On The House

FO Finally

2009-07-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it myself, a finished project, and in record time. Originally I purchased this yarn for a long sleeve sweater, then I decided to make a sleeveless shell that had oddly enough lots of holes in it and after I completely finished knitting the sweater I thought it was dumb and unraveled the entire project. It took an hour just to rewind the yarn. Now it's a simple shell that started as a free pattern from the local yarn store (aka LYS, thanks deb), and morphed as I added waist shaping, finished the neckline and sleeves with a single crochet stitch and punched up the hem with a single crochet and scallop edge. I like everything about the sweater; it fits, although I do wish it were an inch or two longer, it is comfortable, it's for summer and it's still summer and it fits!!!! This is an easy project because it's all stockinette stitch, perfect for the car or kid invested afternoons.

Men vs. Women

2009-06-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Subject: MEN ARE JUST HAPPIER PEOPLE
Do I need a disclaimer for this? Or is WD-40 Enough?
NICKNAMES
If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah.
If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.
EATING OUT
When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back.
When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.
MONEY
A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.
A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.
BATHROOMS
A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel .
The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337.
A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.
ARGUMENTS
A woman has the last word in any argument.
Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.
FUTURE
A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.
SUCCESS
A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
A successful woman is one who can find such a man.
MARRIAGE
A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.
DRESSING UP
A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the trash, answer the phone, read a book, and get the mail.
A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.
NATURAL
Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
Women somehow deteriorate during the night.
OFFSPRING
Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.
A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A married man should forget his mistakes. There's no use in two people remembering the same thing! SO, send this to the women who have a sense of humor and who can handle it ... and to the men who will enjoy reading it.
Peace

Mother Teresa's Words of Wisdom

2009-06-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

My second son graduated from 8th grade last week. He went to a Catholic school from Kindergarten to 8th grade and often through the years I doubted whether the price of tuition had been "worth it". It wasn't easy paying for three boys to go to Catholic school and don't think for one minute that we could afford it. We can't. It is a sacrifice. One of the last celebrations for the grads is a dinner hosted by the 7th grade class. The evening is a reflection of their accomplishments, special moments and fun times. They always have a slide show and then each teacher has a few words to say. I thought these were especially significant. I also thought I might not have ever heard them in a public school.

Occasionally we may feel that it is a waste of time and energy to act with integrity, compassion, and concern for all, especially when our efforts don't seem appreciated. When rejected, we may be reluctant to try again even though everything in our souls cries out for us to move forward.
Mother Teresa, who certainly lived a life that is an example for us all, wrote the following.
Perhaps she also felt let down at times.

People are often unreasonable illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It never was between you and them anyway.

Mother Teresa

Keep moving toward your goals with integrity and compassion.
When confronted with resistance, smile and do it anyway.

And one last thing...... put your heart into it!

I was profoundly moved by these compelling words I hope you are too!
Peace

Mistaken Identity

2009-05-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

WRONG E-MAIL ADDRESS
A lesson to be learned from typing the wrong email address!!!!
A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier. Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day. The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address , and without realizing his error, sent the email.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston , a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister who was called home to glory following a heart attack. The widow decided to check her email expecting messages from relatives an friends. After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted. The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:
To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived
Date: October 16, 2007
I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in. I've seen that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then!!!! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.
P.S. Sure is freaking hot down here!!

The Hormone Guide

2009-03-05T20:21:00.000-08:00

The Hormone Guide
Women will understand this! Men should memorize it!

Every woman knows that there are days in the month when all a
man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life in his hands!

This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's
license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker or
significant other!
DANGEROUS: What's for dinner?
SAFER: Can I help you with dinner?
SAFEST: Where would you like to go for dinner?
ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine.

DANGEROUS: Are you wearing that?
SAFER: Wow, you sure look good in brown!
SAFEST: WOW! Look at you!
ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine

DANGEROUS: What are you so worked up about?
SAFER: Could we be overreacting?
SAFEST: Here's my paycheck.
ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine.

DANGEROUS: Should you be eating that?
SAFER: You know, there are a lot of apples left.
SAFEST: Can I get you a piece of chocolate with that?
ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine.

DANGEROUS: What did you DO all day?
SAFER: I hope you didn't over-do it today.
SAFEST: I've always loved you in that robe!
ULTRA SAFE: Here, have some wine.

A letter From Dianne Feinstein

2009-03-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

I got an email response from Dianne Feinstein regarding a letter I sent about the current housing market.
Here it is -
Dear Mrs. McCarthy:

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for including housing market reforms and foreclosure prevention measures in the recently enacted economic recovery bill. I certainly appreciate hearing your suggestions and would like to share with you what was included in the final version of this legislation.

Like you, I am extremely concerned about this severe economic crisis, which has been caused in part by the declining housing market. Last year, there were 837,665 foreclosures filed in California alone, an increase of more than 100 percent over 2007.

As you know, on February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R. 1) into law. This important legislation represents a significant investment by the Federal Government in an effort to create jobs and improve our Nation's aging infrastructure. The bill also makes a major commitment to stabilizing the housing market and assisting hardworking Americans. Specifically, the bill will:

oAllow first-time homebuyers to receive a tax credit worth up to $8,000 for homes purchased after January 1, 2009. Recipients of this credit will not have to repay it.

oProvide the Public Housing Capital Fund with $4 billion to help local public housing agencies address a $32 billion backlog in capital needs.

oProvide the HOME Investment fund with $2.25 billion for state and local governments to acquire, construct, and rehabilitate affordable housing.

oInvest $2 billion in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to allow state and local governments to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed properties to reduce blight in communities.

You may be interested to learn that I joined Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) in introducing an amendment to the Senate-version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that would have extended the $729,750 maximum conforming loan limits through 2010. However, this amendment was not included in the final version of the bill passed by the Senate.

It is critical that Congress work with the new Administration to restore the American dream of home ownership and this bill is part of that effort. Please know that I will keep your comments and suggestions in mind should further legislation to address our country's housing crisis come before the Senate.

Once again, thank you for writing. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein United States Senator

Well thank you Dianne Feinstein for your response.
Now here's what I think
First of all the $8000 tax credit won't help very many people because the maximum income cap is $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for married filers.
In San Diego where the average price of a home is around $400,000, a single would have to make around $76,000 a year with no debt; car payments , credit cards, etc... in order to qualify for a loan.
How about the $4 billion to help a $32 billion backlog of Public Housing funds. Better than nothing but ....
I grouped the Home Investment fund and Neighborhood Housing fund together because they're essentially the same thing and once again $4.25 billion is of course better than nothing.
Up front all these Obama programs look and sound so nice; money for everyone who needs it and maybe more later, but where is the money coming from? Diane writes ," this important program represents a significant investment by the Federal Government...", aren't WE the government? So the people who are behind on their payments, losing their jobs and business are going to be taxed to provide programs to restore America. Now that really is a new deal and a new direction.

Parkinson's Stories

2009-03-02T11:21:00.001-08:00

The past few weeks have introduced so many new opportunities to help my husband with his Parkinson's. As I continue to meet people and share I discover information and stories that help us cope. What impresses me the most is how strangely I run into the stories.
Like meeting the 92 year old lady at an open house that I was hosting and hearing her stories of the healing miracles of Lourdes. I had forgotten all about Lourdes and there she was telling me how she had been 13 times and witnessed and heard of so very many stories. I laughed and shared how I have always wanted to go to Hawaii but maybe Lourdes should be my dream destination. I was so excited to hear her that I got chills from the possibility of all that Lourdes had to offer.
Every Wednesday I pray the Rosary with a group at my sons school. All very remarkable women and all praying for others needs which in many, many ways are so much more serious than my husbands. I'm talking about mothers dying who have three children in school, or teenagers committing suicide or Dad's diagnosed with brain tumors. It is both humbling and overwhelming to participate in such a group, but always in the voice of group prayer there grows a strength that is far beyond any hug or get well card. Hope and Peace bring great comfort to those who suffer the fates of others, knowing that there is so very little they can do. A lady in this group introduced us to a man who is being treated by an acupuncturist for Parkinson's and is currently off all medication. When I was given this news ( and I do feel like it was a gift), I felt so very blessed, almost as if God himself had talked to me.
In the beginning I was so very scared of the future of Parkinson's and what it would do to my husband, myself and my children, but now I feel a determined comfort that everything will be okay.
In the beginning I felt the situation was hopeless because Parkinson's is an incurable disease and my husband is a difficult patient but now I feel that searching for answers and being supportive is a great help.

Its All In The Way You Look At It

2009-02-09T12:43:00.000-08:00

I got this in an email. It is not from one of my children. The story did hit home on more than a few levels and it made me laugh.
The Importance of Checking your childs homework -

Dear Mrs. Jones,
I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told Sarah how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had. Then I found one more in the back room, and several people were fighting over who would get it. Sarah’s picture does NOT show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot. From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.

Sincerely,

Planning my next move

2009-01-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

I received two letters in the mail; one from my doctor and one from the insurance review board, both denying my request for a Thermogram. I am not surprised. Traditional medicine typically doesn't embrace alternatives. Chiropractory has for years been shunned by the medical profession but I have had amazing results - that would have take months to achieve with physical therapy, and know friends and family with similar stories. Yet, the standard practise for back injury, is to use physical therapy or medication. However, I am not discouraged, I now see this as an opportunity to begin the process of chipping away the resistance veneer and paving the way for progress. Both letters cited the investigational nature of Thermograms as a treatment for breast cancer. According to the review board, " It is not superior to standard therapy such as surgical biopsy". True. There is nothing that will give better and more accurate results than cutting into the breast and getting a sample. There are side effects to that option; possibility of spreading the cancer, increased exposure to radiation, and of course the pain and damage to the breast. Thermograms are not an option to surgery, however if they don't find anything on the images to indicate anything exists then it would seem unnecessary to have a biopsy. After all 70% of all mammogram discovered lumps are non-malignant.

At this point I can file an Independent Medical Review application. This is simply a complaint. I am certain this will be a long process.

I am very tempted to simply write a letter to Oprah. She's always looking for a story and this just might be something that would interest her. I don't really care about the $175 I spent. What I care about is spreading the information. As you might have noticed I begin this blog with the goal - to share. There is something in my nature that propels - compels me to share. I can't seem to be comfortable holding on to news that I feel would help someone. My little blog certainly won't spread this information to the level that is necessary, so I turn to the master. What could be more important that informing women ( and men!)that they have another resource to use for detecting breast cancer? Wouldn't you want to know?

Thermogram Update

2009-01-13T15:56:00.001-08:00

Today I received the findings of my Thermogram done on Friday. According to the Thermographist there are no abnormal findings!
I am feeling very relieved and thankful.
Now I want to spread the news about Thermograms. All you big bloggers who have lots of readers - share this story. There are so many women struggling with this issue and they need to know about an alternative to mammograms. There need to know about a procedure that has no radiation, is non-invasive and not painful. Thermograms can detect growths up to ten years prior to mammograms. We need to get the HMO's to use Thermograms as a routine procedure.
Now that I have created a baseline of images I need to go in for yearly Thermograms. It's a little cold in the room but much better than the SPLAT test.
Peace

Thermograms

2009-01-12T10:43:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 11 ( my youngest sons birthday) I received a card in the mail with the results from my second mammogram. After tearing off the sides and unfolding the letter I was informed that the results indicated I needed to schedule a visit with my doctor for a biopsy. The letter writes, " we don't want to alarm you but federal law requires us to advise you of your options and results". I am so glad there is a law, but must wonder about the rest of the story, I mean who didn't get the letter, and what consequences did they suffer?
Unconvinced of the seriousness of my situation and greatly perturbed, I tore the letter up and threw it away.
On Dec. 31st - New Years Eve I got a call from my doctors nurse. She calmly asked me when I wanted to schedule my biopsy. I calmly said, Never. She was surprised.
A funny thing happens when you keep news like this inside you. After weeks of not saying a word to anyone - I wanted to cry. I was tired and scared and angry. Angry because of this and that and everything in my life that had gone wrong in the last year. My husband has Parkinson's, and now I have breast cancer, it just can't be true.
So, I went crying to the calmest most logical person I know, and in a very short time I dried my eyes and went home to make an appointment. I called my doctors nurse, who told me to call another number, who I left a message with and then after three hours returned my call and told me I needed to call my doctors nurse because she couldn't help me because I needed to see a surgeon. In the course of the conversation she said the word surgeon about 10 times, until I politely asked her not to say that word and then she only said it another 5 times. I then called my doctors nurse but only got a recorded message that the office was now closed for the holiday.
I imagined that I would be playing phone tag with my doctors nurse and the surgeons nurse forever and in the mean time my tumor would grow to be the size of a grapefruit.
Bright and early on Monday morning I called and got an appointment with
the surgeon for a consultation. Then I called my mother aka , Dr. Carol. My mother has suffered with more sickness than anyone I know. The result of decades of searching for answers has turned her into a valuable resource of traditional and non-traditional ( alternative) medicine. She advised me to get a Thermogram.
Here is the interesting part of my story - There exists a technology that can detect an issue YEARS before a tumor can be seen on X-ray or palpated during an exam and truly offers early detection. This technology has been approved by the FDA as an adjunctive screening tool since 1982 and offers No radiation, No compression and No pain.
Thermal cameras detect heat emitted from the body and display it as a picture on a computer monitor. These images are unique to the person and remain stable over time. It is because of these characteristics that thermal imaging is a valuable and effective screening tool. Tumors or other breast diseases measure warmer than surrounding tissue and can thereby alert a physician to a problem before a tumor is actually palpable. Medical doctors who interpret the breast scans are board certified thermologists. Thermography is not limited by breast density and is ideal for women who have had cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, women who refuse mammography, or women who want clinical correlation for an already existing issue. Thermography, because it analyzes a developing process, may identify a problem several years before mammography. As we all know, early detection is important to survival. DITI has an average sensitivity and specificity of 90%. An abnormal thermogram carries a 10x greater risk for cancer. A persistent abnormal thermogram carries a 22x greater risk for cancer. By the time a mammogram locates a tumor, it has been growing for at least 5 years.
The most effective way to find breast cancer is to use all available tools as often as is necessary.
Here is a link to a site that I found very helpful -

http://www.breastthermography.com/breast_thermography_mf.htm
Sadly, thermograms are not covered by most HMO's. The standard practise is mammography. A thermogram costs between $150- $250

Christmas Day

2008-12-25T15:53:00.000-08:00

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play,And wild and sweet,

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.
Till ringing, singing, on it's way,

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime

A chant sublime

Of peace on earth good will to men.
Then from each black, accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the south

And with the sound

The carols drowned
Of peace on earth good will to men.
It was as if an earthquake rent

The hearthstones of a continent and made forlorn

The households born

Of peace on earth good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head"There is no peace on earth," I said,"For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;The wrong shall fail,the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men

Osteopenia

2008-11-21T09:06:00.000-08:00

I went for a my first bone density scan and got a big surprise - I have osteopenia.

It is simply the indication that bone loss has occurred and therefore preventative measures need to be taken. Maximum bone mineral density is achieved at 30 and after that it's all down hill. Diet, exercise, illness and certain medications can accelerate bone loss.

My doctor called me with the news. I was told to take calcium supplements and get lots of weight bearing exercise. I work-out, I lift weights, I regularly walk with ankle weights, I take Pilate's and when I'm not deliberately exercising I have three kids who push my body to its limits everyday. How much more can I do? I started to wonder if this advise is totally worthless. I suppose if I wasn't as active perhaps I would have more bone loss, maybe that's the benefit. Either way I think its a weak prescription.

Caffeine, sodas and steroid medication also zap bone loss. I drink very few sodas and I hardly think the one cup of coffee - that I rarely finish is the culprit. What then? How do I solve this mystery? I wonder if nursing 4 kids for a year each contributed? I was a huge fan of nursing. I even went to La Leche meetings. Everyone sat around and nursed and told stories of how wonderful nursing was. No one ever talked about possible side effects like bone loss or sagging body parts.

I've heard that drinking 2% milk doesn't give you the necessary calcium from a regular glass a milk. I can't remember the last time I drank regular milk. Fat is such a giant threat in our society that I think my mother stopped serving whole milk when I was a teen. I remember recently seeing someone drink whole milk and I nearly gagged with disgust.

Family history and being slim are other indicators. Don't know much about family history - my mom hasn't even had a bone scan and she is 71. I am slim - for a couple years when I had braces maybe too slim. Now that they are off and I can chew, I'm eating and I've gained weight but I'm still slim. Is that the final conclusion - being slim caused my osteopenia.

FYI - men can get osteoporosis too. My husband hates milk and rarely takes calcium pills. Yesterday I saw a man with a spine so curved he could barely lift his head upright. I watched him walk to the elevator and thought how painful life must be for him. I was deeply impressed. I don't think that doctors or the medical professionals have adequately addressed this issue and I think that there is a whole lot that is not being shared. I don't want to grow old and not be able to move. I don't want a cane, or a walker, or a wheelchair.
If you know more please share.

What to Do?

2008-11-15T08:29:00.000-08:00

What do I do?
Do I spend money or save?
If I spend money I get to buy new things and since I've had my stuff for over a week now it's old and therefore no good. I need new stuff. I need to go shopping. I need to hit the going out of business sales and enjoy buying everything at up to 70% off. How I can I resist the urge to shop at the greatest shopping event of the year, the Christmas buying frenzy? 'Tis the season to buy.
But...
If I go shopping I'll have to charge everything 'cause I don't have any money. My credit card debt is already pretty impressive so maybe I should save my money and pay my bills. Maybe I don't need another pair of shoes - I've already got 30. I could skip the hunt for a parking space and save shipping and handling charges and be happy with what I've got. Could I? It feels odd to repress the urge to buy. It feels dare I say un-American. Maybe it's not a good time to buy considering the stock market roller coaster ride, the bailout, stores going out of business, and foreclosers in the news.
But, it seems to me that the economy is strongest when people are buying. When people buy, manufactures make and hire and then those people go shopping. Great.
What to do?
I've wondered for a long time about the economy. I've thought about the mixed messages of buying and saving. Buying creates a healthy economy but debt erodes that foundation. I've wondered if capitalism will continue to exist in America. When do the percentages of government intervention and control change enough to create a new breed and where do I Ms. Consumer fit into the picture?
As much as I ponder the consequences of the changing economy I truly believe that it is not defined by its strongest moment but instead by what happens in its weakest event. America is the Land of Opportunity. As much as we love a bargain we love an opportunity. We seek the niche, we create the new idea and we hope to be lucky enough to spot the trend before anyone else. While companies go out of business, new ones file fictitious names. While the stock market tumbles, money is made by betting on the loss. While homes are foreclosed on, buyers welcome the bargain.
Economist worry that Americans won't spend a lot of money this Christmas. I'm worried that we will.
But, if you can resist the urge to buy more, if you can defeat the challenge to buy gifts for people because you have to, and if you can save your money than you will become one of the powerful in this weak economy. The question is what kind of power do we want, the immediate rush of a new purchase or the quiet strength of acquired wealth?

