Some days you're gonna put me on a pedestal up high

Miss me?

Sorry it took so long. You thought I was kidding when I said it was hard to get up off the couch! Anyways, here are my new Baudelaire socks. They are so pretty you could put them up on a pedestal. (Ok, so the title's a stretch, but read on and you'll understand. Maybe.)



Specs:
Pattern: Baudelaire from Knitty
Needles: US 2
Yarn: one skein of Cherry Tree Hill yarn in "Moody Blues," hence today's title (I had to search long and hard for it as I don't really listen to the Moody Blues)
Pattern Notes: This one was really fun to knit. The pattern is really well written and easy to follow. I taught myself how to knit on two circulars for this one, plus they are toe-up, which is also new for me. I love the construction of the heel, which is a rounded short row heel with a flap. I also had fun with the sewn bind-off, which I'll definately use again. My only complaint, which is not a pattern complaint, is that I have little or no talent in photographing my own feet. Must work on this one.

And just so you won't think that I really have spent all of the time since my last post just sitting on the couch, check out this next project:

I picked out these great coordinating dishcloths . . .



to be a new home for this mess of needles.



Voila! Here is my new needle case closed:



And here it is open:



Betcha didn't know I could sew! It was really easy, but next time I'll probably head to Joanne's Fabrics rather than use dishcloths. It was a little difficult to work with fabric of this thickness on the sewing machine.

And, what you've all been waiting for, the date update:
- Date number 1 never happened because the loser never called (cross that guy off the list).
- Date number 2 was great: good chemistry, easy to talk to, but I'm not sure I'm attracted to him. Still, he gets another chance.
- Date number 3 was wicked uncomfortable. I may not be the best conversationalist, but he had no ability to hold up his end. I'd ask him questions and he'd constantly answer with one or two words only. There were other weirdnesses that I can't even go into, but trust me, it was not good. Want to hear the strangest thing? The next day he sent me an e-mail saying that he had a lot of fun and I was really easy to talk to. Was he at the same date or what?
- Date number 4 was my favorite. I'm definately attracted to him and I find him really interesting. The only shortcoming is that we don't have THAT much in common, so it was a little hard to keep the conversation flowing. It got better as the evening went on, and I think he'll call.
- Boy number 5 seems to have fallen off the face of the earth, but it's ok because I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with men as it is. Plus, two new guys have begun e-mailing me on JDate. I'm feeling uber-popular these days. Kinda funny how I've been in a dry spell for what feels like forever, and suddenly it's all turned around.



Previous Title: Geri Halliwell, "It's Raining Men"

I feel stormy weather moving in . . . it's raining men

When it rains, it pours! Somehow I have found more eligible bachelors than you would find on an episode of the dating game. Needless to say, my weekend is pretty booked up. I don't want to say too much and jinx it, but I promise to tell all as the days go by. Most are JDaters and one is a friend of a friend. That's it - you get no more until after I have gone out with them. Not a peep so don't even try.

Now, for the promised vacation update. In no particular order, here are a few things I did this past week:

1. Heehee. Met boys.

2. I went antiquing with mom. I haven't really ever been into antiques, but I have this one really cool art deco glass piece that I got from my grandmother when she moved into a nursing home. This weekend I decided to start acquiring a few other pieces. I saw some really neat stuff, including a purple glass perfume bottle with a metal section on the bottom. Sorry, can't describe it better than that. It was really cool, but in the end, I decided on this collection of seltzer bottles.



Cute, no?

3. I visited the new twins in New York. Sorry, no pics. You'll have to take my word on it. Grace and Carter are the cutest itsy bitsy babies I ever did see. Mama Kelly looks good too, with cute new hair (Hi Kelly!).

4. I got a new hair cut too! I didn't take pictures of that either, but I really like it. I also had it straightened, so now it doesn't frizz quite so much on these hot hot days.

5. I went to a wedding shower for my almost sister-in-law. It was fun, but it was a marathon shower, clocking in at 5 hours. I think that might be a new record.

6. I went to a yarn store in Pennington, NJ. It was my first trip to The Wooly Lamb, but I will definately be back. They were really nice and friendly, and they had a huge selection. I think they have moved down the street and have not yet changed their website, so if you decide to go, you should call them first for the real address. They had a sample from the Debbie Bliss Pure Silk book and they even let me try it on! I was convinced.



