Mean friends!!

Brooke says: it's neurobiology. . .and it's given me a twitch in my left eye...
Brooke says: ironic?
Shannon says: i hope you get a twitch in your right eye-just to be fair!
Shannon says: tee hee
Brooke says: mean!!


Need I say more?!

Fun times downtown!

Holy moly, was last night fun!!! I went out with a good buddy of mine from work, and everyone who works for him. We went to this super cool beer garden in Chicago and hung out there until 2. Then, we went to this TOTALLY trashy, gross looking, icky Mexican restaurant (which served EXCELLENT tortas!!). Anyway, what a great team of people! They're hilarious and it was one of the more fun nights I've had in a long time! Not that any of them are reading this, but man. . . so fun.

I know I haven't posted in ages. I've been SO busy, and a lot of good things are going on in my life...well except for my business life (not a lot good there right now). I haven't knit in so long I'm not sure I remember how, so no news on that front.

Anyway, more to come soon... I promise...well....maybe....

SO hilarious!!

Steph - you got your change, and this lady got back her ex husband!! IT WORKS!!! (Please make sure to read the previous post, too...I know you're not used to me posting 2 times in one day...let alone 2 times in a month!!)

7 reasons I'm weird...as if you didn't already know!

I've been tagged.

PinkPorcupine Knits tagged me with the 7 weird facts meme.

The rules: Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those who are tagged need to write on their own blog those 7 facts as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven other people and list their names on your blog. Then you leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.

1. I think that one of the strangest things about me is that I share a brain - almost literally - with someone who has become probably my closest friend even though I've only known her for 1.5 years. It's freaky! We have WAY too many random tihngs in common, sometimes she starts to ask a question and I answer it without hearing the whole thing (I LOVE that b/c it freaks her out). Anyway, it's just really scary...but hilarious!

2. I was voted "Most Likely to replace David Letterman" in my senior high school class of 343.

3. It seems I'm drawn to men with strange/outdated names...horses, men, you name it...

4. I fidget A LOT when I'm nervous or really bored. It drives people at work crazy in meetings. I cannot help it. I turn back and forth in a swiveling chair, I tap my toe, etc, etc, etc.

5. I blush A LOT. It happens a lot more when I'm nervous or anxious, but I blush a whole lot. Someone decided that it is so extreme it should be my X-Men power. One time, I blushed SO HARD that my arms turned red! It was pretty embarassing.

6. All of the ligaments in my major joints are too long or too stretchy. My knees bend a little bit backwards, my SI joint wiggles (the CREEPIEST feeling in the world), and I had to have surgery on a shoulder to tighten up the joint a few years ago.

7. Hmm...it's hard to think of a 7th. It shouldn't be b/c Steph and Marie are ALWAYS pointing out how weird I am and giving me lots of examples ;-). I can think of several I wouldn't put on here...but they'll stay secret! I know one - I have always thought it would be fun to be the one 'human' host on one of those singing children's shows. Wow - I've never told anyone that....

SO I tag Marie and I don't know who else (seems everyone else had done it). Looking forward to it, Marie :)

Long time, no post!

So I haven't been great at posting on here lately. I would apologize to all of my devoted readers...if I had more than 3 (2 of whom I see pretty regularly, and I shouldn't have to update them on my life via blog b/c they already know!!)

Anyway, so so so much has happened. I'm DONE DONE DONE with organic chemistry FOREVER!!! YIPPEE!! What a relief. That's the biggest thing...well at least the biggest thing I'll blog about!!

We had knit night last week - super fun. Erin and Kathy are working diligently on their vintage bubble bags, I worked on my Isabeau, and Marie worked on yet another pair of jaywalkers. Steph didn't knit a stitch, and Laura def didn't crochet ;)

The next day was Leadership Academy at the Catalyst Ranch. ALWAYS a great time to be had by all! Day after that - interview training in Rosemont. Both of these days included some of my favorite people that I work with, and so both days were great! :D

Tonight, I'm back in my home town. One of my closest buds from high school is getting married tomorrow, so it'll be a grand ol' time here in Ktown.

