Not much to post, except that today I am a total 25.4 pounds lighter than I was last year! Yay!!
It hasn't been terribly easy (especially this past fall which I stayed the same for a loooong time).
Anyway, be happy!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Arrgh
Sometimes it does not pay to be cheap. Sometimes it does, but other times it doesn't. So when I bought my yarn for this sweater I bought the amount of yardage needed. Stupid! Stupid! Now I read online that people need more yarn than the pattern calls for and they are out of Cranberry in my lot number.
Anyone have any cranberry lot #87260??
I called Knitpicks, checked Ravelry and Ebay to no avail.
I'm so mad at myself. Usually I buy extra but because we are being super frugal these past 2 years because we are saving money for a house because we live in the most expensive place in the world (or so it seems) AND I bought it at Christmas time when we were already spending hand over fist... I didn't do it. I planned badly and now this.
AUGH! So MAD! At Myself!
Any other ideas of places to look, dear knitting friends? Any friends you know that have any?
Btw, I guess a house is worth even a sweater that might be not quite what I had envisioned, but still. If you like to read about saving tips or finance stuff, I saw this article online today, and the www.stickk.com idea is so far out there I don't even know what to think about it. I don't think it would help me, but I guess some people operate better with fear and pressure!
Basically, the way we save is simple, we just automatically put most of the paychecks into accounts and have it scheduled for every paycheck, and then it isn't like we ever had the money to spend.
P.S. Thank you for all the lovely hand model comments, maybe I am the George Castanza of the knitting world? All I do for upkeep on my nails is this - I use moisturizer when my cuticles are dry and I quit filing my nails a few years back. That's right - when they get scraggly I clip them, straight across. They are a lot stronger that way. Trust me, I was the brittle nail poster child. And now look at me! Beautiful nails (but a little on the dumb side in regards to yarn purchasing, well, maybe not dumb... but maybe a little more frugal than I should have been, I won't make the same mistake twice).
Anyone have any cranberry lot #87260??
I called Knitpicks, checked Ravelry and Ebay to no avail.
I'm so mad at myself. Usually I buy extra but because we are being super frugal these past 2 years because we are saving money for a house because we live in the most expensive place in the world (or so it seems) AND I bought it at Christmas time when we were already spending hand over fist... I didn't do it. I planned badly and now this.
AUGH! So MAD! At Myself!
Any other ideas of places to look, dear knitting friends? Any friends you know that have any?
Btw, I guess a house is worth even a sweater that might be not quite what I had envisioned, but still. If you like to read about saving tips or finance stuff, I saw this article online today, and the www.stickk.com idea is so far out there I don't even know what to think about it. I don't think it would help me, but I guess some people operate better with fear and pressure!
Basically, the way we save is simple, we just automatically put most of the paychecks into accounts and have it scheduled for every paycheck, and then it isn't like we ever had the money to spend.
P.S. Thank you for all the lovely hand model comments, maybe I am the George Castanza of the knitting world? All I do for upkeep on my nails is this - I use moisturizer when my cuticles are dry and I quit filing my nails a few years back. That's right - when they get scraggly I clip them, straight across. They are a lot stronger that way. Trust me, I was the brittle nail poster child. And now look at me! Beautiful nails (but a little on the dumb side in regards to yarn purchasing, well, maybe not dumb... but maybe a little more frugal than I should have been, I won't make the same mistake twice).
Monday, February 25, 2008
A sweater is started, officially
I finally started on the sweater I promised poor Kristina I would start January 1st. This is for the second time. This time instead of starting with a sleeve I am starting with the bottom, like the instructions say. If you would like to see completed versions of this sweater, here is an old "hour glass knitalong"
Anyway, mine is in a very pretty red, not bright cherry red, a little deeper, but not a maroon either. Somewhere perfectly in between. I'm using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Cranberry.
And so, as I alluded to yesterday, the knitting is going slower because of the regular worsted weight yarn. But I have made some progress.