Look what followed me home! This isn't a color I normally would choose, but it's the color of the store sample, and it looked great, so mine will be bright pink too. Now that I've been home for a little while, look what I have so far:



Want to guess what it's going to be?

7. I finished a pair of socks. I'm not going to show you them today, because I think they deserve their own song lyrics, don't you?

8. I got back to Boston and found this waiting for me in the mail:



Thank you Secret Pal! She made me a scarf, which I totally love. You can't tell from the picture, but it has a little ruffle detail at the ends. Love it! She also sent a tin of mango sour altoids (yum!) and a really nice note. By the way, Secret Pal, don't worry about the chocolate - I can't imagine it would travel well either.

9. I can't think of a number nine, so I guess that's it. Phew! What a week! Did I mention I met boys?



Yesterday's title: ACDC, "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Want to Rock 'N Roll)"

Ridin' down the highway

I'm back in Boston, but tired from all of the driving. I've got lots to tell you about, but it'll have to wait until tomorrow. Hopefully a lot of pictures, too, but only if I can surgically unattach my butt from the couch for long enough to find the camera.



Previous title: Simon and Garfunkel, "America"

Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike

It's never good when you are surrounded by brake lights and you see a fire truck go by. Despite some trauma on the NJ Turnpike, I managed to survive a five and a half hour drive to my parents' house today, relatively unscathed. I'll be away for about a week, probably not going to be posting much, but you never know. Have a good few days!



Previous title: Artist Unknown (really - I googled it), "I've Been Workin' on the Railroad"

Someone's in the kitchen I know

But there was no strummin' on the old banjo.

Lookee - I cooked!



Okay, so most people wouldn't call making a salad "cooking," but I haven't done more than dial for take out in quite some time. Well, that's not entirely true. I'm also really good at buying pre-made stuff at Whole Foods. If you want to make a delicious apple walnut salad for yourself, here's what I did:

- one package of pre-washed and chopped lettuce (romaine)
- one package of crushed walnuts
- one package of dried apple slices
- one package of goat cheese

Directions: Mix all in a large bowl. Add raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Enjoy!

I know, it takes a lot of effort. It took me a whopping five minutes to make. I thought about adding chicken, but why push it?

A few other recent updates:

The Moody Blues socks were coming close to an end, but I had a few minor setbacks. You'll have to hold your breath if you're waiting for those.

For Midnight Purls, a fellow Jersey Girl, although I'm really from PA originally: I grew up in Yardley, PA but I went to Chapin for middle school and Princeton Day School for high school.

Oh! "Without a Trace" is on tv right now and tonight's episode has Brain/Brian from "My So-Called Life," aka Pink Shirt Guy from "Felicity" (can you tell I'm really a little too good at Pop Culture Trivia?). Sorry, I have to go watch now.



Previous Title: The Go-Gos, "Vacation"

Vacation all I ever wanted

Shelby, my SP8 Hostess with the Most-est has asked for a response to a few questions, just for fun. They're kind of vacation-themed, hence the title.

1) What is your favorite season of the year?
I like Fall because Massachusetts is so pretty when the leaves change, and Spring because of the anticipation, but Summer's by far the best. I don't work during much of the summer so I get to relax and snooze and knit and do other fun stuff.

2) Where is your favorite vacation spot?
I think I'm going to go to Paris in April with my mom. Paris is one of my all-time favorite cities because of the culture - there's so much art, fashion, and just generally interesting stuff going on in Paris. I also like Italy for the same reasons.

3) If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be?
Paris and Italy, obviously, but I'd also like to go to Australia and Greece. I've never been to either one and I've heard rave reviews.

4) If you could pick any job, and be paid well, what would it be?
I'd like to own/run a knitting store. Is this even a question you need to ask?

5) If you were going on vacation for 1 week, and had to take ONLY one project with you, what would it be?
Yikes! Too many to choose from! Maybe a pair of socks with an interesting pattern. Or a scarf with an interesting pattern. Something that would hold my interest but not be too involved. I'd like to be able to pick it up for short periods of time and not lose my place in the pattern, but I'd also like something that won't bore me or feel like work.

