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Thursday, January 31
home sweet home...
I'm home. Sort of anyhow....it's an odd feeling to be working towards such a big move. This place, Michigan, doesn't feel quite so homey anymore. I want to go back to England. We will know very soon weather the move will be possible. A new court date has been set for Febuary 11th and this one should decide it. Mark is flying over to attend and give testimony. There is a chance we won't get through all the testimony in one day and a chance that the judge will take the whole thing under advisement but all in all we will have a decision. I am incredibly nervous and excited all at once.
Topic for one of the swaps is favorite vacations so later I will write up this last trip and post some pics too :) but for now work is beckoning....ohhh my oh my have the piles grown since I was away!
Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?
I am a very new knitter. I took a class at a wonderful little shop in downtown Royal Oak...Ewe-Nique Knits (there is a Ravelry group for it too now!) but since that was only just this past fall I haven't really had the time to change what I am knitting as of yet. After I made all my swatches and practice pieces I began my very first project, a poncho. It has turned out really well expect the neckline which I am having a bit of trouble with. I decided not to add the hood to it and just do a bit of ribbing but working in the round knitting a rib has become a challenge so I opted for the easy way out and decided to knit some stockinette instead so I would have a nice rolled neckline. I haven't started that yet because I haven't exactly figured out if I have to do standard stockinette or reverse...I do understand how to do it in the round but I can't seem to find any information anywhere on which to use so the roll will curl out and away from the neck.
Anyway, since I am still working on my first major project I haven't switched up much. I did make a couple dishcloths for a friend and am working on my second scarf.....hmm actually the scarves would be more because of winter. I made one for a friend (who doesn't wear it!!!) and am going to cast one on for my mom on my flight tomorrow. I really want to work on the neckline for the poncho on the plane but I don't want to risk taking my new beautiful harmony dpns and security not letting me take them with me. I suppose I could pick up a circ to do it with....this is how stashes begin to grow isn't it? Just one more skein, just one extra set of needles.....lol
Back to work with me....I think I answered the topic but rambled so much I can't be sure!!
Do you knit, crochet, or both? I knit mainly but I do know how to crochet.
What do you like to make? Do you have a favourite project? I just started knitting in August 2007 so I haven't had time yet to have any favorites.
Do you have a favourite type of fiber or brand of yarn? again, not really any distinct favorites yet...I am looking forward to working with hemp though as I have heard it drapes beautifully.
Do you have a least favourite type of yarn? I am not crazy about overly fuzzy yarn...just tangles so easily.
Do you do any other crafts? Nope.
What knitting do you bring ‘on the go’? Usually dishcloths with kitchen cotton.
What do you carry your ‘on the go’ knitting in? Do you want something new? I have a small canvas bag and I am a bagaholic so I'd never turn down new bags.
Are there any knitting gifts (book, toy, yarn, item, tool) that you have been lusting over? Because I am so new at this I have very little thus far. Anything would be fabulous!
Part Two: Your Favourites
What is your favourite colour? What is your least favourite colour? Favorite....earth tones, greens, browns, blues. Least favorite....hyper brights.
What scents/smells do you like? What don’t you like? My fav would probably be cinnamon and I hate floral.
How do you like to pamper yourself? (bubble bath, hand creams, massage, manicure) Usually a glass of wine and a good book.
What goodies to you like to treat your tummy with? (chocolate, biscuits, truffles, etc.) Anything! I love to try new and different things so something you can only get locally would be a treat.
Do you prefer tea or coffee while you knit? Any particular kind? Favourite mug/cup? Usually diet coke :) otherwise it's either one. I love good coffee and teas but I am rather picky about it. I have a mug from the 75thanniversary of my church that is my current favorite...my boyfriend has one too so it's a lovely dovey sort of thing :)
Do you listen to/watch anything while you knit? (TVshow-Along, movies, music, podcasts) Lots of movies and music mainly but TV also. Podcasts too come to think of it. I am looking into maybe getting some books on tape too.
Part Three: Living & Past-times
Where do you live in the UK? (General idea not address) Worthing, West Sussex
Have you always lived here, or did you grow up somewhere else? I am not officially moved over yet. Currently I am still in Michigan US but am moving in a few months time. I've lived in Michigan my whole life so this is a HUGE adventure for me to move so far away.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go? That list is really quite long! Tops are many historical places in the UK and then just to fan out from there...I love to travel.
