Ari does knit, occasionally!

Project Spectrum2.0

2007-02-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

Project Spectrum2.0, originally uploaded by Ariadne Elle.

My scarf for february/march!

Latest Project

2007-01-31T23:26:00.000-08:00

Latest Project, originally uploaded by Ariadne Elle.

A quick knit,yetanother hat.i am working on yule gifts all ready.

Grab the packing tape....

2006-09-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

because I'm moving again. This time I'm moving to:
http://www.pixelleuniverse.blogspot.com/. I made up my mind today. I love the new blogger so much and I don't want to wait for them to decide when to merge everything.

I can't help it, the lack of being able to post has been driving me up the wall and thats that for me.

I would just go back to having my own domain, but the cost of a host is going to kill me, I just can't afford it. So I'll have to stick with Blogger Beta and be happy there. I promise not to move anytime soon. I swear. I'm tired of moving. My url's are getting tired of being changed. LOL

Confusion is just not a state of mind

2006-09-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

When I first started on the internet, my home was my email address. That was it, my plain old email address. There were no fancy pages, no fancy blogs, just an email address. If you needed me, you emailed me. If I wanted you to know something, I emailed a mailing list.

I was a member of several BBS's, so I could be found there. Those BBS's though, they sent everything to my email address. I had one spot where I did everything possible online.

Then came the WWW (thanks CERN). All of a sudden, you no longer had just an email address, you had to have a page. Your web page was supposed to be all about you and if someone needed something, your page was there. You still had the email address though. Anyone remember Geocities when it was actually cities and neighborhoods? I was there for awhile.

Next to step up was the blog or a weblog as properly notated. Blogs are great things, they allow you an outlet and a voice beyond the scope of your physical peers. They have short cutted the mailing list (although, the mailing list is still quite popular in a business aspect). They enabled your friends and family that were spread far and wide to have a closer bond with you besides just an email.

Blogs have also enabled the world to grow to a smaller place. Nowdays instead of having friends across town, you can have friends across the planet. I can honestly say, that I care about a friend here in PDX just as much as I care for a friend in Sweden or Italy or Germany or Belgium. Naturally, it's not the same, because we can't physically sit down and talk face to face (well, web cams have solved that problem), but we still are privy to those moments that make up a friendship...sharing of thoughts and feelings.

Next up came where to do your blogging? Do you blog from a blog service, or do you host your own blog on your own domain? Do you use a standard look or go out on a limb and design your own thing. This is the reason for my post this morning....the where?

I started with Blogger, it was my first blog. Then I moved to Wordpress on our coven website. Next up was MovableType, again on our own website. (Movable Type has been my fave so far). Due to budget cuts, I moved back to Blogger. Now, Blogger has a beta site that is far better so it's starting to look kinda tasty. If that is not enough, Lani introduced me to Vox. I can't help it, I love Vox. (we won't even mention My Space...of all the ones, I hated that one the most.)

My question is: where do I want to post from? I'm kind of tired of moving. It seems that all I do is move my online presence and never stay in one neighborhood long. At this very moment, I have several blogs, one one blogger, one on blogger beta, one on Vox and my original moveable type one.

I'm very, very confused as to where to finally settle down. I want to establish some roots, I want to stay put. I'm not sure where though.

Blogger swears that they will eventually merge the two sites. Vox on the other hand totally rocks. Do I give up Blogger and move to Vox, or do I just sit tight and let things ride for the moment? Gah, it's too early for such decisions.

It's Friday...blessed Goddess...thank you!

2006-09-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

I swear, I could not have done another day, I just didn't have it in me! I'm exhausted and I have a ton of crap to do this weekend.

What do I want to do? Knit...all I want to do is knit. I'm also lusting after a new knit, but I have no idea what to knit? Another bag? Another scarf? Hmmm, actually, I saw a scarf pattern that I wouldn't mind knitting up? Let me check the stash and see what I can come up with for when the purple scarf is done.

Oh, and I have about nine new movies to watch...lovely. Guess who is not getting any sleep this weekend.

I have a new toy!

2006-09-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

As usual, Ms. Lani has discovered something new for us to play with. I've been over there all day messing around. Had to, Blogger has been in a funk all day, so no posting from moi! That fact alone sucks ass, (excuse my American).

As for me, tomorrow is "bill paying day"...which means I'll be pissy all day. Oh pure joy. Oh well, I should be thankful there will be money to cover everything. Sigh.

Ah yes...the coding is coming back to me

2006-09-27T20:30:00.001-07:00

I think it's kind of like riding a bike, you get back on and it comes back. Now, if I can just remember those damned bloody "if" statements. I hate them, I hate them, I hate them with a passion! LOL!

I have just spent the last hour installing all the cute little programs on my notebook so that it will play nicely with the school computers. Now, it's all set up, and ready to go.

I have also decided that I need to write a letter to the television networks. This letter will ask them to address the issue of all the bloody food commercials during prime time television. No wonder America is obese, it's all the subliminal messaging during prime time. Thank the goddess for Tivo, I don't have to watch the commercials. I even have the "fast" button programmed in. You simply push it and it automatically skips ahead through at least four or five commercials. I love it!

Yes, besides being a browser whore, I'm a gadget whore as well.

Ah yes...the coding is coming back to me

2006-09-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

I just don't have it in me...

2006-09-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

to figure something in Italian to say. I'm tired. I'm not sure if it's the 13 blocks uphill first this in the am, or the solid hour of Italian in the afternoon...but I'm bloody well exhausted. Not to mention it's hot.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Italian class. It's just after a solid hour of translating and trying to speak and listen, it's just tiring. About the last ten minutes of class...my brain just shut down, totally. Non capisco, professoressa! Ha, even when tired...that means, no I don't understand, professor. I need to learn to say Leave me alone, I have the please down.

Then, I had to schelp to the bus which wasn't bad as it was all downhill, but there was a 36 minute wait for the bus. All in all, I still made it home by 3pm..not to shabby, really.

I have the proverbial homework as usual. I want to listen to the lecture from class yesterday (computer science) and get started on my program that is due next week. It's an easy one, that even I can understand. My big problem right now, I'm starting to think in Italian and not in code. Gah...I need a switch, I swear. Oh, and I can't do my math homework because the book on reserve was in use and I can't afford the book till Friday and homework is due Friday. I'm going to email Bryce and see if I can turn it later on Friday after I go buy the book.

As for now...ciao!

Okay, this early thing...molto malle!

2006-09-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

Molto male = very bad as in sucks ass!

I want to go back to bed, I want to go back to sleep and I want to do it for another four hours or so.

Nothing more to report from last night, except I really do like the show "smith" and Eureka was good as always.

Oh yeah, I'm starting to dream in Italian? Who knows?

Wow, this totally rocks

2006-09-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Apparently, my computer class is online, including video's of the lectures. What that means...I don't have to go to downtown on Tue/Thurs...unless I want to. I'll still have to go in for office hours for her or help if I need it, but other than that...I don't have to go. Yay!!!!

I also got offered a position in the Office of Business Administration, I'll have to check that out as well and set up an appointment with them tomorrow. I have nothing to wear, I'm totally out of business casual stuff, I'll have to hunt deep and hard to see if I can find anything. I refuse to wear a skirt, that's for sure.

P went by college today and checked it out. I think he actually might go for an engineering degree??? Not sure, he's thinking on it.

I finally watched "The Lake House", goddess, was it good. I cried through most of it and would say why, but that would give away the movie! Go see it!

Sono strega

2006-09-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hey, I have to practice my Italian. I think it's going to turn out to be my favorite class this term? My professoressa totally rocks. She is really good fun, although she does rattle off a bit too rapido.

Yes, it's the tiny steps that will help us learn, and apparently, blogging will help with the grammar part of it. Gah, this is going to be an avvenimento.

Ciao

How many browsers does a girl need?

2006-09-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm a browser whore! I can't help it, I love them, they totally rock. At the moment, I'm usig IE6, IE7,Firefox, Opera and Torpark.

I have the IE's only because some websites (secure sites) will not operate in anything but IE! Damn them. I love firefox and Opera because I can tweak them to my hearts content. I love torpark (which may be misspelled) because I can surf on the sly and not have to worry about personal information leaking out.

What can I say? I am a browser whore! But, I so love it.

Besides, Linux and IE don't play well together, and I'm a Linux kind of girl. I need to knit that penguin scarf.

I'm not going to quit, I don't care....

2006-09-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well, my week is starting off with a smack, bang and screw me. Let's see, I was supposed to take a class this summer, which I didn't take due to P's problem..which lent itself to my having to work full time.

Problem is, the school never "unregistered me", so therefore I failed the class I never attended. Because of that, my finanical aid got cancelled and I got put on Academic Probation. Meaning if I don't make A's in all three classes this term, I will be tossed out of college totally!

I'm not a happy camper today. Let's just being with the 2,300 bill I have due on the 10th, the fact, I failed a class I never took in the first place and....I had to get up at 6am this bloody morning.

I talked with an advisor and thy said it would get straightened out, just keep going to class because I was getting ready to drop out totally today. She said to wait, it would get straightened out. Okay, but I swear if it doesn't, I will sue this college so fast and so hard, my phd will be free!

Oh..and to top it all off..I actually do have to buy the damned math book....crap. and I had to buy a damned photocopy card...double crap. I want to go back to bed and start over, shit, shit, shit

On the good side of the coin..yes, there is a good side....I talked with both Lani and Salem this morning. That always cheers me up. And I chatted with Tina already and we are going to do a late lunch today. Yay!

Blast it all!

2006-09-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

I can't find the blasted remote for the dvd player for the bedroom! Oh well, I can watch DVD's on my laptop, so not all is lost. I'm currently watching the first season of Dr. Quinn. T got me hooked on the damned show...blast her too.

I never saw it on tv when it was on, so luckily, she has the entire show on DVD...I have plenty to watch that's for sure. The thing was on forever it seems, LOL! Hehehe

I'm sitting here, knitting and watching DVD's..which means the scarf is now zooming along.

Now...I'm going back to my DVD.....

What a fabulous day!

2006-09-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

Lani and company came over and spent the day. The guys had football and snacks, the girls each had a computer handy to play on and we had knitting and gabbing.

We did hamburgers on the grill and had chips and tons of soda. Overall, it was just a very fun day.

My new glasses arrived as well. I was so excited. I can actually see now! Wow! What a difference these puppies offer.

I have to go to the gym tonight because tomorrow am, I am off to school as it's the first day of term. I'm kind of excited but yet, I've gotten quite used to my stay at home routine as well. It's going to be quite freaky next week, that's for sure.

I have to pack my bag tonight, blech. Oh well, it had to start sooner or later, I suppose. I have two classes tomorrow and one on Tuesday. That will be my schedule for M/W/F..two classes....T/R..one class. Won't be that bad, as I can take the express bus downtosn and back again.

Oh, I have to take some pics of the finished bag. I got the lining sewn in this afternoon, so it's a done deal and ready to be used. Yay!

Hmmm, what am I knitting next? LOL! Another bag? I could dedicate myself to my cardi but that is hard to schelp around at school. I'll have to find something small or in pieces to work on. I do have my scarf, that is rather portable. I guess it could be my "tranport" project, or at least until it's done. By then I could have found something else to work on.

Success, at last

2006-09-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

I finally, FINALLY got the green purse felted down, the strap sewn on and a lining picked out. Yay! I'm going to make the lining tomorrow and get it sewn in. I picked a white one with little yellow flowers and green leaves on it. I figured it would be cheery against that dark green wool. The bag turned out rather well, I really think it's going to be my winter bag this term? Whoo Hoo. ** Pictures will be forthcoming tomorrow, I swear**

The cami clutch felted up nicely and I have a small adjustment to make on it, and then it will be fit for use as well. I'm thinking I might put a magnetic snap on it. It will be just the perfect size for a cell phone, small wallet and some keys. It's sort of a "date purse" and not a "shopping purse".

The purple scarf is coming along well. I'm about 40% done on it. I'm not sure how long it's going to be, yet? I'm thinking rather long as I like to loop them around my neck in the winter.

What I'm surprised about, is that Red Heart Symphony yarn. I have no idea how I ended up with it, but it's really not that bad at all. It's knitting up nicely and I rather like it, hehehe. I've probably offended yarn snobs around the world, but yes, I do like some acrylics.

I'm a very, very picky knitter. I either love a yarn or I hate it. For instance, I'm not overly fond of Lopi, I find it scratchy. I do love Lamb's Pride and kind of tolerate Cascade 220. I've developed a passion for Patton's Classic Wool and have a love/hate thing with Red Heart. I have found with Red Heart, different colors feel different ways? Don't ask me, but Red Heart Super Saver is not created equally! I love wool-ease and can take or leave Lion Brand Homespun. I'm totally in lust with some wool/soy that I found, can't wait to knit it up into something to see how it goes? Oh, and I really dislike Noro Kureyon..it's horribly scratchy.

I have no idea what drives my tastes in yarn? It's not the price or the name, I think it all derives to how it feels when I hold it? Again, I'm just a picky, picky knitter, what can I say?

