Tricia's Travels

Sisterhood of Sadness...

2006-11-08T19:29:00.000-05:00

One of my Boston Baby Board friends posted this poem for me a few weeks back - I thought it was very touching and want to remember it.

A Sisterhood of Sadness

"I was once a member of the Pregnancy Club, my membership card consisting of two pink lines on a stick.

I was eager to pay my dues, just like all the other members. Morning sickness, stretch marks, cravings -- I welcomed them all. But they never came.

And before I knew it, my membership was revoked. No real reason -- at least none I could discern -- other than bad timing, perhaps. Or, at least, that's what everyone's been telling me. That and "God's plan."

Miscarriage is a terrible word. As if one has dropped something, or carried something incorrectly. Similar to "mistake" or "misunderstanding." How I longed for it to be either of those things when I learned my baby was gone. Surely, it was a mistake, I prayed. If they would just look again, they would learn it was all a simple misunderstanding.

But the ultrasound screen showed otherwise.

1 out of every 5 pregnancies ends in miscarriage, say the books. That statistic terrified me when I was pregnant. So many lost babies, I thought. How can I keep mine from being one of them? But now that mine is one of them, that 1 out of 5 seems awfully small. Or, at least, it did. Until soft-speaking female voices started whispering to me in my grief, "It happened to me, too."

Their eyes told me the stories of the pain that we shared, the pain that only a woman who has carried a child - and lost it - could know. For some, it was fresh pain. For others, it was dulled by healthy babies since born.

A sisterhood of Sadness. It's a silent group, this new club of which I have recently become a reluctant member. Our membership cards are the scars we will always carry on our hearts. Our dues are paid in blood and tears. It is a painful initiation, and one never ceases membership. Because one never forgets. I am joining, not because I want to, but because I wasn't given the choice.

But at least I know I'm not alone. At least I know there are hundreds of thousands of women with me, however silent and invisible, quietly holding my hand."

It's been awhile, baby....

2006-10-30T06:42:00.000-05:00

And so sorry for that. Life has been CRAZY with a capital C since we got back from San Diego.
Don't have much to write about for now - but I hope to be starting a new blog soon, just give me a few weeks, ok?

Some pics from CA for you to enjoy...

Visiting CA for Becky's wedding was so much fun! I even survived the flights which I never thought would happen!

Crafting Update:
The amount of knitting and crocheting that I have done in the last few weeks has been obscene. No - I am not close to finishing Rogue - but I am getting there. A few other projects have caught my attention including Craft Girls Holiday Gifts!!! I'll start posting pics of non holiday-related gifts soon.

Weekend in review: 10/28 - 10/29
Well all the plans I had for this weekend got cancelled due to complications unforeseen...so I spent my weekend lying down, sitting, watching a ton of sports and Halloween shows, and ended it with carving pumpkins!

Can you guess which once Cesar carved?

If I don't get to post tomorrow, HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Weekend in review - 9/23 - 9/24

2006-09-24T18:21:00.000-04:00

Hola - long time no blog - life is kinda boring so not much to say.

Weekend was nice and relaxing - got a bunch of little things done, spent some time with Barbara and her family, and even cooked my first roasted chicken!

Rogue Update:
Here is where I am so far. I finished the body, and am starting the upper back. I am a few rows into the back since this picture. Here are some nice pics of the detail on the sides of the pullover.

I am actually wearing the pullover in that picture - and I am happy to report that it fits very nicely. :-)

I have to toot my own horn because I can - and say I am very proud of myself for tackling this pullover. When I first looked at it, I not only fell in love with it, but was intimidated by it. I never thought I could do such involved cabling.

Chicken Dinner:
It was wonderful. My first roast chicken, stuffed with onions & celery, seasoned with olive oil, cumin, garlic poweder and I am sure a few other things (Cesar did that part). We also had it with mom's candied carrot recipe that we usually have at Easter time. Here is the recipe - I highly recommend it:

Candied Carrots (I think this came from old school Betty Crocker Cookbook or something)

2 Tbs Butter or Margarine
1/4 C Light Brown Sugar
2 Tbs Yellow Mustard
1/4 tsp. Salt
3 Cups sliced carrots, cooked and drained.

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir in brown sugar, mustard and salt.
3. Add in cooked carrots.
4. Toss to coat

It is fabulous!

I know that the dinner smelled good because we had a little visitor come because the smell coming out of the oven was so yummy!

That is our neighbor's cat - I think!

Gotta run - I'll update soon!

Labor Day Weekend in Review

2006-09-04T21:07:00.000-04:00

What a great weekend! A nice mix of relaxing, knitting, scrapping and housework - if only sleeping late also happened - then it would be perfect!

Friday: Erin and Bethe came over for a Rogue kick off http://www.girlfromauntie.com/patterns/shop/rogue/detail.php
It was a rough start seeing that the twisted knit stitch was giving my hands yarn burn - but finally after 12 rows of it - I don't have to do it again for awhile.

Saturday: I can't even tell you what I did Saturday - I can hardly remember! I think it was a bit of nothing! A bunch of knitting, watched a few movies, went to the mall, did some journaling on my New Home scrapbook, did a ton of laundry...thats about it!

Sunday: Met Bethe & Erin for Breakfast in Worcester, and then off to Barnes & Noble to knit for awhile. After I got back, I washed the shower curtain for the first time (I was scared of ruining it, so that is why I never washed it before), washed the tub, etc...Saturday night - filled with knitting again!

Monday: Cesar mowed the lawn, I put down grub killer, Finished laundry, made Chicken Parm and knit Rogue again... Here is a pic of progress on Rogue. I am a bit farther along now since this picture. I know it looks like a pretzel, but if you click on the Rogue link - you will see that it is not. The sunflower was grown from the sunflower seeds that were given as a favor at Barbara's daughter's Baptism. :-)

I think that is about it for now - I'll try to be better at updating this.

Toodles!

It's been a long time, baby...

2006-08-28T07:22:00.000-04:00

Sorry I have not been updating on a regular basis - not a heck of a lot going on I guess!

Had a nice short vacation to the Cape last week with Cesar - we got to eat at our favorite restaurant, Kreme & Kone (Corn) which is so good! It is in Dennisport and I highly reccomend it to any Cape visitor!

Craft day was a great time as always - I actually scrapped 5 pages if you can believe that! Talk about progress! I did a tad bit of knitting on Jim's sweater which is looking mighty nice if I do saw so myself. I was going to swatch for ROGUE: http://www.girlfromauntie.com/patterns/shop/rogue/detail.php

but realized that it is knit in the round - and I don't have the right sized needles. Thankfully - my lovely knitting buddy Erin is lending me her needles for Rogue and I can swatch on Weds - YEAH! Rogue kick off is on Friday - I can't wait!

Ok - gotta get in the shower and head to work - any updates with you ladies?

Moments to re-live...