I Love Your Blog Award

2008-11-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

My friend and neighbor Yarnhog gave me this award a few days ago. I was humbly surprised especially since I hadn't written much in the past weeks. Yarnhog was my inspiration for starting my blog. I still remember the day she told me she had a blog. In a sheepish almost secretive way she smiled and said,
" I started a blog", I said " A What?". I really didn't know. After she explained I asked, "So what's your site name?" Poor lady had to tell me three maybe four times and finally resorted to writing it down. Yarnhog yarnhog what at what com???? Yarnhog, what's that all about? You're not a hog. She couldn't get just one yarnhog because that was already taken so she had to be two. Anyway, six months of reading her entries and I started to see the beauty and benefit of a blog. I remember the early days of writing and getting no comments. I struggled in the quiet wilderness wondering if anyone was reading my site. It was a big event the day I finally got a comment. I loved reading and re-reading the line. Later my friend helped me out again and gave me what I affectionately called,

A bloggers Christmas.

I kept writing and of course reading other sites. I was having fun, making some cyber space friends but relating and sharing in a way that was different from my face to face friends. In the past few weeks I've slipped into what I call a writers Bermuda Triangle. It's that place where thoughts and ideas disappear into thin air and are never found again. Then one day out of the blue I get this pretty award.

Thank you Yarnhog :)

The rules for award acceptance are as follows: 1. The winner can put the logo on their website/blog. 2. Add a link to the person who gave you this award. 3. Nominate at least 5 other websites/blogs. 4. Provide links of the nominated websites/blogs. 5. Leave a message at each website owner that you've nominated.

Here's my five Award winners -

Uberstrickenfrau - Always interesting and fun and really creative.

Deborahkslife - Deborah knits a lot and finishes her projects. It's amazing how much she gets done in a week.

Freerangechick - She knits, writes, and is always working on something interesting.

Shameka - Check out her really cool Obama earrings on ETSY

Yarndork - Thanks for giving us your all and congrats on meeting The Yarnharlot.

My personal thank you to all bloggers who give a little piece of their lives to the world. Thanks for sharing.

Mail Theft

2008-11-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

It's a normal day nothing particularly exciting happening; take the kids to school, pay some bills, wash clothes, and then something unbelievable happens. A car pulls up to your house, the passenger jumps out, opens your mailbox and grabs your mail. You can't believe what you saw, you rush downstairs and run outside but they are gone. You've been robbed in the middle of the day while you watched and the thief never had to open your front door. But he got away with much more than your T.V. or your Grandmas jewelry, he got all your personal information - he stole your identity.
Two of my neighbors had their mail stolen this week. Evidently the thieves made their first of the month rounds in my neighborhood and left everyone stunned. One neighbor didn't watch the event but after hearing the story decided to check his bank statement and learned that the check he had put in the mail had been stolen and washed and cashed - in one day.
This is a growing problem in our society and serious issue. Identity theft can affect your personal, business and financial worlds for a long time. Prevention is the best remedy.
Here are a few tips -
1. Don't put mail in your mailbox for the letter carrier to pick-up.
2. Get a locking mailbox that has a special compartment the mail drops into and can only be accessed by a key.
Most stories like this have little importance until they hit home and then they become too close to dismiss. This is the time you don't make excuses or pretend that it could never happen to you. This is the time you buy a little piece of mind. Take a close look at your mail box; is it mounted on a weak post that could easily be knocked down. I have heard stories where thieves take the entire mailbox to get the mail.
Please pass this story along because it is worth sharing.

A Prima Question

2008-11-06T20:10:00.000-08:00

Being a new knitter I routinely learn things the hard way because I don't know enough to ask the right questions. Consequently, I have knitted the pattern backwards and had to rip. I have knitted the wrong size and had to rip. I have followed the directions wrong and had to rip, and I have followed the directions exactly and had to rip. I have begun to notice a theme in my knitting projects and in an effort to interrupt that pattern - and actually get an FO, I have tried to work more carefully.

What I have learned is that in the knitting world one cannot ask too many questions. In fact it is probably a very healthy attitude to question everything. I find myself constantly counting each row and reviewing the stitches for any mistakes and reading and re-reading the directions to understand what is to happen. Reading the entire pattern - even if I don't understand it , is also a good idea. I have read my "Free Pattern" from hence forth to be known as Prima - because it is Yarnhogs first hand-spun free pattern. Prima is a great pattern. A simple 4x2 rib knit pattern. I am knitting it with bamboo yarn that I absolutely love, love, love. It is so soft and silky and pretty that I can't wait to enjoy the experience of wearing it. An event that is sure to come soon since I am finished with the back and nearly done with the front. I only have one problem, a rather big problem. I don't know what to do next.

Here's where all you wonderful smarty experienced knitters rescue me.

The challenge-

The directions read -

Shape Neck-

Work across stitches to center of piece and divide for split collar. ( Did that )

Work each side separately until armholes measure 7.5', ending with WS. ( Did one side)

Next Row ; working each side separately, BO 7 sts. at each neck edge.

MY QUESTION-

Since I split the piece I am wondering do I BO in the middle - which would be at the V, or on the ends which would be on the sides. 7 stitches is a lot to BO.

Do you see where my needle is? Do I back off stitches there?

Yeah I now I may have put too much thought into this but after ripping my previous project 3 times I'm more comfortable waiting for the answer than taking the plunge.

ME Too!!!

2008-10-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the cop-out Yarnhog. I have been challenged shall we say to write. Work, children, life, just a few of the things that have been getting in the way.

So I jumped at the chance to take a fun quiz and discover, "The Best Thing About Me". It is a bit of a shock to see the results in such bold print, but I do humbly accept the fact that I am one hot Passionate woman. Yep that's me ! :)

http:// Your result for The Best Thing About You Test...

Passion

Hot! Passion is your greatest virtue

Passion is an intense emotion that compels feeling, enthusiasm, or desire for anything, and that often requires action. Get that? Requires action. It's very likely you submit to your deepest needs and live life with a flair few others achieve, but many envy. All 7 virtues are a part of you, but your passion runs deepest.
Passionate types: artists, writers, composers, athletes, and heroine addicts.
Your raw relative scores follow. 0% is low, and 100% is perfect, nearly impossible. Note that I pitted the virtues against each other, so in some way these are relative scores. It's impossible to score high on all of them, and a low score on one is just relatively low compared to the other virtues.
YOUR VIRTUES
50% Compassion
44% Intelligence
63% Humility
56% Honesty
13% Discipline
43% Courage
67% Passion

How'd they do that?

2008-10-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

I love sweater coats. They seem so yummy soft to look at and I just love the feeling of being all wrapped up in wonderful soft yarn. I have found a few for sale that I like, but I always return them because the yarn is cheap acrylic no matter what price I pay. I found this one in a catalog called, Body Central. It's like a cousin of Victoria's Secret, but less underwear. I ordered a blouse from them once and a large would have fit an 8 yr, so I only look at the pretty pictures. Anyway, I really like this coat. It's the perfect length and the design is both casual and classy at the same time. I could wear this with jeans or slacks to the office. I love it, but I don't think the yarn quality is up to my newly trained awareness. Even though I am definitely a novice knitter or as I affectionately call myself a 'baby knitter', I started looking at the coat and decided that I could figure the pattern out. Doesn't that look like a popcorn stitch? Well maybe not.
Anyway here's the challenge. Can anyone figure out how to knit this coat? I'm a small, and I need very detailed instructions. Also, I don't really want the shawl collar to be so big - actually I think the design would be greatly improved and more timeless to have it a more traditional size - maybe just to the edge of the shoulders.
Here's the link to the catalog page where you could get a close-up of the coat and a back picture.
http://www.bodyc.com/BodyCentral/womens.fashion/itemdetl.html?lvl1=NewArrivals&lvl2=NewArrivals2&item=3304
Much thanks and a Starbucks card to the knitter with the know how.
P.S. Tell a friend. I want to have fun with this idea.

Parkinson's

2008-09-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my husband went to the doctor and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. It wasn't a big surprise. I have noticed the symptoms for a long time. At first it was just one hand shaking, then two. He has been unsteady when he walks and drags one foot. Now I am noticing his difficulty in speaking. He finally told me that he has to really concentrate when he is walking.
At first he blamed his shakiness on me. I guess denial is common.
My thoughts and emotions are really spinning. I'm resigned to the situation only because there is nothing that I can do to change it. I must accept it in order to move forward. However, I have had thoughts of, "Why him God?" Why me and my family?" I don't dwell on that idea because it is so negative and self absorbed.
Parkinson's is a neurogenerative movement disorder that progressively gets worse and is incurable. Michael J. Fox and Mohammad Ali have Parkinson's. Do you remember seeing Michael when he first announced he had PD? I do. I was stunned. Now I sit in that same dull feeling wondering if my husband will be shaking his head and body like Michael.
Last night I told the children that we need to help Dad more with things like walking the dog and doing chores around the house. They don't know what PD is but they sensed in my voice and manner that it is serious.
My husband was sitting at the kitchen table and very calmly said, "I went to the doctor today and he gave me some medicine". He was staring at the bottle of pills, reading its' complicated instructions. Literally, he takes one pill every day at 7pm for a week, the following week a pill every day at 12pm , the following week a pill at 5am, 12 pm and 7pm and then I can't remember. I am sure I will need to make a chart because he won't remember. He has always resisted taking vitamins or pills.
I didn't cry when he told me. I feel like crying today. I could cry but what good would that do? I'd only have to recover and find a way to get strong. I have cried so very much in the last few years; tears for lost friendships, tears from a brokenheart, tears from failure, tears for nothing. I have learned that tears are worthless.
I have already taped into the Internet for information about PD and am finding that it's a big story to enter into.
I honestly believe that it is not when we stand up to fight or lay down to let it be, it is the moment when we reach out that changes everything.
I am thankful that I have this blog to share my thoughts.
Peace.

Hennalucent ?!?!!!!

2008-09-15T10:48:00.001-07:00

As you can see from the picture on the box the color is Bark Brown. A shade very close to my original hair color. I thought it was a perfect match and considering the fact that it was the only color choice available in a brown shade, I was happy to shell out $3.99 for the box. Yes, that's right $3.99. After spending a week spraying tea ( rosemary and sage) to restore the hair color to the gray and coffee to give color to the rest of my hair I jumped on the henna idea. It's been a whole week beyond my usual touch-up and I am feeling antsy about the whole idea of going natural. Must be strong.
The goal of this project is to get away from using toxic harsh chemicals on my hair. I carefully read the directions and prepared my mixing bowl, brush and robe. I opened the pouch and discovered not brown but a green shade of powder that smelled. Imagine an earthy, foul, pungent baby poop like smell. Yeah that's about right.
Now I had to balk. I pause to consider the effects of putting this concoction on my head. So far I'm okay with the rosemary sage smell ( rather nice) and the coffee is fun, but this stuff stinks. I thought well I bought the last one on the shelf, maybe since it's all natural it's beyond its' shelf life. I checked the box for an expiration date and found nothing. Fearless, and way to trusting I carefully add hot water according to the directions and discover that not only does it reek but it is green! It's GREEN. Pea soup green. I am now greatly concerned with the prospect of putting GREEN stinky stuff on my head. Originally I was worried that the henna would make my hair red ( I like red hair on other people, but I think that it doesn't work well with my complexion), now I must consider the possibility of getting green highlights. For some CRAZY reason I proceed. I apply the pea soup gooey mixture on my head and stare at my reflection in the mirror. Dear God this is the prayer I need you to answer. I know I thought there were other big important issues - world peace, helping the hungry and paying my bills, but I was wrong - now were talking about my vanity.
The instructions indicate that I need to wait 40 minutes to get the color I want. Yeah right I'm waiting 40 minutes to end up looking like a Martian. I'm not getting ready for Halloween. So after 20 agonizing minutes I hop in the shower. I wash my hair with a passion reserved only for desperate souls who fear the devil or in this case the Hell life will be with Green Hair. I rinse, lather and repeat. Then I sprayed coffee on my hair, hoping that all the green is gone. Yes, I did stop to think about the color combination of green and dark brown. What is that gunk?

After towel drying I began the inspection.

NO GREEN

I start looking for gray.

No Roots

This is what it looks like -

Yeah - Not awful.

Honestly I do have some gray. I think that is more operator error than product related.

Results - Color Good, Gray almost gone. Shiny soft hair and no smell or tint of green.

Now, how long before I have to redye?

To be continued....

Experiment

2008-09-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

What does this picture look like to you? My morning cup of coffee or tea?
Guess again.
Try my new hair color kit!!
Yeah that's right.
I discovered a way to restore the color to my gray hair and today I brewed up a potion and sprayed it on my hair.
I know how funny this idea must be - coffee and tea for your hair, but wait it actually makes sense if you agree that most medicines, creams and products are plant based.
My motivation is simple. I want to save my hair from the damages of hair dyes. They all contain really harmful chemicals that strip away the hair follicle and dry it out. After a time the hair must be cut for it to look nice. I want to grow my hair longer and nothing is ugly than long dry tangled hair soo... I did a Google search. Low and behold I find this site -
http://www.longlocks.com/hair-care-recipes-cookbook.htm#dye5
and then I find another site with basically the same information. Inspired I went to the health food store and bought herbs in bulk and then I went home and brewed my tea - rosemary and sage, which smells absolutely wonderful, and I filled a spray bottle, sprayed my hair, waited about a half hour and then I shampooed.
My hair is nice and soft and the gray is somewhat covered. According to the directions repeated applications are necessary for full coverage to be achieved. I am willing to give it a try because I love the idea of using all natural products. Think of all the chemicals that enter your body via the tiny pores in the skin. Lotions, soaps, dyes, deodorants etc.... and they all contain chemicals that we couldn't pronounce even if a gun were aimed at us. How much cellular damage
is the cumulative effect of these products having on our systems?
Secondly- one of the side effects of menopause is dry skin and hair loss. Lucky me I got a heavy dose of both and lost a lot of hair. Happily, much of it has grown back but I still have dry skin and hair. I have tried many, many products that make miraculous claims and never come close to being more than a superficial fix. If I am going to make a real change I have to stop chemically processing, blow drying, flat ironing and abusing my hair.
However, I can only be so brave because after all I'm not ready to be old or at least look it so I am giving the new treatment a few weeks and then I'm trying a Henna all natural hair dye.
In the mean time fair warning to friends and family - I may smell like a cross between Folgers and rosemary.
Now is there anybody else who would like to enter this experiment with me? It would be fun share the experience.

Knitting Wisdom

2008-08-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

Tuesday I found out that my office is closing. I just moved to this office after my old company closed the office I was at. I had barely moved-in and now I am faced with the decision of where I want to go. I thought that I really looked into the situation carefully the last time I moved. I interviewed with a lot of company's, asked for referrals and took my time carefully thinking about what I wanted and where I should be. My current manager came very highly recommend - but through no fault of his, in fact he is credited with decreasing the debit by a whopping $250,000 , the office is closing. The office was huge - and literally vacant most of the time, because most agents are working from their homes or on the road. It doesn't make sense for a business to hold onto a building when no one is there most of the time. I only go into the office for client meetings and office meetings. During the summer when my kids are home I work from home.

Regardless of the reasoning and logic of the decision I am still left thinking, "Now what do I do?".

Wednesday I went to a class about REO's - real estate owned, aka, bank foreclosures. Most everyone has heard of the glut of properties ( we don't call them homes when they are owned by the bank), the most common myth is that these houses are the greatest deals in Real estate. They aren't. REO's are a difficult to buy and often a complex and mysterious process. Even following the banks specific instructions ( you must go to special web sites to down load extra forms), there is till no guarantee that you have a bought the house. Have you ever tried or rather been lured into bidding on EBay? The opening bid was $1 or $10 or some amount super low and the auction was open for 10 days. So every day you carefully watched your item and every day you imagined how great it would be to get "it" at such a great price. Then the last day arrived and suddenly bidders showed up. The last hours came and you were out bid over and over again, and the price kept going up until you thought, Hey, I could have just bought this thing a week ago and been done. But now your caught up in the bidding and wanting to win. You lose the bid and the final price is at least a typical sales price or more. Was that a deal? I don't think so.

REO's are a lot like EBay. They start out with a great teaser rate and the offers roll in, fast!. I saw one property the day it came on the market and by noon the next day it had 30 offers. A week later there were 50. Why did they all want the house? It was great and they were dreaming. I tracked the close and sure enough it sold $50k above list price. It sold at market price, - what houses typically go for in that neighborhood.

Well, the prediction is that this REO and short sale market will remain strong right into 2011. That's three years of this nonsense. Which makes me think - Is this what I want to do? I started out wanting to help people, believing that my honesty , integrity and determination were valuable talents and needed. Real estate agent are very optimistic people - and a lot of them are really nice. Everyone in both offices I worked at were generous with their ideas, energy and time. They were sincere and kind. I am always told to never , never give-up, and since I am not a quitter I buy into that mind set, however, there must come a time when the writing on the wall is clear enough to say - move on.

Usually when my mind is full of life's' thoughts like these I busy myself with cleaning or gardening or knitting.

And I have been happily knitting my "Free Pattern" sweater. I have a back almost finished. Knitting is slow because my hand still aches, but I take breaks and massage it and then readjust my hold on the needles, which seems to help. I found a few mistakes and I almost took the whole thing apart. But I decided that the yarn creates these small holes and that I was going to have to live with this special feature. I have carefully counted rows and stitches and I am on track with the pattern so I should be okay. Because when I look at the whole piece it is really quite nice and I love the yarn.

Well now I think I may have stumbled onto a thought.

Knitting wisdom for today - look at the whole piece not the holes!

Thanks

No Cheese , PLEASE

2008-08-21T17:43:00.001-07:00

It used to be that when you ordered a burger you had to request cheese. It was an extra ten cents. Now no matter what window you pull up to the voice always says, Would you like cheese with that? I know all about up- sales and how employees need to meet quotas. I understand the value of service and giving the customer what he wants but I Don't want cheese, or should I say, I don't want a piece of process food product that looks and taste more like plastic blow dried onto my burger. I specifically said - no cheese, I repeated at the end of my order, Please, no cheese, yet what do I get - Cheese. Gooey icky yellow stuff. Yuck that is not cheese, no matter how much they want to believe it is. I know what real cheese taste and looks like - it's creamy and yummy and soft and not shiny.

So, anyway there I was at the speaker box calmly declining cheese on my burger, fries or pie, but what do I get - CHEESE. I checked the burger and cried out - NOOOOOOOO. Three hunger boys, one starving woman and disgusting slimy fake cheese staring back at us like a yellow goo. No longer calm and with great angst I stepped-up to the window and said, " You got my order wrong. I said NO cheese and I got cheese on everything, look it's even stuck to the bag. You also over charged me". Please fix this and fix it fast.

