Sunday, December 23, 2007
Merry Something-Or-Other
Hey Y'all, just a quick post before we head out on the three-day holiday-visit-palooza. Have a happy safe holiday party season; we'll be home next week!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
bored bored bored
I got back to the hotel after work today and I am bored. Bored bored bored bored bored-itty bored bored. It turns out that the only thing that was sustaining me throughout this whole ordeal of being away from home was that I was able to do my Deep UnderCover Knitting without worry. Now I am just far away from my home, husband, and stash without much to do.
Not that I haven't tried. I contacted the local yarn shop to see if they were having an evening sit 'n' knit. They aren't, and I would be there too late for the regular afternoon session. Crap.
There is actually a putt-putt golf course right across the parking lot, but it's colder than my leftover porkchop out there. I may bundle up later and hit the batting cages for a while, but that usually makes my hands swell up.
I could go shopping; there's a mall right across the freeway. Of course, that would require GOING TO THE MALL. Naw, I'm good.
There is a movie theatre not too far from here that plays some of the older movies. I usually wouldn't go to the movies all by myself, but these are desperate times, folks.
I'm going to work on the second Mary Poppins' Scarf and weigh my options. And maybe fall asleep, who knows?
Not that I haven't tried. I contacted the local yarn shop to see if they were having an evening sit 'n' knit. They aren't, and I would be there too late for the regular afternoon session. Crap.
There is actually a putt-putt golf course right across the parking lot, but it's colder than my leftover porkchop out there. I may bundle up later and hit the batting cages for a while, but that usually makes my hands swell up.
I could go shopping; there's a mall right across the freeway. Of course, that would require GOING TO THE MALL. Naw, I'm good.
There is a movie theatre not too far from here that plays some of the older movies. I usually wouldn't go to the movies all by myself, but these are desperate times, folks.
I'm going to work on the second Mary Poppins' Scarf and weigh my options. And maybe fall asleep, who knows?
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Ultimate Yarn Diet & Exercise Program
When I went to the doctor a while ago to have the doctor poke around in my ear and ask if it hurt, I had the bad fortune to stand on a scale. So, not only was I feeling like I'd be better off if my ear just exploded off the side of my head, I found out that I had gained back all my no-dairy-for-Becka weight. And then some.
I know that this is due in some part to my eating on the road. Not that I eat that badly out here; this pork chop isn't even that big... Hey! There's another pork chop under here! Score! Hmm, sorry. Anyway, the point that I was trying to get to before being pork-blocked is that it's not the diet necessarily, but the lack of exercise I've been getting as of late. Instead of walking around my downtown or hitting the treadmill, I've been sitting on my ever-widening behind and working on sweaters and scarfs and exercising my online purchasing power to likewise extend my yarn empire.
Well no more. This will be the year I work out my stash accumulation issues and get a handle on the love-handles. This will be the year of the Yarn Diet & Exercise Program, in which I earn my stash and the right to buy more by getting off my ass. Quite simply, the program assigns a physical activity to quantities of yarn in the stash, like walk a mile per skein. Once the activity levels have been met for the yarn already on hand, the miles walked go towards the purchase of new yarn.
Okay, that might be confusing. Try this: for example, Suzy has 20 skeins of yarn and decides to swim one lap for every skein. Suzy does not buy any yarn until she has completed enough laps to account for all her skeins. After Suzy swims the 20 laps for 20 skeins, Suzy swims two more laps, giving her two skeins of exercise "credit" so that she can buy enough Lorna's Laces for a pair of socks. The idea is to link our happiness (knitting and yarn) to our health (being more active).
Thinking about doing something similar? Check out da plan:
How to Create Your Own "Da Plan"
Step 1: Catalog the stash. Find out how much yarn you've got. I've been wanting to organize the stash and put pics up on Ravelry anyway, so I'll spend some quality time with the stash during my vacation next week while the HusBoy is at work. I am in the process of creating a spreadsheet, but if you just want to use a calculator and notepad, be my guest. This will be the basis of your yarn "debt", the yarn that you will be exercising your way through.