If you couldn’t go to a knitting group, what other kind of gathering would you go to? (book club, tea party, yoga class, jewelery class, etc.) Book club most likely although I have always wanted to get into a fun exercises class.
What’s your style? (elegant, traditional, glamorous, girly, natural, sporty, outgoing, etc.) Hmmmm...cute, girly but not to frilly...with some traditional and natural.
Final Part:
Any allergies/preferences (fiber-wise or treat-wise)? Nope.
Anything we missed that you’d like your partner to know? I don't think so :)
If there is anyone out here curious....court was a bit of a let down yesterday. We have been refered to the Judge for another hearing. Why we couldn't have seen the judge in the first place is beyond me but it is what it is. I think our next date will be in mid-March. Now to see if I will have to pay the lawyer more. *sigh*
I am feeling rather antsy, anxious....today. I leave in 7 days to go see Mark so naturally I have a million and one things to do. I did decide to drive myself to the airport and while it'll cost a bit of money at least I won't have to rely on anyone else to get me there on time. A bit off my mind that I can control that. I missed an international flight once by 15 lousy minutes and am always incredibly nervous about doing it again. I need to finish laundry, plan outfits, pack...all that sort of stuff but I also have to cart my oldest son back and forth to robotics just about every day and it's biting into my time this week. I have to have him there by 8am on Saturday...that really should be outlawed...I need to sleep in a bit on Saturdays, I am so NOT a morning person. I have an appointment on Saturday afternoon to help get all beautified and I have to go by new bras. My favorite one went...boooiiinnnggg, flop! this morning(the underwire broke). I have a meeting at church on Tuesday for the committee I chair and I need to finish changing out the flowers in the sanctuary. Ohhh goodness I also have to write up the annual report for my committee by Sunday.
Monday morning is court to see if I can move Jordan to the UK. Best possible outcome is that we get full permission and can begin planning the move. Worst, naturally is that they say no. Middle road, they order an investigation. Of course I fear the worst but honestly don't think it will go that way as there are four specific things they are to look at and we have them completely covered and covered well. The investigation, while it doesn't worry me in and of itself it will cost me more money as we will have to continue to pay my lawyer. I am feeling anxious about it but also pretty hopeful. We really have covered everything very well and my lawyer sounds pretty optimistic about it. Of course, it helps immensely that my ex is a jobless moron. What the hell was I thinking when I married him. *sigh* Ahh well....I have a wonderful little boy and that is worth the hell he put me through.
Ok...had better get back to work. I am swamped now that the stupid new financial system is at long last up and running again.
Well, the drunk guy left me a gift to make up for all the trouble he caused. I went out to get my mail yesterday evening and lo and behold but what did I see....a blackberry curve 8310 was waiting for me. Wiped of all info so it's alllllll mine! I have to unlock it as it's an AT&T phone but that's no big deal. It's so pretty. Oh goodness the geek in me is so happy today :)
So, my friend Nancy and I had just finished our weekly Tuesday night mini Nip/Tuck marathon and she was gathering her things when all of a sudden we heard a banging noise from outside the front door of my apartment. It was a windy outside so our first assumption was just that the screen door had caught a draft and thumped a few times. Then the door knob started to rattle like someone was trying to get it. We went over to the door and I hollered asking who was there. This extremely drunk voice came back to me saying it was Dan or Dave or something of that nature...he wanted me to let him in, kept saying all he wanted to do was go to bed and that he wouldn't hurt me AT ALL. umm right, like I am going to trust that!! We called the police who came pretty quickly to collect him. He was belligerent, falling down drunk. It was very freaky and I am very glad Nancy was over with me. Goodness I hate living on my own.
The cocoa swap I am in will be posting topics for participants to blog on and this weeks was a scavenger hunt. Really neat to browse through all the blogs :) I've linked them here too so the curious can peek too.
