be thankful, damn it

Tomorrow is the 'rents and grand'rents for lunch. No, not cannibalism, hamloaf. I should get alot of knitting on the sock accomplished. Then a movie with Sweetie, who is home for most of the week. I doubt dinner, since we both will eat well. His Thanksgiving will consist of two 20 lb turkeys and one 22 pounder. Plus the sides that 3 or 4 farmwives can make. Poor boy! They will have to roll him out of the house.

On the knitting front, Linda H and I will be making a trek to Columbus on Saturday to take a knitting class. Yes, we are nerds. Knittin' Knerds. (isn't that just the nerdiest? yes?) I think that I have too much free time on my hands and if this keeps up, I'm going to have to buy a tv and rot my brain that way. Ok, who am I kidding? tv is evil and reading knitting blogs all day is great! And with that comment should follow pictures of stuff, like Harriet the Hamster. Or the project du jour. The only glitch is that I carry my camera in my bag, but I have nary a picture to prove it. I even put in fresh batteries. And the cord disappeared. That's alright, since I need less stuff in my life, right? OK, the cord needs to reappear, but I need to de-clutter. Friend Carrie and I were chatting the other night and she just laughed at my clutter complaints. She saw my house in Rajshahi where all possible surfaces were cover, nay, piled with things, while my floors were clean (thanks to a bua), and the same thing happened while we were roomies in Dhaka. And she also reminded me of the infamous 'Dirt-o-Meter'. I am fine with dirt up until a certain amount and then, when that amount of dirt has amassed, cleaning must happen. And that is what is happening right now in my house. The dirt-o-meter rang loud and clear and housecleaning ensued. Just the clutter on surfaces remain. I need to get better. Or hire help.

Maybe after I get a sugardaddy. That would help the financing of a housekeeper.

I'm just saying

Update, or go get a cup of coffee because I've written and I can't get up

So many times, I think to myself, "Oh, I have nothing to write about.... my life, what a boring mess" and then I go off and do something that even I don't consider boring. But I forget about it the moment my butt meets my chair and the computer is on. So here is a laundry list of stuff I've done, but didn't write down (or as much as I can remember, since my butt is having a meeting with the chair):

• Went to NYC with Megan and Sweetie to watch Megan run the marathon. Megan rocks, can we all agree to this? And Sweetie (whom also rocks).... well, he gave up all of his points so that we could stay in Manhattan without any of us giving up a first-born child. My checkbook did a happy dance. And we also met Dennis who is also darn wonderful! When Megan passed out (beware of your salt intake when running), he was Johnny on the Spot and just a all-around good sport.
• The knitting has been good, but I'm still a year behind in projects. Of course, every knitter knows this and works with this knowledge. I have two sets of socks on needles, a Jilli hat still being worked on, a scarf for myself in a lovely basketweave pattern and probably others.... I haven't looked too hard into my knitting basket lately. And I signed up to for an entrelac class with Linda H. for a Saturday this month. Talk about good times. Then, I can start the afgan that I have a pattern and yarn for in entrelac. No pressure, right?
• I contemplated moving to Tonga. This is what reading National Geographic will do to a girl on a particularly slow day at work. Maybe I could re-up for PC and go there. They still have an active program there. hmmm... if grad school doesn't work out, maybe Tonga could be the place for me.
• Gift bags. I won't go into detail of what I purchased to go into the gift bag, but all they need is tissue paper and something that can't be added until the week of giving, but other than that, it is finished. Yeah for being ahead of the game for once. :)
• Grad school application. It was in a while ago, but I won't hear a response until the middle of November, which is coming closer and closer. I've pushed it out of my mind, otherwise I'd drive myself to distraction and then some. I just don't have a good feeling, so I'm looking up other grad schools for future application. Or maybe in the back of my mind I just don't want to jinx it. Who knows, but I'm sure a future therapist will have fun trying to find out.
• I went on my first date in years. And when I say years, I literally mean it. He was a nice guy and it was a pressure-free evening. I feel good about it, even if it doesn't go anywhere and I get a new friend out of it. I've broken that non-dating barrier so that I might have a chance to reproduce within the next decade or so. Sounds stupid doesn't it? Now I just have to think positively and maybe wrangle another date.
• Cleaning out my closet. OK, so this isn't completely 100% done, but it has been started. I got tired of living out of my laundrybaskets, so slowly, the clothes have been finding their way back to hangers and drawers. I've given up on ironing, however, since I've misplaced my iron, but still have my ironing board.

Ok, my rant is over for now. I can't think of anything else I've done lately. Or I will think of something the minute this is posted.

Ya know... I haven't heard hardly enough updates of folks. Send an email or leave a comment with a personal update. I'd love to hear from you and it ups your chance of getting a gift bag for Christmas!

where is October going?

Today was uber boring, so I decided to share. Isn't that wonderful of me? As a professional who is licensed in the State of Ohio, I must take Continuing Education classes to keep my license. 20 hours every two years. And the first 40 you take to get the license in the first place don't count. Bummer. So, today I learned about ethics and risk managament. After 8 hours in class, the summary is this: Keep your mouth closed.

And this is why your insurance premiums are so high and keep going up http://www.stellaawards.com/2006.html

Over all, October has been going fast. Too fast. I have taken 2 out of 3 Toe-Up sock classes down in Columbus and can I say that my socks are beautiful? Of course, I don't have any pictures to prove it, but maybe later. Just don't hold your breath on that thought!

did you read a banned book this week?

Yes, it's that time of year again, when it's a good thing to go against the grain!

I read through the list and I am sad to say that there are a number of books on the banned/challenged list that I have not yet read. Surprisingly, a number of the books I have read off of the list, I didn't read until college. "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison is a great book, but I didn't read it until I was at least 20. Heck, I'm not even sure I knew who Toni Morrison was until I got to college, let alone read her work. And there are a ton of other great novels out there that should remain out there.

So do your part and visit your local library and read a banned book today!

guest writer: Cousin Jamie

One day, little Tuff was trying on his new hat that Aunt Laura knitted for him....

"Dang, I look good!"

He started to enjoy his new look and decided to dance a little....

He was really jamming along, but he was relatively new to this whole sitting thing....

.... and tipped over. But, never fear, his big sissy was there to help him!

"Arrr, there bubby! Have no fear! You big sissy, Jilli, is here!"

So, she checked on him to see that all was OK...

"I think that we should take a nap," said Silly Jilli.

"Just kidding!"

"We'll just lay here while you recover."