6) If you won a shopping spree to your favorite Yarn shop, what would you get?
Sign me up! I'm thinking I'd go for a swift and yarn winder, oodles of sock yarn (Koigu and Lorna's Laces), and some ArtYarns of any variety. I've never made anything using their yarns, but each one is prettier than the next. As long as it's a shopping spree, I might as well go all out: it would also be fun to pick up a variety of colors of Cascade 220 for felting projects, and of course anything Noro.

I guess that's all. Excuse me while I go drool over the idea of a shopping spree to a yarn store . . .



Previous title: Guns 'n Roses, "November Rain"

Everybody needs some time on their own

Today was a day to be spent all by myself. In a good way, I mean. I relaxed, did a little housecleaning, laundry, and of course, started a new pair of socks. You knew it was coming soon, didn't you?



Check out the needles. Yup, this baby is my very first venture into the world of socks on circular needles. It's a nice place. I think I'll stay. I also taught myself how to go toe-up for these, which is a good thing. The yarn is Cherry Tree Hill in Moody Blues. I always end up a little short with this yarn, but it's yummy so I can't seem to resist it. I figure with toe-up socks, I can just stop when I get close to the end of the skein. The pattern is Baudelaire , from Knitty.

They are really going fast!

In other news, I did some felting today. I figured as long as I was doing laundry, I might as well throw in some projects. May I present the Cleo Clutch and a Booga Bag.





ThatÂ’s about all the news for now, given that I only left the house today when absolutely necessary.

Oh yeah, I added some stuff in the sidebar - take a look. I updated my FOs list and added an Amazon wish list.



Yesterday's title: Maroon 5, "She Will Be Loved"

It’s not always rainbows and butterflies; it’s compromise that moves us along

. . . but today it's rainbows and butterflies. I spent the day at the pool. A little humid, but all in all a deliciously sunny afternoon with a bit of a breeze.

Then I came home and got ready to go run some errands. Important stuff, you know, like Starbucks and Trader Joes. Can't possibly be skipped. I put on my summer uniform of jeans and a black tank top, then added a Sox hat 'cause I didn't really want to wash my hair. I looked in the mirror before I left, and was fully satisfied. I'm not sure if it's a thing that comes with age, or if it's the tan or the fact that I've been working hard at the gym, but lately I've been increasingly happier with what I see in the mirror. I think as a kid I always thought 29 was so old and for sure I'd be over the hill by then (hee hee, you know how anything above eighteen seems REALLY old when you're little?). Well, I think I'm growing into myself maybe. Or something. Now my cheeks are blushing. Moving right along.

I've got a few finished knitting things to show you, mostly bags that might hold socks. Wonder why, hmmm? They both need felting though, so I'll hold off on showing you some pictures. I also finally finished one Tropicana sock and am getting going on the second one. I'm fighting hard to avoid Second Sock Syndrome, but I'm so tired of these socks already.

Last night I took a break from socks to make some stitch markers. Cute, no?



When they're finished, they'll be shipped off to secret pals. Of course, I'll have to make a new set for myself too. I ran out of supplies halfway through the second set, and I haven't added the rings to the tops yet. Looks like another trip to the craft store. That's ok though, because I'm also thinking about making this, and I'll need to pick up a few things. I need another bag like I need a hole in the head, but I can't help myself. Chances are it'll take a while for me to get going on it anyway. Unless of course it rains tomorrow and I can't go to the pool.



Previous title: Dave Matthews Band, "So Much to Say" (for all in-between titles too)

So much to say, so much to say, so much to say, so much to say

A post with multiple titles, the first of which is up above.

Phew! It's been over a week since my last post - sorry about that! Can't believe so much time has passed! In my defense, I've been pretty busy lately. I've been working, believe it or not (given that I teach and it's summer). I've been helping to write a new social studies curriculum for third grade for the district. I know, fascinating, right? For me it's been pretty interesting to see what goes into that, but I won't bore you with the details. I think it's enough to say that I've spent five of the last ten days staring at a computer screen for hours.

