Case of the Missing Sleeves

On March 18, 2008 the yellow cabled sweater was reported missing. Sources close to the sleeves stated YCS had a habit of staying out late, trying new stitches, and liked sleeping around with cats.

“It’s shameful,” Carbon commented “I don’t know how something could look so nice, but yet end up not being worked on.”

YCS pictured below follicking on the deck.


"Sleeves grow up so fast," Katia Mississippi 3 YCS' yarn said. "YCS simply misunderstood."

One theory is YCS ran away because it felt Navy Sock was getting all the attention. The knitter has been seen working on the socks everyday, while YCS was languished in timeout.

Another theory is the knitter didn’t like how the YCS was turning out and frogged it. Rumors spread quickly of how the knitter was looking for another pattern to knit up.

YCS is missed by it's relatives Shaker Sweater, Green Sweater, and Blue Sweater.

We may never know, there are a lot of loose ends.

Because I'm a Lemming....

Thanks Sandra:

What Jill Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you. You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries. You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Hmmm I think it's a bit confused.

Friday Catch Up

Friday. I don't know where to begin... How does Thursday mid-morning sound? It was about 1030 and the network went down. Picture IT people running around like chickens with their heads cut off. I offered to threaten it with my knitting to be helpful. (I was turned down.) It was amusing, until I realized I couldn't e-mail my post home. Crappy!

Thursday night was also the Brewer's meeting. I came home and took a nap so I wouldn't be so dead being up past 2000. Grilltech went to the meeting, I went and had dinner with the locusts*. We went to an all-you-can-eat place. I had two trips and finished up to knit. The locusts? They made many trips and an hour later was asking for more plates. I left after an hour because it was time to go meet up with Grilltech and possibly go home.

We made it home by 2100 and made it into bed by 2120. Did I sleep well? No, about every hour or so I would glance up at the clock to realize it had been an hour. 2330 was the last time I remember looking at the clock before the alarm went off at 0300. I got to work on time. And my second computer was still off the network. It was strange because I could tell work had been done, but I couldn't reach the network. After 45 minutes, I jump over to a co-worker's system and got going on work. About 0720 IT shows up, mind you I've been there three hours and it could have been ugly. I let them know what's going on and one comes over to see what's going on. About 15 minutes later, I'm up and running - a good thing - because the co-worker had shown up and needed his system to work. I managed to get everything I was going to get accomplished before I left for the day.

Called PerkyGoth and went to lunch because I was starving. Kommandant** was happy I took PerkyGoth off his hands so he could go game. We went to Barnes & Noble, by the time we left there, I was barely able to keep my eyes open. Once home I napped until Grilltech made it home. I read on Space Weather March 14 was PI day. I had to send PerkyGoth out to get PI. She came home with Mudd Pie. We supplied the pizza (pie). It was a good night.

Today, I'm off to teach how to make a sweater.

For some reason, this video makes me happy.



* The eldest and her family
** Perky's Husband

Yesterday's Post

I am so proud of me. Last night I decided I needed to add another row of braid in the middle of the sleeves to make the yellow go further. I couldn't remember how long the inseam needs to be, so I e-mailed MIL to ask. Instead of casting on for a sweater I've been thinking about making and purchased the yarn for, I worked on the afghan. Only completed ten plus rows, but it's going.

I've also decided, I didn't like how the biohazard symbol was turning out. I ripped back to the start of the heel, and have finished the gusset on the sock. There is the long trek to the toe, but the first sock will be completed soon. Tonight we're having dinner in a dim restaurant, so I'm starting another sock. (Navy yarn on Ebony needles. I won't be able to see a thing!)

Sabrina had been locked in the garage at some point in time yesterday. I know because threw up on the roof of my car. I noticed it this morning while getting into the car. I'm more then grateful, she didn't puke in the car because I had left the driver's side window down. And there are dusty paw prints on the door.

I'm starting to enjoy this early morning shift. Except for the going to bed at 2000 and getting up at 0300, that kinda sucks.

Because I'm a Lemming....

At least when I die, I'll know it was worth it.

I made lemonade

The best part about getting to work at 0400? I park right next to the front door. Sure I need to park at the other end of the parking lot and walk there, but I'm taking my perks, when and where I can. I also have four (FOUR!!) hours without co-workers. I'm almost in heaven.

Follow Through

My Olympic Afghan, take 2.


Grilltech's Biohazard sock. It's been in time out because I'm having issues with how the two color is turning out.


Second Ripples on the Beach sock. (Now completed.)


Sweater Sleeves.

I know...

I said I would post pictures. I was going to. Honest. No really. The Gnome kept me an 40 minutes after the end of my shift to tell me, I'm to start coming in at 0400. Which means I'll be going to bed at 0700 again. (sigh) We made it home by 1600, for an hour then took some friends out to dinner. Sunday is M's birthday. We're bringing cake to the shop. So PerkyGoth and I spent 1.5 hours going through the 200 dollar store. When it was all said and done. It was too dark to take pictures.

Tomorrow, I promise.

Let the Good Times Roll....

It never fails. I'll be waiting forever for my page to up date. While I'm waiting, I go try to read a blog. It comes up, before the blog I'm pulling up opens. It never fails. I have a ton of stuff I need to get done, now it's dragging. I want to scream. I want it to work right. Maybe it's face ripping time. No, not faces, but electron ripping time. I'll knit those electrons into something workable. I don't have fragging 20 minutes to wait around. (I'm thinking the database is going to crash and burn. Things will be fun.)

Second verse, same as the first. Day two of the database lagging. Its sad, a co-worker opened a ticket. The IT guys sent a reply stating it's working within parameters. Mind you, the e-mail was sent about four hours after the problem. It doesn't take a rocket scienetist to figure out what's going on. Update: it took 45 minutes to publish. They sent out an e-mail stating intermediate connectivity issues. Oh please. it's more then intermediate issues. The thing isn't working. I think I should threaten them with knitting.

I've started the sweater. I have found someone who has the same wrist (not waist) size as I need. I'm debating if I should post pictures. That would involve going out side, and the day star burns. it burns! What the heck, I'll post my wips. Should be a lot of fun, tomorrow.

Because I'm lazy

How will I die? Your Result: You will die while having sex.   Your last moments in this life will be enjoyable indeed...hopefully. Do not fear sex. Try not to become celibate as a way of escaping death. You cannot run from destiny.
You will die in a car accident.
You will die from a terminal illness.
You will die in a nuclear holocaust.
You will be murdered.
You will die while saving someone's life.
You will die in your sleep.
You will die of boredom.
How will I die? Create a Quiz

I'm sure the MIL enjoys reading that...

A Corporate Fable or the Tale of a Drone...

Once upon a time, there was a large field filled with many beautiful flowers. There were many hives full of bees around the field who tended the flowers and made honey. The bees were always buzzing back and forth; honey flowed freely and life was good.

Until one day, a royal bee noticed not all the bees of his hive were making honey or even flying. The royal bee asked other royal bees and found their hives had ways of tracking what their worker drones did. So it was decreed his drones would be use the same system as the other hives.

Now the watcher drones of the hive are very unhappy. They begun buzzing loudly, flapping their wings, and wagging their antenna about the unfairness of new system. After all, their drones had more important things to do then push buttons or hum in a different direction of the field.

Watcher drones clashed with worker drones of different hives. Wings were bent, antenna broken, and pride was at stake. In other words, it was ugly.

After weeks (okay it was a week), our watcher drone talked their royal drone. Then a worker drone was assigned to work with the royal drone to make it easier for the new hive.

Now this worker drone is a bit confused. Why did the other hive join the collective if they don’t want to gather nectar and make honey with the other bees? The drone wondered if the killer bees would be willing to come and take over the hive to make its bean counting life easier. Alas, it won't know more until Monday.

And now for something completely different: (thanks Grilltech)

What kind of Star Trekkie are you? Your Result: You are a Vulcan or an android. Your intellegence, and opinions are excepted everywhere. You believe in logic above all else. You are normally in a second in command position. This does not matter, for you are not prone to ambition, or any emotion for that matter. You do not understand other races thought patterns at times, making you seperated from those around you.
Klingon
Captain
Omnipotent being
Red shirt
What kind of Star Trekkie are you?

I'm Still Knitting

Today is better. I have no overwhelming desire to rip people's faces off. I can't speak for tomorrow, but today life is tolerable.