First I turned over the hem, and knitted it in, so I do not have to go back and knit it later when I am done. Yay! I really hate sewing as I am too impatient to be good at it. In fact I would love to take some sewing classes but the are around $100 bucks around here - even the ones offered at stores! But I digress... Here is the hem before it is turned.
Here it is half way done (the left half is finished, the right half still needs to be done).
And here is where I am right this very minute. It's wider that our remote control! (not that I planned to have the remote in the picture it just sort of happened that way)
I have heard that knitted hems flip more than sewn in ones, but as I am not confidant of my sewing skills and I don't like to do it, I am going to rock this sweater regardless if the hem flips.
I'll love it unconditionally! If it flips, I'll consider it charm.
Anyway, mine is in a very pretty red, not bright cherry red, a little deeper, but not a maroon either. Somewhere perfectly in between. I'm using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Cranberry.
And so, as I alluded to yesterday, the knitting is going slower because of the regular worsted weight yarn. But I have made some progress.
First I turned over the hem, and knitted it in, so I do not have to go back and knit it later when I am done. Yay! I really hate sewing as I am too impatient to be good at it. In fact I would love to take some sewing classes but the are around $100 bucks around here - even the ones offered at stores! But I digress... Here is the hem before it is turned.
Here it is half way done (the left half is finished, the right half still needs to be done).
And here is where I am right this very minute. It's wider that our remote control! (not that I planned to have the remote in the picture it just sort of happened that way)
I have heard that knitted hems flip more than sewn in ones, but as I am not confidant of my sewing skills and I don't like to do it, I am going to rock this sweater regardless if the hem flips.
I'll love it unconditionally! If it flips, I'll consider it charm.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
I am worked OUT!
Well since Kristina swears that reading workout blogging isn't terrible, I thought I'd update you guys! Still going strong - yesterday I just did an easy bike while reading exercise, and today I re went after my running, running it up a notch to running my minutes as a 10 minute mile pace. So I think I'll hang out doing the same regimen for a total of two weeks before adding more running time as this is a pretty hard workout for me. My legs are a little sore. Not too badly though.
By the way, if you are like me and like to keep a log of your exercise... but you lose notebooks, or forget to write in them at home and then remember at work and then forget when you get home again - and wish there was a more portable way... I found that the new runner's world training log is pretty cool. You can put your time, your mileage, the weather conditions, where you ran, etc. all in one area. It also has other activities besides running so if you crosstrain like me (probably not lazily reading like me while doing it tho) then you can enter in that too. It's free. Here is the link. And they have a free demo so you can try it all out before you decide if you want to sign up. In general their website is pretty fun and has lots of fun stuff to look at.
If you are in the DC area (or if you are coming to see me) and want to find a race or find a group to run with or something like that, check out this website, the Washington Running Report.
If you look under calendars, they list all the races in PA, VA, and MD.
If you are running somewhere else you can check out the Running Network webpage and see what is near you! I know there is a New England one too.
Coincidently, I also picked up my knitting again. I had a 2 month hiatus. I don't know why, since I love love love knitting... but maybe i just needed a break. So that is cool too. I have about an inch of a sweater done. This is a regular worsted weight sweater, and I have to say the thicker/quicker yarn is much more satisfying when you look to see what your daily progress is!
I'll post pictures tomorrow. Maybe I'll be up to 2 inches by then. hahaha.
By the way, if you are like me and like to keep a log of your exercise... but you lose notebooks, or forget to write in them at home and then remember at work and then forget when you get home again - and wish there was a more portable way... I found that the new runner's world training log is pretty cool. You can put your time, your mileage, the weather conditions, where you ran, etc. all in one area. It also has other activities besides running so if you crosstrain like me (probably not lazily reading like me while doing it tho) then you can enter in that too. It's free. Here is the link. And they have a free demo so you can try it all out before you decide if you want to sign up. In general their website is pretty fun and has lots of fun stuff to look at.
If you are in the DC area (or if you are coming to see me) and want to find a race or find a group to run with or something like that, check out this website, the Washington Running Report.
