Happy New Year

Happy New Year! I'm off to see Maktub!

Keep it safe but have fun!

Give!

If you can, please give generously here or here to help in the Tsunami Relief Effort.

Oops!

Today's post will be short and sweet. Mainly I just realized that I didn't wish Stephanie! a very Happy Birthday on this blog yesterday. Oh I went to dinner with her and gave her adoration and presents BUT I didn't wish her happy birthday on the blog and really, what kind of friend am I if I miss out on doing that!?!



This past year, Stephanie has done so much! She ran a marathon with me because she didn't want me to run alone (how awesome is that!),



she invited me to go to France with her and Jen (AND that was SUPER fun!),



she bought her very first condo and had a blast redecorating it, she gained a greater appreciation of yarn (though she says she's not interested in knitting), there was the great Exercise Book accumulation, and a summer spent with Roux at Cake Zoka!



Whew! Now I wonder what she has up her sleeve for this year! With Stephanie one only knows where she'll go and I hope I'm invited along for the ride again this year! Last year's was soooooo much fun! So in the end, Happy (Belated) Birthday Stephanie!

Holidays and Clap-o-tis!

The holiday break was nice and refreshing though not long enough. It's back to the grind for me and this week will be a busy one! The team I support have a major tradeshow next week so countless hours will be spent preparing for that!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were spent with my family and my furry nephew, Phoenix. Phoenix was able to meet Destiny AND amazingly enough I think she tolerated him. She was very curious about him and really wanted to get really close to him but I think his endless bouncing made her nervous.

In between Halo 2 and Sims 2 playing, I worked on Clapotis and reached the dropping point. See my stitch markers...



Here is a close-up of the dropped stitches. Oh! I can't wait to finish this and wear it all over town.



I also finished The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman. I quickly picked up the third (and final) installment, "The Amber Spyglass". This is a great series and I would highly recommend it. I'll write a review on my reading blog later this week.

Stitch Marker Addiction

Oh I think I may have another crafty addiction starting -- making stitchmarkers!

Last night after celebrating my Grandfather's 79th birthday, I went about making stitchmarkers. See:



I had so much fun with them and made Ariana watch me make them. It was more fun that way and we decided on color combinations together. I think I'll need to re-visit the bead store today and on Christmas maybe Ariana and I can make more!

I don't have much else to report on today. I've started reading "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman and it is enthralling. I'm also looking forward to having the next few days off. Today we get to leave work early so I'm going to do that very last minute Christmas shopping I need to get done before heading over to check on Bailey and going home to rest!

Happy Holidays!

Headed Toward Celebration Overload

Today is my other Grandfather's birthday. To celebrate this we are having Homemade Macaroni and Cheese and Cheesecake. I'm quite excited for dinner but I am reaching my celebration overload point.

December is a busy time for most people and for me, it is even busier since I also have birthdays to celebrate. Both of my Grandfathers have December birthdays along with my Father, myself, two of my dearest friends and a multitude of cousins. It can get hectic but it is always fun!

Last night I worked a bit more on Clapotis and boy do I love this pattern!



She's a bit rolly in this photo but that is because I only have so many hands and a very curvy, twisty circular needle. I am loving the stitch markers though. I purchased some additional pretty ones because Miss Clap is too pretty for the basic plastic ones. She deserves only the best.

I have only one more day here at work this week before a mini-Christmas holiday break. I plan to really tidy up my yarn stash and get it organized. I have way too many WIPs and I need to decide what to focus on (i.e. Lara needs to be finished!)and I still need to finish up my 30 things in my 30th year. That will appear here tomorrow morning!

30 and going strong!

Whew! What a weekend! There was celebrating, there was fun, there was too much!

Mot threw a party for me at a local bar who was hosting a "Bad Santa" party. It was a blast! She was sneaky and all my favorite people were there from Andi to Julie and Eric, Suzanne, Kate, and Adrian. Stephanie was very instrumental and took me to The Melting Pot before the bar. She was even kind enough to drive me back to Mot's after I imbibed too much. She’s a true friend!

Mot and my parent’s contrived and made me a poster showing all of my 30 years.



And this weekend after a fantastic meal at Marrakesh, I got to meet my new fuzzy nephew, Phoenix!



I introduced him to peanut butter as only a good auntie would. He loved it! Soon peanut butter parfaits! I'm already scheduled to watch him in February, whoo-hoo!

OK off to work and recover....

Happy Birthday Julie



Today is Julie's Birthday. She is the Mom of Zubin and also one of the funniest people I know. I do enjoy her stories and the fact that her birthday is two days before mine, makes her extra cool!




P.S. Birthday Countdown: T -2 days!

Secret Sock Swapping

The Ghost of Holiday Gift Socks paid a visit to me yesterday. He climbed right up on my desk and showed off my socks from Linda of LoobyLou.

These great socks came all the way from Scotland and the Ghost put them on first! OUTRAGEOUS!



I love my new socks! Most importantly they were made for me by another knitter! Can't beat that! Also included in my package was a bar of the most delicious chocolate. Thank you Linda!

