Happy New Year!

Postidays

It's a word I recently learned and it certainly fits.  Post holiday = postiday!

It's always a bit of a let down, isn't it, if you celebrate the holidays?  After Christmas is over, there's sort of a black hole.  It's like you spend all this time getting ready, presents and wrapping and decorating and getting into the holiday spirit and remembering the reason for the season and there's this great big lead up and then...splat...it's over.  And quickly too.

I'm trying not to get the positdays blah get to me by keeping Christmas up for a bit longer.  Maybe next weekend, or even the weekend after, I'll be ready to take down the decorations and let the season go.  But for now, I'm still enjoying the garlands and wreaths and twinkling lights on the tree.  

I'm headed off to work in a bit.  But I have the next two days off.  Of course, that makes going in today extra difficult.  But I'll muddle through somehow. :)

No big plans for the New Year, just a quiet night at home.  I'm very much looking forward to that.  2013 was a big year for me.  2014 holds even more possibilities.   

Yarn Induced Guilt

So, I sort of failed on the Christmas yarning this year.  Firstly, I on purpose didn't plan to make that much because I've gotten way, terribly, overly stressed out in recent years past over all the stuff that needs to get done and not enough time to do it!  So instead, I told myself that I wasn't going to make a buttload of stuff this year.  Of course, that comes with it's own layer of guilt (all heaped on by yours truly and no one else) because, well, you know that the yarning is my thing.

I did manage to work up some dishcloths for Sis.  Remember I told the story of Grandma's dishcloths?  Well, I popped out to the yarn store and got some awesome colored yarn and made a couple more for Sis.  And we she opened them she was rather gleeful.

I was going to make some other things, but as I started to stress and get worried over it, I decided it wasn't worth the worry and stress.  So, I've pushed them off for upcoming birthdays instead.

I also decided, rather selfishly, that the Scottish yarn I bought really is for me and not for Auntie.  So that shawl has gone on the shelf for a wee bit (I'll eventually finish it for me) so I can get her present done.  I had a couple of skeins of the super chunky extra warm awesome yarn that I used to make Sis's blanket so she's getting a snuggly shawl out of that instead.  Incidentally, when we were at her house on Christmas, she was telling me that she wanted to get a shawl pin and asked me where I got the one that I gave to my cousin.  I told her about The Shawl Pin store because I didn't have the heart to tell her that I already had a Shawl Pin for her to go with her birthday present (it's January 5th)  Then I felt a little bad about that before I remembered that she can totally have more than one shawl pin.  

The BFF and I are doing our Christmas exchange next weekend.  Which is actually perfect because I have this weekend and then the 31st and the 1st off from work.  Now, it's certainly not going to take that long to complete her gift (to go with the things that I bought) but it's nice to know that I have that cushion.  And have time to complete Auntie's present too.

Of course, I still have to finish Izzy's as well.  

Sometimes, I'm such a slacker.  Damn life for getting in the way!

To Blog or Not To Blog

I've been at this blogging thing for almost two years now (about 21 months) and I've written 400 posts.  Being honest, I sometimes wonder if it's worth it.  I get extraordinarily stressed out sometimes, trying to think of what to write.  I feel bad when I don't put a post up because I have nothing to say.  It can be stressful and nerve wracking.

But then I remember how it makes me feel to write things down and send them out into the ether.  To know that people are reading even if they don't comment.  To read they comments when they are posted.  It's so helpful me to me and my state of mind.  So even if sometimes I think of packing it in and getting rid of the blog, the good far outweighs the stress inducing moments.

Thank you to all of you who take a moment out of your day and read my ramblings.  It is so greatly appreciated.  And as long as there are readers willing to come check out the blog, I'll keep writing. 

Happy Christmas!

Wishing everyone a warm and joyous Christmas!

 

Christmas Random

--I swear the cats have extra super-sensitive hearing.  Simon in particular.  If he's hungry and he's decided it's food time and he hears me on the stairs or opening a door, he'll appear from nowhere, crying, dancing around my feet, rubbing on my legs just begging to be fed with his "oh my god if you don't feed me I'm just going to perish and die!  Please, please feed me because I'm too pretty to die!!!" act on.  Since he doesn't care if getting under my feet and tripping me so I fall to a horrible death down the stairs is the result of his antics, he's not getting catnip in his stocking this year.