Now usually I don't encourage fast food restaurants to work even faster. It just doesn't seem right to ask over stressed, underpaid, usually ESL employees to work faster. Besides I would rather wait and give them the chance to get it right. But, I was hungry so I push and anyway I got my food and left and we ate and everyone agreed that from now on we go to In-N-Out for burgers 'cause they have like a hundred people working there and they know how to get orders right and I think they use real cheese.

Thanks I needed that!

Back

2008-08-14T08:37:00.001-07:00

The good news is that I don't have carpel tunnel syndrome. My friend had surgery for this problem and she kindly explained all of the symptoms; tingling in the fingers, stiffness and throbbing. Although I have two of the three the first one is the most significant indicator.
I probably just have a case of very sore hand - No big deal. So after a few hand stretches and a little message, I started knitting again, but not before I frogged every single stitch in my completely finished sweater. Yes, I took the entire sweater apart - because it doesn't fit. The one serious flaw with knitting is the inability to correctly gauge size. As I knitted I frequently did a mock fit and everything seemed to be okay. As much as I could imagine the sweater would fit but just as I was finishing the shoulder seams on the back piece I realized that this sweater was too short and the neckline dipped too low. If I were a 14 yo it would have been fine but ...I'm not, soo I pouted over the outcome and then tore the entire sweater apart. Back to the drawing board.
Knitting often seems a metaphor for life for me. How many times have I worked tireless, inspired and motivated, only to discover that after a closer look everything wasn't the way I had imagined and I wasted my time. At that point I have a choice, give up - toss the project and move on, or try to fix it. I am a stubborn and determined person and so I analysed the situation and made a plan. I needed to add an extra row at the bottom. Simple. So I knitted away with a satisfied feeling but.... Well I don't think that is going to work either. Actually I think what I need to do is add maybe three or four rows to each segment in order to increase the sweater length properly. Either way I am too stuck , and too disgusted to think about this anymore, soo I have moved on to "Free Pattern", and it is moving along quite nicely.

Mosiac Me

2008-07-31T04:28:00.000-07:00

1. First name - Janet

2. Favorite food - chicken pot pie

3. High School - Kearny

4. Favorite color - Green

5. Celeb Crush - David Bromstad HGTV Colorsplash

6. Favorite drink - Ice tea

7. Dream Vacation - Hawaii

8. Favorite Dessert - Ice Cream Drumstick

9. What I want to be when I grow-up - Young at Heart

10. What I love most in life - Laughing

11. One word to describe me - determined

12 My Flickr name - That Girrl

This exercise was really a lot of fun for me. Take a little time for yourself and put this picture of YOU together. You'll love it, I promise.

Here's how you do it -

Copy and paste the URLs for images that answer your questions into fd’s mosaic maker. Copy pictures from the internet or flickr.

These are the questions -

1. What is your first name2. What is your favorite food?3. What high school did you go to?4. What is your favorite color?5. Who is your celebrity crush?6. Favorite drink?7. Dream vacation?8. Favorite dessert?9. What do you want to be when you grow up?10. What do you love most in life?11. One word to describe you.12. Your Flickr name.

Now go have fun!

SAD

2008-07-30T10:40:00.001-07:00

Ever try to knit with broken taped needles and an Ace bandage? Well, it's not easy...
Fixing the needles was no simple but the hand remains a big painful problem. I'm a virtual knitter for now....
And the sweater doesn't fit I need to frog.

Moving Right Along...

2008-07-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

With Border lace barely finished I cast on for another project. Originally this yarn was supposed to be used for 'Free Pattern' but after trying 3 times to cast on and knit with it I gave up. The yarn just didn't feel right for the project. It is Rowan All Seasons Cotton and it felt very stiff, especially after knitting with the Andean Silk (itchy but great to knit with), besides it's summer and I want a top I can wear now. I had this pattern in a folder and before I knew it I had finished the cast-on and was busy making a sweater. Funny how I let so much time go by with the other project and here in the span of a week I have this sweater almost done. It lacks side and shoulder seams. It was truely a pleasure to knit. The directions are very easy to follow and the pattern shows progress really quickly especially after the body is finished.

The one problem I have is that my hand is aching something fierce from my desperate attempt to finish the sweater by 4th of July. That morning I thought I would quickly sew the seams up but the plan went awry. I missed my deadline and decided I better let my hand rest or I might never be able to knit again.

Does anyone else suffer from knitters hand? I had a case of carpal tunnel about 20 years ago, but it went away after I stopped working for the Post Office ( so did my nightmares and chronic headaches). Are there braces that knitters can wear, maybe something like the kind that bowlers use?

Finished!!!

2008-07-01T15:22:00.001-07:00

Do you know who this is??

That is my neighbor trying to figure out my mess of knitting for the lace border sweater that I am knitting. After finally finishing the 2nd sleeve I then placed all the pieces of the puzzle on my dining room table and knew in a instant that there was no way I could figure out the next move. Lucky for me I called a friend (the lovely lady in the picture) who actually knows how to knit. I only asked that she help me understand the directions but I was truly lucky and she knitted me out of never never land. When she asked, " How much do you want me to knit?" I said, " As much as your willing to do" and then she magically put the sweater together. Thank you very much Yarnhog. I couldn't have done it without you. Note to all of you kind hearted knitting enthusiasts who give knitting kits to friends - they may need your help!
I sewed the sleeves and sides together and then I tried it on.
See -

Isn't the border pretty?
Well you may be wondering, Why I have a Teddy Bear modeling my very first knitted sweater with sleeves.
Could it be that it is 85 degrees and too hot to wear sleeves?
Could it be that I am having a bad hair day?
Could it be that it ITCHES????
Yes, this beautiful blue yarn that I loved to knit with itches something awful. Kinda like poison ivy with a rash on top. Yeah super duper itches. Does it go away if I put it in the closet? Do I wash it in magic de-itching soap?
Do I wear something under the sweater to shield my skin?
WHAT Do I Do?

Something to think about

2008-07-01T14:30:00.001-07:00

I'll bet you'll never guess who wrote these thought provoking words. Enjoy the read, I promise it will make a nice difference in your day.

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait.
We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. George Carlin
Did you guess right?

No Left Turns

2008-06-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

This bit of news comes to me via Me7of11 who posted a comment on my, Smart Cars and Dumb People .

With gas soaring to $4.60/gal here in San Diego (and no end in sight) and most of us driving gas guzzler cars like, vans and SUV's , it has become increasingly important to do whatever we can to cut back consumption.

The summary report of the short article is that UPS cut its fleets' gas bill by eliminating left hand turns. The cumulative effect of hundreds of cars idling their engines for even a few seconds was significant enough to save a million gallons of gas.

Maybe, if we all cut back it will shave a couple more million gallons and maybe that will help. Google, left turns for more information and please - Share this idea!
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/magazine/09left-handturn.html

Shameka's new Etsy Site

2008-06-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

Teal Leopard Stitch Markers and Bracelet

I have always be impressed by the tremendous talent in bloggers - the knitting,writing, photography, patterns, artwork, gardening, etc... the list goes on and on. We seem to grow best when inspired by the work of another. The constant building on a good idea results in the most fantastic things and even better the growth and empowerment of a woman.

I am so very excited to announce that - Shameka, has just opened her own Etsy shop. She specializes in stitch markers and jewelry. Really neat stuff! I want to invite everyone to stop by and visit her site and please tell a friend.

Summer Knitting Goals 2008

2008-06-14T04:25:00.000-07:00

Love this new contest I found via Not much of a Knitter ( who of course really is). This is a contest that inspires, motivates, rewards and everyone wins. For the mere price of posting my summer knitting goals I get a chance to win a fun kit for a simple sweater complete with yarn and knitting bag.
Here goes -

1. Finish Isdora, also known as Knit lace border top
2. Finish 'Free Pattern' project.
3. Name 'Free Pattern' project
4. Cast on shawl.

That's it. Summer is only 90 days and that will be plenty for me to knit. I already have a bunch of home improvement and gardening projects on the 'to do' list plus with the kids home from school I'll be plenty busy.

A Red Light Moment

2008-06-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

A funny thing happened to me on the way to the store today. I came up to a stop light, glanced down for a moment and then for some reason I looked at the driver next to me and it was a man winking at me. It was a good looking young man flirting with me. At first I stared at him in complete disbelief. You know the moment where you turn around thinking there must be someone behind you that they are looking at. Then I looked at him with a puzzled look on my face, which I hope said, "Ah, are you joking, I'm driving a monster van here, which obviously means- Got Kids" By now he is smiling and so I laugh cause I'm feeling pretty good. I'm thinking, yeah my hair does look good! Finally, I smile at him with a look that I think said,
"Hey you made my day", 'cause he did. Just as the light turned green he gave me another wink and nodded the , Your lookin' good nod. I smiled for at least an hour after that moment and I am smiling now.
Almost as if I had taken a magic pill that erased all my doubts, fears and anxieties, I glowed and walked with a new confidence. The rest of the day unfolded with good moments; I got the best parking space at the store, they opened a cashier for me at Costco (just as I began to put my food on the conveyor a man came by and said ," We're opening another line for you"), I caught four green lights in a row - a grand slam! I got good news from a client and, and, I thought all day about how a good looking man winked at little old me.
It was cool.
I thought as I walked through the store - I should 'Pay It Forward.' I would love to give someone else that magical moment. I saw a young girl who obviously looked like she had just graduated from 8th grade, and I said, "Pretty dress, you look great!" And it was so wonderful to see her smile!!
I wish I could bottle the gift of a compliment because this feeling is great and everyone should be able to have this moment.
Thank you kind good looking man in the sports car next to me, you put a smile on my face that's been missing for a long, long time.

Thoughts

2008-06-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Found a new quote today -

There is an old saying: "It takes an enemy and a friend to hurt you to the core. The enemy to slander you, and the friend to get the 'news' to you."

Smart Cars & Dumb People

2008-06-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

Once again the carpool line provides me with material to blog. Today while waiting in line I counting six cars within my sight that were running their engines while waiting in line. What's wrong with that? Well, the bell wasn't going to ring for at least ten minutes and then it takes another five before the line starts to move. These people were idling on $4.20/gal. gas! I dared myself to get out of my car and ask them why, but I chickened out. What could they say?

When do we change our habits? Last year gas was at about $3/gal , only one year later it is over a dollar more. Do you know it took decades for gas to reach $1/gal? This is a big problem and I think every little bit saved makes a difference.

Now here is a nice little email I got that might help you too.

Just enter your zip code in the site below, and it tells you which gas stations have the cheapest prices (and the highest) on gas in your zip code area. It's updated every evening. Just click on the link. You will see a map of your area and then scroll down and you will get a listing of gas prices in your area with addresses and brands starting with the cheapest and going up.

http://autos.msn.com/everyday/gasstations.aspx?zip=&src=Netx

The Smart Car - $13k & 4o mpg

I actually saw someone driving this car on the freeway. It is shockingly small. Personally, I couldn't fit my knitting bag in the car let alone my knees.

A New Beginning

2008-06-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

I have finally learned, through trail and error, how to knit the second sleeve, and alas I have learned the first sleeve is all wrong. Which means that first sleeve will become second sleeve very soon.

The problem is that I can't follow directions, or maybe that I can't read, or maybe that the pattern was poorly written, or probably my husband's fault ( 'cuz he says he gets blamed for everything). Either way I am now happily knitting and dreaming (once again) of how wonderful it will be to wear this beautiful sweater.

The lace pattern on the bottom of the sweater and sleeves is really, really pretty and actually fun to knit. Funny or not funny that I am having all my troubles with the ST st.

I have a theory that knitting is a metaphor for your life. It goes something like this -

When all is well; husband good, children clean and fed, house clean, money $$ and hair okay, then knitting proceeds in an orderly fashion. The yarn stays on the needles when it is supposed to and slips off again when it should. Your hands and yarn and needles act in unison, like a dance and almost as if by magic an image appears that absolutely delights you.

When all is not well; husband yucky, children noisy and hungry, house messy, no money and hair wars, then knitting does not work in fact, Nothing works.

If the metaphor holds to be true then I am about to begin a very nice change.

What Maya knows...

2008-05-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

I got this from Deborah and I loved it so much I had to share it.

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was'exciting.'

Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.. The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
Maya Angelou also said: 'I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'

'I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.'

'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.'

'I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life.'

'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.'

'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.'

'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.'

'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.'

'I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.'

'I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.'

'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'

And here's what I have learned at 50 years of age
I've learned that it is a big waste of time to worry about anything.
I've learned that crying makes you feel worse.
I've learned that it's good to think about other's but it's just as important to think about yourself.
I've learned that I can do anything that I really want to do.
I've learned to forget about the bad things and to focus on the good things.
I've learned that it isn't the end of the world if I am late but it sure feels good to be early.
I've learned that I can get a lot done in 15 minutes.

What have you learned?

Memorial Day

2008-05-25T23:07:00.001-07:00

In honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country

Total number of casualties from the Iraq war is at 30,329 according to

http://www.antiwar.com/casualties/

I'm Tagged!!!!

2008-05-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

Free Range Chick tagged me with this meme that has been going around blog town for a while now. I am proud and honored to participate in my FIRST TAG.

Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5-6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer."

1) What was I doing 10 years ago?

At my age it's hard to remember what I had for breakfast but ... I think I was a SAHM with a 16, 5 and 3 year old. My youngest wasn't born yet and I was taking a quilting class. I was in two playgroups and I started a business making First Holy Communion veils.

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):

Preview some houses for my clients, take the car to the garage because the engine light is on, check email accounts, call daughter, call mother, post on blog, buy a tool kit to carry in my car, return a $60 pillow that my husband bought and go see Indiana Jones

3) Snacks I enjoy:

Green olives, crackers with cream cheese, apples, oranges and raisins, green tea ( hot or cold) and chocolate covered pretzels.

4)Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

I would go to Hawaii (where I would learn to surf), Jamaica ( where I would sunbathe au natural), New York city (where I would go to the Met), Orlando (Disney world), Paris (where I would go to the Louvre), Austria ( where I would ski), Australia ( where I would eat shrimp on the barbee). I would take many cruises and I would bring both family and friends. I would go to the Olympics and the World Series. I would see many concerts.
I would buy a new house. I would also buy a house for my daughter. I would order all those items I have highlighted in catalogs. I would shop at real clothing stores - not just Target and Walmart.
I would get a fuel efficient car for everyone I know because I want to stick-it to the Oil Co's (Elvis bought Cadillacs - I'm buying Prius's).
I would hire a cook because I don't like to cook. I would have lots of parties!! I would hire a personal trainer, a professional organizer and a full time gardener. I would also hire tutors for all my kids because I never want to help with homework again, unless they need to read a story to me. I would write full time and visit friends and family and knit the rest of the time. I already donate to many, many charities and they would get a lot more.

5) Places I have lived.

I was born in Panama. I lived in Norfolk Virginia for a few years and when I was five years old my father got military orders to move to San Diego. I never went away to school or moved out of the city.

Six people that I would like to know more about are

Deborah, Shameka, Haley, Craftivore, Olga & Not much of a knitter

I deliberately tried to pick people I think have not been tagged. I would have tagged more but making all those hyper links has worn me out. Peace to everyone I didn't name. If you want to be tagged just ask.

Trek has a contest

2008-05-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

Trek is having a contest. I get extra entries if I post on my blog.

Here are her details -

I've got a hank of Knit Picks Shimmer to give away. And who knows what might make its way into the box before it is sealed?If you are subscribed to this blog via Bloglines, you are entered.

If you are not yet subscribed, sign up before the end of the Memorial Day weekend and you will be entered.That's easy, isn't it?Oh, one more thing. If you post on your blog, I'll give you another entry. If someone tells me you referred them, I'll give you another entry as well.

Post your Bloglines status in the comments. Let the fun begin!

Take me out to the ballgame

2008-05-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

Had one of those evenings that you sign-up for weeks in advance because they sound like a good idea at the time. This one was Padres game with the school night. Yeah, $21 dollar tickets for only $15. I had visions of the whole family going to the ballgame and having a memorable time of laughing, smiling, cheering and having a good time together - One Big Happy family. Hug Hug Hug.

Long, long story short. He didn't buy tickets. They had 6 extra. We bought those. Not enough. Daughter didn't go. Neighbor boy did.

Day of the game it rains. In my city if it rains; also known as sprinkles, scattered showers or heavy mist, then everyone stays home, lights the fireplace, drinks cocoa and watches a movie.

Fear of cold and rain hits the family with a heavy hand and we all moan and groan. No one wants to go. The Padres always lose and we'll freeze.

I wear a turtleneck sweater, a heavy jacket, a knitted scarf and mittens. At the last minute as I am leaving I grab my knitting.

As we arrive at the gate a sudden panic strikes me when I see the inspection line. I look in at my knitting needles and immediately fear that I am not going to pass Go at the gate. They are going to take my needles which look way to sharp to not be used as an occasional weapon. I reason that if they take nail files then surely they want my number 9 wooden needle that are at least three times longer and more powerful. Fortunately there are only two people in line and no one behind me . The "inspector" glances at my shabby bag of needles and I calmly say I'm knitting my first sweater. Either a wave of compassion momentarily grabs the guy or my needles don't look like a potential threat to anyone except my yarn.

We ride three escalators up to our sky high seats. My entire family is snickering at me knowing that I have a fear of heights. I always rise to the challenge but I must turn a little pale and I know the deep breaths and long signs aren't subtle. The last part is always the worst. I slowly creep up 22 steps and grab my seat.

Okay ballgame, I'm here , the family is partly here and I am seated. Play Ball

I realize that I don't write about knitting much, to be exact it has been almost 4 months since I have written about knitting. But I do a lot of knitting - in my dreams. My Isadora project has been placed on hold for all this time but tonight I make up for lost time. I knit, and knit and knit. The Padres, hit, and hit and hit. I knit for two and half hours and I start to see my second sleeve that I have knitted three times measure all the way past my bicep. It is a wonderful night. I knit with cold hands while my little boy blows is warm breath on them. I knit while cheering a home run in the seventh inning. I only put my knitting down to eat chili cheese nachos, only a few because I AM KNITTING. I can't have messy fingers.

Final score, Padres 8, Reds 2, Isadora 34 rows closer.

Note to self- Must go to more games.

Oh Dear

2008-05-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

A Young Artist Impression of My day

Here is a message from my son B -
Dear, dearest, dearestful family of dear, dearest souls that have dear thoughts, that are dearest to them in the dear ways, that are dear to them, in all dear ways dear things that can be dear to the dear people of the dearest household full of the dearest people in my family, Hi B

He loves to make me laugh :)

This message came at the end of such a dear day.

It all began at 6am when I rose to prepare to take my son to his orthodontist appointment at 7:30. Everything went very well I even got food in the crock pot for my famous Italian herb chicken. Yummy . I am now filled with the power of having fixed breakfast, lunch and dinner for my family all before 7 am. I am Woman.

We arrive early to our appointment only to discover that no one is there. The doors are locked and the lights are turned off. We shall wait I say to my son. He says he is feeling sick. I carefully finish my crossword puzzle. My son nearly glows with pride when he is able to fill in one space. I am glowing with pride too.

