Are there no thunderstorms? Because I want to move there. This summer has been an endless stream of thunderstorm-induced migraines and I'd really REALLY like them to stop.
If it were a constant 15-25 degrees Celsius there too, that'd be a bonus.
Thanks!
Jul 30, 2008
It must be a sign...
Yesterday I decided that I want to re-start using the Weight Watchers points system for food tracking, with a view to getting back into the program in the fall when my schedule settles down.
This morning, I went into the lunchroom to get a glass of water (drink more water!) and there is a Weight Watchers magazine from January 2005, which was the LAST time I was on the program (hell, it might be my magazine, who knows?).
Definitely a sign.
This morning, I went into the lunchroom to get a glass of water (drink more water!) and there is a Weight Watchers magazine from January 2005, which was the LAST time I was on the program (hell, it might be my magazine, who knows?).
Definitely a sign.
Jul 28, 2008
Today is the first day...
... that I dragged my lazy butt back to the gym. Seriously, it's been months! I did 15 minutes on the treadmill, 10 sit-ups and 3 pathetic push-ups, then about 15 minutes of serious stretching so hopefully everything won't seize up on me like it did last week after a 20-minute yoga workout. I am SO woefully out of shape, my god. However, 1 day at a time is progress.
Speaking of progress, I got a fair bit done on the Adagio Shawl this weekend - it's at the black hole stage, yarn keeps going in but it doesn't seem to be growing at any great rate! Good thing I picked up those extra balls, but I don't think I'm going to need them all. Thinking the leftovers might make good blankie material, baby-sized. (hm, another project for the list...) It's 3 weeks + 1 day to Carole's birthday, so I think I'll be knuckling down on this pretty steady to get it done. I had hopes of squeezing in a hat or finishing a sock or two, but I'm afraid if I put this away it won't come back out again. Not tired of it as such, it is lovely, but it's taking a Very Long Time. Ah, it will all be worth it when Carole sees it - she has such an admiration for knitting (well, for MY knitting, I don't know what she thinks of other people's) that it really makes me feel great to show her projects, and this one is all for her!
Speaking of progress, I got a fair bit done on the Adagio Shawl this weekend - it's at the black hole stage, yarn keeps going in but it doesn't seem to be growing at any great rate! Good thing I picked up those extra balls, but I don't think I'm going to need them all. Thinking the leftovers might make good blankie material, baby-sized. (hm, another project for the list...) It's 3 weeks + 1 day to Carole's birthday, so I think I'll be knuckling down on this pretty steady to get it done. I had hopes of squeezing in a hat or finishing a sock or two, but I'm afraid if I put this away it won't come back out again. Not tired of it as such, it is lovely, but it's taking a Very Long Time. Ah, it will all be worth it when Carole sees it - she has such an admiration for knitting (well, for MY knitting, I don't know what she thinks of other people's) that it really makes me feel great to show her projects, and this one is all for her!
Jul 26, 2008
And now... the cuteness!
From the world of smiles and giggles that is "I can has cheezburger?"Seriously, that is the cutest thing of the week. And I know Mok and Squeeky would NEVER allow for such a thing, so vicarious cat-knitting it is. Enjoy!
Jul 24, 2008
Rain, rain, go away...
Please come back in... October. Yeah, about 2 months of sunshine would be nice after all this rain. Now, don't misunderstand, I love a rainy night (thank you, Eddie Rabbitt), but day after day after day of cold and damp mornings followed by showery afternoons and thunderstorm evenings is really starting to suck the fun out of the summer. Not to mention making it darn difficult to get laundry done, with no dryer!
Anyway, it is Thursday and the weekend looms ahead - last weekend despite my best intentions, I got very little productive done (but did accomplish a heckuvalot in Warcraft). This weekend, assuming I'm not in a thunderstorm-induced fetal migraine ball as I've been most evenings this week, I want to Get Stuff Done. What stuff specifically, I don't know... I'll figure that out later. Definitely some knitting, though, I haven't had the mental capacity to knit since last Saturday and I think that's contributing to my overall crustiness (weather, work, and other irritations are also contributing, but such is life).