Let's don't even get me started on needles, shall we? We will save that for another day. LOL!

Maledetto!

2006-09-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Gah...a pox on the SciFi Channel! Last night was the season finales's of both Stargate Sg-1 and Atlantis....gah..both were serious cliffhangers!!!! A pox on them!

I'm still torqued that they are going to end SG-1. I have watched it since it was a movie back in the 80's! The first time I saw that movie, I knew it had to become a tv series, it totally rocked. Actually, it still rocks today. Oh well, at least it's on DVD..thank the Gods!

And as usual, I managed to get quite a few rows knitted on the cardi. I seemed to have developed "upstairs knitting" and "downstairs knitting". I have no idea, it just seems that I work on the cardi when upstairs and the scarf when downstairs.

Meanwhile, I have to fluff my blog again. I've decided I didn't like the design so I switched it, except I forgot to switch a few things..so I need to work on those today.

Tomorrow, Lani and family are coming over to do football/knitting/hanging out. We figured the hubbies could do football all day and we could knit and gab, the teenager can hang out online and the sub-teenager will do whatever it is she does?

Now, I'm often to read blogs and get caught up.

Friday night...goddess, I'm such a partier!

2006-09-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

Once again, it's a fight for me to watch Stargate. For some reason, P insists on watchng all kinds of crap on the one night I want to watch my Stargates??? I'm going to go upstairs and watch it. Like always. You know, sometimes, he is such an ass. Most night, I'm not even interested in the tv...only Friday night. Sigh.

Sei su Internet?

2006-09-22T14:41:00.000-07:00

That would be an affirmative! Hahaha...P is on holiday for a week. He goes back to work next Friday and then leaves for a week. Figures that the military would give him leave the week I go back to school? Sigh...then the second week of school...he will be gone, poor Maggie. She will be crossing her paws by the time I get back in the afternoons.

You know, we have a chemist line here that is more of a "all in one shop" called Walgreens. You can find the oddest things there for very little cash. My fave laundry soap..it's only 2.99 for a huge jug of it. Can't beat that, that's for sure.

Staples on the other hand, is the love of my life. I'm addicted to office supplies. I can't help it. Just the mere thought of new pens and post it notes makes my mouth water! LOL.

They did come up with something I found highly desirable. It's a combination with letters and not numbers. I have the worst memory for numbers, but can remember words I spelled in the fifth year. Said lock was actually cheaper than buying a new lock with key. Why do I need a new lock? I lost my gym lock, I think I left it at the gym last time I was there. Hence, the new one, which means one less key I have to keep up with....yay!

We also scored a new optical mouse for P. His mouse was dying, and no it was not because I was pounding it on the desk a few weeks ago. It's just time for it to cross over, so we replaced it with an optical mouse (the only way to mouse!).

I also picked up refill lead for the "pink pencil". I'm very attached to my pink mechanical pencil. It's been with me since the very first day of college...back in 03 and I'm quite convinced I can't do math without it. So, it needed refill lead today.

I know, I'm a strange person, we have known that for years now.

So when did you first discover the web?

2006-09-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

Since it's OneWebDay, it made me remember when I first discovered the web or the internet as it was called.

I was six years old and at Oxford University. We took a field trip for our science class and they showed up this huge room full of wires and lights. Sitting in the middle was what looked like a tv with a typewriter attached to it. The man explained that it was a computer and that you could type on it and communicate with a person in America. Naturally, I had to try it...and I did...and I was hooked!

It took me six years before I convinced a relatives (my grandfather) to buy me a computer..it was a Sharp MZ 80Z. I loved that thing.

I hovered over the guy that was installing it. It came with a printer and a modem!!! The modem was bloody huge and you literally put the phone receiver on it in order to communicate. I literally watched every move that guy made and then he booted it up. I swear, it was love at first sight!

I was the only one that really cared about it, so I was the one he showed how to use it. The normal stuff was cool, like the word processing, the math (I loved that part), and the games. The thing that caught my attention...the fact your computer could call other computers!!!! Oh my...that definitely had my attention. He left me a list of local BBS's in the area and it was history.

That first night, I was so excited I couldn't sleep, so I snuck back downstairs into the den, booted it up and started checking out BBS's. Amazing!!!!!

The thing about the BBs's, everyone online in those days were geeks. They believed in freedom of information and sharing. If you asked a question, you got a million answers to it. I learned quite alot on some of those BBS's and everyone was nice about it.

Here I was a 12 year old girl sitting out in rural Texas talking with guys in NJ, NY, CA, WA and there was nothing but geek talk going on. I miss some of those guys, I have often wondered what happened to them. Well, some of them, you kind of know about, because they started arresting people and it was all over the news in those days.

I used to "go to bed" at 10pm, then be back downstairs by 11pm and be up till 5 or 6am. After the first phone bill came in and my "activities" were discoverd, I had to be stealthy about it. I would explain, but Rule #1 from way back then, never admit to anything! Hahahahaha

We had that one until the early 80's and then we upgraded to a commodore 64!!!! Whoo Hoo! I loved that one even more. After the Com64, it was a Trash 80...at the time, it was a great computer.

It was kind of nice because when I was in college, I set up a BBS at my grandparents on the old 64. That way, I could call it, leave a message and my grandmother would get it. She loved that.

Sigh, but my world as I knew it ended back in the early 90's when the WWW was born. It was like having your country club turned into the YMCA...where everyone could join. Expansion and growth are a good thing, overall I guess. It has become what we all thought it could be, a major sharing of information and knowledge.

With every good thing, however, comes the bad. The nasty people in the world had a venue on which to spread their crap. I miss the old days when it was just geeks online and we took care of our own problems.

Even now, years and years later, I still love computers. I can't imagine my life without them??? Yeah, yeah, I know...kids played outside and hung out and people talked more.

On the kid thing...we have a gang of kids here that play outside and hang out together. So far, they have torn down a play structure, taken to shooting cars with rubber darts and destroying property. I'm kinda of wishing they were inside playing computer games, truthfully.

So you see, the computer can be a really good thing!!!!!

Ah, it was so good to be back

2006-09-21T16:50:00.000-07:00

I so missed PSU!!!! It was so good to be back today. This week is "student week" meaning that you get all the final stuff done before school starts.

I picked up my Italian textbooks today...to the tune...are you sitting....167.00! Yeah, it was a text book, a workbook and a dictionary. I almost fainted. Textbooks are getting outrageous. They have gone up hugely since I started and that was only in 2003! I shudder to think what they will be like by the time I graduate? Sheesh.

I ran into people that apparently knew me, but I couldn't remember them? Yipes, I just sort of smiled and chatted away. I'm rather good at chatting with someone and having no earthly idea who they are. Amazingly, it always works out. I did also see some people I knew, so that was fun.

I had also forgotten how "suburbia" I have become. I'm getting old. It was nice to see the people that celebrate free expression. I wish I could be like that again. I miss my green and purple hair. If I'm ever going to do it again, this would be the time to do it...before I hit corporate america again. Hmmm, should I? LOL!

I managed to transit the bus system, streetcar system and train system and drove all in one day. All I had to add was a plane and I would have done it all! LOL!

I started a book this morning called "The Patriot's Club", it's by the same author that wrote "Numbered Account". It's rather good, I've been hard pressed to put it down today. I got a minimal amount of knitting done today, just a few rows on the bus ride home.

I have no idea what to do for dinner nor do I care! Ha!

I have got to get my schedule in order for next week. I have to fit the gym in there somehow? Probably before class, that would wake my butt up, that's for sure. Not sure how that will work out either, plus, I have to fit a job in there someplace as well.

Something tells me I'm going to be rather busy the next three months. Oh well, better to be busy and enjoy life than just hang out and let it slide by, right?

And, bloody hell, Blogger just went down for 45 minutes? Why is it always at 4PM(PST)? Why can't it go down at 11PM(PST), why 4PM? Do they hate us on the west coast? Sigh. Good thing I saved this in notepad...I would have been one royally pissed off witch, let me tell you!

The perfect morning.....

2006-09-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

You know, today just may qualify as the perfect morning. It's overcast, which gives the house a nice light, not a glaring bright one. I have a huge mug of blackberry tea and the radio is playing killer music this morning. That...and every single of my "fave blogs" has updated this morning! What more could a girl ask for (except to take her knitting into court with her)?

Today, I'm going to felt two bags! Yippee! Funnily both are of the same green family, so they can go together. I'm going to sit down and watch what was recorded on Tivo last night and knit on the scarf.

I finally figured out why my knitting is going so slow...I've stopped watching tv! For some reason, unkown by womankind, I simply must have blatent nonsense on the telly in order to quickly knit? Any clues anyone?

I got my secret pal the gift of the week and need to get it mailed today. I should go do that before I felt, as I will have to watch the washer.

Other things in the news today, school starts in exactly FIVE days!!!! FIVE..that is less than a week. Am I getting pre-term jitters? Yep. Am I not looking forward to schelpping downtown by bus daily...oh yes. Am I excited..oh heck yes!

I'm sure I will be bemoaning my fate in a few short weeks, but right now, I'm totally psyched out over it. That and I have to get a job...I do have a car to pay for, you know. I have a job, but I think I might want a better one? Campus is having a job fair tomorrow, so I'm going to hit that up with a pile of resumes..oh yeah, I need to make up some of those today...good thing I blogged about it or I would have forgotten.

Plus, there is the tidy that this place always needs. Blech. I miss my studio...it was easy to take care of.

Guess, I should get dressed and hit the post office, it needs to be done and sitting here in front of the computer is not going to help matters.

What a morning! Sheesh....

2006-09-19T12:16:00.000-07:00

The day started at 6am..which is early by my standards, unless I'm up early already. I wasn't up, so it was early.

T had court today about the accident we were in. So, off to downtown we went...at 6:30am. Traffic wasn't bad, we were parked by 7:10 or so. Then it was a stop at Starbuck's where I had a morning libation...I was dying.

After having coffee, we trekked over to the Multnomah County Courthouse. Upon entering said courthouse, I promptly tossed my bag on the xray machine. Said bag was promptly pulled aside. Then I got the "ma'am, may I search you bag"? Sure, (yes, I definitely look threatening in my t-shirt and jeans) Apparently, teeny tiny knitting scissors and wooden knitting needles are considered deadly weapons here in the Pacific Northwest and said items can't be brought into the courthouse. I had to leave them there with security. Sigh, and I was going to start my scarf in the copious amounts of time that I planned on sitting around. So, after having to leave my deadly weapons at the door, we proceeded upstairs to the District Attorney's office-which was not open yet. (insert copious amounts of sitting there-which could have been spent knitting).

Sitting in a courthouse is rather, well, um, boring. (if I had my knitting, I wouldn't have been bored) As I sat there, I watched the people that walked in. (The personnel of the District Attorney's office) And I noticed one thing, only one of the twenty or so people that walked in actually looked happy. Most had this gloomy look about their face (see, knitting would help these people)and looked like they wanted to be anyplace but where they were at(I don't blame them, the knitting Nazi's downstairs proved that). Was it the fact it was 8am or the fact of where they worked?

I realized that I don't want to look like that. I really want to enjoy going to my job and not have it be a "life sentence" hanging over me daily.

Anyway, at 8am, we went in, only to find out that the court case had been cancelled. Yep, if you look on the supeona, it clearly stated to call the day ahead and make sure it was still on. Someone didn't do that. I gratefully descended back to the first level and went in hunt of my deadly weapons (they were safe and sound)

Then it was off to the DMV so that T could get her Oregon license. Which she did. Then it was out to Gladstone, OR to show proof of said license so that she could get her car titled in Oregon.

Finally, it was back home by 10:30am. I just woke back up from my late morning nap. I'm pooped already.

Don't you just hate it when

2006-09-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

your lying in bed at 5am and can't sleep? What is up with me lately? I know I said I was going to start getting up earlier due to school starting soon. But geez, I meant earlier than 10am...not 7am? Gah....

Oh well, at least it's quiet and I'm able to get caught up on my blog readings. I didn't read blogs all weekend, so it was a chance to get caught up with everyone.

Today I have a somewhat busy day. I have to pick up Lani and her computer to take it to the doctor. It was supposed to happen yesterday, but wires got crossed, so today it is. I also have to schlep to downtown PDX to pick up school crap and books. Then I have a load of laundry to run through and a purse to felt.

I had attempted to handfelt the bag at the studio, but apparently hand felting and I do not mix. I will now attempt to use the washer to get it to felt down enough. I hope?

The dark mark bag is coming along nicely.It's going to be a smaller bag, which will be just right for shopping. I'm going to add a longer strap so that it will hang across the body at the hip. I think it will be perfect for the cell phone, wallet, keys and few other small things.

I also have to clear off my sewing table so that I can set up the machine, P needs uniform pants hemmed and I need to work on a new bag. After spending a week searching for the "perfect" purse, forget it, it does not exist. I'll just design my own, thank you.

I really should go into purse design, I swear...I could make a fortune!

Oh and I have to clean the "meux meux" box. Lucky me.

Whoo hooo...I will have glasses in 10 days!