No major project going on. Well, not completely true. I'm working on an afghan. My Olympic afghan to be exact. I didn't like how it was turning out when I first tried. I kept knitting two colors together, which produced a lovely line at the meeting place. But it was only four blocks wide. When I joined blocks together, the line wasn't there. I sewed up the blocks and called it good. Now I'm back to knitting just single strips. I change colors, but they'll be one block wide. I'm knitting two of them at the same time. One in each color. I'm starting to get excited about it again now.

I'm still working away on the second ripples on the beach sock. The second one is coming a bit faster. The second one always seems to knit up faster.

I meant to have a picture of the white sweater. But... (yeah, theres always a but) when Grilltech pulled the disk out, it wasn't on there. (sigh)

But it's over now...

Ever have one of those days? Yeah, me too. Overslept by fifteen minutes. Couldn't find my purse. (Has my badge, wouldn't be able to get through the doors or be able to log onto the network.) Only to realize, it had left it in the trunk. After spending fifteen minutes of frantic searching. On the plus side, we were only five minutes late to work. My hands were so cold this morning, they were turning blue. (Just the finger tips.) Thankfully it's now warmed up.

I haven't started a new major project. I did finish a baby sweater the Eldest started. I gave it to her Thursday night. She didn't want to put it on Baby Bird, because it might get ruined. I pointed out, it's acrylic, it' won't get ruined. So she was happy. They came over on Sunday and Baby Bird was wearing a sweater I had knitted for a two year old. She kept getting lost in the thing. After the third time, her shirt was changed.

Struggling

I'm struggling to blog. Not sure if its the weather, becoming warmer so I'd rather be doing something else. It's not knitting either. Ice Queen is <> this close to being done. I had bound off, it was too tight. So I'm frogging the binding to try again, not real exciting.

Can't promise I'll do better, but I'll work on it. (Because there is no try, there is only do.)

It's been a while

Things have been a bit crazy at work. Really can't say much has changed, because it hasn't. So instead of boring you to tears, I'll post pictures of Grilltech's sweater.






It's been cut down, and worn. It's a warm one. I might be able to get another month out of it, if I'm lucky.

It's been a day

I'm in hell. Saturday night, I chipped a tooth flossing. Flossing! I have a dentist appointment on Tuesday, so it will be taken care of soon(tm). I have a regular doctor's appointment in the afternoon, since the sinus headache is coming back. I'll be glad when the sick winter season is over.

On the plus side, I finished Grilltech's Shaker Sweater Sunday night. (I'm in hell, remember?) The sleeves are eight inches too long. Of course they are. The only thing I can figure out is I didn't decrease often enough when the sleeves were attached. So I'll be cutting back seven inches and binding off to make them shorter. Four years ago, I wouldn't even had such a thought in my head. I would have ripped the whole yoke back and put the naughty sweater in time out. Last night, when the thought popped into my head I didn't break into a cold sweat.

With the Shaker Sweater out of the way, I'll now have more time to knit on Ice Queen. And start thinking about my next big project.

Rock Star

Thanks Mr. Shife for giving me the idea of joining a band. Our first album comes out soon(tm).

Just follow these simple directions to come up with your own imaginary band's first album cover and title

1. Random
The random article title is the name of your band.

2. Quote
The last four words of the very last quote is your album name.

3. Picture
The third picture, no matter what it is, is your album cover.


Band Name: Badidhiffusheefinolhu (I couldn’t even make up something that good.)

Album Name: Busy Making Other Plans.

Album cover:

No comment...

About six months ago, I got a new computer. It came with a crappy OS called Vista. Maybe you've heard about it and how much it really sucks. Believe me, it sucked. When the computer first showed up, Grilltech tried to load XP. No matter the struggle, he couldn't get it load. Something about the hard drive didn't like XP, wouldn't recognize it. (I love the commerical with PC who had the PR lady and Mac, talking about how people "upgrading to an older more familair experience".)

Last night, after fighting with Vista and my palm, I turned to Grilltech and demanded he get XP on my system. The faster he gets it done, the happier he'll be. (After all, men can be happy or right.) In morning we went out to breakfast, by 1100 PerkyGoth and I was at the LYS. He called me at 1330, asking me what I wanted for a password. He's such a good husband. By 1800 he had all the updates done and most of my normal software loaded. Guess I'd better be nice to him, since he wanted to be happy.

Note: when handed a glass of homemade mead and he says it's fizzing, it might be infected. Don't look at him as if he's trying to poison you. Smile and tell him how good it tastes, because it is good.

Gear Head?

Across the country, it is super Tuesday. Idaho doesn't vote until May. I must say I haven't done any research, as to who I was going to vote for. Thankfully, there is a candidate that truly understands my plight. I'm voting for Dolores. That's right, Dolores. Her second campaign promise alone would be enough to get Grilltech to vote for her as well.

Not much knitting last night, I finished the half round then began sewing. It now looks like a sweater now. Tonight's project is Ice Queen. I might get it finished soon. Before winter is over even. One can dream. (I know Mr. Shife's dream is for the snow to go away or have his balls shaved. Not sure which is more pressing.)

And now for something completely different: (from Leyna)

Are you a

Gear Head Hey, you really know your stuff!

How do you compare? Take this test! | Tests from Testriffic

Slow Knits

Looks like we're getting a break from the snowy weather for two days. As of this moment, the driveway is clear. The parking lot is still a mess, but only in patches. The super bowl was watched while knitting on Grilltech's sweater. I'm about one (or two) round away from sewing up the sleeves. Then it will be a real honest to goodness sweater, instead of the mass of sides. It's heavy, if I'm sitting in a chair with any kind of slant, it tries to slide off. I also worked on Ice Queen. I'm maybe about half way completed. The yarn I'm using is so soft, it makes the Karaoke feel like a brillo pad.

And now for something completely different: (from the Samurai Knitter)

Your Pirate Name Is...

Black Mistress of Death

What's Your Pirate Name?

WIP Post

Last night I grabbed a picture of Grilltech's Shaker Sweater before I sewed up the seams. It's not centered or pretty, because it was pitch black when I took the picture.















Close up of the stitch.

Quick and Dirty

60 words

Touch Typing online

A Short One

It has been snowing most of the day here. The small tiny malformed flakes that rarely stick anything but each other. Flakes that are easily blown to pile up into large drifts. Drifts that form anywhere the wind is blocked. Which can cause problems for the connector, which has been closed, because it is nothing but concrete and it's pretty slick because of the drifting snow.

Not much in the way of knitting news. I was going to work on Grilltech's sweater, but PerkyGoth and Gamer (hubby) came over and sat where I was going to work. So I had to play crack instead. Played for about an hour before it was bed time. So who knows, I might be able to knit tonight.

It's done

I shoveled the drive way last night. By the end, I was dying, but it was done. (Mostly.) Between 1700 and 1830, it started snowing again, this morning we had another inch. Of course. Today is suppose to be somewhere between sunny and rainy. Hopefully the driveway will be clear by the time we get home today. (I don't want to shovel again.)

We have to go to the DMV today, because someone (Grilltech, Grilltech) let their drivers license expire and get a ticket. Good thing I have my sock to entertain myself while we wait in line. It’s the second to the last day of the month, I have a feeling it will be busy. Someone (Grilltech, Grilltech) is banking the snowy conditions will keep everyone else home. I can only hope.

Grilltech's is it 20 inches yet?! sweater is coming along. I've done a total of 3 decreases. I think the name has changed from is it 20 inches yet?! to is it the end of the row yet?!. I'm almost to the point where I can sew up the seams and it will be a sweater. (Mostly.)

The trip to the DMV went fast! He went in to start the waiting process. I stopped at the hot dog stand to get a hot chocolate to drink. It took the nice lady behind the counter all of two minutes to make my drink. I walked in and found Grilltech paying for the license. The longest wait was the lady taking pictures. I did get .75 of a round done on the sock.

Feeling Better

Driving on Snow

Saturday I finished a hat for a co-worker. I handed him a hat I had made for Grilltech (a swatch), he loved it. He showed his family and from what I understand his MIL wanted one "exactly like his". It's not quite exactly, but close. The three days I was home sick, I worked on the hat. Chiefly because it was small and I needed something I could see results on.











Yesterday, it rained most of the day melting off the snow. This morning, we woke up to two inches of snow. Nothing but sheets of ice on the roads. I drove ten MPH slower then normal (which really means 15 MPH because I usually drive five over). We're out at 0530 and there are idiots tailgating. (Yes, that four wheel drive does allow you to do all sorts of fun driving on the snow, but it doesn't help you stop, dumbass.)

