A Very Midwestern Life

packing my bags

2009-03-24T17:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I've gone off and bought tickets. Next week, I'm going to LA to visit Ebony and Amy and then in May I'm going with Sweetie to Italy. That's right Italy! The sad part is the tickets to Italy are only about $70 more than my tickets to LA.

sock-o-rama

2009-01-10T06:07:00.001-08:00

So, I have finished 3 pairs of socks since the middle of January and have started on my 4th pair. I don't know what burr is up my butt, but at least I feel productive in this cold, snowy (crappy) winter. What I really need to do is finish up this pair, rip out part of the red SOS socks and finish those and then really work on a baby blanket for baby Landyn. At the rate I'm going, this child will be graduated from high school before the blanket is half done.

In livestock news, Miss Pig is surviving well. I think that she is plumping up nicely and maybe she won't go back to the auction quite yet.

Having an Epiphany on Epiphany

2009-01-06T08:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, maybe not. I am working on Gma Ferguson's big girl red socks, but I should really be working on Baby Landyn's baby blanket. That poor child is probably very cold right now. I'm the bad auntie for sure!!!!

Luckily, with the snow today, I plan to hibernate until it stops being being so ugly outside. I just wish my boss would agree with that and let me stay at home in my flannel jammies.

of all things I've lost...

2008-12-15T17:02:00.000-08:00

... I miss my funnel the most. As most Decembers, my house looks like Chaos, Foolishness and Disaster came to an all-night kegger at my place and left before I got up. I think I see 4 square inches of my kitchen table, at the other end, where I can't reach it. I don't want it to feel left out, so I might just shove something over there.

It has also been duley informed that I have not keep my faithful, or even unfaithful, reader apprized of the happenings of Chez Bideshigirl. Here now are the highlights:

I have turned into a hermit. Who knew this could happen in modern day America, but low and behold, it has. I only know this since I have become unhermited and everyone has said to me, "Bideshigirl, I haven't seen you in months!" and that is the literal truth.
I've been knitting, but you can hardly tell. I have been becoming more and more focused on making my knits better, thus I have ripped out and re-knit just about every item multiple times. If this doesn't make me a better knitter, nothing will.
I bought a new car. A 2009 Ford Focus in sterling grey. Isn't it pretty?

Then, less than 12 hours later, I hit my first deer. He was a 4-point buck. Did I mention that I was on my way to Michigan and that I was 4 hours away from home when this occurred? I wasn't too happy.

However, I survived unscathed and the car, which is still currently unnamed, was fixed. I still ended up having a delightful time picking apples and making applebutter with Sweetie and Megan. Also, if you are in dire need of applebutter, please give me a call. I can give you the hook-up.

Lastly, I have a new roommate named Buttercup. She is a guinea pig that Cousin Jamie's two oldest girls gave me for Christmas.

Now, I'm off (yes, I know I've been off for years) to find my funnel to pour the big bottle of homemade vanilla into smaller bottles. Then, maybe, Christmas postcards... but I wouldn't hold your breath too long on that. It's cold out and my flannel jammies are making suggestions about going to bed. It is hard to deny the luring call of the fannel jammies on bitterly cold nights.

harriet is no more

2008-11-26T17:03:00.000-08:00

So, the friendly hamster named Harriet has gone to the big wheel in the sky.

Thus, leaving me alone in the flat I let.

*sigh*

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, so I am ready for the ham loaf. Bring on the ham loaf and the other fixings. Aunt Carolyn , Uncle Bob and Cousin Daniel are up from Florida to visit and partake in the joys of ham loaf.

Sweetie is home also, to partake of turkey with Stella and Berkley. Yeah for home!!!

The Cousin Jamie socks are still a work in progress, but I look forward for them to be done by Feb of '09.

That isn't so bad, since Sweetie just got his pair of socks that I promised him Christmas '07 literally last night. What is 11 months between friends? A stitch in time, my friends.

delusions of gauge

2008-11-19T20:44:00.000-08:00

I am not the best knitter in the world. This is a known fact and one not up for dispute. I knit to make myself happy and to perserve what passes for my sanity. This is also a known fact and one, also, not up for dispute. Currently, I am in the midsts of a sock-mania. I knit socks of various types, such as big boy boot socks, fingerling-wear-with-loafers socks and just about everything inbetween. This July, I joined a Knit-A-Long (KAL) for socks. The basic recipe starts as such: sock yarn + size 1 needles (glorified toothpicks) and 63 stitches. I, being in the midsts of said sock-mania, thought to myself, "This sounds great! It doesn't matter that I have 3 different pairs of socks currently in progress, this will be terrific! I have the needles (which I promptly went out and bought) and the yarn (which I had picked up the the previous month as souviner yarn from Florida) and plenty of time on my hands, so why not?"

Did I mention that I occassionally lie to myself?

Then I thought to myself, "Heck, I'm rockin' the socks, I can just follow the directions and these socks will turn out great!" (Was I the only one who heard Tony the Tiger in the last part of that sentance?) Thus, I followed the directions to a T. Without swatching. Without a care in my heart, and obviously, not a thought in my head of what could go wrong.

Did I forget to mention that I have exceptionally tight knitting? Stitches cry out in pain as they are bound to their brothern, row after row after tight row. I knew that I was a little short in yarn, so I didn't make the leg as long as I normally do. I knit both socks at the same time, so as to avoid SSS ( Second Sock Syndrom). I turned the heels on both socks and became concerned that the amount of wool left in the ball was looking a little thin, but I knit on. Just after turning the heel, I tried to put the sock on and found out that my foot was too large. Heck, my ankle was too large for the leg, but that did not deter me, the all-mighty sock knitter. No! This would just become a Cinderella Sock (a sock that everyone tries on until it fits someone to go home with). Luckily, Cousin Jamie fit the bill (barely), so I have a goal of finishing the socks for Cousin Jamie.