--Last night, I made a dishcloth.  It only took about an hour since, lets face it, they aren't very big.  It's sort of a gag gift for Sis.  See, Grandma (my mom's mom) was a knitter.  Fanatical, really.  (Guess I come by it honestly)  And she used to make this dishcloths.  Now, I hate using them on my dishes because I think they are a bit bulky.  But Sis?  They are her favorite when she washes dishes.  And I had some cotton yarn that someone gave me--people give me yarn all the time.  You don't know how many times I hear things like "My mom/grandma/aunt/some other obscure relative had all this yarn and..." and I can't say no--so it's not the best looking thing.  But it was apparent that Grandma's pattern was really easy and after a bit of studying, I figured it out.  I think it looks exactly the same, so I'm happy with that.  I might pop to the store today and pick up some better yarn to make another one with.  But I haven't officially decided yet.  Anyway, she'll get that as a wee giftie under the tree and it'll make her grin.

--The rest of my holiday yarning has been kind of a bust, but there is one thing that I need to complete.  The BFFs gift.  We'll probably do the Christmas thing right after Christmas though so I have a little bit of time.  I'll get it done.  

--Finally going to decorate the tree today.  I'm so excited I can barely stand it.  It's going to be fun and when I'm done, I can sit back and admire.  One of my favorite things about Christmas.  

--There will be Christmas music while the tree is being decorated.  

--When I'm done, there will be hot chocolate and a Christmas movie.  I'm looking forward to that almost as much as decorating the tree.

--I love this time of year.  I love the snow and the joy and the giving of gifts and remembering the reason for the season and all of it.  I just love it.  And with Christmas only a few days away, I'm getting as excited as...well, as a kid at Christmas!

Christmas Yummies

Today, we're having our Christmas Lunch at work.  What does that mean?  Well, basically, everyone brings something in, the boss buys us pizza for lunch, and we spend all day eating at our desks while we work.

I'm going to be so stuffed!

My contribution?  My (sorta) famous apple bread.  Looking at the list, everyone was bringing real food.  Buy that I mean, things that are actually meal-like.  I wanted something sweet and dessert-like to go with it.  So last night, I spend the evening baking.  I forget just how much I enjoy baking until I'm actually doing it.  And considering that I just baked some banana bread a few weeks ago, you would think I wouldn't forget so fast.  But there's something soothing about mixing the ingredients and putting it all together and have it turn out tasting like awesome.  At least there is to me.  And the delicious smells that waft through the entire house while the goods are in the oven ain't half bad either!

But I enjoy it and I was happy to do it.  Of course, I was also happy when it was done and I could set it on the rack and let it cool, too.  

So I'm going to thoroughly enjoy my day.  And I'll be spending the weekend trying to get as much yarning done as humanly possible!

Enjoy your weekend everyone!  Be kind to each other!

Happy Birthday!

Everyone, please join me in wishing Alder a happy birthday!

Alder, my friend, may your day be filled with nothing but awesome.  You deserve only the best, not only today, but every day.  Here's wishing you many more!

 

Angering The Yarn Gods

Yep, I think I pissed off the goddess of yarn.  

I'm not sure what I did to make her so angry with me but I'm currently trying to figure out a suitable tribute to make her release her wrath.  But she's definitely angry.  Because everything I try to make ends up looking like crap.  Big piles of steaming poo.  No lie.

I started the BFF's Christmas present and it didn't work at all like it was supposed to.  I can do something else, but the fact that it looked like rubbish and I had my heart set on making it upsets me.  I actually know what I'm going to do instead but still...I'm sad that it didn't work out.

And then, I was going to make a pair of fingerless mitts.  But it just looked like...like a monkey made it.  It looked awful.  So I had to frog it.  And then, in a fit of pique, I threw it across the room.  Then I had to get up and go pick it up, untangle the yarn, and find my needles (they managed to make it into the closet).  So, really, not worth the momentary venting of frustration that it gave me.  