Also, it's 2 weeks to the Summer Games and I have decided NOT to do the Ravelympics after all; firstly because our planned vacation just got cancelled (long story, administrative error but c'est la vie) and secondly because I really want to finish the Adagio Shawl for Carole in time for her birthday in August, so putting it on hold for 2 weeks doesn't really seem smart. Adagio is lovely, but it's very slow knitting. I really must take some pictures! It's very pretty in the striped Marble.
Thursday... I never could get the hang of Thursdays!
Anyway, it is Thursday and the weekend looms ahead - last weekend despite my best intentions, I got very little productive done (but did accomplish a heckuvalot in Warcraft). This weekend, assuming I'm not in a thunderstorm-induced fetal migraine ball as I've been most evenings this week, I want to Get Stuff Done. What stuff specifically, I don't know... I'll figure that out later. Definitely some knitting, though, I haven't had the mental capacity to knit since last Saturday and I think that's contributing to my overall crustiness (weather, work, and other irritations are also contributing, but such is life).
Also, it's 2 weeks to the Summer Games and I have decided NOT to do the Ravelympics after all; firstly because our planned vacation just got cancelled (long story, administrative error but c'est la vie) and secondly because I really want to finish the Adagio Shawl for Carole in time for her birthday in August, so putting it on hold for 2 weeks doesn't really seem smart. Adagio is lovely, but it's very slow knitting. I really must take some pictures! It's very pretty in the striped Marble.
Thursday... I never could get the hang of Thursdays!
Jul 22, 2008
Random Tuesday
(Which I've seen at Yarn Harlot, and probably elsewhere, so why not?)
- Banana washed down with coffee is surprisingly tasty.
- It should be permissable to throw something (soft) at people who are simultaneously whiny and loud.
- There are 5 months and 3 days until Christmas.
- There are 1,123 days until my 40th birthday.
- I have the biggest craving for Chinese food right now. Mm. General Tso Chicken.
And... that's it. I'm out of random thoughts. Talk amongst yourselves.
Jul 18, 2008
Weekend!
As does Yumi, so (sometimes) do I... here's my plan for the weekend:
Today - take Mok to vet for her 2nd round of shots, have an early dinner and maybe play some WoW if the thunderstorms aren't too bad. If storms are bad, finish reading my book. "Chicken something" (Peter is cooking) with a salad for dinner.
Saturday - load up all the laundry (and my knitting) and spend the day at Mom & Dad's, because our dryer is broken and there is no rain-free day in the forecast for the next few days. Saturday night - dunno.
Sunday - dunno. Have a feeling Peter wants to go visit his brother, so maybe a trip to Perth. If not, might tackle into some more of the closet re-org / purge. I am trying to be utterly ruthless (read: realistic) about my wardrobe. If I haven't worn it in over a year, if it's smaller than a 30" waist, or stained, or irreparably torn, it's getting tossed or donated (as appropriate). Should also upload some photos to here and to Ravelry, do project/stash updates. Hm, is it a bad sign when your hobbies involve "should" comments? Food for thought.
Today - take Mok to vet for her 2nd round of shots, have an early dinner and maybe play some WoW if the thunderstorms aren't too bad. If storms are bad, finish reading my book. "Chicken something" (Peter is cooking) with a salad for dinner.
Saturday - load up all the laundry (and my knitting) and spend the day at Mom & Dad's, because our dryer is broken and there is no rain-free day in the forecast for the next few days. Saturday night - dunno.
Sunday - dunno. Have a feeling Peter wants to go visit his brother, so maybe a trip to Perth. If not, might tackle into some more of the closet re-org / purge. I am trying to be utterly ruthless (read: realistic) about my wardrobe. If I haven't worn it in over a year, if it's smaller than a 30" waist, or stained, or irreparably torn, it's getting tossed or donated (as appropriate). Should also upload some photos to here and to Ravelry, do project/stash updates. Hm, is it a bad sign when your hobbies involve "should" comments? Food for thought.
Jul 15, 2008
Attack of the Dragon Woman
As a little treat to myself today, I decided to go for a haircut at lunchtime. Found the cut I want in a magazine (full front/side/back views), went to the salon which is convenient to my workplace. Was ATTACKED BY THE DRAGON WOMAN!
First clue should have been when she nearly ripped my earring out shampooing my hair.
Second clue should have been when she was pointing the scissors INTO MY EAR to trim the fiddly bits around the ear.