2006-09-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

Yep, I finally found a pair that I could afford!!!!! Back in May I got my eye glasses prescription from my new eye doctor. The appointment was only 40.00...but the glasses were going to be $540.00!! Ouch. I just can't afford that, it's just too bloody much for glasses, which I seriously need.

It's a crying shame that in this country, that eye wear is so bloody expensive! Ouch. Anyway, I found my glasses today at Binyon's. They are an eyewear place here in Portland, that was having a 50% off sale today. That was 50% off frames and lenses!!! I about fainted. I only happened to be in Washington Square Mall by accident today.

Yippee! My old glasses had gotten to the point that I can't really see out of them. So, if there were an accident with the contacts, I would be SOL! I'm so happy! Yay!

And.......as a bonus, I found Magnetic Poetry in Italian! Hehehehe, that will go well with my Italian this fall! So far, the fridge says...cane bene...which means good dog! Muahahahaha...hey, small steps, very small steps, you know?

Yarn Sale...Yarn Sale....

2006-09-17T08:01:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to see my Micheal's ad in my email this morning. They have Classic Paton's Wool on sale for under 4.00 a ball (actually, 3.77). Oh darn it, there is a Micheal's on the other side of the fence from me. Drat it all.

Honestly, I think I'm going to pick up a few odd skeins and make some quickie gifts to give as xmas gifts this year. I got a surprise in the mail yesterday....it's the book One Skein. Not that I'm not creative enough to figure out what to do with a ball of yarn, it's nice to get ideas. My old college buddy Alana mailed it to me, I had been talking about it with her online. She's just starting to knit, yes, she finally got on the bandwagon. LOL!

So, now you can see my joy at finding 100% pure wool on sale! Yippee!!!

And the adventures just keep on coming.....

2006-09-16T12:08:00.000-07:00

Hit the grocers this morning bright and early. I have found that going at 9am on Saturday beats the "rush". Plus, the traffic isn't so bad yet. We also hit Costco for a few items, and discovered their gas was 2.56 a gallon!!! I would Whoo Hoo over that, but at that price, it's still robbery, if you ask me!

I think I'm going to refuse to leave the house for the rest of the day. Saturday's around here are just an excuse for an accident. Traffic is unbearable around here on Saturdays, blech!

And I want to start the Dark Mark Bag today! Yay!

Adventures in the suburbs!

2006-09-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

Yep, today was very adventurous! The day started with a stop at Starbuck's, where I grabbed a green tea(hot, thank you!). Then it was over to do battle with the DMV. I needed to update my driver's license with the new address. It was actually really easy, proof of address and then will mail me a sticker to put on my license. It didn't even cost me anything! Bonus!

After that, it was on to Old Navy where I scored new pants and some killer long sleeve shirts. Maggie scored a new doggie toy. If you have a destructive doggie, Old Navy's dog toys totally rock. Not only did I score new pants, but they are exactly TWO SIZES SMALLER THAN THE ONES I MOVED TO PORTLAND WITH!!!!!! That's right, TWO SIZES. Okay, I realize that two sizes does not make a model, but hey, after five years of going the larger route, the reversal is oh so sweet!

Next was Borders, where I acquired the Knit Stitch Bible. I have been lusting after that book for a few years now and finally sucumbed to the lure of it. Ah...life is sweet.

I had lunch at the Macaroni Grill, where I had Shrimp Davolia (shrimp/pasta and sauce), it was fabulous. Yummy, yummy. Next was a stop at the MAC Store for a new eyeshadow. Yummy, as well, it was great.

Then I had to run some papers over for T to her dealership. The trip over wasn't bad, but 205 was a total parking lot, believe me. I had to follow 99 into Portland. I found Milwaukie, a suburb of Portland that is extremely crime ridden(according to the news). It's actually quite beautiful over there, I was kind of surprised. Then I had to wind my way through down Portland to find I-5, good goddess! It was a lane change a minute just to get to the highway...sheesh. Then, I had to get off at 99 and follow that home. It was just the very scenic route from point A to point B. It was still faster than going down 205 that was for sure.

I did get the shrug down to, get this, three more rows and then seaming! Yay!!!!! I almost stopped at a yarn store to get some Lamb's Pride yarn to knit the Dark Mark bag, but resisted. Then, I almost ordered some yarn from Knit Pick's to knit the Dark Mark bag, but resisted. I'm so proud, I swear. I'm going to knit my first Dark Mark bag out of acrylic! I have a ton of it and think I would like the bag to be washable so acrylic it will be. I'm going to cast on for it tomorrow it looks like so it will be interesting to see how it goes. (I'm totally ignoring that damned slipper sock till I can get help with the heel part.)

P and I had dinner at Shari's (it's a diner type place). I had a BL Sandwich (bacon, lettuce), it was tasty. The best part of the whole meal...was the surprise to bring home....a coconut cream pie. Oh my!

My grandmother used to make me coconut cream pies. Her specialty was chocolate cream pie, which the family adored. I couldn't have the chocolate because I was allergic to it, so my grandmother used to make me coconut cream instead. Sigh, it's been so long. I'm too lazy to make one myself, so I bought one. I guess I could break down and make one...hehehehe.

So here, I sit, typing away while my dessert sits in the fridge. I think I'll have a piece for breakfast. You can have pie for breaksfast..it has milk in it? Muahahahaha (total justification!)

Now, I'm off to play the Sims2!

Whoo Hoo...I can smell the finish line!

2006-09-14T21:47:00.000-07:00

I started on the black trim on the shrug. Once I finish this end, I pop the provisional cast on off on the other end and add the black to that and it will be done! Yippee!!!

After this, I'm going to work on the cardi. I'm feeling the love for it now. I guess it took the shrug to get me in the mood for the cardi! Hahahaha...even I don't understand my knitting desires.

I seriously have to figure out the short row heel thing on my slipper, I want to make a pair of socks and use the toe up method. I have to find someone that knows how to do short rows, I think? I'm just not getting it...damn it. I hate when I can't get something, it sucks.

Have no clue as to what tomorrow will bring, who knows? I think it's supposed to be cloudy and rainy again...yay! I love this weather.

You see, he needs a wide load sign!

2006-09-14T19:56:00.000-07:00

So, did I time warp or something?

2006-09-14T17:06:00.000-07:00

I swear I just got up? No really, it was around 8:30am, I swear. Hmmm..so exactly what did I get accomplished today? Not alot and I swear, I didn't do it on purpose.

I got to the end of my shrug, now I'll be adding the black trim. I have yet to decide on what trim to do on it? Guess, I should make up my mind, soon, huh? I'm not discussing the arctic slipper.

I got an email from my secret pal today, she sounds totally fun! On the hand of the secret pal trio, my secret pal totally rocks. I guess I will have to refer to them as SP1-meaning the one that gives junk to me and SP2 as the one I give junk to.

I love secret pal-ing! It such fun and a great way to meet people and make new friends. More than that, I think I love the "challenge" of it all. Plus, I just love giving presents...I can't help it!

As for dinner tonight, it's a crap shoot! All I know is that it has ground beef in it! LOL!

Shhh, don't tell her

2006-09-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

Since Ari is in the kitchen cooking dinner, I'm hijacking her computer. She never lets me use it and simply refuses to get me my own. Ha, I'll just use hers and will cover my kitty tracks when I'm done.

Other kitties have been doing the "five things about me", and I have been wanting to do it, but noooo....she won't let me. Therefore, while she is occupied, here I go:

1. I have a collection of meows. Each one is designed to voice the intent and mood of my wish. I have the "FEED ME NOW","PET ME NOW","PICK ME UP NOW" and "MOVE OVER". I also have the array of meows that include the ever popular "my litterbox needs assistance", "the dog is up to something" and "will you get your butt out of the chair so I can lounge in it".

2.I have a dog. I don't think they realize the dog is mine, but she is. I'm quite fond of taking my frustrations out on her. She's is so stupid, she falls for it every time. If I'm pissed off, I can smack the dog and feel better. Hey, I can't call for therapy, you know?

3.I hog the bed. You know, it takes alot of room for a cat to sleep comfortably. I simply must sleep in the middle of it, lest I roll off and have an embarassing moment.

4.I have to have privacy for my litterbox. Do you like an audience in the bathroom? Well, I don't. On the other hand...see #5.

5. There are to be no closed doors in this house. I must be able to freely visit where I need to when I need to. This means you can not close the bathroom door, it simply will not do. I seriously need to know what is going on, in all places, at all times.

On and a bonus, I really hate the "rotund" jokes. I realize I'm not a slim kitten anymore, but making the jokes about the "wide load" sticker for my tail is not winning points.

Ford Prefect

Ooooh...it's here, it's here!

2006-09-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

My PRGE secret pal arrived in my email today! Finally....I've been dying here, I swear. Can't say much about her 'cause it's a secret, it's going to be fun trying to get things to her without her knowing where or who it's from. I'll have to get crafty? Last secret pal thing I was in, I would ship the stuff to a friend in GA who would then rebox it and remail it! Muahahahaha...we had her going good. She couldn't figure out who it was, because there was no one from Georgia on the secret pal thing! Muahahahaha...See, I'm a crafty witch!

I have been scoping out shops and stuff looking for places for cool stuff for a month now, and think I have a pretty good idea of where to go for what. I'm going to do some online ordering that's for sure (best way to disguise your address...order online and have them ship it!). Hmmmm...my little wheels are just turning and turning.

Damn, I think I might have to close the windows, I just caught a very chilly breeze...brrr. Oops...sorry Mouse, no really, it's not chilly here, it was my imagination, I swear!

Out and about, that's the ticket.

2006-09-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

I had coffee with a friend of mine from out of town today. She was in town for a doctor's appointment, so we met for coffee. Naturally, Ms. Maggie went with me and had a great time. Since I was on the north east side of town, I stopped and grabbed P for lunch. I rarely get to that end of town, so it was a nice surprise.

Other than that, I watched a program called "The Day The Towers Fell". It was very, very touching. It was comprised of personal interviews of people that photographed that day. And, if I was watching tv, I was knitting. This time the project of choice was the shrug, which is very close to being finished, it looks like. I think I'll pop in a few movies this evening and finish it up. (for some reason, I knit faster when watching movies?)

After my hectic day yesterday....it was nice to have a quiet day today.

I just noticed something...I actually started my blog post at 9.27 this morning, got distracted, removed what I had typed, changed it, added more and actually published about 3pm? I really should start turning off my computer when I get up from it!

Tonight's word is: Frustrated!

2006-09-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

I've managed to get to the heel turning on my toe up slipper. You would think I would be able to follow simple directions, but no. I've ripped out that bloody heel four times now. I'm at the point that I'm going to knit a practice swatch and just try to turn the damned thing from that. If I rip my slipper one more time, it will be ruined.

Gah..I hate when I don't get something. And today was going quite well, I knew something would have to screw it up. Damn, Damn and Double Damn!!!!! Gah!

I would go have a piece of pie..but it's downstairs and I'm too bloody lazy and pissy to get up and go get it!

Bloody hell!

Good thing it's been captured digitally!

2006-09-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

Look close because it will be gone by breakfast! Yep, apple pie has a very, very short shelf life in this house. Not my best effort, as I noticed the seam in the crust came apart. But, there was no leakage into the pan, which is how I judge if it is a success or not. So, it was a success.

See, with the cooler weather, I tend to bake and cook more often. Two pies in less than four days, you can't beat that. I was going to do the carrot cake, but still can't lay my hands on my mixer (either one of them!).

On the plus side of the day, I managed to get to the bank, get the car washed, get it dusted and cleaned on the inside, get the laundry done, bake the apple pie, hoover and freshen the entire downstairs and get about twenty rows knitted on the "arctic slipper".

I've decided that the toe up socks are going to be more like slippers because of the weight and gauge, so I've named them the "arctic slippers". I wish all socks knitted up this fast! LOL!

I still have to fix dinner, the chicken is defrosting now. We are having chicken fried rice for dinner tonight.

I love the cooler weather! Yippee!

Colder than a Witches (insert option of your choice here!)

2006-09-12T08:26:00.000-07:00

Good goddess...when did she turn on the a/c outside? Did she JUST get the memo I sent her back in June? Crikies!

I had to grap a pair of sweats and a sweater this morning, plus run around and close all the downstairs windows. Brrrr...even the dog and cat where hanging out upstairs. Sheesh.

It's warmed up a bit, due to having to use the stove to make tea. I have yet to find my bloody tea kettle! Grrrr! I hate turning the bloody stove on just to make a cup of tea, I prefer my low wattage electric kettle. (Yes, I'm a frugal witch.) Okay, I wasn't bitching that much about the stove this morning, because it pretty much helped take the chill of the entire downstairs. You know, there is something to be said for a smaller abode, after all.

So, I have been reading blogs this morning, having my lovely cup of hot passionflower tea and pondering my toe-up sock.

As you can see, I have made it just barely past the toe part and am on my way to the heel. If this works out, I'll attempt a toe up sock on smaller needles and regular sock yarn. I've alway been intrigued by the toe up method and just had a wild hair last night and started another sock. I'm almost done on the crayon socks..so it was time. Plus, the method was truly calling to me!

