I'm still reading, but I haven't done a Book List in a LONG time. So I'm going to do a quickie version with lots of books. I'm sure I'm leaving out one or two, but this should be most of them. Without further ado...
Addicted to Love by Lori Wilde: This is a classic modern romance novel. There is plenty of good old fashioned lust at first sight and eventually some love. A fun read. The "sexy" parts were humorously worded, in my opinion, at times which actually added to my enjoyment of this book. It is part of a series and I would definitely check out the others if I ran across them at the library.
The Way Through Doors by Jesse Ball: This may quite possibly be one of the weirdest books I've ever read. I found it quite intriguing and interesting--even when it was confusing. A very different book from a very different author. Not my typical read, but definitely worth checking out.
The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out by Neta Jackson: A good example of the modern Christian novel, I enjoyed this book. It's message is more subtle than some, but definitely Christian-based. This is part of the Yada Yada Prayer Group series. This was the first one that I had read and I enjoyed the characters and the message. The novel is set around the Christmas season and it gave me a lot of ideas of how to celebrate Advent and how to bring Christ back into Christmas. I need to read it again next fall to get ready for the holidays.
Nine Wives by Dan Elish: This book was really entertaining and I could see it being a great movie. The main character is ready to settle down and get married only he doesn't have anyone to settle down with. So he imagines married life with every woman he meets which leads to some hilarious "dreams." Very funny and interesting male perspective on something I always saw as a female situation. The main character is an actor and writer and I totally pictured him as Joseph Fiennes in Shakespeare in Love the whole time I was reading this novel.
Chocolate Beach by Julie Carobini: A decent read. I enjoyed this book, but it didn't leave a major impression on me.
Santa Baby by Jennifer Crusie (and two other holiday-themed novellas by Lori Foster and Carly Phillips)
The Playboy by Carly Phillips
Tempting by Susan Mallery
These three books are more of the classic modern romances. All fun, flirty and full of love and lust. Tempting was my favorite of the three.
Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi: I've been hearing about this book for so long and finally ran across it in the library (in the non-fiction section) and checked it out. It's a very interesting read. I am really bad about not watching the news or reading the newspaper so I'm never very well-informed on the state of various parts of the world. I really had no idea of the history of women and their rights (or lack there of) in Iran and this book was very eye-opening. It is written by a woman who was an English literature professor in Iran and her love and understanding of these novels play an important role in the book. It not only made me feel angry for the way women are treated in Iran, but it also made me want to read the classic novels that Nafisi writes about. They are as much "characters" in this book as the people are. Very interesting and informative book.
Don't Look Down by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer: Although Crusie is known for her romance novels, this book was more action film action than action in bed action. It was a fun and entertaining read.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Crochet on Hold
So I was told by the designer of the potholder I was trying to crochet that it doesn't look like I'm doing it right. And looking at the pictures, I don't think I'm doing it right either. Not sure what I'm doing wrong so I'm going to try to talk to a few friends in the neighborhood who crochet and figure it out. Oh well. I guess I can't just teach myself how to do everything. Will keep you posted when I figure it out.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A Funny Photo Shoot and a Great Visit!
My parents were just in town for a visit and it was SO wonderful. We had so much fun with them. Both boys and Pepper were LOVING all the extra love from Mooma and Papa. It was just a wonderful wonderful time. During their visit, we decided to go to the Dallas Zoo. It had been a while since we'd gone and we really had a blast. J is into all kinds of new animals since his latest obsession with Go, Diego, Go. (He's decided he wants to be an animal rescuer when he grows up and he wants N to be one too.) N is finally old enough to get excited about the various animals (real and statues). Anyway, the following are some of my favorite photos from the visit:
Fun with the crocodile statue. Mooma and N.
Then B decided to get in on the fun. Love how N is watching him.
Then Papa joined in. Who is that silly man?
J decided to save his funny pictures to pose as a zookeeper.
"Cheese!"
With my boys on the carousel. J was so excited to ride an okapi--one of his favorite animals from Diego. We also saw a real one in the zoo for the first time. Definitely a highlight!
I am so glad my parents came to visit. It was so much fun for us all. I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents!
Fun with the crocodile statue. Mooma and N.
Then B decided to get in on the fun. Love how N is watching him.
Then Papa joined in. Who is that silly man?
J decided to save his funny pictures to pose as a zookeeper.
"Cheese!"
With my boys on the carousel. J was so excited to ride an okapi--one of his favorite animals from Diego. We also saw a real one in the zoo for the first time. Definitely a highlight!
I am so glad my parents came to visit. It was so much fun for us all. I am so blessed to have such wonderful parents!
It's growing...
So after two painstaking hours, my crocheted potholder has grown to this:
It's not love at first project, but I'm finally getting a little bit of rhythm to my crocheting. That's definitely one of the things I love about knitting is the relaxing repetitive rhythm of the stitches. I think it will be good to know how to crochet, but I don't yet see it becoming the new love of my craft life. This potholder will definitely NOT be perfect, but hopefully it will keep my hands safe. In time, maybe I can make my great grandmother Ruthie proud. She made some mean potholders that we all still love and use to this day.