That should be enough to catch everyone up! I'll post more soon :)

Trivia 2

Trivia # 1:
Q: What potion is this:
This potion has the colour of molten gold, and while exposed to the air, large drops will leap like goldfish above the surface without spilling.
A: Felix Felicis

Trivia # 2:
Q: Which book is this line from?
"Harry and Cho were now too embarrassed to look at each other, let alone talk to each other; what if Ron and Hermione started going out together, then split up? Could their friendship survive it? Harry remembered the few weeks when they had not been talking to each other in third year; he had not enjoyed trying to bridge the distance between them. And then, what if they didn't split up? What if they became like Bill and Fleur, and it became excrutiatingly embarrassing to be in their presence, so that he was shut out for good?"
A: The Half Blood Prince

Trivia #3:
Q: Who utters these words?"Oh I am glad I'm not on duty. I wouldn't fancy having to go and tell the Irish they've got to stop celebrating."
A: Arthur Weasley

HSKS - Trivia Questions

1. Who isn't or hasn't been a Quidditch captain?
Answer: Cho Chang

2. Who are the Gryffindor chasers?
Answer: Alicia, Angelina, and Katie

3. Who are the Slytherin beaters?
Answer: Crabbe and Goyle

4. What type of broom isn't made anymore?
Answer: Silver Arrow

5. The Slytherin team all ride the same broom, what is it?
Answer: Nimbus 2001

6. Which of these is not a Quidditch team?
Answer: Tudshill Tornados

7. Who is Head of Hufflepuff House?
Answer: Professor Sprout

8. Which Hufflepuff student is reported to have been one of the only peple to have ever given Hufflepuff success?
Answer: Cedric Diggory

9. In Book 1 who was the first Hufflepuff student to be sorted?
Answer: Hannah Abbott

10. What is the emblem of Hufflepuff House?
Answer: Badger

Image Hunt:Picture of Harry, Ron, and Hermione together; Hagrid; Buckbeak; Sirius Black; Uncle Vernon

I finally gave in....

I've finally given in to the call of the iPod. I just ordered mine - should be here in 3ish days. I'm pretty pumped. I have to admit - it was a bit of a self-pity purchase...yesterday wasn't great. BUT, I'm looking forward to having this in my car and being able to listen to podcasts over my radio, or just music I like, or whatever! Woo hoo! Thank God for bonus checks!!! :)

SOOOOO fun...

Yesterday was so so fun! I got up SUPER DUPER early, headed off to a great meeting (it started at 8 and was 1 hour and 15 min from my house...wow), then headed off to the Cubs game. We of course missed our turn to get to the train station, so we had to circle back to find it, but we made it just in time! I've only been on the el one other time, and this was no less of an interesting experience. We were total dorks and we used our phones down in the tunnels because OUR provider is the only one that works down there :) Anyway, the train ride down was nothing compared to the one back!!

We got to the game and met up with his aunt and uncle - they're so nice! We had a great time at the game (we accidentally offended this really obnoxious girl sitting right in front of us...she just sat there are stared at us all while we talked...not sure what her deal was). We grabbed a couple of beers and some (bad) hot dogs after the 2nd inning, then just went back to continue our stream of 'offensive' conversation topics ;-) The Cubs won! It got pretty close there at the end, but they did it anyway!

Then we headed back to the train station - what a nightmare right after the game! It was PACKED! I literally could not move once the doors of the train closed. Some punk on the train was pretty certain he was the only one who was smashed in the situation, and at every stop he would yell at the people waiting to get on, "there's no more #*$%in' room on the train!!". It was pretty hilarious. Maybe you had to be there...

We decided mid-train ride that we were hungry, so he knew of a place he wanted to stop...a pretty fancy place that was SO yummy. We caught the Derby from the bar in there on our way out...a pretty good race! I picked the winner, but then changed my mind right before the race...and lost all bragging rights. Oh well.

Back to the train for a much more civilized ride home. Lots of too too funny stories on the way home, then back to my car and off to my house.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sigh...

Well I took my test this morning. I think it went well, but we'll see.

I came home and was a TOTAL bum! I didn't make it to the barn today...I hope he went outside. It's so nice out! Actually, I think I'm going to miss the first 30 min of class and take him outside to graze...yeah, that's what I'll do!!

First, I have to pack. We have a leader meeting tomorrow and Thursday in Lincolnshire. Thank God we get hotel rooms! That's a long drive! I have to drive there tonight after lab (my LAST LAB!!!!!) and meetings start at 8:30 tomorrow morning. I have to cut out 20 minutes early to make it to my final review session for my bio class, so I'm missing cocktails and dinner. Oh well....