Well, Tucker was feeling better and decided to sit up with his new hat on and not overdo himself with the dancing...

"Whoa! That was scary!!! I'm glad that Jilli was here to save the day!"

The End

*for some reason the pictures won't stay where I placed them... darn floating pictures! ~lrf

crack me up and then some

how did i not know?

There was a 'Craftin' Outlaws' meeting in Columbus and I did not know about it until after the event. I think that is the saddest thing so far today. I will have to try to make it to next year's festivities. Especially since I have taken the needle back up. That's right, you heard me... Needles Up! I have finished one sock in TOFUtsies and this close to finishing a shawl I started last winter. 20 more rows and the shawl is mine!!! Then I have to finish the second sock and then come the baby hats. One is for Tucker in a Bulldog color montage and the other will be for Jilli and the Jilli hat will be super cute! Then I am thinking about finishing the other projects that are still on needles and lying about my house.

Speaking about future plans.... Sweetie, SuperMeg and I are going to New York City for the marathon. Yes, I know that I am letting everyone and their brother know when I'll be gone, but since I have very little to steal (with the exception of the hamsters), I'm ok with it. Besides, my grandma would let everyone who reads the Herald when I'm gone anyways, so what does it matter? Oh, and just to let everyone know... SuperMeg is the only one running in this marathon. The rest of us are just her personal cheerleaders.

a saw a tree turn

This morning, on my short little commute, I saw trees start to turn colors.

I think that it is time to say that Autumn is really here to stay.

sigh

I'm going to miss summer. :(

But I'm ready to pick some apples!

i got my nerd on

So today I have gotten my nerd on! I signed up for 'Toe-Up Sock' class at the Knitters Mercantile in Columbus. And I can't wait. That's right, I'm going to drive 1.5 hours for a 2 hour class and drive back 1.5 hours on 3 different Mondays in October. And I know exactly what I'm going to knit. I have this lovely, self-striping pink on pink DK weight yarn that is going to be made into big girl socks. I even think that I'm going to have a large cable running up the back of the leg.

*sigh* I can hardly wait! I'll let you know how it goes. I will even try to remember to take pictures. That is, as soon as I remember to buy batteries.

cars, tests, and the fair

First things first! Happy Birthday, Grandma D!

Now, for the rest of the story (Who knew? I'm chaneling Paul Harvey!)

I studied for the GRE. I took the GRE. I'm pretty sure I did horribly on the GRE. I've rescheduled to take the GRE. I thought the fella proctoring the GRE was going to give me a dunce cap when I walked out the door, but luckily for him he was out that day. But never fear, I lived to test another day. grrr...

So, I have realized (actually I've known all along, but others haven't gotten the memo), that I know bumpkus about cars. I love to drive them, but a car is a car is a car. All it needs is 4 wheels and an engine that goes and I'm set. Ask me about my car and I'll say "It has 4 doors and its white" Maybe I'll remember to mention that it is a '98 and I'll have to stop and think about the make and model. 9 times out of 10 I get it right. Then I get my insurance license and I've got to know about V6 and V8 and liters and that Ford makes F150s and not Chevy. And I have to ask other non-car people these questions. Or worse, I ask car-oriented folk dumb questions, like "so, is that a car-car, an SVU or a pick-up or something else?" Grumpy old farmers love those sort of questions, let me tell you!

And in other news as of late, the Hardin Co Fair is in full swing. Cousin Jamie and her family have set up residence there for the week. Her two oldest girls have won prizes in showing some of their animals. Hope actually won the Grand Champ for rabbit meat pens! And Shelby won a trophy yesterday for her rabbits. Way to go girls!

My participation at the fair, however, is not quite so lovely. It started with Grange and ended with grease. The Hardin Co Grange has a food booth located under the grandstand, where, since time began, they have sold burgers, fries, sausages, hotdogs, beef and noodles, chili, pie and cold drinks. Ever since I was old enough to walk without holding someone's finger, I have been working at this food stand every fair that I was able to attend. I've picked up trays, wiped down tables, yelled out orders, prep buns for the grill cook, cooked noodles, and just about everything under the sun that needed to be done. Last night was no exception. I handed out hotdogs and sausages, fried french fries with partner in crime Amy H and ended up the evening grilling burgers. So, by 8:45 last night, I was red-faced, hot and greasy walking back to my car. And my mother wonders why I don't have a beau. I just need to find a fella who like a girl who smells like burgers and fries.

change is good... right?

So, I have been feeling this overwhelming need to change. It's been coming on stronger and stronger lately. At first, I moved. This seem to bank the urge for a time. I started knitting again and the different projects calmed my nerves and gave me some challenge to my poor, beleagured memory (as in, 'how does this go again?'). Then I needed to go to grad school to really switch things up. Visiting schools and different towns to see which one fit is a good thing and it is gearing towards change, but it isn't necessarily in itself change. So, I cut about 4 or 5 inches off my hair. Instant change. It's still below my shoulders, but definately above the bra strap.

And now, I need to make more plans for change. I'm not sure what it will be in the end, but it will happen, I'm sure.

what i'm not knitting

I am in a knitting funk. Days, nay weeks have gone by and I have not even picked up the first set of needles. I've totally blown off putting something into the Hardin Co Fair for this year... it's just not going to happen!

So, a list of what I am not knitting:

• socks
• shawl
• baby blanky
• socks (you can never have too many)
• scarf

Yep, all of these are works-in-progress. I cannot wait for cooler weather and for the stupid GRE to be over.

OH! Story! I believe this to be indictative of where I live currently. A customer walks into our agency the other day and while the computer slowly bringing up his account, I decide to shoot the bull. I ask him what he is up to and he replies the usual, 'Oh, nothing much... and you?'. I reply, 'I'm studying for the GRE and not liking it a bit.' Silence. Then customer asks, 'So, that GRE thing.... is it sorta like the GED?'. Silence on my end. I blink and reply, 'Well... they're both tests you take, but you don't get a diploma with the GRE.' 'Oh,' was his reply to that.

So, I wonder if he thinks that taking the GRE is worth it or not, seeing as you don't get a diploma or anything with it.

rain, rain... go away!

What a perfectly, wonderful, rainy day to lay in bed and read a good book. If you don't have one, for shame! Go to good reads.com and find a book.

Go ahead.

I'll wait.

Back yet with a good title to buy/borrow? Good. That's what I like to hear.