2006-08-14T07:58:00.000-04:00

While this weekend was filled with scrapping, knitting, crocheting, cooking Peruvian food and feeling like poop most of Sunday...I ended up turning to my favorite form of relaxation....watching "Felicity". I admit I read through all 4 seasons and could not find one I wanted to re-watch...so I thought about watching the extra footage.

The extra footage on the final season focused on the finale and all the moments they had together (on the show) and one of the episodes in the final season was Felicity going back in time to choose Noel over Ben...which got me thinking...

What moments in my life would I LOVE to relive? Maybe not change, but to experience over again... Here is my list so far - not in order of importance...

1. Graduation day at Assumption College. Till then - the most happy day of my life. I hated "school - tests, studying, homework" and I was sooooo happy to be in the working world.

2. Day that Cesar proposed: Easter 2002. That FAR passed graduation day happiness.

3. Wedding Day - May 31, 2003. No explination needed here I can assure you. :-)

How about you?

Now here are the moments that I am blessed that I actually GET to re-live often:

1. Christmas Eve - and the whole month leading up to Christmas
2. Craft Days! OH how I love craft days!
3. Long conversations with close friends which leave you with fuzzy warm feelings about female friendship bonds and how lucky you are to have so many of them close to your heart.

Ok - think that is it for today...off to work.

New rules, bridal showers, and lobster...

2006-08-07T18:50:00.000-04:00

New rule in the house
Do not grab Tricia by the shoulders and shake her when she is having a bad dream because it can turn into this:

Tricia: gggrggrrrrrroooooommmmmmm (like a moaning sound - picture a ghost)

Cesar: wake up - wake up (shaking with both hands on Tricia's shoulders)

Tricia: SSSSSSSSSCCCCCCCCCRRRRRRRRREEEEEAAAAAAMMMMMMMM OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD

All at 4am.

Bridal Shower
Becky's bridal shower was great! We all had so much fun! How can you not with a theme of coffee and desserts!

Lobsters
Sunday night, Sharon and Roy came over to give us Lobster 101 - surf & turf style. I ate my first lobster and actually liked it! I just don't like when you see the green stuff, and they you are supposed to eat where the thing takes a sh*t....no thanks. I cut that part off and enjoyed the tail. I did hold the lobster which was a first for me! Thank you so much Sharon and Roy!

Here are just a few pics from our night!

To crochet or not to crochet...

2006-07-28T07:16:00.000-04:00

A wonderful friend of mine just gave me a copy of the Yarn Harlot's "At Knit's End - Meditations for women who knit too much".

I am not a reader by any means - but when I went to bed last night, I picked up Ms. Pearl-McPhee's book and enjoyed reading the little blurbs about knitting. I found myself laughing out loud and muttering to myself, "so true! so true!". It is a great read so far, and I do suggest it for any knitter...

Then - I stumbled across page 48 and read these words:

"...deal with the more important issue - how wrong crochet is".

And I felt like "The Yarn Harlot also hates to crochet? It can't be true!"

I have heard the shunning of crochet before (yes Bethe - you, my love!) and I respect others feelings that crochet is "knitting's bastard child"... (darling - those words will stay with me forver - while I do crochet - I thought that phrase was halarious! - You scared the crap out of me when you said it - but it was darn funny!)

So - I guess I want to ask any of you who crochet and dislike it so much, your reasons why....I am temped to e-mail Ms. Pearl Mc-Phee and ask her why she dislikes it so much - beacuse I really respect her opinion - and she is the coolest knitter I have ever read (click on Erin's blog and click ont he Yarn Harlot Link - I'll get a link up there soon enough). I know it is all of personal opinion..but I am still curious.

Now before I get all high on myself for giving crochet the respect it deserves...I will admit to saying many times that I perfer knitting over crochet. I admit it - I say it outloud...so here is my list on why I respect the art of crochet....and my own reasons for giving it the "shun" at times.

I love to crochet because:

1. It makes the most beautiful baby blankets. Trying to knit a baby blanket seems like torture to me. Crocheting a baby blanket can be quick and beautiful. Sharon makes the most beautiful baby blankets that I have ever seen.

2. It is the first yarn art that my sister taught me many years ago that I could actually do. My first project was a scarf for Cesar, and I learned many things about crochet and even crocheted 150 heart ornaments for my wedding and I enjoy putting one on the tree every Christmas.

3. Crocheting....lead me to knitting. I think it is a perfect gateway craft if one is nervous about attempting knitting first. That is another reason why I learned this first.

4. As much as doilies are SOOO not my thing....in looking at the detail in them - they are amazing.

5. It gives me a well needed break from knitting some times. I can crochet with my eyes shut...knitting requires way more attention for me right now.

OK - I could probally fine more - but I have to go to work soon.

SO - now my main reasons why I perfer to knit instead of crochet:
1. Crocheted sweaters just don't look as nice (IMO)
2. I don't know of any crocheting groups in the area
3. Knitting has given me more satisfaction than crocheting has in the past.

I have to say - I really feel that ANY craft that brings joy and STRESS RELIEF to any person should be praised - no matter what it is (yes, this includes painting Star Wars action figures so that they look like the real storm troopers in the movie). Ok, maybe knitting and crochet did not SAVE my life - but both of them have really made it more enjoyable.

Knitting has created a whole new world for me which I will forever be grateful. I found a group of really wonderful gals to knit with every Weds aging from probally 25 - 75 years old.

And I would have never gotten there if my sister did not teach me crocheting first...then taught me how to do the "2 stitches that rule the world" as the Harlot would say....Knit and Purl

So I just ask - why knock crochet so much...why is it so "wrong" when it gives so many people such joy and satisfaction? It's not THAT bad, right?

Weekend roundup 7/22 - 7/23

2006-07-24T07:17:00.000-04:00

Does the weekend have to be over already?

Friday: Stayed in and chilled out. Got some knitting done, and had a nice dinner that Cesar made for me. He made this chicken dish that I always get from Bugaboo Creek/Longhorn which is chicken that has BBQ sauce, bacon, cheese and diced tomatoes on it - and it is SOOOO GOOD. It tasted just like the restaurant! We trie to stay up for the Sox (10pm game), but that was just not going to happen.

Saturday: Craft Day at Danielle's! I helped Joy make lollipops for a bridal shower and also worked on Jim's sweater. After craft day, we went to Seth & Jo's to have dinner with them and visit with baby Shane! I love how he giggles all the time!

Sunday: Holy cleaning day. I'll leave it at that. Cousin Amy came over at 3 and we watched the game and we did BBQ. Mom and Dad came over too - to visit. In bed by 9:30...I could have slept forever!

It feels like a fall morning here! I am ready for it - bring it on!

A Cookout Success!

2006-07-16T00:54:00.000-04:00

Phew! We did it! Hosted our first BIG cookout as a married couple in our new house. Aprox 30+ people and all went well without as hitch (as far as I knew!).

I am exhausted - and it is 12:51 pm and I still have a few stragglers out on the deck surrounded by citronella and being good boys. I am about ready for bed though.