I should have stopped her, but there was at that point no other stylist in the salon and I did not want to walk out with a half-cut head! It got worse, she ripped out a chunk by the roots when removing a clip. She DRAGGED the thinning shears through (I don't think they'd been sharpened in awhile). She repeatedly raked and raked my scalp with her 2" acrylic nails (seriously, HOW are those practical when you are in the hair washing and cutting business?) And then, for the coup de grace, she burnt the back of my neck with the blow dryer.
Totally oblivious to my wincing and ouching, until the last thing where I literally yelled "OW! That is BURNING MY NECK!" She shrugged and switched it to the cool setting. I submitted to the "styling" (oh god, I can't wait to wash out the "styling"), paid quickly and left - no tip. I feel abused and my head hurts both externally and internally. I intend to send a letter of complaint to the owner of the salon. Meanwhile I hope it looks all right. If not, we do have the clippers at home, I can always do the Sinead O'Connor look... retro is in, right?
First clue should have been when she nearly ripped my earring out shampooing my hair.
Second clue should have been when she was pointing the scissors INTO MY EAR to trim the fiddly bits around the ear.
I should have stopped her, but there was at that point no other stylist in the salon and I did not want to walk out with a half-cut head! It got worse, she ripped out a chunk by the roots when removing a clip. She DRAGGED the thinning shears through (I don't think they'd been sharpened in awhile). She repeatedly raked and raked my scalp with her 2" acrylic nails (seriously, HOW are those practical when you are in the hair washing and cutting business?) And then, for the coup de grace, she burnt the back of my neck with the blow dryer.
Totally oblivious to my wincing and ouching, until the last thing where I literally yelled "OW! That is BURNING MY NECK!" She shrugged and switched it to the cool setting. I submitted to the "styling" (oh god, I can't wait to wash out the "styling"), paid quickly and left - no tip. I feel abused and my head hurts both externally and internally. I intend to send a letter of complaint to the owner of the salon. Meanwhile I hope it looks all right. If not, we do have the clippers at home, I can always do the Sinead O'Connor look... retro is in, right?
Hey, ho - let's go!
Today is Marky Ramone's birthday. He's the last surviving Ramone, and was always my favourite. Tonight, I think I'll watch Rock 'n' Roll High School in his honour. Really, really loud!
Gabba Gabba Hey, all.
Gabba Gabba Hey, all.
Jul 14, 2008
Monday Monday
So I did start the alternating-ball thing with the Marble yarn, and from my eye, I can't see a difference between the old and new yarns. Will have to take some photos in really good light to be sure, I guess, but it's the "galloping horse" theory at work. It's coming along nicely at any rate - slow, careful knitting but it's growing steadily. However - we are halfway through July and I have a sock and a half to knit in addition to this shawl, so it may not be finished by the end of the month. Carole's birthday is in late August, I'm pretty confident I can get it done by then. Certainly not something that can be rushed!
Still struggling a bit with the healthier eating, but that I think is going to be a long process of change, so I'm not expecting miracles. Speaking of miracles, ever have one of those days when you want to basically poke EVERYONE in the eye with a sharp stick, and then suddenly someone does or says something really nice, and you feel better? Yeah, about ten seconds ago. Thank heavens.
Started reading a new book last night, "Busy Bodies" by Joan Hess. Cozy mystery, good characters, and I like the fact that she takes time to establish the community before dropping the body (somewhere in Chapter 3, instead of Page 3!). Nice light reading, a little change of pace. I just finished "King of the Gypsies" by Peter Maas (the guy who wrote "Serpico") and was actually rather disappointed in it. Oh well, not every book can be a total page-turner!
Tonight Peter and I are indulging in REAL pizza from K&S, which is SOOOO good. I will have just a small slice with salad for dinner and the same for lunch tomorrow - virtue in small doses!
Still struggling a bit with the healthier eating, but that I think is going to be a long process of change, so I'm not expecting miracles. Speaking of miracles, ever have one of those days when you want to basically poke EVERYONE in the eye with a sharp stick, and then suddenly someone does or says something really nice, and you feel better? Yeah, about ten seconds ago. Thank heavens.