I bought myself some presents from Amazon. They took forever, but they are finally here. I've made myself a deal though, no new projects until I finish at least two of the projects I have going right now. So temporarily I'm just drooling over these. I've pawed through them all quite a few times already, but haven't started anything just yet.

Little feet little hands little feet little hands little baby

Kelly had the babies! She's the one with twins, who got the Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino blankies. Well, one of those blankies is technically still in my possession, but she'll get it soon. Maybe the babies are small enough to share for a little while? I'll see her soon, so the jealous baby will get his or hers soon enough (I'm not sure which baby got which blanket color combo). Carter Joseph, Grace Kelly, and mom, dad, and the dog are all doing great. Although the dog's probably looking for some extra love. Can't wait to meet the little ones!

I find sometimes it's easy to be myself; sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else

Not that I'm being somebody else these days, but just that sometimes I'm happy just being me, and other times it's hard thinking about the things I want in life and the things I don't yet have in my sights. I spent much of the weekend in New York at a wedding. After that, I went to the Jersey Shore to celebrate the fourth with my brother and his fiance. We had a blast together, but every so often it just nags at me that all of these people are just beginning their lives together, and that I'm not quite there yet. Don't worry about me though, it's not really on the forefront of my mind all of the time. I wasn't even really going to mention it, but when I listened to this song again, I couldn't skip over this part of it.

Talk about the weather

On to brighter news. Hope you're all enjoying the sunshiney weather today! Looks like we're in for a few pool/beach days this weekend and into next week.

Did you ever see a song fit so perfectly with a post like this?






Previous title: Kenny Rogers, "The Gambler"

You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em

Yesterday was an interesting day. I went to the Sox game, a make-up from Sunday's rained out game. On Sunday I will admit I was a little bummed, since it didn't actually rain much after 2 or 3, and it was a 2:00 game. A delay would have probably made more sense. At any rate, Monday ended up being gorgeous, so now I'm okay with the decision. Plus it was the first weekday where I didn't have to go to work, so this was a nice way to celebrate that.

It ended up being a great game. It was a little boring at first, with nothing on the board until the bottom of the sixth, but that's where it really took off. I won't give you the play-by-play. If you're that interested, you've probably heard/seen it already. But it ended in the twelfth inning at 8-7 Sox. Really fun and exciting game. Way to go boys! So the "know when to hold 'em" part of this post is about knowing when to stick it out until the end rather than getting frustrated and leaving early, like many fans did. And like I considered doing. I'm really glad I stayed.

Then there's the "know when to fold 'em" part. I had a first date. 'Nuff said? Maybe not. It wasn't horrible, but the conversation was a little stiff and hard to maintain. I was really looking forward to meeting this guy, so it was a little disappointing. Ah, well, you never know unless you give it a shot. At one point we were talking about the Al Gore movie, "An Inconvenient Truth." He said he doesn't really believe that global warming is happening or that it's a problem. Seriously? I'm thinking there will be no second date.

Want to hear about some knitting stuff?

I keep meaning to show off this fun bag I got from my secret pal. Isn't it the cutest?



Check out what's hiding inside of it:




It's not your imagination, the Tropicana socks have changed colors! I finally gave up on trying to make them using my Lorna's Laces watercolors yarn. Instead, it's "Girls Night Out" from Sunshine Yarns that I showed you in the last post. It definately works better in this yarn since now the socks aren't too big AND there's no weird pooling going on. I'm not totally in love with them, but I think I'm just tired of the pink already. What do you think?

And look what else I made! It's not from the Mason-Dixon book, but it was kind of inspired by it in terms of the yarn choice. I was thinking about using this as my sock pal bag, or a gift for my secret pal, but I'm not sure yet. I may need to keep it for myself. I think most likely though, it will go to my secret pal, filled with some handy knitting goodies.



Specs:
Pattern: "GIve It a Whirl Bag" by Amy Polcyn, from Creative Knitting July 2006
Needles: US 7 dpns
Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream in color 19181, variegated blues
Pattern Notes: The pattern is really easy to follow and was a wicked fast knit. I only used dpns because my circular needles in size 7 were too long. The bag is knit from the top down. At the bottom, the decreases are done with a row of knit stitches between decrease rows. After about half of the decrease rows, I eliminated the knitted row in between. It just seemed like I'd end up with a bottom that didn't sit very flat, but I didn't try it so I couldn't swear to that.

