STRUGGLE

I'm struggling.  I'm struggling with writing a post of thoughts that are not related in any way to knitting.  So, will my knitting blog turn into a something else?  On one hand, it's just as well.  I haven't blogged anything knit for months.  As a matter of fact, I haven't even knitted anything for almost a year.  With that said, should I just blog about something? Anything?  Turn this blog into a journal?  If it becomes a journal, it will need to be a little more private.

I think I'll just use this post to type random thoughts.  I was driving to work this morning and I had all these thoughts in my head.  Most of them were of my weight.  I've struggled with my weight ever since I graduated college.  When I was younger, I was a bean pole.  I didn't even think I'd ever have a problem with my weight.  However, when I was in high school, I did start to think about it.  I'm blonde haired, blue eyed, so I thought to myself, I don't want to be one of those "hefty" blondes.  But guess what....I am.  Ever since I've had children, just two, I've struggled with my weight creeping up.  I think about it all the time, I try to exercise.  I begin, get on a kick, then something will happen and my kick gets interrupted.  I've began watching what I eat.  Well, you know how that goes.  I do well for a while and then I get off track.  It's a vicious cycle.  Then, I find myself obsessing about it in thought constantly.  I find people around me obsessing about their own weight and eating habits.  It's freaking exhausting!  I have to admit, I have never had that "wonderful" feeling after working out that makes me want to do more.  I hurt.  I hurt all over.  Every joint in my body becomes stiff, stiffer the more I do.  I thought it was supposed to get easier.  It does not.  I get off track and have to start all over.  Even then the results are slow going.  I hear they should be, but it's EXHAUSTING working for results and none show!

Ok, with all that said, I've been trying to prepare for my daughter's wedding.  I began eight months ago to lose ? lbs.  Not going to happen.  I WAS doing fairly well.  I was beginning to see results, but then stuff got in the way.  Summer came.  Not to mention the things that go on with your "system" that puts a kink in things.  Now, I am beginning again.  It's a slow process.  I have to prepare mentally.  Then begin the physical activity.  I have no energy or motivation.  You'd think the upcoming event itself would be motivation enough.  Nope.  It's not.  I need magic.  I've never had motivation in the weight loss department.  I used to be able to skip meals and lose.  Where does motivation come from?  I know if I don't get at it diabetes will be in my future.  I am approaching 50.  I have thoughts of wanting to become fit and svelt.  Maybe take up cycling.  But the motivation to do so, it's just not there.  I work full time and take a class every semester.  It's like the motivation is in my head but won't work with the rest of me.  I plan it in my head.  Nothing happens.  I get home, I'm beat.  Too tired.

Actually, I'm just tired fighting it too.  I think that's it!  I get tired of thinking and obsessing about it knowing I should do better.  You know, if there were a way to lose weight by just worrying and obsessing over it, I'd be as skinny as a bean pole.

....it's exhausting.

CREATIVE REWARDS

I entered a contest a month ago. Entry involved creating a board on Polyvore. Of course it had a theme. I figured I would try it. I don't get a lot of opportunity to create much since I changed my position at work about a year and a half ago. I miss having outlets for my creativity like creating brochures, websites, and handouts. Well it paid off! I won the contest! Talk about doing a happy dance! I was so ecstatic! ...my prize finally arrived! Talk about joy!

The prize is a knitting bag from Jordana Paige.

SORE LOSERS!

. . . Just sayin'

NOLA SWAG!

Amidst the sea of blue that had descended upon New Orleans' French Quarter, I happened upon an unexpected gem! A yarn shop! After visiting the Cafe Du Monde for some famous coffee and beignets and subsequently spilling the coffee on my new WHITE UK t-shirt, my love and I headed back to our hotel to change, we happened upon the gem, The Quarter Stitch Needlepoint shop! Made my day!!