Anyway, I am getting really far on my isabeau purse. I'm halfway through the seed stitch for the bottom of the purse. Then, it's 41ish more rows before I bind off! Then, I just pick up stitches and do the sides and add the handles. What a fast, easy, and fun project! It isn't boring so I'm really enjoying it!!

GRRRRRRRRRRR

I HATE ORGANIC CHEMISTRY! My brain is NUMB from all of these stupid reactions. I HAVE to pass this test...or I'm doomed. I am starting to panic, though...and I'm nervous about it! Send me some love...and some good thoughts tomorrow morning when I go to take this. Yikes.....I'm scurred!

HSKS Questionnaire + Weekly Question

1. What Hogwarts house have you been sorted into?
Slytherin - thank goodness, b/c I like their colors best!! :) I'm not mean, I promise!!

2. List your three favorite double-point needle brands, including size and length.
I really like crystal palace - but the ones I'm using (borrowing) are long-ish for sock knitting. Honestly - I like the Boye's as well, but again they're too long. I like metal or bamboo, but shorter more appropriate sock lengths would be great. I have some 3's and I *think* some 2's, but I could use some 1's...but it doesn't hurt to have a back up set!!

3. Would you like to try a new brand needle? If so, which brand? Size? Length?
As I said above - I'm open to anything metal or bamboo - no plastic, please. I would really like to have a set of 1's or 2's.

4. If you are a RAVENCLAW, do you prefer the colors in the film or the book? Do you have a strong preference?
N/A

5. If your pal decides to send candies or chocolates are there any that you don't like?
I don't love milk chocolate - only really like dark. Other than that, I like almost everything except cherry flavored things.

6. What are your favorite scents?
Peony and rose. Also, coconut or subtle smells like that. I really don't like sweet or fruit smells.

7. Do you have any allergies?
Not that I know of!!


"You will have your reward, Wormtail. I will allow you to perform an essential task for me, one that many of my followers would give their right hands to perform..." Who is speaking?

Voldemort to Wormtail

FINISHED PROJECT!!!

!!

YAY! I finished a project before Stephanie AND Marie!!! WOO HOO!!! This was my first felted project and I was SHOCKED when I pulled it out of the washing machine! It is so much smaller! I kind of like it, but I don't know if I love it. Seems like a waste of such nice yarn. Thank God that I still have one skein of the expensive pretty stuff I bought! Let me know what you think!!


Oh, and I potentially could have become the proud new owner of a BMW today, but I'm much happier that I didn't!

So I'm an SNL Addict...

I can't help it though! I wish that youtube had the whole sketch of this...it is so much funnier when you hear the whole song. To preface it, though, this is a college basketball team who is getting KILLED in their last game of the season and all the guys want to give up. The coach says that he has something that gets him through times like that and starts to play the WORST song...and dance badly to it! This is the tail end of it, but it's great when Payton starts to dance with him. Enjoy!!



((By the way...how cute is Payton???))

Hogwarts Trivia Q&A:

Question: Who are the two people in this conversation:
"There is nothing worse than death, Dumbledore!"
"You are quite wrong. Indeed, your failure to understand that there are things much worse than death has always been your greatest weakness."
Answer: Voldemort & Dumbledore

LOOOOOOOOONG Week!!

What a week!! SO many 11 hour days. I'm exhausted! Meetings, meetings, meetings!

I'm also sitting here finishing my latest project - my vintage bubble bag - or my Baby Jane Bucket bag (depends on who you ask!). The plan is to have a felting party tomorrow, but we'll see. All I have left is the handles :)

When is our next knit night? MY VOTE is May 14, but who am I?

Anyway, no one really seems to read this anymore so I won't apologize for a boring post! :)

Spoiled does not even BEGIN to describe...

Holy cow! I went to my mailbox today expecting a package from FedEx (supplements for Harry)...and was dissapointed that it was not there. I should NOT have been upset, though, because my Spring Purse Swap Kit came a day earlier than I expected! I was on my way to ride, but I couldn't wait to open it, so I opened it at the first stoplight I hit. WOW WOW WOW! What a perfect package...and then some! I must have done something right!! I have an AWESOME, AMAZING, WONDERFUL SP10 secret partner, and I got another great one for this swap!

This was a swap I joined on SwapBot. I almost withdrew at the last minute, but I'm SO glad I didn't! Here is an overall pic of what I got:

The pattern is REALLY cute, and it looks fast (which is PERFECT for me!!). She sent some mercerized cotton to make it with, which is great! I love to knit with cotton. Also - she sent my favorite needles!