It's not love at first project, but I'm finally getting a little bit of rhythm to my crocheting. That's definitely one of the things I love about knitting is the relaxing repetitive rhythm of the stitches. I think it will be good to know how to crochet, but I don't yet see it becoming the new love of my craft life. This potholder will definitely NOT be perfect, but hopefully it will keep my hands safe. In time, maybe I can make my great grandmother Ruthie proud. She made some mean potholders that we all still love and use to this day.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Little Knitterly Updates
I'm wearing and enjoying my two latest knits, the Berry and Bramble Cardigan and the Owls Sweater.
I wove the belt through several of the "loops" made by the berry and bramble pattern and am enjoying my cardigan much more. It's less fiddly this way.
I've managed to wear the Owls sweater multiple times despite the fact that it's hit 70 twice. I am still deciding whether or not I want to put buttons on this one. I think I do because I thought they were so adorable on the one in the pattern. However, I don't want the buttons to draw too much attention. I found some olive green 1/4" buttons at JoAnn's that are kind of cute. This is what they look like:
I like how the olive blends nicely with the colors of the yarn. I don't love how thick and flat these buttons are. I am worried that the 1/4" size may be a bit small. I found two other options on online that I like. They are both a tiny bit larger (3/8"). The first option is a beige button that is light in the middle and darker brown at the edge. Even though my sweater is gray, it's a very warm charcoal grey and I think these might look nice. I think they also look eye-like. The second option is a black button with a fish-eye shape in the middle. I think the black will blend more with the dark charcoal yarn. Not sure how I feel about the shine.
In other knitting news, I started J's sweater. I'm calling it the School Bus Sweater since that's what the yarn color reminds me of. I'm adapting the pattern so I can knit it in the round instead of in pieces. I will let you know how that goes. So far so good!
And, this weekend while my mom was here, we decided to try and learn how to crochet. My great grandmother used to crochet these awesome potholders that we all love. My mom and I found this pattern that looks very close so I tried to teach myself. This is what I have so far.
The stitches make sense to me, but I'm confused by the pattern. Will keep trying because I really need a new craft in my life :).
I wove the belt through several of the "loops" made by the berry and bramble pattern and am enjoying my cardigan much more. It's less fiddly this way.
I've managed to wear the Owls sweater multiple times despite the fact that it's hit 70 twice. I am still deciding whether or not I want to put buttons on this one. I think I do because I thought they were so adorable on the one in the pattern. However, I don't want the buttons to draw too much attention. I found some olive green 1/4" buttons at JoAnn's that are kind of cute. This is what they look like:
I like how the olive blends nicely with the colors of the yarn. I don't love how thick and flat these buttons are. I am worried that the 1/4" size may be a bit small. I found two other options on online that I like. They are both a tiny bit larger (3/8"). The first option is a beige button that is light in the middle and darker brown at the edge. Even though my sweater is gray, it's a very warm charcoal grey and I think these might look nice. I think they also look eye-like. The second option is a black button with a fish-eye shape in the middle. I think the black will blend more with the dark charcoal yarn. Not sure how I feel about the shine.
In other knitting news, I started J's sweater. I'm calling it the School Bus Sweater since that's what the yarn color reminds me of. I'm adapting the pattern so I can knit it in the round instead of in pieces. I will let you know how that goes. So far so good!
And, this weekend while my mom was here, we decided to try and learn how to crochet. My great grandmother used to crochet these awesome potholders that we all love. My mom and I found this pattern that looks very close so I tried to teach myself. This is what I have so far.
The stitches make sense to me, but I'm confused by the pattern. Will keep trying because I really need a new craft in my life :).
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
I do not "heart" this news
I do not <3 it at all. In fact, I find it a bit disheartening.
First, I took Pepper to the vet on Saturday for her yearly checkup (we adopted her last January) and found out that she has heartworms. She'd been tested before we adopted her and tested negative at the time and we've had her on monthly heartworm medicine ever since. But apparently, if they have young heartworms that are not yet producing the antigen they test for, then dogs can have a false negative and that's probably the case with Pepper. The good news is that it was a light positive which means she probably does not have very many heartworms. The other good news is that the lifespan of a heartworm is only 1 to 2 years and hers is most likely at least a year old. We talked to the vet extensively about our treatment options and have chosen to take a less aggressive route. If you choose the more aggressive treatment, you have to keep your dog inactive for 4 weeks afterward or else they can have deadly complications. As Pepper is a very excitable dog, we decided this could be a dangerous option for her. So instead, we are giving her an antibiotic that is known to weaken heartworms and will retest her in six months. Of course, meanwhile I am freaking out every time she looks funny or does anything out of the ordinary. It's going to be a LONG six months. Please, God, please let my baby girl be okay!
Yes, she thinks she's a lapdog.
In other disheartening news, I found out today that I have high cholesterol and that my bad cholesterol is particularly high. This isn't the end of the world and it isn't really shocking news as high cholesterol runs in the family, but it made me sad all the same. I'm sad that at only thirty-three I already have to start watching what I eat. I know it's a good thing in the long run to change my diet, but it still makes me sad. It makes me feel old. I guess I can't keep eating "kid food" when B's out of town. I don't think tater tots and chicken nuggets are low in cholesterol. Oh well!