Working with bigger needles was a nice break. I think I'll continue that break by starting on a Cleo Clutch. Size 10s here we come! Yay!



Previous title: The Verve Pipe, "Colorful"

The show is over close the storybook

School's out for summer! Today was the last day - hooray! I still have to go back tomorrow for some cleaning up and a faculty meeting, but that's ok, it'll still be pretty relaxed and low-key. I really enjoyed my class this year. I got a little choked up a few times today. I know they will visit all the time, but it's hard to let them go. It's funny how the kids that were the most challenging are often the ones you really want to hold on to at the end of the year. Or maybe it's because the one I'm thinking of has a knitting mommy . . .

I got some terrific prezzies, but I'm just going to share the knitting ones for now. Maybe some other day I could be persuaded to tell about the others too.

That mom I was talking about wrote me the nicest note and then handed me two packages. Then she said, "You have to open them right now." A woman after my own heart.



As she put it, "We knitters have to stick together." Sounds like a plan to me, especially if it leads to goodies like these. I've been wanting this book for a while. I can't wait to read through it! The washcloth is really cute too!

After school and a fun lunch out with the teachers, it was off to the yarn store of course! No better way to celebrate the ending of school! Dani from Knitting Sunshine was holding some yarny yumminess for me.



Here we have "Girls Night Out" on the left and "Dragonfly" on the right. What patterns to choose . . . Suggestions are welcome!

Oh, and for Midnight Purls, I have looked at the Elfine pattern. They are really cute socks! I tried them once, but it was right after the baby blankets were finished, and they really bothered my wrist, so I frogged them. I'm thinking maybe I'll try again with "Girls Night Out."



Previous Title: Aretha Franklin, "Respect" - Yeah, like you didn't already know that!

Sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me!

You knew it was coming one day, right? Sorry, lacking creativity today on account of the fact that summer has finally arrived in Boston. Not just summer, actually, but heat that we don't usually see even on the hottest days of August. It's ok though, I think the worst of it is over. There's nothing like it being 95 degrees outside and needing to take the kids out there to cool off. Yeah, I repeat: third floor classroom on the sunny side of the building.

Now back to the point of today's post. My questionnaire for the Knit Sock Kit Swap.

What are your favorite colors? I generally like darker colors, like deep reds and purples. However, I'm really not that picky. I prefer to stay away from pastels, primaries, and really bright stuff. Okay, maybe that is kinda picky.

Are you a new sock knitter? How long have you been knitting socks? I've been knitting socks for at least a year I think. I'm definately not new. The only problems I run into these days are things like size issues.

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn? I like both, but I'm not a fan of the kind that does some self-striping with checker boards, like Regia.

What fibers do you prefer in sock yarn? Generally I go for wool, something superwash.

Where do you usually knit socks? On my coach in front of the tv, but also on airplanes and at Starbucks.

How do you usually carry/store small projects? In ziploc bags, or in bigger knitting bags (like a French Market bag).

What are your favorite sock knitting patterns? I really liked pomatomus, and anything like that. I enjoy patterns that have a little challenge to them - something to keep me interested.

What are your favorite sock knitting techniques? Nothing in particular comes to mind.

What new techniques would you like to try? Knitting two socks on two circulars.

Do you prefer circulars or dpns for sock knitting? I've been using dpns, but I want to start learning how to use circulars for socks.

What are some of your favorite yarns? Lorna's Laces and Koigu are the ones I use most of the time. I'd really like to try Socks that Rock, but haven't yet.

What yarn do you totally covet? Socks that Rock? Koigu?

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object? Again, nothing comes to mind. Sorry! Well, actually, maybe some version of the Butterfly jacket from Noro, but I'm thinking this question is about socks.

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)? Generally I use anything bamboo. I like circs, straights, and dpns - so basically, all styles. I haven't tried those new sock circulars that stretch out as you go along. Sounds like an interesting concept.

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be? Good question! Probably Socks that Rock, but maybe something from Artyarns. Oh, wait, Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino!