Thanks to all my friends who came! And special thanks to those who brought goodies and helped me clean - it is always, always appreciated! Danielle - I am having some of your banana bread tomorrow for breakfast! I can actually say that my house is 97% back to normal. (I won't talk about the outside, ok?) That will be delt with tomorrow.

So here are a few pics - but I promise to send the Shutterfly link to those who want to see them!

I love this picture! - My girls and I in the middle of the cookout.

Cesar and I:

Jim telling a great story! Joy - Give Jim a BIG thanks for me! (Yes - Jim is a professional story teller and I just think that is SO COOL!)

And finally - something flying overhead during the cookout...

I love this quote!

2006-06-30T10:57:00.000-04:00

I just saw this posted on a knitting blog, and nearly fell off my chair when I read it.

I have no idea who this person is, but here is goes:

"There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness". -Dave Barry

So true...so true. OCD and proud! (I think)

Is it possible to create a new mental illness to get read of an old mental illness?

Because I think I did it successfully.

And although I think I was well on my way to doing it on my own, I want to thank all the craft girls - especially Erin and Bethe from Weds Night Knitting - for pushing me right over the knitting edge into a land that I never want to leave.

Current projects include (on needles already):

- Sirdar Baby Sleeping Bag (actively working on)
- Crochet Dishcloths (actively working on)
- Jim's Sweater (actively working on)
- Cable scarf (in a closet to be worked on later)
- Joy's sweater (in a closet to be worked on later)

I could go on and on with other projects, but I will stop there.

And of course scrapbooking.

ALSO - I made a logo for myself:

Help me decide which one to use, or if I should use all of them on different things:

I think you can click on the picture to make it bigger.

What is knitting?

2006-06-27T07:55:00.000-04:00

(Posted Per reccomendation of The Curly Knitter... my e-mail to Erin and Bethe yesterday about knitting.)

"I now refuse to believe this is a hobby, pastime, a craft if you will...

It is much more than that....obsession, although would fit me, is not the right word either.

Is it a way of life? Knitting is its own being - full of emotion, fun, rage, laughter, a society, a community, a bonding, a university, a journey....

How a pattern, skein of new yarn that feels yummy, can cause your body to produce seratonin in a way never imagined before - that causes a rush of excitement...

What is it?

Is it an addiction, or a disease? Blending in with a "shopoholics" category? Is it a leader of a land that causes people to have to deal with "Summer of Stash", Sockapooloza, PAL's, etc....is it a brainwashing?

All I can say, is that I went to the Harlot's site today (go to Curly Knitter's blog to get Harlot link) - and read her post....and also said to myself....OMG

I suddenly felt sick to my stomach, like someone's dog died - looking at that beautiful piece of work sprawled out like being on an operating table.

I've said before, knitting keeps me sane (as well as many of my other "crafts" do...)

But really - what is it?"

And finally - some finished projects:

Cell Phone Holder:

And last but not least - me and my Soliel (finished Friday June 23, 2006):

Cape Cod Craft Weekend - OHHH baby!

2006-06-26T07:07:00.000-04:00

It was everything I had hoped it would be and more! What a weekend of progress!

Friday - I finished the tank top! WHOOO HOOO and it does fit! (thank GOD!) Here is a pic for your viewing pleasure!

Saturday: Erin and I headed out early for the Cape. It was so nice for Michelle for to offer up her place to us for the weekend! I got so much knitting and crocheting done! I finally finished the Peachy Doll to give to Joy - WHOOO HOOO:

After peachy was done, I started a cell phone holder for Joy wich is about 20 minutes away from being done - YEAH!

Here is a pic or two from the weekend!

Thanks for a great weekend girls!

From the garden...

2006-06-13T07:53:00.000-04:00

Last night we had to clip a peony because it got so tall, it bent over and was going to break! I have a cage around them and stakes around them - but they are not tall enough...next year we will do better with them.

Country Music

2006-06-08T11:12:00.000-04:00

I used to love Country Music back in high school and college. It did not get stuck back on the shelf until I met Cesar who HATED it and would rather listen to Better than Ezra, Def Leppard, Depeche Mode, etc (all which I love now through the power of persuasion).

Back in November, we were driving to a friend's wedding when he put on the country station and started listening and got hooked! I tried to tell him that Country music was always a joy to listen too, because all the songs are a story and you did not have to try to interpret the lyrics.
You can take almost every Reba, Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, Shania Twain song and make it mean something for you in some way.....ahh the beauty of country!

My latest purchase of Country music is the Carrie Underwood - Some Hearts CD. A review in short:

- Not the best country CD I have listened too (Mary Chapin Carpenter tops my list)
- Fun to listen too
- Wonderful voice
- Kinda cookie-cutter country - but very enjoyable.

One of her songs really caught my ear. Even though I am 30, married, house, etc . . . I still feel pretty young. Ok, maybe not 18, but at least 24/25!

With that said, here is a new part of my blog that I will share every once in awhile...called LYRICS OF THE DAY:

Ladies - we are young and beautiful, we ain't old yet!!

Artist/Band: Underwood Carrie
Lyrics for Song: We're Young and Beautiful
Lyrics for Album: Some Hearts

While we're young and beautiful,
Kiss me like you mean it,
Treat me like I'm special,
Cover me with sweetness,
Cause a time will come,
When I'm not so young, and beautiful.

While we're young and beautiful,
Living free and easy,
Here without a worry,
Dancing in our bare feet,
Cause when the summer's done,
When I won't be so young, and beautiful.

CHORUS:
It's so crazy, right, And baby, you and I,
I've been lost, with love life,
Tonight, while we're young and beautiful.

While we're young and beautiful,
We'll party down on Main street,
Wearing next to nothing,
Feeling every heart beat,
Having fun, while we're still young and beautiful.

While we're young and beautiful,
Cover me with sweetness,
While we're young and beautiful,
Kiss me like you mean it, Like you mean it, Like you mean it, Like you mean it, Like you do,
Oh, yeah, Oh so beautiful.

May is almost over...

2006-05-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

Holy smokes. I don't think I have ever had a more busy month than this. Filled with a first Communion, Mother's Day, Graduation, Birthdays, Baptism, Craft Day - I am sure I am forgetting something...but I survived it.

I spent my long 4-day weekend doing a lot of knitting. Well, friday was actually a lot of ripping out of knitting - but I am finally back on track. I even crocheted a bit this weekend to try to finish up SHIV-ON'S CAPE-let and cap.

For the last 2 years, Cesar and have spent Memorial Day celebrating our Wedding Anniversary. The first year, it was canoeing...last year it was horse back riding, and this year we went to Tower Hill Botanical Garden in Boylston and had a picnic in the Secret Garden. We have never had a picnic there, so this was a nice treat. We made our tradition of chicken salad sandwiches and bringing one of those small single serve pies you can get at the grocery store...but this time, we brought some wine.

Note to self: Don't try to be cool and drink wine in 90 degrees weather. It only makes you feel funky.