I knit and knit and knit until I am about halfway down the actual foot of the sock, when I run out of wool. Literally. I panic. A sock is not a sock if it stops at the arch and does not cover toes. I think its a rule. Like a big rule. Of course, this happens in September, months after I have started the socks and months after I have taken the wrapper off of the wool and I can't remember what I did with the label that has the name of the maker, colorway, country of origin or anything that would be remotely helpful. I believe I cursed and drank the night away when I finally figured this out.

The blinders have come off... I am an idiot and I don't dare reproduce at this point, since I can't hardly be responsible for a lousy pair of wool socks, how on earth will I keep track of a small human? This is horrid! I have made promises of socks and she has tried them on for pity sakes!!!! One cannot tease another with promises of handknit socks and not produce them forthwith. That is cruel.

I then find the label for the wool and a prayer of thanksgiving goes out to the goddess of wool and foolish knitters. I google and lo and behold... I find the company. I order the yarn and it comes in. How lovely it is in it's wooly goodness.

Thus, I am now finishing this ill-begotten sock project without any drinking. That is, until I have to kitchner stitch. How I end up with an odd amount of stitches when I started with an even amount confuses even the knitting gurus.

I believe, at this current rate, Cousin Jamie will have a lovely, snug (just hugging her feet a little tighter) pair of red wool socks for Valentines Day. What is 6 months between a knitter and her socks?

is a clean desk

2008-08-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

a sign of that the 4 horseman are around the corner? Everyday I take the time to tidy up my desks (yes, I have two) and I take an odd sense of pleasure in the fact that when I come in, it's tidy. (Isn't that just a horrible sentance structure for a person with a degree in English? I'm glad that you agree.) However, back to the subject at hand... 5 work days of clean desk syndrom (CDS). Who knew it could happen? Now, I just have to apply this logic to my single closet of my flat. It is currently the black hole of clothes and other sundry items.

Next week, the local school starts for another year and the following week is the ever popular Hardin Co Fair. Cousin Jamie's kids will be showing goats, rabbits, and chickens while living at the fair with their mom. That's right, Cousin Jamie will be staying in a pop-up camper with 4 children for the duration of the fair. Tuesday through Sunday. 6 days of fair. With 4 children ages 11 to 1.5 years of age. Of her own accord.

I knew insanity ran in the family - now there's proof!

I've got to say, Cousin Jamie has got bigger ovaries than I do to tackle such a thing. I'm pretty sure that I would never sign up for it without being on drugs. Yes, I did join Peace Corps, but I didn't have to lug the crap that kids need and there is no whining in PC. (Ok, that whole whining thing is a lie, but they are adults and can be told to suck it up, cupcake. grrrr...)

two days and counting

2008-08-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

I have a clean desk two days running. I loved it when I came in this morning and had a clean desk and everything was in it's place. Who knew I was a closeted clean desker? Now, I have to tackle the drawers and then life will be good.

Just as long as Jilli doesn't find my chocolate stash. That child is the cutest mooch there is and no chocolate is safe from her. She is her mother's child!

Oh, and don't hold your breath about pics. Cause, I'm still holding out for the ones I took down in Mexico last year.

hahahaha.

unorganized organization

2008-08-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

Organization is a major problem for me, along with keeping deadlines. As I sit here on my desk at work, there are 6 piles of papers/books/random things (the fly swatter is very important). This needs to change. I've been reading a new blog (which soon will makes it's appearance on the sidebar o' links) called Peace of Mind Organizing. Not only is she a knitter (which warms the cockles of my heart), but she is a professional organizer. Can you say, "Laura wants a new friend?" Seriously, she has her issues with deadlines and keeping her desk clean, but she actually does something about it, while (currently) I bellyache about it.

I bellyache no more.

Today is the day that things find a home, get tossed and I'm going to keep at it until it is done. For this, I believe that I am even going to get the camera out of the hiding place in my purse (yes, I carry it around and don't take pictures - I'm a dork and we've covered that already) and take a snap or two of the pre- and post- desk production.

mama has sole and leg!

2008-08-11T11:50:00.000-07:00

The cursed socks are finished. Sweetie's Christmas/birthday from 2007 is finally finished and just in time for the fair. Can we say, "How country are you?" when the highlight of finishing a project is that they can compete at the county fair.

Now on for the SOS Knit-Along socks!!! I have a pretty red yarn from my Florida adventure that will be perfect for it. Know, all I need to do is print out the directions and cast on. Nothing but good times for a red pair of socks.

unmatched soles

2008-07-29T18:43:00.001-07:00

Socks, socks and still the same socks!!! I have somehow screwed up matching up the sock's sole mate and the bastard heel will be ripped to back yet again. And Harriet the Hamster has learned a new bad word. If my hamster could talk, I'm sure that she'd make a sailor blush! Thank goodness for muteness.

So, I guess a parrot will never be in my future as a pet.

Maybe Sweetie will receive his 2007 birthday/Christmas gift by Christmas 2008. No promises though!

my noodle has been used

2008-07-09T18:59:00.001-07:00

And it is tired! Today, the ladies of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church made noodles. I was amongst their number and was the next to youngest present (I'm almost 31. That's sad.). We made 7 batches of dough and I have no clue how many pounds of noodles that it makes. Just suffice it to say that I was covered in sweat and flour. And I'm going back for more.