Which makes me nervous about a present that just may be opened tomorrow, because if the yarn goddess is against me, how is that going to go over?

Anyway, this all happened last night, so I put up the yarn and crawled into bed.  Hopefully by the time I get home tonight, I can figure out a fitting tribute that will appease the yarn goddess.

An Evening with Bilbo, Dave, Buster, and Izzy

Yesterday, we went to The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.  Now, I didn't see the first one and I only went to this one because it was Izzy's birthday celebration.  So really, you can't go by my impression of it.  It was gorgeous though, I will say that.

Then we went to Dave and Buster's.  First time I had ever been there.  It was loud and crazy and I didn't play a lot of games.  I did help Marv win a stuffed thingie out of the worlds largest claw game to give to Izzy.  The claw then refused to drop the present.  So we had to call a guy over.  And then, one it did drop it, it didn't want to open the door.  So the guy had to mess with it some more.  I did play a few games but I gave all my tickets to Izzy.  She wanted to redeem them for a particular prize and she had to get 7,500 tickets to get it.  With the tickets she won and then the tickets that the rest of us gave her, she did manage to get enough.  So it was like an extra birthday present.  

But both the restaurant and the theater were at the mall.  So we spent a really long time trying to find a parking place because, you know, the mall at Christmas time is nuts.  We ended up having to park really far away.  Which would have been fine except it decided to be winter.  I'm talking like 12 degrees and about six inches of accumulation at that point.  We were icicles by the time we got back to the car.  

We were supposed to go back to Izzy's house for more partying but the roads were shitty.  I think the city forgot it owned plows.  Which is crazy nuts because there's usually plows going by all the freaking time.  I have no idea where they all were.  So instead of going to her house we came home.  It was just too crappy.  Which sucks but seems to be a pattern were Izzy's birthday is concerned.  

Once I got home, I curled up with an electric blanket (that works off of the USB ports) and a cup of tea and it was very cozy.  Exactly what was needed on a cold wintry night.

And hey, if you haven't heard, Eric Arvin, a fantastic and amazing writer of gay fiction is in the hospital and in pretty bad shape.  He's going to be there for a while.  A fundraiser has been set up to help defray the medical costs, as well as the incidentals like hotel room, necessities, and food for his family and his fiance, TJ Klune (another amazing writer).  If you have a couple of bucks to spare, you can donate here.  If you don't, that's okay too.  But please keep Eric, TJ, and their families in your thoughts and prayers.  

Dang It

So, we're celebrating Izzy's birthday tomorrow.  There's movie and then dinner and then back to their place for prezzie's and hanging out.  Except...I'm not going to be done with her present.  

I sort of screwed the pooch on that one.  It's all my fault.  I didn't yarn as much as I should have on the week that I had off--kept having that "there's plenty of time, I'll get to it later" mentality.  So, now I have to show up tomorrow with a promise of a future present.

I think it's worth the wait.  And I know Izzy's totally low key and would be happy to have it whenever.  Plus, that means her birthday gets to happen again, sorta, on a different day.  And that's always fun.  So it'll all work out in the end.

At least it won't be like Sis's birthday present and be ten months late.  Which, yes, okay...better than the year before.  But no, I'll get it finish it up after the holidays and then gift it to her and she will be well pleased.  Of all the presents I've made for birthdays this year, I've managed to get 5 out of the 7 done on time.  One, I even got done way early AND managed to get it mailed so that it arrived in plenty of time.  Which is only like 71% but it's still totally a passing average.

But still, I feel badly about it.  It's one thing to make Sis wait--especially because she insisted on the hugeness of it--it's another entirely to make someone else wait.  But there's nothing to be done about it now.  Unless I can somehow squeeze an extra 24 hours in and not have to eat, sleep, or pee, that is.  Considering I'm not a Time Lord, I'm going to just have to suck up the embarassedness (yeah, I totally made that word up) of it and just admit defeat.  

I'm pretty sure she'll forgive me once she sees the finished product.    