We spent a little over an hour at the garden looking at all the flowers in the secret garden, and watching all the people stare at us while we ate.

This garden is where our friends Brett and Stacy had got married in 2001. Also, my parents have a membership to Tower Hill, so we were able to get in free with their guest passes...Bonus!

So even though our anniversary is not until May 31 - I just wanted to say: Happy 3rd Anniversary sweetheart. I love you more than life itself.

Shoot me now...

2006-05-25T23:11:00.000-04:00

I just frogged about 10 hours worth of knitting because the "I can knit anything" knitter attitude I have had over the last week just caused me to twist stitches on my latest project on my circular knitting needles....and I did not notice it until tonight...after 3 hours of knitting.

Somebody get me some vodka.

Ta-Da! My first knitted sock!

2006-05-17T07:22:00.000-04:00

And I LOVE it! I started the second one last night with pure glee! It fits like a glove and I can't get over that I actually made it! I was so terrorfied at first! Thank you to my wonderful teachers - Bethe & Erin! This was made with Lion Brand - Magic Stripes which is a self striping yarn - I would use this brand again! They sell it at AC Moore!

My next project for this week/weekend is to crochet a cap and caplet for Joy to give as a gift. That is what I will be doing at Craft Day! I finished weaving in the ends on Sharon's sweater - so that is DONE and perfect! Happy craft day weekend ladies!

Ta-Da! Sharon's Sweater!

2006-05-15T07:22:00.000-04:00

It is finished! I just need to weave in a few more ends, and it will be done! It fits me perfectly! hmm Jusk kidding Sharon - it is all yours! Joy...what do you think? Yours is next!

So here is a pic...

Rule #1...don't wear a white bra under this sweater. If you wear black, you will be all set!
Rule #2...ignore this awful picture of me...it was late friday night.
Rule #3...Erin, correct me if I am wrong - but this yarn can NOT go in the dryer or be ironed.

Sorry the picture is a little dark. Maybe just click on it so you can see it being actualy size. Sweing everything together was easy...joining the sleeves worried me a bit because the yarn is so thick and bulky, but they look great in the picture - so all is well!

Other than that - weekend was great. Went to Bernie & Phyls to look at Dining Room furniture to where Cesar nearly walked out of the place once he saw the price of the set I wanted to buy (eventually this year)...but I made some headway with him the rest of the weekend on it. He thinks it is not necessary to have, I say it is and I deserve the purchase. hee hee.

Stacy, Brett, Barbara, JJ, and Elizabeth came over on Saturday night and we got sundaes from Friendly's and then I gave Stacy a manicure and pedicure. It was so great seeing Stacy again, and she looks SO different having lost 45 lbs on Weight Watchers - she truly is my inspiration.

Sunday was Mother's Day and I had my whole family over for a cook-in (this darn rain!) All went well there too!

I guess that is it! Time for the showers!

100 Day Update

2006-05-03T09:14:00.000-04:00

Well, there is good news, and then just ok news.

Good news: I survived 100 days on Weight Watchers. I finished filling out my first green journal, and I just started my second one. I am still working out, although not as often as before...but I am trying to get back on track. I am still at a 20 lbs loss sitting this morning at 157.9.

Ok news: Well, just that....I have been teetering between 157.9 and 161.0 for the last month. Easter really got me off track and I just could not stop eating bad things. I can't seem to get through weekends without totally blowing it. I need to work on that more. I am hoping May brings me more progress with losing at least 4 more lbs this month.

Over all, I am still proud of myself even though the whole month of April was a weight loss waste.

Spring Gardening

2006-04-29T16:54:00.000-04:00

Once again I have found myself waking up early on a Saturday morning and doing everything I can to get outside as soon as possible.

I spent a good 6 hours enjoying the nice weather and creating a new garden in the back yard.

That very large pine needs to be pruned a bit, but we may wait until next year for that. I also need more black edging, but all-in-all, I think it came out nice. I planted some "blue bells" I think they are called, and they will bloom in the summer and fall in a purple and white color. On the ends of the garden I planted "Columbine"... here is one in bloom.

Here are some more flowers that are in bloom in my garden this Spring. Forgive me if I butcher some of the flower names:

This is myrtle. It is an invasive perennial, and it occupies the majority of my corner garden.

Here is a picture of a bunch of myrtle next to one of the many Hostas.

One of the interesting flowers in my corner garden is called a "Bleeding Heart". I have been so excited about this flower because of it's heart shape! I remember touching it and showing it to Cesar, my Mom, and Danielle & Craig...but one of the things that I did NOT knot about this flower until recently was...it is poisonous.

Oops.

Well, here it is. And if you even come near one of these, just make sure to have gloves on.

Now to my side garden when I recently planted 3 Rhododendrons:

And now - I can't remember the name of these shrubs - but it is called "fire" something:

Last but not least, Spring would not be Spring without any daffodil's:

Thanks for looking - and Happy Spring!

Garden, craft, knit & scrap...

2006-04-24T07:49:00.000-04:00

That's what I did this weekend.

Friday: A Garden Marathon. 8:00am - 5:30pm I mulched, installed window boxes to the shed and burned sticks and leaves until I could barely move. I have one left garden to mulch and then I am DONE!

Saturday: Craft day at Marianne's! Thank you for having us over! As always - a great time! Sharon tried on her sweater and it fits nicely! Almost done with the sleeves and then the sweater will be finished! Sharon - by Erin's craft day - I promise!

Sunday: A lovely visit by the Pretty Preggo Princess, Danielle, and Daddy-to-be, Craig came over for some Sox and some BBQ....Oh and a double portion of cake! No WW for me today! After they left, we finished watching the sox, and I actually SCRAPPED! I worked on:

1. Finishing journaling for my cape Cod vacation pages
2. Finished the 2nd Anniversay pages complete with journaling

Then it was pure knitting while we watched Harry Potter IV! (Danielle, I swear, one of these days when you THINK you are coming over for craft day, I will tie you down and MAKE you watch Harry Potter....if I promise Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, would you go?! I want to have a Harry Potter Party! (yes, I am 5 years old).

And that is about it ladies! Hope you had a great one!

Happy Easter!

2006-04-16T23:00:00.000-04:00

It is 11:00pm, and Easter Sunday is almost over. It was a beautiful day outside and it made for a perfect Easter - but MAN, I am tired! Why you ask? Here you go.

Saturday: Mom and I went and spent a small fortune buying new shrubs to plant in my shade garden by the shed. So, from 10:30am - 3:30pm, I was outside (by myself) creating this:

and this:

Yes, mulch is heavy, and planting is even heavier when you have to dig out big rocks like the one sitting there in my garden. We ended Saturday night over at Seth & Jo's coloring Easter Eggs and watching the Ten Commandments.

On to Sunday.

EASTER MORNING: Up at 7:30 because I was excited that the Easter Bunny came! Yes, he came and brought me many low fat treats in addition to Harry Potter IV - YEAH! Here is a picture of Cesar during his Easter Egg hunt, and then him grilling up some kielbasa on the grill for our traditional Easter Breakfast (Kielbasa, raisin toast and eggs - a Swedish/Polish Tradition that my grandparents used to do, and has been passed down).