If you will be in the Jumbo, Ohio area on the 17th of July, please stop down at McDonald Grange Hall and have a bite of dinner. Freewill donation for dinner that will go towards the church's bills. A good time will be had by all. Promise. If you say otherwise, we'll sick God and Jesus on 'ya. (Ok, probably not, but you never know what little old ladies will do next.)

when arrogance met the knitter

2008-07-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

I have decided that I will learn how to knit lace. I chose a very lovely basil colored yarn that is a delight to knit with in a lace weight, found a scarf pattern in the 1 skein wonders book and started to knit.

I knitted 8 rows of straight knitting. Everything was nice and even, gage was happening. Life was good.

I started the pattern. The first row went off without a hitch. Life was getting better. I thought to myself, "This isn't so hard! I have no clue what other knitters are kavitching about. I don't need to put in a ripline!!! I'm good."

Isn't karma a bitch?

The second row ended up with one too many stitches. Never fear! Super knitter is here!!! I will figure out the problem in the next row and fix it as I knit.

The third row ended with one too many stitches. My bubble burst. Only three rows into the pattern and I'm a stitch over on two of those rows. Curses!!!!

I took a deep breath. Cursed a blue streak. Then I calmly took the entire thing off the needle and frogged it back to the start.

And thus the reason riplines were created. Lesson learned for today.

teevee withdrawl

2008-06-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

Last night I was antsy in a bad way. I wanted to watch teevee so badly and I have only myself to blame. I had a teevee during my vacation and then I kinda stayed at Mom and Dad's for a while and I became re-addicted. That's right, I'm a backslider in the worst way. I don't know how long it will take, but I will become detatched from the teevee and kick this addiction!

grrrrr!

when toes don't match

2008-06-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

I have a problem. My toes don't match. I am knitting up a super-cute pair of socks for my mom and I neglected to write down my stitch count for the first one. This wouldn't be so bad if I had knit the socks back to back (or heel to heel), but I didn't. I went on a left foot frenzy. So now, I'm trying to match Toe #2 to Toe #1 and having a horrible time. I've already knit the toe 3 times, but the sucker is still not coming out good. I think that I will have to start yet again. 4th time the charm?

Life is not good for a sock knitter when her socks don't match.

when nice socks mate

2008-05-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a cute sock? It actually has a mate and has been worn out of the house. Who knew that this could happen to a cute sock like this? But it has. There are several un-mated socks in residence currently. When I get around to taking pictures, there will be a plethora.

Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend!
Love,
Laura

p.s. No, I'm not dead and no, I have not become a hermit. I only resemble one on days ending with 'y'.

i knead out

2008-02-23T16:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, it's a bad pun, but let's be honest... February is the longest month of the year here in Ohio. I'm thinking about Florida every single day. Or Cancun in Mexico. Think of it... sitting on a beach with a bottle of beer and seafood for dinner. *sigh* Until then, I'm baking bread at home. Nothing like carbs to make an ass larger, but happier.

Double your bootie, double your fun... isn't that the saying? I've started the next set, since I've got to mail these bad boys out to the newest boy on the block.

Aren't these the coolest socks? They have only taken me a few months, a couple froggings and quite a bit of cursing. But aren't they cute?

They are so cute, I had to show them off twice.

shake your bootie!

2008-02-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

Note to Pregnant Ladies: Get your name in the pot for a pair of booties. All booties are coming in sunshine yellow or a white varigated while supplies last. Matching baby hats maybe also in the works.

the plague

2008-02-15T10:34:00.000-08:00

This is what a sick day at Casa de BideshiGirl looks like. Slippers on, jammies still on, in my new favorite comfy chair looking at patterns. Yep, that's right... baby booties. Did I mention that there are about 14 bajillion girls pregnant right now. Ok, that might be slightly exaggerated, but seriously, watch what you drink ladies!

The Pink Stripey baby blankey is being worked on, even in sickness. No worries, I'll wash this before I give it away. I don't want any sniffley babies on my watch!

Mom has put in a request for socks. She scoped out my sock stash (which doesn't count towards your real stash) and liked these the most. I hope she gets them by her birthday in October. Ladies, please help a knitter out.... stop drinking the water.

Faux Baby Blankey which I have dubbed Fuzzy Wuzzy. A basic dishcloth pattern with super fuzzy yarn. I plan on putting an animal head on top, like a teddy bear. Or llama. I'm not known for my artisic endeavors. Just as long as it does not scare the child in question, all will be well.

The Entrelac Scarf of '07-'08. What wonderful colorways Noro produces. It took me 4 skeins (balls of yarn for you non-knitters) and a ton of time, but I can honestly say that I enjoyed the project.

In fact, I want to knit an entrelac afgan. Maybe next winter. I can't wait for this to be fixed, blocked and ready to show off in person.

Or at least when I'm done sneezing.

when i said change, i meant it

2008-02-13T14:51:00.000-08:00

This is an entrelac scarf that Linda H and I took a class to learn to do. Mine has a slight jog in the road, but never fear... my guru says it is fix-able. I love my guru. She is the best. Also, please don't look at my scarred floor. No amount of scrubbing on my hands and knees will make all the scuffs go away. I prefer to look up.

You may have noticed that this is a pair of socks on one needle. I will somehow figure out how to mark it off my To Do Before 31st Birthday List. Aren't they super cool? I just hope to finish these before winter leaves for good.

