TK's Place

Quilts-R-Us also know as How I spent my summer

2007-12-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

I'm having a love affair with my sewing maching. Enjoy the products of our summer of love.

Yes! I'm aware it's December. And Yes, I'm just getting around to posting these pictures for your viewing pleasure. Don't judge.....just enjoy
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Ravelry ~ Here I come

2007-11-23T17:59:00.000-08:00

Its been a long year since I've last posted. So much has happened. I promise to fill you in on all the gorey details later I promise.

I finally received my Ravelry invite earlier today. I honestly think I just spent the last 2 hours trying to figure out how to use it and set myself up as a user. Most of that time was spent trying to download pictures of two projects. If your a member of Ravelry, you can check out my page here: http://www.ravelry.com/people/louisefrank

I haven't knitted in a while, and recently my life has been turned upside down. But sitting here at my computer for the last few hours made me realize how much I miss working on my crafts and especially my knitting friends. I really need to get off my ass on Thursday night for a little stichin' and bitchin'.

See you all at the Famers Market soon....

I feel pretty, Oh so pretty

2006-09-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

Patterns, and notions and fabric. Oh my.

This saturday i'm attempting a more formal sewing class at F & S. (Thanks Carla and Natalie) Let's hope that this turns out to look good....

Do you love this fabric or what? It is something I normally wouldn't pick out, but it was so different I just had to get it... i have visions of a knee lenght skirt, white shirt, and black sweater...

Brokeback Vampire

2006-09-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

I soooo wanted these two to make out!

Instructions Manual's Part 2

2006-09-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

So, yes, I went to the second half of my sewing class this past Saturday. And yes, Satin was there. Part of me felt a bit guilty for snapping a few pictures telling they boys that I just love taking pictures. I couldn't bear to tell them that I was posting them on my blog so that my crafty friends could pick out Satin. Is that wrong?

The class went better than the first one. Satin was practicing all week and attempted a try at sewing a purse. I was going to take a pict of that but figured that was crossing the line... Quilting guy showed up, he was my favorite. He was really a nice guy. The instructor was nice and I did learn a thing or two but I don't think I'll take another class from her.

We ended up making two projects: A "plastic bag dispenser" and a pillow case. My dispenser is nice, I just don't see the need for one. I just use another plastic bag. This may end up being a christmas present for mom... hee hee. Here's a pict of the pillow case. I picked out the pattern with my son in mind. Thankfully he likes it. Notice the oh so fancy ohh la la french seam.

double click for better picture

And for your view pleasure: (which one is Satin?)

Why Instruction Manuals Are A Good Thing

2006-08-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

I think most of you are aware that I signed up for a beginner sewing class. Through osmosis and a seamstress mother I know the basics of sewing, but I have never been interested in sitting down and learning how to sew correctly. Sure I have made 2 throw bags and I'm quite impressed that they have not fallen apart yet as the first one was done mostly by hand. So last Saturday was my first class. I woke up a bit excited (cause i'm a dork) and packed everything. The machine, the manual, the pins and needles, the fabric and thread, you get the point. I even had to bring my own iron and towel. (Since I wasn't going to an established fabric store but the gay and lesbian center .. I had to bring everything but the kitchen sink.) I get my coffee and crap and head out the door. I was even 15 minutes early, which by LA standards, I was an hour early. But this is a good thing! As I start to set up my table I realize that I FORGOT THE POWER CORD! Argh! I knew I didn't have to dig to the bottoms of the two giant bags of stuff that I brought... I knew exactly where it was, yes, home in the dining room closest ... One shelf above where I keep the machine...

So, what did I do next? You know I ran my ass to my car, blew down Santa Monica Blvd like I was in labor, pulled in the driveway, threw the car in park, (blocked the only way in or out of the complex), ran inside, grabbed the cord and was right back in my seat in class within 15 minutes! To those of you who have ever driven down Santa Monica Blvd.. you know this was an amazing feat. Whew

So I arrive to class (on time, thank you very much) to the cheers "She made it" from 5 lovely gay men. I was the only girl. LOL.. bet you don't see that at many sewing classes...

