Friday, November 14, 2008

Ticked Ticked... Tock

Let's start this one out with a giant eyeroll. All together now

*EYEROLL*

Okay, so the day didn't start out too badly as it is after all Friday and if you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times... I don't work on Fridays. So, it was a good day simply because of what it is.

So, I drop the kidlets off to their respective schools and go about confirming the booking for my son's party. Get to the place early ya'll - I'm the ONLY one there - I have exact cash and all I need is a receipt. I hear the receptionist ask for it. Then calls someone again and then again. Half an hour later, I get a receipt. HALF AN HOUR to write a receipt. That (among other things) is island life - I know some of you want to come live on an island and sip coconut water at the beach and stuff but I know half of you would go crazy in a week!

Anyways, I wound up getting flack from the girl at the sandwich shop and I wound up cancelling the order after she started it. Then I took some invitations to my son's school for the aforementioned party and was met with a level of surliness from one of the staff that I didn't appreciate. THEN I went to my sewing class and had it out with the "teacher". Without seeking votes for my side of the story (well this is the only side you'll get anyways) it feels as though this woman has gotten more difficult with each class - either turning up late and having me wait for her or speaking to me like I'm an idiot. I admit - I do not know much about sewing - only what I have been taught by said "teacher" and am really very new to it all - so any questions really should be addressed without the curt responses, sighs and without starting the answer with "Like I just said..." It came to a head when I asked about seam allowance and was promptly chastised and dressed down for "not listening" and was told "Fine, I'll do it myself. Don't worry, I'll do it myself" WTH??? Well, I finally had enough as this was the second time she'd been this way with me and after getting flack and crap (along with almost getting the entire side of my car swiped off by someone who really shouldn't be on the road in ANY capacity) all day I let her have it. And you know what she did? Wait for it...

She tried to tell me that she was not upset and she didn't know what I was talking about and it was in my head.

WTH????????? After all these years on God's green earth are you trying to tell me I don't know when someone is mad/ angry/ pissed/ ticked?? There's much more to be said but I won't as I think there may be one or two Barbadian readers on here and Barbados is small (heck the world is small! In Montreal I met a man who was best buds with one of our dead premiers!) and people can be very malicious (not malicious as you may know the term but malicious here can mean nosy/ gypsy/ in yer bizness).

This leads me to my point. If you know you cannot deal with human beings then you should not be allowed to serve them. In any capacity. If you know you are going to get short and ill tempered with people then you shouldn't be around them. You shouldn't be paid to help them, make their sandwiches, pump their gas, check out their groceries in the supermarket (yeah, I'm talkin' to you Ms. Thing. Third strike and you're out with me!)stamp their tickets, do a gynecological exam, wash their cars or even usher them to their seats in church. Me, I know my limitations. I do not suffer fools easily. I put a good face forward (as I expect others to do the same to me. 90% of the time I don't get the good face I expect but that's another post). So you know what I do, I don't deal with people on the service level. My job allows me to work alone and from afar. Not that I can't work with people in an office setting but dealing with customers and potentially difficult people may not be my strongest point. So I avoid such circumstances. It amazes me that these same people who treat others so poorly in their jobs (happily so sometimes) expect that when they go to get served in the bank or at the emergency room or at the store they will be attended to with respect and dignity as the paying customer they are. Ah, when the shoe is on the other foot eh?

Sure, if you take away all the ill tempered, sour faced, bad mannered, poor service giving people we are forced to deal with, we might be left with very few people to deal with BUT I bet it would make life a WHOLE lot better.

Stupse.

Anyways, in case you were wondering or cared, I'm still studying hard for my exam. And I have another course to register to for by Monday that starts SIX DAYS after the exam for this course. So much for a Christmas break : ( But the light at the end of the tunnel is there. I look forward to those three more letters behind my name and will relish every second afterwards when I DON'T have to study like this anymore!

To that day! Cheers! I do deserve this tall cold glass of Arbor Mist!

*clink!*

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

CONGRATULATIONS AMERICA! WELL DONE!!

I'm not that old but seriously, I never thought I'd see the day. I will admit that I've seen some shows with a black president and I'd be like - yah right, only in the movies... but lookie here. A Black President.

This man has swept the nation - is it because he's mixed and in a way represents the unity of black and white? Ok, I'm getting corny here but from day one, he's been on the lips of almost everyone - even my daughter knows him by face!

Wow.

I'm guessing security will be quadrupled...

Good job America. For once, I think you've got it right. Now, let's see what plans he has for the Caribbean.

Friday, October 31, 2008

What's a girl to knit?

Okay, okay, I admit it. Knitting wise I'm in a bad place right now. I haven't picked up my needles with serious intent since before I zipped off to Montreal. I started a knitted doll for my daughter but right now it's nothing worth looking at, nay, just a tiny pile of curly stockinette and a mad jumble of ends. She's flat and right now looks like an experiment gone bad. My Argle Vest is sitting where I left it, suffocating in that transparent bag... and my leaf tee... well it has not grown at all since I last spoke on it. I've made several attempts to replace the Adamas shawl that I inteligently felted in Canada with another Swallowtail shawl - I even put to skeins of lace yarn into cakes (which is a huge chore without a swift) and have them on top of the yarn pile. I've taken out the Shetland Triangle pattern and selected the Handmaiden Seasilk in Rose and even knit a few rows... but I wasn't feeling it and ripped out the few rows I'd gotten started.

Then there is my malabrigo sock yarn, bought with the specific purpose of making a shawl. I've decided on making the swallowtail with it and even started it... but ripped it out. What's wrong with me?? I LURVE lace knitting but I do so want to knit a cardigan or a cute little top to wear. So why don't I?

I'll tell you why... it's my current voluptuousness that's the problem. I might have whined occasionally about it in the past on here but the reality of knitting an item such as a cardigan for myself will take alot of yarn and time and then when I eventually reach my the weight that will make me happy, I"ll have a knitted item that won't be able to fit me and that will amount to a giant waste of time.

So, what's a girl to knit? Socks maybe? I'm yet to get cracking on the 2 at a time method as per the book I've purchased and I'm not too keen on learning it until after exams. A shawl (well apart from the can't-get-started-itis as per above) will take the usual long time and I need some instant gratification. Well as instant as studying will allow.

Hmmmm... I have an idea actually... but I'll need more yarn.

Be back later.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Moi aussi!

I've been bitten people, by the sewing bug! I've had lots of inspiration from many blogs especially Adrienne's, who seems to make sewing look so effortless and fun!. So what else could I do but go out and get some lessons? I will say that it hasn't been all that easy at first but I'm getting there! I'm doing a dress making and a drapery course. In the dress making class, I've just crafted my first skirt block with help from the teacher and as homework I'm supposed to do one myself and then next week we cut! I'm a little nervous as the whole putting in zippers has been ever so slightly traumatic... but I will persevere!

And of course in this new spirit of learning to sew, I went out and bought this:



It's a Singer Inspiration 4220/4228. I'm not sure if it is a good machine or not but it was one of the better options I managed to find here. It didn't get rave reviews on a site I went to but the problems the critics were experiencing I haven't experienced(knock on wood!) so I hope it works very well for me.

So, maybe with this new interest I will have some sewing FOs for you (cause I'm not sure when you'll see some knitting ones... I'm knitting - but only in my mind!!)

It's interesting though that I'm busy up to my ears with assignments and work and kids and home but I still manage to fit a new craft in! Crazy! LOL!

Have a wonderful weekend people!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Blogiversary! But a little late

So I forgot my own blogiversary! Two years ago I started this blog and I'm happy to say that I'm a better knitter (or more experienced perhaps) than when I restarted. Not necessarily a better blogger though LOL!

Thanks for your continued visits and comments! To another year!