If you look under calendars, they list all the races in PA, VA, and MD.
If you are running somewhere else you can check out the Running Network webpage and see what is near you! I know there is a New England one too.
Coincidently, I also picked up my knitting again. I had a 2 month hiatus. I don't know why, since I love love love knitting... but maybe i just needed a break. So that is cool too. I have about an inch of a sweater done. This is a regular worsted weight sweater, and I have to say the thicker/quicker yarn is much more satisfying when you look to see what your daily progress is!
I'll post pictures tomorrow. Maybe I'll be up to 2 inches by then. hahaha.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Rev it up a notch!
I sure hope that isn't a trademarked slogan or anything.
Anyway, as you all know - I'm trying to get back into running condition this year. It is the year of the Rat, and er, um, Runner! So since January I have been getting back into the habit of getting up at six, putting on what seems like 5 gazillion layers, walking to the gym in our complex and exercising. (which if you know me and waking up, this part is probably more than half my challenge)
Not very challenging exercising, though, I admit. Sure there were some days where I threw myself on the elliptical and was at its "cross country" mercy... but most days I was lazier and did the "hill" setting on the exercise bike (while reading a magazine, people leave the best magazines there). Hahaha. Whoops.
Anyway, I declared today the day to start getting serious so that by the time it is nice enough to wear 2 or less layers outside, I'll be ready to do some running. I've decided to buck the system a little. All the training programs have you exercising a half hour, which is good (I assume they do this since most people are training for a 5-k and if you run a 10 minute mile then you're there in a half hour) but when I am trying to start out it seems too long and I usually end up straining a muscle too much and then I quit. At least that seems to be the way it has been the last few times.
But suppose, just for a second, I cut it down to 20 minutes. Maybe this will be better, plus on running days I can lift weights. So that is my new system. We'll see how it goes. I'll keep you posted. But not too posted. then you would get bored and my few loyal readers would wander away and I'd be writing to myself.
Anyway, as you all know - I'm trying to get back into running condition this year. It is the year of the Rat, and er, um, Runner! So since January I have been getting back into the habit of getting up at six, putting on what seems like 5 gazillion layers, walking to the gym in our complex and exercising. (which if you know me and waking up, this part is probably more than half my challenge)
Not very challenging exercising, though, I admit. Sure there were some days where I threw myself on the elliptical and was at its "cross country" mercy... but most days I was lazier and did the "hill" setting on the exercise bike (while reading a magazine, people leave the best magazines there). Hahaha. Whoops.
Anyway, I declared today the day to start getting serious so that by the time it is nice enough to wear 2 or less layers outside, I'll be ready to do some running. I've decided to buck the system a little. All the training programs have you exercising a half hour, which is good (I assume they do this since most people are training for a 5-k and if you run a 10 minute mile then you're there in a half hour) but when I am trying to start out it seems too long and I usually end up straining a muscle too much and then I quit. At least that seems to be the way it has been the last few times.
But suppose, just for a second, I cut it down to 20 minutes. Maybe this will be better, plus on running days I can lift weights. So that is my new system. We'll see how it goes. I'll keep you posted. But not too posted. then you would get bored and my few loyal readers would wander away and I'd be writing to myself.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Happy Birthday Aunt Patty!!
I just wanted to send out a birthday wish to my Aunt Patty who turned a very wonderful 60 today!!
She is one of my loyal blog readers, so Happy Birthday!!
She is one of my loyal blog readers, so Happy Birthday!!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentines' Day, Everyone!
Some people may call this day "Singles Awareness Day" or "S.A.D", and we don't celebrate it too crazily as some people do, I just wanted to wish you all a Happy Valentines' Day!
I'm so happy I get to spend the evening with Harland! Yay!! But even if you don't have a "special someone" close by, take some time and do something nice for yourself!
And know I am thinking of you!
I'm so happy I get to spend the evening with Harland! Yay!! But even if you don't have a "special someone" close by, take some time and do something nice for yourself!