First, I took Pepper to the vet on Saturday for her yearly checkup (we adopted her last January) and found out that she has heartworms. She'd been tested before we adopted her and tested negative at the time and we've had her on monthly heartworm medicine ever since. But apparently, if they have young heartworms that are not yet producing the antigen they test for, then dogs can have a false negative and that's probably the case with Pepper. The good news is that it was a light positive which means she probably does not have very many heartworms. The other good news is that the lifespan of a heartworm is only 1 to 2 years and hers is most likely at least a year old. We talked to the vet extensively about our treatment options and have chosen to take a less aggressive route. If you choose the more aggressive treatment, you have to keep your dog inactive for 4 weeks afterward or else they can have deadly complications. As Pepper is a very excitable dog, we decided this could be a dangerous option for her. So instead, we are giving her an antibiotic that is known to weaken heartworms and will retest her in six months. Of course, meanwhile I am freaking out every time she looks funny or does anything out of the ordinary. It's going to be a LONG six months. Please, God, please let my baby girl be okay!
Yes, she thinks she's a lapdog.
In other disheartening news, I found out today that I have high cholesterol and that my bad cholesterol is particularly high. This isn't the end of the world and it isn't really shocking news as high cholesterol runs in the family, but it made me sad all the same. I'm sad that at only thirty-three I already have to start watching what I eat. I know it's a good thing in the long run to change my diet, but it still makes me sad. It makes me feel old. I guess I can't keep eating "kid food" when B's out of town. I don't think tater tots and chicken nuggets are low in cholesterol. Oh well!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Finished: Owls Sweater
It's finished and I really like and I've even worn it twice...which is good since I live in Texas and the warm weather is returning soon.
Sorry for the delay on the Owls sweater post, but it's been a crazy week and I didn't slow down to get proper pics until today.
Pattern: Owls by Kate Davies of Needled
Size: XS (I had gauge issues--28 stitches x 18 rows =4 in--so I followed the instructions for the Small to make an Extra Small.)
Yarn: Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed (72% Acrylic/25% Wool/ 3% Viscose/ 109 yds/ 3oz/Charcoal--6 skeins)
Needles: Size 9 for ribbing, Size 10 for body and sleeves, Size 11 for Binding off
Modifications: (See Note about Size and gauge.) Also, I did the Back waist decreases as written, but decided to move the waist increases to the sides because of lots of comments about "puffy back."
Before I did this, I moved the beginning of row marker and side marker so that there was an even number of stitches on the front and the back. Instead of doing 6 sets of increases and then decreasing by 2 stitches, I just did 5 sets of increases. I had a total of 98 stitches when I set the stitches aside to work on the sleeves. Because of tight sleeve comments, I cast on 28 stitches instead of 24 for the sleeves. I tried on the first sleeve and felt it was a little snug so I frogged the sleeve and started over. My final sleeve started with 32 stitches, has 4 inches of ribbing, and only has 4 sets of increases to end up with a total of 40 stitches (36 stitches after casting off stitches for the armpits). When I put everything together to do my yoke, I had 170 stitches to make a total of 17 owls.
Other Notes: I had several different dye lots so I was careful about when I changed skeins. I had two matching skeins so I used one for each sleeve. I had one skein that was pretty different so I used that one for the owls since it would be a visual break anyway. I also changed skeins at the beginning of the neck ribbing so I wouldn't have to change mid-ribbing. I think the final sweater looks okay without any too noticeable differences in the colors of the parts of the sweaters.
I think this is a sweater I will wear often as it's very comfortable. Of course, I live in Texas so I won't get to wear it TOO much.
Sorry for the delay on the Owls sweater post, but it's been a crazy week and I didn't slow down to get proper pics until today.
Pattern: Owls by Kate Davies of Needled
Size: XS (I had gauge issues--28 stitches x 18 rows =4 in--so I followed the instructions for the Small to make an Extra Small.)
Yarn: Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed (72% Acrylic/25% Wool/ 3% Viscose/ 109 yds/ 3oz/Charcoal--6 skeins)
Needles: Size 9 for ribbing, Size 10 for body and sleeves, Size 11 for Binding off
Modifications: (See Note about Size and gauge.) Also, I did the Back waist decreases as written, but decided to move the waist increases to the sides because of lots of comments about "puffy back."
Before I did this, I moved the beginning of row marker and side marker so that there was an even number of stitches on the front and the back. Instead of doing 6 sets of increases and then decreasing by 2 stitches, I just did 5 sets of increases. I had a total of 98 stitches when I set the stitches aside to work on the sleeves. Because of tight sleeve comments, I cast on 28 stitches instead of 24 for the sleeves. I tried on the first sleeve and felt it was a little snug so I frogged the sleeve and started over. My final sleeve started with 32 stitches, has 4 inches of ribbing, and only has 4 sets of increases to end up with a total of 40 stitches (36 stitches after casting off stitches for the armpits). When I put everything together to do my yoke, I had 170 stitches to make a total of 17 owls. Other Notes: I had several different dye lots so I was careful about when I changed skeins. I had two matching skeins so I used one for each sleeve. I had one skein that was pretty different so I used that one for the owls since it would be a visual break anyway. I also changed skeins at the beginning of the neck ribbing so I wouldn't have to change mid-ribbing. I think the final sweater looks okay without any too noticeable differences in the colors of the parts of the sweaters.