I think she's asking for it...

PerkyGoth and I was walking out to her car. She said, don't fall and break your hip. I'm not that old. (sigh)

Today is my dad's birthday. He really liked the socks, said they're toasty while he shoveled snow. I let him know I needed pictures of them.

Because I’m a Lemming

I’m home sick again today, still recovering. (I do feel better.) I’m a bit behind on reading of blogs, because you know, (crack) Guild Wars, knitting and napping. I read Crazy Aunt Purl, and how she feels like something is sitting on her chest. (Not that I’m bitter or anything, but I wonder if she had to have an EKG.)

I’m dodging going through the (piles of) mail, so I’m reading blogs. Franklin* was talking about his new knitting toy Pattern Tamers. I checked out the store and ended up buying one. I currently use Post It Notes to mark my spot. I’ll let you guys know how they work out.

Mail has been sorted. Huge pile which needs to be taken into work and shredded. Smaller pile of mail which needs to be opened and paid. Paydays make me feel rich, until the bills are paid. How can we be broke so soon?

I meant to get pictures of Dad’s birthday socks, but it didn’t happen. I grabbed the camera, flipped it on and wouldn’t you know it? The disk was in Grilltech’s laptop. I was formatting the disk when the battery died. Dad beat me to the house and took his prize home. I might be able to get pictures later. (If Grilltech remembers to put the disk back when he’s done.)

Click on over to iUniverse and check out Amy’s new book. (And tell her how much it doesn’t suck.)


* Funny how I throw names around, as if I know him. I guess I do, because I read his blog.

Does this make me high maintenance?

I made it to work today, for all over 1.5 hours. Walking across the building to go chat with a supervisor let me breathless. So off to the doc-in-a-box we go. (Grilltech was being thoughtful and drove me. I think it has something to do with he didn’t want me to come get him this afternoon.) Anyway, we get there and they ask all the usual questions. What are we seeing you for? I’ve got the crud. Explain. It feels like someone is sitting on my chest, my throat hurts, and my head hurts. Your chest hurts? Yes. At this point in time, anything else I say is brushed aside, with the “OMG, your having a heart attack.” They check my oxygen levels, a bit low. The doctor comes in and listens to my breathing. It’s clear. He leaves and the nurse comes back with the doctor wants you to have an EKG. I don’t need one, it’s not my heart, it’s a cold. You should have one, because you might be wrong. Fine. (You know the fine, I’m talking about.) Sure enough it’s normal. Nurse comes back; the doctor wants you to have a chest X-ray. NO. Uhh Okay.

At this point, I’m crying because I don’t feel well and I’m frustrated because they’re not listening. I was thinking about walking out the door, but didn’t because it would have been counterproductive. Doctor comes back, while I’m crying. Lovely. He tries to talk me into a chest X-ray. I’m not buying it. (Grilltech pointed out, it would prove its bronchus or something else. I still didn’t buy it.) I told the doctor, I troubleshoot computers. I understand what you’re doing, you’re trying to figure out what’s wrong. But your not listening to what I’m saying. You’ve gone completely down a path that was unrelated and I’m frustrated. (I hate the shotgun method of troubleshooting, and that's what the doctor was doing.)

So he checks me out. Sure enough, sinus infection. (Three weeks of sinus headaches, should have came in sooner, okay so I'm a dumbass.) He still thinks I need a chest X-ray. Fine, if the medication doesn’t work by Monday I’ll have the X-ray done. He’s unhappy because it could be a blood clot in the lungs and that’s life threatening. At the end, he’s telling me how frustrated he gets because people don’t listen to him. I understand that, high maintenance people come in and demand to be taken care of. (Hey, he’s talking about me….)

I’m home with antibiotics, Mucinex, nose spray and my knitting. Gosh, hope I feel better before Monday.

Its Monday, oh wait...

Another glorious day in the corps. The best thing of the day? It's going so fast. One of today's voice mails was one of those automated "please call X about your bill". Yeah, it was deleted. I get to listen to some of the most off the wall messages. "This is the sheriff’s department with a message for..." and the not so fun "I'm not coming in today because I've been up throwing up all night..." (That's one of the better ones. Sometimes the people get really descriptive. Really.)

Anyway, I've started Ripples on the Beach again. I'm stalling on the Bio Hazard ones. I'm not overly thrilled at the stranding that’s going on, so they might be ripped back. I stopped off at the LYS, to pickup Dad's other sock. I'll be able to get the toes going. Not enough to knit on here at work. I'll have them done by Wednesday or maybe on Wednesday evening. Who knows?

Knit faster

Last night I woke up about 0400, (I'm guessing, I didn't bother to look at the clock) and looked out the window. The sky was a lovely shade of purple. It must have been snowing at that point in time, because we woke up to about two inches of snow. Grilltech shoveled my side of the drive way this morning, now his arm is sore.

I've almost finished Dad's socks. Note the almost. I've ran out of yarn, about an inch away from the second toe. I've put the (bleeping) sock down while I figure out what I'm going to do. I can't go pick up another skein, because it's $$. I'm thinking I may see if I can take apart another skein that's a different weight. It may save my life, because otherwise I'm going end up doing different colored toes. I'll have to knit from the first sock, until their both the same length. It's my own fault for using such a specialized yarn.

I've finished a couple of rows on Grilltech's sweater. It's still not twenty inches, but it's getting there. Ice Queen is coming along. I put it down other projects and knit a couple of rows for me. It's nice. Can't wait until it's finished, because it's soft!

Hope everyone had a happy weekend. I'm having one that is one day longer then normal. Thanks MLK!

Remind me why

Thursday was a lot of fun. Went to the dentist for a cleaning. I ended up having to wait, which gave me plenty of time to knit. While walking into the building, I saw two robins huddled in barren branches. Its the middle of January, they shouldn't be here.

I made it down to the LYS about noon. Stayed until 1530. Made twenty bucks. I know, usually I leave with less money, not more! I taught two ladies how to do a provisional cast on and short row toes. All because she wanted to knit toe-up socks and she was commenting how much trouble her daughter had with it. She hoped she wouldn't have the same problem, yadda, yadda, yadda. So I suggested we go over to the table and I teach her the provisional way. About 1/3 of the way through, her mother decided she wanted to learn. Comments like "What do short row do?" and "Are you sure?" and "I hate this" and "why are we doing this again?" Made me want to tear my hair out. Remind me why I teach knitters again?

Anyway I finished Dad's first sock. I'm frantically knitting the second one because his birthday is next Friday. (Knit faster, faster!!) I should have it done if I don't work on Grilltech's sweater.

...and now for something completely different: (Thanks Sandra)

You paid attention during 74% of high school!

68-84% Pretty good, you know that there are libraries and newspapers, and you remember what you've read. You were a child that wasn't left behind!

Do you deserve your high school diploma?
Create a Quiz

The Friday That Wasn't

Today, I commented to the Yarn Harlot. That's big, really BIG. Sure, Amy posts to her all the time, but me? Not so much.

I started on Ice Queen last night. Completed several rounds. Almost to the first bead round. It's going a bit easier working on the 16" circular, then DPNS. I don't care for the 16", but it's getting the job done. I may have to change my opinion.

Here at the datamine, we're having connectivity issues. Mailbox is up, down, up, down. I'm not getting paid enough for the roller coaster ride. On the plus side, I'm not in the NOC (Network Operations Center) scrambling to try and fix the issue. I went on break and was sitting next to one of my friends. We was shooting the breeze for about 15 minutes. Her supervisor was making copies and finally commented, I was bothering his agent. We both looked up and said, the mail server is down. He nodded, then went away. Guess this means, I'll need to keep my head down, when I'm in his bay.

I think I'm loosing my mind. I was right in the middle of doing "something" and I forgot what I had been working on. I go to start doing data entry, start freaking out; because Tuesday's schedule is missing from the person I was looking at. Only to realize, I was in the wrong week. I'm so (bleeping) happy the day is mostly over. (Mostly) On the plus side, I've got tomorrow off. I’ll go to the dentist then go knit at the LYS.

Stuff I missed.... and a Me-Me

Wow. I missed my two year blogiversary and 300th post. I'm doing well this year. On the plus side, Grilltech's (is it 20 inches yet?) Sweater is coming along. I've got about ten inches done, give or take.