Invisible

You ever feel like you're invisible?  Like you don't matter to the world at large and they can't even see you?  Like everyone who matters to you seems forget you exist for a while?  And then it sort of becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and you do sort of become invisible?

Sometimes, I feel like that.  

Or worse, someone you care about is hurting, and you have no idea how to make it better.  In actuality, you can't make it better because it doesn't work that way.  You try anyway but it doesn't help.  And it's like you're invisible to that person.  Like they can't see you at all.  Like they don't even remember you're there.

Sometimes, I feel like that, too.

But it's all right, actually.  I'll go on being invisible.  But I'll be here.  And when those people remember I am, when that person needs me, I'll become visible again.  And it'll all be good.  

Home Again

My nephew is just beautiful, thank God!  I was afraid that he wouldn't be and I hate it when I have to be all "Oh, isn't you're baby just so cute?!" when they aren't.  It would have sucked worse considering it's my brother's kid.  But he's adorable and so sweet and snuggly.  It was so good to meet him.

Back to work today...which I'm not looking forward to at all.  I really enjoyed my vacation, of course, and after a week of doing nothing, I'm certainly not looking forward to getting back to the rat race.  But I will and hopefully, it'll all settle in nicely.  

I'm going to have to work like mad to get Izzy's present finished by Saturday.  Remind me again why I do this to myself?  Yeah, I'm not sure either.  Somehow, it felt more important to read and write and nap this last week than get anything substantial done on her shawl.  And now I'll have to crochet like mad to get it done in time.  Because I'm fairly certain she suspects what it is and I don't want to disappoint.  I see some long nights in my future this week.

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend and that the week ahead goes well!

Hello Nephew!

Off to Massachusetts to see my nephew!

Well, I will be in a few hours and it's a long trip for just one night, but there's no way we can't go give our love to that new bundle of joy. With parents like his, I have no doubt that he'll be in Mensa, surpass his father in how many languages he speaks (Brub is tri-lingual and can get by in at least two others) and do amazing things.  

Promise, I'm not biased! :)

Enjoy your weekend everyone!  See you on the flip side!

Lazy

I can't even begin to tell you just how lazy I've been this week.  It has been utterly glorious!  I've read way more than I should...and wrote a bit...and hardly yarned.  But mostly, I just hung out and did absolutely nothing.  It's been wonderful.  It really has.

I don't even want to think about having to go back to work.

In other news, my nephew has arrived!  Yesterday, at about 5 P.M. and after an emergency C-section (because his arm was blocking his exit) he finally came into the world.  Mother and baby are doing excellently.  He's 7 lbs 6 oz and 20 and a half inches long.  He has a head of dark hair and is utterly adorable.  He actually looks a heck of a lot like Sis and Tato when they were born.  No doubt that kid is related to us.  Brub is over the moon and already in love with his son, which is how it should be.  

So that's all the news I have to report.  Everyone have a lovely weekend!

The Week Ahead

Wow.  Big day yesterday.  And I'm still sort of riding high.

I have the week off and I'm super happy about it.  I didn't actually manage to sleep in, which is okay, but I'm drinking my coffee in my pajamas and that feels like a luxury.  

Sis decided to make some Christmas decorations for her desk at work.  She's actually figuring out and crocheting them herself.  I'm incredibly proud.  She's not one to figure out how things work and though she's been asking my opinion on what and how, I'm just telling her what I think and she's figuring it all out on her own.  We raided my yarn stash so she could get all the colors she needs.  She said it was like going shopping.  I had to grin.  

I have to make a trip to the post office at some point today.  And also make banana bread (because the bananas are overly ripe and need to be turned into bread) but other than that, I have to get yarning.  Izzy's birthday is in a couple of weeks and I haven't made much progress on her shawl.  Needs to get finished, especially because I know she suspects what it is.  Which is fine, but I need to get on it!  I've only got one repeat done.  But I'm making it it with a slightly heavier yarn and a bigger hook than the pattern calls for so I don't think I'll have to do as many repeats as the pattern calls for to get a full sized shawl.  

