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November 30, 2005
Ecksmas
So, my folks have been bugging me for ideas for Xmas. I put it off and put it off... and then Mary showed me up and posted a list on her blog! Ack! Now I feel like a procrastinator... NOT my normal role in this family.
So here it is - for all to see. Mind you - this is a just a wish list people. Of course I must include some ridiculous things! Wishes are meant to be whimsical, non-sensical, and downright silly. Of course, with my practical nature, I usually lean more toward the "desperately need" list more than the "wish" list. But, c'est la vie. ;)
And - of course - the list is broken down into sections. Go fig.
The Practical
A Printer. Something basic that doesn't need primo expensive ink (so I can actually buy ink when I run out), but could print photos? Is there such a printer? I really don't need a fancy one.
A Coffee Grinder. Just a little cheap one. Nothing too fancy. It's just been on the list and I don't have the heart to shell out $15-25 for a little bitty appliance. But, you can!
New Brake Pads for My Car. Ummm..... I think little Miss Mazda won't stop soon. Yeah. (Just need the parts... will try to swindle Scott into installing them... He's a sucker for cookies.)
Gift Certificates for Clothes Okay - I thought my wardrobe had already gotten pretty pathetic, but now I realize it was just a prelude to what it was to become once losing a dress size. I am in desperate need of some clothes that fit! Stores to keep in mind:
Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget: H&M, Target, Old Navy
Good 'Ol Middle of the Road: Gap, Esprit
The High Roller Table: Banana Republic, Nordstrom
The Semi-Practical (I mean - it's practical if I'd use these things, right?)
Set of Handcarders I have a big bag of Llama wool waiting to washed and brushed. But I don't have the proper tools! The Ashford student handcarders look good to me!
A few jars of One Shot Dye. I'd like to give this stuff a go! It's gotten some rave reviews on Craftster... I'd lerv to get a few of the small jars in.. I dunno... say Raspberry, Persimmon, and Strawberry. I have some roving that is aching to be spun into yarn for a Clapotis! And I'm thinking shades of red red red!
A Ballwinder and Swift. Yes, I swear - this is practical. On accounta I'm practically breaking my wrists with all this winding by hand! I thought it was bad enough before I had to go and start MAKING yarn! (And don't you want to use one of those nifty 50% off coupons at Joann.com? Makes these puppies look a lot more reasonable!!!!)
The Dreamy
Money to put in my Vacation Fund. I mean it. I am getting the hell out of here. For like 10 days! I have no idea on dates, no real nailed down destination. BUT, I am determined to take a vacation in 2006. A real one. Far away. Not to visit relatives. I've been considering going somewhere I've never been before... But, I keep getting the itch to do the San Fran area. I've been there, but got to see like zero of the city. And it's only a 4 hour drive to Yosemite... I'm thinkin waaarm weather... I'm thinkin caaaaampin. Hiiiiiikin. Yeah. A little city, A little country. Could be nice, no?
Yarn. Like I need more yarn? But, no Xmas list is complete without some of the good stuff! Here's some stuff I've been eyeing...
Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock (two skeins makes a pair of socks!) I looooove the Daffodil and Bittersweet colourways!
Blue Sky Alpacas - Alpaca Silk - Oooh! Spring and Mocha are fantastic colors! I even like them together.... Must be something fabulous I could make out of this, no?
Manos Cotton Stria Mmmmmm. I'd like me about 5 hanks of Olive and 5 in white. What? This is the dreamy part of the list? I can ask for anything I want!
The Downright Silly
Tivo. Yep. Nothin practical here, folks. I just think it's NEAT! Of course, there is a rebate to be found here.... Brings down the ridiculous price by a smidgen. Just sayin.
And oh yeah... I made up one of those Amazon Wish List thingers... mostly books and dvd's that I've been lusting after....
Posted by Sarah at 3:06 PM | Comments (7)
November 28, 2005
There and Back Again: A Thanksgiving Travel Adventure
So, I went down to Flo-ree-duh to see my folks and my littlest sister Caitlin :) I left on Tuesday and came back yesterday - yes, yesterday. The worst travel day of the year. And I had a connection. In Newark. Yeah.
Surprisingly enough - it was Tuesday that proved to be the worse of the two trips... (Yesterday was no picnic - but it pales in comparison.
I had a 1:20 flight out of Bradley, so I left home about 10:15am. Smooth sailing until I hit the mother of all traffic jams in West Hartford. I kept my chin up, though! And I got through it just fine. Got to the airport with plenty of time and parked in the garage right across from the terminal for a ridiculous amount of money on accounta I'm a baby. (I had no interest in coming back to a snow covered car in some lot out in the boonies all by my lonesome in the dark. Nope. Charge what you want - I'm parkin in the garage thankyouverymuch!) Checked in, breezed through security, grabbed a sandwich for lunch (it was quite tasty Mary - you'd have been impressed!) Flight boarded on time - I thought things were going my way!