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack? Chocolate is good. Milk chocolate especially. M&Ms, 3 Musketeers, etc.

What’s your favorite animal? I love cats. And monkeys of course.

Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages? I have no pets.

If you were a color what color would you be? Purple. Don't know why, just seemed like the right answer.

Describe your favorite shirt (yours or someone else’s): It's a swirly kind of pattern in different shades of brown. It has a v-neck. Right at the v the fabric is gathered and there is a beaded patch that is mostly golds and greens, but in a completely not tacky kind of way. There is also some subtle beading up the side seams.

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature? Maybe an orchid? Not so sure.

Tell me the best quote you’ve ever heard or read. There are so many words of wisdom! How can I possibly be expected to decide? I guess it's, "Don't dream it, be it." It's from Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Do you have a wishlist? No, but keep checking back because I've been thinking about getting one. Top of my list would be "Knitting on the Road."

Anything else you’d like to share with the group today? I don't think so. Can you tell I'm a little indecisive?

---

In other news, I've just discovered this. What a great way to use up the stash! I'm totally in. Any other takers?

Also, I got another giftee that I'm assuming is from my secret pal. Pictures coming soon!



Yesterday's title: Joan Jett, "I Hate Myself For Loving You"

I hate myself for loving you

No folks, it's not your imagination. The socks are getting shorter! I promise I'm not knitting backward, and it's no bizarre new way to work the pattern, it just is what it is. Here's the full story:

There once was a beautiful princess.

You knew I'd make myself a beautiful princess one day, right?

She was getting a little bored in the land of the Eyelet Chemise, seeing as how she didn't really understand the language and all.

What's a chemise anyway?

So she decided to venture back into Sock Land for a short vacation. At first, things were just fine. Peachy, even. Things were going along swimmingly.

Pun intended. Check out those River Rapids (new picture on the last entry).

She managed to knit a whole river of socks, and a rapid one at that, without even getting her feet wet. After that, there was no stopping the beautiful princess. She continued on to the tropical jungles, otherwise known as the Jungle of Tropicana. She felt quite comfortable around the animals, the monkeys in particular.

Heehee. Get it? Stash Monkey?

And then the unthinkable happened! The jungle was overwhelmingly large! It just seemed way too big for her. It seems the Wicked Witch-frog has resized the jungle socks overnight. So the princess did what she must, and frogged the whole sock. Undaunted, she cast on with smaller needles. Sadly, she forgot that it was only the jungle that needed reknitting, not the ribbed pathway leading up to it.

Ribbit! Ribbit!

The sock was frogged again. This time, the princess recreated the ribbed path on size 2 needles, then took out her smaller needles as she returned to the jungle. The pointy sticks went round and round, fighting off the evil Witch-frog. While the princess thought she was defeating all enemies, she found that suddenly, before her very eyes, there appeared pools of color.

This is no rain forest! The socks were frogged a third time. Let's hear it,

Ribbit! Ribbit!

And so the trials of the princess and her jungle socks continued. They were ripped yet again after an attempt was made to alternate skeins. This one was a bloody battle.

Not literally, but the princess was seeing RED at this point.

The jungle was slowly and steadily returned to its natural state. Back to the original attempt, despite knowledge of the curse of the oversized Jungle of Tropicana.

Moral of the story: Hey, bigger socks are better than none at all!

I just have to have some Tropicana socks, so what if they're a little roomy? I give up already!



Previous title: Three Dog Night, "Joy to the World"

Joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea

So maybe I'm not as speedy as I promised, but you didn't think you could actually rely on that, did you? At long last:



Do you like those fishes in the deep blue sea?

Specs:
Pattern: River Rapid Socks by Sockbug
Needles: US 2
Yarn: Atlantis from Sunshine Yarns
Pattern Notes: The pattern is well written and includes both a chart and line-by-line directions, for those of us out there who follow written directions better. I didn't make any changes to the pattern, but the socks are a little wide for me. If I decide to knit another pair for myself, I'll use size 1 needles, or cut out one of the purl stitches in between the designs (there are 2).