Really, that's my plan for the week, pretty much.  Spend the whole time in various version of comfy clothes, yarn, write, read.  Maybe do a little cleaning.  A bit of decorating. I might end up having to spend some time babysitting my goddaughter but that would be a treat too.  All in all, just planning on relaxing and taking it easy. 

Hope everyone enjoys their week as well!

Release Day!

Jackson Bennett and Ryan Hennigan met and fell in love while Ryan worked on Jack's family's Christmas tree farm.  Back then, Jack broke his own heart by convincing Ryan to leave to pursue his future.  Ryan went, but only after they made a pact to reunite after Ryan graduated from college.  Now, five years later, it's time, but Jack is convinced that Ryan won't show--and when he does, Jack is certain Ryan can't possibly want to stay.  Ryan, however, has no intention of being anywhere other than in Jack's arms.  But he faces a hurdle he never expected: proving to Jack they can have each other without having to sacrifice their dreams.  

So, um, yeah.  I wrote a short story and it's part of the Dreamspinner Press Advent Anthology--Heartwarming.  That's the delicious cover by Paul Richmond.  And the blurb.  If you're interested, you can buy it here from Dreamspinner.  

**Or, if you prefer Amazon.  Or, if you live in the UK, this one.**

Here's What Happened...

I have a lot to be thankful for this year and I made sure to be extra appreciative yesterday.  We had a wonderful family dinner--there was so much food--and even though Brub was in Massachusetts and his presence was missed, we still had a good time.  After dinner, and while we enjoyed our pie, we played a game.  There was one point where we were laughing so hard, everything hurt and I couldn't breathe.  I really have an awesome family.  

Today is my last day of work before I have a week off.  I'm pretty excited about having vacation time.  I'm not doing anything exciting...just hanging out and sleeping in late and drinking my coffee in my pajamas.  But it'll be nice.  I'm hoping to watch a bunch of Christmas movies and get some yarning done and maybe even some editing.  I will most likely write. 

Worth It will be released for individual sale on Sunday, December 1st, as will the rest of the stories from the Heartwarming anthology.  I'm both nervous and excited.  I wrote a story that's going to be out there for the public to read.  I really don't even know how to feel right now.

Sis loved her blanket! She's been wrapped up in it since yesterday.  I keep telling her it's too long and she keeps refuting me.  I'm happy she's happy.  And I'm incredibly happy that it's done and I don't have to think about it anymore.  I already have plans for the extra yarn.  Eventually.  If I get to it.

The Christmas season is officially upon us!  I need more decorations.  Just sayin'.

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Fin!

Some Christmas decorations may or may not have already found their way out of storage and onto the walls/tables/doorways.  I take the 5th on the grounds that what I say might incriminate me.

But!  Good news!  Fantastic news!  Yes, it's true.  I finished Sis's blanket!  You're shocked and surprised, I know.  But it really is done and I have the photographic evidence to prove it!

 Ta Da!  Here it is, ladies and gents!  The finished product.  Can I just tell you how relieved I am?  Cause, seriously.  It took forever and a lot of that was me being lazy and just not wanting to.  But I realized yesterday afternoon I was in the home stretch, that it was almost done and if I just put in a few hours more work, I could finish it off.  It did take a bit longer than I anticipated, of course.  Because I kept getting distracted by the TV and I was knitting kind of slowly.  But then I got down to it and just got it done.


Finished size: 60" by 120"  Big right?  Honestly, I could have kept going a bit and made it wider but...well, it was big enough and it was unwieldy and I was ready for it to be done.  Yes, I have a couple of skeins left over.  But that just means they can be used for another project in the future.  A big, thick, cushy scarf or shawl, I'm thinking.  I wish you guys could feel this yarn.  It's so soft and cozy.

She had no idea it's finished yet.  I'm going to leave it for her to find.  Because that amuses the crap out of me.  Not going to say a word, just kind of drop it off.  I'll be giggling about that all day.  And just in time too, as the snow has finally started and is apparently sticking around.  Now, she can stop nagging!

This is it, all laid out on the floor.  You really can't grasp just how long it is. Because I knitted it garter stitch, it scrunches up a little in the middle when it's just left to it's own devices.  But it's got a lot of stretch so it's made for tucking around your body.