This is the mystery project. When the person who receives this as a gift gets it, you will get a picture. Fair? It is a wonderful baby alpaca and a carry-along of a merino mix. Delighful to knit with.

This is yet another start to a baby blanky. I'm praying that someone pops out a girl. And that I have this done before that little girl goes home. I have also picked up a ton of baby yarn to start booties and hats, since I know about half a dozen girls who are currently pregnant. I don't have the time/money/creativity/patience to knit that many blankies. So, first come, first serve with this blankey. (Note to self: Don't drink the water)

This little hat has already found a new owner... Nisha's little Maya is the proud owner. What a dollbaby she is!

a new start

2008-02-13T11:53:00.000-08:00

I think I need a new start to many a thing. As of now, this thing is going to reflect my knitting. I always have about 14 projects on needles at any given moment. They all need their time in the sun to shine. So, this evening, my camera is going home and The Photo Shoot will commence.

be thankful, damn it

2007-11-21T19:43:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-11T09:00:00.000-08:00

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?

2007-10-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-10-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-22T09:26:00.001-07:00

how did i not know?

2007-09-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-13T13:11:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-08-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-22T11:40:00.001-07:00

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!

2007-08-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-08-11T19:53:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-07-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-26T12:04:00.001-07:00

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

2007-07-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

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?

2007-06-29T12:37:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-08T19:46:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-04T13:51:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-05-31T10:21:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-25T08:57:00.001-07:00

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

2007-05-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

Things I want to do in the very near future:

Go to Michigan for Great Uncle Earl's 85th birthday celebration.
Spend the night at Friend Erin's new digs.
Go to Chicago and visit everyone there.
Go to Denver and check out the school there
Take the GRE (not fun, but necessary)
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

2007-05-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

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....

2007-05-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

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

2007-05-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-05-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-04-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-04-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-20T10:40:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

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

2007-03-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-17T12:43:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-07T16:25:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-05T17:45:00.000-08:00

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....

2007-01-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

...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

2007-01-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

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

2007-01-16T14:39:00.000-08:00

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

2007-01-09T12:16:00.000-08:00

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

2007-01-04T11:08:00.000-08:00

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!

the wittiest knit there is

2006-12-12T19:24:00.000-08:00

The annual Knit Wit's Christmas Non-White Elephant gift auction is now over. Over $300 was raised for charity and all of the ladies went home happy. I came home with knitting books, a notions holder, homemade jam & bread and homemade chocolates in a cute tin. The other ladies also made out well. Swell, infact, for some of the ladies. And while the fierce bidding was going on, everyone was working on a project. I had a delightful time. I can hardly wait for next year!

i'm a nerd and here is an example why

2006-12-10T14:29:00.000-08:00

I have finished the baby blanket, after 4 months of knitting! I also now have the pictorial proof of said accomplishment. I know that it doesn't look like a typical baby blanket, but Cousin Nichole is a typical mom.

I think that the blanky will be big enough for 4 kids, but it will enough for him to grow into. And warm for winter! Good grief! I was sweating by the end everytime I knitted on it.

Friend Alison came up for a visit and we had a good time. We went over to Kenton and met up with the folks and went to a movie and Chinese buffet in Bellefontaine. The Holiday with Kate Blanchett and Camran Diaz was a fun chick flick. Other than that, we hung out and we didn't quite make it to the Regal Beagle. That will have to wait for another day.

The holidays are upon us and I am almost done with Christmas purchases.... just one or two more things. I promise.

Check out Princess Megan's blog about fruitcakes (no, not the ones you married/dating). As for more comments about married/dating, read Crazy Aunt Purl's blog and maybe you too can put forth your own dating horror story. I did date a married man for 1/2 of a date, until he told me he was married, but that she was in Canada and all he wanted was 'friends'. I asked to see a picture and he whipped it out with no hesitation. I don't believe that I left so quickly in my life and I can't remember any more if I saw him afterwards. I told Friend Laura about it(she had encouraged the date) and we were both outraged and I believe relieved (better to find the cretin out before the second date). I think that I left the country the following Feb. But that is another story for another time.

oof! what a week!

2006-12-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

and it is only Thursday!!!

Last night Mom, Dad and I went over and met Molly Elizabeth, Cousin Ranelle's newest addition to the family. She is sooo stickin' cute it should be illegal. I'll try to finangle a picture out of the folks so that everyone can experience the cuteness.

And the realllllly important news is that I have finished the baby blanket. That's right, 4 months of knitting on one project is over! I am going to Jane's (knitting guru) house this evening and she is going to help me sew up the loose ends. Literally. I will then be free to learn how to knit socks, which I have added to my 'Things to Learn Before I Turn 30' list. The others are currently only pie in the sky.... by I have 8 months and counting to get things done. grrr... I am she-woman, hear me roar...

Other than that, I'm still scarf knitting and making everyone's Christmas gift. This year (in case you haven't heard) is going to be a Merry-Homemade-Christmas.