Saturday, September 27, 2008

And I'm back!

A little pic heavy...

Heelllooooo.... how's everyone doing? I hope better than I am right now. I'm just back from beautiful Montreal where not only did I manage to sucessfully blend work and vacation, but I also managed to catch a cold. I didn't realize that I was sick... well, I was wheezing a bit but I wasn't sneezing or coughing or any of that other fun stuff (yet) so I just thought it was because it was so very cold there! Those crazy (and I mean that in a nice way LOL!) people were saying the weather was nice! Most days I was there fluctuated between 13-14 degrees!! The day I left was 8 degrees (well my flight was 6 a.m. so that might explain it. But one night it dipped to 4 degrees. I was under a fleece blanket AND a comforter and was very comfortable. It could be that cold air or the guy that was squashed in the middle seat on the plane ride back that had infected sinuses... he was snorting and inhaling phelgm to the point I wanted to go ask if there was anything I could do to help land the plane asap.

So now this entire week I've been under the weather... aches and pains, blocked EVERYTHING, throat was initially scratchy, that sort of stuff. But now I'm just blocked and am able somewhat to interact with the rest of the population without falling on my face. The only fun thing about this is that once and again I can laugh like Mutley (y'all know who he is right? Google old cartoons + mutley)!

So, what did I do In Montreal? There was training for three days and then a little shopping and sight seeing, happily interspersed with dinner with some great people at some wonderful restuarants! I was happily spoiled. The only downer was that I wish my hubby was able to make this trip with me and enjoy everything right along with me!

Ok, here are a few pics:

The Mayor's Office:

I love the architecture of Old Montreal - simply beautiful!



Deciding where to go next:



See me rockin' my Adamas? Well that's the last time you'll see it in this form. I, uh, felted it when doing the laundry... how did I miss that big purple thing????

There are many more pics of Old Montreal but I haven't transferred them from my email and the others I sent to my hubby's blackberry to my harddrive so until then, these are the few I can share for now!

Colette from ravelry was so SO kind to me and on my first day out of the office, she met up with me and took me to Mouline and Ariandne's (thanks for helping me with the pronounciation! LOL!)where I managed to score me some loverly yarn. It wasn't the intended haul as I threatened in one of my last posts because time was kinda short (I had to meet someone to get back to where I was staying) and didn't get to Effiloche! Well, I don't mind too too much... I should leave something for my next visit ; ) So here's the yarn I got my hands on:

Malabrigo Sock Yarn in Botecilli Red:



A shawl for me.

Handmaiden Casbah:


Sockies for me!

Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock:



These are for sockies for the kids. I get to try the 2 socks at a time book!(Did I mention that I bought this along with Knitting Lingerie Style?)

Rowan Kidsilk Night:



I bought this to make the GORGEOUS Bird's Eye Shawl by my new friend Colette, but only bought two skeins.... I need three :( I had just settled down yesterday after meeting an assignment deadline and was about to cast on when I double checked that I had enough yarn and I don't. Well, this gives me a great excuse to get more yarn next month! Maybe an early Christmas gift to myself. (GAH!!! Did I just say Christmas????)

Tanis Fiber Arts:



These are for a pair of socks for my hubby. The yardage is excellent for his big feet!

Here's the yarn soak I bought. I can't tell you how they smell cause I'm totally blocked right now... but I remember them smelling great in the store!



Stitch Markers:



Patterns and Books:

A lovely thoughtful gift from Colette:

Bird's Eye Shawl



Field of Flowers



EZ's Knitting Workshop and Rowan's Bamboo Tape Collection



I'm very happy with what I was able to snag. Colette, next time I'll listen better to instructions so that we could start earlier! LOL!

Ok, before I go, here are a few pics of my kitchen efforts this evening.

Cake (don't mind how it looks - it tastes great! Since I don't have my nifty wall oven yet, I have to make do with a convection oven which works great but for browning the top of everything a little too quickly. And being too small...

Traditional Barbadian Plain Cake:



The best way to eat said traditional cake - with a cold glass of mauby! (Don't mind those sad looking bananas there - today they are over ripe, tomorrow they will be banana bread!)



And my first attempt at bagels (or was this my second? First in this house for sure) The dough came out great, but the poaching and baking not so great. They don't look smooth and nice like the ones in the store or the site that I got the recipe from but they taste ok (if only a tad bit too salty. We'll see how they shape up overnight) The inside is very nice but they aren't as I thought they would come out. Ah well, next time!




So that's it for me for now. I am still working on my course and getting assignments done and keeping on top of things. I'm feeling kinda guilty being on here so long but I'll make up! Right after I watch my new fave show M.ad Me.n!!! I hope everyone is doing good. There are a few of you who haven't updated your sites and some of you had some bad news lately. (((HUGS))) to all of you especially those who need them most.

Off for now. Have a great night and we'll catch up later.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Shoot, lost it again...

My will to knit that is... I've not really put much effort into the whole knitting thing of late. Saving up to buy a truckload of yarn (and by truckload I mean as much as my credit card can take without buckling under the pressure...!) so maybe I'm delaying knitting until I get my goodies? Been busy with getting the kids ready for school and preparing myself for the start of my own studies - among other things. Meanwhile, in between dreaming about dropping babies (literally spilling them out of my hands) and being pregnant but not, I've been happily distracting myself with oldies but goodies. Movies that is, movies! Well, truth be told I've only watched two so far, but they were so good I'm watching them thrice! (Watched them before but nice to watch again and again...)

First up was Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Been meaning to get this for years now and finally did. Oh, that Maggie was one strong woman wasn't she? Not ashamed to beg her hottie hubby and do anything to win him back! I might have done the same based on Brick's then high degree of hotness! Loved the shot of his abs! Oh and the story too!

Next was Dear Frankie. Two words, Gerard Butler. Yummmmmmm!!! I can eat him with a small spoon. He played that role so well, I kinda wish I could write him a letter or two! Shivers! Have you seen it? Go watch it! I'm looking for romantic movies like this to occupy the time between work, getting the kids to school on time, taking care of them and their extracirriculars and maybe some of my own stuff. Any suggestion?

Ok, that's it - nothing more to say for now except that I hope all of you in the path of any weather systems stay safe and sound. Those suckers are coming off the coast like crazed shurikens!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Ok, THIS ticks me RIGHT OFF!!!!!

Is this man for reals???

At least there's an opposing article to his comments by Rick Broadbent.

Who exactly does this man think he is? WUHLOSS, doan let me get started on massa days DONE! How DARE he tell this track sensation, nay THE FASTEST MAN IN THE WORLD how to celebrate his victories? Being a show off? He has the right to show off if he wanted to! At least he has something to show for his antics! He's not posing and making a show for the camera in shades and earrings! Stop and congratulate? Is this an English tea party? I just wish he went back in the blocks and re-ran the race just to show the rest how it's done! Does he even know or care about the odds Usain overcame to get where he is? And adding a patronizing "he's young" on top of it? Crazeeeeee!

How come no one's talking about Johnson and Bailey who said that he couldn't break the record? Is that good sportsmanship? I'm happy he put them and everyone else to shame!

Next time Usain, do the Bogle, Butterfly and Dance pon ya head top!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Two words for ya, two words....

Usain Bolt.

No I've not become a fan of the oly.mpics but one of the most anticipated/ reknowned events in these games had in SIX Caribbean men. SIX! And (have mercy) that 21 year old from Jamaica SMASHED, MASH UP, BREK UP de res' dem.

Sniff. I'm so proud! I just wish we could have had a repeat performance for Barbados. Oh well, maybe the next one!

Oh and PS - I've finished the back of DSL! Buttons, seaming and blocking to mark this puppy COMPLETE!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Yikes! Already??