But no. After they trap us all in this tiny "plane", they inform us that we can't take off for at least an hour because there are too many planes trying to land in Newark. FRELL. They start figuring out everyone's connections to see who won't make their flights... They inform the poor girl in front of me that she will most likely miss hers and there's not another leaving until the next morning. They explain she can resign herself to her fate or try to catch her flight if they happen to land in time. She says she wants to give it a shot! They offer to move her to the front of the plane so she can run right off, but she declines - she thinks she's ok where she is. We'll come back to her in a moment.... Enter the craziest flight attendant I've ever been in the presence of. She's been yammering on about the delay quite defensively before anyone can even bemoan their situation. Now she waltzes down the aisle with a box of Kleenex offering tissues to everyone. Now, this is a bit odd - so every passenger she sticks the tissues in front of gives her an inquisitive look to which she responds "In case you're a snotnose!" Hmm... Now here's a lady with tact - no doubt. She continues to proclaim - loud now, so all can hear - "The snotnoses appreciate it!!!".
Okay.
She then shells out cheap mini pretzels which in my opinion, don't come close to making up for the psycho in charge of our well being on this flight or the delay which is costing many their connecting flights. But, I digress. Finally, we take off! The pilot had been trying to convince us that once in the air, the flight would only take 30 minutes. Well, Mother Nature had different plans. That "plane" was jostled this way and that for about 45 minutes - it was r-o-u-g-h. So rough in fact, that some couldn't keep their cheap mini-pretzels down. Remember that gutsy girl in front of me? Determined to make her next flight? Well, she should have stayed in Hartford for the day. About 10 minutes before landing she hurled. All over herself (I felt really bad), her window, the seat in front of her and the aisle. One thing you do not want released into a tiny little plane is VOMIT. Just like the rest of the flight it was r-o-u-g-h. While the noxious fumes were not agreeing with the sandwich I had just consumed, I just kept telling myself no matter how bad my day was going, hers was definitely worse.
That is, until I got up to leave the plane.
I grabbed my bag which was - you guessed it! - UNDER her seat. Yep. Puke. GROOOOOOSSSSS! Needless to say that my first stop in Newark was the ladies room. I then ran myself and my puke covered bag over to my next gate to find that this next flight was also delayed. Le sigh. Le curse. Le bitch! At least it was a bigger plane, I told myself. It won't be so bad. Well - it was a smoother ride. But, apparently the reason they make the bigger plane is so they can cram as many screaming and unruly children onto it as possible. At one point, the cute little boy in front of me stood up in his seat and turned around - he smiled. I smiled. (Like I said - he was cute!) Then he took his little blanket and slammed me in the face with it. I ordered a glass of wine. (I have never drank on a flight before....I think this time it was necessary - don't you?)
And that is the story of the hellish journey I took to Florida. Still with me? Wanna see the good stuff? It did get better... I promise!
That night, my parents took Cait and I to see La Nouba. Oh my goodness - it almost made up for the trip. Almost. It was spectacular - the first time I've seen Cirque de Soleil. I highly reccommend it! I couldn't take pictures... so go see it for yourself! Words can't describe!
The next day, Caitlin and I dug out some white wool roving I had brought with me and I showed her how to kool-aid dye! Here's what we came out with:
from the left: Parrot: pineapple, rapberry reaction, green apple and a little bit o strawberry. Creamsicle: mango, lemonade and pineapple (this one smelled amaaaazing). Lusty Lady: cherry, strawberry and a grape/cherry combo. Wanna zoom out? Do it!
I even spun two of those puffs up on my mom's spindle!
Here's our darling Desi checking out the goods....
And here's Parrot with a flower in her hair....
Caitlin in her natural habitat.
Desi and Toonces missing out a possible meal... is the thrill of the hunt gone?
Ah. The beach. I made a couple of visits... I LOVE the beach! I collected an assload of sweet little seashells that I am going to spread throughout mi casa. :)
Caitlin and I were even witness to one of my Dad's diving adventures. He hadn't yet checked out the water off his local beach, so he decided to go for a dip! I've captured it all right here in a smart little slideshow. Enjoy!
We saw many many pelicans! Some were diving into the water in formation, trying to snatch up some tasty fish! Quite a sight to behold, but I couldn't capture any pics I liked so you'll just have to take my word on it.
My last night there, Pop took me on a sunset sail. Very cool.