At 7:37 I decide to call the office. Answering machine message states, " We open at 9am on Thursday". WHAT. Oh yeah. I messed up. My appointment is tomorrow on Friday. Well, NO big deal I just go home with sick son and get ready for my next appointment at 9.

Everything is going very nicely I run multiple errands with great style and success. Later that afternoon I begin my pilgrimage to retrieve all my children and a few extras from their many schools. School one is 12 miles to the west, school two is 15 miles to the east. Woman A is in the middle. I do this everyday - no problem.

I am waiting in line at school two, I turn my engine off to not waste my precious almost $4 a gallon gas and then a few seconds later when the line starts to move I turn the key and NOTHING. No noise, no sound, no purr, no humm, nothing. I turn the key again, and again and again. There is now a very long line behind me and no one in front of me. I feel the increasing angst of the waiting moms behind me. Moms who are tired and hot and tired and hungry. I almost panic. I wave the cars past me and look back with my best sweet smile only to discover the lady behind me is clueless. She is on her cell phone and chatting away. A teacher is now running at me. I am cool thanks to my decision to start taking two St. John's Wort pills every day. I feel completely calm . I put the car in neutral. The P.E. teacher he-man pushes the car to the side. I lock the doors - cause I wouldn't want anyone to steal my car that doesn't move. I call my husband.

Honey I can't start the car and I am in the carpool line. Immediately He understands the seriousness of the problem.

I'm leaving right now.

I walk down to get the kids. I return with the great expectation that all mechanical problems will have disappeared and I will be back in the drivers seat. I turn the key - Nothing. I turn the key - Nothing , I turn the key - nothing. Why isn't this working? I fix a lot of things by pretending that they're not really broken. The mind or matter thing is one of my things. OK. Call husband again. He says he will be there in 10 minutes.

I then turn the key - the car starts.

I Am Woman Hear Me Roar!!!!

Dear, Dearest, Dearestful people tomorrow is another day.

Stay-at home Mom worth $117,000

2008-05-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

Had a very nice Mothers day ( hope you did too!). Got a call from my daughter, got a dress from my husband( it fits and I like it), gotta pen set from son A, and a salt and pepper shaker from son B, got a handmade card from son J. The handmade card always steals my heart. He wrote, "you are like sweet love and valentine love". I had to ask if he copied a message that his teacher wrote. He didn't.

I ran across this article about the worth of a stay-at-home Mom and knew I had to share it. Too bad we can't take it to the bank.
May 11, 2008

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS
BOSTON -- If a stay-at-home mom could be compensated in dollars rather than personal satisfaction and unconditional love, she'd rake in a nifty sum of nearly $117,000 a year.
That's according to a study released Thursday by Salary.com, a Waltham, Mass.-based firm that studies workplace compensation.
The eighth annual survey calculated a mom's market value by studying pay levels for 10 job titles with duties that a typical mom performs, ranging from housekeeper and day care center teacher to van driver, psychologist and chief executive officer.
This year, the annual salary for a stay-at-home mom would be $116,805, while a working mom who also juggles an outside job would get $68,405 for her motherly duties.
The biggest driver of a mom's theoretical salary is the amount of overtime pay she'd receive for working more than 40 hours a week. The 18,000 moms surveyed about their typical week reported working 94.4 hours -- meaning they'd be spending more than half their working hours on overtime.
Working moms reported an average 54.6 hour ''mom work week'' besides the hours they spent at paying jobs.

P.S.

Although I look forward to celebrating Mother's Day - a day of relaxing and no cooking, I must protest the crowds and chaos that now accompany "my" day. I don't need a bouquet of roses that a week ago cost $20 but now are $60, $75 or more. I don't want to have brunch at $35 a person And fight for a parking space And elbow room in the restaurant.

I think that Mom's should stage an underground movement to rebel against the Hallmark holiday and all it's commercialized trimmings .

I hearby announce a quiet revolution where Mom's simply announce their choice of DAY to their family. Personally, I don't need another holiday in May - we have two birthdays in the first 10 days. On the appointed day you can do your family thing on your own terms at a more reasonable price and all the while have a big smile on your face knowing that in true Mom style you outwitted the rules and did it your way!!

Day at the DMV - a short play in three acts

2008-04-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

Act 1

After a normal day of errands, work and shuttling kids home from school a road weary mom, in remarkably good shape for her age, walks to the curb to get the mail. Always hopeful that today I will be getting the 1 million dollars that Ed McMahon has promised to ME for the past three decades I carefully pull the bundle from the box. Quickly rifling through the "junk mail" I discover a plain white envelope with the return address - Dept. of Motor Vehicles aka DMV. Allowing only a few seconds to elapse, I rip open the envelope and read the short letter. " You must renew your license on or before your birthday" Okay. You must bring a valid ID and $26 dollars. Okay. You must get your picture taken AHHHAAHAHAHAHA.

Act 2

Realizing the magnitude of the problem and it's long lasting effects I devise a plan.

1. Read and re-read the letter for any errors or loop holes.

2. Schedule appointment online to avoid hearing, "Hold please", which we all know is code for, "Suffer fool".

3. Post appointment to calender and carefully pin letter to bulletin board - so that you won't forget and it won't get lost.

4. 10 days prior to appointment get hair cut. 7 days before color hair. 3 days before get a facial.

Act 3

Rising early on the big day, I decide to go for a run, believing that I will accomplish two things; work off my nervousness and get the blood flowing so that my skin will glow. After a long relaxing shower I carefully apply my make-up, put hot rollers in my hair and drink a cup of green tea. Everything is going as planned. The phone rings - Yes, NO, Yes, well no, NO, No, NO gotta go. Okay Okay The wardrobe selection proceeds with no problems.

Out the door and on the road with the DMV letter and the navigation set. Everything is going as planned. Until - What happened?

Where is the DMV??. The nav. keeps saying, 'recalculating, recalculating. I'm looking at the map. They moved?? Must follow voice commands. Must do as I am told. Must not be late. Arriving at destination on left. Re-check face for signs of terror, re-apply lipstick. Good, Good.

There are 150 people here. Excuse me , Excuse me, I have an appointment. Fill out form and WAIT. NO NO NO NO! I sit down in the molded plastic chair that can't possibly be comfortable for any human and my heart sinks. I have not brought anything to pass the time. I don't have a magazine, I don't have a book, I DON'T HAVE MY KNITTING???? Why didn't I pin that to the bulletin board?

I slyly check the other peoples faces. I hear a lady arguing with the clerk. She must be crazy. They have a robot voice announcing over the loud speaker, "now serving number 273 at window c14" Where am I? Have I left the planet? Am I in tomorrow land? Must stay calm. 10 minutes, 20 minutes. I check my purse for an emery board. I clean my wallet. I sort through the receipts. 30 minutes. There are no magazines anywhere. Not even an old Car and Driver magazine. Shouldn't they have that one? I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT!! 33 MINUTES. "Now serving 315 at window c17" Hey that's me. I'm cool. I'm walking through the sad people waiting, and I am trying to find window c17, only I'm lost. It's way in the back and unlabeled. I decide not to complain.

Yes, Thank you. Okay. Yes. Wait a minute those people in the corner are taking a test. Do I have to take a test? I thought it was bad enough that I have to get my picture taken

No, next time. I consider this an act of mercy. Do you take a debit card? Yes, Good. Okay. Thank you., wait in the next line.

Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting. I am watching a lady grade tests. She stamps the forms as if she were killing a large bug and then calls out names, you passed, you passed, I'm so sorry you didn't pass. I have now been standing in this line for 15 minutes. There isn't a mirror anywhere and the bathroom is on the other side of the building. I don't dare get out of line. Even my vanity loses to standing in line. Must remain calm.

The lady finally calls my number and I step-up. This is the moment I have been suffering for a month now. The five second challenge that lasts for five years. Yes I got 5 seconds to stand on the line, smile please, click. You should get your new license in the mail in about a week. Thank you - NEXT.

My only clue was that she smiled after taking the picture. She looks like a nice lady and has a sweet voice so I decide that she isn't evil and secretly laughing her head off at my goofy picture.

Today I got my license in the mail -

Although the picture is very good I couldn't get a picture of the picture that was good. :(

I have overcome the might DMV forces and I can now live in peace whenever I am asked to show my license. Bartenders, policemen, store clerks and other strangers that I never see won't be able to make jokes, snickers or sneers about my bad picture. I feel mighty!

I have a suggestion and a way for the state to make a lot of money.

Have two picture lines. One with the regular lady who gives you 5 seconds and another line with a professional photographer, lights, mirrors and a computer to show you the pictures. For a mere $20 one could have the option of guaranteeing a successful picture before they walk away. Now wouldn't that be money well spent? I am certain that added revenue would balance the budget, pave that bumpy street in front of my house and buy school lunch for a lot hungry kids. It could be called, "Vanity for humanity at the DMV"

Just another Day?

2008-04-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the best things in life really are the simplest. It was especially true for me today. Today is my birthday and it's the half way marker - 50. I can barely say the word and I have been dreading the day for a long, long, long time. I mean how in the world can I be old. It feels like just yesterday I turned thirty. I was having fun and life was pretty good. I thought about all the things I wanted to accomplish and then I remembered that I was a single parent and I had a six year old, so I decided that I would have to settle for being Queen of my own universe.

The next thing I'm turning forty or is it thirty-nine again, any way I 'm like, better take this one seriously. So I stocked up on anti-aging products. I thought I could trouble shoot that problem and never look a day older. Just spend lots of money, never go in the sun, drink massive amounts of water, and only laugh on rare occasions. That plan didn't last. I knew it was seriously flawed after my fifth trip to the bathroom before noon. I washed my hands looked in the mirror laughed out loud and thought, " I can't live like this".

Then I turned forty-nine and I thought, now that I know how to use the Internet I will Google - best anti-aging methods available to the common person who doesn't have a lot of money. Evidently, best equals money and common equals dumb. I decided to save lots of shipping and handling charges and so I went to Sephora instead. At my age I can handle the snippy salesperson who can spot a freebie-er (person who does not buy, just tries on everything and pretends to look as though she might buy). This was a meaningful event because, under their fluorescent lights I thought I looked pretty good in navy blue eyeshadow, burnt orange blush and brown lipstick. I even tossed my hair with some $44 dollar goo that looked a lot like Aloe Vera. I proceeded to walk around the mall thinking I looked like Jacqueline Smith (smart Charlies angle) until I got to the cheap jewelry store. There I caught a glance of myself in the mirror and thought OMG who is that strange woman with the clown face make-up? At that point the magnitude of the problem began to sink in to my stubborn brain. I wasn't going to be able to change anything with anything I could buy in a jar. I went home to re-think my plan against aging.
Aging is all in the mind. I decided I needed a good book on anti-aging. I bought the Yoga method for anti-aging, the All natural Chinese method for anti-aging and Facial exercises from the Orient. I was really excited - I was going to read my way to being young and beautiful. The books came a few days later and I unwrapped them and then some how they ended up under my bed. I tried facial exercises but I began to worry that I was making wrinkles while I was exercising my face to get rid of wrinkles. I am now dreaming that osmosis works through mattresses.
Then I decided that spot exercising doesn't work. I needed to work-out and then my whole body would be young and my face would glow from the increased blood flow, which would make my wrinkles look smaller. I carefully developed an exercise plan. I was going to run on Mon, Wed. and Sat. Palates on Tues and Fri. This plan actually worked pretty good until I caught a cold, my kids caught a cold and I lost my carpool.
Now I was stuck I had run out of plans. What to do? What to do? How was I going to stop getting old. Then it hit me - it's just a number, who cares? Why make a big deal out of it? No one in their right mind is going to Ask me how old I am. And if they do I'll just say, I am one hundred fifty years old or some facsimile thereof , next question.
Today is my birthday and some really lovely things happened that surprised me. You'll never guess what happened. I got up, I went out and did my thing and then I came home. Yeah it was just another day. Only my daughter called and wished my Happy Birthday( she also gave me that beautiful handpainted picture of the flower fields), and my son gave me a card (handmade) it says, "Dear, dearest, dearstful mother...Let nothing stop you from having a wonderful day. My friend baked me carrot cake. Yummy, Yummy, Yummy. I LOVE CAKE. We had a lovely evening of Cake, Coffee and conversation. Oh and I laughed a lot. Earlier I got a navigation system for my car - it works great I just have to learn how to obey commands and since I have never been trained properly it might be a while 'til I have that mastered. Until them I love the maps.
As my friends left I smiled and my heart grew three sizes because I learned that birthdays are not about numbers ( because I'm not 6 years old) and no matter how old I get that sometimes it's the little things that are the very, very, very best. You know the little things like having wonderful moments with family and friends that add up to a life time of memories.

P.S.

On Saturday I celebrated with my brother and his family at a very special restaurant. They gave me a digital picture frame. We then went on a boat ride across the bay. I love little sparkly lights, dancing water and moon light. I imagined that the environment was wishing me a happy birthday. I can easily say, a good time was had by all, especially me.

MMMmmm I'ts a Great Feeling

2008-04-11T12:15:00.001-07:00

This morning at 8am I met my dentist who greeted me with pliers and for 30 minutes he cut wires and pulled brackets off my teeth. The metal ones came off in one piece but the ceramic ones shattered and pieces flew. The next hour was spent sanding off the bond. That was real torture. Many times my teeth got sensitive to the vibration and it felt like the nerve was being touched. But I survived.
I can't stop smiling and I can't stop swiping my tongue across my teeth. The feel so nice and smooth. Next week I am getting them whitened. I can't wait 'til someone says, "Hey you got your braces off.

What I learned and what I want to share.
1. NEVER have your teeth pulled. I "needed" four teeth pulled in order to correct my overbite. This is an dated technique and now usually the readjustment can be made without pulling teeth. Aside from the pain and expense of having teeth pulled there is another major problem. When you pull teeth the shape of the face is changed - well mine changed. My cheeks sank in and I don't like it. Really, really, really think long and hard if your dentist wants to pull teeth.
2. Braces are a big challenge everyday. Food gets stuck in them. It's hard to brush and clean your teeth. It is really hard to floss. I tried to floss once a week but rarely met that goal. You have to use a threader and loop the floss inside the wires. It's a big long hassle.
3. Braces are expensive and time consuming. I have spent many, many hours at the dentist and I really wonder if it made that big of a difference.
4. Braces make your teeth look yellow and ugly. This is the greatest irony and true of most projects - progress isn't pretty.
5. Today is a great day.

A guy at the office turned and congratulated me as they were taking my picture. He asked, "How long have you had them on"
"Don't ask. How long have you had yours?"
" I just got them on yesterday"
"It takes as long as it takes, and then it's over and you smile"

Now isn't that true with most things in life?

24 hours and counting....

2008-04-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

Less than 24 hours until I am freed from the tyranny of wire and brackets and rubber bands. In less than 24 hours I will sit myself down and open wide for a couple hours to have my mouth released from it's prison and when I get up I will be smiling - hopefully very pretty.

Tomorrow I get my braces off!!

After almost three years and only a few decades of wanting straight teeth I will have accomplished my goal. I can't totally explain the glee that has overcome me. I want to dance in joyful expectation. I want to sing. I want to hug everyone.

But first I am off to buy Rembrandt toothpaste, a whitening kit, a new toothbrush and some red lipstick.

When you Know something is NOT right

2008-04-08T09:23:00.000-07:00

About a week ago I finally got my mail order prescription that I was a week late reordering. I immediately popped one of those sweet babies and thought ah, that'll cure those raging hot flashes, but wait something is different. I looked at the pills and thought these aren't the same, but the bottle said,

"This is the same medication you have been getting, color, size or shape may appear differently"

Well, now okay. I continue taking the pills but with that tender voice in the back of my head saying"

This is not the same medicine.

Last night I woke 3 times completely drenched, throwing blankets off and drinking water only to suffer a wave of chills. My head hurt, my body was shaking, I was weak, I was crying and I felt like throwing up and then it really hit me -

This is not the same medicine.

This morning I called the pharmacy completely ready to be told what an idiot I was and that they were the same pills, but a miracle happened, I spoke with a real person and you know what he told me -

This is not the same medicine

Yeh - I know I feel terrible.

I knew it the minute I opened that bottle and saw those little pale purple pills. What happened to the green round ones? The ones that work like magic and make me feel alive again. I stared at the bottle only to read,

"This is the same medication you have been getting, color, size or shape may appear different"

Lies, all lies.

I felt vindicated that I have triumphed over the written word and that indeed I was right but now I felt ANGRY. Who messed up my order? Who sent me the wrong pills? I remembered a great 60 minutes show on how prescription drugs are filled by robots and that it is much safer because it's all done by computers and programmed - BY A HUMAN.
I called my doctors office, pushed 1 for English, 1 for my doctor, and 4 to speak to someone about a prescription refill, waited the mandatory 15 minutes that felt like 45 and spoke with Vicky.
Vicky has a sweet soft voice and she sounds so nice that no one would ever get mad at her. She is great at her job. She is going to pull my chart and call me right back. Oh No.
The phone rings, it's Vicky. Sure enough my prescription WAS and now ITS and somehow IT was refilled with the WAS instead of the ITS and no problem she'll fax and call right away,
--- Is there anything else I can help you with?
Ah wait a minute - I'm supposed to let you know that these mistakes can't be tolerated because I could have had a heart attack and died last night, leaving three children and a helpless husband, and the rest of the world without my services and IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!!!!
---No. Thank you very much. When can I pick-up my medicine?
---Wait about an hour and call first.

I stared at the bottle again thinking, how can I prevent this from ever happening again -
Check the bottle with the old bottle
File the prescription refill orders AND VERIFY with the new order.

Dear sweat little voice in the back of my head I need you to
SPEAK LOUDER.

And The Winner Is...

2008-04-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the late announcement. I just jetted in and ran straight to my computer to grab a random integer ( that is where there are isn't it?) so that I could end this long drawn out silliness.

But first I really must say what a wonderful group of fun gals you bloggers are. I thank, thank, thank, thank you for playing along with my contest to honor bad yarn and funny colors and of course knitting.

To recap the fun- it all started in a far off land of intrigue and mystery where one lady bedazzled us all and stunned herself by buying, man-made yarn in a wonderful shade of shocking yellow. Yellowy orangy yellow or more precisely - Kraft Mac and cheese color. With all the chatter about macaroni buttons and cheesy hues my appetite picked up and there I was grating cheese and stirring up my own M&C. In the never ending quest to find something to write about I ran with the idea and posted my recipe. Sophanne stepped it up a notch by suggesting the contest and well the rest is history.

The winner is KmKat, who is on her own winning streak because she won her election. Congratulations. And don't forget you get some lovely yarn from Sophanne's stash.

It really makes me sad that I can't make everyone a winner but wait - maybe I can. If you would like your own autographed box of Kraft macaroni and Cheese then please send me your address and I will mail it off ASAP. Dinner is on the house. Hope you got that bad joke. He he.