Am I the last person to realise that summer is almost over? Gadzooks people! Two more weeks of "freedom" and then we're back in the game. What am I talking about? Well, I'm talking about the amount of time we have left before we start the "get the kids out of bed early, bathed, fed and dressed and out the door in a good time to get to school/ work early." Sigh. Two.more.weeks. I feel like they just came off from school! I STILL have to get one elusive book for Dylan and two phys.ed shirts. Maybe new shoes and all their supplies - pencils, book bag, lunch coolers etc etc. I'm usually on the ball with this stuff (I've gotten their text books so that's a point or two, right?) but somehow along the way I keep putting it off. It's like if I buy this stuff I admit that school is soon starting. Now, this time around, it looks like I'm going to be one of those parents. You know, the last minute ones. I happily join this bunch of last minute-ers and will join the fracas that will ensue in order to get the right things for school. But I'm gonna shop smarter. I will NOT go into town and get smashed while reaching for that last art apron. Nope, I'm shopping out of town this time, where the prices may be a bit higher but the probability of me getting mildly roughed up will be way waaaaay lower.

Sigh.

Anyways, a new round one starts with my studies and I look forward to this new course (please, don't remind me of these careless words when I inevitably start to whine about the workload and the busi-ness that is my life).

On the knitting side of life, I have made some progress on my Deep V Argyle Vest but can't show you yet as I don't have a functioning camera. Yes, again. The one I was using is back in its rightful owner's possession and I have once again by scouring amazon.com for the perfect one to hint for for Christmas. And then there's the DSL that is still eating yarn with no apparent proof of it... just five more inches and the neck and I can put this thing to bed and... it's just taking SOOOO long! The 24th is coming up so I've got to speed things up! There's a shawl on cosmicpluto's blog that I would like to knit (if the pattern is available) in the same Mooi yarn too (hopefully I can get this yarn when I travel soon) so I'm holding out on starting a new shawl until I get this pattern and yarn in hand. So no pics again.

Oh, before I go, saw The Hulk on Wednesday. Was a good show but no Dar.k Kn.ight. It was good for what it was. At least he bought large pants that would stretch and accomodate him when he grew - but seriously he gets so big not even the stretchiest pants would fit - but I give them an A for effort. I never got why other hulk's pants would stay on but the shirt and everything else would be trash (well, besides the fact that we can't have a naked hulk running around a pg movie... it would be interesting to find out if everything was exponential in um... growth, tho.)

Goodnight for now... time to go wrestle hubby for the remote (grumble - darned olym.pics grumble grouch).

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Am I the only one NOT really into the Olym.pics?

Man, everyone and their grandma seems to be glued to the tv! I can appreciate the games but truth be told, I'm not into sports at all. I like and appreciate the games for what they are and can even sit and watch for a few minutes without turning the channel but to have it glued there day in day out? Not me! I lie in wait for the moment hubby falls asleep on the couch and then pounce on the remote like a hungry thing. I invariably land on Foodnetwork or HGTV if nothing's on Scifi or USANetwork. When hubby comes to all he can do is shake his head in disbelief that 1. he'd fallen asleep again in front of the tv and 2. that I claim the remote and use the opportunity to watch people cook. I told him that I'd watch the Olympics if there was a knitting event. Heck yeah! I can see it now... the double point derby, who can knit the most socks in one sitting and of course, a blindfold event where you have to determine yarn by touch alone. Prizes will be lifetime supplies of cashmere yarn and jord.an pai.ge bags. Yesserie bob, I'd be in front the tv like nobody's business.

Now to comment on a couple things on said Olympic games.

Cul.len Jo.nes: Okay, I know it was not my nor my husband's imagination when he swam that relay and when the woman was interviewing the four guys, he was tucked behind her while the three others were highlighted. I'm just saying.

Lip synching - ok so the Chinese are catching some flack over the old switcheroo they pulled on selecting a "cuter" girl to "sing" at the opening ceremony. Having that little girl knowingly participate in something like that is just not right. And what about the other little one that was supposedly not so cute? How will this follow her? Hopefully she won't have any inferiority complex issues as she grows. Having said that, is this something that no other country would have done? Somewhere in the media, someone made a comment saying that in the US no matter how "not cute" the little girl would have been able to do thing. I think that if it came to it ANY other country would have done the same thing wrong as it is. Again, just saying.

Sexist story lines - ok... I don't know about you guys but I'm getting a wee bit tired of hearing these storylines described by the sportscasters as "soap operas" when they are discussing the women athletes. When they discuss the men you hear about how hard they train and the injuries they sustained bla bla bla... but when they were discussing some women that were swimming all I could hear was "and she left France to go to Italy to train with her boyfriend who then broke up with her and is now dating her competition and her ex-coach is training another one of her competion in the pool. hahahah. this is a real soap opera." HUH?????? What about all the training that's gotten her to where she is now? GRRRR!

And all the sob stories! Bleh!

Anyways, slow knitting on this end. Nothing to shout about. But very excited about Eureka tonight!!

Laters!

Friday, August 01, 2008

Have you guys seen this??

Allison from The Knitters of the Caribbean Group introduced me to this! Check it out if you haven't already!

Twist Collective

I'm very impressed!

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Praise be to God!

People... I've PASSED my exam!!!!! PASSED IT!!! God is so good - when I tell you I sat there, made a pile of mistakes, rushed down the multiple choice in ten minutes and nearly didn't finish the exam and STILL passed! That is God's handiwork right there! Nothing of my own doing at all! There were so many repercussions if I had failed - saying goodbye to the large fee I had to pay up front, having to redo that course and being set back a term. Not to mention the feeling of defeat that would have enveloped me! So many people were saying to expect to fail that exam first time around but God pulled me through and when I say by the skin of my teeth I mean just that!

I still haven't been able to wipe this smile of of my face!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

D.ark K.night

Totally worth blogging about at 1:02 a.m.! B.atman was totally worth going to the 9:45 p.m. show too! Chri.stian B.ale! Ooooo! Loved him the first time around, remembered why the second time around. I was skeptical at first about He.ath Leg.ers' performance as I thought they were bigging him up because he died.... but man, he gave an excellent last performance!! The hype wasn't for nuttin! We see another villain birthed and I can't wait for the third instalment - because things come in threes right?

Don't take my word for it - go see it!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Decloaking off the starboard bow...

Hola peeps. How goes it? Been a bit busy on this end what with trying to keep from putting a hurting on the guy who said he'd paint the kitchen in 12 days and now 9 weeks later (is it? about that) he's still not done. It takes a great degree of self control not to rip the guy a new one when he has caller id and won't take your calls (no we haven't paid him up front - only for what he's done so far) and comes when he wants and stays like an hour. I am quite proud of myself for not saying ONE bad word! Seriously, every now and then Ms. Potty Mouth breaks free - actually under circumstances similar to these - and when she's done there's a new understanding on the offender's part, satisfaction and shame on mine. So there's the silver lining in all this at least right? I can thank knitting for part of the ability to keep her in check... miles of stockinette (leaf tee raglan), miles and MILES of k2 p2 (a la drop stitch lace tank. Yes, I'm still working on it thank you very much) and now rows and rows of ribbing for the Deep V Argyle that I've just started would do that to ya.

Anyways, now that I've gotten the requisite griping off my chest, let's talk knitting. I've been kinda thinking about starting another lace project. The seasilk is caaaaaling me! But I really would love to get my WIPs off the needles and onto my blog! As I've just mentioned, I've started the Deep V Argyle. I'm knitting with WOOL y'all - in the tropics even! But it's not too bad actually. I'm using Debbie Bliss Rialto in black and sherbet... the sherbert is more yellow than I would have liked so I hope I don't look like a giant bumble bee when I'm done (argh! having flashbacks to my yellow and black striped graduation dress...) I plan to wear it when next I travel which will be soon. If I finish it in time. Did I mention the Pi shawl? I'm thinking of doing this... maybe it can be the other KAL on The Knitters of the Caribbean Group on ravelry. I'm telling you our group is growing! It's so wonderful to have new members join - all with the same basic connection - the Caribbean!