Let me take a moment to describe some of the boys in the class. One purchased his extremely old machine from Out of the Closet, he has never sewn and brought a bag of fabric hoping to start a quilt. One forgot his power cord (not me) and didn't live close enough to fly home and get it. Another one was quite normal, normal as in he is somewhat familiar with sewing and read the instructors supply list and brought the proper fabric and notions. Then there is "Satin". Satin is special for a couple of reasons.
1-He brought satin fabric to class because he liked it better than "plain ol' cotton" that we are supposed to bring for our projects.

2-He purchased his machine the night before class.

3-He didn't think he needed the manual, so he didn't look at it.

4-drumroll please.......... he thought you used the foot pedal like a mouse. Yes, you read right! He actually said (with his hand on his hip). "How am I supposed to move the fabric if my hand is on the pedal"

Ok now, part of me felt bad for laughing out loud (i wasn't the only one) But part of me wanted to asked him where the hell he got that idea. I surveyed a few people in the past few days (all of whom have never sewn)... they ALL knew that the pedal goes on the floor...

At this point I realize that class is more remedial rather than beginner.. but at least I had a good laugh. And yes, I am going back for part 2 this saturday. I'll post picts of my projects and maybe my classmates (you can try to figure out which one is Satin).

Happy Birthday Leo's

2006-08-22T18:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Evan!

This is my baby. I don't think I can call him my baby anymore. As of yesterday, my baby, my son, Evan, officially became a teenager! Yes can you believe at the young age of 24, I am the mother of a 13 year old male. (ok, ok.. i'm not 24, more on my age later). Just look at him! 13! Hormones, mustaches, and girls! OH MY! I don't know if I'm ready. Really. This is scary. With hormones come attitude, with mustaches I have to give him more bathroom time and with girls, well, that would just mean more hormones calling my house! Haven't scientist found the cure for the common teenager yet?

In all honesty I have to say, I am a bit scared but I'm also proud. I would not trade him for the world. As hard as it was when I was young and trying to survive with a baby, It was hard, really hard and you know what... I have no regrets. I have an amazing young man who I am lucky enough to call my son. Happy Birthday Evan. I love you.

Happy Birthday Leo (part 2)

Saying I'm the mother of a 13 year old is hard. But to tell you that I just turned 36 is easy! I love my birthday. I love the presents and cards and cake (and more cake). (does that make me vain?) I love 1 whole day being all about me. Its almost like a get out of jail free card. I can do whatever I want because ITS MY BIRTHDAY! I had one of the best weekends!

Friday: I made my favorite chocolate chip cheesecake. This, I will admit, is usually only shared with a minimum amount of people and then I eat the rest. I kid you not. I have been known to keep this cheesecake in my fridge with a fork in the cake so all I have to do is open the door, pull out the cake take a bite and put it back in for later. This year I took the oh so yummy cheese cake to work to share with friends (there is a whole other story around this that I will share later). Thank goodness I only had two pieces, the rest was devoured my office mates. I so wanted more but my pants were telling me to share or go shopping for bigger clothes.

Friday night: I was set to be alone with a movie and sandwich when I was surprised by my neighbor with a raspberry Danish with candles for me to blow out... Thanks Miranda and Indy. (please don't ever move)

Saturday: Oh Saturday! First I got up to help friends tape a tv pilot. I got to be the soundguy. Not sure how good I did, but it was fun. This used a living room with wall to wall bookcases: (this is only have the wall)

Promptly at 12:15 I left the taping to head home to grab my yarn bag and then to meet Lori and head to the Fiber and Bead Fest in Santa Monica. Half an hour and two buses later, there we were. Oh I swear I heard angels singing. Yarn in every stage, Beads, Fabric and even antique buttons. No kids, no significant others asking "are you done yet?" We had all day! It was great. Heres a few picts:

Did you notice my spindle?? Read all about mine and Lori's spindle purchases in Sachi's blog. She is quite the pusher! I soooo addicted! After a day of shopping and a quickie spinning lesson (thanks Sachi) it was back to the bus. Another 1/2 on the bus and a 1/2 hour walk back to West Hollywood, Lori and I had dinner at Panini on Santa Monica Blvd. I don't think I got home until around 9:00. and yes, I did spin some before i passed out!