I think this is a sweater I will wear often as it's very comfortable. Of course, I live in Texas so I won't get to wear it TOO much.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
A Sneak Peek
I really did finish the Owls sweater. I just haven't had time to blog about it (or get decent pics). I need to fix the sleeves (they're a little too long) and add buttons (once I decide which ones I want). Will do a real post on it soon. But here's a sneak peek:
Coloring
Here are the pictures the boys colored for a friend for his birthday yesterday.
N's picture:
J's picture:
N's picture:
J's picture:
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
One of those days...
Yesterday the boys and I spent 5 hours in the Emergency Room. We were there through nap time, snack time and dinner time with no naps and no food or drink. Unfortunately, B was out of town and couldn't be there. But, on a positive note, everyone is okay!
We went to the playground yesterday after lunch because the sun was shining and it has finally warmed up. Right as we were about to leave, N tripped and hit his head on a metal pole. I ran over and picked him up, he gave three weak cries and then his head was on my chest, his eyes were closed and he was silent. I said his name three times before his eyes opened, a little rolled back in his head, and then he slowly focused in on me. It was the weirdest few seconds of my life. We rushed back home (a four block walk) and called the pediatrician who confirmed that we should head to the ER. By 2, we were at the ER. By 2:30, we had been through triage. By 3:30, we were in a room. By 4:30, we'd seen a doctor who ordered a CAT scan. Although N seemed fine, she was concerned because of those 3 seconds of possible loss of conscious. Unfortunately, the child in line in front of him was having a rough time with the CAT scan and we didn't get in to the CAT scan until 6:30. Luckily, N did great. He got wrapped up like a little burrito with a little turban. His eyes got big when he started moving, but he didn't fight it and everything went smoothly. Luckily, the CAT scan showed a little swelling, but nothing major and no bleeding. By 7:00 we were on our way home with orders to wake N up every 1-2 hours during the night and to watch for any further signs of head trauma. Luckily, N did great and is fine again today. Both boys did remarkably well during our 5 hours considering they were tired, hungry and scared. It was a crazy, not fun, stressful afternoon, but in the end all is well. And for that, I am so grateful.
We went to the playground yesterday after lunch because the sun was shining and it has finally warmed up. Right as we were about to leave, N tripped and hit his head on a metal pole. I ran over and picked him up, he gave three weak cries and then his head was on my chest, his eyes were closed and he was silent. I said his name three times before his eyes opened, a little rolled back in his head, and then he slowly focused in on me. It was the weirdest few seconds of my life. We rushed back home (a four block walk) and called the pediatrician who confirmed that we should head to the ER. By 2, we were at the ER. By 2:30, we had been through triage. By 3:30, we were in a room. By 4:30, we'd seen a doctor who ordered a CAT scan. Although N seemed fine, she was concerned because of those 3 seconds of possible loss of conscious. Unfortunately, the child in line in front of him was having a rough time with the CAT scan and we didn't get in to the CAT scan until 6:30. Luckily, N did great. He got wrapped up like a little burrito with a little turban. His eyes got big when he started moving, but he didn't fight it and everything went smoothly. Luckily, the CAT scan showed a little swelling, but nothing major and no bleeding. By 7:00 we were on our way home with orders to wake N up every 1-2 hours during the night and to watch for any further signs of head trauma. Luckily, N did great and is fine again today. Both boys did remarkably well during our 5 hours considering they were tired, hungry and scared. It was a crazy, not fun, stressful afternoon, but in the end all is well. And for that, I am so grateful.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Well, I should have waited...
Well, I should have waited another day before posting my goals.
1. I hope to be a better mom this year. I'm not saying I've been a terrible mom, but I haven't been the best either. For one, I've yelled way too much in 2009. I hope that in 2010 I will set a better example for my boys on how to handle life without yelling. I totally yelled at the boys during clean up time tonight.
2. I hope to continue strengthening my relationship with B this year. We added some date nights in 2009 that were great, but I want to make sure we continue focus on spending quality time together this year. Didn't have time to talk when B called the first time. Then didn't notice the message when he called the second time until it was too late to call him back. Oops! Sorry, honey.
3. I hope to be better at keeping my house in order this year. Not only do I need to find a better way to organize my time so that the house gets cleaned on a regular basis, but also I want to help get into a better cleanup routine with the boys so there aren't toys everywhere all the time. I want to teach them good life habits. And, I'm tired of feeling guilty about NOT cleaning. I did do clean up with the boys, but did not do any house cleaning even though the boys took a 2 hour nap today.
4. I hope to do better with cooking on a regular basis and about cooking healthy food. I want to help my boys build better eating habits and I want to be a healthier person. And, I'm tired of feeling guilty about NOT cooking. We had hot dogs and mac n' cheese for dinner.
5. I want to exercise more. I've NEVER been a person who exercised. I've tried a few times, but it never lasted too long. I'd just rather be knitting. I'm trying again. I'm not worried about losing weight or anything, but I would really like to be healthier. If I happen to look better in a bathing suit, then that is just an awesome bonus. I changed into my workout clothes, but never worked out. In my defense, I slipped on our stairs on Saturday and bruised my tail bone and it still really hurts. Edited to Add: After I finished my Owl Sweater I decided to work out and finished my EA Active workout for the day. My hiney hurts.