Ooo, has anyone watched Juno? Loved the handknits in this wonderful, touching, funny movie! If you haven't seen it put it on your list. I'm now into looking for handknits in every movie I watch! Very fun thing to do if you have zero other forms of entertainment! Yay!

Ok... now. Are there any Dr. Who fans out there? Did you catch the episode Midnight? FREAKY!!!! Those writers are good! This week I think the Dr. is supposed to die and Rose (who made a brief appearance in the television in Midnight and in the previous episodes as well) teams up with Donna who I don't really like btw (bring back Martha!!) and they save him. I hope it's not going to be scary like this past episode or the one where the shadows were eating people!

I'm tired. Off to bed with me. Have a great night everyone.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Wonderin'

Heeeelllloooooo... what's shaking people? How are things on your side of ye ole world? Way over here on my end things are ok. Been doing a little (and by little I mean half of a row here and a bit more there) knitting lately. I've been busy doing a bit of this and that. I'm thinking of starting the Pi Shawl by Elizabeth Zimmerman... if I do make a solid decision on it I may use that Jaeger Trinity that's been sitting in my stash lonely and unused ever since I bought it. I'm not sure why I want to knit this giant thing outside of the fact that it looks interesting. But will I use it? It may be too heavy to wear in this weather so maybe I can use it as something to keep me warm at night while laying on the sofa watching tv or something. Then in that case why not just knit a blanket and be done with it? As you can tell I'm still undecided.

One thing for sure that I will be making in the near future is the Deep V Argyle Vest by Eunny Jang. This is my foray into Fair Isle (remember it was in my list of to knits? You don't remember? That's ok). We're having a Fair Isle Kal on the Knitters of the Caribbean Group over on ravelry. If you're a member of ravelry, feel free to stop on by and say hi and better yet, join in on the KAL. The more the merrier!

So apart from not really knitting, I've been doing alot of thinking. Here are some of the things that's been on my mind:

1. How is it that a job that's supposed to take 12 days has somehow morphed into 5 weeks? Does anyone know where the good workers are hiding??

2. Who in the world gives driving licences to people who's main purpose in life to drive as recklessly and selfishly as possible? I'm talkin' to you Mr. who swung out of the intersection yesterday clearly ignoring the stop sign thereby nearly crashing in to our car that was occupied by my ENTIRE family (hubby, myself and the kids) and then laughed as you pulled away?

3. Why do people think that everyone who says they are a Christian really is a Christian because they say so? I can say that I am a cat but that doesn't make me one.

4. Why do people who are not Christian keep walking around saying they are Christian when they clearly are not? (I'm just a lot peeved at the Christian bashing I'm seeing over on ravelry)

5. How is it that my son has grown up so fast! He's now a yellow belt in Taekwondo. And how is it that my baby girl is no longer a baby?? She turns FOUR next month.

6. Why is it so hard to never weary of doing good? How do you brush yourself off and get going again knowing that history might repeat itself?

Anyways, I hope you are having more knitting sucess than I have. I was hoping to have more FO's by this time - 6 months into the year. Maybe I'll get some more inspiration and get cracking on new and exciting things!

Laters!

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Comforting to know...

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Monday, June 02, 2008

A fleeting sense of accomplishment

Hey gang. I am so busy that it isn't even funny (it stopped being funny a few weeks ago when I realised the ever growing list of things for me to do was just that... ever growing. Being somewhat an over achiever I think I can do anything at anytime - heck even two at a time! Somewhere along the line I got someone's an*lrensive qualities... very useful when being a fiddler of numbers, not so much when juggling three or four things at once. I am well aware my current state of affairs is 100% my doing and at the end of it I will clap myself of the back for doing many jobs well done - that is if I get to the end of it in one piece! Anyways, this is supposed to be a drive by post as I've divided up all the available minutes between now and three a.m. and cannot divert from the plan or the world will fall apart as we know it (a little melodramatic but it's part of the panic mode I'm in).

Without further griping ado, here's Adamas. And she's stuck to the wall! Trowel plastic has a few applications and today it is to show off a finished knitted item. What do you think?

Adamas Blocking



Look ma, no hands!


My "signature" floor shot LOL!!


I'm sort of happy with it. I mean it's all light and airy and beautiful but it just looks smaller than other Adamas-es. I mean, I've blocked the snot out of her but I'm not sure it looks the same.

Specs:

Pattern - Adamas Shawl by Miriam Felton
Yarn - Knitpicks Shadow - Sunset
Yardage - 1 and a quarter (approx) skeins
Duration - 6 months

Overall feeling - a nice knit... very long as most shawls tend to be, good pattern and not a head scratcher.

Also as promised, a few pics of the Knitpicks Gloss yarn in Dolphin and Parsley. The parsley colourway is for socks for hubby. He's very excited to get a pair and we've found a pattern that he likes. So when things get back to a less hectic form of normal, he will get his socks. Oh and my Best of Interweave Knits Book. Not blown away by it but it's nice.

Knitpicks Gloss - Parsley



Knitpicks Gloss - Dolphin



Best of Interweave Knits



Ok, off with me now. By late next week I should be able to do more in depth blog stalking sessions. Until then, take care everyone!

Monday, May 26, 2008

It's that time of the year...

Just a quick question for you all... has anyone figured out how to add more hours to the day and require less sleep simultaneously? If you have, stop being an information hog and SHARE! I am indeed swamped - up the the eyeballs in stuff to do. The biggest thing on my plate right now is my upcoming exam. It's even more challenging than the last one if you can imagine (well, you might be able to imagine it if you're doing the same course that I am...)
Anyways, if you remember any of my previous posts that talk about exams you would remember that in order to keep myself from tearing my hair out in frustration, I knit to take the edge off. In that spirit, I'm pleased to announce that I've finished Adamas! Yes, and she's beautiful even in her rumply unblocked state. It feels sooooo good to finish it. I was beginning to doubt it would end! And you know what? I don't have any pics to show you as yet but I will soon. Also, I've FINALLY received my knitpicks order. I think I mentioned it sometime - some gloss sock yarn that I hoped to get before the second round of the Sock Penthalon started (guess that didn't happen), the Best of Interweave Knits book and a pair of knitpicks harmony needles. Between the company that deals with my shipments and customs held these items for almost a month and had the nerve to charge me USD$29 on top of it!!!!! GRRRRRRR!!! I'll post those pics as well as soon as they are taken.

Ok, unfortunately that's as much time as I've allowed myself to be on the pc for non-studying purposes. I hope everyone is keeping well and churning out those FO's like nobody's business!

Laters!

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Promised yarn pics... and an elephant too

Hey y'all! I've been having a really nice Saturday - what about you guys? After the usual Saturday running around (except for the spin class which I didn't go to because I didn't sign up for it yet) we came home for a day of relaxation - which for me meant doing a whole lot of nothing. We threw the front door open (which is a big deal for me because of my aversion to bugs!) and decided on a course of action. The kids settled in for some painting (translated as a mess contained in one spot of the house!) which they happily took to. For some reason though, the water that is used to clean the brushes was of more interest at one point for them. Huh, go figure!

I on the other hand took some pics of the yarn I purchased sometime back. I actually went outside!

Here's the seasilk in rose:



And here's the nature's palette sock yarn:



I don't have a pic of my Adamas progress, but I can safely tell you she is growing! I'm now starting repeat 11 and am motivated knowing there are only 3 more of these repeats and then the border edge (I think!). I'm soon finished though!