Sunday, Maria and I finally spent sometime together: Lunch at Chin Chin on Sunset, laying in the grass at Echo park and a Thai massage, my weekend was complete! Thanks Everyone.

Rants

2006-08-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

So, I walk into the ole pharmacy during my lunch break for some feminine essentials, otherwise known as TAMPONS. (For the reminder of this post TAMPONS will be in caps, just so you all can understand my angst). So i have to walk to the last aisle and hidden on the bottom shelf are 3 choices of TAMPONS. I make my choice and head to the counter to pay for my little box o' TAMPONS. The lovely young lady behind the counter rings me up, takes my money and place my purchase in a plastic bag, but she doesn't give me the bag. Instead she asks if I prefer a brown paper bag... Why? I ask. She doesn't speak (as god as forbidden the young to say TAMPON). And then she proceeds to tap, tap, tap on the box in the plastic bag. Huh? Why? Because I'M ON MY PERIOD???? I ask. She looks at me as if i just swore at the holy mother. I sweetly take my bag while laughing and proceed back to my office.

Here's my rant.... I've experienced this before... and for some reason i became a bit obsessive about this for a brief moment after I left the store, so much so, I had to share my experience with you. I'm not exactly sure why we women have to whisper, have to hide the fact that WE ARE NORMAL, HEALTHY WOMEN. Without the TAMPONS.. well... we won't go there.. but it would be really messy. Its just blood, its normal, its mother natures self cleaning system and it lets us know that we can still give the gift of life. I'm not saying we should shout it from the roof tops or announce "aunt flow is visiting" on a t-shirt, but HELLO... its really no big deal...

So, next time you have to make that purchase.. go to the store, find a pre-pubescent male and proudly ask: Can you show me where the TAMPONS are? And just watch him squirm...

She's Back

2006-06-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

At the urging of my fans (Lori). I'm BACK! Yes, yes, I know how you have all missed me so. Just stop with the emails already will ya! Can you believe the last time I posted was in February!! Let me take this time to honestly say, I love the idea of a blog. At least my initial idea of having a blog... a way to keep in touch with family back in Ohio, a place to post pictures of my knitting projects (to bore my family back in Ohio), and a place to vent (to get me in trouble with the folks back in Ohio). So lately I've resorted to a journal, a journal that is hidden well. Not that anything horrible is in it. But we all need to vent every now and then, don't we.

So here I am. What was that you ask? What have I been up to? mmm.. heres the short list:

New job: So after 5 1/2 years in the ol' Medical Genetics Institute as a decently paid, overly stressed glorified gopher. I've QUIT! Yes, I've set myself free. Two weeks later, in a new department where I get to say Penis too many times a day... i'm bored... I am soooo bored. Its like putting a crack addict in a convent. Oh sure the nuns are nice enough, but i'm sleeping with my eyes open. Oh... "What to do, What to do" (as Nimtaj would say)

Therapy: A girl could always use a complete stranger to pour her soul out to (and not have to buy dinner)

Found My Hidden Musical Talent: Ok, maybe not. So, Evan was given a beautiful guitar for christmas a few years ago.. and for the past year or so it has turned into a giant dust magnet. After a visit to Sam Ash Music for a new string, Beginners guide, and gi-tar picks.. I am off and running, I mean strumming! It's been one week and I'm teaching myself (with a video guide) the notes on the first string. That would be the E string to you gi-tar playing folk.

Lance Armstrong I think not: So here's a pict of my new mode of transportation. One, I could stand to lose a pound or two (or ten). Two, gas prices are outrages... over 3.00!! Three, the environment. I work 1 mile from my home! 1 mile people.. there is no reason for me to get in my car spew exhaust just because my ass is comfortable in the car. And, four.. $$ $ i will save money is gas and $33 every month in parking fees at the hospital! And with the money I save.. hopefully, i will be purchasing new, and smaller clothes. ps.. i put the basket on myself.

