Friday FO

I’ve been busy trying to get a special pair of socks done.  I’ve made these for a former patient, friend, and knitter.  I can’t tell you much, due to HIPPA, but what I can tell you is that she, like me, is always knitting for others and never enough for herself.  She’s been through a lot, health wise, so I thought she deserved something warm, cozy, and hand made.

• Project: “Recovery Socks”
• Pattern: Whitby by Nancy Bush
• Yarn: Knit Picks Swish DK in Amethyst Heather

This pattern was super easy; the simple cable, while a snap to memorize, still kept things interesting.  I think I may have to make another pair of these for myself at some point.

Have a good weekend, everyone!  I’ll be working, but that’s okay; Monday I start my vacation and Tuesday I will be on my way to New York!!!

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Friday Fun!

Ah, Friday.  Only FOUR DAYS (and a wake up) until I get to head to NY!

Friday Fill In #135

1. It’s time for vacation (well, almost).

2. New York State; it’s not a bad place for learning to knit, making life long friends, and finding yourself.

3. I must be going crazy (not again! LOL)

4. Learning to knit is the best thing I have ever known.

5. My craft room is simply a messy disaster.

6. The last time I laughed really loudly was with my husband on the couch, while he read me weird news articles.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to starting my August Socks, tomorrow my plans include work and Sunday, I want to have a speedy night at work so I can start my vacation!!

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Under Pressure

Oy!  The pressure of the world in times such as these.  The economy is in the toilet (it appears to be getting worse), people are losing their jobs … it’s just depressing.  I know that, where I work, they have laid off managers and nurses (yes, nurses.  I never thought I would see the day.)  Our (the CNAs) hours have been shortened by two hours a pay period, which results in having a few gaps where there are NO AIDES on a given assignment for about an hour.  Sure, we have people working, other aides and nurses, but COME ON!!!!  I understand why they are doing this, but it doesn’t mean that I have to be happy with it.  Everyone at work is encouraged to fill out the Employee Satisfaction Survey.  I’m passing on that; please explain to me how a survey that is supposed to be confidential requires you to enter either you employee number or your SSN?  No thank you.

John and I have been more stressed out as a result.  My job stress plus his job stress … last Sunday is the first time we ever came close to really fighting about money.  I say close, because I refuse to fight about money.

I just keep telling myself … FIVE DAYS and I’ll be in New York.  I get to see Tina, Steve, and a few other people that I’ve missed more than words can say.  And then … W.O.O.L!  A knitting retreat at Wiawaka, on Lake George.

Oy … come on vacation!

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Manic Monday

Today starts a shifting of hours at work.  We are all trying out a new schedule; 6p-6a instead of 7p-7a.  I hope it works, because it will give day shift (on our unit) more time to get settled.  Today is also the start of cutting all CNA hours by two hours a pay period, so I don’t clock in until right at 6pm.  I also don’t get report anymore.  So, like I said … we’ll see how this goes.

Not to mention that I slept poorly and I am super cranky right now.  Stay away, lest you feel my wrath.

Manic Monday #177

What is one thing that you would change about yourself if you could?

Ok … I know how fucking shallow and vain this is going to sound … but I would drop at least 50 pounds.  I’m happy with who I am as a person, but still, life would be a bit better and maybe easier if I could lose a little weight.  But I’m not going to dwell on it; I’m quite comfortable in my body, thank you very much.

Name three exotic countries you would like to visit:

When I think of exotic, I think of some place either far, FAR away, or very hot in climate.    So, there are many places that I want to visit and travel too, but if we are talking exotic, I’d have to go with Thailand, Brazil, or India.

What do you think the secret to life is?

To be happy and not worry.  Life is too short to fight, or be concerned with petty ideals.  Life isn’t hard – really.  Just enjoy it, laugh often, and relax as much as you can.

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Look Ma, An FO!

Actually, that would be TWO finished objects!

I’ve been a little stressed out lately, and work has been above and beyond chaotic.  So finding time to knit has been almost nill.  I just keep telling myself … NINE MORE DAYS and I’ll be in New York, heading to W.O.O.L later that week.  I need a long weekend of knitting on the lake quite badly.  I need to see one of my dearest friends (Tina), eat sushi, and laugh my ass off with no worries.  I need no call bells, no rumors of more layoffs, and no stress.  I need time to myself, to take care of myself.

So, in the mean time … as I said above, I have two projects to share.

February Lady Sweater

• Project : “Third Time Is A Charm” Sweater
• Pattern: February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne
• Made For: Me!
• Yarn : Cascade 220 Wool

Ok … sigh.  I don’t know if I’m happy with it or not.  I’m still learning how to knit a sweater for myself and have it fit correctly.  I will never understand why I can knit delicate lace but really strike out when knitting a sweater.  I understand gauge, ease, etc … but it always thwarts me.  All in all, this wasn’t too trying and I think the final product fit okay.  NOT well, but okay.

July Socks

• Project : “July Socks”
• Pattern : Friday Harbor Socks by Nancy Bush
• Made for : Me
• Yarn: Cascade Heritage Paints in “Londonberry”

Ok … this was another pattern that wasn’t too kind to me.  I had the cuff and leg of the first sock done and was loving it, that is, until I slipped it on.  TOO TIGHT!  At this point, very upset and slightly disgusted, I found a forum on Ravlery where, it just so happened, many other knitters had experienced the same thing that I did.  So, after a few modifications (casting on more stitches, rib the cuff, etc,) I finally had a great fitting pair of socks.  And the yarn – I LOVE the yarn.  This was a Christmas present from my Hubby last year.  It was wonderful to knit with.