The other thing we did today was to complete my daughter's project for school - land transportation. I decided on an elephant! I found cool site that gave simple instructions on how to make an elephant with some basic items.

Here's our version:



I think he turned out pretty ok. One problem though... this was to be made out of a box or paper! Gah!! If I don't find another elephant to make within the requirements then this blue fella will have to be submitted. Oh well! At least we tried!

After our elephant adventure, I went to bed to read the last few chapters for my assignment and promptly fell asleep! That's tax for you - an instant snoozer!

Continue to have a great day even though it's almost over!

Oh... p.s. Brooke finally went home! I was doing the football touchdown dance lol!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Ok what is it going to take to send Brooke home?

Poor Sayeesha, she just can't catch a break can she? I'm not her biggest fan BUT she's not as craptacular as Brooke! Have you noticed that when Sayeesha sounds good or bad they pick on her especially Randy. When Brooke stops not once but TWICE and starts over her songs, they butter it over and pat her on her awful mop of curls and says "there there you are human, you sound terrible but we won't say that even though all the listening public knows it!" GAH!!!! How has she made it through with those stupid pouts and terrible singing!!! Those three numbnuts are keeping her in the competition instead of telling it like it is and allowing our listening ears a much deserved rest!

Sayeesha is safe for now - but her number is soon up on this show! I guess if they can send home the likes of Melinda, Paris and Lakeisha then they can do anything!

*yes I am fully aware this is a television show and in now way impacts on my life in a meaningful way...*

Monday, April 21, 2008

The perils of being an eye-servant

So if you're a Barbadian you might know what an eye servant is - or if you read your bible in the KJV - you might come across this term. I've been so busy stopping by people's blogs and going where they lead me that I've ignored my own bloggy for a little bit. Anyways, I'm here now and with very little knitting content.

I'm so happy to report the landing of my skein of Seasilk in Rose and two hanks of Nature's palette sock yarn in a lovely green. I would have posted pics but I had to charge the batteries (don't you hate when you get out the camera to take a pic and snap the first shot and you get the message - Warning Battery Exhausted! - well I do!) and I didn't get back to it after that. Tomorrow maybe. I'm feeling kinda swamped with work and studies and a bevy of other things so I am also distracted. On the way to me as I type is another package of knitting goodies - from me to me. The Best of Interweave Knits, some harmony needles in size two - 47 inches (methinks), an extra cable of 40 inches and some sock yarn. Hubby has requested a pair of socks and a cardigan from brooklyntweed's site. I figured I'd start small with the socks and then check out the yarn etc that I need for his cardigan - I'm thinking one with a front zipper and long sleeves - maybe some cables? Anyways, we'll see what I come up with down the line.

So, speaking of hubby... let me say that I love him very much. I do. However, there are moments like tonight that I wonder if I could soundly throttle him and get away with it. Actually, I should take responsibility for what happened. It's my fault. I came home from the gym after having my butt run up and down by a very s-e-x-y Swedish instructor and feeling rather good about myself that I survived the class (ok it wasn't so bad but I did feel it!) and I asked him as he was on his way out to the store if he would get me something to eat. He asked what - I said I really don't know but we need something before I go shopping tomorrow. He goes out and sometime later comes home with his packages and a little something for me. I said "Thanks, hon!" opened the bag and what greets me? TWO brownies. Uh, thanks hon... he means well but BROWNIES????????????????????? I should have been more specific - nothing laced with butter, sugar, flour, and valued at about 7,000,000 calories!

Gah!

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Have you ever had one of those mornings...

where you wake up at 6 a.m. to get to the gym for a spin class and on the way there have your car skid in a thin layer of hops spilled from the local brewery and then crash into the sidewalk? No? Must be only me then. Actually, it was me and quite a few other people who, in the attempt to get fit almost totalled our vehicles. One woman was feeling particularly stuntwomanish and actually jumped the curb while the car was skidding and landed perfectly in a parking spot. It would be funny if only it wasn't. It wasn't that terrifying for me as there weren't any cars coming towards me (Thank you Lord!) and so when the car lost the fight to the hops and decided to make friends with the curb I let it. Somewhere in the back of my mind I remember someone somewhere saying "don't smash your brakes when you're skidding" and so I didn't. The wheels weren't turning though so all I could do was hold on. Really, it wasn't that bad experiencing it - but somehow typing it out really brings home the seriousness of it all. In the end some people from the company - I can only assume were some management type persons, took the names of us who started our day a tad to excitedly and they promised to get back to us. We'll see.

So outside of that I've been doing some knitting recently and have fought off the urge - fairly succesfully - to cast on for something new. I do have a couple of projects in mind for the next cast on though... two hooded cardigans for my kids. The thought came up as we waited at the airport last night for hubby's flight from Jamaica to land - and it was COLD! Dana was actually up under my shirt (her head couldn't fit through the top with mine or she would have done it!) and Dylan had his arms pulled through his armholes under the shirt. It then occured to me that I should make these two shivering babies something warm for such an occasion or even for the event that we all take a family holiday together. My only problem is finding a nice hooded cardigan with a zippered or button down front with long sleeves. I've checked ravelry but I have not found anything to my liking as yet and ravelry keeps crapping out at page 35 of 60 in the kids section. If you have any suggestions I'll gladly entertain them.

Adamas is now starting repeat number 8 so I'm halfway there. Raglan leaf tee is coming along nicely and DSL is being treated rather poorly. I've made two delicious purchases from Vanessa's destash and I can't wait to get them. She always has such great stuff! Pics will follow (my niece just received a 7 mega pixel camera as a gift and I'm test driving it for her - well I will be once I get it out of the box) as soon as they land.

Ok, I'm off for now - a headache has secretly crept up on me and I think I need a rest in order to tackle the rest of the day... have a meeting at mid-day, have to go to work to do some pre-vacation finishing up, having lunch with a friend and her kids and maybe try to catch a movie tonight.

Have a great weekend people! And stay out of the hops!

Friday, March 28, 2008

Books n' beans

yawn Goodnight all... shoot, is it 10: 30 already? Today just sped by and left me in the dust. After watching Monk, two episodes of Walker Texas Rangers, going to the gym, making lunch, going for hubby and doing some minor grocery shopping I am kinda wiped. But I'm not complaining. The kids are on vacation so I didn't have to take them to school or pick them up today so it was like a mini vacation for me too. Well, vacation is a bit of a stretch seeing as I have an assignment due in what... 4 days! hmmm - what exactly am I doing here in that case??

Before I go on, I want to thank you guys for your kind words following my last post regarding the beagle that never was. I'm feeling alot better now and I can think of the situation without grinding my teeth or welling up even just a little. Thank you! You are wonderful.

On the knitting scene, I have another FO! I've finished the Jacobean socks from the penthatlon. What do you think? I'm still not sold on them - I know I used a yarn that wasn't suitable for the pattern, but once I got started it was hard to rip back
and start fresh with something new. I'm ready for round 2!

Socks


And I've finally received my books! one of the the things about living in the Caribbean is that some companies don't ship to Barbados and those who do will have to charge alot higher shipping fees for obvious reasons. Knitpicks falls in to the former category so I had them ship these lovelies to my cousin in New York who is understandably busy and wasn't able to ship them until March after receiving them in late January was it? Anyways, I'm thankful to her for doing it - she's a darling!

Here's Sensual Knits (not that you haven't seen the cover before or anything!):


And here's Wrap Style. I honestly only bought this book for the lovely Shetland Triangle but am so happy to discover other gorgeous knits in here that will wind up on my to do list for example Moon Beads and Wrapped in Tradition.