Oh, one more thing.... tomorrow is Hope's 10th Birthday. That is right.... Cousin Jamie's oldest will turn 10. I cannot imagine having a 10-year-old, but since Jamie and I are the same age, it is possible. Oy vey.

i kid you not

2006-11-30T10:45:00.000-08:00

For those who are in the know, my Cousin Jamie amuses me to no end. I hope I do the same for her, but probably not to the level that she amuses me. The other day, she started a web page for her animals (she is a true farm girl) and you all will love the name.... 'Frisky Friends Farms'. I'm putting a link up so you all can go and check it out on your own. Cousin Jamie is slowly, but surely, getting all her photos uploaded. She's making promises to put the fainting goat's pictures up. I want to see them faint. I have no clue what will make that happen, but I'm willing to do quite a few things to see this happen. I'll keep you updated.

the turkey is dead... long live the turkey

2006-11-24T11:23:00.000-08:00

I'm all nerded up today... I received my sock yarn in the mail today. 3 skeins and a pattern and about did a jig in the post office! But it will have to be delayed gratificatioin for the socks. glitch. I still have to finish baby Bryden's blanky (3 months of knitting and counting) and knock out some red scarves. I finished off a deep mulberry red one and have started a bright red lovely scarf. I have my pattern perfected and it takes me less than a day (if I'm not too distracted). Come January, I will have to mail them off and then I can start my first pair of socks. I need to finangle a small instruction course on double-pointed needles, but I think that I can bribe or sweet talk a lesson.

Now I just have to come up with a nice white elephant gift that isn't a white elephant. hmmm.... I have started into making mixes and good stuff like that. I think that tomorrow I will start an assembly line to make mixes. That means I have buy dry measuring cups and measuring spoons. That is something that didn't make it to the move. I have no clue where they are. hmmm... How badly do I want to fight the crowds today? Maybe I can sweet talk Sweetie when we go to the movies this evening.

orphans

2006-11-21T13:17:00.000-08:00

I'm going to add a new link to the right to support the orphans... and no I'm not being melodramatic (at least not today). I'm trying to get folks to make and send red scarves to the Orphan Foundation of America's Care Package project. These are college kids who have aged out of the foster care system and are going to college. Since they are orphans, they don't have anyone to send them care packages, thus you and I step up (along with some corporate sponsers). I've made a couple of scarves thus far, but the more the merrier. And I think that I have convinced the ladies at Knit Wits to also participate, so more good news.

So officially, I want YOU to be a joiner.... a sheep if you will. Pull out your yarn and knit or crochet. Or just make cocoa for your buddy who does.

banned books

2006-11-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

I'm just about on my soapbox with banned or challenged books. I've added a new link to the American Library Association's website on books that are challenged. So, be a rebel and read a challenged book.... or you may already have, if you've read a Judy Blume book or the Harry Potter series. However, alot of the titles suggest to me that they explain the birds and the bees... like What's Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-up Guide for Parents and Daughters by Lynda Madaras (she also has the same title, except for boys, that is on the list also). My favorite author, Isabel Allende, is also on the list for her Pultizer winning (I think it's a Pultizer, but it could be some other prize) book The House of Spirits.

So, visit your library today and see which banned books you can read and demand all 100!

letting my inner nerd out to play

2006-11-15T17:55:00.000-08:00

I am officially a nerd. And I'm ok with it! I joined the Knit Wits and am the youngest member by a few decades. I am still finishing up this baby blanket for Cousin Nichole (and no one else will EVER get a blanket out of me, unless you liquor me up and then all bets are off) and then I am going to learn to make socks. That's right... socks. I purchased some sock yarn on the web and I will learn to make socks, no matter what. I think that this is something that I can do and even take on the road with me. The scarves maybe dead to me... we'll see.

Speaking of liquor.... I need to just go out and buy some! I am living in a 'dry' house and the wrongness factor is high. I lived in a Muslim, dry country and had more liquor then than I do now. (God Bless Thailand and the King's duty-free shopping extravaganza at the Bangkok Airport.) Again, with the high wrongness factor. hmmmm... I think that I will have to go out and do something about this. My liver needs the occassional pickling. Sweetie can vouch for this.

God did not strike me down... yet

2006-11-12T08:53:00.000-08:00

Why I am an uber-nerd at times.... I totally enjoyed Megan's blog so much that I accidently duplicated her template thing-a-ma-bobber. That's what I get for not paying too close to attention and being sleepy at the same time. So, I switched things around and we'll see for now.

Erin and Dan got hitched yesterday and it was absolutely lovely. Erin made a beautiful bride and the bridesmaids had lovely dresses. I looked cute and so did everyone, come to think of it. I hate going to weddings and seeing folks not even try to clean up. That is sooo annoying! I read the Bible verses without a major flub and so did the other 3 readers. At the rehearsal, the organist yelled at us to be quiet... not the first time I'd been in trouble in church, but the first time in a while. It would probably happen more often if I attended. hmmm...

I also got to meet with some of Erin's other friends and I really enjoyed Jo and Jerry. She is an Aussie working at the tire factory. She cracked me up and now I want to be her friend too! hmmm.... I'll work on Erin for an opportunity!

Sweetie should be back soon from his trip to CA with Berk and Stella. The pictures are really good, so check out his site!

change is a good thing

2006-11-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

As you probably have noticed, I decided that funky pink is the way to go. Megan's blog inspired me to switch it around and I finally got around to it. Ta-da!

This evening I had a lovely time with Mom. We went to Bluffton College's Yoder Hall and watched a string sextet, composed of 2 mandolins (one of whom switched to violin on occassion), a mandocello, a mandola, a guitar and a bass. It was completely delightful! They played classical music, bluegrass, ho-down, new age and finished with the Beatles. I'm in love with them. They are the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble and if you have a chance, go see them!!!

Also, I am excited that Heather H. is coming and staying the night. She will be the first guest at Casa Ferguson and I can hardly wait!