Just a Note

2008-03-29T12:12:00.001-07:00

Too busy trying to save the world to post right now. Love to chat but I have to squeeze into my super woman costume and you know how hard that can be.

Don't forget my CONTEST

Rock Band

2008-03-24T16:42:00.000-07:00

Rock Band comes to my house -

Too bad I can't post the Music. You'll have to imagine the thump, thump, thump -bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, and dum, dum, dum. Ain't that great? Well at least I know where my teenagers are - in my family room desparately trying to make music.
Three out of four are mine the extra one is an honorary child.

A Mac and Cheese kinda Day & a CONTEST!!!!!

2008-03-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of conversation about mac and cheese in the blog waves lately. The short version is - Uberstrickenfrau is knitting an adorably cute baby sweater with, "fake yarn" also known as , "the cheap stuff" in a wonderful color of orange that bears a striking resemblance to one of the best fake products man has ever made - Kraft Mac and Cheese. While the color is probably no where near to the real bright orange we all know and love, because it's really a picture of a picture of a picture that we are all looking at ( her camera, posted on her computer as viewed on my screen), it is still not the pink that is common for girl babies.

While the debate continues on how to embellish said garment and if it should be wrapped in an empty carton of mac and cheese I started thinking, Mac and cheese ...yeah that sounds good.

Although I am not the best cook in town, see What's for Dinner, and my famous meat mush is now folk lore, I do on occasion make a pretty tasty meal, see The Comeback Meal for details. All disclosures aside I now formally present-

My Way Mac & Cheez

Boil water for macaroni

add macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes

3 tblsps of butter - melt for 30 seconds in microwave

whisk in

3 tblsps of flour

Add

1 cup of milk

1/2 tsp of salt

dash of Cayenne pepper

nuke for 2 minutes

remove and whisk

Add

2 cups of cheese - I use Colby and sometimes cheddar, any kind works

Stir macaroni in to cheese sauce and serve.

This recipe should take approx. 21 minutes to prepare ( I factored in time for the water to boil) thereby beating out Rachel Rays idea of fast cooking by a whopping 9 minutes.
So good, so fast and so cheesy :)
Yummy

Contest details -

Please submit your mac and cheese recipe - even if it's out of the box with cheese sprinkled on top. On April 1st I will randomly select a winner who will receive their choice of either a gift card for Starbucks or Jamba Juice or some other equivilent item if you live in an area that doesn't have such a place. Sorry no yarn to give away- my stash hasn't been fully developed, aged or grown.

Correction ---

Sophanne has offered her very own version of mac and cheez yarn to go with my prize.

Two gifts - one mac and one cheeze -Purfect

Have fun with the idea and spread the news - A contest, free stuff!!!!

The Break-In

2008-03-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago at my neighborhood monthly Bunco game we heard the very sad and scary news that one of our dear neighbors had been robbed during the day while she was home. I'll never forget the hostesses announcement that "J " would not be joining us to play because she was sick and because she had been robbed the day before. She then played the message "J" had left on her phone. We all huddled around the telephone as we listened to the playback. Everyone strained to hear her soft, calm and sad voice retell the previous days events.
She had come home from work feeling tired and sick and went straight upstairs to settle down for a rest. She heard noises downstairs and thinking that it was her husband called to him. The thieves were surprised and quickly grabbed her purse (which she had sat on the kitchen table) and then ran out of the house. My friend got a sense of something being wrong and went downstairs to discover her purse gone and the door open. She reported the crime but in the short interim the bad guys had already made it to the local gas station where they filled the tank( 5 years ago I am sure that this would not have been a thieves first purchase) and then charged a few items at another store.
We had to listen to the recording twice because her voice was so soft in some parts. By the end of the second playback a very heavy mood had embraced everyone. Who couldn't imagine how easily it could have happened to them? We were all thinking about our community and how much we cherished the idea that we were safe and happy. My neighborhood is very unique and special. We actually know our neighbors and enjoy being with them. Throughout the years that I have lived here we have spent many lovely times visiting with the neighbors.
One lady organized a Bunco game and after the guys saw how much fun we were having, her husband organized a men's poker night. I'm hoping to get a couples poker game going in the future. We also enjoy hanging out in the driveway and watching our kids play in the street. You can call it "white trash" but I call it, "Party's on the Drive". It's fun. Our kids play and ride their bikes, while we eat pizza and drink beer. The kids have a great time and don't mess-up the house and the grown-ups get to hang-out. Over the years that I have lived here I have had the genuine pleasure of getting to know some really neat and nice people and I don't want that to change. I feel very fortunate that my kids have friends to play with and so do I.
Now, after hearing the recording everyone began to share stories about other break-ins. I was surprised at how much our neighborhood has been attacked. Certainly not one of the best conversation openers, "hey by the way I got robbed the other night" , but then again something that you need to know.
As the conversation developed we learned that a few neighbors had seen some kids hanging-out in the neighborhood on that day. Kids that aren't usually around. Although the instinct is to say, "they don't look like they belong here" the secondary instinct is, "it's probably okay and I should mind my own business". We have all done it. I know I have. I still remember my neighbor being away on vacation and they had arranged for people to stay in the house. One day the house sitters left the garage door open for a long time and I thought I should tell them that the owners liked to keep the door closed, but I didn't and they got robbed. A really nice bike was taken and other items. It would have been easy for me to say something but that good ole secondary instinct kicked in and I jumped to the, "It's probably okay and I should mind my own business thought". The owners had insurance and ended up getting an even better bike so everything was okay but this latest break-in happened while someone was home and that is a different story.
The entire night was changed. I really look forward to playing Bunco because it is a lot of fun and a time to relax with friends but after I heard that recording all I wanted to do was go home and get into bed. I felt sick from the thought.
As we all shared and talked the conversation evolved to - what can we do? The neighborhood had a Neighborhood watch program - we know that because the signs are posted. The signs are all rusty and beat-up now and no one can remember what happened to the program. So....
here I am organizing a new neighborhood watch program.
The first meeting is next Tuesday. I handed out flyer's last Saturday and I will post signs later this week to advertise. I hope that a lot of people will come and get involved, but my gut instinct is that too much time has passed since the last robbery and complacency has already set-in.
If you have ever done anything like this or are involved in a Neighborhood Watch program I would dearly love your thoughts and advise.
Peace

A Garage Sale and Spring Fever

2008-03-11T15:51:00.001-07:00

It was a busy and exciting weekend as I worked and completed my first neighborhood garage sale. In yet another effort to make myself and my services known ( I'm a Realtor) to the community, I organized a garage sale. Now this was no small undertaking. A little over a month ago I finished my first newsletter and I went to each house (242) rang their doorbell and introduced myself. Refer to A Dog Story for more fun details. After that I made another flyer ($71.46) and passed it out to each house. I also sent out the flyer to all my dear neighborhood Bunco friends. I ran ads in the Pennysaver both online and print and on Craigslist. Three days before the sale I posted four signs on strategic corners ( see Good Luck for more details) and on the morning (6:30am) of the sale I posted two more large signs, 12 directional arrow signs and 9 balloons. The end result was 15 houses had garage sales, the neighborhood was swarming with cars and people, and I met a lot of people. It was actually fun.

I was very happy that the weather was absolutely beautiful on the day of my big event. it's spring in San Diego and once again the long dark days of winter are over and I have got the fever. Spring Fever. Want to see

The flowers are blooming everywhere and I've got the urge to work in the garden. Here's what I hope to finally conquer -

This lovely bare spot has been planted four or five times. The last time I thought I had won but then I found crab grass and I got the bright idea to spray some killer that clearly stated it would only work on crab grass. Wrong, it kills everything and certainly not all the grass. Consequently, at least three flats of plants and hours of work were destroyed. But I haven't given up hope yet. As soon as the nursery can grow some decent plants for me I shall climb my mountain and replant.

"Good Luck"

2008-03-07T14:27:00.001-08:00

I'm sure that you've all had a e-mail with this poem and message attached to it. Do this or else type of deal.

AN IRISH FRIENDSHIP WISH
Good Luck!!
I hope it works...
May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
OK, this is what you have to do...Send this to all of your friends!But - you HAVE to send this within 1 hour from when you open it!
Now................Make A wish!!!!!!I hope you made your wish! Now then, if you send to:1 person --- your wish will be granted in 1 year3 people --- 6 months5 people --- 3 months6 people --- 1 month7 people --- 2 weeks8 people --- 1 week9 people --- 5 days10 people --- 3 days12 ! people - -- 2 days15 people --- 1 day20 people --- 3 hours If you delete this after you read it . you will have 1 year of bad luck! But .. if you send it 2of your friends you will automatically have 3 years of good luck!!! :-)

While your thinking about the off chance of it actually bringing you good luck you're also worried about the chance of it bringing you bad luck.
I mean luck is very highly rated in our society. Lucky people win the lottery. You have to be! The odds of winning are like a gazillion to one. Luck is also embedded in the great mystery movie that is circulating these days called - "The Secret". The basic principle is that your positive attitude, energy, aura is received into the world and walla you got Good Luck coming to you and all your dreams coming true. Now in order for this to work you have to have your goals clearly stated and truly believe that they will come true. EX: You are driving your new Jaguar with the trunk loaded with money and your hair looks great. Literally the power of the mind can be used to make all you dreams come true. So simply get focused and your on your way.....

Anyway, I am Irish. Well actually my husband is half Irish and I think I'm about a fourth - but I really look Irish. So I'm thinking I going to have a Lucky day.

Well here is what Good Luck looks like for me today -

Now being a true optimist and truly believing in the power of positive thinking and that I do have Good Luck, I do have Good Luck, I do have Good Luck -

I have decided that getting a flat tire one minute from my house was Good Luck. Yes Indeed.

Since the message of my blog is "To share", here is what I learned and what you should know

I backed-up the car to position it near the curb so that I could lock the wheels when I parked the car. But when I put the car back in drive I didn't put my foot on the brake and the inertia forced the car into the curb. That caused the wheel to ram into the curb and of course the concrete was uneven and that's how I got a hole in my tire. So you see it's very easily done.

Angel of the Day award goes to Andrea who called me from school and took my son to the robot competition, then bought him a shake and brought him home. Without her help Jason would have missed everything.

Big bonus points go to my super little boy who remembered Mom's cell phone number so that Andrea could call me. He can't remember which words to capitalize and usually forgets his jacket at the neighbors house but what's more important?

Whooping cough Alert

2008-03-06T01:58:00.001-08:00

My second son has been kinda sorta diagnosed with whooping cough. I say kinda sorta because it is extremely hard to diagnose usually only by default. I have been to the doctor twice now and they have actually called me at home to discuss the situation. For months now extra large child #2 has been coughing. In my best parenting and nursing skills I have told him to please cover his mouth. Then I tried to get him to take cough medicine but they haven't invented a palpable syrup that my dear 12 yo will swallow. I don't know why kids think it should taste good. It's medicine!! Anyway after I recovered from that episode and cleaned the floor I gave up on Delsyn and NyQuil. Actually I took a swig so I could sleep.
Now son is coughing really hard. He bends over and makes loud noises and is suffering. So he gets another day off school and I take him to the doctor again. This time steroid inhaler and some medicine that ends in -syn. After 5 days he is supposed to be better - only he's not. That's when they ( doctors one, two and three - cause I have an HMO or PPO or whatever but certainly not access to good health care) start talking Whooping Cough only they call it Pertussis, same thing just the fancy doctor name. All my children were immunized. I suffered the five year trek to the doctor and got my yellow card properly completed. Now here's the kicker that I need to share -

Even though you may have immunized your child at around 10 -12 years old the antibodies wear off and you need to get a booster shot. Well I learned that the hard way but you don't have to suffer. Get ye to the doc and get that pre-teen a shot or else suffer a cough that sounds like they are trying to hack-up a small internal organ. FYI this usually happens at the dinner table and seems to go great with meat mush or hamburger helper.
It lasts a long, long, time and it's painful so it's worth the trouble. Good luck.

Made you Think

2008-03-05T13:37:00.000-08:00

ALZHEIMERS' EYE TEST

Count every ' F ' in the following text:

FINISHED FILES ARE THE RE

SULT OF YEARS OF SCIENTI

FIC STUDY COMBINED WITH

THE EXPERIENCE OF YEARS...

(SEE BELOW)

HOW MANY ? WRONG, THERE ARE 6 -- no joke .

READ IT AGAIN !

Really, go Back and Try to find the 6 F's before you scroll down. The reasoning behind is further down.

The brain cannot process 'OF'.

Incredible or what? Go back and look again!! Anyone who counts all 6 'F's' on the first go is a genius.

Three is normal, four is quite rare.

A Dog Story

2008-03-04T16:05:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a very interesting and challenging day.
Part one -
My daughter volunteered to man the phone lines for the Humane Societies telethon. At first I was sorely disappointed to see that they had not recognized my daughters greatness and she was not the host. How could they be so silly as to select a local television personality and the Humane societies president to chair the event. We want to see - Lauren. When she made her appearance - back row to the right - we all cheered and hoped with great expectation that the show would finally take a turn for the better. Well it did, dear daughter managed to grab her spotlight - a whole 8 seconds of air time when she phoned in her own pledge. Way to go girl.
After that we turned off the T.V.

Part 2 - I walked the neighborhood for five hours going door-to-door handing out flyer's about my community garage sell that I am sponsoring. Rising to the challenge of ringing strangers doorbells and then giving my pitch was brave enough but coping with the never ending barking and barrage of dogs was almost unbearable.
At one particular door the dog managed to escape his owners leg hold - you know the move where you barely open the door and use one foot to block the dog from tearing into the pour harmless victim at the door. Well it didn't work this time and very large dog with growling teeth ran out. I screamed my city girl head off and pressed up against the wall. I understand now that this is not the correct move to make. Owner ran out apologizing and grabbed dog who had no collar on and once again managed to come after me. On the verge of tears and a near heart attack I made my best defensive move and shut my eyes as tight as possible - because if your going to be eaten alive it's better to not see the first bite. Owner finally managed to calm dog down - which he claimed during the entire incident was very friendly and I resumed my pitch. After I calmed down and I looked at the dog who was now waging his tail. I looked at the owner and asked, "So I got to know what is your dogs name?" he smiled and said, "Angel"
In my best recovery line to date I said, " Yes, of course he's completely white".
Too much fun.

What I learned - I am never going to answer my door without properly securing my friendly dog. It's just not nice. I hope you share my challenge.
Peace

Work

2008-02-28T21:20:00.000-08:00

I haven't had anything to say or write in a long time now. I am so completely overwhelmed with work. I work at home, I work in the classroom, I work in the yard and I work at work. Even with all that I'm thinking about working on redecorating my bedroom. I am constantly working. On the one hand working a lot is good - I'm sleeping better than I have in years and I not bored, but...on the other hand, I'm tired and I'm tired. Now being tired isn't so bad, its not contagious and its easily remedied - take a break and get some rest. But I can't rest because everywhere I look I see work, and every time I close my eyes I think about work. When I'm going to get some work done, how much work I will be able to get done....
At this point in my frustration I always pull a Scarlet O'Hara "As God is my witness I shall never dig another potato in my life" no that's not it, oh now I remember, ' Oh fiddlesticks I'll think about that another day...

The Stranger

2008-02-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

This is very interesting and not the ending I had expected!!!! (I didn't write this story but I loved it's message so much that I had to post it)

A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small Texas town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on.

As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger...he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies. If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry.

The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind. Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.

Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home... Not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our longtime visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush. My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol. But the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing. I now know that my early concepts about relationships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked... And NEVER asked to leave.

More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.

His name?.... . . .We just call him "TV."(Note: This should be required reading for every household in America!) He has a wife now....We call her "Computer."

Recognizing a Stroke

2008-02-19T08:28:00.000-08:00

This information came to me in an e-mail but I thought it was too important to stay there. I still remember watching a man suffer a stroke (a priest was saying mass). As he talked his words became jumbled and he looked shaky. A man gave him water but everyone just waited and watched. It was a very sad moment. Please read, memorize and pass it on. This knowledge could make a big difference in your life.

MEMORIZE THIS SIMPLE PHRASE

-SMILE, TALK AND RAISE BOTH ARMS-

Remember the '3' steps, STR .

Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke .
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S * Ask the individual to SMILE.

T * Ask the person to TALK

and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)

(i.e. It is sunnyout today)

R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 999/911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue
NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

Repeat after me -

- SMILE, TALK AND RAISE BOTH ARMS

- SMILE , TALK, AND RAISE BOTH ARMS.

Puppy Love

2008-02-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

A Puppy with a heart

A PUPPY has been born in Japan with a large, clear, love-heart-shaped pattern in his coat. The Chihuahua was born in May as one of a litter to a breeder. Shop owner Emiko Sakurada said it was the first time a puppy with the marks had been born out of a thousand she had bred. She had no plans to sell the puppy, which has been named 'Heart-kun'. The long-coated male Chihuahua puppy was born in Odate, northern Japan

The Phone Call

2008-02-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

Just when you think that you've got it all figured out and everything is running smoothly, life throws you a curve --
Yesterday morning my son was in a car accident. The driver - a 17 year boy rear ended a truck and completely totaled his car. The truck was barely scratched. The air bags never deployed. My son was riding in the back seat and he is okay. About 7:30, the time of morning I cherish because everyone has made their exit and I can finally sit down to breakfast and peace and quite. We got a phone call from our 2nd son who said, " I think Andrew was in a car accident".
Now that's a fun phone call. It made my heart skip a beat. I called immediately. He said he was fine but his heart was beating fast. 15 year olds are always Cool. I drove down and there he was standing on the sidewalk near the wrecked car. A police car with all it's lights flashing was parked almost in the middle of the street. Glass and broken car parts were everywhere and of course all the passing cars slowed to stare. I got the boys - driver had to stay and drove them to school. Both passengers never saw the other car. My son looked down to get something from his bag pack and the other boy was doing his homework.
To off set the damage done to the morning and since we were already late I bought them breakfast at Carl's. The boys got to school only 10 minutes late.
What I learned
1. Life can change in a minute. My son gets-up at the last minute and runs out the door. I never even said good-bye that morning.
2. Life goes on. No matter what happens.
3. Experience is the best teacher. My son learned a big lesson about safe driving.

The end result is I now have to figure out how to drive one boy 12 miles west and at the same time drive two other boys 12 miles east twice a day for the rest of the year. As I was allowing myself to sink into this problem I ran across inspiration -
A statue of Cesar Chavez stands at the top of the stairs ( 94 steps) to my old college written beneath in bronze letters is ,"Si se puede"
Which means, " It can be done"

Winter Formal

2008-02-10T15:17:00.001-08:00

Isn't that a group of fine looking young men and women?

Did you know that corsages cost $25???