Grandma D was in the hospital last week for brain surgery. She had a cyst behind her left ear that put pressure on her brain and nerves. So, it looked like Grandma was a drunk half the time since she staggered to and fro. And she also lost the hearing in her left ear. I hope that this surgery did the trick and she is up and better soon. And thankfully she has short hair, since they had to shave a large patch for the surgery.

Here is the absolute amazing thing. She went in for surgery Wednesday morning and left the hospital Sunday late afternoon. And this is with brain surgery! It is amazing what they can do now a days in such a small amount of time.

Today is the annual Farmer and Merchant's picnic in the lovely little town of Ada. Cousin Jamie and family plus their 4-H club hosted the petting zoo. It was exceedingly hot and sticky and thus I only lasted a few hours. I would post a link, but there is none. Oohh!! Maybe I'll send the mayor a rebuke concerning the lack of innernet pages of Ada. hmmm... I might have to remember who the mayor is before I can do that. glitch in every plan

I'm finally back in my little apartment, roasting alive. I went to Denver a week ago this past Thursday and had a delightful 4 day/3 night tour of the town. I saw the university of choice and then I went on a yarn crawl. Utterly shameful, but delightful. And my mother wonders why I'm single. Did I hit a single bar while there? No. Did I chat up ladies old enough to be my mother or grandmother? Of course I did. The best conversation I had was with a fellow who was 72 going on 73 and he ended giving me good directions. If I was a gold-digger, I would have it made in the shade. Sad, but true. And what is it with people asking my age (now proudly 30) and then asking why a nice girl like me (and who says I can't schnooker people?) isn't married? What sort of response am I supposed to have?

So, if anyone has a response that is snappy, witty or otherwise just plain good, please feel free to leave it in the remarks. Or better yet, send a cute man that travels well so that I don't have to fend off these remarks.

Hannibal the Hamster

No, I did not name the hamster. Yes, I am starting a home for way-ward hamsters. No, I do not need another hamster - two is plenty. No, I do not have hamsters because Stephanie Plum has a hamster.

Now that I have answered the most common questions about Hannibal and Harriet, let me tell you the story of Hannibal and how the little bugger came into my life.

As you have previously seen, Harriet was living the life of Riley in her plastic, rainbow-vomited cage in my bathroom. Then Cousin Jamie asked me if I could take a hamster off of her Aunt Julie's hands. Aunt Julie's nephew (or maybe great-nephew... I can't remember) was not really taking to good of care of Hannibal and thus, Aunt Julie received Hannibal one day. Julie is a kind-hearted soul who is living with her mother, a cat and a dog. Her mom, Mother Mary, had issues with the hamster smell/pine shaving dust in her house, so Julie needed to ditch the hamster. So, she gave Cousin Jamie a call and Cousin Jamie prevailed on me to take poor Hannibal in.

So now I have a double vision of rainbow-vomited, plastic cage in my bathroom. I don't dare put them in the same cage, seeing that I don't want baby hamsters.

Now, if someone wanted a hamster, I do believe that I have a free one for the taking. And he already has a cage and a name.

Just to let you know, is all I'm saying.

off i go

I confess. I am a bad packer. Be it moving or traveling, I don't pack well. And thus my problem for today. I leave for Denver tomorrow and I haven't packed a thing. And I question myself if I have enough clean underwear. hmmm... glitch. So this evening is pack-a-poluzza and cleaning of the hamster cages. Cousin Jamie said that she would watch them and she hopes that they don't escape again.

Have fun and hopefully I'll have pictures, but I wouldn't hold my breath if I was you.

Canada, ay?

Amy H (my partner in crime for noodle stirring) and I went to Canada yesterday. To gamble. I felt delightfully tawdry and cheesy all at once. What a wonderful feeling! Amy picked me up and off we went to Windsor, Canada. We drove over the Ambassador Bridge and I finally made my first voyage into Canada. That's right, my first trip to Canada. I know, I know... I live in Ohio and am only one very large lake away from Canada. What can I say? I lead a very sheltered life.

And then I went gambling for the first time! It was so neat and just a touch scary. Casino Windsor had tons of people there just gambling. Playing the slots and at various tables. They had a whole room dedicated to poker. I kid you not. And the time just falls away from you. We played a ton of penny and two-cent slots, I lost a few dollars worth of quarters at the Elvis slots and in all I made money on the deal. Yeah! Beer money for Denver!

Speaking of which, if anyone has any suggestions on what to see or do in Denver over my 4 day excursion, please feel free to do so.

OH! Pics from Isis wedding will be coming forwith. Promise.

thinking about goals

I did not complete all of the goals that I set for myself a year and a half ago. And I'm alright with that. They gave me something to look forward to and something to mull over for the last so many months. The only one that I have succeeded at is the 'Learn to knit socks'. Now I plan on upping my knitting skill level and 'Learn to knit socks two at a time' before my 31st birthday.

As for the 'Learning to drive a motorcycle', I think that I will roll that goal over to the new year. Now, I don't plan on going out and buy a motorcycle in the near future, but knowledge is power. grrr...

As for the 'Learn to ride a horse' goal might be done this summer yet. I don't know and it strickly depends on the good graces of Cousin Jamie.

And the 'Learn to shoot a gun' goal... well... I just don't know. Yes, we have multiple firearms here at the office (properly locked up, of course), but the teachers don't seem to be too forth coming with their time or knowledge. So, that might have to wait.

Now, if anyone can think of a good goal for the ensuing year, please feel free to write in the remarks or to email me. My personal education goals are not here, but believe me that they are still in action.

30

30 came in quietly and I'm happier for it. The folks and I got home from Mexico a little after midnight on the night of the 23rd, so officially it was the 24th. Sweetie and I went out for Japanese and coffee.

As for Mexico and Isis' wedding.... she made a beautiful bride. Victor seems very nice and I think that everyone had a wonderful time. I just wish that I could have spent more time there and enjoyed Mexico more.

Other than that, life has been quiet around here. Harriet the Hamster made an escape while I was gone, but was found after a day of searching. No harm, no foul... right?

Picture of Mexico to come. Promise.

is it time to move yet?

I have the boxes ready. I really do. I didn't pitch them the last time, since I have learned that I move way too often and have tons of stuff. Actually, I have less stuff then I did back in 2002 and I still consider what I have to be too much.

sigh.

Last night at a very late time (I was fast asleep) a train came through Ada and honked it's horn very loudly for a very long period of time. Then, after the train left town, various truckers came through and hit their airbrakes right in front of my apartment. You ask 'why?'. Here is why: I live about 1.5 blocks from the traintracks. Truckers like to buzz through small towns that have rolled up their sidewalks for the night. This is fine until they notice the elevated traintracks in the middle of town and know that if they don't slow down that they will be airborn.