I have some more awesome books such as Vintage Knits and Knitting Nature scheduled for an impending purchase - along with some 47 inch US size 2 needles for my next sock showdown.

Ok, it's bedtime for me. I have an early morning spin class. So far I'm enjoying it but last Saturday was a bit of a struggle. All this working out (at least 4 times a week) and not a pound lost. Seriously! This morning that evil scale tricked me by telling me I was 5 pounds lighter than when I last weighed when in fact it's stupid battery was loose. It's now in the "Garage Sale" pile.

Night all!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Heartbroken

Some time last year I called the kennel club as I was looking to purchase a puppy for our family. I had done some research and thought that a beagle would make the perfect addition to our family. I was put in contact with a lady who had a beagle bitch and she told me that when the bitch had pups she would let me know. She did let me know and told me that around September they expected the pups to be born. When September rolled around she told me that the pregnancy wasn't viable and there were no puppies but she would let me know when they expected another litter. She called me sometime in December and told me that they expected pups in February or so and what was I interested in. I told her a male pup and when February rolled around she said the pups came and there were two males. She told me the price and said they would be ready in 6-8 weeks. Last week we made arrangements to go see the puppies today, after she sent me two emails of the darlings. We went today and I was instantly in love. We picked the sad eyed boy and talked alot about the care of beagles etc. She gave me a sheet and told me she'd write everything up so I wouldn't have to remember it all right away. She said that a judge was coming to see the pups next week and we would get sad eyes after Easter. This evening she called me - hours after we met and said that she wasn't going to sell the pup to us as she didn't think we were good candidates because (get this) we work and our yard isn't fenced in. He's a BEAGLE - he was going to be a house dog and he didn't have his last two shots so he couldn't go for walks anyways until late April. I said, "I see" and she started up saying "Don't be like that". I burst out in tears and bawled "I'm in tears here!" And I really was. So many things have disappointed me and upset me and caused me to teeter on the edge of depression and this was a faint light. Hubby is travelling at the end of the month and sad eyes was going to keep me company. We even went shopping for his little bed today.

I do think that her decision to not sell us Snoopy (yes, I had a name picked out and everything) was based on who we are. When she greeted us at the gate she said "Oh, you were the lady I met at the dog show", I said "yes" and she said "I thought you were someone else all along!"

All I know is that I'm so hurt by this - and thinking that it may or may not be because she thought I was someone else (or at least looked different) makes it worse. It's funny eh? I could hold it together when the workmen refuse to show up, when it seems as though this house will not get finished but something like this brings on the tears in a hot second.

: (

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Orange sockie anyone?

Sunday was finishing day for Jacobean #1. Like I said before, I am not so keen on this sock mainly because of the yarn I used. I'm seeing other lovely versions in the group albums and am ever so slightly jealous. Maybe next pattern will be the one for me and I can beat that woman who knit her entire pair of socks in nine hours! Yeah, I think that's kinda funny too. Anyways, here it is:







What do you think? Can you see the pattern from the top down shot? Hubby says he really likes it and can see the diamond shape things as he calls them. I've finally cast on for sock #2 and should have some progress shots soon (if the rubber band around the camera holds). Adamas is growing nicely and I am more and more enamoured with it as it gets bigger. It's the leaf tee's turn to languish but not for long - I am loving that too! I must remember to check ravelry again to see any new pics of both projects. I'm kinda thinking about my next project after I get these off the needles but that's on the back burners as Personal and Corporate Taxation is taking up a good deal of my thinking time and I have an assignment due soon as well! Don't they realise I only JUST got the books? That ITA book is about 2000 pages BIG!

Ok, I'm off to bed now, I have some errands to run tomorrow and really should get up early to get them accomplished. Oh and I might be able to squeeze in a pic of my purple peppers I got from the agricultural show : ) Laters.

Thursday, March 06, 2008

Holy Immortal Kiss Batman!

*kaff kaff* Hey guys *snort sniffle* I hope you're doing alot better than me. I got hit with the cold/ flu bug again. In fact all of us here at casa knittykitty has some form of runny nose, dry/wet cough, itchy eyes and an overall feeling of ickiness. The kids are mostly over it but hubby and I got hit at the same time and up to yesterday looked a sorry pair. Today is a bit better as I even went to work and had a meeting and all - now if I can get rid of this persistent coughing! My head feels like it's going to drop off any second. Blargh.

I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned it but in addition to getting my surf on I enjoy a good television show. I'm hesitant about getting in to new shows because I really don't want to invest my time in a show that turns out crappy - case in point Desperate Housewives, Dawsons Creek and (eek) maybe even Grey's Anatomy. I've gone off that show cold turkey and I'm not even sure if I want to get involved again. Too many quirky attractive rambling oversexed interns! Anyways I might change my mind later who knows. Anyways, I kept seeing these ads for New Amsterdam and thought that it did look good and had an interesting concept to it. I watched it's premier and enjoyed it and was pleasantly surprised to see it was on again tonight! And I was pleasantly surprised. In case you don't know the concept behind this show, it's about this guy Amsterdam who, due to the fact he tried to save a Native American woman from being killed, was given the "gift" of immortality. Only when he finds "the one" will he be able to die. He's been looking for her for 400 years! Anyways, so one of his past loves that he hoped was the one was an African American woman. Now this may not be so unusual but there was some full on hot and heavy romance going down - and from all camera angles too. In all my years watching tv I don't recall seeing an interracial romance portrayed (maybe I'm watching the wrong shows, or maybe it's the fact that here in Barbados we get but a fraction of the channels bigger countries get - either way you tell me.) not even in commercials - again I might be missing something. Anyways, it was refreshing to watch! Did anyone catch it?

As for knitting content, I have an almost finished Jacobean sock. One more repeat and it will be done. I have to confess that I'm not really feeling this sock. Yes, it is a beautiful design but it's not working so great with the carrot coloured yarn I bought some time back. I can barely make out the pattern on it but it's knitting up fairly quickly (by my standards anyways) and I'm almost done this one anyways. I have no hope of coming first for this pattern so there's no rush but I do wish I could enjoy it more! I have some craptastic pics of it taken with my phone camera but I'm too tired to share. My wips are keeping me busy as I make progress on them all - man monogamy was so much easier! Anyways, tomorrow God willing I shall share and maybe you can tell me what you think about the orange sockie?

Btw - did I tell you that I've started another course for the CGA? Tax this time - good times, good times! Let the "fun" begin! (again).

Nite all!

Friday, February 29, 2008

Happy Friday!

I'm not sure if I have mentioned this before (I'm pretty sure I did) but I lov Fridays. I don't work on Fridays so I get to do things during the day that I obviously won't get to do while sitting at work. For example, go to the gym in the morning/ afternoon, go to the cafe and get a tall whatever-I'm-feeling-for and sit and leisurely enjoy it. Then I get to come home, flip on the tele and watch Monk and then mute it when Walker Texas Rangers come on, sit at my lappy and surf. Relax some more and then leisurely, without any pressure, get up and go for the kids. Of course my day can vary so much dependent on whatever project is going on with the house, or like next week is Agrofest here so I'll be going with Dana to the park on that outing... but all in all a very liberating feeling envelops me on Fridays. I feel like I don't have to work and I don't have a care in the world. Of course this feeling lasts as long as the sun is up and promptly fizzles as the sun slips below the horizon. Ah, that fleeting feeling of freedom! That's why I look forward to Fridays and I cherish them. Bliss.