I have a few errands to run once everything opens up. I forgot nothing is open this early, after all, it's been awhile since I did mornings. Blech, they still suck.

The Toe Up Sock

2006-09-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

I've decided at the bright hour of 10pm that I want to learn how to knit a toe up sock. I've chosen a Bernat Camouflage yarn in Blue Frost and am using size 8 dpns. Yes, I know, it will be a bulky sock, but great for running around the house in. Don't ask me why? On 9/11, nothing I do is questionable...we just sort of go "okay, Ari, whatever you say, sweetie". You carefully nod and know that tomorrow things will be back to the quasi-normal that exists in my universe.

I got two new knitting magazines today. The Knit It and KnitSimple. The KnitSimple has a killer blanket pattern. It's a patchwork affair where you knit the blocks and then stitch them together. The blocks are what caught my eye. Each block is an intarsia doggie! They have pawprints and bones for variety. I love this blanket nad think it would be good for transit as it's portable Just keeping up with the place you are on the chart might be a task if traveling. I'm thinking I might save up and get some of the yarn suggested, it's a Tahki Donagual Tweed. Just seeing the word "Tahki" and my checkbook quivered, and it's downstairs! I'll have to save up for this project that's for sure. I was thinking maybe if I substituted an acrylic, Maggie oould have it as her "car blankie" and I could then wash it? I'll have to see, the tweeds are fabulous and I love the way it looks. Plain colors might detract from the overall effect. Will see.

Between the new issue of Knitty coming out and Tina getting her new car, today flew by. That alone is a blessing, let me tell you. Now, when I go to sleep, I will wake up on the twelth and won't have to fret about today for another 364 more days! Yay!

And we have a new car!!!!

2006-09-11T17:03:00.000-07:00

Tina picked up her new car today! Gwendolyn is a 2007 Toyota Yaris. The Yaris is the car that Toyota chose to replace the Echo. It would be the silver one in the middle there! Hehehehe

She runs like a dream, rides like she is a Mercedes or something, and is amazingly roomy for being a sub-compact car. We took her out for a spin this afternoon just to break her in. She has really great pick up for having such a tiny little engine. Apparently she is designed to give maximum performance with as little output as possible.

Here she is when she first sat in it. They had it prepped and sitting in the showroom on a little red carpet! It was too cute!

Here is Ian, her salesman, showing her how the center cockpit works. Her speedometer and tachometer and fuel gauge are in the middle of the dashboard not behind the wheel like everyone else. It's kind of weird at first, but then, once you get used to it, it's actually quite nice.

I think Gwendolyn is the cutest thing! Funnily, she looks just like Angela, my silver Neon? Hmmm, must be a family thing? LOL!

Anyway, I'm thrilled for Tina, she needed a car, desperately. She has two jobs and one of them has her starting at 4am sometimes and the other one has her working till midnight sometimes. She really needed a car in order to work her jobs. Good for her.

Oh, Gwennie, gets about 34 miles in the city and over 40 on the highway. Not too shabby, huh?

The only anniversary that I have that I hate.

2006-09-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

I hate today. I really do. I'm torn between wallowing in pity and anger and trying to carry on. It's been five years since it happened. Each year does get better and the crying only happens when I see pictures from that day. The anger has subsided a bit, I can hear a certain language spoken and not want to turn around and grab them by the throat and choke the life from them. So, I guess that's a good thing?

I have managed to find humour from it though. In the months following "the day", I couldn't shop. I'm serious, I could walk into Nordstrom's or Barnes and Nobles and not buy a damned thing. That is SO not me! If I recall correctly, it took Yule coming upon us to actually get me to shop. Weird how tradegy affects us. My father would have sworn on his life that there was nothing on this planet that would prevent me from running my mouth on the phone or shopping. Sadly, he was mistaken.

I'm also very glad my father was not with us to witness that day. A child should never cross over before the parent. I think losing a son would have devistated him.

I don't think I mourn the loss of those that died, I think I mourn those of us that survived the loss of a loved one. Being a witch (pagan), I realize that death is not the end, that there is more to come. I'm pretty okay with death due to that. I realize that my brother moved on to bigger and better things. Of course, I have spent many hours wondering how he will reincarnate? I'm sure I will cross his path before I cross over, I'm just curious how it will be?

I do miss him though. He was my second oldest brother and was old enough to be a semi protector from the rest of them. He was "knight in shining armour #2" as I always told him. We weren't as close once he joined the Navy, but we still stayed in touch now and then.

He wasn't perfect by any means. He definitely had that "jet jockey" cockiness about him. He loved animals and he loved women. I have to give him that, he would have made a great husband one day. He was a fabulous Uncle and just a great friend. He had the snarkiest sense of humor and would keep me laughing for hours and not even understand why. He drove like a bat out of hell, collected speeding tickets like they were lottery tickets, appeared in front of one judge so many times, they started playing golf together. He preferred tea to coffee and absolutely adored lime marmalade. He always said he wanted to go down fighting. I wish he had gotten that one.

Well, at least I'll be able to communicate with him on Samhain, that's a blessing.

Okay, I've had my pity party and now I'm going to go bake a carrot cake. I bake when I'm depressed and it usually fixes it. I refuse to be depressed today because that would be giving in....and I just won't give them the satisfaction!

How do you say "SCREW YOU" in arabic?????

Cats, you just have to love them!

2006-09-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, he's just too darned cute. I know, I'm turning into the crazy cat lady who thinks her cat is too adorable and must document everything he does.

Are you ready for some football?

2006-09-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

Ah, yes, today is the first day of American Football here in the States. Maggie is celebrating by playing with her "treat football". You fill it with treats and then they spiral down through it to come out one of the ends. She loves that thing. If you look closely in the pictures, you can see assorted dog toys and the "toy basket". Plus, if you look really close, you will see a blue "moving sticker" on the floor. When you use a moving firm here, they tag every single thing that leaves you house with stickers. Gah, I have a ton of them still, hehehehehe

And here we have the cat. Please note that the recliner is in full "up" position, which meant that I had to crawl out over the side in order not to disturb the cat who was snoozing.

Can anyone tell that animals rule our household? Muahahahahaha

Being that it's first day of football, it will be football from 10am until about 5pm! Gah...I like the stuff, but not that much.

I think I might go dig through my boxes and find some fabric and do a bit of sewing today? I will retreat to the bedroom, which isn't that bad, I have my sewing machine, satellite tv and computer access up there! Plus, I have my own balcony to hang out on, so it's not that bad, really! LOL!

It's Pagan Pride Day

2006-09-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Yep, the annual Pagan Pride Day is upon us here in Portland. It's an international event and held on different days in different places. It's usually a great way for pagans to get together and let it be known we aren't what the movies portray us as.

Usually, getting Pagans to get together in groups in public is not an easy task. Some of us are out of the broom closet, but many are still in it.

I came out of the closet when we lived in Virginia Beach, VA. It has a very, very active pagan population so I was pretty open and free about it. Seattle was open about it, but the pagans were spread out all over and rarely got together, really.

Idaho, I refused to go back into the closet and got harassed. That was kind of eye opening to see how closeminded Christians really are. Most Christians I had known up to that point had been at least civil about it. Not so in Idaho, I think if they could have gotten away with a burning stake they would have tried it.

Now, I'm in Portland and all is well again. I will NEVER, NEVER live someplace that religious freedom is not allowed or condoned. Even though it is a constitutional right, the Christians in this country have gotten the idea that this country was founded on Christianity. They always say, it's on our money, in our court openings, etc.

What they don't realize is that you don't have to swear on a bible in court, and the God thing on the money, that happened in the fifties. The original founders that created this whole thing...most of them were deist. Meaning they believed in a deity that put you here and you figured it out on your own. They didn't believe one religion was better than another, they purposely separated church and state. The founders came from the "englightened period", meaning the founding fathers had studied history and the crimes that Christians had visited on non believers and thought it was bunk.

Almost every major war of our past was fought over religion and they wanted to start a place where that wouldn't happen. Too bad it didn't work, they had a great idea. Even though every person that lives in our country (legal or non-legal) has the right to worship as they see fit, provided it brings harm to no other human being. That means if your a pagan, muslim, jew, baptist, catholic or mormon you have the right to worship as you see fit.

In my personal experience, I have found the different sects of baptist and "evangalical" sects to be the most close minded, hateful people on the planet. They are way worse than the muslim's that believe that killing is the answer. If some of the different christian sects in America thought they could get away with religious jihads....they would do it!

I was brought up to believe in every person has a personal belief and just because it's not yours does not make it wrong. My family was just way ahead of the curve. I think it was because in the 1600's, we actually lost a couple of members to the witch burnings. We also learned quick during the Cromwell period that whatever religion was the "one of the day" was what we were publicly. Privately, we did our own thing. Somewhere around the 1800's., publically, we became Catholics? I still haven't gotten the story on that one...but privately, we were always followers of the "old religion".

Heck, in 1970, my mother converted to Judaism (who knows, she was in Israel?). I have an entire side of the family that is Southern Baptist, whom I love dearly even despite that fact. They all love and accept me, although I am careful not to "witch out" too much around them. Not that I couldn't, it's just a sign of respect. They in turn don't "christian out" around me too much.

I'm married to a Catholic and I have a cousin who is islamic. She converted when she was 18, it was just what made her happy. We all have a path to follow, who cares what it is called, right?

So, Happy Pagan Pride Day!

It's going to be a great day!

2006-09-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's 54 degrees outside...oh what sheer bliss! Let's see, what is on the agenda today?

laundry

~~Costco~~

~~grocers~~

turn the heel on Sock #2

~~defrost pork chops(I was watching Emeril last night!)~~

~~dig out my textbooks~~

HomeDepot

fix dinner

call Lani

Yeah, that pretty much sums up the day....not that bad a to-do list, but yet, enough to keep me busy throughout the day. Overall, a good day. Now, it will be interesting to see how it turns out by the days' end!

I always love starting with a list and then looking at what actually got accomplished, it's always a crapshoot with me....will it get done, or will I just blow the whole thing off? Not even I can tell what I'm going to do.

Curtain rods, anyone?

2006-09-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

I went on a hunt today for my curtain rod hardware. I have several curtain rods that I invested in. I say invested in, because they aren't the average rods, they are more of the decorator kind. I love them and would love to use them...provided I can find the hardware? Sigh...moving just sucks.

I did get some pictures hung today and the whiteboard and corkboard. Got some more boxes out of the way (yay!), and the apt complex got the window to open in my bedroom.

Other than that, the cold is getting better and the weather is turning cooler! Saturday...we are looking at a high of 64 (I believe). Oh, be still my heart!

Today was perfect here, albeit a bit sunny. But hey, I shouldn't be that picky right? I was and am very thankful for the cooler weather. I hate the 90 degree plus stuff around here, you shvitz by simply walking across the living room! Blech. I didn't even need to turn on the fan today..it was fabulous!

Tomorrow, I'm tackling those curtains first thing...my bedroom needs to be a teeny bit darker for my taste (meaning my blood red curtains are going up!).

Go Tae!

2006-09-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

Ha, I knew my girl would be just fine! She navigated the bus system alone and survived the first day of high school! Ha...I knew it all along! I wasn't worried, really!

What will be cool, is that we will only be a few blocks away from each other, so maybe we could hook up for lunch someday or something? It will be fun!

Meanwhile, I'm very proud of her (even though I knew she would be fine!).

Well, this has been a cheery afternoon....

2006-09-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

The Sci-Fi channel is running a Eureka marathon, showing all the episdoes so far. Yummy, it's one of my fave shows. I've been lounging in the recliner knitting on the sock with my handy dandy box of tissues at hand.

Today's rant...network special reports. Today I was watching "The View" (see, I told you I was addicted!) and they were talking about the strides that Barbara Walters had made for women in the news industry when they were interrupted by a "special report".

Now, since 9/11, everytime I see the words "special report", my heart drops to the bottom of my stomach and I get cold chills. The special report, the United States was moving the 14 detainees into custody and arranging for a military tribunal. They had to scare the crap out of me for that? That couldn't have waited till the noon news, they had to interrupt for that?

P told me I had the wrong attitude on it the whole subject, that some people consider that these 14 people's rights have been violated for years now (these people were the masterminds behind 9/11). Hmmm, let me confer with my brother Mark about people's civil rights. Oh yeah, I can't because he died in the Pentagon on 9/11, his civil rights were totally ignored on that day, by the 14 people being held.

Yeah, my attitude stinks, I know, I'll discuss it with Mark the next time I see him. In the meantime, I'll politely agree to disagree and move onto another subject. So, who has new yarn they want to brag about?

Having a cold just plain sucks.

2006-09-06T13:40:00.000-07:00

I feel crappy! I want to go take a nap but can't breathe if I lay down, bummer. I tried eating soup for lunch. It was good, would have tasted better if I could have tasted it..but it was hot and felt good on my throat. I adore minestrone soup...yummy.

I knitted on the "second sock" today a bit while watching "The View". I've never really gotten into that show, but I adore it now. I love Rosie and think she is a brilliant addition to the show. It's not your "grandmothers" show anymore, it's very vibrant and exciting. Good thing I have Tivo because I have classes on M/W/F from 9-10 and would miss it.