But it's done.  And I am pleased.  I just hope she likes it.  I mean, I know she'll like it.  I just hope she doesn't have any complaints about it as well.  Love my sister to bits and pieces, but sometimes she's a complainer.  I just don't want to hear about how she wishes it were bigger.  Of course, I think she knows better than to say that to me.  Plus, she's a yarner herself so she knows how much work goes into it.  I really think she'll appreciate the heck out of it.

And hey!  I finished it a month earlier than last years!  This time, it's only 10 months late! :)

Season's Greetings

All right, I have a confession to make.  

This past weekend?  I broke out the Christmas movies.  I know, I know!  It's nearly an unforgivable act.  But I couldn't help myself.  First, someone was talking about holiday movies on his blog and it got me into the spirit.  So, I broke down on Friday night and popped in a classic animated film.  

Then Saturday night, the BFF and I had one of our nights, just hanging out and chilling.  One of our favorite movies of all time is Love, Actually which takes place at Christmas time.  And then we followed it up with The Holiday.

So, since we busted through that "no Christmas movies before Thanksgiving" rule and left it smashed to smithereens, I went ahead and watched some more last night.  

And I've gotta say, it's really helping me to get in the spirit of the holiday season.  I have vague plans to decorate a bit in my space, which will be nice.  But that I really am saving until next weekend, for after Thanksgiving.  

I love the feel good emotions of the season.  I love remembering it's about giving and joy. Some of my best memories are from Christmases past.  

Here's wishing everyone a joyous holiday season to come!

Weird Day

I had a weird day yesterday.  I can't even tell you exactly why.  I was sort of mood swingy, I guess.  Some good stuff happened and some less that good stuff happened.  I overslept by a few minutes and was rushing to get ready to leave on time.  Work was both good and bad.  I came home and slaved over a hot stove and made dinner...and then it turned out that it was completely unnecessary for me to cook. 

And then, finally, I made it up the stairs and made a pot of tea and sat in my chair and listened to my book and knitted.  And all was right with the world.

Tomorrow, I'm on kid duty.  Which means I'll be hauling my poor bum out of bed long before the sun rises.  And then I'll be chasing after them all day long.  I'll be exhausted but I'll also enjoy it.  And they will nap a couple of times and that will make things easier on me.  But after the kids are gone and I've had myself a bit of a nap?

After that, the BFF and I are going to our diner for dinner.  And then there will be movies and a tea party followed by wine and snacks.  It's going to be so good.  Just hanging out with her and talking and laughing.  Which means I'll probably be MIA this weekend, as I will need to recover from all the awesomeness.  It's going to be so good! (Yes, I know I already said that, it bears repeating)

I just have to get through today, and then the fun can begin.  Enjoy your weekend everybody!

Tea and Sympathy

I feel good about last night.

Last night, after a bit of dusting, I sat down in my rocking chair with a cup of tea and my knitting.  It was peaceful.  It was tranquil.  The tea was exceptionally tasty and I was working on Sis's blanket.  I finished another skein.  Now, only four more to go.  I tried talking her into letting it be done, because it more than covers the lap, but she wants it as big as it can get.  I guess I'll keep on knitting.

I intend to do it again tonight.  Yes, the knitting is still unbelievably boring, but I have an audiobook to finish.  And that really helps.  I'm not sure if I'll actually get it done before the "deadline" but I'm going to try.  And really, next year, cash.  That's what she's getting.

But it was so nice to come home, do a little cleaning, and then to just sit down and have a nice cup of tea and work on something.  No stresses, no worries, no interruptions.  Nothing pressing down and demanding it get done.  Just a nice relaxing night with a warm beverage and a soft and cuddly blanket on my lap.  

Weekend looks like it's going to be busy.  Fun, but busy.  So I'm taking tonight for me again because the rest of the nights are taken up with awesome.  

But this is what I learned: never underestimate the benefits of a good cup of tea.  

Book of Patterns

I was actually surprised to find how many pattern books I don't have.  