Large semi-truck + being airborn = bad things will happen to truck/load.

It's a proven fact.

I might have to move. Sleeping with the windows open ('cause some freaky girl thought that she could tough it out without a/c) is for the birds. And you can quote me on that.

grrrr....

group knitting

Group knitting can be such a fun thing! Linda H and I have been doing some group knitting as of late since 1)we're both single in a very married/child-filled community, 2)have the itching to do so, 3)it's a good way to catch up on gossip. I have learned many a thing and it's enough to make your hair turn white! Somedays, I realize that the 'desh was just a ginormous (I'm sure that probably isn't a word) small town in Ohio. Like my hometown in Ohio, for example. Gossip is rife with various misgivings, bad deeds and that ilk. With that said...

So, hopefully, I will be going to Colorado this coming year for a Year Of Education. My masters. It'll only take about 80-85 grand to make the dream come true. Then I will have to pimp out my services to the highest bidder afterwards to pay for all of that fun. My mom's only request is that I 'go to a nice 3rd world country'. I hope that her request isn't too much to ask. After all, who wants to go to the bad 3rd world countries?

the prayer must have worked some

Grandma F is doing better and is on the mending list. Surgery is still a possiblity, but every week that goes by means that possiblity grows smaller. Yeah for her!

I'm getting all geared up for Mexico! I can hardly wait!!! Isis wedding should be a ton of fun! And then the goal is to go to Colorado and see if I can go to grad school there. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

As for knitting... well, I have completed a whole bunch of nothing. I did, however, find the lost ball of yarn for the boy stripey sock. I was down to turning the heel when I figured out that I had casted on the wrong number of stitches and that is why it was smaller around than the already finished mate. glitch. So, I frogged it and started again. I'm getting close to the heel. I need to really get this done quickly, seeing how they are a birthday gift. shhh....

say a little prayer

Yesterday was bad exciting.... Grandma F fell and broke her wrist. Dad took her to St. Rita's and they determined that she broke it in two places, put a temporary cast on and sent her home with the good drugs. So, Grandma and Dad are visiting St. Rita's again and Dr. VanAtta is putting on the real cast. They have to get Visiting Nurses in again (putting on pants single-handed is not easy, especially not for shaky ladies) and getting things set up for Grandma to stay at home with minimal interference.

I just got an update from Dad: No surgery this week, but they will re-evaluate her next Wed and see it it's needed. Come to find out that she crushed bones and it is not a clean break. Not good.

So, say a little prayer for Grandma. It sounds like she needs it.

Troy and Miranda

A couple of days ago, I received an email from Miranda asking if I was up for guests, namely herself and Troy. OF COURSE! How fun would that be? Tons. I was stinkin' excited!!!

So, Miranda and Troy showed up the night of the 6th (actually the 7th, since it was after midnight) and stay for two nights. I got caught up on everyone (RPCV/'desh) that Miranda knew about. The next day, I introduced them to my family and we went around to various Amish farms searching for strawberries and came home with eggs, maple syrup and a little more gossip. We also saw Shrek the Third and walked around Ada (it wasn't that big of a walk). They left this morning for St. Louis and then to New Orleans. Keep your fingers crossed that they keep safe.

But what leads me to write about this visit is how much I do enjoy having folks show up and letting me cook them breakfast and just visiting away the time. That is one of the good things I really believe that I learned from PC. It was also good to remember some of the better times that we had in the 'desh. It is so easy to dwell on the negative, that the good can be dwarfed in your memory.

while I wait

Today is my hurry up and wait day. I hurry up and call people, reminding them to pay their premiums and wait for them to show up after we've closed. Thus this entry.

This weekend, Mom, Dad and I went down to Colmbus to visit Cousin Melissa, her hubby Jason and their teeny, tiny baby girl Lauren Kathryn. She is only 31.5 weeks along since conception! Since she was born so early, it is amazing how small she is! I didn't even want to touch her - I was uber nervous of breaking her. Luckily, no offer was made, so I breathed easier! She's gained a pound since her birth so she is up to 3 lbs. It is so hard to believe that a human being can be so small.

So, my waiting for this day is over. The customer came and went. Hurray for the end of another work day.

Take care.

Blog #100!

Yeah!!! One hundred times I've gotten on-line and amused myself this way!!! woo to the hoo!

Now, for the real reason I write. To tell all about my newest sock. It's stripey. It's a navy blue with gray, brown and taupe stripes. And it needs a mate.

Today's Glitch: I lost.... er... misplaced the second ball to make the mate. I need to find out where all my stash is and go through it. I also need to finish up my Notre Dame scarf soon. I'm half way there.

Also, sorry about the lack of pictures, but I keep forgetting that my camera is in my purse. That's right, I carry around my camera, but can never remember to take a picture. And people keep asking why my purse is getting larger as time goes by.

Sweetie somewhat recently reminded me of the era of my anti-purse purse feelings. I have no clue what I was thinking at the time, so I will blame it on being in my early 20s. So, instead of carrying a purse like a normal girl, I decided that it wasn't for me. However, I still had crap to carry around (who doesn't?) and not enough pockets. This is how the reasonable solution of carrying my stuff around in a Bath and Bodyworks bag started. Once the bag started to look a little too worn, I would switch it out for a new B&B bag. Yes, this was the brown bag with the raffita handle. Yes, I purchased waaayyy too much B&B stuff during my flush college days.

That's right, I said "Flush College Days". Thank goodness for tips at the coffeeshop.

Number 752

Why my mom rocks. My mom generally keeps me on my toes. No kidding. This year for Christmas, she gave me the gift of music. One mandolin lesson from a current prof at 2 different universities. I finally used the gift this evening and had a wonderful time with Dave. He gave me the basics and said "Now, go practice". And so I shall.

So, to recap my Goals Before 30:
Learn to knit socks. Check.

Learn to ride a horse. Cousin Jamie rode this past weekend on the mounted posse, so she might be ready to dish out some lessons.

Learn to play a stringed instrument. You just read about the lesson. I never planned on being good, just have the gist of how to do it. Half check

Learn to shoot a gun. Nope, haven't even started that. hmmmm... I think that I need to do some sweet talking to someone on that.

Learn to drive a motorcycle. Nope, don't have that one started either.