I knit in meetings openly. Since my hands are busy, I can pay attention to the speaker(s). Instead of how uncomfortable the chairs are, why is he droning on and on, can't he shut-up already? Type of things. About a year ago, I was told I couldn't knit at my desk. Some people threw a tizzy over the whole thing. I now have a new boss, who knows I pay attention and produce. (Which really is the bottom line.)

A me-me I stole from Emicat:

1. If you could change your name what would it be? My alternate name is Saren. I think it's beautiful and at times I think I'm beautiful as well or so Grilltech says I am. Remember the (bleeping) nursery rhyme Jack and Jill? I can tell you pretty much any version of it. I loathe it with the brilliance of a thousand suns.

2. Describe a time you've gone overboard. Not going there.

3. What are you presently wearing? Slip on shoes, hand made socks, dress pants (dark purple), 3/4th sleeved V-neck shirt (mauve), and my jacket. It's cold in here.

4. Who can you never please? I've given up trying to please others, and I'm such a disappointment to myself at times. I'd have to say: myself. There are some area's I excel: knitting, cooking, and problem solving. There are some areas that I fall down: cleaning, exercising, and follow through sometimes.

5. What do you wait for? The end of projects. The long haul of the body on sweaters really makes me crazy at times. Beer: Meade and Lambic are two of the longer fermenting drinks, they can take up to a year. But they are worth the wait.

6. How did you learn about the birds and the bees? I learned out back of a skating rink with a guy who was five years older then me. We didn’t go all the way, but it was close. Then I learned more in 9th grade biology.

7. Is it easy to be you? You bet. I wouldn't want to be me if it was hard. It's not always easy living with me, but Grilltech manages. (I think it's the socks and sweaters.)

On Ripping

I told you guys I was going to rip back the Ripples on the Beach sock. As of Saturday afternoon, it's sitting in two 1.5 ounce balls, waiting for me to start again. I'm too depressed to start over, so they're in the void waiting to be called forth. I started the Ice Queen on Sunday night. You’ll never guess what needs to be ripped back, yep Ice Queen. I doubt this project will be lost to the void. It's a fast knit, if done right. I've been putting beads every place there is a B on the chart, instead of the indicated rounds. I could say it's good practice, but it's not.

I've finished the first body section on Grilltech's (Do you think it's twenty inches yet?) sweater. So I started the new one on Friday night. I held it up to Grilltech, with only two rows completed. He said, what happened? PerkyGoth pipes up "she had to rip back to the beginning." The expression of what?! on his face was funny. She went onto say, "if she had ripped back, do you think she'd be calm?" Then we laughed at him and told him it was part two. Anyway, I'm about six inches into the second part of the body.

Today, the student needs help working short rows for neck shaping. I guess she doesn't understand, knit to X, turn, and knit to Y, turn. Add five to X, turn. Add five to Y, turn, go back to knitting in the round. (Does this make me sound bitchy?)

...and now for something completely different: (Thanks Amy)

Take the Quiz here!

A day at the Grind

I'm in hell, it's as simple as that. Hell. I forgot to bring lunches for Grilltech and I today. I'm unable to log into the phone server. Looks like I'll need to get my password reset. (Ask me if I remember the (bleeping) password to log on to get that done!?) On the plus side, I'm having to reskill, so I have plenty of reading time.

I'm about half through gusset on Dad's sock. We had a department meeting yesterday, so I knitted through it. A good thing or I would have been twitching all over the place. (Finished the heel flap, turned the heel, and started the gusset.) Anyway, made another two inches on the sweater. Every row helps. Tonight I'm going over the student's house to get her started on the yoke of her sweater.

Last night, D called she's going to surgery today to have her gall bladder removed. She'll be staying at C's house to have some help while she recovers.

Winter Blah

It's January. (Errr Knittech, tell us something we don't know.) I'm restless and don't want to work on the projects I have in process. I haven't started knitting anything new, but I have started prepping for it, Ice Queen here I come. Anyway, last night I measured the Shaker body. I’m only at 13.5 inches, 6.5 away from the end. I need to either knit more or faster, haven't decided which yet. What is the most depressing part of the sweater? Once I have this section done, I have another one to go.

Wednesday afternoon was nice. It cleared up and melted most of the ice in the parking lot. There are patches here and there, but for the most part it's done. This morning's drive was in fine falling snow. Enough of a dusting when driven over, it leaves a wake of twisted, blowing snow on the road. The parking lot had the same light dusting of snow, enough to be able to tell where the icy patches are located.

I think I've found a good recipe for Beef Stroganoff. I'll need to try it soon, because I really like the dish.

Of Course....

I'm working away on the Ripples on the Beach sock, and a nagging little voice keeps whispering, I think those are going to be too small. Being the determined person I am, I kept knitting. Because it can't be that tight. I finish the leg and heel, I'm about 1/2 an inch away from the toe. I have PerkyGoth try on the sock. My little voice was right. Its way to tight. Le Sigh. So I've put it in time out while I figure out how to make it a bit wider.









Pattern is as follows: K2, YO, K3, SSK, K2tog, K3, YO, K2 (you can find the full pattern on knitty)

• Option A: Add one stitch at the beginning and end of the needle so the K2 becomes a K3. Which makes the knit area's a bit wider.


• Option B: Add one stitch after the first YO and before the last YO. Which makes the ripple area bigger.


• Option C: Add both stitches.


• Option D: Add one whole repeat, instead of an even four, there will be five. Not so crazy about that idea.

I'll take it down to the shop and pull out the skein's guts and weigh it so I'll have two balls of equal size. Instead of trying to wind a ball from the half knit sock.

In the mean time, I've pulled out Dad's buffalo sock. I didn't like how it was turning out on size 1's. So I pulled out the 2's and ripped back. The fabric is now flexible and soft, instead of stiff. These socks should fly off the needles. I knitted through the weekly conference call. I had to do something to keep my sanity. I was leading it, and talked like a used car salesman. (Slick baby, slick.)


It's snowing again today. Instead of the powdery flakes, it's the little its-too-cold-to-form-regular flakes. People said, it was blowing over the road when they came in and looked really beautiful drifting about. I got home, it was time to shovel the drive way. I know, I had said, Grilltech was going to have to do it, but he wasn't home yet. I finished, then what happens? Of course, it starts snowing again.

Weekend Update

Saturday was PerkyGoth's first spinning lesson. She loved it. The wheel was acting up, but she worked through it and produced a hank of chunky yarn. It needs to be washed and weighted, but it's hers. They sent her home some different rovings to try. I sent her home with some leftovers I had. I still have two hiding in the yarn room, which will wait until she's a bit better.

I worked on the Shaker sweater, while PerkyGoth was spinning. I kept holding it up and asking if it was 20 inches yet. It wasn't anywhere near 20 inches. I think I'm about twelve now, the end is in sight. Paranoia about running out of yarn is beginning to set in. I'm sure I have enough. Really? Then why so paranoid?

Saturday night, Grilltech and I went to a friend's house for a I'm getting kicked out of the place party. It was nice to get out of the house and meet new people. I learned a knew game called Uker. (It goes pretty quick and I had a hard time wrapping my head around, must get all the tricks, not the trumps.) While we was there, red-headed Jen said it was trying to snow, more like spitting. When we left at 2300, it was semi-clear and stars were twinkling. When we woke up on Sunday morning, there was 1.5 inches of snow! Where did that come from?

Monday is starting off with a bang. East coast co-worker called in late. I didn't realize she wasn't in, so I waited until my normal time to log in. Trying to reskill now, but since I'm not on the east coast server, it isn't working. Will have to do it by hand. Co-worker called, said the reskill didn't go right. Having to do it again. Bummer.

Day is mostly over. Good thing. Its been said, the snow is now melting as fast as it fell. Another good thing. Overall, it was a good day. I'll even get to knit more on the Ripples on the Beach sock.

Stupid Network

It happened yesterday at 1615. I got my invite to Ravelry. I didn't even sign up for it, Printtech PerkyGoth did it for me. I've read quite a bit over the community about how wonderful Ravelry is. I do agree, it's pretty kewl. But, (there is always a but...) I don't like the fact I have to post my pictures to flicker. I shouldn't make that big of a deal out of it, because if someone else wants to host my stuff, that's fine. Just haven't gotten around to setting up an account yet.