Gah, I have succumbed to daytime tv! Good Goddess, help me, please!

I feel wretched!

2006-09-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

I think I'm getting a cold and I seriously hate having a cold when it's hot. It just royally, bloody well, sucks! Blech!

I knitted on the shrug today, but got bored. Knitted on the second sock, but got bored. Knitted on the cardi, but got bored. You see, I feel wretched so nothing feels right.

I tried to take a nap, but it's too sunny and I couldn't breathe, so I got up.

So, I'm bored, I feel wretched, I'm grumpy, I can't breathe and it's hot. Someone just shoot me now and put me out of my misery.

I'm going to go unearth yet another box of tissues and cook dinner and go wallow on the sofa.

Oh shit...it's after 6pm and hey, look pictures of my quilt!

2006-09-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

Holy crap, batman...I look at the clock about an hour ago and it was only 10am? Sigh..that is what happens when you start up a Sims game with a definite goal in mind. I started a new family, a single mother who adopted kids. I just wanted to get the first adoptee into adulthood...shit that's a lot of work!

Tonight, we are having cold roasted chicken with potato salad. I'm not heating up the house with the stove and I don't feel like eating out.

Speaking of eating out, Pizza Hut's online ordering rocks! You can log in, place your perfect order, pay for it and they even give you an estimated time of arrival! It totally rocks, no more talking to people on the phone that can possibly screw up your order. I loved it. (That was yesterday, when we got back from the sea.)

The above pics are of the quilt that mom made me. Isn't it gorgeous? We are trying to get her to make some for us to sell at the Saturday Market next spring/summer/fall. You can see the really cool stitching that was done on it. The yellow border has leaves on it and the main part has these flowers all done in the stitching. She's really good at this!

Damn, I need a new lens cap for my camera.

PRGE..it's starting...

2006-09-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

That is what the previous questionnaire was for. It's a gift exchange thingee that looks like it will totally rock. I was kind of leery of joining it, because the last two I joined I ended up having "pals" that never really participated. So, who knows, it looks like fun.

I've been scouting out places to get stuff. Living in PDX, there is a plethora of places to find just the perfect thing. We have tons of artisan shops and lots of "funky" little places to pick up little things.

I'm so excited about this, I love giving presents. It's one of the things that makes me happiest is finding the perfect gift.

Oh well, I'm off to have pizza and knit on my sock (it's the second one...I didn't want to fall into the second sock syndrome).

PRGE-Whoo Hoo!

2006-09-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

1) How long have you been spinning/Knitting/Crocheting?
I have been knitting for exactly 2 years, 5 months , 3 weeks and 2 days.
2) Do you consider yourself a beginner, novice, or experienced Yarn Artist?
Hm, not quite a beginner but yet not a Yarn Artist yet. I'm kind of in the middle.
3) What type of fibers have you worked with?
I love pure wool, I love alpaca, I love the wool/silk blends, I love mohair and I adore some acrylics.
4) What types are you dying to try?
Hmm, dying to try? Oooo...toughie? Um, cashmere? I figured eventually I will be able to afford enough to knit a really fancy coaster some day!
5) Are you allergic to anything, (Fibers, Food, Smells that make you want to puke, etc.)?
I'm extremely allergic to cigarettes! Other than that, not much bothers me.
6) Do you have any Disorders, ex: Diabetes?
I "officially" have asthma, although my current living area doesn't bother it much.
7) What is your Favorite Time/Style period, ex: Romatic, Grecian,Metal, Goth,etc?
My favorite time/style...super easy: renissance (I can never spell that damned word) or medieval.
8) What fibers do you dislike?
I hate the acrylics that feel like a plastic shopping bag.
9) Name some of your favorite Artist, Movie wise, Television if you watch it ex: I heart Keanu, some things cant be helped, and Rachel loves Mike Ness !?
Hmm, let's see, Adrian Paul, Josh Lucas, Matthew McConaughey, Johnny Depp and Will Smith. All are total hotties. Tv that I watch? Hex, My Family, Bones, Stargates(s), NCIS.
10) Whos your favorite Character ex: Jack or Cpt Jack?
It's a tough call between Jack Sparrow and Will Turner...I wouldn't boot either out of bed.
11) Do you prefer natural colored fibers, or handpainted/dyed fiber?
I adore handpainted/dyed fibers.
12) What are you favorite colors?
Greens, purples and some pinks.
13) What colors do you dislike?
Orange and yellow...neither likes me back either.
14) What projects are you currently working on?
I have a cardigan, a sock, a shawl and a shrug.
15) Do you have a wishlist?
I have several wishlists...hehehehe
16) Do you have any other favorite hobbies?
I'm an avid reader, I love puzzles and I simply adore learning new computer code (yes, I'm a geek!).
17) When your birthday?
January 27th.
18) What is your favorite food, candy, scents that you love!! Etc.?
I will roll over and do tricks for anything with white chocolate. I would mortgage my mother for anything with lavender in it and believe it or not....my newest fave find...The "teak" candles by martha stewart sold at Kmart!
19) Are you pierced at all? Any tattoos? Can you/would you wear jewelry that isn't real?
I don't have a tattoo yet..but I have two in mind! And I wear anything that can be classified as jewelry.
20) What do you like Culturally, ex: Celtic, African, Devil Worshiping, Kidding!?
I'm a huge Etruscan fan or Celtic.
21) What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
My knitting needles live in a wine cooler box and my crochet hooks live in a former ale can.
22) What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like all kinds of music and yes, my computer is rather smart and can play MP3's as can my ipod.
23) What's your favorite season and why?
Fall/Winter. My absolute favorite holiday/season is Samhain. Why? Because it's the time of year I can communicate with my grandmother and let my hair down in public without censure. Hey, it's a witch thing, you know?
24) What season do you abhor?
Summer, blech!
25) How about Sports, any that you just cant get enough of or do they make you throw up in your mouth just a little?
Oh goddess...I ADORE, SIMPLY ADORE hockey and soccer!
26) What is your family situation Do you live alone?
I live with my spousal unit, my adopted sister, my fabulous dog and my very picky cat.
27) Do you have any pets?
Well, officially, they are considered pets, but would be offended if you referred to them as that. I have a labrador named Maggie (Margaret May is her official name) and a tuxedo cat named Ford Prefect.
28) Do you like handmade gifts?
I love handmade gifts.
29) What's your favorite thing to make, knit/crochet or other craft wise?
I love making purses and socks.
30) Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I love circulars most of the time, but yet, there are those times when a straight will win my heart.
31) Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I'm the proud owner of both!
32) Tell us how you learned to knit/crochet?
I taught myself and watched online videos.
33) Do you enjoy getting helpful hints from others or does it just piss you off?
I take every helpful hint to heart and treasure it!
34) How old is your oldest UFO?
1 year and 3 months.
35) Is there anything that you collect?
Books and yarn! Hahahaha...seriously, I do seem to collect yarn and knitting needles.
36) Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
The second knitting on the edge book, the one skein wonder pattern from Glampyre...I think that's it.
37) What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have if any?
I dont' have any, but buy most of them seasonally.
38) Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Yes, I would love to learn how to steek. It scares the crap out of me.
39) Do you enjoy knitting socks? How big are yer boats (feet)?
I LOVE KNITTING SOCKS! Hahahaha....can't help, I'm addicted to them. My boats are a size 7.5 (us)
40) When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
O1/27

Back from the Sea

2006-09-03T17:35:00.000-07:00

Maggie had her first visit to the sea today. As you can see, we had one happy, wet labrador on our hands.

She had a blast at the ocean. She definitely embraced her "inner labrador"!

She chased waves, frolicked in the surf and rolled in the sand. She quickly discovered that although it seemed like one huge water dish, it wasn't drinking water! Hehehehe

There were lots of other dogs out there today, which she enjoyed.

We layed around, played in the surf and just had a really good time. I finished a sock and started another one. P and N got buried in the sand..I'll post the links to the pics once I have them up and online. It was quite fun. N ran around collecting shells and T enjoyed a well earned day of rest.

It wasn't too hot, it was actually rather cool and breezy. Not too sunny, there was a light fog rolling in. Over all, I so enjoyed the day.

Night of the Living Dead?

2006-09-03T08:43:00.000-07:00

There are bodies everywhere here! LOL! We have both bedrooms full and the living room full, plus the dog and the cat.

I played with my new Sims 2 addition: The Glamour Life a bit yesterday. They had some really cool nifty stuff to add to the game. My fave part is designing the houses and such.

Apparently, Maggie decided to stay downstairs with T and N. Apparently, they didn't realize she snores! Yes, our labrador snores, horribly. So, they had that to contend with, plus....(retribution is sweet), T locked Ford out on the balcony accidently. Hehehehe Serves the little sour puss right. He was fine till 4am when he decided he really wanted to be inside.

Me, I slept through the whole thing...I was the dead last night. We are going to the ocean today. Not sure what knitting project I'm taking with me..but one will be going.

I got zero knitting done yesterday. I was distracted with a game addition and dinner and visiting. Hehehe.... Just can't decide what to take to the ocean to work on, sigh.

Someone is not happy with company

2006-09-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

Could that cat have a more disgusted look on his face? Your looking at a puss that has company this weekend and he is just not happy about it!

Yes, my cat is very anti-social. He does warm up to people once they have been around a few times.

But, sheesh...come on, he doesn't even pay rent and he thinks he has the right for that puss?

The Parents are Here!

2006-09-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

Yep, Mom and Dad have arrived! Yippee! So far today, P has taken Dad and Nick to Hooter's for lunch. Meanwhile, T and I took Mom to lunch and to a quilt store. We had to force Mom to get fabric, geez.

Now we are all watching "Failure to Launch", a really good movie. I loved it, and Mom has never seen it.

I would rescue them all if I could

2006-09-01T19:50:00.000-07:00

I accidently clicked on a link to petfinders.org...and oh my. I try to pretend that I'm cold hearted and tough, but yet, I sat here with tears in my eyes.

How can people shoot a dog that has puppies with it? How can someone dump puppies on the side of the road? How could someone just dump a dog off in the middle of nowhere? How can you take responsibilty for a dog then when it grows up and is larger than you thought, you dump it off at a pound?

I guess it's a good thing I'm not the President of the United States, because our prisons would be full of animal abusers. No wait, I wouldn't put them in prison, I would string them up and take a few strips of flesh off with a horsewhip.

If you can't take the long term responsiblity of an animal, then you just shouldn't have one. For goddess sake if you have one, get it spayed or netured, it prevents those puppies you want to dump on the side of the road.

I so want to just lash out at people that abuse animals. Let them see what it feels like.

Friday is Fun Day!

2006-09-01T16:20:00.000-07:00

What a fun day. Lani and i took the girls shopping for shoes today. We had a great time of it. More later,Iam on the cell phone typing this in.

Now, I'm at the computer, so a more thorough post can be posted. Lani, Taelor, Hannah and I went school shoe shopping today. We started at Fred Meyers', but the girls couldn't find anything they liked. So, rather than go to Payless (I simply refuse), I took them to my last resort shoe store...if they couldn't find shoes there, the perfect shoe did not exist. So, it was off to DSW Shoes for us.

The place is literally one huge, huge room with nothing but rows and rows of shoes. Not just any shoes, but really good quality shoes that are good brands and highly discounted. I love that store. Taelor and Hannah both finally found shoes that they liked, whew, I was starting to worry. Lani actually found a pair she liked and I sort of made her get them (hehehehe..I can't help it, shoes are fabulous new finds and everyone needs a new pair now and then.). They are a lime green higher heeled clog that she loved. They are very bright and just the thing for a dark Portland Winter. Every woman needs a pair of lime green clogs...it's just a given, you know?

We hung out at my apartment for a bit. The girls were bored, but I'm going to give them each a log in on our computers so that they can play next time they come over. I felt terrible they were so bored, but hey, being a kid is tough sometime. Needless to say, Lani and I had fun. Hehehe

After I dropped them off, it was off to pick up T from work. As if I needed an excuse to go to Starbuck's? Ha...oh yeah, twist my arm, why dont' you? Muahahahahahaha

I have laundry to do tonight, a certain cat which will remain nameless decided to let his frustration at the move be known on my curtains. The little bastard. If he keeps this up, he will be a stuffed reminder of days gone by. He has absolutely no reason to do what he did, I don't care if he got moved or not. Suck it up like the rest of us.

Oh well, should get the laundry started, it's about an hour and a half of duty. Oh yeah, Stargate is on tonight..yay! I should enjoy while I can.

Does religion really have to be part of it?

2006-09-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

(glaring spelling errors ahead, too lazy to look them up!)

That is my ponder of the day. Why does religion have to come into play? The thing I'm curious about (and this rears it's ugly head at least four or five times a year) is why people of one religion feel obligated to try and push their beliefs on those of another?

Now, I realize that when someone thinks they have a good thing going, they naturally feel obligated to share it. You know, you find a killer shoe sale or yarn on sale for 1.00 a ball or something, you feel you must simply tell your best girlfriend. That's fine, in fact, I think things like that should be broadcasted on the evening news.