Upon finishing, I immediately felt myself in sock withdrawal. Weird, considering that before this pair I thought I needed a break from socks. I'm thinking it's just because these have a fun pattern that's not really mindless, but not so hard to follow. With this in mind, I have started a new pair.



They are, or will be, Tropicana socks in Lorna's Laces Watercolors. I hate socks with no ribbing at the top, so I've added a small section of ribbing. They're already a little wide (noticing a pattern here?), but I'm thinking I'll just keep going because I really like them. Also, I don't think I'll survive socks on size 1 for a while.

Also, I have new TV shows in the midst of rerun central. The first isn't really new, but I haven't seen it before. "Without a Trace" - it's like Law and Order but I haven't seen them all. The idea is that every episode someone goes missing and the detectives set out to find him or her. The other one I like is called "Saved." I didn't think it would be very good, but I watched the premiere Monday night (TNT at 10) and it was pretty good. It's possible that my taste is jaded by the lack of newness on television these days.

And, finally, the countdown has reached: SIX! Only six more school days left for the kiddos!



Previous Title: Good Charlotte, "The Anthem"

Don't wanna be just like you

Ever think you're being clever and at least somewhat original, only to find out someone else is doing it too? I was playing around on the web today and stumbled across this. What's funny is that I used to read this blog, but haven't in a really long time, like a year or more. I'm sure she didn't used to have song lyric titles, but maybe I'm wrong. I checked the archives just now, and it doesn't look like it's every day, just often. Oh well, so much for creativity.

This kind of reminds me of that movie "Garden State," when Natalie Portman talks about feeling the need to do something totally original and unique, then she makes this weird noise and moves all funny, just because noone else has ever done exactly that at exactly that place before. Interesting, but a little off. The movie was on this weekend, but it's also a favorite.

In other news, . . .
- I may have a date this week! Details to follow as they unfold.
- I signed up for a new knit-along; check the sidebar. It sounds like fun!
- This coming weekend is a summer holiday weekend, which means another wedding event! I don't think I've mentioned it, but every summer holiday weekend with the exception of Memorial Day is occupied by some wedding event. This one is a wedding shower for a childhood friend.
- Last weekend, though not a holiday weekend, was also occupied by a wedding event. A bachelorette party! Definately more fun than a wedding shower.
- I should have an FO to show off tomorrow - whaddaya think? Socks or eyelet chemise?

That's all for now. Sorry about the list; I'm just not feeling particularly prosaic today. Yes, I did have to look up "prosaic." Best I can tell, it's the word I want, meaning "consisting or characteristic of prose."

Until tomorrow!



Previous Title: Stevie Wonder, "Superstition"

Very superstitious, the devil's on his way

Some 6/6/06 tidbits, if you haven't heard enough of them yet:

- Slayer is beginning their Unholy Alliance Tour - Do people really listen to Slayer still? Maybe the world is really in trouble if there are actually Slayer fans around.

- The odds of the world ending today are apparently 100,000-to-1 - Someone really thought about that one?

- The sum of all of the numbers on a roulette wheel is 666 - Gambling is clearly evil!

- Hell, Michigan is having quite the celebration today - Sounds like fun!

- Many expectant mothers are doing their best to avoid giving birth today - Can you blame them?

In a quick Google search, here is my favorite find:
Still scared about the date 666? Jack Horkheimer of the Miami Space Transit Planetarium has a piece of advice: "If it really spooks you, you can stand on your head and it'll be 999."

Enough of that, I'm already bored of it. Now back to your regularly scheduled blogging.

I've been holding out on you a little. I've been knitting and not sharing for a few days now. Here's the grand reveal, although nothing's finished yet so don't get too excited.

Some River Rapids socks. Well, really one River Rapid and one little Pond Rapid, soon to become a River Rapid.



I've also been knitting away on the Eyelet Chemise from the current Interweave. I'm using GGH Scarlett, and I guess I'm about 2/7ths of the way through since I've used 2 out of 7 balls of yarn. Can you tell we're studying fractions this week in third grade?



And speaking of third grade, one of my sweetie-pies brought me flowers again! It's actually the third time now. How cute! I gave the vase back to her father this morning, and he returned it in the afternoon with a refill. They are beautiful!





Do you think I should tell her that I've already finished the report cards?



