Manic Monday

This past weekend at work was SO SLOW!  I tell you, I was just waiting with bated breath for a patient to ring for something …. it was not busy at all!  So, I did manage to get Chapters 8 & 9 up on my writing blog.

Manic Monday #188

What does it mean to you to have courage?

I think that it means you are able to face the things that terrify you, as well as have the strength do to the right thing, not the popular thing.

Is your favorite time the past, present or the future?

The future; we can’t change the past (no matter how hard we may want to.)  Most people are too busy living the present to think about it … so I always look forward to the future!

What makes you a good person?

I’m not accustomed to tooting my own horn – ya’ll know that.  But I take care of the sick, the weak, the fragile.  I give a smile the nastiest of patients and take my time with neediest.  I have a knack for care giving.  So, that’s my contribution to making the world a better place; let’s hope it makes me a good person!

Friday Fill-In

Friday Fill-Ins #149

1. Plans and schedules are the only thing that keep me on top of my life some days .

2. I’m happy when things work out for everyone involved .

3. The last thing I drank was a can of cola.

4. One of the most valuable things in my life are the photos of my family that have passed away (grandparents, etc) .

5. I like mushrooms, pepperoni, and extra cheese on my pizza.

6. Dear November, please bring snow, but not too much .

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to working on Chapter 7 of my novel and knitting, tomorrow my plans include work and Sunday, I want to stay home and knit but I’ll be at work!

Lazy Day

I love days like this; I don’t have any chores that are too pressing, I’m not at work, and I can simply relax and do whatever I want!  I love it when I can just have fun on my days off!  Aside from having to do a bit of laundry and go grocery shopping tonight, I plan on knitting, spinning, and maybe taking a little day trip.

My weekly knitting group meets at Borders, every Wednesday and Friday.  Last night I went, but instead worked on my novel.  All is going well; I’ve already passed the 10,000 work mark – so I am way ahead of schedule.  It would be great to finish up before the 30th so I can do some editing.

In addition to socializing and writing, I picked up two new knitting books.  The one I really wanted, The Joy of Sox (which Tina reviewed on her blog recently) was not in stock, but I can order it if I really want it.

The first time I heard about this book, I must admit … I was ready to pass.  It didn’t look very promising to me from first glance.  I’m here to tell you how wrong I was about this book.

There are some really fantastic patterns ( The Absinthe Sweater and Linden Wrap are my two personal favorites)  that I can see myself knitting.  It’s also a fun read; the commentary is fantastic!  One of my favorite parts of how this is written is the way they rate the patterns by way of how much you can drink while knitting them.  I know there are times when I want to knock back a few beers or stiff drinks while knitting, and this book takes that notion to heart.  It reminds me of living in New York and going to the pub with Tina, Katie, and Michelle.

There are sweaters, scarves, and hats.  There are felted items, socks, and other small quick knits.  I know that this book is going to become a quick favorite of mine and I highly recommend it!

 

I’ve been reading Wendy’s blog for some time now.  Not only do I LOVE her sock patterns, but her cats is pretty cool, and I can appreciate the love for all things feline.  I longed for this book when it first came out, but put off purchasing it for myself, knowing that it would cause me to want to buy MORE SOCK YARN!  But now that my stash is less than half of what it was a year ago (due to selling most of my yarn to buy my wheel), I thought I would be safe now.

I love that Wendy has clear instructions and diagrams for various cast-ons, bind-offs, and other sock knitting techniques.  She goes into each method of sock knitting (DPNs, Two Circs, etc), to give the reader the clear view of one’s options.  I prefer DPNs, but that’s just me.

The photos are wonderful and really capture both the patterns and yarn used to create the finished socks.  I can safely say that all of the patterns in this book appealed to me, especially the Serpentine Socks, Van Dyke Socks, and Diagonal Lace Socks.

I’m pretty picky when it comes to what knitting books I purchase, often opting for just buying a single pattern if I can.  But I can safely say that both books I mention above are fantastic; full of wonderful patterns that will tempt every knitter!

Better Late Than Never

I hadn’t checked Bloglines for a couple of days ….

Manic Monday #187

Most of the U.S. observed Daylight Savings Time yesterday. Is it easy or difficult for you to switch your body clock? Do you suffer from jet lag when traveling?

I find it pretty easy, at least in the fall when we all ‘fall’ back.  I love getting an extra hour of sleep.  As far as jet lag goes, I’ve felt it before but it wasn’t terrible.

If you had to pick one place in your town to bring a tourist, where would you go?

I would take them to The Handley Library.  This place has been renovated to its orginial splendor, and it’s one of my favorite places.

When you travel away from home, do you miss it?

Not really.  I miss my cats and my family, but I love going away and traveling!  Especially since most of the traveling I do is to see friends and family that live far away!

Swap Pal Strikes Again

Ah – how I love to wake up and find something glorious waiting for me on the front stoop!!!!  I rushed inside with the box and could hardly wait to open it.