Ok, so I have procrasinated on almost all of them. It's in my nature :D

However, the good thing is that every year I have a birthday and goals like this can roll over into the next year.

every girl needs a guru

I am a fortunate sock knitter, since I have my very own personal sock-knitting guru. Her name is Jane. I love the fact that Jane will invite me to her house or meet up with me up at Jitterz (local coffeeshop) and fix all my oops. And believe you me, there are quite a few of those!

However, after this last trip to her house, she just might want to meet up with at Jitterz only. I was a bit of a holy terror and should have come with a disclaimer concerning my lack of grace! I stepped on a pot saucer and broke it! How embarrassing! I kept walking into things. She must of thought I had a nip of something before I came. However, Bea, Bea's friend, Jane and I retired to the living room and Jane saved my butt yet again. Picking up gusset stitches is something that I have yet to perfect. However, my second pair of socks is coming along swimmingly despite my gusset issues. I think that I also want to figure out a toe-up pattern, maybe with a cable. So many different projects I want to do and only two hands to do them with!

Well, I hope that everyone has fun this Memorial Day weekend! Take care.

plotting

Things I want to do in the very near future:

1. Go to Michigan for Great Uncle Earl's 85th birthday celebration.
2. Spend the night at Friend Erin's new digs.
3. Go to Chicago and visit everyone there.
4. Go to Denver and check out the school there
5. Take the GRE (not fun, but necessary)
6. Actually enjoy the summer this year

If there is anything lovely that you can add to my list, please feel free to do so. And the above list is in addition to the 'Before 30' list.

more Grange

It's official. I'm a schmuck. Tonight was yet another Grange night and I was there front and center. And I had a walking/marching part called the Lady Assistant Steward. I protested it throughly. I don't know the ritualistic work, but somehow we muddled through. Afterwards, there was the required jello salad and other 'This and That' (the ladies just bring what they feel like bringing, no matter if it makes sense or not).

I think that the next few nights are going to rowdy in the big town of Ada. ONU is letting out in a few days and graduation is this weekend. And I had to move to a place in the epicenter of all 3 bars that are in this town. I was not thinking ahead when I moved here.

But the best part that I just thought of.... Cousin Jamie will be back to work in 6 work days. I will get baby time every day and life will get back to what passes for normal. Yeah!

the first....

and hopefully not the last pair of socks to be made by me! I finished the pair last night and have lost the photograph somewhere between the camera and the computer. They are super cute and the photo will come later. Now on to more socks. :)

a good day

This was a good day for me. I went up to Defiance, Ohio for a knit-in and met a few good ladies. They were fun and chatty and just a plain, old nice group. I wanna be their friend. I also want The 5th Stitch to be closer to me in Ada. That would be too much fun. I think that I will add Ellen's link over on the side.

Well, I'm yawning and I still need to get a Mother's Day card for Mom. Luckily, the gift is bought and I hope she likes it. If she doesn't, then I will like it. :)

the great hardin co talking tour - latest installment

Hello. My name is bideshigirl and I will talk for long periods of time this evening about my 3 years in the 'desh. Here are the highlights:

• I was very white in a very brown country
• The food is generally in baby pooh colors eaten with rice and your right hand
• You don't want to know what you do with your left hand
• I came home with head lice once and pin worms the second time
• Giardia isn't a bad intestinal parasite to have
• Tapeworms are
• You can beat children there and they offer the stick to do it
• 'Desh is the most corrupt country in the world, 5 years running (TI)
• In political chaos currently (ok, moreso than normal)
• The clothing is very bright and colorful
• Yep, 85% of the country is Muslim
• Yep, it floods yearly and if they're unlucky, twice a year

Those were the highlights. Thanks for snacks and decaf coffee afterwards. It's been pleasant.

holy crap, Batman!

May just crept up on me without my permission or wherewithall.

Baby Up-Date:

Wyatt has jowls and sleeps alot.

Tucker is working on his jowls and sleeps alot.

Lauren Catherine got herself born super early and her mommy, Cousin Melissa, should be out of the hospital but Lauren is still there. But that's what happens when you decided that you need to be born early and come out 13 inches and 2 lbs and a quarter oz. They won't let you out until you weigh 5 lbs. So hopefully Lauren will grow super-quick and get sprung from the hospital soon.

So, that was part of the reason to visit Columbus last weekend (a visit to Cousin Melissa), but since Melissa was on the good drugs, I decided not to burden her with one more person to visit. I did meet up with Alison, Heather H and Laura1. Much got discussed, but we have not decided to take over the world quite yet, so please feel safe. And put down your defences. Go off and take a nap. Nope, we won't do nothing.... we promise!

As for this week, I have had the overwhelming urge to leave. The state, the country, my state of mind. Something must leave! Preferably me, but others are welcome to leave also. It has been a long week. Did I mention that already? I went out to the Common Grounds with Linda H and knitted Friday night. Did I mention that we are some wild and crazy gals? Yesterday and today have been spent indoors just hibernating from people. I have had my fill. Maybe tomorrow I will leave and be something resembling social. Or I will just have to fake it.

Then the knitting update: The sock has been put down and I need to turn the heel. The shawl is on hold for now. The baby blanky hasn't seen the light of day for a couple of weeks. The baby hats have been sent to Cousin Melissa (6 at last count, of all different sizes and colors). And my newest project is a Notre Dame scarf for Cousin Steve S who will be attending there this coming fall. Big, fatty green and blue stripes. There could be a hat in this too, but first things first! Oh, and a palate cleansing dishclothe pattern from Linda H. It's something quick, easy, useful and can be done in a couple of hours.

Everyone needs a quicky every now and again.

leaving ada

No, not forever, just for the weekend. I've been a good girl for way too long and need to get out before I go postal.

Last night I went to Greenwood Grange in Grant, Ohio. For those who are not familiar with Grant, Ohio, let me reassure you that you are not missing much. They don't even rate a stop sign, let alone a stoplight in Grant. There are a couple of houses, a church and the Greenwood Grange. It was so riveting that I knitted through the whole thing. My shawl is coming along nicely :) And like all good Grange events, there was snacks afterwards (jello is a must, however my suggestion of jello shooters was not take to the disamay of many). Grandma F was in her prime last night. I was her chauffer for the occassion and I heard her take on everyone and everything on the way home.

I really need to invest in some good liquor at home.

So, that is why there is going to be a Girls Nite Out. In Columbus. Laura1, Alison, Heather and myself are going out to dinner and then out to drinks. Since we'll be meeting in the Short North, there will probably be tons of cute gay guys. All look and no play. It's probably for the best.