Previous Title: Santana featuring Rob Thomas, "Smooth"

Man it's a hot one; like seven inches from the midday sun

Maybe it's time to get a fan . . .

If I haven't already told you, I teach twenty-two nine year-olds. On the third floor. On the sunny side of the building. With no air conditioning. It was 89 degrees today. It must have been 99 degrees in my classroom.

I've been home for an hour now, soaking in the AC and sucking up a mocha frappucino, and I swear I'm still sweating. And yes that was me just telling you the other day about how great summer is in Boston and how much I love it when the sun comes out. Stop laughing. Stop! It's not funny.

I love the summer and I love the sunshine, but it's really hot up there on the third floor on the sunny side with no air conditioning and way too many kids. I'll survive, but I reserve the right to complain. And don't think I won't complain tomorrow when it's cold and rainy and more like 65 degrees.

No knitting pictures today; it's just too hot!



Yesterday's title: Damien Rice, "The Blower's Daughter"

I can't take my eyes off of you

As promised, another FO.



Specs:
Pattern: Entrelac Shawl from Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino
Needles: US 3
Yarn: Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino - I made two blankets and it took 8 balls of each color, but it takes about 1 and 1/2 for the edge and about 6 for the center. I can't find the labels, so I don't know the color numbers. On my screen the next picture, a close-up, shows the colors better.
Pattern Notes: I hope you can tell from the title of this post how in love I am with this blankie. The pattern is a little complicated, but the directions are fairly clear. Have a little faith, trust in Debbie Bliss, and everything will turn out just fine. Below is a close-up of the stitch pattern, which involves an awful lot of seed stitch, with quite a few cables interspersed throughout.



This is half of a baby gift for my closest friend's twins. The other blanket has already been gifted, and is the exact opposite of this one in that the colors are reversed. One day I'll try to get a photo of the two blankets together. For now, you'll just have to imagine what a great pair they make.



Yesterday's Title: Ben Lee, "Catch My Disease (That's The Way I Like It)"

The winter is long in the city and that's the way I like it

Don't get me wrong, I love summer, not to mention spring and fall. But see the thing is, when your winter seems to last for nine months, you appreciate the sunshine just that much more. Lately, we've been appreciating it, and appreciating it, and appreciating it. Yay!

I spent a lot of time outside this past L-L-L-O-O-O-N-N-N-G-G- weekend, just soaking up the sun. I went to see the boys take on Tampa Bay. While not a terribly impressive game (Sunday), it was nice to finally get to Fenway. We had great seats near Pesky's Pole, but the only pictures I got of the game unfortunately involved Trot Nixon picking his butt. I will decline to post those. You're welcome, Trot.



Then on Monday, I spent the day cooling off at the pool - such a tough life, I know.

What about Saturday, you ask? What did I spend my time doing? Remember those FOs I was talking about? Well, I have TWO to show off! Don't mind me, I seem to be all about the capital letters today. Don't know why.

Anyways, where was I? Oh, the FOs, the FOs!



Specs:
Pattern: Trellis Scarf by Evelyn A. Clark, from IK Spring 2006
Needles: US 5
Yarn: 1 skein Misti Alpaca Lace, color 3140 (also known as pink)
Pattern Notes: The pattern was fairly easy with the one exception being the crazy "knit 7 into 5" stitches. I can't even describe how hard those were. I used a size 1 dpn to help get those done. I love this scarf and I would absolutely make it again. It's a great gift, and an inexpensive knit. The only thing holding me back from starting on scarf #2 is I'm just not sure it's my style.


Here's a close-up of the stitch pattern:



I promised more than one FO, but I've decided to spread the joy. So number 2 will have to wait until my next post. I will, however, promise to post tomorrow rather than a week from now.

In final knitting news, all this finishing has left an opening for a new project. I stopped by my LYS this afternoon and got some help from the lovely Johanna. I've decided on this



made from this.



I can't wait to get started!



Previous Title: Pearl Jam, "Life Wasted" - The concert was unbelievable, by the way. They always outdo themselves.

Darkness comes in waves; tell me, why invite it to stay?

'nuff said?



Previous title: Foo Fighters, "DOA"