Anyway, I went home sick yesterday at 0800. Spent most of the day knitting and not doing much else. By 1500 I could not keep my eyes open, so I crawled into bed. When Grilltech got home, he woke me up. Nice little nap. Today I do feel a bit better, not by much, but a bit. It seems its a good thing I did come in to work, my other co-worker isn't in yet. Another morning of reskilling and reading. (I'm a good team player. Stop laughing, I am!) The co-worker just called, she won't be making it in. She sounds pretty bad. Hers is in the throat, mine is in the sinuses. Thankfully, she's 3000 miles away and we can't share.

It seems the network is also sick. One server is down on the east coast, now my mail server on the west coast is acting up. Seems I'll need to threaten it with my knitting. It hates me, that's all there is to it. Or it really likes me, and knows I really don't want to work. It's all in the spin.

First Post of the Year

Three days into the New Year and I'm slacking. The act of crawling out of bed takes all my will power. It's a new year that means I have sick time again. Right? Guess not, because I'm here at work. In less then three months, it will be spring. I won't feel so cold and crabby all the time. I'll be warm and crabby, a better deal in my mind.

Believe it or not, but I haven't been feverishly knitting. Instead, I've been reading the rather largish pile of books. It's nice to do something different. I haven't stopped knitting, just slowed down on it. This cold weather has my hands hurting, so knitting for long periods is out. Yes, I should make my fingerless mitts, but that requires I knit. Catch 22.

My New Years Resolution: To come up with titles for my posts this year, instead of dates.

Last Post of the Year

On Saturday I completed My's sock - okay, it was really late Friday night - I go hunting for some left over yarn I know I have. Only I'm unable to find it. I checked all the usual places I put yarn with no luck. I even pulled out all the skeins and put them away according to use. I have a drawer full of sock yarn. And I do mean full. I started yet another pair of socks. I'm using my new bronze needles. I'm loving them. They are a bit heavier then the bamboos. The swirls do their job well. I demonstrated at the LYS, by holding one needle and shaking it. The sock didn't. move. one. bit. The ladies (and Grilltech) were quite impressed.

I finished the sleeves on the shaker sweater. If anyone is interested in test knitting the pattern, please e-mail me at knittech AT nytecode DOT com. I'll send you the pattern in a word document along with convoluted directions of how to resize the sweater from a child's to an adult. The only thing I ask is if there is any questionable parts (IE you don't understand) to let me know so I can get it cleaned up.

Friday, December 28th

I'm off to a good start today. It's snowing and very slick out there. I fishtailed a few times on the drive to work. Two of the co-workers called in sick, so it's just me. I'm already behind. On the plus side, the morning reskill gives me a few minutes to read. Guess today will make up for Wednesday's slowness.

I made it home and enjoyed shoveling the drive way. Tomorrow Grilltech gets to do shovel, because we're suppose to get more tonight.

My's socks should be done today, Saturday at the latest. I'm using Berroco Sox 1422 yarn. The color is amazing. Grilltech stated he'd be willing to wear a pair of socks made in the color way. The problem? I'm not even half way through the skein and I've found two knots. I'm not pleased. I have a very low tolerance for knots.

Thursday, December 27th

Today, I remembered my badge, but dribbled syrup down the front of my shirt. (Yeah, it ain't a meal unless I'm wearing some of it on my shirt.) The day is going pretty okay. Thankfully it's a short week. I've put in vacation requests for next year already. Most of it will be in the last part of the year. I'll need to put in some early months requests to balance the year out.

You can head over to Grilltech's blog and see a picture of Baby Bird and see what we had for dinner. I've got it rough, I know.

I've started My's second sock. Thankfully it's a quick knit. I'm going to get Grilltech's sweater going this weekend. Less then an inch to go on the sleeves, then it's onto the body. It goes fast, when I work on it.


Anyway, it's been a while since I've finished the (damn) shawl. The camera has finally been charged, so here is a photo of it. It's been steamed to open it up quite a bit, but not blocked. Will block it properly later.

Wednesday, December 26th

I'm here at work, pretending. I should be working, but after six days off, let's face it. I don't want to. I drove all the way to work this morning. Only to realize I left my badge at home. Which only made me 30 minutes late. I forgot my new password to log onto the global network. After six days, wouldn't you forget your newly changed password as well? After another 30 minutes, I was able to remember it. After I had locked my account. I'm so pleased to be at work today. On the plus side, I did remember my lunch, head and how to do my job. So in the long run, it's a good day.

Christmas was nice. It was mostly Grilltech and I. Mr. Sota (the crack dealer) came over and we did Guild Wars most of the day. Grilltech started a Lambic brewing and made Prime Rib, while we played the day away. Grilltech is such a sweetheart or as Mr. Sota kept saying, Grilltech, you're such an adult... Meanwhile, we kept killing things.

I made Mr. Sota a pair of socks for his (belated) birthday. I made sure to point out, the socks were a birthday present. I didn't knit any Christmas presents this year. Mostly won't knit any next year either. It will be all birthday presents.

Anyway, I did get several lovely knitting related presents. MIL sent a swift (ooohh). Rosewood needles size 1, they glow! She also sent the bronze (bronze!!) size 1's. I'm hurrying to finish what I have on the needles so I can knit with them!! (There is more, I'll get to them later.)

Wednesday, December 12th

Did you guys hear that last night? It happened at exactly 1818. I'm not sure if it was a SWEEEEEEEEEEE or fi-an-LY!!. The (damn) shawl is off the needles. Did I say that right?! The (damn) shawl is off the needles!! Better. It still need to be blocked but the hard part is done. Grilltech is happy, because now I can work on his sweater.

Remember me bitching yesterday about sitting at a grey screen for 1.5 hours? I called it in at 1200. I then had someone else log in for me so I could work. At 1430, the whole database is locked up. No one in North America can use the system. IT does their trouble shooting, find a "couple of users had datalocked". (Hmmm didn't I say locked up? At noon!) Today I turned to BBQer and said, be nice to me or I'll lock the system up again. (Because I have that kind of power.)

Tuesday, December 11th

I am beat. Been fending off the crud that's been going around, but I'm slowing. The sinus headaches have begun to decline, but they're still lurking around. I could use more sleep. Thankfully tonight I can get to bed early. I've started the heel for Grilltech's new sock. It's going to be slightly different then the usual slip stitch. I'll show a picture when it gets finished. I've almost finished the (damn) shawl. I've been trying it on when I finish knitting for the night.

I've been sitting at a gray screen for the past hour. Soon as I get off the weekly conference call, I'll need to call IT and figure out why it's not working. Stupid database.

FO Friday, December 7th

I managed to finish up two projects this week. Granted they are small, but done! I started a sock for Grilltech. Navy blue on ebony needles. I can't see the stitches in dimly lit areas.



First up is my anniversary socks. Different color then Grilltech's, but the same pattern. Pretty easy to do when it's stuck in my head.

















Second is mitts for the co-worker. They originally were suppose to be mine, but I can't follow directions to save my life. By the time I realized the error, I wasn't going to rip back. (Funny, I did frog the second one....) Anyway, the guy really liked them. Which brought up another round of can I have... I will admit I caved. But I haven't bought or started knitting anything yet.

Monday, December 3rd

I think I have a sinus infection. My head hurts, but my nose isn't really running. Plus I'm crabby/whiney. Poor Grilltech, he has to deal with me.

I only have the thumb to finish on the second mitt. This was after I frogged the whole thing, because I didn't have enough stitches. I had 60, instead of 64. On the plus side, it was a quick knit. I've finished the gusset on my second sock. I've got patterns running in my head for the next one to knit. Nothing has been decided on yet.

I've been thinking about getting permanent eye make-up. Not really sure why, I haven't worn make-up in something like 20 years or so. One of the knitterly women has it and its kewl. Which is where the thought came up. Most likely won't do it, but the thought it there.

PS: Happy B-day Mr. Sota (the crack dealer...)

Thursday, November 29th

Life's great discoveries:

I can put stuff in a safe place, only to discover it's really a void. I don't have the correct equipment to bring stuff back. Nothing makes me knit faster then determining I'm on the last few rows. Of course, the (damn) shawl does have an edging that is going to make me crazy. Cables are easier to handle in the middle of the needle, instead of being at the edge. I'm now on the fourth sock and it's not nearly the fight the other three were.