6. I want to spend more time enjoying my children. I'm with my children all the time, but I'm not always enjoying them. I want to be able to slow down more and just appreciate them and how wonderful they are. The boys and I did have some fun. So I guess that's one that I did okay in.
7. I want to focus on the important things in life and ignore some of the fluff. I think this means a lot less time on the internet. Sorry friends! You'll probably be reading less of this blog this year, seeing less comments from me on your blogs and seeing less of me on Ravelry and Facebook. Wish me luck! I piddled away 2 hours of free time (while the boys were napping) doing stuff on the computer.
8. I want to continue my knitting and try some new patterns and techniques. I love that knitting is both relaxing and creative for me. I love the tried and true parts as well as the opportunities to learn new things. I'm about to go knit so that's another one I did okay on. Woo hoo! I'm also done with the Owls Sweater. Edited to Add: I finished my Owl Sweater (except for the buttons)--pictures coming soon.
9. I want to give more this year. I'm not sure how, but I want to give back more this year. I want to get involved in some sort of charity work, be kinder to the environment, generally make the world a better place. Don't think I helped anyone or the world today.
10. I really hope to achieve more balance in my life this year. I always feel like I'm doing well in one area and am behind in everything else. I'm either being a good wife or a good mom, but rarely both. If I cooked dinner, the house is a mess. If I cleaned, we're having hotdogs and french fires for dinner. If the boys are happy, I've neglected me or B. I need to find a way to balance all the aspects of my life so that all bases are covered or that I am fine with the ones that are not. I think this will be the key to achieving all my goals for 2010. Hmmm....balance. Yeah.
Two (make that Three) out of ten. There's only room for improvement I guess. LOTS of room for improvement.
1. I hope to be a better mom this year. I'm not saying I've been a terrible mom, but I haven't been the best either. For one, I've yelled way too much in 2009. I hope that in 2010 I will set a better example for my boys on how to handle life without yelling. I totally yelled at the boys during clean up time tonight.
2. I hope to continue strengthening my relationship with B this year. We added some date nights in 2009 that were great, but I want to make sure we continue focus on spending quality time together this year. Didn't have time to talk when B called the first time. Then didn't notice the message when he called the second time until it was too late to call him back. Oops! Sorry, honey.
3. I hope to be better at keeping my house in order this year. Not only do I need to find a better way to organize my time so that the house gets cleaned on a regular basis, but also I want to help get into a better cleanup routine with the boys so there aren't toys everywhere all the time. I want to teach them good life habits. And, I'm tired of feeling guilty about NOT cleaning. I did do clean up with the boys, but did not do any house cleaning even though the boys took a 2 hour nap today.
4. I hope to do better with cooking on a regular basis and about cooking healthy food. I want to help my boys build better eating habits and I want to be a healthier person. And, I'm tired of feeling guilty about NOT cooking. We had hot dogs and mac n' cheese for dinner.
5. I want to exercise more. I've NEVER been a person who exercised. I've tried a few times, but it never lasted too long. I'd just rather be knitting. I'm trying again. I'm not worried about losing weight or anything, but I would really like to be healthier. If I happen to look better in a bathing suit, then that is just an awesome bonus. I changed into my workout clothes, but never worked out. In my defense, I slipped on our stairs on Saturday and bruised my tail bone and it still really hurts. Edited to Add: After I finished my Owl Sweater I decided to work out and finished my EA Active workout for the day. My hiney hurts.
6. I want to spend more time enjoying my children. I'm with my children all the time, but I'm not always enjoying them. I want to be able to slow down more and just appreciate them and how wonderful they are. The boys and I did have some fun. So I guess that's one that I did okay in.
7. I want to focus on the important things in life and ignore some of the fluff. I think this means a lot less time on the internet. Sorry friends! You'll probably be reading less of this blog this year, seeing less comments from me on your blogs and seeing less of me on Ravelry and Facebook. Wish me luck! I piddled away 2 hours of free time (while the boys were napping) doing stuff on the computer.
8. I want to continue my knitting and try some new patterns and techniques. I love that knitting is both relaxing and creative for me. I love the tried and true parts as well as the opportunities to learn new things. I'm about to go knit so that's another one I did okay on. Woo hoo! I'm also done with the Owls Sweater. Edited to Add: I finished my Owl Sweater (except for the buttons)--pictures coming soon.
9. I want to give more this year. I'm not sure how, but I want to give back more this year. I want to get involved in some sort of charity work, be kinder to the environment, generally make the world a better place. Don't think I helped anyone or the world today.
10. I really hope to achieve more balance in my life this year. I always feel like I'm doing well in one area and am behind in everything else. I'm either being a good wife or a good mom, but rarely both. If I cooked dinner, the house is a mess. If I cleaned, we're having hotdogs and french fires for dinner. If the boys are happy, I've neglected me or B. I need to find a way to balance all the aspects of my life so that all bases are covered or that I am fine with the ones that are not. I think this will be the key to achieving all my goals for 2010. Hmmm....balance. Yeah.
Two (make that Three) out of ten. There's only room for improvement I guess. LOTS of room for improvement.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Ten in 2010: Goals for the Year
I'm not a big resolutions kind of person, but every January I do start thinking about how I would like to better myself and my world in the new year. I can't help it. It just happens. Here are ten of those goals, or hopes, for 2010.