However, when you have a preference in your religious views or your political views or your views on the color your neighbor paints their house...there should be a line that is not crossed. It's fine if being Baptist or Catholic makes you happy, or you love the fact that your a Democrat or a Republican or the fact that your neighbors house is bright purple with turquiose trim(and it makes you want to be ill). Those are things that you should not feel free to share with the public at large.

I love the fact that I'm Pagan. It is what makes me the happiest. It's the driving force behind how I conduct myself in the world at large. I'm not perfect by any means, but I do strive to treat everyone like I would want to be treated, I'm curtious to my neighbors (don't play the bass on my surround sound at top level), I help people when I can (like when it was 102 here and there were people having car troubles at my offramp..I stopped and gave them water and asked if they needed help). You know, the good person on the planet thing. I even give back change if too much is given to me.

I don't, however, feel obligated to tell everyone I see during the day that I'm a Pagan and that you should correct the error of your ways because your not a Pagan. I don't sublimily send out random emails asking you to join a pagan path study group (you know...bible study?). I don't go around making stuff up because someone is a different religion (the devil worshipper stuff). I also don't feel obligated to leave pamphlets on people's cars because they just might not be my religion. (Okay, that's my pet peeve-finding things on my car!)

And why, oh why....do some people feel that because your pagan and your blog clearly states that your pagan, that they simply must gather their forces and try to force you to close down your blog? For instance, a few years ago, a pagan I knew had a blog. She received a comment from someone that she didn't know about how the "J" man was the true deal. The woman (the Pagan) simply wrote back to the commenter that although she was sure the "J" man was right for the commenter, it simply wasn't right for her, thank you for commenting..good bye. The commenter then had all her/his religious friends start leaving comments on the blog with religious passages and all. It was horrid. They were literally stalking this woman online, all in the name of their God (who really doesn't have a name..just God...you know...the all inclusive catch all word). It was just wrong, but yet, they felt totally justified in stalking that poor woman because "they were right and she was a sinner". Spare me.

I wonder if our world will ever understand and embrace the idea that all religions literally lead to the same place, they are just different paths and that our differences are what makes this place we inhabit interesting?

It's a Geek thing, I swear!

2006-08-31T22:25:00.000-07:00

I have been using Google's "Notebook" feature for a few weeks now and I'm wondering how I managed without it before?

Okay picture this description in your mind: a 17" monitor sitting on a desk with a corkboard behind it. On the corkboard is literally 50+ pieces of paper tacked up, the non screen portion of the monitor is covered in sticky notes and the desk is covered in sticky notes as well.

That is what my desk looked like "pre" google notes..really! I was the post it note queen! The worst part of being post it royalty...is that when you needed the bloody thing it wasn't with you. Gah...

But, now I have my handy dandy google notebook. Located at Google Notebook, it's a web based "sticky note" thingee. If you have gmail, you probably have it!

You simply install it for your browser (I have it for IE, Firefox and Opera). Then, let's say your on an amazon page and you want to remember that bit of information. You right click your mouse and say add to notebook. The notebook window opens, automatically opens a new "note" with the web page address automatically saved and you type in what you want to remember about that particular spot.

I so love it.

I have two notebooks at the moment...one that is just "Ari's notes" and the other is my "project minder". Ari's notes has three chapters at the moment...general, cooking and shopping. If I see a receipe that I like, I store it under cooking. If I see something, like a killer raincoat at LL Bean, I save it under shopping. If it's a thing like a book on sale someplace, I store it in the general section.

The best part is that it's web based...so no matter what computer I am on I can see it. Even if the "notebook" hasn't been downloaded for the browser, you still get to it via your gmail account.

I have managed to get rid of every single sticky note!!!! Everything is on my notebook. And...when I'm away from said computer connection (a rare event that does happen...since I can access it via my cell phone), I can easily print it out for my planner.

Have I said how much I love google lately?

Exactly what have I done today?

2006-08-31T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hmm well, I emptied the dishwasher. I've knitted a bit, taken three naps and taken out some steak for dinner tonight.

Think that about sums it up. I have no idea what is wrong with me today, but I just can't wake up for anything, it seems. I'm just sleepy as can be.

The days just speed by....

2006-08-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

The season premiere of Bones is tonight! Whoo Hoo! I adore that show. It just rocks...and I've missed it over the summer. Yay...

It's been a lovely cloudy day here in PDX...not too hot, not too chilly, just perfect. Cloudy so that you can open the blinds and have a lovely filtered light...not that blinding stuff. Cool enough not to have the windows open or have to have them open. All in all, a perfect day, let me tell you.

Wow, I have nothing to talk about...how fun is that? I think I will go knit a bit.

Is it really almost noon?

2006-08-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

Geez, I've gotten nothing done except have a nice cup of blackberry tea and a couple of bisquits. Sigh, I start the day with such good intentions, but then get distracted with by my computer. I seriously have to get up and get moving.

I was going to reward myself with a "stuff pack" for my Sims game. Hmm, I can still reward myself if I get only a few things done? Right? Hahahahahahaha I will do tricks for computer games, I so need therapy.

Can't sleep, so I think I'll knit

2006-08-30T04:58:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like being up at 4am and not being able to sleep. That is when your handy dandy knitting project comes in handy. You can pop in a movie and just knit away till your sleepy.

I have no idea why I can't sleep, I just couldn't. I woke up about 3:00am and laid there forever, it seemed. I hate that..you lay there staring at nothing, willing yourself to go to sleep..and to no avail. Gah. I finally decided to just bite the bullet and get the heck up. I always have knitting or blogs or something that I can occupy my time with.

Today is Wednesday and the "adopted" parents will be here on Saturday. Yep, T's parents are visiting this weekend and I'm super excited about it. We are going to do the traditional BBQ, then go to the ocean for a day and do some shopping. All good fun.

I love her parents, they are the most wonderful people you could ever want to meet. Her mother has done more for me than my own ever did.

Meanwhile, in an attemp to create more room in our house, I will tackle yet more boxes. You really have to be tired of hearing about my bloody boxes by now. Slowly, but surely, they are disappearing from the house. It's just taking forever, it seems.

What do you know? I can cook.

2006-08-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

Dinner tonight was totally yummy. Pork loin chops done on the grill, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, beans and bisquits. Oh yeah, I did all that! LOL! I even amazed myself, Lani would be so proud of me! Hehehehe

We moved some stuff around today and guess what? I found four boxes of food that had been packed. It's a plus, because I won't have to get a lot of canned goods at the grocery, but where the hell am I going to put it all? Hehehehe

I still haven't found my beloved mixer, but I did find the baker's rack, which I plan to assemble tomorrow. That will clear the microwave off the counter so we will have more counter space and then clear up some room for the toaster over and the coffee pot and some other small stuff. I'm going to have to get some extra shelves just to hold kitchen stuff. I, do admit, I have some serious kitchen stuff. I need to rearrange the shelf unit I have assembled and get it more organized. My kitchen has run over into our dining area.

I kind of like having the dining room full of kitchen stuff....it makes it more homey and "lived in". I've never been one to like a "formal" dining area. I kind of like the "family style" of dining, you know, surrounded by food and stuff.

One of my fave shows Eurekea is on tonight. It's on the scifi channel, which makes me nervous because lately, they have only been running shows for a season or so and then getting rid of them. Sniffle.

I lost Farscape, Firefly, and now Stargate-SG1....I just want to go crawl in a hole and avoid that channel altogether. But I can't, I'm addicted. What gets me, they will cancel Stargate-SG1 but will have a stupid reality show on? Gah.....

Yes, the Goddess does listen, really she does

2006-08-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

Imagine my surprise to awake this morning to clouds, chilly weather and rain? Oh yes, it's a lovely day in the neighborhood. I love this weather, it rocks. I'm feeling quite inspired today to moving things around and actually cook dinner. We are going to have pork loin chops and whatever veggies I can round up. Yummy.

I only hope that it holds? We have not had rain since June!!! Yes, June! I love the rain and grey and chilly stuff, that's why I moved to Portland, Oregon? Hello, if I had wanted endless blue skies and endless sunshine, I would have stayed where I was.

As for the rest of the afternoon, I'm going to move some boxes, put some shelves together and just have a good old time of it. I might even bake a carrot cake.

Oy...thank goodness today is over.

2006-08-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

I found the cutest seat covers for the car today. I have been looking for seatcovers since I got her...these were totally perfect for a silver car with a black interior. I love Amy Brown's faeries...and these were just perfect.

It was horribly hot here today. I did get some errands run, but geez, I was miserable. T unpacked some of pictures today...some of which I have not seen since Norfolk! Wow.

Tomorrow, it promises to be much cooler. Yay. I'll see if I can get through another couple of boxes, or at least get them rearranged to get them out of the way.

I'm still knitting on the sock, I've made it around the heel and am working on the gusset..yay!

Um, oh yeah, it's Monday

2006-08-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

I'm not feeling the "rise and shine" part of getting up yet. I actually got up earlier than usual because I'm trying to transition myself to the schedule I will have at school. It sucks, let me tell you.

What in the hell do people do this early? I've read the paper, checked my email and am having my tea. After that...I guess I could go take a nap? LOL.

There are always boxes to be messed with, that's for sure. Blech. Oh...shopping..hehehehe...I do have errands to run this morning. Or at least at 10, that is when I had them scheduled.

As for now, I think I will go read blogs and see what everyone is up to?

Just roll me over to the couch, please

2006-08-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so stuffed that my stomach actually hurts. We went to Outback for dinner (it was too darned hot to cook this evening). I had my usual, a 9 oz. center cut steak, medium well, roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a caesar salad with a diet coke. And as usual, I'm stuffed to the gills. I usually take 1/2 and put it in a doggie bag, but tonight, I just made a proverbial pig of myself and ate the whole thing.

Now, I regret it!

At least it's cooled off a bit, so you can actually be comfortable here. I will be so glad when fall gets here finally, I really miss the rain. I even have a new umbrella (I lost my old one. I had had it since 2000 and I really am sad I lost it. Sniffle). The new and improved brelly is black with colored polka dots on it. Once it is displayed in all it's glory, I'll snap a pic of it. It's really quite the fashionable brelly.

Hmmm, is bigamy legal in Oregon?

2006-08-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

If it is, I'm marrying my Dyson! I have the purple one...the one specifically for people with pets. He cost an outrageous amount of money (at least by my standards). I paid a whopping 500.00 for him. That is the most I have ever spent on a vacumn (or a hoover as I refer to every vacumn on the planet). After going through three of them in three years, I was getting desperate. We figured that we had paid that much out over the three years for hoovers (generic term, remember).

I finally broke down, saved up and bought the purple beast. He promptly rode home in the backseat (since I figured his nuts and bolts were made of gold, he was NOT riding in the back of the truck!). Once we arrived at home, the box was opened and all the stuff came out. He is one gorgeous boy, that's for sure. I would love him even if he wasn't purple.

Being that we lived on one level, I never fully appreciated the efforts he will go to assist me in my fight against dust bunnies, dust mites and the never ending appearance of what can only be termed mystery spots. (I swear, they appear out of nowhere...we literally don't wear shoes on the carpeting and they still pop up?).

Today, my beloved and I tackled the carpets, blinds, stairs and furniture. I had forgotten how easily he moves, quite the nimble fellow. Once the upstairs was done, it was down the stairs to the main room (the pit from hell as it is referred to at the moment). He tackled it without a second glance. I even broke out his Zorb!

Zorb is the carpet cleaning product that Dyson sells to go with my beloved. Good Goddess...does that stuff work! Zowie for Zorb! Not only does it work well, it has the nicest of smells...a very good thing in a house with both a dog and a cat! You sprinkle it down, run the "groomer" over it...which basically scrubs it into your carpeting, wait 30 minutes and hoover it up. Man, I'm in love.

After flitting about with the beloved and his Zorb...it was to the stairs. Now, you have to fully understand, I HATE STAIRS! The only reason I have them is that this was one of the few places I could afford that would take Ms. Maggie. I had no choice, although a tent in the park was starting to look rather inviting. So, stairs, we have (two sets actually!).

The beloved has a telescoping handle...that...get this....REACHES TO THE VERY TOP OF THE STAIRS!..Yep, he has a far reach and hoovers just as if he were on ground level. I popped on the handy dandy "stairs" thingee and in five minutes, we were done.

Ten minutes later, he had tackled the downstairs blinds and the furniture. All without so much as a quiver, a blink or a protest.

After a mere 30 minutes (okay it was more like 37 minutes), I had hoovered the entire house, blinds, carpets, stairs and furniture and had not even really broken a sweat (and that is in 90 degree weather).

You know, if I ever have the opportunity to meet James Dyson (my beloved's father), I swear I will break down in tears and kiss that man's feet!

Oh...and the best part about the beloved.....he doesn't set off my allergies. Yep, my boy is hypo-allergenic. He doesn't have bags, you push a button and the lint/trash/whatever falls out the bottom into the trash bin.

Now, if only the husband would work as well? Muahahahahahaha

Sometimes, I wonder?