Step 2: Create an Attainable Goal. Okay, now you know how much yarn you have. (You may feel a little nauseous; this is normal.) Now, you have to decide how to "work-out" through it. Split it up by grams, yards, miles, rooms, whatever makes sense to you. For example, after doing a high-level analysis of the stash, my current plan is to do an activity (such as walking a mile) for every hundred yards of yarn. Of course, if you have a thousand skeins of lace-weight, this would be an unreasonable goal. Come up with a goal that is safely attainable but will push you to become more active.
Step 3: Decide What You Want to Do. Pick a few activities that you could reasonably accomplish (without getting hurt) while being more active. One push-up per gram, one lap swam per skein, one mile walked for each mile of yarn? You may want to pick a measurement and stick to it to avoid converting grams to yards to skeins to whatever. Once again, don't start exercising without your doctor's permission, and don't go from being the ultimate couch potato to running 5 miles a day. Best case scenario, you get discouraged, worst case, you get hurt. Either way, it defeats the purpose of the whole undertaking. If taking a walk around the block is all you can do safely, go for it.
Step 4: Keep track. Keep a tally of your activities to keep you motivated and to let you know when the world of yarny delights is once again at your mercy. Celebrate milestones with books and knitting accessories. (What, I didn't say don't buy anything. I'm not a monster.) Figure out how many more dance classes you'll attend before you get to buy the yarn for that killer sweater. And for the love of Mike, have fun. Why would you voluntarily do something that you couldn't enjoy?
Step 5: Cheat. Okay, we'll call them "exceptions", but we all know what the score is. I, for one, will still buy yarn (and add it to my yarn "debt" that I'll have to walk off) to finish a project, if I get a gift, and for my Birthday. Otherwise, I will finish activities prior to my purchases to earn yarn "credit". Be as liberal or strict as you want, it's your plan.
So, that's the general idea. If there's any interest (don't laugh), let me know; I can probably put together a Ravelry or Blogspot page and organize us somehow. Maybe get some prizes or something, I dunno. Get back to your Xmas knitting; I'm all done!
I know that this is due in some part to my eating on the road. Not that I eat that badly out here; this pork chop isn't even that big... Hey! There's another pork chop under here! Score! Hmm, sorry. Anyway, the point that I was trying to get to before being pork-blocked is that it's not the diet necessarily, but the lack of exercise I've been getting as of late. Instead of walking around my downtown or hitting the treadmill, I've been sitting on my ever-widening behind and working on sweaters and scarfs and exercising my online purchasing power to likewise extend my yarn empire.
Well no more. This will be the year I work out my stash accumulation issues and get a handle on the love-handles. This will be the year of the Yarn Diet & Exercise Program, in which I earn my stash and the right to buy more by getting off my ass. Quite simply, the program assigns a physical activity to quantities of yarn in the stash, like walk a mile per skein. Once the activity levels have been met for the yarn already on hand, the miles walked go towards the purchase of new yarn.
Okay, that might be confusing. Try this: for example, Suzy has 20 skeins of yarn and decides to swim one lap for every skein. Suzy does not buy any yarn until she has completed enough laps to account for all her skeins. After Suzy swims the 20 laps for 20 skeins, Suzy swims two more laps, giving her two skeins of exercise "credit" so that she can buy enough Lorna's Laces for a pair of socks. The idea is to link our happiness (knitting and yarn) to our health (being more active).
Thinking about doing something similar? Check out da plan:
Big Medical Disclaimer - Always always always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise plan, listen to your body, and make safety your top priority. This plan does not even pretend to be medical advice and for goodness sakes don't get hurt or arrested.
How to Create Your Own "Da Plan"
Step 1: Catalog the stash. Find out how much yarn you've got. I've been wanting to organize the stash and put pics up on Ravelry anyway, so I'll spend some quality time with the stash during my vacation next week while the HusBoy is at work. I am in the process of creating a spreadsheet, but if you just want to use a calculator and notepad, be my guest. This will be the basis of your yarn "debt", the yarn that you will be exercising your way through.
Step 2: Create an Attainable Goal. Okay, now you know how much yarn you have. (You may feel a little nauseous; this is normal.) Now, you have to decide how to "work-out" through it. Split it up by grams, yards, miles, rooms, whatever makes sense to you. For example, after doing a high-level analysis of the stash, my current plan is to do an activity (such as walking a mile) for every hundred yards of yarn. Of course, if you have a thousand skeins of lace-weight, this would be an unreasonable goal. Come up with a goal that is safely attainable but will push you to become more active.