Tucker Frederick

Isn't he a cute litte guy? Cousin Jamie had an uneventful birth and now her hubby has a boy. After 3 girls and their inherent pinkness, he is finally getting a little blue in his life.

I already knitted him a Bulldogs' purple and gold hat (of which I don't have a good picture for) and I was sooo happy that it fit!

I have also been knitting little hats for Cousin Melissa's not-yet-born, probably-will-be-a-preemie baby girl. Hopefully, her little girl will make it to Week 28.... only two more weeks to go.

As for the baby blanky.... maybe Tucker will get it for a graduation gift. We'll see.

UPDATE!

Cousin Jamie has a little boy, named Tucker Fredrick as of this morning. More details to come, but it seems mother and son are both doing well.

i can't believe i just found this recipe!

After living in a sub-tropical climate for three whole, stinkin' years, I found a recipe for pineapple liquor to make at home. I wish I knew then what I know now.

Tepache 101 by Drew, the Crochet Dude.

By request, here is my version of tepache, that wonderful summer beverage that hits the spot. It may or may not hit your spot, but it does indeed hit my spot, and I'm not saying that it does have alcohol when it's finished because it may or may not, and I cannot be responsible for any deeds actions or otherwise table dancing or bad crocheting that may result from imbibing said refreshment... Anywho, proceed at your own risk....

Ingredients:One large fresh ripe pineapple, 4 c brown sugar, 4 cinnamon sticks

Step One:Cut the top and the skin off the pineapple. Discard the top. Core the pineapple, slice the good part and grill until it just starts to caramelize and serve on a burger with avocado, onions and tomato...wow, now that's a good burger. Where was I? Oh yeah, after eating the burger and pondering its goodness, take the pineapple skins and the core and put them all in a large pot with 4 qts of water. Cover pot and sit on your counter. (Sit the pot on the counter, you yourself do NOT have sit on the counter. I suppose you could sit on the counter if you want to, I leave that as optional.)Wait one full week (no peeking).

Step Two:Add brown sugar and cinnamon sticks (I like to break the cinammon into pieces). Mix well and cover pot.Wait another full week (no peeking again). Your refreshing beverage should look something like this at the end of the week:

Step Three:Scoop out all the big chunks of pineapple and discard. Strain the liquid into a pitcher:At this point I check to see if it's sweet enough for me and I'll add a little more brown sugar if necessary. I recommend serving this chilled, it brings out the different flavors when it's cold.

Step Four:Get into a comfortable position and enjoy the weekend!

I think that I might have to purchase a pineapple to give this a whirl.

A busy fool

So this is the first of two socks finished. I started the second one, but immediately put a hole in it, so I had to rip out 6 rows... hmm... socks could take me longer than a blanky at this rate. But first, I have to admire this one. Isn't it cute? Then I found this OSU colored skein at Knitters Merchantile in Columbus. See a future pair of socks.

Then I went to wind it up. It still looks like this and I haven't figured out what to do next. I refuse to cut the skein for now. I really hope that it won't come to that. :(And now for another "View from my desk" pic. Cousin Jamie and I experienced a couple of slow afternoons, so she came to visit with Jilli. I love how Jilli uses her unborn sibling as an elbow rest. Both ladies had their magazines to read and I couldn't resist this picture.

Cousin Jamie's due date is the 13th, if baby doesn't come before. Her husband, Chad, thinks that he could probably birth her at home and Cousin Jamie's response was, "uh, NO. You don't have access to the good drugs." She didn't question his ability, just his drug access. Only a farmer would have said that to his wife and gotten that response. I'm with Jamie on the drug thing. Why have children without them?

Harriet the Hamster

Or as I like to torment my mother... the closest you're going to come being a grandma.

Harriet's House, fabulously residing in my bathroom.

My attempt to be a nature photographer gone astray.

She's harder to catch than she looks. Promise.

oh... to be someone's guru

I love the fact the my friends will email me multiple pictures of their finished projects. It makes my day. This is Friend Alison's first scarf. She made this for her sister and has started her new project. Yeah for Alison. So, if you see Friend Alison, give her a pat on the back for her scarf and new job. Good things should come in multiples.

St. Patrick's little bundle

This is little Wyatt Patrick being held by his Grandpa Russ and his oldest brother Brice is looking on. He came on the 16th at 11:48 am, nine months later, to the day, of his Daddy's birthday. Next year Daddy's getting the i-Pod from Mommy, no questions asked. But the rest of the family was happy to meet and greet with the little fellow and to tease his folks. It's a rare day that I can pull my cousin Adam's chain, so this tike could easily be my new favorite. Oh, for the vital stats, 21 inches long, 8 lbs, 3 oz. and pretty darn cute.

In other non-worthy news (it's hard to compare to a new life), here is the knitting update.

My first sock got massive help from my knitting guru Jane at last Knit Wits and I turned the heel and finished the gusset and now I'm working down to the toes. After that, I get to work at the second sock.

Then the baby blanket update.

And I have a new addiction and a little machine has helped me:

It's winding my stash in to little cakes that are ready to knit and all kinds of fun. The winder is left in the picture above. If you need to wind any yarn, just show up and I'll be there to do it for you. I like to enable others habits.

gettin' stuff done Thursday

I decided that progress should be made. I also decided that change was good. This time I decided that radical change was not the way to go (read: last 3 moves, last big, radical haircut, joining Peace Corps), so I bought a hamster instead. She's a Golden Hamster named Harriet the Hamster. She's a cute little bugger and has only escaped once in first 24 hours of me owning her. Which is good, right? I'm also now the owner of a Critter Cage, which looks like a rainbow-vomited, plastic-molded, hamster-sized funhouse of critterdom. Joy.

As for the project updates: The sock isn't turning. I am stuck and I need to see a guru. Pronto. In the meanwhile, I am working on a baby-blanket and hope that it won't take me forever and a day.

Pictures to come.

However, on a completely unrelated topic: Dating, playing cupid and other silly things.

I gave up dating many days ago and for the most part, I'm ok with it. This is mainly to do with the fact that I am a bad dater. Really bad. I say stupid things that really don't orginate from my brain - I swear! and I feel all dorky and I drop things like crazy. That's right, dating makes me clumsier than normal, so please, for the love of God, don't hand me a sharp knife while I'm on a date or my dating partner may have a trip to the emergency room!