2006-08-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

I know that Maggie is not the smartest crayon in the box, but she's not the dumbest either.

For some reason, unbeknownst to man, she decided that in 90 degree heat, she needed to be squeezed between a recliner an ottoman and have a pillow from the sofa on her head?

I really shudder to think what was going through that brain of hers? sigh...when you have a dog, you have an endless supply of humor on hand.

The joys of sock knitting....

2006-08-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

I had forgotten how much fun knitting a sock can be? It's been awhile since I started a sock and had sort of pushed the sock aside for a bit. I've totally enjoyed knitting it and watching the stripes appear.

Let's not even venture to the almost instant gratification that knitting on a sock brings. You can see instant results and you actually feel like your getting someplace.

I'm knitting the sock in what I think is Mode Dea striped sock yarn? Not sure, It's kind of unmarked and wound into a center pull ball. I know there is a ball that matches it someplace around here (i hope?). If not, it will be a lone sock.

I do have to go find the pattern that I started with, I think I know where it is? The sock was actually started in Idaho and has now taken up residence in Oregon...the instructions are someplace around here, I know?

I would like to get a few extra pairs of sock needles, that way I could have a couple of pair on the needles. I should really look into that knitting two socks at once thing...people who use that method swear by it.

Anyway, that is the "sock". I have a friend who lives in Chicago, named Jodi. We have somewhat drifted apart over the years, but everytime I pick up a set of knitting needles, I think of her. She started the whole knitting thing for me due to a "sock" she was knitting. I, definitely, smile everytime I knit a sock. I dont' think she even realizes how inspiring she was. And it wasn't even that she was able to knit in the heat and humidity of Florida, either!

**Update on the sock yarn: yes, it's Mode Dea, Sassy Stripes in Crayon! I had to walk over to Micheal's to figure out what the heck I was knitting out of! Gah...I swear.

How much is a plane ticket for a puppy?

2006-08-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

Carrie over at the The Craft Schmoo has a puppy up for adoption. I swear, if I knew how to get ahold of her, I would adopt that little guy. He has Mr. Bear's "look", even though he is about 1/3 the size of Mr. Bear and will never be a "medium-large" dog, I have fallen in love with him. It's the look, I swear.

Sigh....

Oh look, it's the ever changing blog.

2006-08-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

yes, I was bored once again with my blog. I can't help it, a design lasts about as long as a piece of gum with me. Once the flavor is gone, out it goes!

I actually like this one though...I might stick with it for a week or so? LOL!I think I might give a go a designing one from scratch? I would love to have a 3 column again. I love a 3 column because I have so much junk I like to keep on my blog.

I knitted about two inches on my sock cuff last night while watching tv. I think that is why I dont' knit so fast...I rarely watch television! When I lived in Podunk, all there was to do was watch tv...so I knitted everytime I sat in front of the tv. Here, I rarely sit and just watch tv. I'm always doing something or am on the computer. About the only time I'm just sitting is when I'm on the bus. (At least come the end of September, I'm going to have tons of time for knitting! LOL!)

So far today, I ran by Costco, got petrol for the car, had lunch out (90 degree weather does not lend to actually cooking), and took the dog out.

I finally broke down and picked up a copy of "Marley & Me", by John Grogan. It's about the "world's worst puppy", a yellow labrador. Since I thought I had the world's worst dog, I have been wanting to read this. I finally broke down and got it (hey, it was on sale). I'm looking forward to reading it. I'll probably switch between it and another read that I'm working on "Origins", a physics approach to how the universe and we as a whole came about. It's really rather interesting, I love the whole physics thing about it. On the "trashy romance" side, I just finished "How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire"..which was a total hoot and had me laughing through it. I love those novels because they usually have a happy ending...something the world is sorely lacking in these days.

I have to run a couple of errands and then I think I'm going to settle in with a movie and knit on my sock...it's been so long since I knitted a sock, I have to go dig the pattern out for it? It's on a computer around here someplace, I know it.

Friday night, wow, so exciting....

2006-08-25T20:54:00.000-07:00

P and I went out to dinner at the Macaroni Grill. He had the chicken portabello and I had the Honey Balsamic Chicken. As usual, it was delicious.

Nothing exciting going on here, I'm knitting on a sock, needed a break from the green sweater and the waterfall shawl. I get nothing knitted because I keep going through three projects. Hehehehe...I get bored easily, what can I say?

Oh well, I'm off to watch Stargate and Atlantis.

Where did the morning go??

2006-08-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Geez, where did the morning go? Oh yeah, it was spent trying to dig through crap in my bedroom! Silly me! I did manage to find my sewing machine and make a spot for me to sew. Now, to just find all my "sewing stuff"? Hahaha I know I have stuff someplace...probably in storage? Might have to drive over there and dig through it all and see if I can find my fabric bins..they aren't hard to miss..they are big, blue and plastic.

I also unearthed my other laptop. I have to clean if off and get it hooked up for P to use, if he wants it? I have to find out, he has his pc so I'm not sure if he wants a laptop or not?

I also managed to create a "storage nook" in my bedroom for some extra boxes that I have no idea what to do with? It's cleverly disguised behind a curtain! LOL! I even found a spot for our fan that is not in the main pathway. Whoo Hoo! Plus, you can still get into the closets as well. Always a plus, let me tell you.

I did remember to take out something of the carnivorous nature for dinner. I think I'm going to make meatballs tonight? I'll have to call Lani and find out what goes in them? She always knows everything that has to do with cooking. Lani is the best resource a cook could have.

I also need to make some phone calls this afternoon. I haven't chatted with my buddy Salem in a bit and need to get caught up with her as well. Her computer died so she is "offline" for a bit.

I was going to the gym this morning, but got sidetracked with the bedroom thing. It's starting to warm up a bit, so any more "box moving" may be put off till it cools down again next week. I would like to get the dining room in some sort of order so that we could move around better in there.

it's a lovely day in the neighborhood......

2006-08-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

It's not hot, it's not sunny, it's cloudy and chilly, just my kind of weather! So far today, I've burned a DVD, checked my email and am getting ready to go the gym and hit the treadmill.

It's been three weeks since I've been to the gym, the trip down the stairs sprained and bruised a few parts that have been slow on the mend. But, it's back on track today. I really need to because in a mere four weeks, I'm going to be schelping up and down hills with a pack on my back.

After that, I have some laundry to do and a bit of rearranging of boxes to do. I would like to be able to sew, it would be a fun thing, you know?

Other than that..not much else going on here in the 'burbs. Yes, I officially live in the bloody 'burbs, even the map says so. I could cry. The things we do for our pets.

I may need oxygen

2006-08-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Apparently, there was excitement at the doggie park tonight. It was a case of not being pissed off but being pissed on. Muahahahahaha...wait, I have tears in my eyes.

Okay, here's what happened. P takes Maggie to the dog park each evening. It's a nice park with lots of dogs and people. Maggie loves to chase her squeaker ball and has quite alot of room to do so there.

Tonight, P was sitting there (they have lovely benches and picnic tables there) talking to some people when he felt a wetness on his leg. He looked down to find a dog had lifted it's leg and was peeing on him!

Why this happened, I have no idea? Perhaps the dog was "marking" and he figured that P was prime territory? Either way, P is not a happy camper about it! LOL! Naturally, the owner was nowhere to be found.

P is currently in the shower! Me, I may have to break out the asthma inhaler as this is just too damned funny. Sigh, only my husband could go to a doggie park and get pee'd on ! Muahahahahahaha

Light Rail, for me?

2006-08-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

I was perusing the Portland Transit Site and found out that they actually have four or five major projects in the works. Wow! I also found out that PDX back in 1986 was the "light rail model" for the entire United States. And...(imagine this), we have the second busiest light rail system in the country, second only to San Francisco? Who knew? Wow.

I so love public transportation. I love my car, don't get me wrong, I just love not having to sit in traffic or if I am sitting...I love not to be the driver! I like the being able to read or the try to knit thing.

Ack, I just remembered, I didn't take anything out for dinner...damn, damn, double damn.!!!!! F*^$...gah.....

Could it not be a bit easier?

2006-08-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

You would think a store that sells a certain size laptop would actually stock a backpack that would fit it? Sheesh! I finally found one that will hold my new baby!

Not only will it hold my new baby, but also the textbooks that will be needed for the classes that day. Whew, what a relief. Last term, I had to schelp a shit load of books everyday. My mathbooks usually run about 5 to 8 lbs each, plus a laptop, and "stuff".

It's amazing how much "stuff" you need for school. My current list is:

laptop

power cable

textbooks(2 on one day, 1 on the other)

notebooks(2 on one day, 1 on the other)

pen(2)

pencil

pencil lead refills

eraser

highlighters(4)

sticky notes

calculator

stapler

sharpie marker

wallet

keys

cell phone

ipod/ear buds

lunch

planner

umbrella

knitting project (probably a sock most times!)

trust me, after schelping around four or five blocks uphill, that pack will start to weigh about 50 lbs! Gah! It's exactly three blocks uphill and then a left turn and up four block uphill to my first class from the bus stop. I keep thinking it's just exercise and it will do me good! Hehehehe

With the acquisition of the backpack, all I need is the Italian book and I will have everything I need for the beginning of school. Yay! Next term I'm going to get slammed with a huge book list, I just know it. Sigh..oh well, I keep thinking of the paycheck the degree will bring and how much I missed school over the summer.

What a day!

2006-08-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

It's official, I'm a college student again! Yippee! And I got a job today, yay! I'll be working for the college which is cool because it's totally insync with my schedule. Yippee! Wanna see my schedule?

I'm so excited that I can't stand it. I've so missed school. I felt like I had failed miserably and I hate to fail at anything. So now, I have a second chance to get it done right. This time, nothing is going to make me quit before the end of the semester.

It's just been one hectic day, I spent all day downtown so I'm exhausted. The bus going downtown was late and coming home it was late as well. I need to get the "transit tracker" number so that I can tell when it's going to be late and when it's not. It sucks to sit for an hour at a bus stop waiting on a bus. What is worse is that three scheduled buses never showed up this morning. Gah.... I'm seriously considering driving myself, except I think I will be getting off at 5pm and traffic would be a huge snarl. I would rather have the 30 minutes or whatever to study on the bus, rather than drive.

Happy Birthday, Blogger

2006-08-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Blogger". Yep, Blogger is seven years old today! Go check out the article, it's even got a screen shot of the first blogger..ooh..baby...such a great page! LOL!

Damn, but life is good!

2006-08-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

Let's see, I'm in line to get registered after 3pm today. I probably have a job that pays 12.50 an hour, and I have a bus pass and a parking permit reserved for fall.

Not bad for two hours of work, huh? Muahahahaha...Damn, but I'm good!

All joking aside, it's been a hectic morning. I've been in two offices, three buildings and am now at the library. I'm taking a math class, Italian and a computer science class. Only three of them, but I need the hours for working. I'll have a parking pass so I can come back downtown at night to work in the labs and such if I need to. I'm going to try and telecommute and see if that works, if not, I'll be in the labs all night again. Now that I can park at the lab, it won't be so bad.

The job will be in admissions doing paperwork and such. Heck, the minute I said I knew access and could type 84 words a minute, they said your hired, I just need to send them my resume via email this evening. I'm kind of excited. I hate office work, but let's face, I'm good at it? Sigh...but at least it will keep a roof over my head and keep the car payment and insurance paid.

I'm so glad to be back at school, geez, how I missed it. I think even after I graduate, I'll still take classes and go for the Master's Degree. I love the learning experience, bottom line. Can't help it, I'm a Geek! Hehehehe

I have another meeting at 2-3pm and then I will be done for the day. I forgot my bloody phone at home, so I can't call P and give him the good news. Now, to twiddle my thumbs until 9/26 which is when school starts (which is a Tuesday-who can figure universities?).

Downtown Portland..it's not everyone's cup of tea, you know.

2006-08-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

Just got back from PSU, where I ran around the campus going from office to office. And I have to go back for 10am in the morning. No worries, the #96 bus runs straight to the campus from my front door (it rocks).

Unlike Lani, I knew not to try and drive downtown! There is no parking down there. Me, I took the train/streetcar in and the bus back. Hehehehe, having lived downtown, I'm savy to the rules of PDX! Hehehehe...I do feel sorry for them though, High School registration sucks wind! But, hey, Tae and I will be going to school only a few blocks away from each other, kind of cool.

I was digging through a box today and found a shawl I had started but shoved aside (yes, another shoved aside project). I think I might finish it this time around. It's getting to be that time of year,you know.

Tonight, we are having beef stroganoff for dinner. I'm quite amazed at myself, I've managed to make dinner almost every night since we moved in? Yay, me! After not cooking for seven months, it's a slow process getting back into the swing of things, but I'm managing.

I think in another couple of weeks, the house might be in some sembalance of order? I'm trying, it's just had to put stuff away when there is no "away" to put it in? I need to invest in some more shelves for the dining room, I can clearly see that.

You know, some times technology amazes me....

2006-08-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

I watched a movie on my laptop tonight and it's actually better than any tv we own. My laptop is a widescreen so I get the entire movie effect on it, plus, the quality is way better than even the tv. Totally amazing that the laptop is a better dvd player than the tv is.