So, what’s next?  Well, I’m hoping to get a quick pair of house socks finished in time for Friday, for a patient and friend of mine.  I have about two more repeats to go on the shawl I’m making to take on the trip to New Orleans.  I may use the time at W.O.O.L to finish up a few things, such as the Civil War Shawl.  Ah … a week of knitting.  I seriously can’t fucking wait – I’m so beside myself with excitement!!!!

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TGIF!

I am so happy that it is the weekend!  Work wasn’t too bad this week, but still stressful.  I was so blessed to have two amazing nurses to work with while Jan was out due to a death in her family.

I’m hoping for a good, relaxing weekend.  Sewing, knitting, and hanging out with The Hubby!  Maybe the rain will hold off tomorrow so that I can take some pictures of a few FOs that have been lingering around.

Oh … yes … 10 DAYS LEFT until I head up to New York to see Tina and then go to W.O.O.L!!!

Friday Fill-In# 134

1. Not having Internet or cell phone reception is not the end of the world.

2. Sitting here, listening to the sound of rain falling, I roll over in bed to grab my book and read a little bit.

3. SUSHI tastes so good!

4. Sometimes, putting others first is the best thing a person can do for themselves.

5. Watching a hawk devour a sparrow the other day was breathtaking, really.

6. Well, maybe there is hope for the world after all.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to cleaning a bit, then knitting and having a couple of beers, tomorrow my plans include sewing, knitting, and a day trip with the hubby and Sunday, I want to sew, knit, and watch a new episode of True Blood!

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Manic Monday

I have never been so happy to be home in my life!  Last night was horrible at work; insanely busy and I know I didn’t get everything done (which really bothers me, but it is what it is.)  I’m on the back porch have a beer and unwinding before bed.  I earned it.  The only good thing about last night was my hubby bringing me dinner.

Manic Monday #176

When and with whom was your first kiss?

My first kiss … wow – it was so long ago.  This is going to sound horrible – but I honestly don’t remember.  I remember my first time for sex, but not my first kiss.  I know it’s one of two guys – both of whom were excellent kissers.

Do you believe that everything happens for a reason?

Yes!  I am a firm believer in this, and have been for a long time.

What would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

He’ll probably say, “Oh shit, you’re here?” but I hope he welcomes me with open arms, hands me a beer, and points me to the Bingo hall where my Grandma is.

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Friday Fill-In

I am very pleased that the week is over.  This was the week from hell, for me, physically.  Stomach flu aggravated my IBS … a trip to the ER for TWO giant bags of IV fluids.

Friday Fill-In #133

1. Mac and Cheese and cooked hamburger make a quick and easy dinner.

2. Founding Mothers and Definitely Dead are the books I’m reading right now.

3. July brings back memories of my Dad setting of fireworks in the driveway.

4. Getting rid of grease and soda to help my IBS was obvious.

5. They say if you tell your dreams never to stop, that you can hang onto them a little longer.

6. I  should take more time to think it over.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to watching a movie and knitting, tomorrow my plans include work and Sunday, I want to go wine tasting and see Harry Potter, but alas – I have to work.  Maybe Tuesday!

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Never Goodbye

There is a line in one of my favorite movies, John Q, where Denzel’s character tells his son, “It’s never goodbye; always, see you later.” This was very true in my mind this past weekend on Saturday, as John and I loaded up the futon and moved it to Wilkes-Barre, PA, where our dear friend, Corey has moved to.  He’s only 3.5 hours away – not a long drive at all when you think that I don’t mind driving the 6 hours to see my friends in New York.  All the same … Corey – I hope everything works out for the best, and I’ll be seeing you soon, for sure!

Corey

Sunday was supposed to be productive, for me, in the sewing department.  However, once I looked at the empty space in the bedroom where the futon had been, I decided to move the bookcases and books from the craft room to the bedroom, along with the easy chair.  After doing this, I decided that the craft room was a horrible mess, and that I should probably clean it before doing any sewing.  Well, by the time I was done cleaning and organizing, I was exhausted.  So, no sewing.  But later this week, while I’m off, I need to get John’s drawers (Civil War undies) finished and the pattern parts for his Civil War pants cut out.  I feel as if I keep putting it off, but no; I just couldn’t sew in such a cluttered and dirty room.

I was also going to have pictures of my February Lady Sweater that is finished, until I realized that I think I left the buttons for it at my Mom’s house.  Again … maybe later this week.

I just feel like there is so much to do and no time to do it.  But alas, I know I will feel better next month.  There are only three weeks and a day until I leave to head up to New York to see Tina and go to W.O.O.L!

For now … I’ll leave you with some kitty cuteness!

Cooley - napping

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Friday Fill-In

I know it seems that all I do is blog these Manic Mondays and Friday Fill-Ins.  Hopefully I will get the button on my sweater this weekend and have a great post about that soon!

Friday Fill-In #132

1. The last thing I ate was a piece of chocolate and some Sprite.

2. Groceries are something I recently bought.

3. When it rains, it pours.

4. One of my patients was the first person I talked to today.

5. Hugs are always welcome.

6. Knowing that I’ve done the best I can do at work gives me extra comfort.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to cleaning the craft room and relaxing, tomorrow my plans include helping Corey move to Wilkes-Barr, PA and Sunday, I want to sew!

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