1. I hope to be a better mom this year. I'm not saying I've been a terrible mom, but I haven't been the best either. For one, I've yelled way too much in 2009. I hope that in 2010 I will set a better example for my boys on how to handle life without yelling.
2. I hope to continue strengthening my relationship with B this year. We added some date nights in 2009 that were great, but I want to make sure we continue focus on spending quality time together this year.
3. I hope to be better at keeping my house in order this year. Not only do I need to find a better way to organize my time so that the house gets cleaned on a regular basis, but also I want to help get into a better cleanup routine with the boys so there aren't toys everywhere all the time. I want to teach them good life habits. And, I'm tired of feeling guilty about NOT cleaning.
4. I hope to do better with cooking on a regular basis and about cooking healthy food. I want to help my boys build better eating habits and I want to be a healthier person. And, I'm tired of feeling guilty about NOT cooking.
5. I want to exercise more. I've NEVER been a person who exercised. I've tried a few times, but it never lasted too long. I'd just rather be knitting. I'm trying again. I'm not worried about losing weight or anything, but I would really like to be healthier. If I happen to look better in a bathing suit, then that is just an awesome bonus.
6. I want to spend more time enjoying my children. I'm with my children all the time, but I'm not always enjoying them. I want to be able to slow down more and just appreciate them and how wonderful they are.
7. I want to focus on the important things in life and ignore some of the fluff. I think this means a lot less time on the internet. Sorry friends! You'll probably be reading less of this blog this year, seeing less comments from me on your blogs and seeing less of me on Ravelry and Facebook. Wish me luck!
8. I want to continue my knitting and try some new patterns and techniques. I love that knitting is both relaxing and creative for me. I love the tried and true parts as well as the opportunities to learn new things.
9. I want to give more this year. I'm not sure how, but I want to give back more this year. I want to get involved in some sort of charity work, be kinder to the environment, generally make the world a better place.
10. I really hope to achieve more balance in my life this year. I always feel like I'm doing well in one area and am behind in everything else. I'm either being a good wife or a good mom, but rarely both. If I cooked dinner, the house is a mess. If I cleaned, we're having hotdogs and french fires for dinner. If the boys are happy, I've neglected me or B. I need to find a way to balance all the aspects of my life so that all bases are covered or that I am fine with the ones that are not. I think this will be the key to achieving all my goals for 2010.
1. I hope to be a better mom this year. I'm not saying I've been a terrible mom, but I haven't been the best either. For one, I've yelled way too much in 2009. I hope that in 2010 I will set a better example for my boys on how to handle life without yelling.
2. I hope to continue strengthening my relationship with B this year. We added some date nights in 2009 that were great, but I want to make sure we continue focus on spending quality time together this year.
3. I hope to be better at keeping my house in order this year. Not only do I need to find a better way to organize my time so that the house gets cleaned on a regular basis, but also I want to help get into a better cleanup routine with the boys so there aren't toys everywhere all the time. I want to teach them good life habits. And, I'm tired of feeling guilty about NOT cleaning.
4. I hope to do better with cooking on a regular basis and about cooking healthy food. I want to help my boys build better eating habits and I want to be a healthier person. And, I'm tired of feeling guilty about NOT cooking.
5. I want to exercise more. I've NEVER been a person who exercised. I've tried a few times, but it never lasted too long. I'd just rather be knitting. I'm trying again. I'm not worried about losing weight or anything, but I would really like to be healthier. If I happen to look better in a bathing suit, then that is just an awesome bonus.
6. I want to spend more time enjoying my children. I'm with my children all the time, but I'm not always enjoying them. I want to be able to slow down more and just appreciate them and how wonderful they are.
7. I want to focus on the important things in life and ignore some of the fluff. I think this means a lot less time on the internet. Sorry friends! You'll probably be reading less of this blog this year, seeing less comments from me on your blogs and seeing less of me on Ravelry and Facebook. Wish me luck!
8. I want to continue my knitting and try some new patterns and techniques. I love that knitting is both relaxing and creative for me. I love the tried and true parts as well as the opportunities to learn new things.
9. I want to give more this year. I'm not sure how, but I want to give back more this year. I want to get involved in some sort of charity work, be kinder to the environment, generally make the world a better place.
10. I really hope to achieve more balance in my life this year. I always feel like I'm doing well in one area and am behind in everything else. I'm either being a good wife or a good mom, but rarely both. If I cooked dinner, the house is a mess. If I cleaned, we're having hotdogs and french fires for dinner. If the boys are happy, I've neglected me or B. I need to find a way to balance all the aspects of my life so that all bases are covered or that I am fine with the ones that are not. I think this will be the key to achieving all my goals for 2010.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Nine in '09: Knitting
Here's a quick look back at my knitting accomplishments in 2009:
1. I knitted around 30 finished items in 2009 (including 14 gifts, 4 paid projects, 6 items for my boys, and 6 items for myself).
2. I knitted my first items from Interweave Knits (after getting this magazine for over two years) including this, this, this and this.
3. I did entrelac for the first time (a scarf for my mother-in-law). This was also my first time using the famous Noro.
4. I knitted for me! Three lovely tops.
5. I did my first mini-knitalong (the Socktopus).
6. I did my first real knitalong (the Textured Circle Shrug).
7. I knit ten toys including these adorable Rebecca Danger softies.
8. I wrote four knitting patterns available on this blog including a cowl, a finger puppet, a blanket and a scarf.
9. I somehow managed to become even more addicted to knitting than I was before and I can't wait to do lots more knitting in 2010!