Hee.
I leave you with a lovely Florida sunset. It also almost made up for the vomit on my bag. Almost.
PS My mama also made a most delicious Thanskgiving meal. Everything was eaten before I had time to take photos - a testament to the yum!
Posted by Sarah at 9:23 PM | Comments (4)
November 20, 2005
Get Thee to a Nunnery.
I was completely unaware that we live in a society where at the tender age of 28, you can be considered at risk for becoming an old maid.
Recently, I've been subjected to the "concern" of various co-workers, acquaintances and the little old lady that lives next door.
Christ, people! I've been single for a few months, yet it seems people are as hell bent on finding me a husband as if they were bible thumpers scurrying to save my soul!
At first, it seemed innocent enough (though still bewildering since these people don't seem to understand that the passing of a 3 year relationship just might take some time to get over). Someone asked if I was dating yet. I replied with a firm no. "Oh, well I know someone in the finance department who likes you! He's cute!" (where am I? middle school???) "No, thank you.", I reply - as politely as I am able to these days.
Then another. "Are you seeing anyone new?". "Nope.", I state frankly. "Oh good! I have the perfect guy for you!" Sigh. I explain that I'm just not ready or interested yet. "You know, Sarah - you really shouldn't hide yourself away from the world! You'll never find the right man if you're not out there looking!" (Again, what century are we living in?)
A very sweet woman at work offers me her son! (This was by far, the least offensive - I thought it was adorable, but really... what could I say? No thank you.)
Then, the coup-de-grace. My deranged next door neighbor (seriously - I really should post some stories....) accosted me on a Monday morning as I had just put my car in reverse to head off to work. She comes running out of her apartment in her nightgown - frantically waving a piece of paper and shouting my name.
I place the car in neutral, pull the parking brake and roll down my window. She asks me if I remember the young man that came by this weekend to fix the water heater. Yes, I did vaguely remember the doofy looking plumber, complete with American flag boxers prominently sticking out from his jeans. (yeah. that made an impression. blech.) "Well, I was telling him what a nice girl you are and I told him how you were single and lived all by yourself and he'd like to take you out!" She looked like the cat that just swallowed the canary. Ever so proud of herself.
I'd like to pause here to point out that at no point in time have I ever discussed my "status" with this woman. She has surmised that I am single from the fact that I don't parade men in and out of my apartment. So, basically because I am not a whore, she has figured that I don't have a boyfriend. Hmm.
She continues, with a huge grin on her face expressing her pride in this kind deed, "He wrote down his number for you, here you go so you can give him a call right away!" Ah. So this is what she was flapping about wildly in her right handed deathgrip. "No, thank you. I'm not dating right now. I appreciate the thought." (LIE! She is in her 60's and a bit koo-koo, so I try to be nice.)
She persists. "But he's such a nice young man! Here, take the number and give him a call.". "No, thank you. I've just been through a bad breakup and I'm not ready to date yet. Thanks though." This should be the end, right? Not by a longshot.
"It was so bad that you wouldn't even go out with someone? Well, here - take the number so you can call him as soon as you're ready." She tried to shove the piece of paper into my hand. I refuse. "I'm not taking his number. I'm not interested."
"Well, I'm just trying to get you some company!"
Oh. My. God. In. Heaven.
"Listen, lady. I am not in need of company. I have plenty of company. I do not need company of the male persusasion for my life to have meaning or for me to be happy. I am fine. Thank you for the thought. I need to get to work now, or I will be late."
I peeled out of there, leaving her in the driveway - still looking completely befuddled about why I wouldn't give this complete stranger, whose love for his country extends all the way down to his undergarments, a call..... after all, I'm in my late twenties and living all by myself. Why would I turn away a man?
WHO SAID I NEEDED TO FIND A MAN?!?!?! I have expressed NO interest in this! Perhaps that's what has them all so concerned... Oh, something must really be wrong with her - She doesn't flirt! She doesn't look! She's gotten so despondent that she might miss her chance at landing a husband! Whatever will happen to her?
Now, I've survived breakups before (granted - this one is the worst). At no time prior to this, have I ever been approached by so many people trying to set me up with someone! As a matter of fact, I don't think it has ever happened before!
Here's my theory as to why:
I just turned 28 years old.
These ladies are concerned that my ship might have sailed. That if I don't get out there NOW (!), all hope may be lost. At 22, I never evoked so much concern and emotion over my dating status. No one was worried then! A mere 6 years later..... and it's a crisis.
Too bad I'm not religious. I could go off to a convent and people would think it noble not to marry. Be single for a little too long in the secular world and you're thought to have a mental illness.