With this said, here is the latest in the long string of 'Cupid Moments':

My Cousin Jamie's babysitter has a nephew that she feels needs to date. And then she thought of me and my singleness. So, she gave Cousin Jamie her nephew's MySpace website address and asked that I check it out. I did so. On a black background, a large Anarchist symbol in red is the background for his MySpace. I scroll down and see that he is a big fan of cartoons, Harry Potter and is only 22. That's right. 22. I enjoy younger men, but when the only selling point that Cousin Jamie can point out is that he can legally buy me a drink, it's not much to go on. So Cousin Jamie's babysitter calls me and asks if I have looked at said website and the conversation goes something like this:

Me: "ummm, Cousin Jamie's babysitter, is your nephew an Anarchist?"
Cousin Jamie's babysitter:
Cousin Jamie's babysitter: "ummm.... noooo... He's not an Anarchist. What would make you ask that question?"
Me: "Oh, I looked on his MySpace page and that is what his background picture was and oh, by the way, do you know me? I'm going to be 30 this year and a 22 year-old? What the heck?"
Cousin Jamie's babysitter: "That's why he was laughing when he overheard me giving away his MySpace page address.... wellll.... he's 22 and a bit of a nut and doesn't really go out much and never has had a girlfriend and he should get out more and meet more people and so I thought of you."
Me:

And this is one of many reasons why I appreciate it when people don't fix me up.

lazy Sunday

I'm seeing a trend here. I'm not all sure that it is a good trend.

Sock update! There is a heel, but haven't figured out 'turn'.

Also, I have been knitting gifts this week. One will have to be posted at a later date, but these can go on right now, especially since they are 8 and 10 and can't view anything on the web without their Mommy's permission.

The dark purple/blue is Hope's and the cotton candy blue is Shelby Lou's.

Isn't it just great that my biggest, fattiest needles match the scarf? And with these two scarves almost completed, that just makes two more I have to do and I might just call it a season. And just in time for Spring. Isn't it just fitting? Oh, well, they will have to be saved and worn next year.

When good gauge goes bad.

I was swatching a new yarn that is super cute and cuddly for a baby blanky (I know 5 pregnant girls, beware of the water!) and found out that it won't work for the intended project, so back to the yarn store I go. glitch. The one skein I have broken out will go for something else, but the others will make their home back at the store. I love you yarn, but not enough to store you until 'the project' comes across my purview.

So, just in case you were wondering what I do since I don't have a TV babysitter, this is it. And I also am reading trashy novels. I'm not a proud trashy novel reader, more along the lines of a 'Oh, please don't ask me what I'm reading', ashamed trashy novel reader. I need to read something a touch more enlightening or the trash will rot my brain.

Oh, and for the folks who have offered up their old TVs or rarely used ones, thank you. I appreciate the offer. I really do. But I'm not going back to my daily TV induced coma. I do cheat and go to Mom and Dad's house and watch all the shows that they Tivo for me (CSI (Vegas and NYC) and The Closer and the occasional Knitty Gritty) and do my laundry, but then it's back to no-TVland for me. I get more accomplished, my house stays somewhat cleaner and I return more calls. I think that this is a bonus for me and I might have to keep doing without.

lazy Saturday

So, today I didn't get out of bed until 11 and at this time (3:45 pm) I am still in my jammies and slippers and haven't quite accomplished anything except for washing dishes. I have been working on my sock instead of studying for the GMAT and it looks super-cool.

Super cool sock!

Other than that, life has been uber slow, what with the snow and all. Next week, I am hoping for Excitement! or at least a good story to tell. Or better yet, kind reader, send me a story and I will gladly listen with ooohs and ahhhhs. Promise.

Back to the sock. Isn't it cool?

it's official

It's a blizzard. And below zero. And bou-que of snow to boot. I formally issue a protest. All of Hardin Co is under a some or other 3. This means if they catch you driving without a valid reason (like going to the hospital with a woman who is about to give birth), they will fine you and probably send you home. I'm stuck in my apartment with supplies, you know, yarn, needles and good stuff like that. I have a ton of bread and bagels and plenty of milk, so you know that I am all set.

This past Sunday, I went to a Senior Recital for Amy L, who was a former Rainbow Girl with me. It was amazing to see her all grown up and performing so beautifully! She did not sing a single off note the entire performance and was singing in English, German and Italian (if I remember right). How impressive. I'll definately have to get back in touch with her and find out what has been going on since the last I saw her (summer '02, I think).

Stay warm and start your home projects that you've been putting off since forever. I know that I will think about it.

and now everything is back to normal

Or at least, normal as it ever gets! I have a shower that works, I'm much cleaner and I have new pictures. Life is getting better. I even snow blowed (is this an actual term or did I just make it up?) Mom and Dad's drive this morning, so I even got my good deed in for today, to boot.

As for the pictures, one is my office mate Jilli. She can be demanding at times, but is cute enough that I over look it.

View from my desk

So, last weekend, Friend Alison came up to visit and see the Bullriding that the family insurance business is co-sponsering. I thought that I would ball up and freeze right then and there! It was in the single digits, if that, and with the wind blowing, is was in the negative. Jason F said that it was heated this year, so I did not dress in layers. Mistake #1. Mistake #2 was just wearing my Converse low-tops with just one pair of socks. I believe that I am lucky to say that I have all 10 toes and both feet attached, but just barely! We arrived an hour before the riding started to get a good seat. I also brought my knitting along with me, since I knew that I would be an hour in waiting. My Aunt Lisa gave me crap about it, but then turns around and puts an order in for a scarf. Good Grief!

So, finally to the hot cowboy.... er, exciting bullriding part. These guys looked like puppies! I don't know if any of them could legally buy me a drink, but they were up there on top of these massive bulls, riding them for all they were worth. I don't know if I could ever let my kid do something that dangerous, but then these kids were probably over 18. Maybe. Any who, here is the only good-ish picture I got.

Some mama let her baby to grow up to be a cowboy

You know you live in the country when this is a good time had by all. Yee-haw.

i put on my big girl panties

and dealt with it.

Here's the thing with being an adult.... if something is broke, you are expected to fix it. This is fine, if perchance, it's a nail or a run in hose or even if your bra had a breakdown... I know how to deal with this. However, frozen pipes, mechanical things, cars and things of that ilk are waaaay beyond my fix-it ability. With this said, feel free to laugh at me during this next part.