Last of the updated Christmas list:
Principles of Knitting (it’s rumored to be coming out as a reprint…)
Treasury of Knitting Patterns (Volumes 1-4 this only shows #2)
The Opinionated Knitter
Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitting Workshop
Selbuvotter
Swift
Rosewood DPNS Size 1
Bronze DPNS Size 1

Wednesday, November 28th

Yeah, it's a rough day. I got to run the reskill script this morning. Couldn't do anything, but read blogs until it was done. (I love being a team player.) It had tried to snow last night. Today the sky is mostly clear with the stars shining brightly. The roads are icy, which makes the walk through the parking lot treacherous. Thankfully, I didn't fall. (I have fallen in the past. I hate lying there feeling like an idiot because I have no traction on ice and wondering how to get up without making it worse.)

Last night, I came to the conclusion I only have 16 more rows to knit before I start the edging on the (damn) shawl. The end is in site sight. Now my only fear is do I have enough to complete the project.

Anyway, Grilltech is happier. His appointment went well. I was able to start my second sock while waiting. I finished the cuff and started the leg. Last night after working three rows on the (damn) shawl, I picked up the sock because its way smaller. Made it through two repeats of the pattern.

My replacement ebony needles showed up. (Now if I could find where I put the other four, I'd be happy.) They sent two needles to replace the one!

Tuesday, November 27th

I've made progress on the shawl. Two more skeins to go before I've finished it! It's mostly done. Mostly.

Monday, November 26th

It's defiantly November. This morning, all the cars parked out on the street had frost on the windows. I'm lucky, I get to park in the garage. I walked out without my jacket, which I had thoughtfully left at work. I'll be sure to bring it home tonight or so I hope.

I didn't get much knitting done this weekend. Instead, I played crack. On Saturday, the pattern for the peacock shawl showed up. I showed it to Grilltech who said, that's beautiful. You're going to bitch the entire time you're knitting it. Yes, I'm sure I will, but this shawl isn't walking out the door without me attached to it.

I didn't get the (damn) shawl finished. I wonder if I leave bribes around the knitting fairy will come finish it for me. (Stop laughing, it could happen.) I should just finish the stupid thing and get it off my plate. Course, I could stop playing crack, so I have more time to knit. I did start the second broad street mitt. I'm ready to start the thumb increases. Which means it will be done in no time, if I actually sit down and knit.

Now it's 1030 and the heaters have kicked in here at work. My hands aren't hurting, it's actually nice. Which means, in 20 minutes, the air conditioning will have kicked back on and I'll be back in the meat locker. Do you think they'll notice if I bring a space heater to work?

I did make it out of the house on black Friday. I wandered down to the LYS about 1300. I knitted until about 1430. Some sock yarn muscled its way into the car. I tried to fend it off - not overly hard - but in the end, I could only shrug; then give it a ride home. It's called Flat Feet, by Conjoined Creations. Instead of coming in a ball, it’s been machine knitted flat, then painted. So when it’s knitted, the pattern is completely different then what is seen. I tried to find it on their web site, but it's not listed. I'll take a picture before I start knitting with it.

Anyway, I have to knit Grilltech a pair of socks, before I can start another pair for me. Who am I kidding? I could knit more socks for me if I wanted.

Sunday, November 25th

I haven't done much. Spent the day playing Guild Wars.

Thursday, November 22nd

It was a good day at chez Tech house. Grilltech stayed up last night smoking the turkeys. I got up this morning and he went to bed. I listened to music most of the day while getting food ready. The herd showed up about 1330. We ate at 1500. I sent quite a bit of it home with them. Grilltech still has a large amount of stuffing left. It freezes good. Amy Lane shared her stuffing recipe, so here is mine:

Package of sliced mushrooms
Large onion chopped
Jalapenos chopped
Garlic
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Breadcrumbs
Chicken broth

Unfreeze all the cornbread and bread guts saved from the year, cut into pieces and place on baking sheet. Bake at 300 for an hour. Saute the mushrooms, onions, garlic, and jalapenos until soft in EVOO. I usually salt and pepper to taste and add other flavorings to the veggies. Add the veggie mix to the breadcrumbs, mix in the chicken broth, and bake until heated through.

All amounts are subjective, so make as much or as little as needed.

Wednesday, November 21st

It's the day before Thanksgiving (US). I'm mostly ready. Mostly. I pulled out the bread to make stuffing. I chopped and sauted the jalapenos, mushrooms, onion, and garlic for the stuffing. I picked up the rolls for dinner. I don't feel like making rolls. I might make some for Christmas.

I worked three more rows on the shawl. Every stitch helps. I've started the decrease for the cover of the mitt. I haven't started my second sock yet. Grilltech's sleeves are still sitting.

Hope everyone has a safe day, trip, and/or meal.

Oh yeah, I'm a dumbass. I copied my bookmarks, but never sent them home.

Tuesday, November 20th

It was snowing this morning on the way to work. ACK! Winter is still a month away. The snow should be melted off by the time to go home. But it does make for cold sitting in the car waiting for Grilltech in the afternoon. It's now 1400, the snow has melted and the sun has come out. It might be a nice day after all.

I heard back from Lantern Moon, they're going to send out a replacement needle. Hope to get it relativity soon. I switched over to my bamboo needles to finish the current sock. I've ready to start the toe, then I will be moving to the second one. I worked on the shawl last night. It took me almost two hours to do three rows. Two hours! Its never going to get done. I'll be working on it until the day I die. I want to get going on the sweater. The sleeves are sitting on my desk, looking very forlorn. Plus the cats like to lay on them.

Since I've got the next four days off, I've sent home my bookmarks. I'll be updating my reading list soon. Some have fallen off and others have been added.

and now for something completely different: (thanks Sandra)



How the heck did I get postgrad?!

Monday, November 19th

Happy Monday. The day is almost over. This morning, I did my normal routine. I ate, I read blogs, I knitted for a while. One of my new Lantern Moon needle broke. I had been worried that one was a bit more flexible then the others. Sure enough, this morning while doing an SSK it snapped. Now I need to look up what their replacement policy, which they don't post on the web site. I e-mailed customer service. Now I'm waiting impatiently for them to get back to me. (tap, tap, tap)

In the mean time, it's pouring rain. I forgot to pull out the hamburger for dinner tonight, so we're having a canned meal. Either chili and tamales or something else I can't even think of currently. I'll need to pull the burger when I get home.

I'm wanting to finish the shawl soon, so I'll need to start working on it. Maybe I'll get it done this weekend. (Stop laughing, it could happen...)


And now for something completely different:(from Grilltech)

I SCORED A 76%

We scored the same, I wonder why....

Slacker Sunday, November 18th

I finished the first mitt. Helped Grilltech make the Dicken's Bunny (Christmas Ale), it smells very good. Can't wait until it bottled.

Scenic Saturday, November 17th

Scenic Saturday. This picture was taken last November. You really can't see it very well, but there is a tangent at the top of the halo. There was more colors, but our camera isn't top of the line, so it looks pretty white. I was going through pictures yesterday, and thought it would be a lovely post.

Today is the steeking class at the LYS. Its at 1000, but I can't make it. PrinterTech and I are going out to breakfast with Aunt K in the same time frame. Since I swore I would only use my powers for evil, I can't be in two places at once. Altho it would be evil to blow off my Aunt...

I've finished the gusset for my mitt. Tried it on, and it was way to big!! Crappy! I'll finish them and give them to a co-worker of Grilltech who wanted a pair. (So they're not in the colors he really wanted, but they're done. Which is better?) I'll be able to pick out different colors for me as well.

FO Friday, November 16th

It's FO Friday! First up is the hat for Jason's wife. I guess she really likes it. She wore it around the house all day yesterday. He wants one for himself. I might make him one for Christmas or not. I'm so fickle.













I started knitting socks for C about a year ago when her mother died. I thought she would need something for her like a hug. I showed them to her and she didn't seem to be too enthunised about them, so it took me a while to complete them. I knit both of these at the same time, so they seemed to take forever. I'm not so sure I really like knitting two at once. I don't mind sleeves being knit at the same time.

Thursday, November 15th

It's Friday Eve and I'm happy. Friday is Flash Gordon and Moonlight TV watching. About two months ago, we watched the original Flash Gordon, with a 16 year-old-girl. I don't know what was more hysterical, the movie or her response. Dale Arden was there to gaze longingly at Flash, while appearing to be dumb as a rock. The part where Dale was being a cheerleader was, well insulting, enough to leave the 16 year-old speechless. Even I thought so when I first watched it back in the early 80's. I had to keep pointing out to her, it was a different time in the late 70's, early 80's. Movies portrayed women as pretty-young-thing-who-shouldn't-worry-her-cute-little-head because a man was there to take care of her. Even Doris Day, who was then a strong leading lady, deferred to the strong, handsome man. It wasn't until Alien and Terminator that strong women came into the movies.