But before that can occur.... Erin from Marysville is getting hitched on Saturday and I have to go and read scriptures. I hope God doesn't strike my sinning butt down for just showin' up. Beware of thunder.

new digs

2006-11-07T19:56:00.000-08:00

I moved out on my own yet again! I'm over in Ada (if you don't know where it is, please Google it) and I have set up shop over a business on the Main drag of the town. If I have neglected to send you an email with my new snail mail address, please just email me and I'll be happy to oblige.

Since last I've blogged, Jilli has grown big, I'm knitting a blanky for Cousin Nichole's baby (and this will never happen again), I've found a recipe for Pumpkin butter I can't wait to try and I figured out that this is my 27th or so move in the last 11 years. Yes, the number is somewhat correct. Scary isn't it? I think that I will stay here for at least a year, but you never know. I hope to start grad school on-line, as soon as the paperwork gets done. Ugh... paperwork. A necessary evil.

So, if you are in the neighborhood, drop by and I'll make some s'more on my gas log fire in my livingroom. A girl has to take advantage of what drops in her lap!

apple-rific

2006-10-06T17:28:00.000-07:00

I discovered that I love autumn. I think that my previous dislike of this season was due to going back to school syndrome that 99% of kids have. Now that I am out, I really enjoy the season. The crunchy leaves under foot, the apple that are picked and made into delightfully apple-rific dishes and the apple cider to be mulled and drank. The only glitch is the cold. Oh well.

Exciting news for the folks that have me bookmarked and randomly check in to see if I've actually written anything..... I am moving. That's right, I'm leaving the nest yet again. I have signed papers, given money and I am moving to Ada, Ohio. That's right... Ada. Right downtown above the Century 21 building on Main St. Give me a buzz on my mobile or email me and I'll send you my new address. Yeah for me! Thanks to Mom and Dad for putting up with my sorry butt for almost 10 months while I sorta got my life back together.

As for the rest of my time, I have been apple picking with Heather H., knitting a blanky for Cousin Nichole's newest baby (Bryden) and keeping my nose out of trouble. No fun, but it also means no spending the night in the clink. Tomorrow, I meet up with Sweetie and Princess Megan in MI and we will do more apple picking. I'm making up for lost time! I'll call if I get lost.

Fair Week '06

2006-09-07T11:17:00.000-07:00

Aloha all! I'm hoping that everyone had a great Labor Day and enjoyed the long weekend. Labor Day was great for me! I went down to Cinci and visited fellow B5 Naashom and also B6 Emily for the day. We checked out the Ohio River, made earrings (Naashom and her mom are crafty folks) and talked a ton. It was so nice to joke about stuff that only a PC/Bangladesh Volunteer would get. And to whip out the Bangla, shake it off and see if anyone still understands you. I have a bad feeling that my Bangla (as poor as it was) has a limited time span, so I'd better enjoy and use it while I can.

The Hardin County Fair is going on right now. Cousin Jamie Jo's kids are showing goats, rabbits and horses. Petite Shelby said that last year she showed two draft horses driving a showcart! She is just a tiny bird of a girl! I don't know how she does it, but it is amazing that those kids can do what they do.

As for other stuff in the news.... check out Princess Megan's story in the Chicago local news: You go, girl!
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?sectionfiltered=community&id=4534984

busier than a one-legged guy at a butt-kickin' contest! (Dolly Parton)

2006-08-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

Friend Carrie came down from Wisconsin to visit! We had a delightful time visiting the office, playing with Baby Jilli Bean and Grandma F. We also hit up Columbus and visited the Best BookStore in the Whole World as We Know It, or commonly known as the Book Loft in German Village. We finished off Columbus at the CAPA movie series and watched a Marlene Dietrich silent movie with the Mighty Morgan Organ playing accompaniment. Without the organ, I don't think that silent movies would have been bearable. Sunday, we went to the Ohio State Fair and had a lovely time viewing the butter cow and all the strange folks that come out of the woodwork to go to a fair. Lord knows how I blend in with all of them! My proudest purchase from the Ohio State Fair was a mandolin. For those who are not in the know, a mandolin is a smaller than a guitar, more roundish in shape and has 6 strings. I am slowly making myself familiar with chords and good stuff like that. Then for a send off, Carrie and I trekked to Toledo to meet up with Friend Kristin and her brand-new hubby Chip for Indian cooking and gossip. Very early the next day (3:30 am to be specific), Carrie and I got up so that she could meet up with AmTrak. On our way to the station, Carrie called their 1-800 hotline and found out the train was going to be about an hour or so late, so we turned around and found the nearest Denny's and ate a spot of breakfast. We were so early that we beat the regulars!

Oh! Not speaking of blending in... Mom and I went 5 other ladies and one 18 month old 'little lady' to the Mall of America for a long weekend of Shopping. Mom's girlfriend, Cathy, turned 50 and her daughter set up this trip. I believe a good time was had by all and I know that I came home with a couple of bills, but super-cute clothes.

Ok, I've chatted long enough. I'm over the birthday blahs. I swear. I'm working towards a goal finally and I have some cute clothes in my wardrobe. I can deal with whatever comes flying my way! grrr...

on being older...

2006-07-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

I am now officially in the last year of my 20s... my how the time has flown. I still have to work on my 4 goals that I set for myself and I have a year to finish them. Knowing me, I'll procrastinate like there is always a tomorrow.

As for the social... Amy H and I stirred 8 or 10 pots of noodles and I helped make some more chicken sandwich filling. It was a busy, hot day, but worth it.