I love living in these times, it's soo cool!

Oh,what did I watch? Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid...I love that movie, Newman and Redford were at their best in it. They have always been a great pair on the screen

Such fun on a Sunday....

2006-08-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

I swear, the excitment around here..oh my. Would you believe that P is actually watching a pre-season football game that he recorded on Tivo? I just can't believe it....I thought I had pretty much seen it all, but nope, he's watching a game that was Tivo'd.

The Desk

2006-08-20T17:44:00.000-07:00

Desk 1 and Desk 2

My desk is somewhat together and now I can show "where I blog from". I'm having horrible issues with getting images to go onto blogs today. Hence the "link" thing. Hey, it's better than nothing right?

When the tough get hot, we go to the pool!

2006-08-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

The Pool! If you click on the link you will see our pool! My images are not showing up on any blog today, so I'm going to do the link thing! I'll figure it out later on.

One pooped witch

2006-08-19T22:02:00.000-07:00

I'm bloody exhausted and I have no idea why? Well, I kinda of have an idea...could it be that I've stopped eating correctly? Between the skipping meals again and the heat, I'm just bloody exhausted.

I really have to get back on the eating track and start taking my vitamins. I also have to start going to the gym again. Since I tripped down the stairs, I've not been to the gym. I figured I needed to give my knees a chance to recuperate? Well, I think that time has come. Since tomorrow is Sunday, I'm thinking Monday will be a good day to start..unless I get inspired tomorrow.

I loved going to the gym, and I'm sure once I get back into it, I will love it the same as I did. I miss zoning out on the treadmill and the bike. I just hope my legs and knees will hold up. They are both still kind of tender, but hey, I can't wait forever.

Plus, I have to get back to eating breakfast again and lunch and snacks. I was doing really well until we moved. I've noticed that if I start a routine that involves meals and exercising, that if that routine is altered it takes me forever to get back on track. But back on track I will go.

I'm tired and I have to go move some boxes so I can hit the bed after a shower. I might go upstairs and sit outside and read a bit. The upstairs balcony is always rather cool, so I think Maggie and I will adjourn to the upstairs to read a book. Sounds like a plan.

Peaceful Saturday

2006-08-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

I managed to locate one of the digital cameras! I've got the batteries charging right now so I'll be able to use it shortly.

Not sure if I want to broadcast pictures of the house just yet, as it's still a huge mess here, but I'll be able to take pictures at the doggie park now at least.

P and I dropped by L's in order to lend her a monitor till she gets a new one. Naturally, we took Maggie with us. She loves the girls and L and L.

We have been making plans for "football" season. We have NFL ticket and a big tv, so sundays will probably be at our house? When you can watch any football game on a Sunday, why not? I'm sure we can keep the girls occupied, Lani and I have a Michael's within walking distance and a library. In fact, the girls could probably get library cards at my local library? I'll have to check into that and see. That way they could use this one and just do their book returns and checkouts on Sundays?

I've also found out that the "noisey" neighbors are going to put their notice in and will be moving...oh pure joy! Whoo Hoo! Love it, absolutely love it!

At the moment, I've got pork chops on the grill, so I must go check them.

Imagine my surprise???

2006-08-16T18:25:00.000-07:00

To find out that today is actually Wednesday? All day, I have been thinking it was Monday? Nuts, where did I put the actual Monday and Tuesday? Sigh, I hate when I misplace days, gah.

Since today is Wednesday, that means I have the command picnic in two days. Sigh...here I thought I had four days. I really need to start looking at a calendar or something.

Dinner tonight was a very yummy grilled chicken breast with a creamy pesto with pasta shells. A treat to the tastebuds while not being detrimental to the posterior. I realize that mentioning the word yummy with the mere thought of something being healthy and not overly fattening is a crime of nature, but I had to go there. Hee hee

I'm really loving the fact that my desk is actually set up and I can use my desktop. I've been getting caught up with the geeksters and have had lots of toys sent my way. I could have played on the laptop, but I try to keep that slimmed down on extra programs.

Took Ms. Maggie out a few times today, so that she could walk around and sniff the weeds. She didn't seem interested in doing much more than that. I think it was too chilly for her out today. At the moment, she is laying on my feet, snoring. I should try to capture that noise on audio, you haven't lived until you have heard a 120lb labrador snore. It can be the highlight of your evening, trust me!

I think I'm going to put the crochet blanket aside and knit on my cardi tonight. I'm thinking I might like to listen to a book or maybe watch a movie? Not sure. I do feel the urge to knit though. I love the crocheting, but I'm missing my knitting needles, sniffle. I think they think I have abandoned them or something?

YouTube anyone?

2006-08-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

Just for you lani!

Process, it's a lovely thing!

2006-08-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

I'm officially back on my desktop! Whoo Hoo! I love my laptop, but man, do I miss my mouse! LOL!

I had a bit of a problem configuring the wireless access this am on the desktop, but I perservered and managed to get it connected. It did involve dropping my secure network for about two minutes (which I hated doing). Nothing drastic happened though. All is still secure now.

I had to laugh though. At the dorms, if you scanned for "available wireless networks" a list of about 20 to 30 would pop up. Here, I'm the only one! Muahahahahaha I bet we are the only house that has five computers in it! Muahahaha...I swear, sometimes I wonder about us?

Today is laundry day(blech)-or at least one load of laundry. Which I should run down and pop into the washer so that it will be finished by lunch time. Can't spend all my day doing laundry now can I?

Why, you ask? Because I'm headed over to Lani's this afternoon for a bit of fiber fun! And I wanted her to be able to peruse "The Happy Hooker" book as well.

I'm going to get the shelves put together for my desk probably tonight, then I can start going through all the boxes marked "office". When the movers cleaned out the den...they literally labeled everything "office". So it might say office, but it's probably den. Mainly, I just want to find my damned digital cameras. The house is together enough that I'm not too ashamed to show pictures to everyone.

Danger Will Robinson

2006-08-15T13:36:00.000-07:00

Having a Costco a mere three miles or so from my house! Yipes! I pretty much did grocery shopping to last us until the 15th of next month! We will still need to pick up a few odds and ends here and there, but we are pretty much set on meat and staples. Whoo Hoo!

The best buy of the day-- 36 packs of Diet Pepsi for 6.50! Yes, that's right, a mere 6.50. Usually a 24 pack is 7.99 or so, so we were thrilled and needless to say, the mini fridge is completely stocked with a 36 pack to spare.

It's' been awhile since I was at a Costco. The nearest one to us in Podunk was about 60 miles away and a hassle to get to and from. I had pretty much given up on Costco. I had forgotten that the Pacific Northwest is "Costco Country", LOL!

It's an easy on the highway and off the highway for me, so I'll be shopping there more often. yay!

So, let's see, a neighborhood update? A costco, that is only three miles away, a yarn supplier that is within walking distance and a library within a block? Not to shabby, if I do so myself. I love where I live. Even if it's a bit cramped at the moment.

I really need to get my desk moved so that I can set it up. I sort of need some files that are on my desktop. Rats, I guess I can't put it off much longer. Oh well, it won't be that bad, I guess, it's just an involved process - tons of "knick knacks" that have to be moved and some boxes. Again with the boxes. I swear, if I live to be a hundred it will be too soon to see cardboard again! Blech.

One day closer to finding the cameras!

2006-08-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

I think today I'm going to finally set up my desk? We have to switch a couple of things around in order for that to happen,but I think today is the day. Once my desk is set up, I can start digging in the "office" boxes and sorting and maybe I will find the bloody cameas? I only have two of them, hello?

Let's see, yesterday I yakked with Lani for a while, which is always fun. Then I got another three bins of yarn stuffed under the bed in their handy dandy space bags. I knitted a bit on the crocheted blanket I am making, cleaned out my dresser and got most of my clothes stored away. I'm down to emptying one suitcase, a box and a bag of clothes. I think I'm going to have to visit Goodwill this week sometime. I know there is one on the way back from Lani's house.

It was too hot to cook last night, so we had a quickie meal from a fast food place. I know, it was cheating, but if you had been in my kitchen, you would have understood.

Today, it's the desk arrange, take out some trash and run by Lani's (I hope?). It's nice that it's so easy to get to her house from here. It's not such a schlep and it's way easier to get to from where I was.

I think I'm going to go work on my blanket a bit before everyone gets up and we have to start moving around. Oh yeah, I need to go grocery shopping today as well. Must make a list up.

Tis the Season, after all....

2006-08-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

You can tell fall is fast approaching. Not by the slight chill to the morning air, nor the slight turning of leaves on a few trees, but by the sound of "Let's play football" and "Gentlemen, start your engines".

Yes, the 24-hour a day sports season is upon us. Sundays will vibrate with the sounds of boys playing in very loud cars and the sounds of men cheering their favorite teams as they chase a small leather ball across the grass.

I think I now know why fall is always the most "arts and crafts" season of the year. Most wives are left to their own devices and no control over the remote on the tv.

One of the greatest memories of my life was being able to watch the romance channel all day on Super Bowl Sunday. I struck a blow for women all over the country that day! Muahahahahaha

Don't get me wrong, I like football, just not on a 8:00am till Midnight schedule on Sundays and then 8 till midnight on Mondays. I can take an occasional game here and there, it's just the "holy grail" of my life. I much prefer movies and the history channel.

Sports are fun to watch, provided you are actually there.. Somehow, the total excitement of it all loses something when broadcast through a tv. You don't get the sounds and excitement from the stands when your at home. Besides, I can't stand the major American Football announcer, he drives me batty.

Luckily, we have three tv's, three dvd players and an upstairs now. I can go do my own thing elsewhere and not be bothered with it all. Overall, it's a good thing.

Understand, of course, that none of the above applies to European Football.

As for today, I'm going to hang out upstairs and knit and crochet and I might watch a movie or two. I do have to walk over to the library and pick up some reserved books that are waiting for me. Tonight, I think I'm going to grill some pork chops and do au grain potatoes. Yep, I think that will take care of the day nicely.

Such a fun day!

2006-08-12T22:46:00.000-07:00

We ended up going to the Bite of Oregon with Lani and Les. We had a killer time of it! There was so much food to be eaten. Yes, I actually ate a good selection of things! Gah, when I think about it, I get nauseous, LOL!

We took the city bus down to the park which was the best idea lani has ever had. No worrying about parking and traffic. We parked at their house and just rode down on the bus, it was fabulous.

We heard some great bands:Courtney Jones,The Brian Copeland Band, Sweet Juice and Harmonica Pocket the first three were totally fabulous, the last one, gah...that woman could have put me to sleep. In fact, we left because we just couldn't take the slow beat anymore.

We left about 3;30 or so, it was getting a bit warm and starting to crowd out, so we beat a hasty retreat. I was full, warm and ready for a nap! Hahahahaha

I kind of miss living downtown, though. It was nice to be back downtown and see the sights and such. It sucks having to schlep back to the 'burbs, but hey, you do what you have to do for your babies (meaning Maggie and Ford).

Lani and I knitted most of the day while listening to music. Yes, I drug my knitting with me (like I can leave the house without it????). We enjoyed sitting and running our mouths and knitting. As usual it was good fun.

I think the best part of the day, we actually did "couple stuff". It's been ages since P and I had another "couple" to pal around with. It was very much like old times when we had lots of "couples" for friends. Sigh, I miss those days, I tell you. It's very nice to have L and L here in Pdx. I see alot of family get togethers in the future, hehehehe

I've also decided to learn to crochet better. I know how to do a single crochet and can make stuff like that. I want to refine my crochet technique and make other stuff as well. I got a magazine "Crochet today" and it's gots lots of "beginner" stuff in it. Yeah, that' s me, beginner! Hehehehe

I'm pooped now and I think I'm going to sign off and go to bed. I have some pictures but will have to get them up tomorrow, I'm too tired to mess with them right now.

And the Winner Is:

2006-08-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

The Tualatin Crawfish Festival! We had planned on going downtown to the Bite of Oregon, but that fell through, so we are off to the Crawfish festival. It's within walking distance to our house and we can take Maggie with us. No driving or commuting, so that's a plus.

I also have to do something with our bedroom. At the moment, I look like the annex of "U Move and Store It". There are boxes everywhere. Somehow everything always gets stuffed on my side of the room or in front of my closet. Even if it's not mine, I'm supposed to deal with it. Blech....it sucks.

Oh well, I should get moving, I need to get dressed and get going.

Oh, the sheer joy of it all!

2006-08-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

"Beginning construction of the 14.7-mile Washington County Commuter Rail project. The line will use existing freight tracks to add transit service in the heavily traveled I-5/Hwy 217 corridor. This suburban commuter rail line will connect to MAX in Beaverton and also serve the cities of Tigard, Tualatin and Wilsonville. "

That folks, is the greatest announcement known to mankind!!! They are going to extend Portland light rail transit to my area!!!!!!!!!! I may faint, I swear.

As it stands, it takes an hour for me to get to school by bus. If the train is here, that will be cut almost in half! I'm so excited No more fighting for parking downtown! Gah, be still my heart!