Updated Christmas List:
Selbuvotter
Peacock Feathers Shawl (pattern only)
Swift
Rosewood DPNS Size 1
Bronze DPNS Size 1

Wednesday, November 14th

The morning drive into work was very crisp. Cars parked out on the street had frosted windows. The stars twinkled brightly in the sky. Venus was the brightest of all the lights in the pre-dawn sky. And I'm crabby as all get out. The artic breeze blowing on me isn't helping at all.

I gave Jason the hat. Now he wants one. I'm thinking, he need to be taught how to fish, right Lenya? Anyway, I'm almost to the point where I need to start increasing for the thumb on my mitt.

Tuesday, November 13th

I made a picture of me, because I'm a lemming. I showed it to Grilltech, he said, but your hair isn't red anymore. Yeah, I should have kicked him. Instead, my revenge is the next pair of socks I finish after this pair will be for me. Two in a row, sometimes it's good to be the knitter.

Oh yeah... the pictures are working again. I'll post my FO's soon(tm).

Monday, November 12th

Answers to a meme, from Amy Lane:

1 Name one person who made you laugh last night? Mr. Sota and Grilltech
2 What were you doing at 0800? Sleeping.
3 What were you doing 30 minutes ago? Playing Guild Wars
4 What happened to you in 2006? I got an 8% raise.
5 What was the last thing you said out loud? “Yeah, that would be rough.”
6 How many beverages did you have today? 3. Water, Pepsi, Chai Tea.
7 What color is your hairbrush? Purple and black.
8 What was the last thing you paid for? Bagels for breakfast
9 Where were you last night? At home, playing crack (Guild Wars)
10 What color is your front door? Walnut.
11 Where do you keep your change? Coin banks around the house.
12 What’s the weather like today? Mostly sunny.
13 What’s the best ice-cream flavor? Chocolate.
14 What excites you? Grilltech, knitting with an exotic yarn, reading and sleep.
15 Do you want to cut your hair? Nope.
16 Are you over the age of 25? Yes.
17 Do you talk a lot? Nope.
19 Do you know anyone named Steven? Yes, he’s a flake.
20 Do you make up your own words? I think so.
21 Are you a jealous person? Hell yes. Grilltech is M.I.N.E!
22 Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’. Andrew.
23 Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’. Kathy,
24 Who’s the first person on your received call list? “C” she called to tell me her apartment building caught fire.
25 What does the last text message you received say? “Mom, call me.”
26 Do you chew on your straw? Yes, but I rarely use a straw.
27 Do you have curly hair? Just enough to be annoying, unlike the Youngest who has kinky hair.
28 Where’s the next place you’re going to? The store, need to get next week’s lunches.
29 Who’s the rudest person in your life? That would be me.
30 What was the last thing you ate? Almond Roca
31 Will you get married in the future? Nope, married now.
32 What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks? Everafter
33 Is there anyone you like right now? Grilltech
36 Did you cry today? Nope.
37 Why did you answer and post this? Because I’m a lemming.
38 Tag 5 people who would do this survey. Anyone who wants to, should do it.

Sunday, November 11th

In spite of doing crack today, I finished the hat. Started mitts for me and was tagged for a meme, which I'll get to tomorrow. Night all.

Saturday, November 10th

Mr. Sota is feeding me crack, in the form of a game called Guild Wars. He's a drug and alcohol councilor and he's pushing crack. I have wonderful friends. He's got Grilltech is hooked also. I went and picked up a copy for me. Got it home, opened the "secret code" packet, it. was. blank. WTF?! Took it back to Best Buy and got another copy, opened it up to make sure the code was there. After six hours of playing, it was time to stop and knit. How much knitting have I gotten done? Not as much as I'd like. However, I've started the decreases on the hat. I might have it done next week, if I can tear myself away.

Friday, November 9th*

I'm so glad it's Friday of a long weekend. I'm beat. The weather has turned colder, I don't have mitts to help keep my hands warm. Think I'll finish the hat, then make myself some.

I'm off to knit until Moonlight, then it will be bed time.

Thursday, November 8th*

It's starting to get cold here in the mornings. Cars when left parked out side have frost on the windows. I can see my breath when I walk across the parking lot. It's time for jackets and gloves. I didn't realize, I'd need them in the building as well. Yesterday, my hands were so cold they hurt until about 1030. That is what time the heat finally kicked on. Today I put my jacket on so it's not as bad. I can still feel the blast of cold air under my desk. Maybe I'll get a space heater.

I've finished up the toes of C's socks. I'll post pictures soon as I can. I don't think I'll buy anymore of that brand of yarn again. One skein had two knots in it. Ick. I think I'll gift the other two skeins along with the socks to C.

Tonight is Grilltech's meeting. I'll get plenty of knitting done.

Christmas Wish List: (so far)

Peacock Feathers Shawl (pattern only)
Swift
Rosewood DPNS Size 1
Bronze DPNS Size 1

* Yes, I'm still a dumbass, but I know what day it is.

Wednesday, November 7th

My dates are wrong in the couple of posts, because I'm a dumbass. My calendar is still set to October. There are times I'm truly impressive.

I'm started the toes on C's socks. Soon as they completed, I can start a hat for a co-worker. I laughed at him because he was wearing a "crappy machine knit hat". He thought I was laughing because it's a Detroit Lion's hat, but I set him straight. He came back and asked if I would knit something for his wife who is from California and isn't used to the cold. Yes, I know I've said it in the past, no more knitting for other people. But I like this guy, so I should be okay.

Sure Grilltech, you didn't lose the sock. What ever it takes for you to sleep at night.

And my mail is working again. I guess maybe (but doubtful) he didn't lose the sock after all.

Tuesday, November 9th

About 1930 last night, Grilltech had given up on getting mail to work. He was frustrated and crabby. He sat down at the laptop, only to realize, he had mail. He was really happy and relieved. I don't have mail yet. :(

I found a sock meme from Molecular Knitting.

1. What’s your favorite sock yarn? (please note that the word ‘yarn’ is singular. Just pick one. I know it’s hard.) My favorite sock yarn is Lorna's Laces. I've only knitted 1 pair of socks and started a second pair, but I love it!

2. What’s your favorite type and brand of sock needle? I prefer wood needles. Bamboo and I've picked up a pair of ebony ones. There are some lovely rosewood ones I would like to get as well. Clover is the leader of bamboo DPNS.

3. Do you knit your socks toe up, cuff down, or sideways? I knit my socks top down. I've tried the toe up method, but the instep was way to tight.

4. Do you knit both socks at once or just one at a time? I use DPNS, so it's one at a time. I also have a pair of socks on the needles doing the Magic Loop method. I'm sure I knit the same amount of time, but it seems to take forever when I'm working on two of them. Which is odd, because I have no problem knitting two sleeves at the same time.

5. What’s your favorite toe and why? I like the wedge toe. I've tried the star toe, but it's too round. I use four stitches between the decreases, instead of two. More room.

6. Favorite heel? I use a Dutch Heel, which is not to be confused with Dutch Cowboys.

7. Do you prefer plain or patterned socks? Plain socks are fast and easy. Patterns keep one from falling asleep. I'm starting to put more patterns in my projects.

8. Who do you knit the most socks for? I knit socks for Grilltech and myself. My father gets a pair for Christmas every year as well.

9. Do you darn your socks? If not, what do you do with them? Heck yea, I darn my own socks. Those things are $$ and I want all the use out of them I can get. (Grilltech before you say what about my Bio-hazard ones? Those are cotton and you have talons for toe nails... Need I say more?!)

10. Do you only wear handknit socks? I'm getting pretty close to being able to only wear hand knit socks. Grilltech used to be able to wear a set every day, but he's worn down two pairs and lost a sock. Yes, L-O-S-T.

Bonus question: What pattern, if any, is your basic “I-just-need-a-pair-of-socks” sock pattern based on? Do you keep it written down or memorized? When I started knitting I had to follow the pattern, which lasted about three pairs. Now I write down the generic stuff. (CO 72, ( K2 , P2) for 20 rows. 7" total. 20 slips, 8 per side, 20 left.) If there is a pattern, I'll write it down for reference, because those can be tricky.