I also went black raspberry picking with Alison and we each netted over 7 lbs of berries. This was enough for me to make two batches of jam and to freeze some lovely ones for later.

usin' your noodle

2006-07-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

This past week I have been a disgustingly good person. My inner bitch has laid low, I was exceedingly helpful and I just need a vacation from it! (Or at least an opportunity to lay down until the feeling passes.) Earlier this week, I helped with the Annual Noodle Day, which entails the ladies of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Ladies to group together at McDonald Grange in McDonald Township in Hardin County, Ohio (read: out in the boonies) and make egg noodles for the upcoming Mt. Zion United Methodist Ice Cream Social. The ladies arrive and set with tables for noodle making extravagenza and a smaller one for snacks (with few exceptions, they are all grandmas, so we a had some very lovely snacks and gossip). We rolled the dough into circles, laid them out to dry and then cut them up into the actual noodle shape. This only took about 4 hours and by noon, there were a boo-qoo of noodles and a floury Laura. It was so humid that day, that the noodle did not dry completely before cutting, so we decided to let them dry and under the fans we had jerry-rigged and a couple of ladies came back later that day to bag them up and put them in the freezer with the Schwan ice cream. Come the 20th of this month, Amy H and I will be in the kitchen of the said McDonald Grange Hall to cook these noodles without the benefit of a/c or personal slave. Being 27 and 28 respectively, we are the youngest ladies there and befittingly we are the lowest on the totem pole. We are the step and fetch it. I think that is why our moms had us, so that they could raise the next generation of go-fer. Maybe this should be some sort of incentive to get knocked up. Child Labor. The only problem with that is they the kids will probably need feeding and caring and they aren't good for much the first several years... A lot of putout with not alot of potential incoming... I may need to rethink this whole kid thing. hmmm....

Well, the point is, come out to McDonald Grange Hall on July 20th and get some good homecooking. Don't worry about me and Amy making the noodles... we just stir the pots. (We typically make about 7 pots of chicken noodles.) Marge is the only one allowed to put in spices and is the General Taskmistress of Noodles. We are just the Stirrers. Until we reproduce our replacements. I think we might have this job for a few more decades.

i didn't forget you...

2006-06-19T12:08:00.000-07:00

... I just had no life. However, I now able to report that I have gotten my Causualty and Property insurance license and will be working at the family insurace agency as of 1 July 2006. Woo-hoo for me. Now, I just have to figure out all the lingo and good crap like that for the respective insurance companies. FUN.

I am still on the search for the ideal grad school that will offer what I want and won't put me into debt until I'm dead (they'll take the life insurance, thank you very much!). Any and all suggestions about what I should do when I grow up, please just email me.

Sad news... Sweetie has moved to Chicago for a very good promotion. Good news on the promotion part, bad news for the leaving me in Ohio after I finally moved back into the state. Glitch.

OK, gotta go and look productive. Take care and give me a buzz when in town.

its been a while

2006-05-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I've last written... Sorry! I have had sort of a boring life, as of late and then BAM! stuff happens.

Last week, I was in Columbus for Insurance Class and now I am somewhat ed-u-ma-cated on the subject of insurance. I don't suggest anyone take these classes for fun, but I know feel somewhat knowledgable. Who knew? I'm sure if I lay down, the feeling will pass.

While I was in Columbus, I housesat for Sweetie and poochsat for Trevor, his dog. The outcome of Sweetie's trip to CA was a promotion and by June 1st, he'll be in Chicago. I'll have to travel abit further for a Sweetie fix. Glitch. However, I am so happy for him, that I won't begrudge him the additional 5 hours of travel. And then I get to see Megan and Matt at the same time. Will Chicago ever be the same again? I think not.

As for the rest... I'm still trying to get into Case Western and figuring out funding for these lofty grad school plans.

Maybe I need to start with a nap.

just a simple update

2006-03-30T11:35:00.000-08:00

Nothing exciting lately, except for the pearls. I brought back a large number of pearl earring/necklace sets back from Bangladesh and I just got them appraised by Ernie the Jeweler and I found out I was sitting on a crapload of moola. So, if you are one of the folks that received a pearl set from me, while they aren't AAA quality, they are still worth quite a bit. I cracked up Ernie the Jeweler when I told him that I walked it onto the plane and didn't get taxed for it. He thought it quite rich.

Let me know what your spring plans are and maybe we can get together (yeah, yeah, yeah) and have a swingin' time! This goes for everyone!

i am so stinkin' happy....

2006-03-22T15:38:00.000-08:00

.... that the GMAT is taken and over! I visited the testing center today and a few hours later, I left with a headache and a lighter heart. Yeah for me.

Next week, it's off to Cleveland to visit Case West and their program and finish up the apps. In the meantime, I'm going to work on my before 30 goals and enjoy Spring springing.

Keep a look out for Sweetie, especially if you are on the West coast. He's going to be there for the next 10 days or so.

Ok, I've gotta take an asprin and lay down until the math problems float out of my head.

PC/Bangladesh gone

2006-03-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

Peace Corps/Bangladesh is being consolidated/evacuated as I write. For those not familiar with PC-speak, that means all the Volunteers in-country are being pulled into the capital city of Dhaka and being flown to DC and the program will be closed - probably for good. This makes me so upset! There are a ton of details that I won't go into on a public blog, but I truly believe that they are being pulled out prematurely. I was in-country with the other B5s, 4s and 3s at the begining of the Iraqi war, when they were burning effigies of President Bush and you got harrassed if you said you were American. This sucks majorly for the Volunteers who really wanted to stay to the end of their service. I hope that the kids who came this past August will sign up to go to different countries and get a full 2 year PC experience.

blackberry wine.... fruit of the vine...