Here’s my second package from my Recession Special Swap Pal!!!!

 

Package #2

 

Wow – just look at all that good stuff!!!  Two balls of Serenity Sock yarn, a box of Mike and Ikes, a very pretty little notebook, a great zip pouch with goodies (scissors, calculator, pens, chocolate, and darning needles.  All tools that I find myself looking for but can never find when I need them!) … and the big finish – a BEAUTIFUL knitted Tam!!!!

 

Purple Beret Goodness!

 

My pal knitted me the Star Crossed Slouchy Beret in Malabrigo!!!!  I love LOVE LOVE this hat!!!  I’m so wearing it to work tonight!

Again, to my super awesome Recession Special Pal …. thank you!!!  You’re so good at spoiling me, and I can’t wait for the final package, when I get to know who you are!!!

NaNoWriMo

I’ve takent the plunge!!!!

If you would like to read the novel I’m writing for National Novel Writing Month, pop over to the blog I set up!

The Return

Thanks, and please – feel free to comment over there!!!!

October Socks

Another month gone, another pair of socks finished!!!

 

 

• Project: October Sock
• Pattern : Plain Jane
• Yarn : Berroco Sox

 

I think the colors in this pair are amazing!!!  I love them a lot … and I know the person I made them for is going to love them too!

Wicked Games

Today is Halloween Eve …. the day of tricks and pranks!  No, I don’t have any to play, although the fact that I’m being forced to work tonight has put a few in motion in my brain!

Friday Fill-In #148

1. It was a dark and stormy night, when I was forced to make up time at work that I should not have to make up.

2. I was already going by the library, so I offered to take the books myself.

3. Rushing out, trying to make sure I did not forget anything.

4. Did you hear that …I think I heard a howl!

5. Shhhh… you’ll wake the zombies!

6. I’ve had my fill of brains so give me something good to eat!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to starting on a new pair of socks (knitting), tomorrow my plans include a Halloween party and then handing out candy and Sunday, I want to sleep in and spin on the back porch is the weather is nice!

All Systems Go

Hey, Blogland!  How are ya?  It’s so nice to see you!

I’m finally back from the land of the Swine Flu, and feeling much better.  It took me a good week to get myself back on track and stop feeling like death warmed over.  John has been feeling sick as well, but is getting better.  He didn’t have this nearly as bad as I did, thank goodness!

But we were both lucky to have such good nurse-maids while under the weather!

 

More than one use for a hoop skirt.

 

 

 

Lounging Around

 

 

See, they needed all that rest for taking such good care of us! LOL  In other efforts to feel better and more human again after a week of the flu, I bought pumpkins to carve!!!!

Halloween is my favorite holiday!!!  I can dress the way I want without anyone thinking twice, which is really nice, compared to the looks I get on an every day basis if I wear something out of the norm.  My costume this year is going to be Civil War … because it’s the easiest and I haven’t had much time to put together anything else.  But it’s still fun!  One of the gals from my knitting group is having a little shindig on Saturday, and I think that will be fun to head over to.  That night, John and I watch horror movies and hand out candy!!!

 

John's Spider, My Witch

 

 

So, tonight I’m gearing up for my second night in a row …. and two out of three days in a row to work this week.  Grrr – Friday is a make up day (from where I missed last Saturday, had the flu, AND had a note from the ER.  But it doesn’t matter.  Work policy says you have to make up any weekend time lost, no matter what.)  That is fucked, in my general opinion, but what can I do?  At least I’m doing the time on Friday, not Saturday.  No write up … at least not yet.  Because if they come back and tell me I have to work Sunday …. well – not happening.  No way, no how.

On the knitting front, I don’t have much to show right now.  I should finish my October socks tonight or tomorrow night, and then I’ve got a little of half of the Kernal scarf to finish.  Then … well, a few small Christmas items and John’s sweater needs to get started.  I should have some pictures soon!

 

 

Falling In

I want to take a minute to thank everyone who has sent me well wishes whilst I’ve been ill – both here at the blog and on Facebook.

I also want to apologize (to a certain degree, mind you) for my bitter and in general, shitty attitude about it all.  Sometimes I don’t know when to keep my mouth shut.

So, if you’ve been sitting there thinking, “My goodness.  I love her – but is she ever gonna shut up about this being sick thing, “ then its you that I say, with my deepest sentiments … I am sorry.

But I’m still sick … and a bit bitter.  The last part is yet to be determined.

Work sent me home last night because I almost passed out.  Not cool.  I heard that anyone who works in the main hospital that has the flu – swine or not – has to stay away for seven days or else.

So, we’ll see where all of this goes to.

John is sick now … poor guy!  He never gets sick!  So, I’ll be taking care of him as much as I can, while I’m still trying to rest.

Now … if I can get light chores done around the house and maybe try to get to the grocery store (if I can drive and don’t have double vision today that is,) I’ll be set.  And who knows … maybe I can work on a bit of knitting as well!

Well … back to bed!