Here are some of the goodies she included:





I think that the fabric she chose to line the purse is really cute. I can't wait to put this project together!

I'm sorry I know this is getting long...BUT I have to mention the book! How hilarious! It's called "Died in the Wool". I love it! I can't wait to read it. I read the excerpt from the back of the book...and it's too funny to not include:

"Meet Ariadne Evans. She's the proud owner of a knitting shop. And she's just got herself in a stitch When Ariadne enters her knitting store one day and discovers the cast-off body of longtime customer Edith Perry strangled with homespun yarn, she fears her life is about to come undone - again, since she's still getting over her divorce. Ariadne's worries increase when she's questioned by detective Joshua Pierce, who may or may not have designes on her. While Josh pieces together the details of the crime, clues about Ariadne's ties to Miss Perry begin to slip together...and a bizarre pattern unfolds. Not it's up to Ariadne to do some sleuthing of her own. Can she untabgle the investigation without getting snarled up unto too much trouble? That depends on whether the killer is as crafty as she is..."

Doesn't it sound great?! Anyway, thanks Sharon! :)

SO adorable!

I REALLY don't know if it gets much cuter than this! When Harry retires, I'm buying him a miniature horse like this - he would LOVE LOVE LOVE it! So cute!

Wow...

So I JUST found out (it's 2:30something in the morning by the way) that I am potentially included in a rumor that may or may not be flying around work....I think it's hilarious!! I will find out the details in the morning and I can't wait.

I actually am enjoying this one, too. I've never been excited about having a rumor spread about me. . . but this one certainly has potential!

Could I be more cryptic?

Bad bad bad Radar!!!

I have the funniest and naughtiest kitten ever! I mistakenly left out 2 balls of yarn the other day...which I am SO careful not to do as I know his penchant for chasing them and winding them around my entire house! Well, I got home and both were strewn from my bedroom, through the dining room, the laundry room, the bathroom, around the piano legs, through chair legs, over the table, and into the living room. He had a fantastic time! He was reveling in his happiness when I got home as you can see :)

I feel like a slug...

Man - today was ROUGH! We went to the Sox game last night...and then out after that...I drank too much and stayed out too late...I guess you gotta do that from time to time, eh?

Anyway, I am POOPED today! But - I have the BEST FRIENDS EVER!!! Steph and Marie stopped by to visit me at work and they brought me my FAVORITE thing in the entire universe!! I love them!! Couldn't have made it through the day without the chai and the visit:) They really are my family up here...which is excellent!

So I started a new project tonight, I'm embarassed to say. I ripped out my french market bag and I'm starting a bag that will be faster. I'm taking some creative liberties with it so we'll see what happens when it's done...wish me luck!

((My posts have been boring as of late...sorry.))

Today...

Today has been a pretty good day! It didn't start that way - I started getting text messages from work at 8am ... and I was off today! Oh well - the next person I talked to was one of my favorites!! Marie called because she overslept - too funny! Who can sleep with their alarm going off for an hour and a half?!? Oh well - I'm sure she needed it!

Anyway, I got a text message from my sister not too much later. She got into the program at her college that she wanted to! I'm SO proud of her! She has worked so hard to get the grades it would take to get in. She's so excited and so am I! We're going on a family vacation this summer (scary!! who does that when their children are both over 20 anyway?)...it should be fun...or at least interesting! I think we're going to Cabo San Lucas to some all inclusive resort...so at least the booze will be free, right?? ;-)

I have to tell you all about a product I found at my local Target...it's by far my new favorite thing!!

It works REALLY well! It has these little gel-bars on the top and bottom so you don't need shave gel! Woo hoo!!

Anyway, I am almost to the heel flap on my jaywalkers so that's pretty exciting. I already have my next pair of socks planned - I got this great merino wool from my SP10 pal - it's almost enough yarn for a pair of socks. Steph and Marie's mom was kind enough to donate remnant yarn from her stash to my cause, so it will be for the cuffs and the heels of these socks. I'm really looking forward to how they'll come out!!

I'm also riding in a clinic with my FAVORITE clinician this week - Robin Walker! He's coming to TopLine on Thursday/Friday so I'm riding with him Friday morning before I go to work. I can't wait! He really likes Harry, and I learn so much from him.

More soon!! (Told you you'd be sick of me today!!)

Wow - it's been a while!

So I haven't posted in ages...that's not like me! I don't really have a lot to update you on, though.