For Easter Dinner, we headed to my sister's house for our traditional Ham dinner. Oh, it was so good, but I ate too much, and REALLY REALLY felt like doing this:

(Sorry Dad! He looks so peaceful though! He had been working hard the day before also in the gardens at their house).

After dinner, we headed to In-Laws to visit. MIL and I went for a 3 mile walk around her streets - which included hills...UGH, but great workout after eating all that ham. (Unfortunately, I did not make my 157 goal weight for Easter. I missed it by 3 lbs, and therefore are no longer at a 20 lbs loss...I'm at 17 now. *sigh*.

Once we got home, I was determined to finish the front of Sharon's sweater. By 11:00pm, and multiple re-bindings off to make the sweater fit over my head (It is fixed now!), it looks like this:

Please ignore the very ugly pictures of me. Sorry you can not really see the detail...but it is coming out really nice! So - I am working on the sleeves now, and hope to be done soon!

Happy Easter - hopefully I can get back on the diet wagon!

The dolls are done!

2006-04-06T22:46:00.000-04:00

I am so excited to give them to Joy so she can deliver them to Millie! I am really impressed with how they came out and I hope whomever get's them as gifts - gives them a nice home.

One down...one to go!

2006-03-31T08:04:00.000-05:00

May I introduce my very first finished doll!

So there she is! It took about 2 weeks to finish her I think - and I got one more to go, and I must do it quicker than that! I will be starting tonight on her sister!

3/31/06 - had so many meanings:

1. The anniversary of my Nana's death. I think it has been 10 years that have passed since her death.

2. Anniversary of our engagement. Cesar proposed on 3/31/02 Easter Sunday - where he hid my engagement ring in a plastic Easter egg in my Easter basket.

3. Anniversary of the first day we ever saw our new house. We had a showing on 3/31/05 and put our offer on it this very night. What a crazy weekend that was last year!

4. Today is our goal date for Kelly, Emily and I for our last weigh in of this goal. I was supposed to weigh in at 159 for my goal, but instead I weighed in at:

I made my goal!!! Not only that - I officially hit a loss of 20 lbs since Christmas! Let's I hope I can not blow it this weekend!

Have a great weekend!

Day 60 on Weight Watchers...Update.

2006-03-24T07:51:00.000-05:00

Wow - 60 days has past already. It does not feel that long that I started getting serious about my weight loss. I have really surprised myself in how I have actually stuck to this diet. I have not done that in a long time. And I honestly have never counted points before - so this is my first time being successful at it.

In summary:

Christmas Time Weight: 178 lbs. - which was followed byt a temper tantrum via e-mail to some of my friends.
1st Weigh In - Tuesday January 24, 2006: 173.7 lbs
60th Weigh In - Friday March 24, 2006: 159.3 lbs

Since Christmas, I have lost 18.7 lbs.
Since I started WW: 14.4 lbs
Therefore I averaged a loss of 7.2 lbs a month which I see to be very normal.

This coming from a girl who tried to lose just 5 lbs between Sept 05 and Dec 05 and could not do it.

My exercise has been very helpful. I do 20-30 minutes per day on a Stair Stepper, and now that I am gardening again, that may also help in my weight loss.

My main enemy right now: Salt. I love salt, and my new found fave is Vegtable soup. I try to only have it once a week. Another thing to remember is that those frozen dinners we love so much are loaded with sodium. I swore off these last year when I had a mild high blood pressure scare.

Here is an article I found on salt intake:

How does salt affect my weight?
Salt does not cause your body to gain or lose fat. In fact, salt has no calories. High consumption of salt only results in temporary weight gain as it causes your body to retain water. Conversely, low consumption of salt can result in temporary weight loss as it causes your body to expel water.
It is interesting to note that many crash diets which boast quick weight loss rely on foods with little or no salt content. The weight loss is mostly water, and as soon as you eat foods containing salt again you regain the weight.

A Word of Caution
Our opening paragraphs would lead you to believe that salt is of little concern in regards to long-term weight loss. In fact, a diet high in salt content can not only affect your blood pressure (see below), but is typically associated with weight gain.
The reason is that high levels of salt in our diets usually come from calorie dense, low fiber, processed foods, like those found in fast food and restaurant meals, as well as on supermarket shelves. If you adhere to a low salt diet, it will likely consist of the lower calorie, healthier foods associated with weight loss.
Salt versus Sodium
We add table salt (sodium chloride) during cooking and at the dinner table to enhance the flavor of our food. Manufactures add it, often in great quantities, to return flavor to processed foods and help preserve them. But when we look at nutrition content, we look at sodium.
Though the terms are often used interchangeably, salt and sodium are not the same. Sodium, which is found naturally in most foods, accounts for approximately 40% of table salt. Therefore when salt is added to food, the sodium content increases by approximately 40% of the amount of salt added.

Why Salt Causes Water Retention
Our bodies rely on electrolytes, most significantly sodium and potassium, to carry the electrical impulses that control our bodily functions. In order for our bodies to function properly, it is important that the electrolyte concentrations in our bodies remain constant. It is therefore important that we do not completely eliminate salt from our diet.
High concentrations of electrolytes in our bloodstream trigger our thirst mechanism to ensure that we consume adequate amounts of water to maintain proper concentrations of electrolytes. This is one of the reasons bars provide free salty snacks like pretzels and peanuts. The salt causes us to become thirsty and purchase more drinks.
Our kidneys keep the concentrations of electrolytes in our blood constant by increasing or decreasing the amount of water we retain. As a result of our kidneys retaining more water in our blood, our blood pressure may increase.
The water also moves beyond our bloodstream. Through the process of osmosis, water flows from a lower salinity environment to a higher one in an attempt to make the levels of salinity equal. After we consume large amounts of salt, it is the water moving from our bloodstream into our skin that gives us that "puffy" look and makes it hard to get our rings off. Then, when we consume lesser amounts of salt, the same process works in reverse to remove excess water from our bodies.

Salt and High Blood Pressure
Some people are "salt sensitive" which means that consumption of salt can increase their blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is an important risk factor for both heart attack and stroke.
For information on high blood pressure, including methods of lowering it and recommended levels of sodium consumption, please visit the American Stroke Association and American Heart Association websites.
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Well, off I go to work, and hopefully I will have a healther weekend than I had last weekend. I have a group weigh in goal on March 31's to be 159.0...I hope I can do it!

She Crafts and She Builds

2006-03-12T18:34:00.000-05:00

So Sunday morning went a little bit like this:

I woke up at 6:15am...could not fall back asleep. So what does every *Larson* do when they get up that early on a weekend? Pay the bills, what else? I grabbed my water, sat in front of the computer, paid bills, when come 7:50ish, I hear something in my driveway. I look outside and there is Dad. Pole digger and all.