Okay, so 'fess up. I can't be the only one subjected to this. Anyone out there share my pain? Anyone?
Posted by Sarah at 1:51 PM | Comments (11)
November 16, 2005
Glourhass
It's doooooone!
Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson
Size: Medium, 37" Chest Circumference
Yarn: Hemp/Cotton blend, worsted weight, about 5 and a half balls
Needles: Zippy Zippy Addi Turbos, US7
Modifications: I used the technique Alison outlined in her Nothin But a T-Shirt pattern to work the hems and it saved a lot of time and made the edges look very smooth.
Comments: Ok. This is by far my favorite sweater to date... It is bunky and comfy as all get out and took me about a month to knit up. I LOVE the neckline and the sleeves are the perfect length for my tastes. The subtle shaping makes this sweater. Simply fab-you-luss!
Mary snapped some silly pics of me - you can check out me giving my dog a big fat raspberry here. If you're into that sort of thing....
Posted by Sarah at 10:49 PM | Comments (8)
Just a little silly....
A fellow puppy lover sent this to me at work today and it made me giggle so I decided to share :)
My favorites are the Pyradachs and the Malamoot.
NEW DOG BREEDS?
Collie + Malamute =
Commute, a dog that travels to work
Collie + Lhasa Apso =
Collapso, a dog that folds up for easy transport
Spitz + Chow Chow =
Spitz-Chow, a dog that throws up a lot
Pointer + Setter =
Poinsetter, a traditional Christmas pet
Great Pyrenees + Dachshund =
Pyradachs, a puzzling breed
Pekingnese + Lhasa Apso =
Peekasso, an abstract dog
Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel =
Irish Springer, a dog fresh and clean as a whistle
Labrador Retriever + Curly Coated Retriever =
Lab Coat Retriever, the choice of research scientists
Newfoundland + Basset Hound =
Newfound Asset Hound, a dog for financial advisors
Terrier + Bulldog =
Terribull, a dog that makes awful mistakes
Bloodhound + Labrador =
Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly
Malamute + Pointer =
Moot Point, owned by... oh, well, it doesn't matter anyway
Deerhound + Terrier =
Derriere, a dog that's true to the end
Mary's comin over for Lost tonight so I am going to try to arrange an HGS photo shoot - woo! I've been suckered into taking pics of her soaps for her new Etsy shop, so she'll owe me one!
Posted by Sarah at 4:09 PM
November 14, 2005
Excessive Crafting Leads to Bad Blogging
Okay. So I have SO many updates, but I haven't taken any pictures yet.... I've been caught in that nasty riptide of xmas gifts. While I had told myself I'd limit the amount of homemade gifts this year to a bare minimum (to protect my sanity as well as serve my greedy knitting nature as of late) I have come to a shocking conclusion.
I am poor. So very poor.
This led me to the inevitable realization that a.) xmas gifts will not buy themselves and b.) I have a lot of crap around this apartment that can be made into some fabulous items given the appropriate attention and some elbow grease.
I'm happy to report that I finished one gift this weekend, as well as started two others that shouldn't take too much time to complete! Now, I just need to keep this drive a steady one and we might be in the clear!
On to the greedy knitting.... The Hourglass Sweater is done! I just need to get a damn picture taken of it... Oh yeah, and a blocking might make her happy too... We'll get there. (I love this sweater so much - I want to knit another one already!)
The Cable Rib socks are on a hiatus until everyone else's presents are complete... :( Man. One of these years I'm going to knit myself xmas presents and nobody else. Damnit.
edited to add: Mary answered that meme I tagged her with - in a delightfully creative fashion. I urge you all to check it out... hee.
Posted by Sarah at 9:07 PM | Comments (1)
November 7, 2005
OWrglass Sweater
Ah. The Hourglass Sweater. Was it so long ago that I was bragging about how easily she was going? How quickly she was being spit out? Nay. Has she proven difficult since? Nay. Did I finish the body and both sleeves in what felt like record time? Indeed.
Did I get to the end of the second sleeve and realize I was one. stitch. short? Mmhmm.
And was that stitch lost just a few rows back? You know it wasn't.... Oh yes, friends. All the way back to the cuff. Now, given my recent speech on the need for nerves of steel, I wasn't about to turn into a hypocrite and throw this fair maiden into the "I'll deal with you later" bucket. Nope. I rippedrippedripped and knitknitknit and after a weekend of knitting what surely felt like a USELESS third sleeve (because I counted and I've only got two arms, folks) I finally joined that sleeve to the body and I'm working on the yoke!
Victory is mine! I spit at you lost stitch! I strike thee down with MIGHTY vengeance! (Can you tell that I knit all weekend while watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy? I think it helped.)