As far as knitting goes - I did start a new project with the BEAUTIFUL hand dyed yarn I received from a swap partner in Denmark! I'm doing my first pair of jaywalkers. I'm enjoying how fast they're going, but I'd love to try a more intricate sock pattern sometime soon.

I've gotten a TON of compliments on my cable ready bag - I'd like to make another out of some yarn that isn't part acrylic - but it's hard to find super bulky weight yarn that isn't. We'll see...

Kind of a boring post, I know - but I'm off tomorrow so maybe I'll post something more substantial!

Steph - have a fun vay-kay!

Marie - this one's for you!!

Marie - I'm TOTALLY getting you this for your birthday!!!

Super silly

I was playing on the internet this morning - procrastinating. I should have been taking a shower and/or cleaning my kitchen before heading to work ... instead I happened upon this site. Look what I made!!

I'm not sure why it has all that border stuff on there, but his face makes me laugh.

On a totally different note - isn't it funny how you can push someone away for so long - and when you give them a chance, they're more than you thought they could be? I need to be totally better about that...

Holy Cow!!!

This has to be one of the most amazing horses I have EVER seen! I have never seen a grand prix dressage horse who is THIS athletic! His passage and piaffe are both SO suspended. His extended trot - he doesn't get strung out, and his rider does an AWESOME job of keeping his back legs underneath him. I couldn't watch this video enough. Sorry for you non-riders, or non-dressage people out there. This is too too amazing. I will do this one day!!

Dressage- Andreas Helgstrand

I think I need to 'oxynegate' my blood too!

This might be one of the FUNNIEST things I've seen in a long time...wow...

A Finished Project!

I finished my 'cable ready bag' just now! Man, that pattern was HARD to understand for attaching the handles - but other than that, it was SO EASY and very fast!

I like the way it came out - super cute. However, I don't know how functional it is going to be. It is hard to get into the purse with a whole hand. I think it'll be ok after I use it some. I am sad to say how much I LOVE that yarn, even though it is lion brand!

In other news, I got some SUPER exciting information today - will post more on that once it is official and public. :)

What a week!

I am TOTALLY not trying to complain - but it's been kind of a rough week!

Last night, I had the most severe migraine I have EVER had - I was 30 min from home and had to drive home like that. I am not sure how I did it. All I know is that I slept the entire night with my head on the biggest ice pack ever made. I woke up, and it's mostly gone - thank God!

Tonight - I have my first test in my organic chemistry II class of the semester. I am pretty nervous. It's over 4 chapters. I'm really comfortable with 15 and 16, and the first 1/3 of 17, but the rest of 17 and 18 - not so sure about. So I'm asking ALL of you to send positive thoughts my way tonight from 6:30-7:45 CST.

After my test, I am going to be in the lab alone for a few hours to make up for the lab I had to miss on Tuesday for my Director's Club Award Ceremony. After THAT, I'm heading to the barn to ride. It's going to be a long day - but it's more than 1/2 over, so it'll be alright.

Tomorrow, I have a "one-on-one" with my boss - not looking forward to that. We don't especially get along, and I'm so fed up, I might actually speak my mind in the meeting. We'll see....

Saturday - oh, BLESSED Saturday! Saturday will be my 1st day off since February 15. I can HARDLY WAIT! Woo hoo! Yeah - I have no plans, but that is not unusual. I don't really do stuff anymore. Who knew I would be so excited about a day off when all I will get to do is hang out with my cats. SO LAME - another excellent reason I am considering moving at the middle to end of this year. We'll see.

Anyway, totally lame post, I know - but I needed a study break. Sorry!

Harry's Hair and Calorimetry

It is COLD outside! Man, could we have more snow/sleet? BRRR!!!

Even though it's cold, I've been braving the weather and making my daily trips to the barn to ride. Last night, I curried Harry for a LONG time to help him get rid of some of the hair that he's shedding. I could not BELIEVE how much hair I got off of him. I took a picture with his hoof in it for perspective - and he's got big feet!!



Also, when I got home last night I finished a project! I got my swap kit from my winter scarf kit swap the other day, and I received 2 lovely skeins of Noro silk garden. I decided to use one to do Calorimetry. I was hoping that I would get through all the colors and I just did. The yarn was the perfect length, having only a few feet of yarn left over. When I put it on, it didn't fit quite like I had expected, so I'm not sure what I'm going to do about that now, but I wanted to post so you could see the way the colors played out - it's pretty cool!

