A Work in Progress

I used to think I was a good writer. Ideas just kind of flowed and I never reread what I wrote, but just sort of let it come. But since I've started blogging, I find myself struggling to get my ideas out or they come out, but then I delete and rewrite or just delete entirely. So I'm trying to let the words flow, as easily as they flow in my head when I'm thinking about what to write.

Monday, Monday

Has anyone seen this show? I just don't get it. There is absolutely no strategy or skill required, yet here I sit for the second week in a row mesmerized. Plus, I can't decide if Howie Mandel on the show is cool or just freaky.

In other news, I absolutely could not resist buying materials for ANOTHER project while I was at my second job yesterday. I decided to try knitting my first sock with this pattern. I bought some bright pink Rowan 4 ply soft and Lantern moon double points to knit with. I swore for so long that I would never knit socks (I don't know why, I just did), but I'm willing to admit when I'm wrong. Now I just need the white platform shoes to wear with them!

What if you had a party...

or an open house and no one came? Okay, one of my students did stop by my room with his family, but that was it. I guess I don't have to feel guilty next year about not coming. At least I had the sense to go home and get some knitting catalogues that had come in the mail and my knitting bag. I've been able to get a couple of rows done on the big bad baby blanket. Which, just for the record, is BORING knitting. And unfortunately, I have to make two, since the friend they are for is having twin granddaughters. And in a rare show of self-discipline, I will not let myself cast on anything new until the blankets are done. Granted, I also have the Clapotis and Hello Kitty sweater on needles, but I've been pretty diligent about sticking with the blanket.
Seems frightening to think that I will be back at work in less than 12 hours...

Something I WON'T be doing any time soon

So I went on a Match.com date on Sunday and it cemented the idea that I am done with online dating, at least for a while. I know it has worked for lots of people, but I am obviously not one of them. There was nothing really wrong, conversation came easily, but the whole time I was thinking about how much knitting I could be doing were I not on the date. So this experience sparked a discussion among my friends and me regarding how hard you should have to try to like someone. Since there was nothing inherently wrong with him (despite the fact that his photo online was at least five years old and not to be superficial, but why have a picture up if it's not even current?) should I have gone out with him again? Maybe he would grow on me? I decided not to go that route, but I'm always open to advice. Or blind dates, should anyone know anyone...
Nothing else really exciting to report. I'm working on the Clapotis and the Big Bad Baby Blanket and throwing in a little secret pal knitting.

Secret Pal 8 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I am enoying knitting with Art yarn. I like almost anything with natural fibers. I was knitting
Tempting II with Rowan calmer which I love. I'm dying to try some
misti alpaca.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
Right now they are in a shopping bag pending organization into a case
3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for about 2 1/2 years. I guess I would be an intermeditate.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I do now!
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I love lavendar and florally or citrusy scents.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
YES!! Cherry blow pops and milk chocolate with caramel.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I used to bead, but I am currently all about knitting. Not a spinner...yet
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like modern rock and old school rap. I can handle MP3s
9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
Currently pink. I'm not a big fan of yellow or orange. I tend to prefer bright colors over pastels (with pink being the noted exception) and black is always a good staple.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am single with a cat, Lillie
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
All of the above
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Usually whatever I am working on at the time
13. What are you knitting right now?
A big bad baby blanket from Stitch and Bitch, a
Clapotis, and #994
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Very much. I think people who are crafters appreciate them more.
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Addi turbos
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
no
17. How did you learn to knit?
I've started and given up knitting many times. This last time, a friend refreshed my memory.
18. How old is your oldest UFO?
About a year.
19. What is your favorite holiday?
Valentine's Day and Thanksgiving
20. Is there anything that you collect?
ladybug stuff, Hello Kitty
21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Pretty much any Rowan magazine, Scarf Style, and A Gathering of Lace
22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Cables and sock knitting
23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Not yet...I don't know. I wear a 6 1/2 shoe.
24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
08/11