And here we are. Back on track! HAZAH!
Posted by Sarah at 9:44 PM | Comments (4)
November 4, 2005
Another Fuzzy Friday
So, I gave soy silk a whirl! Whoo-ee! I like it. I really like it!
Tofutti Break
Fiber: 4oz. Dyed Soysilk from Ellen's 1/2 Pint Farm
Spun into a 2-ply dk weight yarn...
All hail the soy bean! By far, the most useful bean I know. This stuff is sinfully soft and SHINY! I can't wait to get my hands on some more of this stuff. I was a littel intimidated of spinning it, but I had no troubles. It will take me a little while to master, but my first shot is definately knittable!
TOFUTTI BREAK! (Anyone out there have any clue to what I am referring?)
Posted by Sarah at 6:07 PM | Comments (4)
November 3, 2005
Moi Moi
OOOOOOOH! I gots tagged by Steph! And awaaaaay we go!
what is your all time favorite yarn to knit with?
An entirely impossible question to answer! I'm quite the yarn floozie, people. QUITE. I like it ALL. Okay.. not all. I do despise most anything I can buy in the fabric store.... so, I'm a yarn snob/floozie. But, I can list a few favorites.... Rowan All Seasons Cotton, Schaeffer Laurel, Manos del Uruguay, and anything from Blue Sky Alpacas.... *drool*
your favorite needles?
Circulars! I choose the type of needle (addi, bamboo, etc) according to what fiber I'm knitting, so that changes all the time. But I lerv circular needles to bits. I still have a stash of straight needles... but we all know that they're really just there to fill up that lovely needle case Mary made me.
the worst thing you've ever knit/crocheted?
Oh. Dear. So, I am grateful I don't have a photo of the monstrosity, but I attempted to knit the 2 year old niece a zip up cardigan for her birthday.... BIG mistake. (Joseph to be specific - even found the lovely Colinette yarn and all....) It was early on in my knitting career and while I could technically "knit" I was as yet unable to tell when something in the pattern had gone awry.... This thing was the most uneven, mis-shapen sad little lump of fluff you ever did see. The front was long - too long. The back? You guessed it. Too short! After the knitting was done, I did all my little experienced hands could do to seam it into some kind of garment. It *sort* of looked like a sweater....
Think I'm too critical on my own work? I've never seen the kid wear it.... The proof is in the pudding, friends.
your most favorite knit pattern? (maybe you don't like wearing it...but it was the most fun to knit)
Pia by Kim Hargreaves for Rowan... I originally knit it for me, but decided to give it to littlest sis since she has year round tank top weather..... Such a fun pattern! Cool neck shaping - funky straps - BUCKLES! What more could a girl ask for? Didn't get bored once while knitting her up - always a good sign!
most valuable knitting technique?
Nerves of STEEL.
You must be able to overcome even the most heartbreaking mistake in even the most inconvenient spot! You must be able to rip back that sleeve all the way back to the cap without batting an eye! Icewater must run through your veins in the most disheartening moments!
Wrists of steel also help.
best knit book or magazine?
Let's name one of each!
*Interweave Knits is hands down the best knitting mag out there. There is always something in each issue I want to knit. They have a great mix of different styles and designers and their photography is great. They also keep the fun fur to a minimum and that is ALWAYS a plus.
*Reader's Digest Knitting Handbook. I use this puppy at least once during almost all of my projects. No patterns, but this thing's as close as I'm gonna get to a bible.
your favorite knit-a-long?
Well, I've only taken part in one so far! The French Market Bag knitalong at the Knitty coffeeshop forever ago... 'Twas fun! Here's my I came out with!
your favorite knitblogs?
Tough one. You can see the complete listing on my links page, but lately I've been thoroughly enjoying Knit and Tonic, Fig and Plum, YaRRRn! and all of the lovely Spiders' blogs. What makes a favorite a favorite? I love reading the blogs of folks with wicked senses of humor and some good photography skills....
your favorite knitwear designer?
I'd have to say it's a toss up between Joelle Hoverson, Kim Hargreaves and Teva Durham.... What catches my eye in design tends to be a new take on a classic... simple but edgy.
the knit item you wear the most? (how about a picture of it!)
I think I wear my ribby cardi more than anything else! It's just so damn comfy! But being the photographer in the family, I think I have a total of 6 pictures of myself that weren't taken for the gallery...so there's no phtographic evidence of this fact!
Let's tag some of the Scissorinas! Jennie, Christine, and Mary.... YOU'RE UP!
Posted by Sarah at 7:28 PM | Comments (2)