Monday, November 5th

The swearing began about two hours after my post yesterday. He thinks he's narrowed down the cause of no mail. Maybe it will be fixed soon.

First day back after three days off. We have a trainee. I'm not sure I care for him. Not that I have much to say about the whole situation.

I've started a new pair of socks for me. So far I have thirteen rows of a cuff.

Sunday, November 4th

Grilltech is busy working on the server. He did the sad puppy dog eyes while shopping and ended up with a new HD for the server. He's now loading Linux, so it will be a bit more secure. He's not swearing at the computer, which a good sign. But I'm not sure when the pictures will be back.

I've been taking it easy on the knitting right now. My arm is getting better, so I don't want to over do it.

Saturday, November 3rd

The server is down, so the pictures aren't available. Grilltech will have it fixed soon as he can.

Friday, November 2nd

My size ones are still missing. They’re not in the dishwasher. Nor are they in the washer or dryer. I can’t find them under the couch or cushions. They’re not with the (damn) shawl or the sock yarns strewn around the living room. Or under the piles of mail I’ve let pile up on my desk. Instead, they’re found in the “extra” space pull out on my desk. I’m such a dumbass, but relieved that they’re found. I guess this means I’ll need to give Grilltech his thumb drive I found while doing laundry.

Pictures!

My socks:


















Grilltech's socks:


















Grilltech's anniversiry socks:

















Grilltech's hat:

Missing!

Two pairs of size one DPNS are missing. Grilltech would say it's somewhere on the mess of my desk, but I don't think so. I had them this morning, now I can't find them!! I think Fran stole them... Evil kitty!!

In the past 17 years, we have…

Moved four times.
Lost five wedding rings. (One in the bedroom!!)
Raised two lovely young ladies.
Worked at the same job site, twice.
Held hands when no other comfort would do.
Laughed at ourselves and the world.
Cheered at triumphs.
Worried at illnesses.
Fought over trivial and silly things.
Kissed each morning and night.

I think I’m ready for another 30 years or so. Happy anniversary Grilltech!

Monday, October 29th

It was a pretty laid back weekend. Saturday I went and knitted down at the shop. I finished the first sock of the pair that I want to complete by Wednesday. Some how I don't quite think I'm going to make my goal. Oh well, can't everything. I think if I didn't knit so much on Grilltech's sweater the sock would be further along. But the sock would require too much attention to detail which would have taken away from watching Odyssey 5. Sci-Fi is showing them in place of Doctor Who. I'd missed a couple of episodes, so I asked Grilltech to download them for me. Then he proceeds to tell me, there was only a total of 20 episodes. Crappy! So, I'm watching them and enjoying them, but trying hard not to get to attached.

Sunday we cleaned the house up a bit. While putting the broom back, it fell on my arm. I have a lovely goose bump on my forearm. And today my thumb is sore. Not sure if it's related or not.

Friday, October 26th

It's Friday and I'm happy. I may even get to leave the datamine early. The dream of all workers, to leave early. Turns out I do get to leave early.

I'm about two inches away from turning the heel. I should have it done today.

Thursday, October 25th

Early morning conversations from the house:

Me: "You know the worst part of today? I thought it was Friday, turns out it's only Thursday." Later, the alarm is going off. Him: "Hit the alarm button twice, that way it's ready for tomorrow." Me: "But you don't work tomorrow, it's Wednesday."

I've started another pair of socks. I'm putting X's and O's down the sides. They look really neat. Enough to keep it interesting, without putting me completely to sleep. The design really can't be seen very well, but I know it's there. I showed D this morning, she really liked the pattern. So I sent it over to her.

Tuesday, October 23

I still haven't finished the (damn) shawl, but I've started really working on Grilltech's sweater. I keep giggling and holding up the four inches of sleeves to him. I've even made him pet them, he rolls his eyes, but does so to make me happy. Because he's that kind of wonderful husband. I've almost finished the gusset on my sock. Then it will be a quick couple of days to the toe. (I'm about eight rows away from completing the toe. Sock will be done tonight!)

I've picked up a ball winder this weekend. I haven't used it yet, but I need to wind the yarn for the (damn) shawl. Dad's buffalo socks and anything else I can think of or can find in hanks. I don't have a swift yet, but I'm sure Grilltech will be happy to either wind or hold. He's such a sweety.

We had knit and eat on Friday night. The girls tried some of the Peach Meade. It was very good. And has enough kick to knock you on your ass.

Monday, October 22nd

No post today, because e-mail bounced. Will post tomorrow.

Thursday, October 18th

I finished a green hat. I picked up some (drool) lovely blue Quivot. I finished Grilltech's socks. Worked two rows on the (damn) shawl. Petted some buffalo yarn. (What's the difference between a buffalo and a bison? Can't wash your hands in a buffalo.) Listened to the guy from Buffalo Gold. He was funny and nice. (Bison, it's what the Mommy buffalo says to her son when he leaves for school.) I can't wait to knit up the socks for my dad using the buffalo.

Anyway, Grilltech is feeling much better. He's ready to eat real food, but still is on the special diet until he's off the medication, which will be Friday. The eldest had to be taken to the ER last night. She's not able to keep anything down. Sounds like the flu hit early at her house.

I'm (still) not sleeping well, which makes it really hard to get up in the mornings. Work has been leveling off. Had a bi-annual review. I'm not "living up to my potential". Yeah, I'm not a slacker, but I'm not doing enough. I have a very narrow view of what I do, that's the problem with specialization. I could use more sleep.

Friday, October 12

Thanks for the supportive comments. I think a lot of the "bored of knitting" is coming from the stress. I started yet another project. I hat for him. It's small, mindless and on size six needles. Sure the (damn) shawl is on size eights, but its lace. I've also been doing quite a bit of stress eating. Which really adds to the stress level.

Work is starting to be a little less crazy. Should have gotten tons of OT, but our Corporate Master's decreed there will be no overtime or the beatings will be more serve. I'm having to take the I am a leaf on the wind attitude. It does help at times. Twelve minutes and counting, then the week is ovah! On the plus side, I did get two 19 inch monitors for my systems. The down side? Its the same exact resolution as the 17 inch ones.

Wednesday, October 10th

No real knitting progress to report. I'm to the heel on Grilltech's charcoal sock. I've made about four inches on the second purple and teal (Turquoise?) sock. It's amazing how much knitting can be done at the ER. (MIL, you may want to stop reading and call. On the other hand, I should make him call you.) I added about .25 of ribbing, and the rest is straight knit. I would have gotten more done, but I was bored of knitting. Yes, bored. of. knitting.

I was sick on Thursday and Friday of last week. Grilltech wasn't feeling well on Friday. He thought he was passing a kidney stone. By Monday, he can hardly do more then hobble around. We call the doctor and she said, go to the ER so they can do a CAT scan. (I said, we've got four cats, why do we need to go to the ER?) Anyway turns out it's not a kidney stone, but an infection. He's on two strong antibiotics and pain meds. They offered the choice of staying at the hospital or going home. He opted for home. I asked what to watch for, and home we came. Last night, he was much cooler to the touch, so I think he's on the mend. Tomorrow we have a doctor's appointment, so maybe we'll know more.

Anyway, I'm off to (maybe) knit.

Tuesday, October 2nd

About a month ago I ordered a silver snake chain from a jewelry store. I wanted a 22 inch chain, which they don't make them that length. I went with the 24 inch and he said he would cut it down for me. Good deal. Saturday, he called me and let me know it was in. I was excited. Monday after work, I went to the store to pick it up. He showed it to me, then said, you can pick it up tomorrow morning. I haven't cut it down yet. WHAT?! So, after work today, I'll need to run to the jewelry store again and pick up the chain.

I've finished the first of the purple and teal socks. Haven't casted on for the second one yet. Lazy I know. I'm about half an inch away from starting the heel on Grilltech's second sock. He'll be happy when this set is done. I'll need to drag out the dark blue I got him for another pair of socks. He's wearing holes into the socks I make him. Well, the cotton ones. The wool ones are holding up really well.

I'm having a hard time finding a minute here and there. My work flow has changed, so I'm busy, really busy. I don't make it through all the blogs. I missing reading about my internet friends.

Monday, October 2nd

It's hard coming back to work after a five day weekend. I don't know how teachers do it after three months off. Work? Why would I want to do that? I had a mountain of e-mails I had to wade through. It took me most of the day to get caught up.