SAROYAN

I've been knitting! I've knit two scarves from the Saroyan pattern by Liz Abinante. I used 100% super wash Merino-worsted 280 yds 4 ply 4 oz by Yarn Daze in Mallard. I used size 4 needles. LOVELY! The pattern and yarn were really nice to work with! I had the pattern before I got the yarn. A friend and I went to the Greencastle fiber event last year and I found the yarn. It was fun! Now...what should I knit next? I have more yarn that I bought at the same event.

AGAIN WITH THE LADY BUGS!

Here they are again. Every year at the end of October, I can expect the return of the quiet, tiny critters to appear in my laundry room and around my windows facing southeast. They are harmless but there are so many of them they get a little messy. I don't mind much. They don't live long inside. I guess it's a little sad they are looking for a warm place to hibernate. If that's what they do.

WELCOME FALL!

Like I said in my last post, I love Fall.  I decided to take apart my spring wreath and make a new wreath for Fall to hang on my front porch.  It was fun....I hadn't done anything creative in quite some time and I really enjoyed it.  Later on in the day, my daughter and I trekked down to the nearest Orchard to check out their Fall scrumptiousness!  We found all kinds of yummies.  The store had pies, jellies, apples, syrups and sorghum.  We decided to make an apple desert for dinner and bought a half peck of apples.  I wanted to get some pumpkins to decorate my front porch.  I have two urns that sit on each side of my front door and I usually stack three various sized pumpkins in each.  This year I went with a large white pumpkin, a squatty pale orange pumpkin, topped off with a small orange mini pumpkin.  It worked out well.  The front porch looks very inviting.  I'll have to take a picture and post it later.  But for now I've provided a picture of the wreath I made.  Watch out Martha!

Fall Flavor!

I love this time of year.  The weather goes from moist and sultry to cool, crisp and dry.  The air is full of autumn fragrance and color is popping all over.  

 

This year I am in the middle of taking a class, so I don't have time to do what I want  What I'd like to do is knit! I do this every year.  I get into the middle of my class and then wish I could spend my time doing something else.  

 

I flit from project to project.  I must be ADD.  I start all these wonderful projects and get bored with them in the middle and don't complete them.  Or, I get to the very end of a project and have only one more thing to do to complete it and I put it down, forever.  What's wrong with me? 

I am looking forward to the season.  This weekend I am going to get all my fall decorations out and I might create a new wreath....we'll see.  If I think I am not going to get it done before the season is over, I won't even attempt to begin.

Happy Autumn!

Cleanliness? Who's Version?

I am convinced that one person's idea of cleanliness is not the same as others. So it seems this goes for companies who develop cleaning products and equipment. A few weeks ago, I used a Shark steamer on my kitchen tile floor. It wasn't the most delightful job I had ever done but it had to satisfy me at the time. Life was busy, I had just sent my babies back to college and was adjusting to the empty nest. So I was obviously nesting, cleaning everything in sight. Anyway, today I decided to get back to the kitchen floor. I steamed it first with the Shark. All the while thinking that the filth I was seeing couldn't be true! I said to myself "this modern technology has to be better than being on my hands and knees" and cursing the fact that I am not impressed by the Shark steamer one bit. Finished, I take a picture of the results. I can honestly say I am surprised and horrified!! My floor was that dirty? Come on!

I decided to go over the floor again, using a different product... Could it be the Shark was not hot enough or strong enough to shoosh out enough steam? And what about sanitization? Hmmm...let's try the wet Swiffer. I used the one that has the cleaner attached to the side so you can squirt out as much as you want to the floor area? Well, I used this over the same area thinking it would at least pick up what the steamer did not. I used the dry Swiffer pad, to begin and ended with results as equally horrific as the first. How can that be? It can't be possible that the floor was still as filthy as the first time using the steamer! Impossible!! Well the results told no lie no matter how embarrassing!

Now I am thinking surely a third go over will produce more pleasing results. So, I will try the Swiffer again with my version of a better pad to clean the floor. I put a terry cloth pad on the mop with a cloth padding layer inside. I used the liquid Swiffer floor cleaner again too. It smells pretty clean. The pad on the mop seems to be doing a pretty nice job. Or so I thought! That pad looked as if I went over the floor for the first time after a herd of elephants!