So while Cesar lay sleeping, I get on a pair of jeans, a jacket and hat and heat outside to where Dad starts digging holes for the new Compost we are building. Have no idea we would be building it today though! Hey - not a problem for me! I wanted this thing made to hide out huge mess in the back yard and to help decompose everything we had back there to begin with.

After about 10 minutes of pole digging, a fire made in the firepit, we end up heading off to Lowes to buy supplies. I work Cesar up to help watch the fire while I left with Dad.

$189 later, we are back at home, Cesar is up and dressed and we start working on the Compost Fencing. Here is what things started out like:

Our big mess... It is gross - full of leaves, twigs, branches, lawn clippings...and a tree actually died because of this mess. We had to cut it down and burn it.

Dad and Cesar did the majority of the cutting, nailing, pounding, leveling - but I did do my share. I lifted posts, carried fences, etc...I wish I had pictures to prove it - but just ask them - I did help!

And finally, the semi-finished compost fencing:

The only issues we had building this include:

I told dad to cut one section too short. OOPS (You can see in the picture). BUT I don't care because I'll be planting things in front of that section of fence anywaus, so you won't see it after I am finished with it. And as you can see in the picture, the colors of the wood are different. That is also ok, because over time, the color with change anyways being pressure treated wood. It is all good - I love it, and I can't wait for it to be 100% finished. We need to invest a bit more time and maybe $100 - 150 more into the project. (Thank you tax refund check).

When Cesar and I came inside after we finished up - it was only 1pm. We burned like pyros all day long, and really felt good with what we all accomplished in that afternoon.

Now, as I can barely move, I showered, and am about to sit my butt on the couch and work on Joy's doll some more. Hopefully I can stay up to watch the Sopranos!

What a pretty doll!

2006-03-09T07:38:00.000-05:00

Here is an updated picture of Miss Doll. I still have some work to do on her - but she is making progress! I finally finished the ruffles which took about 2-3 hours per layer - each layer has over 360 stitches to give the dill the beautiful fullness!

Sharon's sweater is also coming along nicely. I worked on it a lot last night at knitting group.

Diet update: I am still doing well on my diet. Last friday at my weigh in, I was 163.6, and I am 163.1 today. So my goal for this Friday was to be in the 162's somewhere and I hope I can do it! I think I am on day 42 or something like that.

Today I am very cranky though - not sure why. I just want to be home and knit/crochet maybe even pick up the house a bit. Could the weekend come any slower?

Have a great day!

Oh Happy Day

2006-03-03T07:37:00.000-05:00

If only it were Easter weekend - then I would really be singing joys!

Ok Joy, here we go! PIctures of the beautiful Miss _____ (we need to name her, Joy).

So I am very excited with how she is coming out! I have not been able to put her down all week!

Tomorrow Sharon is coming over, so I will be working on her sweater all day which will be nice to get back on track with that again.

I think that is all for now - Happy Friday and have a great weekend!

Reminder: Craft Day at Sharon's Sunday 3/26/06 at 10:30pm! See you all there!

An update for Joy.

2006-03-02T06:59:00.000-05:00

I regret to inform you that non rechargable batteries suck, and therefore can not up load new pictures of the doll that I took this morning.

I tried every remote control in the house and sole their batteries - and still nothing. I am bringin the disk to work with me, so hopefully a computer there can get a picture off of it so I can show you the progress I made on the doll.

I am on the very last row of the bottom ruffle which is edged in white and pink - it looks great! I think the dress is a bit longer than expected, but still looks good to me. Especially if her bottom half is going to be stuffed anyways to make it into a pillow.

So Joy - I will try to update again today!

This weekend is going to be fabulous! Saturday, Miss Sharon is coming over to knit with me. She will be working on her first felted bag, and I will be working on her sweater. Sunday Miss Michelle Ac__avi__tti will be coming over to scrapbook with me! I think I am working on Barbara's Bachlorette party pictures, and Michelle will work on her "All about me" album.

I can't wait!

Weekend in Review... 2/25-2/26

2006-02-27T07:36:00.000-05:00

Isn't it awful that is takes me at least 5 minutes to remember what I did on Friday?

Ok - let's see: Ahhh yes!

Friday: Made WW Chicken Bruchetta (6pts) and MIL came over to watch Lord Of The Rings with us. (Which also equals 4 hours of uninterrupted knitting time)

Saturday: Went to Erin's for Craft Day. Thank you Erin! I worked on Sharon's sweater again and got a ton done on it! I missed Joy & Danielle who could not come out because of the snow. I wonder who has March again - we need to get scheduling!

That evening, we to a Mardi Gras party at our neighbors house - where there was a ton of food - and a ton of drinks. We stayed for about 4 hours - it was fun, but we got tired quick after a long day.

Sunday: I never left the house. I love these days! In the morning, I scrapped a 2 page layout of Barbara's bridal shower. I worked on a mailing for work, the I crocheted ALL DAY LONG.

I started to make THIS for Joy:

This is about 5 - 6 hours worth of crocheting. I am very pleased with how she is coming out! I took one look at this pattern and was convinced it would be a challenge for me. So far - it has been very easy! What is amazing is the last row of the dress part is over 180 stitches!

Tonight may be a knitting night - so the dolly may need to rest a bit.

WW news: My final weigh-in with Kelly and Emily is tomorrow. My goal weight which was set in the beginning of January was 165 lbs. This morning, I was 164.4. I hope I can hold on until tomorrow!

I think I can - I think I can!

I live with a saint.

2006-02-22T22:33:00.000-05:00

I came home tonight from knitting, and my husband cleaned both toilets in the house, and cleaned the kitchen and did all the dishes. I was in heaven. I went downstairs and got on the stair stepper, watched American Idol, then came upstairs and worked on a mailing for work...to which Cesar helped me with. What a night.

As promised: Here are pictures of the BACK of Sharon's sweater:

I finished it at knitting group tonight. I am really happy with how it has turned out - and I already cast on for the front side. (sorry the pics is dark and you can't see the color well).

That is all for tonight! Gotta hit the hay!

Updates 2/22/06

2006-02-22T07:39:00.000-05:00

I have only a few updates I want to share!

1. We got a call last night from proud Papa Seth! Jo-Ann gave birth to a bouncing baby boy on Monday 2/20/06. Shane Francis, 9.6lbs, 21.25". Congrats guys! We can't wait to meet the little one!

2. I am 2" away from finishing the back of Sharon's sweater. I love how it turned out! I should finish the back today at knitting group, so I promise to post a picture soon!

3. I finished my Vancouver scrapbook pages (pics from 2004) - and I will post pics of those soon also! I have to admit - doing those pages lit a scrapbooking fire under me - and I plan to scrap again on Friday.

4. Don't forget to watch American Idol tonight! Ace is a hottie!

5. WW update: Had some struggles this weekend, but in the last 30 days, I only missed getting on the stair stepper 1 time! 30 days ago - I started at 174, and this morning weighing in at 166.2. Taking it day by day - that's how I have done it! www.weightwatchers.com. It works.