1. I knitted around 30 finished items in 2009 (including 14 gifts, 4 paid projects, 6 items for my boys, and 6 items for myself).
2. I knitted my first items from Interweave Knits (after getting this magazine for over two years) including this, this, this and this.
3. I did entrelac for the first time (a scarf for my mother-in-law). This was also my first time using the famous Noro.
4. I knitted for me! Three lovely tops.
5. I did my first mini-knitalong (the Socktopus).
6. I did my first real knitalong (the Textured Circle Shrug).
7. I knit ten toys including these adorable Rebecca Danger softies.
8. I wrote four knitting patterns available on this blog including a cowl, a finger puppet, a blanket and a scarf.
9. I somehow managed to become even more addicted to knitting than I was before and I can't wait to do lots more knitting in 2010!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Nine in '09: A Look Back at Nine 1sts
2009 was a year of many firsts in our family. Here's a quick look back at nine of them:
1. N's first word.
2. N's first steps.
3. N's 1st birthday.
4. J's 1st swim lessons and his first time "swimming" in the pool without holding on to someone.
5. J's 1st time writing his name
6. J's first real drawings.
7. J's first time ice skating.
8. N's first haircut
9. N and J's first picture together with Santa.
What a year! I can only imagine what firsts will happen in 2010.
1. N's first word.
2. N's first steps.
3. N's 1st birthday.
4. J's 1st swim lessons and his first time "swimming" in the pool without holding on to someone.
5. J's 1st time writing his name
6. J's first real drawings.
7. J's first time ice skating.
8. N's first haircut
9. N and J's first picture together with Santa.
What a year! I can only imagine what firsts will happen in 2010.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Ten in 2010: Next Ten Knitting Projects
Happy 2010, everyone!
This is the first in what I imagine will be a series of "Ten in 2010" posts. This one is my next ten knitting projects (for those of you who only read this blog for the funny stories and cute pics of my boys, I am in no way offended if you skip this post.)
1. Finish Owls sweater for me. I am making this with Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed in Charcoal Heather and have the body done from the bottom of the sweater up to the armpits and have started the sleeves. So far so good. I can't wait to have this sweater to wear. The yarn is so soft and a lovely color combo (charcoal with grellow specks). The shape is very wearable and the owls are adorable!
2. V-Neck Cabled Polo Sweater for J in Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby DK in bright yellow (color #110). J's been asking for a yellow sweater and I bought this pattern a while ago because I thought it would be adorable on the boys. I've avoided it because it is lots of cables on small needles, but after the easiness of Owls, I think I'm up for a more complex project. Yarn purchased. Waiting to be swatched.
3. Slanting Gretel Tee for my sister Cat in Ella Rae Baby Cotton in Aloha (light green). I enjoyed making mine and my sister requested one so I'm going to make it for her as a birthday gift. Yarn purchased. Waiting to confirm measurements with my sister.
4. Ripple Cardigan for me in Schulana Kid-Seta in Tangerine. I've been considering a fun flirty lightweight cardigan for a while and I love the fun twist at the back of the neck in this one. I also love Kidsilk Haze (the recommended yarn which is identical to the Schulana Kid-Seta). I am considering doing three-quarter length sleeves instead of full length. Yarn purchased. Need to swatch.
5. Peacock Tail and Leaf Scarf for me in Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Jelly (a fun green). Yarn and book received as a gift for Christmas 2008. I'm a little afraid of this project, but am not sure why. I need to just go for it. This will be a fun accessory to wear and to keep me warm when the Texas weather gets cold, but not too warm since it is Texas.
6. Salina sweater for me in KnitPicks City Tweed DK (possible colors include Enchanted, Poseidon, Plum Wine, Desert Sage, Orca or Porpoise). I think the stockinette in this will be a nice break after the lace scarf. I have wanted to knit this for a while, but never was able to spend the money on Rowan Felted Tweed (or find Rowan Felted Tweed in the color I wanted when I had the money). I just realized the Knit Picks was a economical substitution and am excited. I have the pattern, but haven't ordered the yarn yet.
7. Girl Friday for me in Naturally Caron Country in Charcoal. I've been wanting a good all purpose cardigan and this one is very appealing to me. I like the interest that the lace pattern adds and I like the shawl collar. And I already bought the yarn--LOVE this charcoal color! My only concern with this pattern is that it is knit in a lot of parts and then seamed together. I really enjoy things that are knit in the round or in one piece or anything else that minimizes finishing work.
8. Paper Dolls for me or something similar. I love the idea of a short-sleeve sweater and have been thinking of making a similar one for a while. I love stranded colorwork and haven't done any for a while. This one looks particularly cute and includes a few new techniques (corrugated rib, i-cord edging) that I'd like to learn. If I hadn't already bought yarn for so many other projects, this one would probably be higher on my list.