SO this post won't be solely about me bragging about having Fridays off (if that's something to be seen as worth bragging about) - I do have some knitting content to share! I have made some progress on my Leaf Tee and I really couldn't show you how nicely it's working up, what with it bunched up on the needles and all - so I've done something I've never done before... I took the work off the needles onto a scrap piece of yarn and presto! A nice pic to share. Well... it wasn't really all for your benefit. See, I needed to accurately measure the upper arm area and couldn't do that with the work all smashed up on the needles. So I got my measurements (only 4 more inches or so to go I think) and got to show you how it's coming along. Multitasking y'all! So here she is:



I cannot wait for this to be done (hurry up Lisa!) as I can imagine myself in it with a cute pair of jeans (note to self - get a pair of cute jeans). As long as the camera cooperates, I'll be adding more pics of it.

Oh, and not to be outdone, here's a pic of the Adamas progress. Yes, I took her out of the basket. Her constant whimpering was getting on my nerves! I've just completed repeat 5 of 14 of Chart 2. I tell you the knitting on this is not hard but it is time consuming, as with every other lace project that has one zillion stitches in it! I'm loving it though and can picture myself in it at the movies or some such place. Here she is:



I also wanted to show you some yarn that I bought recenty and I think I mentioned in a previous post. Here are the Berroco Softwist in an uber deep blue. Got 7 of these in the stash. Nice to the touch but a real pill to wind into a ball. Then there is the Jaeger Trinity that I am thinking of making the Tangles Yoke Cardigan for my mother. If I get started now I bet I can finish by August. Heheh.

Berroco Softwist




Jaeger Trinity



Ok, I'm off for now - gotta go burn some fat! Laters!

Friday, February 15, 2008

Has this ever happened to you?

Ok, so I love to knit and I love to surf the web especially for things to knit. Of late I've realised that I'm kinda stuck in a strange place right between my two loves. I've been surfing the web for hours looking for knitting patterns, yarn and trolling knitting blogs. All the while my knitting has been inexcusably ignored! Look! Right over there - my Adamas shawl sits looking at me forlonely quietly wondering what it did to deserve such a fate that it is now suffering - stuffed unceremoneously into a knitting basket. Then the DSL tank - well you guys know what is happening with her... poor poor thing. Must be hard for her knowing she was so longed for and now sits (goodness - where did I leave that piece of knitting?) somewhere silenty crying for me to rescue her. And the sockies and the Leaf Tee - sheesh. I'm coming soon girls - momma is a tad busy right now looking for sock yarn for the upcoming Penathlon and yarn for the delicious patterns in the Interweave Knits Spring 2008 magazine, and maybe some more needles and a notions case or two... and just finishing up a blog post and rolling around in ravelry.

Umm... guys I'll be right back - there's some Socks That Rock yarn that's calling me. I'll be right back...

Sunday, February 10, 2008

2 posts in one day? Maybe Rihanna will win a Grammy!

This is just to find out who'll be watching the Grammys tonight? I tell you, all of Barbados probably will be! Rihanna, who hails from our tiny island could make history tonight! She's performing so to me that's a giant clue that she will get at least one of the six she's nominated for. Good luck girl, I may not be your hugest fan musically, but I am proud of you for going out there and showing them how it's done... Caribbean style!

Progress pic

Hi all, I thought I'd drag my butt to the laptop and post a pic of the leaf tee I mentioned from my last post. I'm somewhat under the weather with a frog in my throat and a cough that won't quit. I sound like one of those scary voice overs for a monster from one of those B movies... talking with three voices all at once. The kids are getting over their yuckies (well I firmly suspect they are the reason I sound like I do and feel like I do. Gotta love 'em)

Anyways, here's the reason for this post... the beginnings of the Leaf Tee. This is a very easy pattern and the stockinette isn't so horrible but I am itching to start something small to break up the monotony. Maybe I should start something with the ten skeins of Jaeger Trinity I got off of yaiAnn's destash. Maybe I should just finish those socks I started the other day! But I keep digressing. Here's the progess shot:



The calmer is soft and knits up into a delicious fabric. I will enjoy wearing this tee!

In other knitting news, I've received a wonderful invite from the Sock Knitters Pentathlon on Ravelry and I'm stoked! Of course I'll be posting progress and finished object pics of my sockies. What fun! I've also ordered the Interweave Knits Spring 2008 and Winter 2007 issues from one of my favourite online vendors Knitty-Noddy. Evelyn is so friendly and helpful and she offers such great products on her site, you can't help but to keep going back for more!

What's next on my list today other than getting in some rows on the leaf tee? Well, there's some ironing to be done, the baking of a cake (the third request by hubby and kids), portioning out of trout fillets for the coming week's meals, looking over my son's homework and grabbing lunch at the inlaws (in no particular order whatsoever!) So much for Sunday being a day of rest!

Have a great day everyone!

Monday, February 04, 2008

Now that, folks, is a load off my back!

Hi everyone! Goodness, it's FEBRUARY ya'll! Didn't the year just start? At this rate, the year will be over in a New York minute!

So what's been shaking on my end? Lessee... oh yes. I PASSED my exam! And with a 73 people! I was so sure that I barely passed that I was pleasantly surprised when I passed the mark with some to spare. Thank you GOD! So now, I'm off to Personal and Corporate Taxes. I underestimated the last course and will not do so again with this one. So come March I will be back in the thick of things once more and will once again count on my knitting to keep things sane. Ok, what else? Hmmmmm... oh yes, I whacked my little toe on my right foot into the door like it belonged to someone I hate. The toe turned a light shade of purple and promptly offered up a giant bloodshot that extended from just past the tip of my toenail (what's left of it) and continued right under the nail. The left side of my foot still reminds me of what happened by throbbing painfully ever so often just to keep things fun. Next on my list was the gym. I rejoined after much careful consideration along with the fact that the new scale I purchased advised me that I was 12 pounds heavier than I thought. How could this be??? Well, I'm giving this another serious go. I've bought the colon cleanse, the coconut oil and dusted off my ratty shoes that hurts my flat feet like a mother. I'm eagerly awaiting the delivery of my new pair of Asics shoes that promise to bring sweet relief for the flat footed among us.

Knitting wise - I've purchased some Jaeger Trinity in a greyish colourway... about 10 skeins. In that purchase is Simple Knits for Little Cherubs and Simple Knits for Cherished Babies. I'm very excited to get these especially the books so that I can do a little baby/ older child knitting. Also purchased from another sale was 7 skeins of Berroco softwist in a deep blue and one skein of wildfoote sock yarn. And I'm still not satified! I'll be doing some ravelry/ blog trolling to see what yarn you guys are using and then get me some! I should get a pattern in mind first and then decide on the yarn no? One thing's for sure... I will be buying some Rowan Calmer! I've actually started a project with the much cherised rowan calmer. And what, dare you ask did I choose to use it for? Well this of course! I'm very excited about this project even though it is wrought with stockinette... the lace panel at least breaks up the monotony and it is knit in the round and top down, so I'm having fun. I would promise pics but you know the story of my piece o'crap camera.

Aside from this, my little girl has a cold and she's not having fun with it. She's blocked up and feverish at times but being very brave. She didn't go to school today and I'll have to play tomorrow by ear.

Well, I'm off to do some blog stalking - I'm sure I saw some yummy purchases out there that made me drool. Must.buy.more.yarn!

Later folks!

Friday, January 25, 2008

Testing... testing...

Good morning all! *yaaaaaaaaaaawn*. How's everyone doin'? It's FRIDAY! My day off... so to speak anyways. I usually end up doing one zillion things anyways but it's still nice not to have to go to the office at least one work day a week. Today, I have a few errands to run and I hope to complete them in good time and be back home for a little me time before I go back out to collect the kids.