The Journey

2008-02-06T20:26:00.000-08:00

Today as I was struggling to rouse kids from their beds, make lunches and breakfasts, empty the dishwasher and start a load of clothes, make beds ... well you know the routine - the one that starts early and ends late. The one that makes you think, "Why do I do this?" The daily routine of shuffling the kids to school and then picking them up, giving them a snack and helping them with their homework. The routine of grocery shopping, cleaning and cooking that can zap all your creativitiy and spirit until you feel old and tired and dull. And then just when you think "Why do I bother, they - the kids- don't really care anyway, at least they don't appear to", you discover something that really changes your mind.
Today I discoved a book, Enriques Journey, the story of how a Honduran boy of 17 traveled 2000 miles riding the tops of frieght trains to be reunited with his mother who left him when he was 5 years old to go to America. She left him with tears in his eyes and a heartache that never went away. For 12 years he suffered until he could bear the pain no longer and then he set off to find her. With $57 dollars, the clothes on his back and her phone number written on a piece of paper and on the inside of his pants he walked away from his girl friend and his small town in southern Honduras to travel to America.
Mothers leave their children to find a better life for them. A life that will enable them to buy food and clothes and "things". They believe that they will be back in a year or two but usually it is much longer, sometimes they never return. The author was introduced to the subject through her own maid and her stories. The maids son traveled from Guatelmala to find her and when asked why he said, ' I'd trade it all for my mother. I never had someone to spoil me. To say; Do this, don't do that, have you eaten? You can never get the love of a mother from someone else."

I think my heart and love for my children will never be the same.
Ironically, I remembered that we sponsor a child in Honduras. His name is Samar. At Christmas we got a card from him that said, Thank you precious donor, because of you we ate apples today."
Peace

Do you Read?

2008-02-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished designing and creating my first newsletter. I am quite pleased with the results but during its infancy I asked for my daughters help who obliged and made some very nice changes but then told me, "Mom no one reads anymore. People throw away magazines and newspapers that they pay for. Who do you think is going to bother to read your newsletter?"

Aw the brutal truth, so clean and sharp that I was completely unprepared to retort. She was right. I order Time magazine and usually read one article (people or music) and then I let it sit on the coffee table for about 10 days at which point I either get tired of seeing the cover or I get a new one so I throw it away. If I'm not going to bother to read Time magazine with all its professional writers and well researched articles then who is going to read my little freebie newsletter?

It took me a week to think this one through. And then it struck me -

I read. I read lots of stuff. I'm always reading. I read email, I read newspapers, I read books and I read blogs, lots of blogs. Blogs about everything, knitting, quilting, kidding, cooking, cleaning, painting - I read about what other people are doing with their lives and I like it.
Maybe the reason why I don't read Time magazine from cover to cover ( although I frequently look at all the pictures) is because I'm not interested in anything it has to say. Not to say that I'm not interested in world affairs and all that stuff but really you can only take so much and then, then you gotta go read a blog, a nice juicy, sweet blog about stuff. Blogs about people and their stuff or children.

With that thought in mind I ask all you wonderful bloggers, Do you read?" or more specifically Do you read the stuff that people leave on you doorstep?

Food for Thought

2008-01-31T15:29:00.000-08:00

Technical problems and huge time restraints have kept me from posting for almost a week now. Why must it be soo difficult to post a picture? (3 times the pictures came out sideways.) Although I admit that half the problem was finding the time to take the picture. Without further ado I present my new refrigerator, complete with food, magnets and the requisite prize winning report card. Yes my new stainless steel refer accepts magnets (very, very small & lightweight). Notice the big smiley face!!

After throwing away three kitchen trash bags of food, (only to discover later that same day that a neighbor has a full freezer sitting in her garage and could have easily taken my food in. Note to self - ALWAYS trust your instincts), and scrubbing all the grimey ickey stuff that grows under and around the hidden recesses of a parked ice box, and waiting 3 hours for the delivery men to arrive - I now have a bright and shiny new refrigerator and God willing I hope that it
lasts a very, very, long time.

I have not one, not two but three doors. The lastest efforts in energy efficiency require a step backwards when most freezers were on the bottom. Mine has a twist or shall I say a tilt involved because when the bottom door is slid out the door tilts forward to allow for easy retrieval. It's great. I can see everything inside - so very nice and neat. Love it and highly recommend it. The top has two doors with ice and water in the door.

Moving right along ---

On that very same day I went to see the Pilgrim Virgin Mary statue. For anyone who is not Catholic or Christian the significance and importance of this statue may be a bit difficult for you to understand, but please allow me to try. Have you ever enjoyed the beauty of a sunset and felt a special feeling of peace as you stood in the glory of the orange glow? Have you ever admired a painting and felt inspired from the artist's work? Do you have a special item - doll, knick knack, quilt or piece of furniture that has been handed down to you and everytime you touch or see that item you have warm feelings of the person who owned it? If you can take a moment to conjure up any of these images than maybe you will begin to understand the statue or why when it travels from city to city hundreds (maybe thousands) line up to see it. I have been able to see the statue twice in my life. I saw it for the first time over 17 years ago. At the time I didn't know much about the statue and when I saw it I could only marvel at the craftmenship and glowing beauty of the statue. Since that visit I have read all three of the books that it's guardian - Louis Kazmeric has written. He writes about the miracles that are attibuted to the statue. Hard to believe? Well yes. We all have problems believing in anything that is intangible and unexplanable. It's easy for me to believe because so very much of life is completely unexplainable to me. I only had a few minutes (because I had to be home at 1:45 to meet the delievery man who didn't show for 3 hours) I said my prayers, I wrote out my petitions and I took pictures.

In knitting news I still struggle to finish the second sleeve. I am now knitting the sleeve cap for the 2nd time. Fortunately, the rows are short and the knitting goes quickly, are shall I say the errors become evident sooner. Either way I have very little hope that the sweater will fit because I have failed to check my guage as often as I should ( is one time OK?).

Blogger Christmas

2008-01-25T10:28:00.001-08:00

It has been so wonderfully fun for me all day to open my e-mail and find comments, lovely comments, juicy comments, fun comments, comments!!!!! Ah the power of the written word. Like presents under the Christmas tree I see comments under my blog entry and it has put a big smile on my face. Thank you to everyone who posted comments (presents) for me and
Thank you to Yarnhog for the kind introduction to the party. I truly appreciate YOU!
Actually I got double presents today - all the comments and discovering all the wonderful blogs. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lucky, lucky, lucky me.
Thank you very much.

When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping

2008-01-24T09:47:00.001-08:00

When I served the ice cream at my sons birthday party it was almost soup, way beyond soft and creamy. That's when I got suspicious that something was wrong with the refrigerator. I checked the settings and noticed that it was down to 3 so I simply moved the dial up to 9 and closed the door. Thinking that I had solved the problem I innocently waited and waited, wanting with all my heart to believe that my refrigerator was okay. A day and a half later I admitted that the situation wasn't getting any better, but I was stuck because I couldn't go shopping and I knew that I would have a couple days to wait for delivery. Thinking back to the good old days I went to the store and bought ice, lots of ice and then I found dry ice. Yeah. The label said it would keep things cold for up to 4 days. I was saved. But no. The next morning I found water all over the floor and discovered the dry ice had melted while the bag of ice was still in tack. Back to the store - I bought 3 large bags of block ice. I would now put my refrigerator on life support. Then I went shopping only to discover that refrigerators cost a lot. I thought ,"let's just eat fresh food". Hey I have to go to the store everyday anyway so why not just buy and eat what we need. The response was nothing short of , "Are you crazy?"
After searching four stores and three trips back to the same store in the pouring rain I finally bought a refrigerator. Here's what I learned
1. Never go shopping with children of any size or age. Ever!!!!
2. Never go shopping with a dead line or the thought -" I have to hurry because I need to pick-up the kids by 2:30" Having this thought will override all of your ability to think clearly and before you know it you'll be buying a avocado green appliance because it was marked down $300.
2. Never go shopping when your hungry. I got hungry at 11:00am and didn't get to eat until 6pm. Is it any wonder why I bought I huge refrigerator - all I could think about was food.
3. Never go shopping when your tired. When I get tired I find myself wandering, aimlessly. All I can think about is when can I rest? Everything goes blurry and then I lose interest and start thinking, Why am I doing this?
4. Never go shopping without a plan. This step is the most important element and the thought that finally got me back on track. I called my Mom and asked for advise. After 5 minutes and the most politically correct benign answer, she finally said, "Think about where you want to be and not where you are" This sentence made the light bulb go on. I grabbed a snack and headed out to buy a refrigerator.
They deliever the box on friday. My food will probably be all spoiled by then, but I needed to clean out the refrigerator anyway.
The refrigerator is stainless steel and doesn't match anything but my kitchen drawer knobs and very old cook top ( actually that's hideous rotted chrome).
Now, I just need to talk my husband in to buying the matching stovetop, microwave, dishwasher and stove.

Eating right and getting fit in the New Year

2008-01-24T09:25:00.000-08:00

Found a new blog to read about fitness and health. If your trying to lose weight, eat better and exercise more this year then check this blog out. He calls himself the, " Worlds Fittest Man" - and by the sound of his bio and his workouts he probably is. His workouts are way beyond my level but he is inspiring. Check out his list of the best/worst foods to eat.
Here's his list of "Super Foods"
-Black beans
-Blueberries
-Broccoli
-Dark (not milk) chocolate
-Oats
-Onions
-Oranges
-Sweet potato (or pumpkin)
-Salmon (preferably wild)
-Soy
-Spinach
-Tea (preferably green)
-Tomatoes
-Turkey
-Walnuts
-Yogurt
Sources: "12 Best Foods Cookbook," by Dana Jacobi; "SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life," by Steven G. Pratt and Kathy Matthews

Anybody got a recipe that has 4 or more of these foods in them?

Happy Birthday

2008-01-22T19:22:00.000-08:00

Surprise. Happy 15th Birthday. 10 teenagers- more girls than guys, brothers and their friends, lots of food: pizza, salad, chicken wings, chips, soda, dips and CAKE, music, ping-pong, guitar hero and presents - all gift cards = one happy young man and one very proud mom.

5'11 1/2', 156 lbs, great smile, smart and Cool.

Martin Luther King Day

2008-01-21T17:07:00.000-08:00

Today is Martin Luther King day and all the kids are home from school. Government workers and postal employees get the day off, but for most people it's just another day. I spent the day cleaning the house, washing clothes, shampooing the carpet again where the dog peed again and later discovering that my refrigerator is dying (it peed all over the kitchen floor). It rained today and so in San Diego that means that everyone tries to stay home because we hate the cold ( below 60), because we don't know how to drive in the rain, and because we hate the cold. Needless to say I didn't really celebrate MLK day. I have often thought it was a dumb holiday thrown in at a time of the year when we don't need any more days off . But today I made an effort to learn more about the man. Here's what I discovered

1. He graduated from high school at 15

2. In 1955 he led the bus boycott that lasted 382 days

3. During the boycott he was arrested and his home was bombed

4. In 11 years he traveled over 6 million miles, spoke 2,500 times and wrote 5 books

5. He was arrested 20 times & assaulted 4 times

6. He was awarded 5 honorary degrees.

7. He was named Man of the Year by Time magazine in 1963

8. He was 35 when he received the Nobel Peace Prize, the youngest man ever

9. He donated his prize money, $54,123 to further the Civil Rights movement

10. On April 4th 1968 he was assassinated

In college I was required to write an essay about discrimination. After I thought about it for a while I came to the conclusion that I didn't know anything about discrimination. I am a tall, thin, white, middle-class, educated and married woman. If I have ever experienced discrimination it has been very marginaly and certainly never to the degree that minorities know.

Martin Luther King day has yet to be commercialized so we really don't know what to do. We don't decorate our houses, send cards, buy presents or sing songs. Maybe in a couple of years MLK day will be bigger and more respected but for day I quietly sit at my keyboard and send a big thank you to a man who was truly remarkable, brave, determined and gifted and who made a big difference in the world.

Lego knitting machine

2008-01-20T13:26:00.001-08:00

I knit just a little bit faster but not nearly as pretty.

But you can call me Lady

2008-01-18T15:19:00.000-08:00

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
Lady Madame Janet the Elegant of Great Leering
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

http://www.masquerademaskarts.com/memes/yourtitle.php

The key word in the sentence is "peculiar". Check yours out.
FYI - if you don't like the first result try again.

http://www.masquerademaskarts.com/memes/yourtitle.php

The come-back meal

2008-01-17T20:50:00.000-08:00

Not to be defeated by a single days event,today I decided early on that I would make a great come-back meal. And so I did. I made baked ham ( so easy), homemade macaroni and cheese ( so yummy), fresh green beans, baked yams, cornbread and peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies. We ate like Kings (Southern Kings) and it was great. Not as much fun but so good. Lots of sweet ham leftovers but most of the macaroni and cheese is gone. I've got teenage boys and they eat like pigs.
With that triumph I have made a few decisions -
1. Roasting is easy and I plan to do it at least once a week. Roast beef, baked ham, roast chicken - how easy is putting a chunk of meat in the oven and letting it cook? Now that's what I call -fix-it and forget-it. Plus you get leftovers. Hey it's a win-win deal
2. Never ever buy Hamburger helper.
3. When I don't feel like cooking - don't cook. The consequences are too serious.
4. Good food is always real.
Next big win of the day -
I finished knitting the lace pattern for my second sleeve. My heart did skip a beat when I first picked-up my knitting because I couldn't exactly remember if I had just finished knitting row 23 or was I now starting row 23. Those stitch counters could use a little improvement. I am now in safe territory of good ol' boring St st. Yeah baby!!!
I see a FO and myself wearing my new sweater.

Mac and cheese recipe -
3 tbsps melted butter
3 tbsps flour
1/2 tsp salt & dash of pepper - stir together and add-in
1 1/2 cups of milk
cover ( I use a paper plate)and microwave for 2-3 mins.
stir and cover and microwave for 2/3 mins. until desired thickness
Add shredded cheese
cook elbow macaroni (approx 2 cups I've never measured), drain and add to cheese sauce.
Stir and serve.
So good
Try different cheeses.
I like to microwave this recipe because then I don't burn the sauce.

What's for Dinner?!!

2008-01-16T19:40:00.000-08:00

Tonight's meal receives the dubious honor of being the worst meal I have ever made in my entire life. This meal replaces applesauce meatloaf ( hey it was Betty Crocker recipe), crock pot stew also know as - meat mush and bean soup. All were truly awful, awful meals. Scary to look at smell or eat. Applesauce meatloaf started out as most of my disasters do with all the best intentions of being a good meal. I carefully read the directions for meatloaf and when I didn't have all the ingredients tryed to make something new. The recipe for meatloaf has a little foot note that says if you want to try something different , blah, blah, blah and before I knew it I was putting applesauce into my meatloaf. It doesn't even sound good but I made it and my poor husband sat and silently ate it and then put the leftovers away and never touched the stuff again. I threw it away a week later at which point it really looked and smelled awful. But I had to go through the routine of believing that I was going to eat some more and not waste all those otherwise good ingredients who became shamed when they were combined.

Crock pot stew began early in the morning on what was an extremely busy day for me. I was going to night school at the time and the boys were in little league. Three different fields for three boys and one Dad to shuttle the crew. I had a crock pot and had bought a recipe book, "Fix-it and Forget it". Well that's what I did. I carefully cut the veggies and meat and layered them in the pot with the exact amount of water and seasoning, thinking all along of how wonderful the meal was going to be and how happy everyone would be to come home and have a hot meal after playing in the cold. I was at a break in my class when I called home and was anxious to hear the reaction. My husband sad, " well uh, it was okay". Now I was puzzled. Did the boys like it? Andrew calls it meat mush. I could see that. Crock pots have a way of taking pieces of food and cooking them into a blob of indiscernible mass. Yes it was possible to have stew that looked like mush. "Well do we have any cereal?"

Bean soup - not split pea soup - bean soup looks like grog or something they served at an orphanage in England. Yuck.

Fast forward to tonight's meal. Most of the time I manage to make good meals. I'm not a talented cook but with some planning and effort I can make a pretty good meal, but there are those days when I can't make toast. Today I was at the store and began staring at a box of hamburger helper. I have carefully avoided this product for many, many years. I have always thought that even the picture on the box looked creepy but today for some unknown reason I began to think that bacon cheeseburger meal sounded pretty good.

It was awful beyond even the most in depth explanation of the word awful. I knew that I had a catastrophe on my hands. It has a strange artificial taste to it that reeks of preservatives and fake flavors. They put it right on the front of the box, "artificial flavors" Strike one. Usually when I know that a meal isn't going to be that good I make dessert so that I can offset the problem. But tonight I thought we needed some bread to make things better. I decided to make beer bread, it's fast, simple and I have all the ingredients. Beer bread - 2 cups of self rising flour, 5 tablespoons of sugar, one bottle of beer. Usually yummy, yummy good. No problem. I forgot to let it sit for 5 minutes, I forgot what temperature to cook it at, and I forgot how long to let it cook. In my defense I did check it with a toothpick in three places but when I cut the bread the center was goo. Strike two.

Fortunately, I was able to open a can of fruit cocktail and was well stocked with whipped cream (Costco sells a three pack) and I sprinkled cinnamon and sugar on top.

As bad as the food was the meal turned out to be one of the best family gatherings we have ever had. Everyone made jokes about how bad the food was. My 2nd son is very, very funny and he began a comedy routine that made me laugh so hard my stomached ached. Thank you B you are a great son to take a Mom's worst moment and end up making it the best fun.

P.S.

To all you dear people who like hamburger helper please forgive me. And if you know a way to make this stuff palatable please, please do share.

To be a sleeve or not to be a sleeve

2008-01-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

This is the second sleeve to my beautiful sweater. I know it doesn't look like a sleeve but it should because I have knitted it 3 times. It is a very stubborn sleeve that simply refuses to cooperate. In my novice state of knitting I have now learned that it turns out there are external forces that must be in proper alignment in order for a project to be completed. Things like biorhythms, hormones and feng shui do effect ones knitting ability. There really is such a thing as a knitting goddess (but I'm Catholic!) that I must acknowledge and that no matter how determined/ stubborn you are there are times when you must simply let a project rest for a while. I did and now I have returned with a new calm and everything is going okay. I am on row 23 of the lace pattern. Only 8 rows until I have conquered the challenge and I move into safe knitting ( St st) I admit I am nervous but I believe in the 3rd times a charm idea.

In the mean time I received my new yarn. Which I am happy to report looks just like the picture when I ordered it.

Rowans all season cotton yarn in #208 called Glad. To be used for "FREE PATTERN". At this point I don't dare predict a start date. I thought I was going to be finished with "lace" for Thanksgiving. Either way I hope the goddess of knitting will be with me tonight... because Ive got to knit.

Top 10 Dieting and Exercise Tips

2008-01-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

I've read on many blogs that losing weight is one of the big New Years Resolutions. I was generously blessed with a high metabolism and have never really had a weight problem however, I dieted a lot after all 6 of my pregnancies. Therefore I would like to share my best dieting and exercise tips

1. Ankle weights and hand weights in the morning. Weight lifting tones and shapes and it increases your metabolism. So if you work out in the morning ( just put the weights on and walk around the house for twenty minutes) then the rate that your body burns calories will be raised for the entire day. I have used ankle weights for many, many years and never had a problem with my knees - but if that is your concern then try them for a little bit and see how your body responds. The small ones only weigh 1.5 pounds and I think some shoes weigh that much so you should be able to handle it. Use the hand weights to do stretches.