And know I am thinking of you!
Saturday, February 02, 2008
If you don't like dirt, don't look here
Today I decided I wanted to go hiking because we haven't been in a rather long time. We thought about it in the morning and decided against Shenandoah because while we had a downpour that lasted from 1am-5pm on Friday, they were getting ice for at least the 1st part.
We decided then on going somewhere local where we haven't gone before (no real reason, really) - Bull Run Regional Park It's super close to where we live and people at work have mentioned it has great tent and cabin camping (and RV too I believe). So there you go.
According to the website it also has a public pool, bluebells in the spring, Miniature and disc golf. Also a public shooting center, which includes sporting clays, skeet, trap, wobble trap and indoor archery.
Something for the whole family and right down the street from me (come on over and visit! We have a lovely apartment now, nice and big!!)
It is also the start of the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail, a 17 mile trail. So we thought we would check it out.
I think though that they should have renamed it - at least for today - to the MUD TRAIL. This is the way it looked the whole way.
Some of the mud and water had a thin layer of ice, which made it more interesting - rather than just sliding in the mud, first you'd crunch through the ice then slide in the mud. I guess we better get used to it, since Phil the groundhog said we have 6 more weeks of winter.
We walked for less than 2 miles out. It wasn't the mud that stopped us. It was this:
Yes. And entire RIVER was flowing across the trail. We threw in a rock to see how deep it was and it was a good 3 feet deep. Since our gortec boots are not that high, we had no choice but to turn around.
We did see some signs we weren't the only ones out and about:
Deer Tracks
Some Kind of Hawk, we were debating if it had a red tail or not. (by the way I think I forgot to tell you all that I saw a bald eagle out my office window last week - I was so excited. There is something stirringly patriotic about seeing a bald eagle flying overhead when you can see the Washington monument in the distance.)
And finally I leave you with some humor:
Now there is that cabin on the other side of the fence and I believe what they mean is people in the park who are not renting that cabin can not use these picnic tables. They must be for campers only. But the sign next to the tables cracked me up.
Happy Groundhog Day/Super Bowl Weekend/Mardi Gras weekend!!
We decided then on going somewhere local where we haven't gone before (no real reason, really) - Bull Run Regional Park It's super close to where we live and people at work have mentioned it has great tent and cabin camping (and RV too I believe). So there you go.
According to the website it also has a public pool, bluebells in the spring, Miniature and disc golf. Also a public shooting center, which includes sporting clays, skeet, trap, wobble trap and indoor archery.
Something for the whole family and right down the street from me (come on over and visit! We have a lovely apartment now, nice and big!!)
It is also the start of the Bull Run-Occoquan Trail, a 17 mile trail. So we thought we would check it out.
I think though that they should have renamed it - at least for today - to the MUD TRAIL. This is the way it looked the whole way.
Some of the mud and water had a thin layer of ice, which made it more interesting - rather than just sliding in the mud, first you'd crunch through the ice then slide in the mud. I guess we better get used to it, since Phil the groundhog said we have 6 more weeks of winter.
We walked for less than 2 miles out. It wasn't the mud that stopped us. It was this:
Yes. And entire RIVER was flowing across the trail. We threw in a rock to see how deep it was and it was a good 3 feet deep. Since our gortec boots are not that high, we had no choice but to turn around.
We did see some signs we weren't the only ones out and about:
Deer Tracks
Some Kind of Hawk, we were debating if it had a red tail or not. (by the way I think I forgot to tell you all that I saw a bald eagle out my office window last week - I was so excited. There is something stirringly patriotic about seeing a bald eagle flying overhead when you can see the Washington monument in the distance.)
And finally I leave you with some humor:
Now there is that cabin on the other side of the fence and I believe what they mean is people in the park who are not renting that cabin can not use these picnic tables. They must be for campers only. But the sign next to the tables cracked me up.
Happy Groundhog Day/Super Bowl Weekend/Mardi Gras weekend!!
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