Projects: I'm working on two things right now, One is a hodgepodge of a throw blanket! Ugly Cool huh? Lucky me, I belong to the "yarn of the month club" and every month I get some yummy samples of yarn sent to me.. Well a year later and those little baggies of yarn start to add up.. so, I put them all in a big bag, blindly grab one at a time and knit...the plan is knit a few 4 foot rows, attach and there ya go... One "hodgepodge of a throw blanket"!

And two... i'm working on this lovely lacy little wrap. This is my first real attempt at lace.. not too bad. Just don't look to close...

I promise to be back soon...

Painting the town Red

2006-02-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

I'm so tired. I've been a bit overzealous this week in my efforts to get out more. And even though its only 5:47 as I write this, I'm ready to go to bed. I guess I can't hang with the big dogs anymore.

here's a glance at the last 7 days-

Sunday and Monday- pretty normal days execpt I had to cover for two other co-workers which meant I didn't get much of my workk done. but thats ok because the only thing that matters is that their work got done...

Tuesday- Cheap Trick at the House of Blues with Fiona, Bob and Bob's friend.

Wednesday- In bed at 9 to try to recover from coming home really late last night. Not to meantion my throat hurts from screaming to be heard over the music.

Thursday- Cranky start to the morning. I was still tired and I couldn't have my coffee until after my blood draw. (nothing serious, I'm participating in a wine study at the hospital) It took four tries to get a vein! ouch. After work I went up to City Hall to check out the women's Advisory Board Meeting. Lucky me, there is a position open and I am seriously considering applying.

Friday- Party at Cynthias house. I really really didn't want to go, but I figured if I quite flaking on her invites.. i'm not going to be invited anymore.

Saturday- Got new cell phones, Dinner at Barneys Beanery with Maria, Evan, Miranda, and Indy.

Sunday-Today. NOTHING! and i deserve it.

We have yet to see Ashes and Snow thanks to Marias prick boss who is screwing with her schedule... its ok though.. its here until May (i think)!

i'm such the social butterfly... i think i'll stay in this week, except for Stitch and Bitch.. i'm starting to miss those crazy knitting and stitching bitches....

Silence is Golden

2006-02-11T17:17:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most of you can relate... I've gotten to that comfortable place in my life where every day is pretty much the same: get up, coffee, work, lunch, work, workout, dinner, love the family, knit, and sleep. It's safe, its predictable, and after a while you realize that years, not days, but years have passed on by. The love life is turning mundane... even my favorite spot on the couch now has a permanent dent in the shape of my ass. I am 35, I currently live in one of the world's most happening cities and my calendar is only full of birthdays, church events, Dr's appointments and Stitch and Bitch outings (most of which I totally flake on)!

I've turned into a hermit. Mind you, I'm a happy hermit, but I had a better social life in po-dunk Ohio. (sorry everyone in ole' NE Ohio, you know i'm not coming back unless i'm homeless or one of you is deathly ill-so eat your veggies!)

So, how do we remedy this? We (that is Maria and I) promised to do one thing each week, kinda a date night. Whether it be a walk up to Mel's on Sunset for coffee and pie or up to Laemmle's to catch a new indie movie. We vowed to get a better social life. Maria and I have this habit of planning things and then never doing them. I scoured the LA Weekly knowing that I'd find one or two things we could agree on. Lo and behold, what did my eyes find....

"A Silent Valentine's Special at The Silent Movie Theater" Yippie! I love the Silent Movie Theatre ! Listen to this teaser... "Harold Lloyd in "Girl Shy" with short films by Charley Chase and Buster Keaton! Live musical accompaniment and special musical guest"

Now I just had to convince Maria to go with me.... Yippie again... she rolled her eyes, but she agreed. (I'm so spoiled). So thats where we went last night... This place is so much fun... Corny, but fun. Apparently its the last Silent Movie Theatre in the world. Not sure how true that is, but who cares... it's less than a mile from our apartment.

Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys were there for a pre-show mini concert, they were well worth the price of admission. At first I was cracking up... she reminded me of someone you would see on HBO's Real Sex... But then, I actually enjoyed listening to them... I just may buy one of their CD's. The movie was cheesy fun... the makeup, the costumes, the innuendos!! ... oh my! This was crazy fun. The place was packed, some men even dressed in suits and hats.. i loved it! Unfortunately the theatre isn't open often, but I think I did hear something last night that they are going to try to be open at least one weekend a month... guess who's going to be there!!
I can't wait.

Evan's take on this is too much... he can't understand why you would go see a movie without sound or color when there are plently of "talkies" to go see.... did you catch that... "talkies" i'm learning the silent movie lingo...

Next week on our social calendar... Ashes and Snow at the pier.

Steeler Sunday

2006-01-22T08:05:00.000-08:00

On this busy Sunday, I'm sure most of you are planning on spending time with your families. Or you may just be relaxing with a good book or skein of yummy yarn. Please, I ask of you, take a moment, calm your breathing, focus your energies and pray:

Our Father, who is Art Rooney in Heaven, football be thy game.
Thy kingdom come, 4 Super Bowls won, on earth as it is at Heinz Field.
Give us this day our playoff victory, and forgive us our penalties,
As we defeat those who play against us. Lead us to a playoff victory, and deliver us to Detroit.
A-Ben

Updates...

2006-01-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

Lots going on people.. so sit back, relax and enjoy the updates.

Health: I've lost 3 pounds. This has been verified by both my personal scale (naked and before any food or coffee) and my doctors scale. Yippie! I have had enough green tea and water to float a small boat, but they say it's good for you so I guess I'll keep on drinkin'. And yes, I'm going to the gym.

Sports: Go Steelers. nuff said

Books: Currently reading- Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. Great book! Sorry I missed the play when it was in town. Also reading My Life by Bill Clinton. This is not the page turner that Wicked is ... its the perfect book to pick up, read a few chapters then come back to it in a few weeks.

Evan: Knock Knock.... Whos there? Puberty. Puberty Who? Puberty's gonna kick this door down and theres nothing you can do about it.... HELP ME... please. He wants coffee in the morning... I not ready... my god.. he's going to be 13 this year.. do you know what that makes me?? old... Honestly though, I am happy for him. Scared.. but happy. Evans awesome. How can a mother not love this face:

Maria: She's back in Florida for the next weeks. Which means I have to cook. I truly don't mind cleaning, but cooking.. i loath cooking. This is why we have phones and people to call and say: "Um, Hi, I'm hungry. Yes, can you please bring lots of yummy food for me and the boy. I'll pay.. and I tip well... Thanks... see you in 45 minutes." But Noooo . Ms. Maria went grocery shopping before she left and spent oddless of cash just so I don't have to. But now I have no excuse for ordering in...

Completed Projects: Here's the granny square scarf. Not bad for a first try at crochet.

And finally, for your enjoyment. These last two pictures are the view from my office. My cushy office, which, from all the rumors going around, won't be mine much longer.

Time to get off my a**!

2006-01-09T06:29:00.000-08:00

I hate new years resolutions! They are set up for failure. Think about it.. we all get really excited.. "This year, I resolve to be a better person" or the most popular " I will lose weight!" and one week into the new year most of us will not be that better person probably because some moron pissed us off. (and in LA, there are many many mornons). And of course someone has to eat those leftover holiday cookies and boxes of chocolate. Right?

I really didn't have a resolution this year, but at 11:55 on New years eve, as Evan, Maria and myself sat and watched Dick Clark we started talking about resolutions. So, I think... yes, I really will try to be "the better person" and I will work really hard to not get so stressed at work. I secretly promised myself to try to be healthier.. note: i did not say that i would lose weight. that should come with being healthier ... a nice little white lie to myself....

Cut to a week later when I had the opportunity to recieve a free heart screen from a top cardiologist at work. Sure I have a strong family history on my mothers side of my family, sure I have a horrible diet.. but my cocky self went in thinking that I would hear that I am in great health.. just need to lose a few pounds is all... But to my Heart Health Horror.... check out these results... (and i'm sharing with you so that you will all help me in my current endeavor to get off my ass!)