2. Do sit-ups in bed. I hate lying down on the ground and so I never did sit-ups. Who says that you have to be really uncomfortable to do sit-ups? If I "work out" in bed then I do a full range of exercises and I do them in the morning and at night.

3. Practise good posture. It doesn't make any sense to me that you can have a firm stomach after exercising for 20 minutes and the rest of the day slouch. These muscles need to be worked and used all day long. Stand up straight, you will look better and your abs and back muscles will get used.

4. Eat breakfast and then eat a second breakfast. If your not hungry for breakfast then you are probably eating to much the night before. Don't skip breakfast. Even if your not hungry eat something it breaks the fast and gets your metabolism working for the day. Eat another breakfast around 10am. In fact I probably eat 3 meals and 3 snacks throughout the day but I rarely eat after dinner. You will find that by eating smaller meals and snacks that you won't be hungry and you will be able to stick to your diet.

5. Eat cocoa puffs or cinnamon swirls or some cereal for a sweet treat. When you get a craving for something chocolaty or sweet - eat a bowl of cereal. You will be satisfied, be able to eat more and save a lot of calories ( don't eat a giant bowl though)

6. Brush your teeth after eating. It will leave a fresh feeling in your month and you won't want to eat.

7. Chew gum or use mints to cure a sweet craving.

8. Never eat out of the bag or box. I always put my food in a bowl. Portion control is very important and if your eating out of a bag you won't be able to see how much you have eaten

9. Listen to music when you exercise - don't watch T.V. When you watch T.V. you want to sit down and relax but when you listen to music it makes you want to get up and move

10. Eat before you go to a party - then nibble when you get there.

Bonus Tip -

Get a fun piece of exercise equipment. If you really like the Leg Magic, or the Red - Get One! Equipment is fun and it makes the whole idea a lot more bareable. If you do buy one get in on Craigs list or some other used place. There are a lot of people who bought these items new and then never used them.

Good Luck on your diets and remember - You will never regret skipping that extra serving or piece of cake but you'll always be happy to fit into a smaller size.

And the Winner is...

2007-12-28T18:58:00.000-08:00

Well after many hours of careful deliberation and the assistance of Yarnhog and my son I was able to finally make a big decision - I ordered yarn. Now, I must pay my respects to all of you experienced knitters who routinely buy yarn. After my ordeal I can truly say that it is no small feat to buy yarn online. One has to jump through many hoops - and here begins my litany of complaints -

1. Yarn swatches are too small. Why can't I enlarge that 1" x 1" sample. Imagine the benefit of seeing a full screen size of yarn - now that's exciting!

2. All variegated yarns should have to have a picture of the yarn in a completed project. One can never know how the colors are going to play out. Will there be blotches, swirly whirls, or just plain yuck once they are knitted?

3. Why can't yarn be returned? If I can return underwear in an unopened package I see no reason why yarn stores can take returns.

4. After you have carefully made your selection and decided with all your heart to invest, one has to overcome the final challenge - Shipping. This has got to be the last great stand that all mail order company's take. They absolutely must charge a much as they can get away with for shipping. Because they know there is no turning back at this point - one has already wasted hours deliberating and studying, one must have the courage to pay $7, $8, or $12 for shipping. It's yarn how much can it weigh?

5. Now to all of you lucky, lucky knitters who can simply go to your favorite yarn store and actually see and touch and smell the yarn. Those of you who can actually compare yarns side by side in natural light or fluorescent. And who get to avoid paying shipping - count your blessings. All the rest of us need and I repeat Need to create a "Stash" - in other words our own store of yarn.

My final selection is Rowan's All Season Cotton #208 - Glad. It's a heavy worsted weight, it is machine washable and it was $2.99 a ball ( I refuse to use the word skein) however, I am slightly embarrassed to admit that I bought plain old blue yarn -

But it's very pretty yarn! And now since I ordered Friday night on a holiday weekend I need to wait for my lovely yarn to arrive.. and of course finish my sweater.

P.S. I bought it at Webs . They are having a sale.

Help wanted

2007-12-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

Dear advanced experienced knitters of blog land. You know who you are. If you knitted more then 3 scares and 1 vest then you qualify. I need your help. Today I spent way too much time wandering the Internet in search of heavy worsted weight yarn - I'm almost done with my "knit lace border top", just started the second sleeve, so like any knitter I need to place an order for my next project. I need to do it right away or I just might not have anything to knit for a couple days and I might be forced to finish other projects, like ironing.
Today I thought I might enjoy a stroll through the virtual knitting store. But I was sadly mistaken as I went from site to site and found that they have no uniformity. They are all different and I can't find anything. Why don't they all have a search button? Why can't I just type in,"heavy worsted weight yarn" and magically have all the yarns available appear. Why can't I, Why, Why, Why????
Some sites have the yarn categorized by the yarn type. Now I realize that all you "Pros" know, Noro, Debbie Bliss, blah blah blah, but I don't. I don't have the time to search through 15 different types of yarn only to discover that none of them are the right weight and even worse they are all way to expensive - worse because by now I have fallen in love with the color and the description.
This is why I need your help. I have read and seen on many blogs your beautiful yarns. Yarns still in the package, yarns in the finished project state, yarns, yarns, yarns,. Yarns so wonderful you photograph them still in the box, minutes after the UPS driver hands them over.
You know yarns and I don't .
Here is my order -
I would like a heavy worsted weight yarn - gauge is 16 stitches and 22 rows to 4 inches on size 9 needles. I need 850 yards. I would like it to be $5 or less, maybe more if it's really special.
Please help.
All suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
P.S.
I would like to know your favorite online yarn stores, and your favorite yarns.

The Miniature Earth

2007-12-25T09:57:00.001-08:00

Helping neighbors

2007-12-16T15:03:00.000-08:00

Todays paper gave the story of a lady who wanted to help a man who had lost his house in the recent wildfires. Here in San Diego many, many people lost their homes in late October. Now if you ask a knitter what she can do to help, what do you think she'll do? This lady decided to knit blankets in the form of 8-inch-by-8-inch knitted or crocheted squares. One blanket needs 24 squares.

She received over 250 squares the first week, and I had never heard about it. The idea spread and now her goal is to make 1,588 blankets one for each family in the county who lost a home to the wildfires.

A group of 35 women met at the library the other day to knit, crochet and stitch blankets. Now that sounds like a good time to me.

If you would like to help go to sandiegowildfireblankets.blogspot.com

The Knitting Drummer Knits While Playing The Drums

2007-12-16T14:50:00.001-08:00

The Santa Story

2007-12-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I had the privilege of eavesdropping on a conversation the children were having in the car on the way home from school. I drive home a kindergarten, 1st grader, two 2nd graders, 7th grader and an 8th grader. The younger ones started taking about Santa.

boy- Santa only brings 3 presents

boy2 - If your good

boy3 - I have NEVER gotten coal

boy -What's coal?

boy3 - I think it taste bad

girl - You have to be really good all the time and that's hard

boy2 - Who said you only get 3 presents

boy - My mom

Boy2 - She's wrong. You get more, but you have to be good.

boy - No my Mom's not wrong. She's really smart. I think she knows everything

boy3 - Did she graduate from the 16th grade yet?

boy- Yeah she graduated from college when she was like 37, I think

boy3 - NO way you have to be like 48 because it takes forever

boy - You go to college right after High School

boy 3 - My mom is 49 and she just graduated from college , she knows

girl - Santa likes girls better than boys because we get more than 3 presents, but you have to be good. Boys aren't good.

boy2- No that's wrong Santa likes all kids

girl- Santa leaves a bag of toys at my house , but you have to go to sleep early and you can't go down stairs.

boy - You guys are all wrong Santa only leaves 3 presents the rest you get from your parents.

boy2 - Parents don't get presents from Santa

Needless to say the conversation was enlightening. I began to wonder,
What stories do other parents tell their kids about Santa?
I know why the boy was told that Santa only leaves 3 presents because he has 3 other brothers and it simply isn't affordable to leave any more.

Do you even talk about Santa?
We never really did, that's not what Christmas is really all about. But all the children learned about Santa from their friends.

How old are your kids when Santa doesn't come anymore?
Some kids insist they still believe just to get more stuff.

A Christmas Meme +

2007-12-16T08:09:00.000-08:00

I got this from Yarnhog who got it from someone else, and they told two friends who told two friends...I added one question to the original list.
I had fun answering the questions. If you would like to do your own version, simply copy the post and delete my answers.

1.Wrapping Paper or Gift Bags?
Gift bags all the way, all the time and by the way you get the gift not the bag.

2. Real tree or artificial?
We have what I call a pseudo-fake tree - an artificial tree with real cuttings strategically placed to both fill out the tree and give the house that wonderful piney Christmas smell. Try it you'll like it.

3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually about the 1st weekend in Dec. Two reasons - 1. It takes me a couple days to decorate the tree, 2. It takes me a couple days to decorate the tree.

4. When do you take down the tree?
Around New Years day depending on how I feel that day.

5. Do you like Egg Nog?
Love it!! Especially with Brandy.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
A Magnus chord organ. I don't know what happened to it but I still remember playing the organ and singing all the songs.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, many. I seem to collect them. One of my favorites my mother bought me from Costco, the craftsmanship is really nice, but it's very delicate.

8. Hardest person to buy for?
My mother and my husband. My mother always says, " Well I don't know".. and my husband, well this year he made a list.

9. Easiest person to buy for?
My daughter. I always wish I could buy her more.

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
When I was 10 years old my family drove to Indiana to have Christmas with my Grandmother and all the relatives. I got 3 jewelry boxes. My dear Grandmother read the disappointment on my face when she gave me hers and added 3 silver dollars and gave me a hug and a kiss that I will never forget. Like I always say -everything is good.

11. Mail or email Christmas Cards?
I LOVE getting Christmas cards but I am seriously challenged with the ability to send them. I really regret not having done yearly family picture Christmas cards. I would love having the collection of pictures of my family.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
A Charlie Brown Christmas - yeah I know it's not a movie. I love everything about it even the story of how Charles Schultz wrote and produced the story.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
These days one must have a plan or else you lose and have to spend Dec. 23 hopelessly wandering from store to store in search of Lego kit #9145.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yes. I also return a lot. It's the thought that counts not the paisley leg warmers.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
My mother-in-law is Hungarian and she makes two treats, Kalatch and keiflies ( I used to think they were called flee-flee's). Kalatch is a pastry made with cream cheese and stuffed with minced walnuts. It's rolled up and baked. Keiflies use the same pastry but each nut is wrapped. I'm the only one who can and does still make these treats. They take hours but it's tradition.

16. Clear lights or coloured?
I love white lights, inside and out. I think they are magically beautiful.

17. Favorite Christmas Song?
Santa Baby - I sing it too my husband in my Teddy - it's one of his traditional Christmas gifts.

18. Travel or stay home at Christmas?
Travelling with three kids at Christmas time it too difficult. However if I won a trip to Hawaii I'd figure out how to work that deal in a minute.

19. Can you name all of Santa’s Reindeer?
Of course.

20. Angel or Star on the top of the tree?
Angel. One of many on my tree.

21. Open Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?
Christmas Eve we open presents from the relatives. When I was a little girl we opened Aunt Sue's presents. They were always a dud. One year I got dollar symbol dangly earrings - I was 9 and I didn't have pierced ears.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
The malls and trying to find a parking space. Plus I hate how everything has the tag line, "The perfect Christmas present" Oh really, like Homer Simpson Chia pets are, "The perfect Christmas present". Funny not perfect.

23. What’s the corniest family tradition you do or miss doing?
We always read the night before Christmas on Christmas eve. My husband won't let us go to bed until we do.

24. What’s the worst thing you’ve seen related to Christmas?
A Homer Simpson nativity set.

25. Which looks best, theme trees or homey trees?
My Mom took a floral design class and ever since then she has a Theme decorated tree - they're wonderful, but I can't resist hanging some of my favorite ornaments.

26. Gingerbread or Sugar Cookies?
Both please and a cup of tea.

27. Do you like fruitcake?
I love it and I make a really simple and delicious one from a store bought date bread mix. My mother's is good too but she takes a week carefully lacing hers with brandy or is it rum - it's Good.

28. What is you favorite Christmas memory?
I was maybe 6 years old and our family had an early Christmas eve dinner. My mother was washing the dishes when my father decided to take us up to the mall to see Santa. Back then Santa wasn't everywhere like he is now. So we were delighted to go. When we came back Santa had come to our house. All the toys were there. My Mother simply explained that Santa had come while we were gone. GREAT We immediately got to playing with out toys. The only problem was that we lived in an apartment and we quickly asked if Santa had come to our friends house next door. Ooops. Well Santa only comes when the kids are either asleep or out of the house. He would have to circle back to drop off presents after the kids went to sleep next door. The neighbor ladies were definitely not happy with my mother that year. We loved her.

Happy Birthday Jason!!!

2007-12-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

Well it seems like just yesterday when Jason was born but today he is 8 years old. Oh how the time flies. Jason is my last boy and final production in what seemed like a show that would never end. At 41 and pregnant I can honestly say that I wasn't to happy with the "happy" news . In fact it took me 2 weeks of intermittent crying before I was able to regain my typical gung-ho spirit, and I am truly blessed and happy that I did. Now surprises are not my forte but this little guy has definitely changed my mind. You see Jason is the baby after a very heartbreaking, difficult, painful, scary and dangerous miscarriage. The kind that sends you to the emergency room and you don't get to come home for two days. The kind that they try for three hours to give you a blood transfusion and finally give-up because they can't find a vein. The kind that makes you think "Well I can't have any more babies" But I recovered -physically. I made more blood and got busy. But deep, deep down inside I was sad at the way my body had behaved. I had another miscarriage before and it sent me into a whirlwind search for the answer to "why" or better stated, "Why Me" and when I could search no where else I finally surrendered to the reality that Yes indeed, "Stuff happens" and sometimes it happens to you. So I moved on content to believe that it was as they say, for the best. I got pregnant right away ( 7 weeks later) and had a whooping 10 pound baby! Damn straight I can't have a baby. I sure proved those doctors wrong. But after my emergency room miscarriage it was pretty clear that I couldn't reproduce so quickly. I needed to heal - my body and my heart. Then 5 years later I discovered that I was going to have a baby.

By now my two little boys were both in school and I had settled into a nice stay-at-home Mom routine. Life was pretty nice and I had adjusted. But... One day while I was saying night prayers with my big boy Brain I asked him what he wanted to pray for and he said, " A baby". Well okay. But I tell you the fear of God struck me at that moment and I knew that I was going to have a baby. Now my big boy is rather stubborn and determined and he continued with his prayer request night after night - even at school ( he goes to Catholic school). The rest is history. It wasn't an easy pregnancy - usual never ending morning sickness, aches and pains, indigestion etc... The only thing I do well during pregnancy is Push when the doctor says it's time.

When I learned that the baby was a boy ( final count - boys 3, girls 1) I proceeded to pick a name. Jason means -healer. I can truly say that from the moment he was born he has lived up to his name. Jason is my Christmas present for 1999. The little girl across the street was 2 at the time and excited about the new baby. She thought his name was Jesus and Christmas had come. Well it had come for me at least.

It is said that "Everything is a gift, everything is a blessing" In that regard it must be understood that even the bad heartbreaking things that happen to us are in actuality "good" . But it is difficult to accept saddnes as a good thing. All I know is that it is so good to look back and connect the dots that form the meaning and history of our lives. Jason my dear sweat little boy is the puctuation mark that has changed my life - for the good.

So today I celebrate Jason's birthday - He's happy to have a party (Chuckee Cheese what would we do without you?) and get presents and I am so very happy to have him and the memory of a very special event in my life.

Yes it's true children are a gift from God

The Morning Shuffle

2007-12-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

This morning has been a time when I think that Homeschoolers have out smarted all of us. They don't have to go through the morning struggle of extracting children from their warm beds and getting them dressed, washed, brushed, fed and out the door with a lunch (the lunch that of course no matter what you create usually gets thrown away because they want to play). They don't have to find yet another creative and entertaining way to wake the dead and lure them out of their coffins. They don't have to sign permission slips that were hidden inside the backpack, find overdue library books, homework or socks at 7:15 in the morning. Morning must be a peaceful time in homeschoolers houses. I can just imagine how the children calmly and happily come down to breakfast where they eat a nutritious meal (not a breakfast bar, breakfast shake or an orange in the car). After breakfast they all go upstairs to BRUSH THEIR TEETH, then they simply open their drawers and closets and get dressed - not yell out Mom " I can't find my pants - bottom drawer, where they always are" They begin the day by delicately transitioning into the morning routine with serene voices and soft music.

Later in the day Homeschoolers avoid the dreaded carpool event - where in our great wisdom Mothers pack extra kids into their cars at a time of day when children should have no interaction with adults. If it weren't difficult enough to navigate the ever challenging "pick-up line" at school - which for me is what I affectionately call the "Loopty Loop" because I have to go through 2 lines, we then have to survive the noise and chaos of driving 6 children home from school. There must be some kind of explosion that goes off in a child's mind when they hear the final bell ring at school (which at my children's school should be outlawed as cruel and unusual punishment to the eardrums), because when my kids board the van they change - ah the big, big change the one that their teachers have been circumventing all day long. The change where the subdued controlled almost robot like child, who carefully obeyed all the rules all day long can take it no longer, because at this time of day they have to scream, 'I'm a child and I need freedom" Well, okay I can understand that, I felt like screaming this morning, but not in my car, not in a closed environment, not in traffic. In my futile effort to manage the noise I feed them and then I end up with crumbs and wrappers all over my car, but I still believe the trade off is worth it.

I am certain that having the kids home all day long has it's own share of troubles but today I truly wish there was another way to get kids off to school.

When will someone make a real teleporter? Now that's an invention that the world really needs.

Christmas

2007-12-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! When I was a little girl we never had lights or out- door decorations at Christmas. It wasn't as common as it is now to put up lights. Well my family didn't even put up lights. I've put lights on my house for many years but never gone the next step and really punched up the idea - until last year. Maybe it was the neighbors enthusiasm that spurred my spirit or simply that I finally got my act together but I put up lights on the house, around the yard, the garage door, spiral lighted Christmas trees (5), wreaths with lights (of course) and a super big poinsettia plant (Costco, of course). Now that's a lot of decorations! Our utility bill goes up and we trip a circuit breaker at least 3 times - the microwave, dishwasher, washer, dryer and refrigerator are all on the same light - one nuked hot dog can cause us to go dark.
Nightly we go through a routine of plugging in all the lights - 3 outside the front door, three upstairs in the kids bedroom and three in the garage - I know there has got to be a better and easier way - maybe timers, but we haven't gotten to that level yet.