9. Ribbon Trim Cardigan for me in some sort of Knit Picks Sport weight yarn. I am considering Telemark, Shine Sport, Comfy Sport and Simply Cotton Sport. This is another one that I fell in love with a while ago, but was put off by the cost of yarn. I'm hoping one of the KnitPicks yarns will be a good economical option. Again, this would be a great go-to cardigan for everyday wear. I love the fun play of cables and ribbing and having a ribbon accent just sends it over the edge for cuteness in my book. Again, this will be a hefty undertaking in terms of time knitting and finishing so it is further down my list. Whenever, I do get to this one--I think I will wear it a lot!
10. One of the Danger Crafts softie patterns by Rebecca Danger that I bought. These are all so adorable and I really need to knit up one or more of them--and I really need to use up more of my stash yarn which these will be great for.
So that's the plan. As always, these plans are subject to change. I'm still thinking about knitting myself some mittens and maybe I might try a pair of socks and N kind of needs a hat, but, in general, this is my plan. I am excited about all of these projects and am excited to be a selfish knitter this year and knit lots of things for myself. I'm sure I will fall in love with new patterns and will be swayed to knit other things, but I like having a plan and sharing it.
Happy 2010, everyone! May it be a great year for everyone!
This is the first in what I imagine will be a series of "Ten in 2010" posts. This one is my next ten knitting projects (for those of you who only read this blog for the funny stories and cute pics of my boys, I am in no way offended if you skip this post.)
1. Finish Owls sweater for me. I am making this with Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed in Charcoal Heather and have the body done from the bottom of the sweater up to the armpits and have started the sleeves. So far so good. I can't wait to have this sweater to wear. The yarn is so soft and a lovely color combo (charcoal with grellow specks). The shape is very wearable and the owls are adorable!
2. V-Neck Cabled Polo Sweater for J in Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby DK in bright yellow (color #110). J's been asking for a yellow sweater and I bought this pattern a while ago because I thought it would be adorable on the boys. I've avoided it because it is lots of cables on small needles, but after the easiness of Owls, I think I'm up for a more complex project. Yarn purchased. Waiting to be swatched.
3. Slanting Gretel Tee for my sister Cat in Ella Rae Baby Cotton in Aloha (light green). I enjoyed making mine and my sister requested one so I'm going to make it for her as a birthday gift. Yarn purchased. Waiting to confirm measurements with my sister.
4. Ripple Cardigan for me in Schulana Kid-Seta in Tangerine. I've been considering a fun flirty lightweight cardigan for a while and I love the fun twist at the back of the neck in this one. I also love Kidsilk Haze (the recommended yarn which is identical to the Schulana Kid-Seta). I am considering doing three-quarter length sleeves instead of full length. Yarn purchased. Need to swatch.
5. Peacock Tail and Leaf Scarf for me in Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Jelly (a fun green). Yarn and book received as a gift for Christmas 2008. I'm a little afraid of this project, but am not sure why. I need to just go for it. This will be a fun accessory to wear and to keep me warm when the Texas weather gets cold, but not too warm since it is Texas.
6. Salina sweater for me in KnitPicks City Tweed DK (possible colors include Enchanted, Poseidon, Plum Wine, Desert Sage, Orca or Porpoise). I think the stockinette in this will be a nice break after the lace scarf. I have wanted to knit this for a while, but never was able to spend the money on Rowan Felted Tweed (or find Rowan Felted Tweed in the color I wanted when I had the money). I just realized the Knit Picks was a economical substitution and am excited. I have the pattern, but haven't ordered the yarn yet.
7. Girl Friday for me in Naturally Caron Country in Charcoal. I've been wanting a good all purpose cardigan and this one is very appealing to me. I like the interest that the lace pattern adds and I like the shawl collar. And I already bought the yarn--LOVE this charcoal color! My only concern with this pattern is that it is knit in a lot of parts and then seamed together. I really enjoy things that are knit in the round or in one piece or anything else that minimizes finishing work.
8. Paper Dolls for me or something similar. I love the idea of a short-sleeve sweater and have been thinking of making a similar one for a while. I love stranded colorwork and haven't done any for a while. This one looks particularly cute and includes a few new techniques (corrugated rib, i-cord edging) that I'd like to learn. If I hadn't already bought yarn for so many other projects, this one would probably be higher on my list.
9. Ribbon Trim Cardigan for me in some sort of Knit Picks Sport weight yarn. I am considering Telemark, Shine Sport, Comfy Sport and Simply Cotton Sport. This is another one that I fell in love with a while ago, but was put off by the cost of yarn. I'm hoping one of the KnitPicks yarns will be a good economical option. Again, this would be a great go-to cardigan for everyday wear. I love the fun play of cables and ribbing and having a ribbon accent just sends it over the edge for cuteness in my book. Again, this will be a hefty undertaking in terms of time knitting and finishing so it is further down my list. Whenever, I do get to this one--I think I will wear it a lot!
10. One of the Danger Crafts softie patterns by Rebecca Danger that I bought. These are all so adorable and I really need to knit up one or more of them--and I really need to use up more of my stash yarn which these will be great for.
So that's the plan. As always, these plans are subject to change. I'm still thinking about knitting myself some mittens and maybe I might try a pair of socks and N kind of needs a hat, but, in general, this is my plan. I am excited about all of these projects and am excited to be a selfish knitter this year and knit lots of things for myself. I'm sure I will fall in love with new patterns and will be swayed to knit other things, but I like having a plan and sharing it.
Happy 2010, everyone! May it be a great year for everyone!
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