I am becoming quite discouraged thinking that my floor looks as if I have never cleaned it! Should I try a fourth go over? On my hands and knees? If I do, I don't think I'll post the results. It's embarrassing to think I've been using these products with the confidence that my floors have been getting clean and sanitized.

Beware commercial cleaning brands, I have followers and I use tags...you can find me in Google search.

The Larch of it All

My first mini shawl. . .
I've been working on this poor thing ever since I was gifted this lovely yarn in January 2011. It has been picked out and restarted once and every row has been picked back and re-knit at least twice. I am trying to finish it so I can begin another...I know, yes, begin another. I am hoping this one will make me so knowledgeable that it won't take as long to knit another...of course I will use another more unfamiliar pattern.

I noticed that this pattern is just like my GPS navigator...just trust and do what it says. Put all your faith in, relax and just flow with it. I hope after doubting enough I will come to realize that my having that faith and trust will make me a better knitter. . . or driver.

TUMULTUOUS WINDS

I awaken to see the clock.
It's still early in the evening.
I toss and and turn fighting for rest.
My bed is extremely comfortable.
I snuggle into the flannel covers.
The wind gusting against my windows as I drifted earlier
still begs to come in crackling the panes.
My thoughts become as tumultuous as the wind outside.
I begin to pray for my family and friends.
For family members to have the strength they need while fighting for their lives.
For friends who need prayers of strength for health, safety and happiness.
A relaxing calm comes over me.
The wind outside has subsided.
I drift into dreams.

Christmas!

A friend just reminded me that it's nice to count your blessings.  I actually have two friends that do that very well.  I have neglected this blog.  I haven't done a lot of knitting....but I am working on something.  Maybe I'll post some pics as it progresses.  I will have more time to devote to knitting as I am not signing up for any more college classes.....I know, some may look at that with dismay, but really, you have to look at your situation sometimes.  I've taken a hard look at mine and determined that I would never get my return on my efforts of what I would hope to be the outcome of finally achieving such a feat.  It really, honestly, would not change anything in my life drastically enough to put the time and effort toward it, not even monetarily.  I find that I like to take courses that are directed at learning more specific information.  I also know that the internet, library and bookstores are places to find out what you want to know....ultimately, that's what the paper from college really tells people....you can learn.  Yeah, maybe I have some weak spots that might benefit from a college class or two...I am not opposed to taking a class here and there.  I just can't devote the time to getting a degree....I've figured it up, I'd be retired by the time I received it.  Then what? 

Oh well, now that my final is over I am planning what I will do with my time.  Some knitting, maybe some sewing, blog journaling, spending more time with good friends, some working out....ok, a lot of working out!  I'm ready for it. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Happy 24th Anniversary

"It's been three good years!" is what my husband always says when asked how many years we've been married. I have yet to figure out just what that means. In my eyes, it's been 24 good years! My husband has been very good to me over the years and I am so happy he is a part of my life. I can only hope he feels the same about me. We have two beautiful girls to show for it. They are good girls.

We celebrated our 24th with a weekend trip to St. Louis. We stayed at the Chase Plaza Hotel which was across from Forest Park, a 130 acre park! It was amazing. We drove through it to check it out and there were a lot of newly married couples having their wedding pictures made at various spots in the park. We went into the Art Museum at the park. It was filled with lots of beautiful interesting pieces. After the park tour, we found a lovely restaurant within walking distance of the hotel. We decided to order a pitcher of Sangria to cool off and then we had a scrumptious dinner. After dinner, we took a cab downtown to The Big Bang to watch the duelling pianos. Then we watched the fireworks. After all, we were married on the 4th. It was fun. The next day we had a great breakfast at a place called Crepes and then we went to watch the Cardinals play. It was hot Don! But it was fun. The weekend was great and very special to spend that time with him. I love him.