So, I have a little pic to show you guys. Remember one of my last posts regarding the sock that was too big? Well I changed my mind and decided that I wanted the socks instead of gifting them to someone simply because they were too big for me! Why not just frog it and start over? Well, I did just that and instead of using the figure 8 cast on like I did the last time I used Judy's Magic Cast On and got a waaaay nicer toe than with the figure 8. I've cast on 48 stitches and am off again. I hope these won't be too tight now as the last ones were 64 stitches and too baggy. Anyways, here's my test pic using my Motorola Z3 phone camera (2 megapixels - I guess you can guess at the quality of the pic right now!)



I really need a new camera! I'll have to hop back over to Adrienne's blog and read up again on her suggestions for a camera and see if anything pops out at me. And I'll check amazon too.

Well people, I'm off to take the kids to school. Have a wonderful and blessed day ya'll!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Let the madness begin...

Any American Idol fans out there? (Sigh) the first episode of season seven showed tonight. Same ol' same ol'. I'm not sure if I read somewhere that there is a twist of some sort for this season. *yawn*. I have this love-hate relationship with AI. The same silly for tv "singing" gets old for me after about the first two or three episodes but I still watch anyways. I'm one of those people who can't stand to see when someone is getting embarrased so I spend alot of time with my hands in front of my eyes and my thumbs in my ears. I predict lots of sob stories and heartfelt auditions where "good" people are given a chance at stardom. I get drawn in and get committed to the show only to be disappointed and swear never to watch again when people like Mandisa, Paris and Chris Daughtry get booted from the show and people like Sanjaya get chance upon chance. See my problem?

In knitting news, I am making progress on my DSL - it's still eating skeins of yarn for lunch with no end in sight. This DSL is a tricky one. I'm telling you - the other day after knitting every free minute on it, I lined it up against the front portion and estimated another six plus inches to go. Yay! I thought. Tonight, after knitting on this thing for a few days, I'm still about six inches away from matching the front to the back. ARGHHHH! I'm also knitting a pair of simple toe up socks on two needles with my Regia yarn in crazy colour colourway. I have a sneaky suspicion that these might be too big for me. My feet are about a size 7.5 in regular and 8.5 in sneakers and this socky is swallowing my foot whole, and since I like snug sockies, these are now a designated gift. Which reminds me - I haven't mailed the scarf and mitten set as yet! Must get on that pronto. Adamas is lounging in my knitting basket just waiting for me to pick it back up again.

Also, I've finally listened to all of the knitpicks podcasts. I will tell you the truth, I wan't sure if I liked this podcast at first as I had been exposed to Brenda Dayne for far too long LOL and Kelley's style was a little too "scripted". But Kelley grew on me and I couldn't get enough. I downloaded the episodes and they kept me company at work. Kelley's style and her passion for knitting is infectious and now I look forward to hearing her and Xena every Friday.

Non-knitting news - It's election day here in Barbados. Wow, that time has really flown. Ours is a simple process as compared to the head scratching process that's US prolitics (I just don't understand how it works). The good thing about this election is that I may have a day off tomorrow if a particular party wins or Friday if the other party wins. It betters be tomorrow 'cause I already get Fridays off!

Anyways people, I am veray sleepy. Hopefully I will have some pics of my wips soon!

Later!

Lisa

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Quiet knitting days here in Barbados

Goodnight from my sleepy island. It's after 10 here and I am in betwix and between. Lately, I've developed a feeling of restless expectancy and anticipation for the knitting new year. I have been steadily lurking on many blogs and would actually like to find some others to add to my growing list of blog favourites. I am feeling particulary inspired by the FOs that I've seen come off of some needles as Christmas gifts. Add to that a constant diet of the knitpicks podcast and you can begin to understand how I feel. There are some books that I have lined up to purchase and I am researching the yarns I will need to simultaneously aquire in order to ease the tension I feel building. This is one of the drawbacks of living on an island - access to things that others take for granted - especially if those things relate to knitting - can certainly put a cramp in a Caribbean girl's style, particularly when she wants to get her knitting on.

One of the many books that I have lined up is Sensual Knits. This books is absolutely stunning and it has styles that a plus sized person can knit and wear. As usual, I may come late to the party but I catch on real quick. Another book I am interested in is The Sweater Workshop. This is a book I had stashed in my knitpicks cart as a must purchase and Kelly Petkun in her podcast reinforced that decision by naming this a must have. I have been tinkering with some designs and I believe this book will help me accomplish one of my goals on creating my own designs. For me this is a big undertaking and I will tread with great care. Check me back in a few months.

Oh, I almost forgot! I have another FO - I don't have proof of it as the camera is currently playing the fool once again and I don't feel like wrangling with it tonight. Remember that mitten that was holding on to dear life to the scarf with it's ends all hanging out? (no? just read the previous post) Well, I've finished it's twin and I suspect that it might be just a wee bit shorter that the first one (nothing that a little stretching and pulling won't correct) and I'm happy with it. WIll I ever do mittens again? Yes, I think so. But this time I will attempt the convertible ones. I could have done that this time around but I really didn't feel like spending a terrible amount of time on these gifts... remember I'm feeling restless.

I also have been playing around with the idea of forming a knitting group here. People around here reserve knitting for old grammas and then still ask you - "What are you crocheting?" They call yarn wool. Everything is wool. Present them with a delectable skein of Lobster Pot Cashmere yarn and it will be promptly and unapologetically labelled wool. I learnt very quickly to NOT correct people when they say wool. It generally confuses them. But, oddly enough, I did meet a woman (my stand in hairdresser) who was able to correctly identify my work as knitting and she said that she used to knit all sorts of wonderful stuff. I must say that my efforts to get her back in the saddle were wasted as she's much too busy now for knitting. I was a little aghast as she did know what she was missing!! Anyways, I'm pretty sure my friend bajanknit will be there. I've already thought of a couple places that a group of women with needles could meet. The challenge now will be how to find these women. Surely there must be some other people on this island besides us two that love to knit and actively do so! Maybe there are some expats out there too that are sitting at home all lonely thinking that they have no one to knit with. Any suggestions on how to go about finding people will be greatly appreciated!

Anyways, I've rambled on long enough. I'll go now and see who has won the battle between Batali and Oliver and do a few more rows on my DSL - yes, that's right! I've been knitting on the DSL and I am confident that by the time it has swallowed the last few skeins of Pima Tencel, I will have a beautiful finished object to add to my first two for the year!

Later!

Monday, January 07, 2008

Happy New Year!

Ok, so I'm six days late but the sentiment is the same. I wish you and your families all the best for the new year.

How has the new year started for you all? So far so good on this end both knitting and otherwise. I am very hopeful for good and wonderful things for this year and beyond.

One of the things that has made my month so far is the arrival of this:



That's right people, hubby bought me a Jordana Paige bag for Christmas! I LOVE it! It is simply gorgeous and divine to touch. The tweed of the flap and the green of the back of the bag go well together and the inside is very spacious. I can see lots of books and projects going in there! I don't care what outfit I'm wearing, this is my new everywhere bag. It has space for my glasses, various cards and my cell phone. I'm in lurve. LOL!

Now here's FO #1 for the year - the wavy scarf from knitty.com:



Unfortunately, this scarf will not have the pleasure to be carried around in my new bag - and I'm glad too cause you know what? I HATE scarves!! This has been a time sucking project, and absolutely no offense to those who make scarves - in fact I applaud you, but I don't think I'll be doing another one of these anytime soon. Not that I would need to anyways because of where I live but if the feeling ever strikes me to make another scarf I will strike it back! And yes, that's a mitten holding on to dear life to the scarf with its ends not woven in. In a few minutes I plan to start mitten number two and send these gifts off the the hopefully very happy receipients.

There are a couple of things that I'm thinking of doing to the blog - just to freshen it up for the new year. Now if I can just figure out how to change the background and rearrange some things on here maybe I could actually do it.

Cheers people!