I'm still working on Clapotis and she is a beauty. In reference to all the comments about what yarn I'm using to create my new favorite scarf/shawl -- I am using Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb Yarn in the Vera colorway. While a bit pricey, this yarn is scrumptious and well worth the extra dollars. I wish I could knit with this all the time!

Clap On, Clap Off

Last night I attended Purly Girls and started Clapotis. I'm in love. After heading home and having some dinner, I stayed up way too late with my new love, Clapotis. I'm not even that far into the pattern and I am already knee-deep in the process.



If only I didn't have to work, then I could knit on this ALL DAY LONG!

This past weekend was very busy but I got so much done. On Saturday I arose very early and after spending quite some time on my hair, I headed to the DOL. I arrived at 8:32 a.m., exactly 2 minutes after they had opened. I was 50th in line. I departed at 9:34 a.m. with a photo that showed how great my hair looked but unfortunately also showed the goofy face I made when the photo was taken. GawwwwkkkkK!

Then it was Destiny's turn for a follow-up visit to the vet. She needed to get one more vaccination shot. She acted like the ride in the car was a death sentence and while waiting at a stoplight, I snapped this photo:



Now that is Destiny. That photo shows her true colors. She may go around looking pretty and acting loveable but I know that deep down inside, she is true cat. Her eyes betray her.

Birthday Countdown: Only 5 more days until I turn 30!

Rachael Did It!

Rachael ran her first marathon yesterday! As I finished knitting up my secret project, I refreshed my computer screen and cheered Rachael on from Seattle.

The holiday season is definately upon us. I spent this weekend celebrating my Dad's birthday, cleaning the house, attending two Holiday parties, writing Christmas cards, finishing up my secret knitting (it is packaged and ready to go), visiting The Fiber Gallery and picking up some luscious alpaca yarn and watching the Survivor finale. Whew!

Today I will be casting on for Clapotis!

Peek into Secrets

Last night I worked long and hard on my secret project while waiting for my car recall repair (the fuel pump or something very important was recalled on my new car costing me $0 but providing me with plenty of knitting time) and I am really loving it! In fact, once I finish this one, I think I'll be making one for myself. Today I give a glimpse of said project.



Oh I'll be finished with this in time for my deadline. I need to get this mailed off quickly! I'm also excited because once the secret project is off my needles, I get to cast on for Clapotis!

Also today is my this cool man's birthday (shown here with my Mom)! Tonight the family is taking him out to dinner and if he's good, we'll be giving him presents!



Happy Birthday Dad!

Birthday Countdown: 9 days until I turn 30.

Just a few of my favorite things...

Since I'm quite busy knitting away on my secret project (which MUST be finished this weekend), I thought I'd distract you with MORE photos from France.



I have a strange fascination with doors and windows. This photo was taken as I walked through the fortress walls around the Lourve before I entered the courtyard with its famous glass pyramids. I love how the sunlight streams through the doorway showing just a glimpse of buildings behind it.



This doorway from St. Paul de Vence thrills me because of the details. You can see the fantastic stone walkway made up of individual stones and the old Roman wall with even more doorways beyond.



This is one of my favorite favorites because of the color and the wonderful woman peeking out her window above. The composition of this picture draws me in and reminds me of the Cote d'Azur.



I love this one almost completely because of how blue the water is. The teal color is unmatched.



And this one makes me laugh! Our room in Paris was quite small and the bathroom even smaller. One could use the toliet, brush their teeth and if so inclined, wash their feet in the shower just beyond. This photo shows Jen demonstrating the mini portions of our bathroom.

Now I must get back to my secret project....all be will revealed soon!