This evening, I decided to take a shower. What a nice, lovely way to warm up after all this bitter cold, I thought to myself. So, I dig out new, fresh jammies, fresh towel, find my slippers and mosey to the bathroom. For those who have not seen this gem a bathroom, let me explain the setup. My bathroom is actually two rooms. There is no door on the outer room that contains the sink, a ventless heater (which makes my butt happy on a regular basis) and a cabinet and plenty of floorspace to set up my little clothes rack to dry stuff that will shrink in the dryer. Then there is another door to the left of the sink that is a closet where my toilet and shower (stand-up, sans tub, no wider than the law allows) reside. This water closet is actually over the back staircase up to my flat, which always makes me pause the ramifications of the floor failing just after I step gingerly into the shower. Onwards... So, this evening, I turn the heater on the highest setting, put down my jammies, turn on the shower and strip down to toast my rear in front of the heater and make it uber happy. Then I hear water on water and not water on vinyl. "Hmmmm..." I think to myself, "I don't think that sounds quite right." I go in to check out the shower and realize that there is an inch of water at the bottom of my shower that has a 3 inch lip. So I shut off the water and realize that 1)I was in deep sh*t, 2) I wasn't going to be warm, 3) I didn't want to deal with this, 4) I was unprepared to deal with a frozen drain. I really wanted a handy boyfriend at that exact minute. So I had to call Laura 1 and tell her my story in all my nakedness. After all, what else would a naked, unhandy girl do at that time? Laura 1 said that I needed to deal with this and I had to agree to put my panties back on and call my landlady who would have to have the deciding vote on what to do (what with her owning it and all). She seemed a bit flumoxed and thus I said that I would sponge all the acumalated water out of the shower while she chatted with a real fix-it-guy.

News flash, at 9:00 my landlady is coming over the sidewalk salt and is going to put it down the shower drain. I will be waiting for her with my pink sweatpants, orange long sleeve shirt and dark blue fleece cardigan on and my greasy hair pulled back. hmmmm.... sexy. I know how to win and attract friends. yeah.

it was soooo cold....

...I almost considered marriage. This is truly the single girls issue... no one to put their cold feet on while in bed in the dead of winter. I hate winter and all the crap (read: snow, ice, brisk winds) that comes with it. I now have to take my inflate-a-bed into the living room to sleep, since my bedroom is so cold. This is ridiculous! I firmly protest winter!!! grrr...

Did I mention that I have been giving quite a few speeches as of late? I spoke at a Mother's Club and the at the Professional Business Women's organization. If this keeps up, I will be on a speaking circuit or some crazy thing.

But, now for the super-exciting things in my life.... my knitting. I just started working with a new yarn that is bobbly and leaf green (so it has a few hues of green) and it looks lacy with just a stockinette stitch. Easy work, looks harder than it is, equals a lovely satisified feeling of contentment. ahhh.... This is such a cute yarn, that I think that I might try expanding to make a shawl with it. I'll have to see if I can make the gage to fit and give it a whirl.

warm orphans

Today is the day that I am sending out the scarves that the Knit Wits have knitted. I'm happy to say that 18 orphans will keep a touch warmer with out contribution. I have pictorial evidence, but lack a cord... maybe later.

Today Cousin Jamie thought there would be the makings of a farm girl for me. 5 of her minature horses escaped and were munching on grass in the yard. We ended up chasing them out into a field and eventually brought them back to the barn. I still think that she would have better luck getting a barn boy (in the same fashion, I want a cabana boy).

Well, it is the end of the business day, so off I must go.... take care!

The pictorial evidence is here.... several days late, but better than never!!!

crap.... on a stick

I've had a stickin' cold since the 8th and I need to be over it pronto. I actually lost my voice over the weekend and had to see the doctor for the good drugs for the sinus infection. Then Cousin Jamie is going to be gone all this week for Life and Health Insurance Class, which is so udderly boring, that I feel much deep pity for her. Oy vey.

Grandpa D had a trip to the hospital, which they made him have an overnighter. The flu will get you down when you are 84 and diabetic. He made it home and seems to be getting back to his usual (insert your own adjective here) self. I'm not sure how Grandma feels about that. I'm just sure that she is relieved that he got out of the hospital.

I'm still working on the scarves, so if you need to send me one so that I can send it to the orphans, get to it! Or you can click on the do-hicker to the right and get the address for yourself. The ability of speech is leaving... must go home soon!

Take care of yourselves and beware of sneezing folks.

weekend of bridezilla

I have decided that I never, ever want a big, white, floofy wedding. Ever. If I go crazy and change my mind, make me go to the Columbus Bridal Show for the entire 12 hours and I will suddenly come to my senses again. It was absolutely insane. My Friend Laura1 owns Bliss Honeymoons and Destination Weddings travel business and had a booth at the CBS and I helped work it for all it's worth. These people (brides and mothers of the bride and random people who were suckered into going with them) were hit over the head with the racket that we like to call 'Holy Matrimony'. And I spotted potential bridezillas. They are getting married in late 2008, have way too much detail done already (for the two weeks they have been engaged) and they have that glint in their eye. That evil glint that will only get eviller and glintier as time comes closer to their wedding date. I guar-en-tee. Scary.

Other than the scary brides, everything else went off without a hitch. Laura1 got a bou-que of appointments for her business and I had a lovely time with Heather H, who is a hostess with the mostess. Then I came home to Mom and Dad's and collapsed with a cold that kept me home on Monday.

Tonight is Knit Wits, so if you want to join, just let me know!

OH! Rodeo season is starting up. If you want to come along, just email me. It is for 8 Saturdays starting the first Saturday in February. It should be a barrel of fun!

7 months and counting

Over the New Year, I went to Chicago to visit and I stayed with Sweetie. I had a delightful time and really tied one on New Years Eve, though Friend Megan and just about everyone else did too. I believe my liver is slightly pickled from the experience. I also went to High Tea at the Drake Hotel downtown and enjoyed the aum-bie-ance of the joint. Flying home out of Midway was a long process, but Mom and Dad were nice enough to pick me up. And now back to the grind.

If you have made a red scarf for the orphan project, then some time in January you need to give it to me or mail it in yourself. Check out the link to the right and click your way to that mailing info.

As for the 7 remaining months until my 30th birthday, I still have yet to accomplish anything on my To Learn List. However, I am getting closer. Santa brought me mandolin books and a one-time certificate for a lesson. And I believe that I have talked my knitting guru Jane into a sock lesson. Cousin Jamie has promised riding lessons after giving birth for the forth time and I still have yet to nail Dad down for the long-ago promised shooting lesson. The motorcycle stuff will have to wait until warm weather. I get full-body shivers just looking at someone on a motorcycle this time of year (and yes, I saw someone just around Christmastime riding one).

So, until later, 'gator. Have a good New Year!