Something Silly...

I stole this from Midnight2Sticks. It is too funny, so I had to do it!



1. YOUR GANGSTA NAME (First 3 letters of first name plus izzle)
Broizzle

2. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (fav color and fav animal)
Red Horse

3. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, and current street name)
Allison Lakeside

4. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of mom's maiden name)
Shibrqui

5. YOUR SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd favorite color, favorite drink).
Blue Pepsi

6. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother's middle name)
Louise

7. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one your pets)
This could be one of many - and they're all funny! Black Harry, Black Kitty, Black Radar - you pick!

HARRY!!!!!!!

I just flew in from Florida this morning....and BOY my arms are tired!!

I'll be sure to post more about my Florida trip later as there is a lot to tell, and some fun pictures to go with that, but for now - I'm about ready to go to bed. BUT, I couldn't go to bed without posting the BEST NEWS I've had in a LOOOOOOOOONG time!

When I got home from the airport today, I had already scheduled an appointment with my vet to re-evaluate Harry's leg to see if I could start riding him again. He was injured back at the end of October, and it's been a long time waiting...I've missed it so much! Yeah, I've ridden other people's horses, but it just isn't the same. Anyway, the vet was there right on time (UNUSUAL!!) and I brought Harry down as fast as I could so that we could ultrasound his leg. This is the third time we've done that since the injury. We have NEVER seen a tear or even a small hole or small black speck or ANYTHING on the tendon, but we wanted to make sure before he went back to work. Dr. B said that it still looked great and it was about time for me to start riding him again! I was SO excited! I ran to my car, grabbed my breeches, changed clothes and hopped right on!



That is him right after we were done with our ride. He looks SO enthused, I know - haha. The pic is a little blurry, but he's all warm and cozy in his fancy-schmancy cooler that we got for Christmas 2 years ago from Laura.

The ride - it was SO awesome! He was so even, he was tracking right up even on a loose rein, and he went right to work like we had never taken a break. Actually, he felt more even from side to side than he ever had felt before - so a positive not from all of this might be that I can now muscle him evenly on both sides so he isn't so strong on the right and tough to the left.

I can't stand how excited I am - I really needed this!

My latest project...

Parts of today were really good. These parts include: class was cancelled, we closed at work early, and I got to spend an evening at home relaxing (I should have been cleaning and packing, but whatever). Anyway, so I spent an evening knitting and I worked on my cable ready bag that I started last night. I did maybe 4 rows last night, and tonight - I am 7 rows from finishing the fist side. I took this picture an hour ago - a few inches ago.

This pattern is super fun because the way you finish it with the purse handles totally changes the shape and the look of the purse. The cables are offset every other row which also gives a cool pattern. I am liking this more than I thought I would!

That picture isn't great because you really can't see the detail of the cables, or the relative size of the purse. The finished size is supposed to be 15" x 10", but this is quite a bit longer than 15" right now. I guess once it's sewn and pulled into shape, it'll be shorter.

P.S. Make sure to see how adorable Harry is in my previous post!

New projects ... I think

Today, I actually got some knitting done for the first time since almost a month ago! I went to the barn this morning because Harry is going out again, and he has to be sedated to go out because he is not allowed to run or even trot until we ultrasound his leg again (which will hopefully be next week - keep your fingers crossed!!). Anyway, it was TOO COLD to stand outside with him for the 2 hours that he was outside, so instead - I drove my car up by his paddock and sat in there to knit while I watched to make sure he was calm and just hanging out while he was outside.

He was so good, and I got several rows done in my irish cable bag! I am excited to get that done, but it is seeming a bit tedious right now. I know that I'll use it when I'm done with it, so that makes it more appealing to do. I'm struggling, though, because I want to do a couple of pairs of fingerless gloves before it gets too warm to wear them!

So, because of that - I have been looking for a pattern that I LOVE, but I haven't had much luck. I was searching on the internet for days (literally, I had dreams/nightmares about it - not kidding...I know, I'm a freak) and couldn't find 'that' pattern. Finally, I decided it would be fun to do fingerless gloves with some of my self-striping sock yarn. I went to the dreaded website of 'L.B.' and actually found a cute-ish pattern. While I was there, I also saw a pattern that uses some yarn that I have leftover from a Christmas present I made (if you remember that cream and brown sweater that I made for my friend Cathy). It's a super cute purse that I think will go really super fast with that yarn, so I got both patterns.