Have a great day!

A weekend of progress

2006-02-19T08:22:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have not written in awhile. It happens, I guess.

This weekend, Cesar and I worked a lot on the house. The biggest project was cleaning the basement and reorganizing things down there. I really wish I had taken before pictures - but I forgot! So here are a few pictures of our new and improved basement.

So that is pretty much it. I have worked a lot on Sharon's sweater - and still have not managed to finish the back of it. That is my goal for this week!

Toodles!

McCranky Pants is In....

2006-02-14T08:19:00.000-05:00

I am so cranky today.

I am cranky for about 500 reasons. Some stupid, some valid, some just cause I can be. I am going to hit on a few stupid and a few valid reasons. They are not in order of importance.

1. Cesar's Car.
It sucks right now. We got back from visiting Sharon's family last night, and went to pick up Cesar's car at my work where we left it. He can't get in the car. It won't unlock. The keychain won't work and the key won't work either. But we don't have money to buy a different car right now.

2. Cesar is not happy.
This is work related, completely. I am very happy that he feels that he can talk to me about it, but also, once he talks about it - it is not used as an excuse to treat me like poop. I heart him, and I hope he has a better day at work today.

3. My schedule.
I have over booked myself in the last 3 months and I am paying for it now. I am trying to do too many things (knitting, scrapping, cleaning, organizing, entertaining) and I think I am burnt out. But the problem is...I love it all too much! (minus the cleaning). I have been procrastinating cleaning the basement since New Years. It is full or Star Wars crap that needs to be boxed up - and I am sorry, but Cesar is not the best at helping at times...especially when it involves me "putting his toys away"... There are just not enough hours in the day to do all I want to do.

4. Work.
I need a vacation. I did not take a vacation last year.

5. It's Valentines Day.
As much as I want flowers - I don't want Cesar to spend money on them. His gift that I bought off Ebay has not come in yet. I knew it may not make it in time...but still.

6. My house is freezing.

7. My nose is stuffy.

8. One of my best friends is greiving over the loss of her dad, and my heart cries for her.

9. I just want to be home and knit all day in my pajamas.
I was going to put some more pics up of Sharon's sweater...but I have not gotten to that yet. Sorry.

10. The snow made me miss Sharon's ada's funeral/burial, and then that night - a Celtics game.
I'm not that upset about missing the Celtics. My work is about to fire me because all friday I complained about the snow and how it was ruining everything for Sunday. We sell snow blowers.

11. Money.
I have more bills than cash this month. And I don't like tight months. I'd like to keep my house.

So that is just a SMIDGE of what's eating at me and leaving me about 5 minutes away from throwing a 5 year old's temper tantrum.

How do I plan on fixing this?
Christmas music is now playing on my i-tunes.

Sharon's Sweater - Part 1

2006-02-07T16:20:00.000-05:00

So here it is! The beginnings of Sharon's pullover. I loved how it started to look until I noticed it was a bit stretchy/bordering on see through.

My sister and nice lady from MDS next door thought it looked beautiful! And after many a many consultations with knitting experts - and most of all input from Sharon - I am going to continue on with the sweater and see how it goes!

The yarn is Bernat Softee Chunky in Burgandy.

It knits so nice I think! I'll really know what this will look like soon once I get a bunch more rows done. It's been through "see-through" tests already. Like up against skin, up against light (which is what the above pic is....ahhh the drama! I just want to make sure it is perfect for my Sharon! Love ya, babe!

So that is pretty much week one of the sweater. Stay tuned if you care to see updates!

Cher

2006-02-03T07:44:00.000-05:00

I love Cher.

I have loved Cher since Mask, Witness, Mermaids...she is an amazing woman. I never thought there could come a day when I would hear her music and I would get teary.

The new Weight Watchers commercial with Cher's song, "Song for the Lonely" (I think it is called that) always grabs my attention and makes me so sad. The commercial is filled with women with weight issues going through struggles that every woman with a weight issues goes though (including me). Some of them are:

Looking around the room and feeling you are the fattest one there.
Rather buy shoes than new clothes
Try, try again and always fail.

It just makes me so sad that someone took "my" weight experience and put it in a commercial. And of course when these ladies find Weight Watchers there all dancing, and bubbly - and I LOVE the fact they are not all a small, small size. Some are thinner than others, some still have a giggle in the backseat that they have no problem waving in the camera (yes, I know these are actors).

The end of that commercial makes me feel good...Especially now that I am 1.5 weeks into strict Weight Watchers, worked out for 20 minutes EVERY DAY (that's a big thing for me) and have already lost 5.2 lbs in that time. 9.5 lbs since Christmas.

I don't mean to be patting my self on the back every post...but dammit, I am going to anyways - like it or not!

I do find it funny - that the woman singing such a motivational song uses plastic surgery and god knows what else to look thin and young (I think she messed up on the face though).

Have a greet weekend!

Watching the time...

2006-01-31T15:56:00.000-05:00

What a slow day at work. I really don't have a lot to say today, but it is so slow, I thought I would do an entry. Let's see...what can I talk about?

Diet: Going very well. Today makes 1 week on Weight Watchers. I survived the weekend and have worked out every day over the last week. It is only for 20 minutes - but it burns about 350-450 calories at a wack...so I might just keep it up. My jeans feel great today - and I am proud of myself. Dinner is planned for tonight and already counted out.

Here is a pic of the jounal that Stacy got me for my birthday. I swear to all that is holy - she/this book is the reason why I have stuck to my diet all week.

You can find this book on Amazon. I highly reccomend it. I tried writing my food down on scrap pieces of paper and it just never worked. This makes it so easy to do and I enjoy doing it.

Knitting: I started Sharon's sweater last night! I adore the yarn! It is Bernat Softee Chunky - Burgandy. Very easy to work with and I am very happy with how it knits. I'll be showing pics of my progress after a week. Ahhhh knitting. How I love it so.

I think that is it folks. Sorry this is kind of short - but I am supposed to be working.

Don't forget to watch American Idol and HOUSE tonight!

Weekend Round-up 1/27 - 1/29

2006-01-30T07:43:00.000-05:00

Ugh - does it have to be Monday already?

Friday: Stuck to the WW plan AGAIN! Yay me! We made homemade chick salad and put it on garden salads - they were so good! Then I spent the night knitting my secret project and also doing a swatch for Sharon's sweater - and the gauge is almost PERFECT!

Saturday: Relaxed all morning and afternoon which was nice. NO crafting going on seeing that I was going to be crafting all night with Sharon when her and Roy came over. Saturday night - they came over and we watched the Bruins, and Sharon and I crafter. She started her very first felted bag (and is doing great by the way!) and I worked on George!

Sunday: Went to mom & dad's in the morning to get a side table and a full length mirror that they did not want anymore (SCORE!) then we had Seth & Jo over to celebrate Jo's birthday and to give her baby shower gifts. After we went to Vinny T's for dinner and came back to the house for birthday cake (which I made!)