2006-03-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

As I sit on my comfy couch and drink a glass of Dad's most recent purchase of blackberry wine from the lovely neighboring state of West Virginia, I think back to this past extended weekend. Chicago was good... very good. I got excellent Megan time and I enjoyed Matt. I saw their wedding video, which will have to do, since I couldn't make it to the real thing. How lovely! Megan got me walking and enjoying the ability to do so! After living in the Midwest (where we drive everywhere) and Bangladesh (where you ride a rickshaw everywhere), I enjoyed just hoofing it and I have the blisters to prove it. The school was good and as of 1 August, I can get 40% off of the tution for being an RPCV! Isn't that crazy? And if I get a second degree, I can get it for 50% off! Who knew?

As for the actually roadtripping itself... Megan can attest that I had a long and extended self-guided tour of Chicago, starting on the South Side, going through China town and eventually (after several mobile calls to Megan) I made it to the very big lake and then went a touch North to Megan and Matt's place. Going home was not as adventurous, but I did not end up going the way that Megan's map told me to go. Nevertheless, I made it home in time for dinner. All's well that ends well.

yeah! almost march!~

2006-02-28T09:48:00.000-08:00

Cousin Nolan is leaving in a couple of days for Marine Corps training down in the Carolinas. Semper Fi! After completing basic training, he's going into a Military Police training and then be deployed someplace on the planet. So, folks, keep him in your prayers.

As for Case Western... I really like it and will be applying soon. I'm going to Chicago to visit North Park U and to visit Friend Megan and her brand-new, shiney, just-out-of-the-package hubby. I am very excited! And before you know it, it'll be warm and all kinds of delightful here in Ohio. I am soooo looking forward to Spring.

Eat well today, for tomorrow is Lent and some crazy folk give up stuff. I'm doing a De Facto Lent... Mom isn't buying the things she's giving up, so that goes for me and Dad also.

OH! I got a new mobile yesterday. It's a Verizon, so if you don't have it yet, email me and I'll give it to you.
Take care.

while i've been away from my computer...

2006-02-20T19:10:00.000-08:00

... doesn't mean that I haven't been thinking about blogging. Cousin LeeAnn wrote concerned, so I am proclaiming to be alive and kicking. The last three weekends have been busier than a one-legged man at a butt-kickin' contest! I went to Columbus and stayed with the forever wonderful Sweetie and ate much and well. The next weekend I went to North Carolina with the 'rents to watch the SuperBowl (or actually the commercials) with family friends and the weekend after that found me in Maumee and the greater Toledo area for Kristin and Chip's wedding. The had a beautiful hitchin' and I ate the best wedding food ever! That Sunday also saw Cousin Jamie's little Jilli getting baptised (at which she did not cry, but actually smiled throught the whole process!), so I have been busy! This weekend, I can say the exact opposite and I enjoyed every minute of not going out into the cold. However, there is no rest for the weary or the wicked...

Tuesday and Wednesday nights are going to see me at Cousin Jamie's house for an extended sleepover. Yep... us 5 girls for 48 hours of fun, fun, fun! Jamie's friend Rachel might even join us one evening for dinner and possible fun crafting or baking or something like that. And next weekend Dad and I are going to Cleveland on Saturday to look at a grad school and then Sunday Cousin Nolan is having a going-away party. He's joining the Marines. Add him to your prayer lists, ok?

OK, kids, it's been fun, but I've got to get some shuteye. Take care and be safe in all you do.

hardly working or hard at work?

2006-01-23T11:49:00.000-08:00

Working for Joe and Jamie is pretty easy. I type data of customers in, answer the phone, make lunch for Joe and Jamie on occassion and schlep Grandma whenever necessary. Nothing exciting, but I'm liking it.

On the personal front, I'm looking up the requirements of a motorcycle permit and I want to take a Honda Riders' Center course on how to ride a motorcycle. And I'm going to check out Ebay for guitars or go to the G-Note in downtown Kenton... I can hardly wait! And as soon as it warms up, Dad and Chad are going to take Cousin Jamie and myself out shooting rifles and pistols. Maybe this summer I'm going to start up riding lessons from Cousin Jamie. This keeps up, I'll have my To Do list finished before I'm 29, let alone 30! Yeah for me!

Friend Megan is doing good (check out her blog!) and I'm going to see Sweetie, Heather H and Alison this coming weekend. Bigger plans in the works.... I'm going to N Carolina for a long weekend to see the Keith family. It's been ages and I will meet Avery for the very first time! So, Superbowl, you will be watched or at least be in the background. And hopefully, a trip to Mexico will happen to visit Friend Isis and her family for the first time in a decade. It's going to be a ton of fun! And somewhere in the mix, I'm studying for the GMAT. oof!

Take and be safe in all you do. ~Laura

joe survived

2006-01-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

Dad and I survived this week without Mom with quite a bit of success. Cousin Jamie got a free lunch everyday this week, Grandma F got schlepped and the house is looking decent... Not a thing that can really be complained about. Mom will be happy when she gets home.

I also have talked to alot of people this week, but not everyone! If you have not received an IM, email or a phone... I apologize. I've actually had to work at work. Considering that was a foreign concept at my last job, this is something that I had to really mentally prepare for. Thank goodness I can pretty much leave whenever I want (Dad is the boss and if I say "leaving for a mental break" I don't think that he'll mind) and I get some baby time with Cousin Jamie's baby Jilli. I love baby time. She is so happy and smiley! I still don't want one, but this is pleasant for 5 days a week.

OK, take care and have some fun!