I am going to alter the fingerless gloves pattern to include some cute edging on the top of them - and I might actually knit them so that the stripes on the arms go in the direction of elbow to wrist, rather than around (slimming, right??). I don't know - going to play with it a little bit.

Anyway, I'm just blabbing. Lots going on in my head right now...lots and lots....**sigh**.

A BIG Decision for me!!!

So I had to make a decision that was a really hard one for me. After a LOT of thought and consideration...and a few tears...I've decided that I am going to (possibly) rip out the sock that I've started. I found a pattern online today that I think might go faster and would therefore frustrate me less.

((this is not a picture of the sock I've done, rather the pattern I want to do))

These socks are knit sideways rather than in the round, then you kitchner the back seam. I think it's a fun way to use self striping sock yarn, so I might give it a shot. I might actually be a big chicken and not rip out what I've started - but start with a different skein. Who knows...I'll decide after I get home today ;-)

Let me know what you think in the meantime!

Oh man....

So yesterday was not a great day. I was stressed, rushed, etc, etc, etc. Whatever - no big deal. Anyway, I got home and was just pooped after a long, yucky day and decided to surf around on the web a little bit. I found these two things - the first one CRACKED me up! Man, I laughed HARD!!! The second one....um, I'm not sure if I thought it was funny, creepy, or just really sad. I don't know what is worse - what they're actually doing, or the HORRIBLE job of dubbing the word "glutes" for "boots". Watch the second one with discretion. I really went back and forth about posting it on here (Apparantly it is from some belly dancing workout video - who knew!). It disturbed me that much...but then I laughed. Anyway, I'll look forward to some comments on them both! (Marie - the first one might scare you...but only you!)

Embarassing - but too funny to not post.

So today, I had an interview and I wore some black boots that are kind of tight in the foot, so I either have to wear 'hose' or 'nylons' (whichever you prefer) or SUPER thin socks. Well - since most of you don't ride, you won't understand this - I also have socks that I wear under my riding boots that are FUN and some of them are my 'good luck' socks. They are really thin (kind of like knee-hi's) but have fun designs on them. I couldn't decide whether to wear my 'good luck dressage' socks or my 'good luck stadium' socks, so I decided to wear one of each. Anyway, I was in a hurry when I Was changing clothes for work later, so I just left them on and threw my white socks on over them. You can BARELY see that in the bottom of the picture, but I thought this was kinda funny - so I took a picture and decided to share it with all of you!! Enjoy!!

(WOW this pic makes my calves look HUGE!!!! Yikes - that's no good. Remember, I was a ballet dancer for 16 years - that's ALL muscle, baby!!)

for midnight 2 sticks

Here is a pic of my danica. I haven't touched it since November. Oops!!

What the heck?!

So, I was surfing around on youtube trying to entertain myself on yet ANOTHER boring Saturday. Don't get me started on that.

Anyway, I came across this video. You have got to be kidding me!

Ok, finally. 6 reasons I am a freak...

Ok, so I finally decided to do this. I’m only posting if it becomes interesting enough – we’ll see.

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the "6 weird things about you." People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says ‘you are tagged’ in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. Ok, let’s start out with an interesting one…and let’s see who can figure this one out. I have been the youngest, only, oldest, and middle child at some point in my life. I would say that’s fairly unique!

2. I have decision making issues. This probably isn’t a surprise to most of you. However, as an example – my older cat’s name is “kitty”. Why you ask? Because when I first got her, I changed her name SO MANY times in the first 6 months that “kitty” is the only thing that stuck. She went from “Sweet-Pea” (I did NOT pick that one out) to “Patches” to “Callie” to one other that I can’t remember, to her final chosen name…wait until you hear the VERY creative name she ended up with…wait for it….wait for it….”Mittens” (She of course has 4 white feet). Anyway, the only name she’ll acknowledge is “kitty”, or versions there-of (“ki-ki” “catten” or “stupid”).

3. This one is hard to admit. I have an IRRATIONAL reaction when I see places that use the letter’ ‘k’ rather than the ‘c’ or ‘qu’ that should appropriately be there. For example, “Korner Kitchen” or “kwick kopies”. This makes me VERY VERY angry. I certainly will never patronize those establishments.