Started reading a new book last night, "Busy Bodies" by Joan Hess. Cozy mystery, good characters, and I like the fact that she takes time to establish the community before dropping the body (somewhere in Chapter 3, instead of Page 3!). Nice light reading, a little change of pace. I just finished "King of the Gypsies" by Peter Maas (the guy who wrote "Serpico") and was actually rather disappointed in it. Oh well, not every book can be a total page-turner!
Tonight Peter and I are indulging in REAL pizza from K&S, which is SOOOO good. I will have just a small slice with salad for dinner and the same for lunch tomorrow - virtue in small doses!
Jul 10, 2008
Thoughts on detoxing
In a very un-scientific and un-structured way, I've noticed how reverting from the "good" way of eating (lots of fresh fruit and veg and whole grains and very little refined sugar, fat, caffeine, etc.) to the "bad" way (2 large coffees with cream and white sugar with Timbits for breakfast, slice of pizza for lunch, and no water all morning) can make me feel - oogy. Add to that the no-painkillers-for-a-week which was sidelined rather violently on Monday and I'm having rebound headaches already from not having taken anything yesterday or today.
Basically what I'm saying is I am AMAZED at how quickly the body (well, my body anyway) reacts to changes in what is being put into it. It's a good motivator to do things the "good" way. But - the pizza was really tasty. I'm not giving up my pizza entirely, no way.
Now - this is a knitting blog (generally), so I want to put out a knitting-related question: Has anyone ever knit anything large (say, more than 2-3 skeins) of James C. Brett Marble yarn? And part 2 of that, have you noticed drastic changes between dye lots in the same colourway purchased a couple years apart? I'm quite sure that Carole's shawl is going to need more yarn, and what I'm thinking of doing is alternating new skeins with old skeins, so if the colours are dramatically different, they will still alternate in a somewhat-even fashion (does that make sense?) If you think this is a Very Bad Idea, please let me know, I'm planning to do this on the weekend.
Basically what I'm saying is I am AMAZED at how quickly the body (well, my body anyway) reacts to changes in what is being put into it. It's a good motivator to do things the "good" way. But - the pizza was really tasty. I'm not giving up my pizza entirely, no way.
Now - this is a knitting blog (generally), so I want to put out a knitting-related question: Has anyone ever knit anything large (say, more than 2-3 skeins) of James C. Brett Marble yarn? And part 2 of that, have you noticed drastic changes between dye lots in the same colourway purchased a couple years apart? I'm quite sure that Carole's shawl is going to need more yarn, and what I'm thinking of doing is alternating new skeins with old skeins, so if the colours are dramatically different, they will still alternate in a somewhat-even fashion (does that make sense?) If you think this is a Very Bad Idea, please let me know, I'm planning to do this on the weekend.
Jul 9, 2008
Wednesday's thought for the day
One square of high-quality dark chocolate, at 40 cents, is a reasonable investment in happiness. Yum.
Jul 7, 2008
Oh lord, it's hard to be humble... until ma nature smacks you down!
So, for the past week, I've been really REALLY actively trying to live my days and nights in a more healthful fashion. Better more consistent rest, better food quality and smaller food quantity, journaling both the food and emotion swings, etc. (apparently, writing stuff down helps one free the inner whatsis that restrains one from true happiness, etc. Or something like that. Anyway it helps - we who blog know this already, right?).
I even spent SIGNIFICANTLY less time on the computer and in front of the TV, and much more on knitting (in silence - no background, it was weird but very soothing), reading, writing, cooking, etc. etc. I did laundry and hung it out to dry. I weeded my garden (somewhat). I puttered on organizing around the house. I had not consumed ANY pain-killing medication other than a single Naprosyn for my knee the other day, despite several headaches (I had tea, and meditated briefly.) I cut back my coffee. I did not eat ANY chocolate for at least the past 5 days. No, seriously, I've been living the Virtuous Life over here.