100 Things

1. I turn 30 in 12 days.
2. I was born 6 days before Christmas.
3. During the first blizzard of the year in St. Paul, Minnesota.
4. I was the first live birth that a school of student nurses ever saw.
5. My Mom was awesome to allow spectators during her first time in labor.
6. I came home in a stocking.
7. I did not grow up in the Midwest.
8. I have one brother.
9. I have one cat named Destiny.
10. I think she likes my Dad more than she likes me.
11. I grew up with two cats and a dog.
12. I loved my dog and want another miniature Schnauzer though no other dog will ever compare to Schnapps.
13. Schnapps used to let me dress her up in my baby pajamas and use her as a pillow.
14. I miss the two cats I grew up with, Mr. T and Katrina.
15. I recently moved back in with my parents.
16. I love living at home.
17. I love to travel.
18. I wish I could travel the world for a living.
19. I speak elementary Spanish and want to take refresher classes.
20. I didn’t learn to speak until I was 4 years old.
21. I walked at 7 months.
22. I grew up in San Antonio, Texas.
23. I moved to Seattle when I was 11 ½ years old.
24. I thought it was cold here.
25. I met my best friend when I was 12.
26. My friend stole her friend’s lemon scented Swatch.
27. I met my other best friend when I was 14.
28. We were pen pals.
29. She lives in England.
30. I love to read.
31. I have a book addiction.
32. I think I’m trying to read all the books in the world.
33. I have a yarn addiction.
34. I learned to knit three years ago.
35. I love wearing sweaters.
36. I wish I could knit them faster.
37. I’ve only finished one sweater.
38. I have a purse addiction.
39. I ran a marathon this year.
40. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be.
41. Anyone can run a marathon.
42. I biked 200 miles two years ago from Seattle to Portland (STP).
43. I need another physical challenge for this next year.
44. My favorite movie is “Better Off Dead”.
45. My second favorite movie is Lord of the Rings (all of them).
46. I’m a Sagittarius.
47. Most of my family and friends are born in December.
48. December is an expensive month.
49. I love vacuuming.
50. I like cleaning too.
51. I like the color pink and love the color brown.
52. I used to crochet in college.
53. I worked in Yellowstone National Park in the summer during College.
54. I loved working at Yellowstone.
55. I’m really a city girl though.
56. I had a hard time adjusting to the city after Yellowstone and had a panic attack.
57. I went to Washington State University.
58. I have a Journalism degree and a minor in History and English.
59. I almost got a minor in Spanish.
60. I didn’t understand my 307 teacher.
61. She was from Spain.
62. I speak Mexican Spanish.
63. I want to visit Manchu Pichu.
64. I need to visit Brasil with Mot.
65. I want to see all the Vermeer paintings in the world.
66. I saw 8 Vermeer paintings this year.
67. I have seen 12 Vermeer paintings.
68. I have 23 more to see.
69. I’ve had a breast reduction.
70. I work at a PR agency.
71. I worked as a reporter for 2 ½ years.
72. It didn’t pay very well so I worked another job at the same time.
73. I once worked at a funeral home on Sundays.
74. I read a lot at that job.
75. I used to baby sit a lot as a teenager.
76. Now I dog sit a lot!
77. My friends and I were called the “Funky Bunch” in high school.
78. I’m a bit embarrassed to have admitted that!
79. I don’t speak French.
80. After visiting France, I really want to though.
81. I did take a French class this year.
82. I didn’t learn anything past “Aussi”.
83. I used “Aussi” in France.
84. I tried to speak French to the French people.
85. They were very kind and didn’t laugh at me (too much).
86. I prefer to drive a manual transmission.
87. I can’t be one with the car in an automatic transmission.
88. This meant I was the one to drive in France.
89. I LOVED driving in France though they drive a wee bit too fast.
90. Most of the time I like driving.
91. I really like Cheese.
92. I really love cheesecake.
93. I always request one for my birthday cake.
94. That was my hint to my Mother. (she makes great cheesecake!)
95. My Mom is exactly 20 years older than me.
96. My Dad is 25 years older than me.
97. My brother is 18 months younger than me.
98. He is married and has two cats.
99. Soon he will also have a dog, which I have nicknamed the Guinea Pig.
100. This was a fun list to make, I’m glad Kate inspired me!

The Holidays are HERE!

I went to the mall this weekend and realized the holidays are here. The dazed holiday shoppers crowded the mall aisles looking lost while busily crossing items off thier list. Luckily I got most of my shopping done on Saturday with out too much damage and now just need to re-group to figure out what else I need to do.



I also watched Bailey (Stephanie's beast) this weekend and realized I didn't have any photos of her! She's quite the lovely and let me know this weekend by talking quite a bit. I also watched Zubin and made him pose for me in front of the Seattle skyline. He tolerated me. At least this time I wasn't dressing him up in knitted garments!



Speaking of knitted garments, I'm in crunch time on my secret project. I have exactly 9 days to finish it so last night while at a church choir show, I knitted and knitted and knitted. Today I'll be knitting at Weight Watchers, attending Purlygirls so I can knit and then knitting before bed. I know I can do this. The second half is always quicker than the first. Right??!?!?!

The other reason I need to finish the secret project is that this came in the mail this weekend:



That's my Lion and Lamb yarn for my Clapotis! I can't wait to get started on it.

And I want to finish my Shedir hat which I started on the airplane ride home from Paris.



So many knitted projects and so little time!

Also it's countdown time to my 30th birthday. In 14 days (on the 19th), I will turn 30 years old. I'm busy creating my list of 30 things I want to accomplish in my 30th year and plan to post them on the 19th.

Happy Shopping to all!

Playing Catch-Up


Stephanie, me and Jen taking a self portrait outside the Lourve


Vacation is great. I love vacation. What I do not love so much is the re-entry from vacation. The catch-up, being out of the loop, getting sick after vacation. So in an attempt to pretend that I am still on vacation, I thought I'd share some vacation photos!



This is Kate and I shortly after meeting. Notice her wonderful Clapotis! That Lion and Lamb yarn is scrumptous! Feeling that yarn led me to order mine today.

I got this colorway:





This is Stephanie and Jen enjoying the treats Kate brought us. Jen -- Sorry your eyes are closed!



This is me outside a Phildar shop where I didn't buy a single thing. Actually, I'm sorry to say that I just wasn't excited by the store and I've bought Phildar before! I was a bit disappointed. I was wearing my Paris scarf though!



This is an ad in the metro talking about yarn. Sadly I did not see any yarn in this particular store.



This is the coolest window display ever! I even purchased one of these Le Monstre creatures which were created by Christian Lacroix.

OK I guess I should go back and face reality. There is lots to be done here!