospital)
She was groggy until I said "We're going to see Old Lady soon." I snapped this pic right after - try and tell me she is not smiling!
PS: Old Lady began as a joke since my Mom didn't like to be referred to as a dog's grandmother. Kira took to the nickname right away and now we use it all the time. It is not as disrespectful as it sounds. wink wink
Saturday, September 23, 2006
An Imminent Arrival...and Departure
My friend is in labour! How exciting!
We had been joking about risk of the GA Premiere kickstarting labour but she made it through. (She had another friend taping it at their place just in case - damned Thursday night overstacked tv schedules! Her vcr was already taping - why don't we have TIVO?)
Last night she rented a show and I went over after work.
Her pick: Hotel Rwanda.
My immediate reaction: "You want this baby to come by tomorrow, don't you?"
She went into labour early this morning and the baby should be here by the time I wake up tomorrow. That is wonderful. Pics will, of course, follow.
Now - Sock of Doom news. I love this pattern - could it be any easier? I have a minor concern that the sock will be loose on my target - that would really suck. When I was at the forum though my results matched others posted so...the sock will go on. I can totally see myself making more of these socks. That is how easy this pattern is. And so, so much faster than SS Socky III - no disrespect but he is one time/labour intensive project.
I predict that the Sock of Doom will not be here long...
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Summer is winding down.
And so am I! Yes. We are on the homestretch for Back To School. I think it is time - I think the kids do too. We are starting to drive each other mad.
In other news...I got a surprising amount of gardening done today. Planted a large number of perennials at work - including a new row of pink heather along a pathway.
Ugh - which reminds me of a horrifying incident since my last post, that has left me unable to enter my own garden yet. Let's just say it involved a pair of flip flops, a dead rat and Oscar-worthy screaming.
I finally, yes FINALLY sent off my last SP8 & OS Pal exchange packages. I know. Procrastinate much? I also sent off a little surprise to someone who shall remain nameless for the time being.
While watching a movie that "ain't no bank robbery!" I made a KTC project for Lolita. Cast on and cast off in the same day. Will wonders never cease? I guess that is what can happen if you are not using 2 mm dpns.
It has become much cooler at night and (yep - back to the title of the post! try and keep up with me now) it is getting dark by 9 PM. I can barely wait for the leaves to start changing and then for frost! I love Fall. It makes me want to read, read, read. Oh. And knit. I have noticed lately that my favourite things involve me 1) Being at home & 2) Sitting.
Labels: Movies
Monday, August 14, 2006
Success!
SS Socky III is half done!
That is to say....
I have made my first ever sock!
Many, many times I thought it would never end.
I am nearly in disbelief.
Now the thing is to begin again.
Perhaps knitting the sock the proper way...
No I don't think so.
I am going to knit the 2nd sock and then go back and fix the 1st.
You can see by the pics that it has a somewhat bulbous shape near the ankle.
Umm, uh-yeah. Apparently I am not quite as good at reading recipes as I thought I was.
I totally neglected to follow decreases with a plain knitting round.
So all of my decreases happened one after the other.
Which creates a lumpy stump of a sock. Such as the one pictured above.
Nonetheless I am quite pleased by my very first sock.
So much so that I might just go straight to bed and NOT finish watching the 3rd Matrix.
It took 2 Matrix's and 40 minutes of the 3rd to finsh SS Socky III.
How long til he has a mate?
You could ask the Oracle - if she wasn't deleted.
Saturday, August 05, 2006
There will never be a day
when I won't think of youuuu!It was her first time seeing it performed live so I was thrilled that it was so fabulous.
I have seen the Phantom more than once. It is my favourite musical - well, as a child Showboat was my favourite musical. I still sing a mean Old Man River when the mood strikes. I even taught myself to play After the Ball on the piano as a kid.
Actually some of my fondest memories are of my extended family watching old school Hollywood musicals in my Grandparents living room. Ohhhh I just remembered that my Uncle is waiting for me to drop our copy of the Music Man off...nicely done Michelle. We got trouble with a capital 'T'. I have not been able to remember anything all week.
Tell me I am not wickedly selfish but we are supposed to be taking our kids (work) camping next week and the weather forecast is calling for rain AND I am actually hoping it will rain and we can cancel. We have just had 2x the number of kids sign up than we were expecting. Ah well.
Maybe I should teach them some musical numbers around the campfire. They should totally love that! Quite a few of them saw the movie version of Phantom and said the same thing I did...ummm that Phantom was BEAUTIFUL! No need for him to hide behind a mask - until partway through the show when his hair turned white, thin and stuck straight up. BIZARRE.
I cannot post any pics of my current knitting as they are intended as gifts...perhaps after they are sent out.
Labels: Movies
Monday, May 22, 2006
The Agony...
minus the ecstasy.
I have had a long weekend filled with pain.
Brutal, relentless and exhausting.
A nerve has died in a tooth - or something
equally dreadful.
I spent an hour and a half in the ER
waiting room Saturday night reading
the depressing book to the right
and trying not to gag on the smell
of all the drunks keeping me
company.
I watched Return of The King and
knit about 8 rows - it is hard to knit
when you are in pain - I hadn't realized.
I worked in the garden for about 5 hours, got a sunburn on my back but it was worth it - the work either stopped the pain or helped me ignore it.
It is sitting down that brings it to the fore - so knitting, or reading or anything else I would dearly love to do after 3 nights with 4 or less hours of sleep.
So...the laundry is done, the living room is organized, the back yard is immaculate, the bathroom is cleaned (read sterile!), the hall closet is organized, the mail is organized, I made the most un-Martha topiary frame for my ivy out front and I started painting a wooden bird house.
I will try and take some pics of the garden later this week - I made 3 extensions to beds and filled my baskets (hanging etc.) plus put together a basket for my sister.
The cats have been confused by this whirlwind of activity - and Kira is exhausted - she gets up when I do (aside from the constant napping) and goes to bed when I do -- so she too has had about 12 hrs of sleep over the long weekend.
Speaking of cats - last night the patio door was open and I could hear this strangely familiar chirping sound getting louder and closer. As it approached the door I was thoroughly confused - I thought the squirrel was coming IN - then Majeeks scuttled in suspicioulsy low to the ground.
He had a hummingbird in his mouth - I screamed and he freaked out - which resulted in the bird flying back out the door, hopefully unharmed - and the cats were nervous all night.
You try to do something nice...like feed the birds, and what happens? Actually this year we have barely been able to keep the hummingbird feeder filled they are at it so constantly.
I have to buy a statue or something to place beneath the cedar hedge - that is where I caught Majeeks today, stalking the feeder - it is an ideal location for pouncing and you really can't see him, he just blends into the shadows.
Grey's Anatomy
Buttons
The Memory Keeper's Daughter
HP and the Philosopher's Stone