4. I am COMPLETELY OCD about 3 things: 1) Did I remember to lock my door of my house/car? 2) Did I feed my cats/fish? 3) Did I lock Harry’s stall door? Now, to the normal person, these issues might seem like normal things to think about – but I FREAK out about them all day long if I physically cannot picture myself doing it in the first place. Seriously – I panic. On the day after Christmas, I was 4 hours away from my apartment and it was 1am – and I was CERTAIN that I had not left water for my cats when I left 4 days before. I left that late just to drive back and find they still had 2 bowls full. Yeah – I’m a freak.

5. Oh! I just thought of another one! This is pretty “freaky”. I happen to share my brain with my best bud. It’s unfortunate because some days, she has it and so those days are tough for me, and vice versa. It is FREAKY how much alike we are – I mean SUPER FREAKY. I guess that isn’t a surprise to most of you who will read this since you know both of us. But just trust me, it’s freaky. I’ve only known her for like 1.5 years, and …well it needs no further discussion. It’s definitely freaky.

6. And – for the grand finale… when I was a kid, I was sure that each of my limbs/appendages/etc had their own feelings and emotions. SO, I tried to treat them all very equally so that one did not feel left out. As an example, if my right foot would itch, I would scratch it (of course) – but then I would also scratch my left foot in the same spot…you know….just to make sure. (WOW I CANNOT BELIEVE I JUST PUT THAT IN WRITING!!)

I cannot currently think of 6 people to tag...I'll think about it.

Scary Mary!!

Ok, this is kind of scary - but pretty funny when you think about it. Check it out!!

What if Mary Poppins was a scary movie?!?

Projects Update

So I haven't updated much lately with pictures of my actual work, so I figured it was time! Here is a picture of that Irish Cable Purse that Steph, Marie, and I are doing. The color of my yarn looks really off in this picture - it isn't moss green. Oh well, here's what I've done.



And I did mention the other day that I had started my first sock! I got bored after I started the stockinette part of it, so I went back to my purse. I don't have a lot done on the sock, but will get more done tomorrow during the big football games!! (Sorry the pic is blurry) .



Also - I'm bummed. I think I'm the only one who did the embellished needle swap (no word back from anyone else but Steph, of course). I wish I hadn't sent these out because I think they're super fun. Oh well - here are pics of the two pairs of needles I did for the swap. The first ones are stoplights, and the 2nd ones are tulips. (Again - sorry the pics are blurry).

Embellished knitting needles!!

My embellished knitting needles are finally done and on their way for my swap-bot swap. They are SO fun! I wish I could keep them, I love the way they came out!

I'll post pictures once my partners receive them.

Also - I made a deal tonight with Marie. She and Stephanie want me to post my hot tub/chocolate santa story. I said that I would GLADLY post it when/if Marie comes though and introduces me to at least one of the 2 guys she says she wants me to meet. SO - we'll see if you all ever get to read the story!

Goodnight!

Socks!!

Well - I started my first pair of socks tonight. I'm doing them on 2 sets of circulars rather than dpns. So far so good! I found some fun yarn on SUPER SALE tonight, so I couldn't resist. Pics of my work soon!!

<-----my yarn (silly and fun!)
<----the pattern (not too complicated since these are my first!!)

Wish me luck!

TopLine Christmas Party!

So last night was our annual barn Christmas party. It was SOOOOOO fun! Some crazy stuff happened, which is totally to be expected at our gatherings. I'm going to post two pictures and let you figure out what happened :) I'll post the details when I have more time!

GRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!

So this is TOTALLY not knitting related - but can I just say how frustrated I am with a CERTAIN situation at my job?! I am going to scream and rip all my hair out or quit by the end of the month...I swear......

Finished projects and swaps!

Tonight, I did my Christmas with Cathy and Eric. I FINALLY finished this sweater that was for Cathy. This picture isn't great, but I was in a hurry to wrap it! I had to do a LOT of tweaks to the pattern, but it came out ok. The sleeves look funny, but it is very even, actually. I didn't like it at all until she tried it on - it fit her perfectly!




Also, today I received my package from my 'yarn and knitting' swap that I did. I got some of the YUMMIEST smelling coffee I've EVER smelled. I believe it is a local blend from my partner's area. It is cocoa caramel rum coffee and it smells AMAZING! I also got some Merry Berry coffee which smells great, too! Finally - I got this really nice 100% wool hand dyed yarn. The colors are a little off in this picture, but it is pink and red. She picked it out so I could knit something for Valentine's Day! So thoughtful! Thank you so much! I love it!!