1. Who's favorite animal is an Otter? Anne K. 2. Name someone who prefers whipped cream with their hot cocoa Alex E. 3. Find 3 people who live outside of the United States Bianca B Alex E. Lyndsey-Jane C 4. Name a fan of Harry Potter Jinxa 5. Name someone who crochets Mary B 6. Name someone who DOES NOT have a healthy supply of notions Kristen M. 7. Name someone who has NOT put up their questionnaire yet (just put a date with your answer in case they put it up after seeing their name listed somewhere ;-) ) Emily H-K (1-8), Heather F (1-8) 8. Who likes to have Kahlua, Baileys, or Peppermint Schnapps in their cocoa? Jodi H 9. Name someone who knits fingerless gloves as a 'quick knit' Cindy F 10.Name someone who's looking forward to gardening this spring. Geraldine P. 11.Who's favorite way to drink cocoa is with a gorgeous Frenchman, while overlooking the eiffel tower from a French Cafe? (I'm right there with you... well at the table next to yours!) Kris L 12.Name someone who's favorite animal is NOT a dog or house cat Beth S - Turtle! 13. Name someone who's favorite treat is NOT chocolate. Patti R. 14. Who plays Candyland? Criquette 15. Name someone who DOESN'T get the winter blahs Eva G.
I am feeling rather sad today. I have had my cat for 21 years, she's a good old girl but she's just gotten to old now and I have to have her put to sleep. She was born in my sock drawer when I was a junior in high school. I am doing ok about it just now but going home afterwards and tossing out the litter box and making her essentially disappear from our lives is really making me very sad. I really am going to miss her.
I told the kids that I was taking her in, well I told the older two anyhow. I didn't want to tell Jordan that I was having her put to sleep because I didn't want him thinking that I killed the cat. I have told him little bits here and there about how old she is and how she's not doing very well and such. In fact the other day I was talking to him and for the first time I also added in that she might not be around much longer, I told him she might die soon, and his response had his brothers and I rolling in laughter....he looks up at me and says, "ok, that'd be good!". I was so not expecting that reaction! He's just very practical about it. He figures she's sick and peeing all over the house so it's just time for her to go. Well alrighty then! I just hope that attitude holds out when he comes home from school tonight and she's gone.
Cocoa: 1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug? Big mug and usually with water as I don't do milk unless it's after a lactaid pill! What sort I like...hmm....well as it's chocolate I don't think I'll be picky. Although one sort I have always wanted to try is the spicy sort like mexican hot chocolate. 2. Marshmallows or whipped cream? Whipped cream.
Yarn/Knitting/Crochet 1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors? I am a newbie knitter so I haven't many favorites yet but I love soft wools and don't care much for fad types like fun fur. 2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)? I can crochet but am only knitting now. 3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new? I like wood the best so far and just ordered my first set of harmony dpn's just cuz they are soooo pretty. Always willing to try something new. 4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions? I have practically nothing as I just started knitting this year. 5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)? More needles and a row counter. 6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification) Dishcloths.
Miscellaneous 1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter? I love to watch it snow...it's so peaceful. Sledding ranks up there too. Ohh mulled wine...mmmm. 2. What is your favorite animal? hmmm.....I am a birdwatcher so I do love birds in the wild. Especially owls. 3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'? Not really to badly. I love having four distinct seasons so I really do enjoy them each for different reasons. What gets me down the most I think is just being so stunk indoors when it gets really cold. 4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs? Didn't I already mention the mulled wine? :) Glass of wine and a good book is great as well as a movie marathon of comedy with a good friend to laugh with. 5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring? Opening the windows in the house that first time and letting in the fresh cool air. Oh, and moving to England! 6. What are your favorite treat? Mini reese peanut butter cups. 7. What is your favorite board game? Polarity. 8. Do you have any children (furry or human)? Three boys...16, 14 and 6. 9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about? Nope :) Well actually now that I think about it...I don't care for white chocolate or mint-chocolate.
I am an avid reader and admitted geek. I will read anything I can get my hands on, I adore Shakespeare and anything historical.
I can take apart and rebuild my computer with ease and was hanging out online when all you could do was go to BBS's.
I love museums...any kind. I can get lost in a bookstore for hours. I annoy my oldest son with the amount of Dave Matthews
I play and I know every word to just about every Beatles song ever written. I am a diet coke junkie.
I tend to kill my houseplants...I simply forget they are there...although I do have one that has survived for four years
now...new record! I attend church every week (almost).
Update, October 2006: That plant died. This year I became the mother of a high schooler, middle schooler and a kindergartener. When did I become old enough for all that?
Update, November 2007: I am moving to the UK! Well, hopefully anyhow...have to sort out things with the little guys father and a million other details but as soon as I can manage it I am moving to be with the love of my life in a country I adore!
Update, August 2008: I live in ENGLAND!!!! The little guy and I moved over in April and absolutely love it. Just found a permanent job too. Sooooo Happy!
October 2009 Yeah so lost the perm job :( but still very, very happy :D