This is my hubby thinking what a good decision he made 24 years ago! :)

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Well, here is May, Mother’s Day even.  Not much going on here.  Still taking a class, but I intend to take a break until Fall so maybe I can start knitting again for a bit.  I have some baby stuff to prepare.  I noticed this last year, but again this year, the peonies in my yard are beginning to finally bloom, just in time for a pretty bouquet for mother’s day.  I am excited.  I look forward to them every year.  I like to fix them up in vases with Hosta leaves.  Makes for a very pretty arrangement.  Well, just wanted to check in to let you know I was still here.

It's March!

Well, now it's March. Hope everyone had a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Not much going on. It's been pretty boring around here. Spring is starting to show some signs of attempting to show itself. So, things are starting to thaw out. The schools are beginning their Spring break sessions. We are planning a trip to Las Vegas! I hope we have a good time. I've never been there. I've been told there is a lot to do there. I don't plan to do a lot of gambling, unless I win :P

I have not been knitting because I am still taking classes and I feel guilty if I spend any free time on knitting rather than studies. But, I am starting to feel the guilt turn a 180. I would most certainly rather be knitting. I have to master a pair of socks. It's just a given.

Oh well, just really wanted to check in. Wish I had something more interesting to post, like a nice finished object!

Maybe next month.

February Cha Chu Cha Cha Cha

Well, It's February. I've begun another class at WKU. It takes a lot of my free time that I used to use knitting. I kinda like taking the classes but I kinda don't. I don't like the way I have to stay on schedule to get the classwork done or I get behind. If I didn't work full time, I guess it would be ok. I don't know how these kids do it, working, going to school, they take more hours than I do. But they probably don't work full time, most of them anyway. There is no humanly way possible. Anyway, I just wanted to post something, anything. I don't want to ignore my blog. However, it was set up originally to log my knitting objects and since I don't have any projects going right now, I have to write about what is going on. Work and studying. I am also following my youngest daughter around the region watching her play club volleyball. That's my boring life right now. I wonder.....does the weather have something to do with this feeling of boredom? When the weather is nice, who has time to blog? Oh well. Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!

HAPPY 2010!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope this new year brings me more time to knit. I began a project on my vacation during Christmas and if I had not ran out of yarn, had a few needle cable breaks, and not had to frog it once, I might be finished with it. I am knitting the Twisted Cable Neckwarmer. I am using a yarn that looks a little thicker than what the pattern recommended but it still looks nice. As soon as I get a photo I will post it on this blog. I am hoping to have time to knit more. I am once again taking another college class. I've also embarked on some wellness activities. There just isn't enough hours in the day to do all the things you actually want to do versus what you have to do. Drives me crazy!

Christmas Already!?

Well here it is December! can't say I've been busy knitting. I have managed to knit a special scarf for my Godmother. I missed her birthday and when I think of all the thoughtful cards and gifts I received without fail every year on all the holidays, well let's just say she's an example. She is a very giving person. I learned that about her early on. She will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope she likes her birthday/Christmas gift. ~Sorry no picture. (Made from grey misty alpaca and lighter grey kid mohair/handwash gently in cold water)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving of a few extra days off work! My husband and girls, my extended family and relatives, my friends, life. I am thankful for so many blessings in my life. I wish all a happy and safe holiday!

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

Ok, so it's been awhile since I've paid any attention to my blog. I've been busy. I haven't even picked up a knitting needle since July. I am taking a class. It's volleyball season....well it will be over by the end of this month and work has been busy. Not that you don't deserve attention, but you're mainly a knitting blog and I have done nothing, hear me, n o t h i n g! I have surfed knitting websites and keep up with some knitting email. Ragged has created some wonderful items. I am so jealous.....she knits so well. Her work is so neat. I'd like to see her wear some of it. But I don't see her that often, maybe she does wear it.

I guess I am a one project person and right now my project is my class. That might change soon though. Not sure I'm cut out for school anymore. I know where to get info or learn how to do something if I need to. I can read anytime I want to expand my mind. I'm not stupid. I just don't have the little piece of paper that says that I've attained that bachelor degree! :) Maybe it will come in time.