Total Cholesterol 166 (good)
Total LDL (the bad cholesterol) 75 (so good it wasn't even on the scale)
Total HDL (the good cholesterol) 35 (so, so bad. normal low is 50)
Total Triglycerides 280 (very very bad. this number should be below 150)

BMI (body mass index) 26.3 (high - 28 is considered obese)
Weight 158 at the doctors office --- 153 at home... of course i am going with the lower of the two

The good news is- If I make some changes in my diet.. ie: more veggies, fiber and water, you know.. all the good stuff.. and GET OFF MY ASS .... i will be fine... which is hard to do when your hobbies are knitting and reading.. (you should see my slender wrists... they are HOT!)

So forget being a better person... i'm going to be grumpy from the "better eating habits" that I am trying to start. Notice that I am not saying "diet" i hate that word... and as of today, me and a co-worker have joined the gym at work..... this should help.. i just hope that i can keep it up! Believe it or not.. i used to be a gym rat! But that was a long time ago.. I still often wonder what George had in his little black bag... (Norma... that last comment was for you)... ha ha ha..

So, what am i going to do now... ....... knit of course! I'll go to the gym tomorrow... i promise...

Glory Hallelujah, Where's the Buffet?!

2005-12-12T19:25:00.000-08:00

Soup Plantation here I come, oh hell, I think my stomach is already there. Howdy ya'll! I am soooo happy... (can't ya tell?).

So, guess what I did at 9:01 this morning... ok, ok, it might have been 9:20-I was busy. Yep, I called the ol' doc's office again... um hello... this is Tami again, Yes I was there on Friday, yes, the pain is still here. and oh yeah... I'M HUNGRY and CRANKY! ... oh, the doctor will have to call me back... great.. thanks...

tick tock, tick tock-3 long hungry hours later......(made even longer by many, many people coming into my office this morning... ) he calls... "What's the problem" he says.. I reply - "the pain is still there, no change all weekend"... he says.. "what pain"... me- "do you have my chart?" "No" he says... WHAT... who has a doctor call a patient without giving them the friggin chart... hello people.. i work for a doctor... its common sense... oh yeah.. i forgot... common sense is not common....

anyway... to make a long story short.. i end up seeing a colleague of his... she is so nice... so understanding.. and she had common sense too! woo hoo... no urine, no tubes of blood to give up... I did however have to go thru a EEG (normal heart-thank you very much) and two chest x-rays (of which we will find out the results tomorrow). Basically she thinks that the cartilage between my ribs is "inflamed". Kinda like a pulled muscle. Motrin and no strenous activity and in a few weeks I should be fine.... and the motrin... I should take with food... did you read that... food... yeppers... back to a normal diet... However after getting on the scale-I think I should stay on the liquid diet.... (after the holidays, of course)

christmas cookies here I come.... opps.. i mean Holiday cookies... (don't want to offend)

I'm Hungry!

2005-12-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

For those of you who know me, you know that I love food. When I was younger, much younger, I was quite the picky eater. I am now making up for lost time. But last Wednesday something started brewing in my belly.... Something not right. I was invited to lunch with friends so, of course, I went. I had a very yummy steak sandwich. Even though I was only half way thru my sandwich and having been taught by my father to clean my plate, I had a few more bites. (thanks dad). The pressure in my stomach told me to stop... Later that night and all day thursday the pressure was still there. Friday morning, at exactly 9:01, I called my doctors and begged to come in. The lovely receptionist felt pity for me and scheduled me for 9:45.

The doctor asked me all the important questions: How much caffeine do you drink? How much chocolate? Does it hurt more when you lay down? And the best question of all... Could you be pregnant?! ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, ha ha, ha.... "um No!" I laughed and told why there was no way I was pregnant, she seemed to understand. After peeing in a cup, and two tubes of blood, her nurse came back in to my room and told me " Your urine test is normal, you are not pregnant" Really, I said. Are you sure.... cause you know i was really sweating that one....