After we light the house I go outside and enjoy my work for just a few minutes - it's getting cold in S.D. almost 50 at night sometimes - Burr, that's cold for me. And then I go inside.

It's the neighbors who really get to enjoy the lights. And in the regard I want to send a collective thank you to all the people who spend time putting-up lights and decorating their houses. I know it takes time, money, creativity, energy and guts (climbing on a roof can be dangerous to your health, if you know what I mean).

Thank you for your spirit and generosity, the season wouldn't be the same without you.

Thanks for the festival of lights!!!

Fr. Mooney

2007-12-02T17:49:00.000-08:00

Today Dec. 2nd was Fr. Mooney's retirement day. He was a priest at my church for 14 years but he has been a priest for 52 years. He retired because of Dr's orders. As he announced his retirement at mass today he calmly explained that he has a hole in his heart and he needs to rest. Many people may think that a priest doesn't do much -maybe only works on Sunday. But it really is a very demanding job. Typically a priest works 18 hour days and is always on call for emergencies. Fr. Mooney taught history and religion at many schools and USD where is was also dean of discipline. It is true that a priest never has a family of his own but it is also true that he is a part of many, many families. Fr. Mooney always began his homilies with a joke or a story - sometimes they were funny but mostly they were corny. It didn't matter because the way he told the story always made me smile. He was very passionate about his faith. He had a very big strong voice and sometimes when he talked he would get so loud that it silenced the church.
Many times today people gave him a standing ovation for his service to the community. In one family alone, he confirmed the woman, married the couple, baptised the baby and gave her first communion and there are many stories like that.
He loved to travel and had a travel club that he organized. Every year they took a big trip to Europe and throughout the year smaller trips.
I will miss Fr. Mooney very much because he was one of the old timers who really knew his stuff and never felt obligated to anyone to say one thing or the other. I often said, "Fr. Mooney is a fatherly father", because he had that strong, confident yet caring manner.
Fr. Mooney you will be in my prayers.

The Last Knit

2007-11-30T17:18:00.001-08:00

Knitting can be obsessive?

Angelica Sepe - Ave Maria

2007-11-30T16:40:00.001-08:00

Recently I read about her struggle with her faith. How she often felt lonely and that God wasn't hearing her. She did such amazing and wonderful things. Projects that will last a long time. Her tremendous faith changed so many peoples lives and yet she had her doubts.

Waiting Time

2007-11-30T15:28:00.000-08:00

After reading my friends blog and her long wait time at the Dr's office I was all prepared to settled down for a good 45 minute wait at my appointment today. I've been hoping to have some time to knit away on the felted bag that I'm making which will replace the canvas bag that my husband brought home from an engineer trade show. I'm still wondering if an engineering trade show is as boring as I imagine. Anyway.... I barely sat down in the first waiting room (five stitches knitted) when the nurse calls me. I'm thinking great they're running on time, but no I want to knit. In waiting room 2 after I'm all snuggled-up in my extra large paper towel I retrieve my knitting and begin again. Not two minutes go by when someone knocks on the door and says, "Sorry for the wait, we're running behind today". I'm thinking Wow this place is great! Super thoughtful of them to tell me before I have to ask. Poway Women's Center you rock the Ob-Gyn world. So I start working my knit stitch. Concentrating on not throwing a stitch, Must pick-up stitches. Must work the continental. Have to break my bad habit. One row done. Yeah, Two rows done. I hear footsteps in the hall and voices. NO, don't come in now. No, I want to knit. I must knit. I have 35 more rows of super boring garter stitch to work and I must do it now while I'm "waiting. I planned for this.

In walks my wonderful Dr. Kohatsu who as I'm stashing my knitting away says, "Wait I've got to see what your working on". Cool. I now proceed to explain to her as if I know what I'm talking about, how to make a felted handbag. Very Cool. Great Dr. technique and style.

After my appointment I needed to have blood drawn. One of my all time least favorite things to ever do in the entire world. I would rather pick-up dog poop, clean the toilet or even egads, cook dinner than have anything done with a needle to my skin. But I'm a grown-up so.. I think maybe I'll have to "Wait" and I can get some knitting done. Okay. I sign in , grab a seat and start knitting. At this point I'm at pedal to the metal speed knitting - no fears it's a garter stitch on a felted bag, but no I barely knit five stitches and the nurse says, "Janet I'll take you right now"

At this point the usual queasy, nauseous, fear begins to run chills up my spine. Must look down at the floor. Must not see the needle. Without ever looking directly in the technicians eyes I try in my calmest voice to say, "I am not good at this, so I am hoping that your a real pro" I've used the line before with great success. I begin to take my calming breaths that I learned in Lamaze class that never helped me during labor. Close eyes, relax, imagine your happy place, breath in slowly count 1,2,3,4,5, breath out...

I am still wondering how this nurse was able to insert a needle into my skin and draw a vial of blood without me ever feeling it. When she said I'm done. I opened my eyes and said, "Thank you" Dear sweat wonderful nurse lady in Poway you deserve the Star of the Week because you are truly talented.

The most knitting I've accomplished today was in the carpool line at school. I thought I'd really be able to make progress today because it's raining and that means that everybody has to go through the carpool line so it's super slow. It hasn't rained in 6, 7 , maybe 8 months in San Diego so most people are totally confused about how to deal with this natural phenomenon. I'll probably run out of yarn. Yeah! But No wait some strange anti-knitting force must be at work because for some odd reason the cars moved steadily along, albeit at a snails pace, but they never stopped. Now I can' knit like that.

A Good Night Sleep

2007-11-29T06:54:00.000-08:00

For many, many years now I have suffered with a mild case of insomnia. Every night I would wake -up around 2am to go to the bathroom and then I wouldn't be able to fall asleep again. For up to 3 hours I would lie awake. Most of the time trying to fall back asleep but totally involved in thoughts about whatever issues were troubling me and mostly about all that I was going to get done the next day. Talk about self-defeating thoughts. If I can't sleep I'll never have the energy to get-up and do anything.
Since this has been a problem for me I have read all about "How to get a good night sleep" - Have a routine, take a warm bath, drink a cup of calming tea, listen to relaxing music, don't eat dinner to late or go to bed on a full stomach, blah, blah, blah. Most of the advise is so simplistic that I'm usually disappointed to shell out the money to read it. Needless to say I have tried to overcome the problem but I have not been successful.
Yesterday in complete desperation to get a full nights sleep I took an over -the- counter sleeping pill. Just one. Very carefully. Fully aware of the risks and dangers, but so wanting to get some sleep.
This morning I woke-up and slowly turned to look at the clock, it was 6:24am. I had slept all night!!!! It is sooo wonderful to get a full nights sleep, I feel like a new woman. I am certain I look ten years younger and twice as smart. I almost hopped out of bed as I ran to the bathroom.
Now I promise you the plan is not to take a pill every night. I am going to "help" my body when I know I am not going to be able to sleep, when I absolutely must get to sleep, to get a full night's sleep. This will of course help my family, my friends, everyone I come into contact with and probably most of the English speaking world (Hey it's the world wide web).
Anyway with that problem solved I rejoice for yet another reason. Being able to fall deeply asleep prevents me from hearing my husband snore. For some reason if you are in a semi-comatose state you are unable to hear noises that would pierce your eardrums and scare harden criminals straight.

Stormy and Me

2007-11-27T14:58:00.000-08:00

Today I had the most incredible experience. I met a lady who has the exact same birthday as me. April 23, 1958. Her name is Stormy and she works at the 4S Ranch library. I knew about her since a couple weeks ago when I had to renew my library book for the reading club that I am in ( Thanks Tammy) Anyway I tried to renew online but couldn't so I called and Stormy answered. I explained that I had trouble with the online system and she said no problem she just needed my birthday. Well, I told her and then she said, "We have the same birthday" and I said, "Well, maybe the same day and month but not the same year" and she said, "no, the exact same day, April 23, 1958" She told me her name and when she worked and today I went to the library. I asked the lady at the counter (Stormy) where the returned books went and then I asked if Stormy was there and she said, "Are you April 23rd?" And I said, Yes it's me! We hugged and then she took me in the back and introduced me to her co-workers, "Hey everybody this is my sister" I explained that I have a blog and that I wanted to take a picture. So we went outside by the fountain. We plan to meet for lunch soon.
It is truly a very wonderful and strange feeling to meet someone who has your same birthday and when I think of the number of coincidences that had to occur it really amazes me.
1. I had to join the book club (Tammy has a online book club and we are reading, "The Robe"
2. I had to decide to get it from the library
3. The library had the book ( that's a really big surprise)
4. The 4S ranch library had the book
5. Stormy was working that day and answered the phone.
6. I had to have trouble with the online system
I feel wonderfully charged/energized to have met Stormy (Great name!) and I can't wait to learn more about her.

Progress

2007-11-27T09:40:00.000-08:00

I finished the front and had to line it up with the back to be sure that life was good and it matched. I am now fully into the, "appreciate the progress stage", besides I have to make a choice at this stage. Somehow I discovered that I have two 5.o circular needles so I just left the back on the needles and started the front with my second pair. Well, I need to put some stitches on a holder (like 30) and I don't like doing that so I need to finish the back, remove the needles and then work on the front. But I'm not done with the ,"appreciate the progress stage" that I go into so ...

Well I'm sure other knitters start a project, get into it and then for some odd reason go off on a tangent and start another project. I decided that the canvas bag my husband got at an engineering trade show that I use for my knitting had to be replaced. So I thought why not knit a cute felted bag. I found a great pattern - Lion Brand Felted toted #40647 but it is too small so I used the dimensions off another pattern and now I have to knit 86 rows of garter stitch just to complete the bottom - boring.

Now I have heard of "Outlaw knitters" a group who claim to knit everywhere - church, the beach, concerts well I can top that list - I knit at stop lights. Yep! That one at Pomerado and Twin Peaks has got to be 3 minutes long and I can finish two rows (almost). Only problem is that when the light turns green I find myself torn between finishing the stitch and moving forward.

A New Beginning

2007-11-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

After knitting almost five and half feet of Isadora ( AKA "Tubey") I sewed the sleeves and discovered what I had always thought. It felt funny. It didn't fit right. Now, after spending so many days knitting ST st I was faced with the challenge of ripping out my work and starting over. I know many experienced knitters understand my angst. To stuffer the defeat of lost time and trouble. Unable to take the first yank I put the project aside and silently morned. I couldn't write during the obligatory black days. Those troubled days when life has no direction because there is no yarn on the needles and a confusion lingers. I didn't know what to write. I was sad.

Then I found a new pattern. A delightful fun pattern that was only One page, and I could read and understand all of the directions (almost). I liked the pattern, It was pretty and interesting and Me.
So thirty minutes later I had unraveled Isadora and began, Knit lace Border top - Yeah I know it needs a name.
The pattern is really neat because the bottom of the top and sleeves is lace knitting. Which means that you only have to suffer 32 rows of knitting lace. I knit the back and was so proud of myself -

I stared at it and smiled. I made that!! Yeah Me.
I finished the border and knitted some St st but got bored so I started knitting the front. I knit the first 25 rows perfectly but the last 6 had to be redone three times. The first time was completely wrong, the second time was half right and the last time was perfect. Then I lined up the front and back to discover that I had made a mistake. I Purled when I should have knit so the entire piece was backwards.
Yep I had to pull it out.

A Night to Remember

2007-11-26T18:15:00.001-08:00

The day after Thanksgiving we took a trip to the Ronald Reagan library and museum. I am not political so I have no comment about his presidency what he did or did not do etc... the museum is in Simi Valley near my brother's house so we went.

At this point I need to backtrack to my brothers' house and the end of the best Thanksgiving I have ever had. I left the table with a very full belly and a headache, stomach ache, chills, body aches and sore throat. I had been sick since Sunday but I thought I had recovered (fools me every time) and now all I could think about was getting back to the hotel and going to bed. But that would have been way to simple. Shortly after getting into the car the fuel light goes on and my husband says, "We need to get gas". Great. "Why didn't you get gas earlier?" "I forgot Besides it's your fault because I wanted to get gas in San Diego but you said to wait and get it in L.A. because it's cheaper" Okay. We are now driving in a city we don't know, trying to follow my Dad to our hotel because we don't know where that is and my cell phone doesn't have reception. I tried to call but only got the recorded message blah, blah, blah out of service...Thanks, isn't there an emergency number that I can use?

To make matters worse I am now certain that I need to throw-up. My husband says, " I need to catch up with your Dad" I'm thinking, "What are you James Bond, but I say, Let's just get gas and make a call from the station" So he pulls off the freeway in search of a gas station, but they are all closed. Surprise. Three times we search for a station. The third time we find a place. At this point I am so weak I can't stand and I have to throw-up. I open the car door to ask my husband to get a paper towel but I make the mistake of saying, "Hurry" My husband doesn't hurry ever. His response looked something like a really bad silent movie with keystone cops fumbling about. You've seen it, arms waving, darting back and forth, lots of anxiety - but no towels. I am holding back the puke when my cell phone rings. My son answers it but can't hand the phone to his Dad because the pump is blocking the door. So.. as I hold my hand to my mouth I grab the phone, hand it to my husband over the roof of the car and grab the two towelettes he has . Great. I proceed to retch, in public, in a gas station bay, which is certainly one of the best echo chambers. I don't care. I will never see these people again in my life and I can't really see them right now. We leave the gas station and meet up with my Dad. Miraculously no four letter words have been voiced . We finally get to our hotel. It is the military base, Point Magu. Okay. I wanted to stay at the Hyatt (5 minutes away) but I compromise. I get to bed. Every two or three hours I get up to go the bathroom. Okay.

Next day everyone wants to go to the Ronald Reagan museum. I'm feeling better so...
besides I thought it'll probably only be an hour and then we'll go home. No such luck.

The museum is huge. I really do like museums. I like to read all the captions and really look at everything. But not today.

The museum sits high on top of a mountain in Simi valley and has a spectacular view. But it was very, very, very windy that day. Santa Ana type winds and I was freezing. The first thing we saw was his burial site. Then this...

It is an exact replica of a portion of the Berlin Wall. The beauty of the single slab of concrete set against the vast background of the sky and valley seemed to yell, "Let Freedom Reign"
I wondered about the artists who painted the wall. Were they given permission to paint or did they sneak at night and smile silently to themselves when the city awoke to find color in place of cold grey cement?

Here's a picture of my daughter and the wall.
Inside we paid and proceeded to wander about.

Three things -
1. I enjoyed the gallery with Nancy Reagan's clothes. I read somewhere that she was a size "0" but I thought it couldn't be true. Well it is. That woman is tiny. I mean she is about the size of a small 14 yo. Yikes.
2. Inside the museum is a wing where Air Force One is housed. It is absolutely spectacular. The airplane sits atop pillars that are three stories off the ground. The plane is positioned at a 2 degree angle so that it appears to be in flight and it is pointed at the largest window I have ever seen in my life. Long, long, long lines of people waiting for their turn to enter the aircraft wraped around the top floor. I got queasy thinking about standing in a line that long so I decided to go downstairs -near a bathroom to wait.
3. There is an exact replica of the Oval Office. What impressed me most was the absence of technology - no computers, no televisions, nothing. Very interesting.

I left the museum thinking what an incredible life Ronald Reagan had. He did fun things like acting, he met great people, he traveled the world - in style, and he made a difference.

Here's a picture of my oldest son next to a bronze statue of Ronald Reagan.

Thanksgiving Day 2007

2007-11-26T16:12:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was a super special celebration this year. My brother Steve hosted the dinner at his house in Oak Park. His family (wife and three sons), my family ( me, husband + 4), his wives sisters family ( husband + 2), my Mom and Dad, and his wives Mom and Dad = 19 people and the equals a great day.!Everyone pitched in to make the dinner the best meal I have ever eaten. Steve prepared the turkey. His brine recipe begins the day before when he soaks the turkey in his own special blend of herbs and spices - a new concoction every year. He cooks the turkey twenty mins. breast side down and then flips it for the remaining time. He stuffs aromatic leaves under the skin and pats of butter then bastes the bird every 45 mins. It is really, really, really moist and super delicious. Absolutely the best turkey I have ever had. Thanks Steve. Everyone pitched in with their own specialty, fresh candied yams from Cheryl, mashed potatoes - Lori, green beans and fresh corn straight off the cob and stuffing from Carol. A honey baked ham. Micheal, my nephew made the gravy, Steve also made fresh cranberry sauce and then the desserts. My Mom made apple and pumpkin pie, Garrett made fresh vanilla ice cream and Michael spoiled us all with cheesecake topped with fresh blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.

Steve asked that both the Catholic and Jewish blessings be said. Which I enjoyed immensely.

I thought long and hard of what I would answer to the question, "What are you thankful for?"

Out loud I said, "I 'm thankful for what I have"

Real Estate Report

2007-11-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

Although it may appear that all I do is take care of the kids and knit I am actually a Realtor and I do work. I have a website at , http://www.jmccarthy.mcmillinrealty.com/, I have a monthly e-mail letter that I send out, and I also publish a printed newsletter that I usually give out at open houses. Part of the plan is to educate clients on the buying process. This months letter includes the following Market Conditions Report for Nov. 2007.
According to the University of San Diego’s Center for Real Estate the Leading Economic Indicators (LEI) for San Diego County fell 1.0 percent in September. The list of economic indicators are; building permits, unemployment insurance, stock prices, consumer confidence and help wanted advertising. When each area is reviewed all but stock prices show declines. The study cites the weak housing market as the dominant factor responsible.
Another key area to examine is affordability. San Diego’s median price is around $500,000; however the media family income at approximately $70,000 cannot support either the required down payment or monthly payment. With lenders tightening their mortgage standards fewer first time buyers will be able to enter the housing market.
Most analysts are careful when evaluating the impact of the recent fires on the economy. With approximately 1300 homes destroyed the effect on the Real Estate market should be substantial. Families have a few choices; rent while they rebuild, rent temporarily and look for a home or buy now. The increase to the rental market will cause rents to continue to rise and the consequence will encourage renters to buy. Although it is against the law to price gouge within 30 days of a disaster, some owners have reportedly already taken advantage of the "opportunity". If they get caught it's a $10,000 fine.
The influx of FEMA and insurance monies from claims should boast the economy in a variety of ways; increased purchasing of consumer goods and increased hiring of contractors. These factors may help the housing market here in San Diego.
Traditionally the Real Estate market slows down toward the end of the year and begins to pick-up around late February.
Although most of the news indicates a continued slow down, buyers continue to have big opportunities, with high inventory, low interest rates (rates dipped below 6%, the lowest since March) and seller concessions ( paying closing costs, HOA fees etc...)
Other reasons to buy now include; no bidding wars, lots of choices and options, and seller renovations and upgrades.
While many buyers may choose to wait they will be paying rents and losing a valuable tax deduction. If you are waiting use the time wisely by getting a copy of your credit report. Review any of the discrepancies (there will be problems) and fix everything you can. Improving you credit score will guarantee you the best interest rates.
Don’t wait to find a good loan and interest rate.