Step 3: Decide What You Want to Do. Pick a few activities that you could reasonably accomplish (without getting hurt) while being more active. One push-up per gram, one lap swam per skein, one mile walked for each mile of yarn? You may want to pick a measurement and stick to it to avoid converting grams to yards to skeins to whatever. Once again, don't start exercising without your doctor's permission, and don't go from being the ultimate couch potato to running 5 miles a day. Best case scenario, you get discouraged, worst case, you get hurt. Either way, it defeats the purpose of the whole undertaking. If taking a walk around the block is all you can do safely, go for it.
Step 4: Keep track. Keep a tally of your activities to keep you motivated and to let you know when the world of yarny delights is once again at your mercy. Celebrate milestones with books and knitting accessories. (What, I didn't say don't buy anything. I'm not a monster.) Figure out how many more dance classes you'll attend before you get to buy the yarn for that killer sweater. And for the love of Mike, have fun. Why would you voluntarily do something that you couldn't enjoy?
Step 5: Cheat. Okay, we'll call them "exceptions", but we all know what the score is. I, for one, will still buy yarn (and add it to my yarn "debt" that I'll have to walk off) to finish a project, if I get a gift, and for my Birthday. Otherwise, I will finish activities prior to my purchases to earn yarn "credit". Be as liberal or strict as you want, it's your plan.
So, that's the general idea. If there's any interest (don't laugh), let me know; I can probably put together a Ravelry or Blogspot page and organize us somehow. Maybe get some prizes or something, I dunno. Get back to your Xmas knitting; I'm all done!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Congratulations!
Please forgive the poor quality of the pictures, they were taken swiftly while the HusBoy was otherwise occupied.
Congratulations to Errs of Pantheon Acres and Heatherly the Yarn Yenta for having the two closest guesses (12/12 and 12/22, respectively). Thanks to everyone who participated and really motivated me to get this off the needles before the very last second. Now maybe I can work on being funny and interesting instead of obsessing about the DUCK project.
But not today. I will save my interesting for when I unveil my yarn diet strategy for next year. It'll be a doozy.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Done
The DUCK project has been completed. Finish time was December 16, 2007 at 16:26 pst. Congratulations to the winners, who I will discover and post (w/pictures) once we get back from dinner.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Knitting Sleeves at the Speed of Light
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Tuesday, December 11, 2007
What I Did on my Earache Vacation
So, I went to the doctor. The doctor gave me lovely pills and I slept very much and cried only a little. I lost a week of work and knitting on the DUCK, but I finished a few gifts:
Hand/Arm Warmers from Last Minute Knitted Gifts out of my Alpaca With a Twist Baby Twist (ahem, the Loopy Ewe is carrying their yarn now, just sayin'). This has become my new favorite yarn. I knit a pair of these for the HusBoy's grandmother and for my boss. Each pair took less than one ball of yarn and was a surprisingly fast and easy knit. Trust me, I was on painkillers when I knit them; it was really easy.
On the DUCK front, (sleeves actually) we are back on schedule. Many thanks to everyone who wagered on my ability to finish the HusBoy's sweater in a timely manner. I finished the Knitters Uncensored pod casts and have begun listening to Damknit, and Lime'n'Violet has a new episode, so I'm all set for some serious knitting and (hopefully) finishing.
Hand/Arm Warmers from Last Minute Knitted Gifts out of my Alpaca With a Twist Baby Twist (ahem, the Loopy Ewe is carrying their yarn now, just sayin'). This has become my new favorite yarn. I knit a pair of these for the HusBoy's grandmother and for my boss. Each pair took less than one ball of yarn and was a surprisingly fast and easy knit. Trust me, I was on painkillers when I knit them; it was really easy.
On the DUCK front, (sleeves actually) we are back on schedule. Many thanks to everyone who wagered on my ability to finish the HusBoy's sweater in a timely manner. I finished the Knitters Uncensored pod casts and have begun listening to Damknit, and Lime'n'Violet has a new episode, so I'm all set for some serious knitting and (hopefully) finishing.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Time is Running Out!