Here is Jo holding the baby blanket that I crocheted for her. I think she liked it!

Ok - off I go! I had an OK diet weekend...but I have been on the stair stepper every day since last Tues/Weds (I can't remember). I gained a lb over the weekend so my goal is to loose that this week and maybe a little more - we shall see!

Later!

I found a friend...

2006-01-27T07:46:00.000-05:00

While I was searching for yarn to make my "secret project" I stumbled upon a bag. I could tell it was full of yarn - but for the life of me had no idea what else was in the bag. I took the bag out...and found George.

I was working on George back in 2002 - 2003 with intentions to give George to Tobey's 1st child, Logan. Unfortunately, George was not finished in time, and then my mother thought that the eyes (bottons) could be a choking hazard - so then I was too scared to give George to a child. Other projects became more urgent - and he was shoved in a closet to live.

Poor George. As you can tell - I have a ways to go on him. His body is all crochet and then you latch hook the fur onto him and split the yarn. His collar is made by putting an elastic around his neck and tying strips of gigham fabric around the elastic. He is cute...and I kinda miss him....and I am glad I found him.

Hopefully one day I can finish him, reinforce his eyes to make sure they won't come off, and give him to someone who will love him more than I do.

On a WW note:
I am on day 3. And I have been PERFECT! Since Christmas, I have lost 7.1 lbs. Christmas - I hit my absolute heaviest amount I would ever want to admit too. I have been on the stair stepper 3 days in a row for 20 minutes each...and although it is only a small accomplishment (3 days)...I am proud of myself.

Have a great weekend!

Another bag complete.

2006-01-25T22:14:00.000-05:00

Thank goodness! I am so happy this bag is done! I am giving this bag to my friend Jo for her 40th birthday. I felted it at 9:45 and then got it propped up and ready to shape. I reinforced the hole I made last night, and I think it came out pretty good!

My next project will be Sharon's sweater which I will be starting this weekend. I can't wait to start it and I hope it comes out well! This is the sweater and the pattern:

http://www.womansday.com/article.asp?pl=&section_id=3&article_id=9838&pa

Sharon ordered Bernat soft chunky yarn in a beautiful wine color - it will look perfect with this sweater!

One more thing that I guess I could share is that I had another perfect WW day. I wrote everything down in my food journal and even did the point values. I was not planning on it - but I also did 20 minutes of the darn stair stepper. Yay for me!

Lastly...I want to share my newest find. I needed a rug for the office because the floors are just too cold in the winter. Walmart...$19. Perfect!

I also moved some things around in the office - just to make a change. I really should paint this room. There will be no painting in this house until we finish the downstairs - which will be painting the paneling - and that won't be until Spring 2006 I don't think. We shall see though!

Ok - off to bed for me... Yay for a good day and keeping with all my goals. I have a food filled weekend ahead of me - so wish me luck!

A perfect day gone very wrong.

2006-01-25T07:43:00.000-05:00

I guess I will start off with the good that happened yesterday...because there was a lof of good.

I stuck to WW for a FULL day - counting points and all. I completed my first journal page in the fitness/diet journal that Stacy gave me. This is something that I am very proud of. Not sure if I can recreate the same magic today - but I am going to try.

Work is picking up a bit so I am pretty busy and doing things that make me feel important.

I worked out for 20 minutes on the stair stepper working up a good sweat (yay for me!)

I purchased size 11 knitting needles so I can start my dear friend Sharon's sweater this Saturday when her and Roy come over to watch the "on fire" Bruins.

Hubby finally got his W2's from his work, so I can start my taxes this weekend.

I wrapped all of Jo's baby shower gifts...

And I drank over 64oz of water yesterday = almost all of my daily goals got met.

And now the not so good news...

After working out and cleaning the kitchen, I sat down at 8pm to watch 2 full hours of American Idol. Life was good. I had 5 more rows to knit on the felted bag - and I was well on my way to sticking to my knitting goal of the evening.

"Here I go! On the last row, binding off, lovely, looks wonderful, I am so excited to start the cord...here we go...grab the scissors, cut the yarn...hmmm did not cut. Let's try again. Cut the yarn...

Wait.

What did I just do?"

As I stare down in total shock of the most stupid move I could have made...a gaping hole in my bag looked RIGHT back at me screaming, "You idiot! You just cut the side of the bag with those sharp things! Now I have a hole in me! Now I am ruined!"

Yes ladies...I cut the bag. I sat there for a few minutes in disbelief. Should I throw the bag away? No way in hell! So I bring it over to the light, find the yarn that was cut and pulled it slowly until I had enough to tie it back together in a double knot (which was hard to do by the way with such a short strand). But I did it. I tucked the loose ends into the bag and with a small sigh of relief went on to work on the cord. I got about 10" done of that.

I may reinforce the bag more tonight with some more yarn. I am hoping felting will his this horrible mistake.

My heart is broken.

Thank you Prime Time TV

2006-01-24T07:44:00.000-05:00

I would like to take this chance to thank "Skating with the Stars" and "24" for giving me 2 straight hours of knitting last night. Without those shows, I would not be less than 10 rows away from finishing the body of the felted bag that I am working on which I would like to felt on Thursday and give as a gift to Sunday. Keifer...I owe you one, baby.

That's right - almost done! I hope to finish the body tonight, finishing the cord tomorrow, and then felt Thursday afternoon during my lunch hour. That's my plan...My GOAL, if you will.

On a side note...My dear friend Stacy sent me my birthday gifts yesterday, and one of the was a fitness/diet journal (yes...Fitness...And YES, that means ME doing the fitness...Don't laugh). So today will be my first entry into the diet and fitness journal...PRAYING this will help me lose weight. Seeing that this book came from a beautiful gal who just lost 40 lbs on WW - any guidance coming from here needs to be taken seriously...so thank you Stace.

Off I go to work...

The journey begins...

2006-01-23T11:54:00.000-05:00

I never thought I would want to have a blog. What the heck would I write that anyone would want to read? I can't write, I can't spell, and I my grammar is awful. So I guess if you are going to follow my blog - you are going to have to deal with mediocre writing. I am not the brightest bulb in the chandeliers, ok? I sure can obsessively craft though!

My crafting journey started very young. I loved counted cross stitch, latch hook, stained glass (kid kits), and then once I hit my mid twenties, was introduced to crocheting, scrapbooking, and now I am an advanced beginner knitter.

I live for craft days with my friends. If I could go to a craft day every weekend, my life would be complete. Nothing beats the bonds that crafters have. Having crafting in my life has created so many beautiful friendships...I am just such a happy crafty girl who a ton of crafty beautiful dear friends!

My current project is a felted bag that my dear friend Erin taught me how to do. It is this pattern:

http://www.magknits.com/warm04/patterns/sophie.htm

This is my second bag and I just love this pattern. It is going to be a birthday gift for my friend Jo!

Alright - off I go! Thanks for reading!