And today, as my Re-Ward, I have a sore back like no-one's business, which forced me home from work at lunchtime, in agonizing pain, to take Tylenol 1's AND Naprosyn, and sit on the couch with my feet up watching television (Chuck Norris movies - hand to God - really, there was nothing better on!) and eating popcorn and ice cream bars with chocolate cake and coffee. Well, if you're gonna have a setback, get it out of your system in one shot, I figure. *le sigh*
Tomorrow will be a brand-new day. I have healthful snacks and lunch packed, I have my library books ready to return, I have my clothes laid out for work. And I'm going to bed a half-hour early, because oh-boy-howdy are these drugs ever kicking the snot out of my brain. Hopefully I will sleep well and the back will magically fix itself overnight (yes, I iced it this afternoon, and no, I won't put a heat pack on even though it feels SO nice - I totally recognize that this is some kind of inflammation). And tomorrow night, I will do a bit of gentle weeding in the garden, and make my hubby his long-overdue chocolate haystacks, and maybe knit a bit. It's all about the balance.
By the way, I can recommend Julia Cameron's "The Writing Diet - Write Yourself Right-Size" as a good little tap-on-the-shoulder book if you are at a stumped point in your more healthful living and/or creative thinking life. About 60% is basic diet advice, 20% 12-step wisdom (hell, it works for millions of people, why not?), and 20% really original (I think) approaches to getting the mind/body/spirit connection going through journaling and just better self-awareness. I learned a lot from it, and while I'm not one to follow a plan like Ms. Cameron sets out in a slavish fashion, I am adapting parts of it, and I am liking the changes.
Oh, and you know what? I saw a family of wild turkeys this morning. Here, in the trailer park. Somehow it was SO appropriate!
Happy Monday. Sleep well.
I even spent SIGNIFICANTLY less time on the computer and in front of the TV, and much more on knitting (in silence - no background, it was weird but very soothing), reading, writing, cooking, etc. etc. I did laundry and hung it out to dry. I weeded my garden (somewhat). I puttered on organizing around the house. I had not consumed ANY pain-killing medication other than a single Naprosyn for my knee the other day, despite several headaches (I had tea, and meditated briefly.) I cut back my coffee. I did not eat ANY chocolate for at least the past 5 days. No, seriously, I've been living the Virtuous Life over here.
And today, as my Re-Ward, I have a sore back like no-one's business, which forced me home from work at lunchtime, in agonizing pain, to take Tylenol 1's AND Naprosyn, and sit on the couch with my feet up watching television (Chuck Norris movies - hand to God - really, there was nothing better on!) and eating popcorn and ice cream bars with chocolate cake and coffee. Well, if you're gonna have a setback, get it out of your system in one shot, I figure. *le sigh*
Tomorrow will be a brand-new day. I have healthful snacks and lunch packed, I have my library books ready to return, I have my clothes laid out for work. And I'm going to bed a half-hour early, because oh-boy-howdy are these drugs ever kicking the snot out of my brain. Hopefully I will sleep well and the back will magically fix itself overnight (yes, I iced it this afternoon, and no, I won't put a heat pack on even though it feels SO nice - I totally recognize that this is some kind of inflammation). And tomorrow night, I will do a bit of gentle weeding in the garden, and make my hubby his long-overdue chocolate haystacks, and maybe knit a bit. It's all about the balance.
By the way, I can recommend Julia Cameron's "The Writing Diet - Write Yourself Right-Size" as a good little tap-on-the-shoulder book if you are at a stumped point in your more healthful living and/or creative thinking life. About 60% is basic diet advice, 20% 12-step wisdom (hell, it works for millions of people, why not?), and 20% really original (I think) approaches to getting the mind/body/spirit connection going through journaling and just better self-awareness. I learned a lot from it, and while I'm not one to follow a plan like Ms. Cameron sets out in a slavish fashion, I am adapting parts of it, and I am liking the changes.
Oh, and you know what? I saw a family of wild turkeys this morning. Here, in the trailer park. Somehow it was SO appropriate!
Happy Monday. Sleep well.
Jul 2, 2008
It's July!
Wow, back to work after a thoroughly delightful 4.5 day weekend! I'm feeling rested and refreshed and quite content with the universe. A few highlights:
Knitting: finished Dad's Cardigan (revised) - added 4" of length at the hem in garter stitch which is nearly invisible. I even remembered how to do a buttonhole! Dad 's very pleased with it, so that boosted my confidence to get back at the Adagio Shawl for Carole - and gosh darn it, I've NAILED that pattern at last! (I may be short in the actual amount of yarn I need, but I'm not worrying about that right now). And, have a great idea for Jamie's Wedding Afghan, which I don't need to have done until October, so all is well there too. AND I picked up EZ's EPS system (forget right now which book it is in) and made many careful notes for when I do Peter's Christmas sweater. Wanted to cast it on right away, but trying to keep focus on one project at a time.