I'm sorry it took me so long to crawl out of bed, but the infection in my ear spread throughout my little head and I've been knocked out on pain meds the last few days. I'll do a post with everything I did in my stupor (a surprising lot), but I just wanted to remind y'all that the deadline for DUCK Contest entries is tomorrow, let's say midnight pst. Spread the word; I've put together some nifty prize packages, if I do say so myself.
Last time I was able to work on the sweater I had just started binding off for the sleeve caps, so I've made some progress. Lots of luck to everyone!
Last time I was able to work on the sweater I had just started binding off for the sleeve caps, so I've made some progress. Lots of luck to everyone!
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Downtime
Guess who woke up this morning with a double ear infection? Yep, you guessed it. I spent a good two hours in the urgent care and the pharmacy getting intermittant work done on the baby hat. I'm pretty sure this is going to end up too big, but the baby will grow into it.
I'm going to nap and continue on the sweater. And put drops in my ears and take my antibiotics. Better blogging to come, promise.
I'm going to nap and continue on the sweater. And put drops in my ears and take my antibiotics. Better blogging to come, promise.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
On Top of Things
At the risk of sounding cocky and getting smacked-down by the righteous hand of Fate, I think I have this holiday thing under control. The holiday cards went to the mailbox yesterday evening. The few knitted presents are either done or damn near. The holiday package that usually wouldn't be sent to my grandparents in Hawaii until after the holidays should arrive there this week. I even found and purchased a gift of unsurpassed awesomeness for the HusBoy. Okay, so I'm broke and it's only the beginning of the month, but the rent and bills have been, the savings account is as of yet untouched, and even the super-secret holiday account has yet to be plundered. And now that I'm just about done doing the purchasing thing, I just have to stay off of etsy and out of the bookstores and I'm golden.
So, enjoy your first night of The Festival of Lights. Yarn Yenta, your gift is in the mail (hey, even I'm not perfect).
So, enjoy your first night of The Festival of Lights. Yarn Yenta, your gift is in the mail (hey, even I'm not perfect).
Monday, December 03, 2007
Moments in My House
Just a quick post to share Stinker's reaction to the zombie cat toys I picked up from Prairie Bird on Etsy:
She is my zombie escape plan.
She is my zombie escape plan.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Etsy-palooza!
I stayed up waaaaay too late last night and did a lot of Etsy shopping for the DUCK Contest goodies. After quite a bit of contemplation, I've decided to keep the actual prize components a secret (it's a completely selfish act; I love a good surprise) but I wanted to recognize the sellers who put such bad-ass stuff at my disposal.
Etsy Sellers:
KNITnTHINGS I bought out the store last night
Vera June neat printed goodies
Silver Mountain Originals cool crafty stuff
Union Center Knits featuring Whatnot Yarns
Dragonlady Designs interesting, creative stitch markers
Christine Renee thinks brains are important
GinPins unique ceramic jewelry
If curiosity is eating at you, please assuage your suffering and browse their merchandise. I have had nothing but good experiences with these folks. The best part of buying all these goodies (other than the "omg, omg moment when the winners get them)? On every order I sneak in an extra for me! I would never give you something I wouldn't want myself.
DUCK Update
Yay #1: Our fourth entry into the contest came in today!
Yay #2: I have a picture of the sleeves!
Etsy Sellers:
KNITnTHINGS I bought out the store last night
Vera June neat printed goodies
Silver Mountain Originals cool crafty stuff
Union Center Knits featuring Whatnot Yarns
Dragonlady Designs interesting, creative stitch markers
Christine Renee thinks brains are important
GinPins unique ceramic jewelry
If curiosity is eating at you, please assuage your suffering and browse their merchandise. I have had nothing but good experiences with these folks. The best part of buying all these goodies (other than the "omg, omg moment when the winners get them)? On every order I sneak in an extra for me! I would never give you something I wouldn't want myself.
DUCK Update
Yay #1: Our fourth entry into the contest came in today!
Yay #2: I have a picture of the sleeves!
Stinker is actually much closer to the camera than the sleeves; they are well over a foot each. I finished increase 6/8 this evening before secreting the entire project in the car for the weekend. I am going button hunting this weekend for the DUCK project as well as the shoulder cozy for my aunt and the mittens for my dad.
I almost said something about my doing pretty well for the first of the month, but that would be tempting fate to mightily smitily me, huh? I'll keep it to myself then.
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