What could it be... the doctor is not sure.. Gas?? Acid?? Gallbadder? (not a fetus, whew!). So my doctor comes into my room and tells me... Let's put you on a clear liquid diet for the weekend and see what happens... WHAT! no coffee? no yogurt with granola? no chocolate? pasta? Was I a murderer in my past life? What the hell did I do in my previous live to deserve this treatment. No Food.. she doesn't understand. Does she know I was invited to Beth and Kathy's house for game night this weekend... does she know that there are going to be cookies there??

It is now Sunday morning. I am starving. I have lost 3 pounds in 2 days. I'm cranky and my apartment is a mess. The pills she gave me are not working. I am to lethargic to knit or crochet... I am trying really hard to stay on this "liquid diet" but i am having my coffee in the morning... if not i will get a migraine.. and I do not want a migraine and my stomach pain at the same time...

So, tomorrow morning at 9:01, I will be calling my doctors office yet again... wish me luck

Is that you Grandma?

2005-12-04T18:36:00.000-08:00

Honestly, granny squares are not my thing. I can appreciate the talent that goes into making them. And once, Ellen was kind enough to show me how to make one. But then... I saw a truly funky granny square scarf... that scarf has been haunting me for weeks. So a few days ago I googled (I love google) "granny square scarf" and found these beauties: I think they retailed for about $44. Each!

Are you sitting on the edge of your seat yet? ... I know you asking yourself "did she buy all 3?" Heck No! Yesterday, I conveniently found myself just blocks from the Stitch Cafe in Valley Village and as the yarn gods would have it... i found the perfect yarn in the best colors! It was fate. And the price.... even better... I can make one of these babies for $31

For the yarn connoisseurs out there.. i found Wool Gatto for $7.75 a skein (181 yards)
Of course I had to make it my own. I decided to use the pattern for the Floribunda square that i found in the untimate resource book " The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches" .... what do you think?

Granny square... i think i love you....

FINALLY!

2005-12-03T18:45:00.000-08:00

Ok, Ok, Ok. I've finally jumped on the blogging bandwagon. Partly because i'm tired of people asking "do you have a blog?" or "when are you getting a blog?" And partly because of Crazy Aunt Purl who posted a quiz on her site... My hope is that you will find this site, oh so entertaining. My fear is that after a few weeks I will read my previous posts and realize that my life is truly boring. Enjoy.

Ten Random things you might not know about me:
1 I hate making decisions
2 I'm trying to stop swearing (i've got such the trucker mouth)
3 I hate liars
4 I want to walk down the asile
5 I love to hear gossip (but I never tell.... promise)
6 I truly am a dork
7 I can't tell jokes
8 I'm horrible with money
9 I have no will power
10 I could eat myself into a sugar induced coma... daily

Nine places I've visited
1 Niagara Falls (the Canadian side)
2 Toronto
3 San Francisco
4 Las Vegas
5 Tampa
6 I need
7 to
8 travel
9 more!!

Eight ways to win my heart
1 rub my feet and back and neck....oh heck, just let me go to Burke Williams every satuday
2 tell the truth (see number 3 above)
3 feed me
4 laugh at my bad jokes
5 listen
6 do the grocery shopping
7 sing to me
8 make me laugh

Seven things I want to do before I die
1 go to Italy
2 own a home
3 finish college
4 win the lottery (seriously... i hate working)
5 travel, travel, travel
6 volunteer more
7 own a huge yarn stash (and have the talent to do something with it)

Six things I'm afraid of:
1 Working until i'm 80
2 Republicans
3 Not having enoungh money when I retire
4 Being a bad wife and mother
5 Not being understood
6 Dying alone

Five things I don't like:
1 liars
2 the middle seat on an airplane
3 fake homeless people
4 cleaning the litter box
5 sweating

Four ways to turn me off
1 being a pesimist
2 lie
3 not being yourself
4 be mean

Three things I do everyday
1 Try to find time to knit
2 Hope for a better job
3 Laugh

Two things that make me happy
1 Watching my son cross the finish line (he runs cross country)
2 Finishing a project

One thing on my mind right now
1 hmm... will anyone read this??

Um, what to do now... Evan (my son) is gone for night, Maria (my better half) is gone until Christmas Eve... should I knit? should I crochet? bubblebath? coffee? see... I can't make a decision....