Writing: been doing a little bit every day, and the ideas are really starting to flow. Picked up a new book from the library, The Writing Diet - Write Yourself Right-Size, by Julia Cameron (author of The Artist's Way), which looks interesting.
Reading: finished Rita Mae Brown's Dolley: A Novel of Dolley Madison in Love and War. I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction but I really enjoyed this - I almost always love Brown's books and this did not disappoint. I'm slowly working my way through Richard Dawkins' The Selfish Gene, because I really don't read enough non-fiction and it's fascinating stuff. Also getting through Neuromancer, which I'm enjoying more than I expected to.
Exercise: walking to/from the library at lunch, doing vigorous housework on the weekend. Baby steps!
Family: wow, were we social this weekend! Saturday morning with Yumi, Sunday evening with Mom&Dad and Karen (folks' anniversary - 42 woohoo!), Monday a spontaneous road-trip with Peter, and Canada Day breakfast and movie with Jason & Yumi (Bundy&Kid). All good, no stress, and I feel great... even had a bit of game time and got some house-chores squeezed in there too!
And of course now it's a short work week (2.5 days for me, since we get Friday afternoons off all summer) - lots to do but not overwhelming and no crises (yet). Although I did twist my ankle walking back from the library just now... it hurts like the Dickens but I popped a Naprosyn and it doesn't appear to be swelling. Unfortunately our convenient drugstore in the office complex does not carry ANY Tensor-style elastic bandages. So I can't really wrap it, hoping the anti-inflammatories do the trick (can't elevate to ice, either, I'm wearing a skirt today - oops!). But it's not sprained, just twisted. Hey, it's always something!
Knitting: finished Dad's Cardigan (revised) - added 4" of length at the hem in garter stitch which is nearly invisible. I even remembered how to do a buttonhole! Dad 's very pleased with it, so that boosted my confidence to get back at the Adagio Shawl for Carole - and gosh darn it, I've NAILED that pattern at last! (I may be short in the actual amount of yarn I need, but I'm not worrying about that right now). And, have a great idea for Jamie's Wedding Afghan, which I don't need to have done until October, so all is well there too. AND I picked up EZ's EPS system (forget right now which book it is in) and made many careful notes for when I do Peter's Christmas sweater. Wanted to cast it on right away, but trying to keep focus on one project at a time.
Writing: been doing a little bit every day, and the ideas are really starting to flow. Picked up a new book from the library, The Writing Diet - Write Yourself Right-Size, by Julia Cameron (author of The Artist's Way), which looks interesting.
Reading: finished Rita Mae Brown's Dolley: A Novel of Dolley Madison in Love and War. I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction but I really enjoyed this - I almost always love Brown's books and this did not disappoint. I'm slowly working my way through Richard Dawkins' The Selfish Gene, because I really don't read enough non-fiction and it's fascinating stuff. Also getting through Neuromancer, which I'm enjoying more than I expected to.
Exercise: walking to/from the library at lunch, doing vigorous housework on the weekend. Baby steps!
Family: wow, were we social this weekend! Saturday morning with Yumi, Sunday evening with Mom&Dad and Karen (folks' anniversary - 42 woohoo!), Monday a spontaneous road-trip with Peter, and Canada Day breakfast and movie with Jason & Yumi (Bundy&Kid). All good, no stress, and I feel great... even had a bit of game time and got some house-chores squeezed in there too!
And of course now it's a short work week (2.5 days for me, since we get Friday afternoons off all summer) - lots to do but not overwhelming and no crises (yet). Although I did twist my ankle walking back from the library just now... it hurts like the Dickens but I popped a Naprosyn and it doesn't appear to be swelling. Unfortunately our convenient drugstore in the office complex does not carry ANY Tensor-style elastic bandages. So I can't really wrap it, hoping the anti-inflammatories do the trick (can't elevate to ice, either, I'm wearing a skirt today - oops!). But it's not sprained, just twisted. Hey, it's always something!
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