Really, you'd think I'd have a ton of them.  But I don't.  I have eight.  And a knitting stitch dictionary.  That's it.  The funny thing is, I really thought I had a lot more.  But as I was unpacking and putting them on the shelf, I found myself thinking "Huh.  That's it?"  I think about all the hundreds I've looked through in the store and I wonder why I haven't bought them.

Truth is, sometimes they can be rather expensive.  And if they don't have more than a pattern or two that I really like, then I'm good about putting it back on the store shelf.  But I also think about all the ones that I've seen that I wish I had bought...and I'm now regretting a little that I didn't.

Yes, there are thousands and thousands of patterns free online.  And I love perusing them.  Love.  It.  I can get sucked in and be there for hours.  And that's awesome.  And I'm glad it's a resource that's available to me.  

But I wish I had more books.

So, that's what I'm putting on my Christmas wishlist this year.  Pattern books.  I'm sure my family Santa will be able to find some that I'll love.  And that would just make my Christmas, to see a couple of pattern books under the tree.  

A girl can hope, can't she?

Prehistoric Scotland was on the Equator

There's a tidbit of information for you.  (I watched Prehistoric Park again this weekend)

Remember when I bought that yarn from Scotland?  I bought three skeins; two for me and one for my Auntie.  Well, the one that I had intended for my Auntie was a tangled mess.  I spent sometime yesterday trying to sort it out but, yeah, I gave up.  It's really bad.  And I don't have the kind of time to sit there and untangle it.  It's worse because it's in a hank and it's just all twisted around.  So it's gone back in the drawer and someday I'll untangle it and make something with it.  In the meantime, I decided to use the yarn I bought with the intent to make something for me for her instead.  Yesterday, I decided to see if I could find a pattern online that I would like to use, since I decided to crochet it instead of knitting like I originally thought (because I don't have enough time to knit a full sized shawl) and lucky me, the very first one I clicked on was perfect.  That rarely happens.  But I started it and I like it and it's going to be great.

I have to work on Izzy's shawl too but I wanted something that requires a little less thought.  Plus, I have vacation time coming up and I can spend some time then working it as well.

The baby's party was a fun time!  She got distracted by the toys that she opened and didn't want to keep opening presents.  She's two so it was to be expected. She's wonderfully affectionate and loves to give and get hugs.  A good time was had by all, especially my goddaughter and that's what matters.

Like I said, I adore that faction of the family.  We get along, there's not drama, we all respect and love each other.  It's always positive.  Like any family, there are people in mine who are constantly negative and mean, because that makes them feel better about themselves, I guess.  It hurts and I try to rise above, but it's not always easy.  But with the family members I spent time with yesterday, it's always good.  It was a fun filled and joyous time.  As it should be.

Another work week has begun.  Time to head off to the day job.  Enjoy your day, and I'll try to do the same! 

Finally Settled.

I moved about two months ago.  And finally, finally, everything is unpacked and I'm settled.  It took me most of the day, but I'm feeling incredibly accomplished. 

I did end up going back to the store and buying the cube shelving unit that I wanted.  It's now housing my yarn.  Well, some of it, anyway.  All the stuff that's current or extras that I use often is there.  I love it a lot and it's just perfect for my needs.  It's surprisingly solid for assembled furniture and it was actually a lot easier to put together than I feared.  

I'm going to spend a good portion of the day celebrating my goddaughter's birthday.  She's two (or will be tomorrow) and just the most beautiful girl in the world.  Of course I'm biased.  But she's a delight, even if she's got a bit of a temper right now, and we all adore her to bits and pieces. Happy Birthday, Baby!

Hope everyone has a lovely Sunday and that the week ahead is good! 

Right On Target

I walked out of the store and immediately sent The BFF a text that said "Target was a complete success!"

Her immediate response? "Well, duh!"

I love Target.  Good prices, a little higher end merchandise than Wal-Mart (not there's anything wrong with Wal-Mart), and it has everything you need.  The only problem with Target is I want to buy all the things!  Instead, I just made a mental list of what I would get in a few weeks, or a few months, when I was a bit more settled and had a better idea of my needs.

What I bought: a curtain, a curtain rod, a mattress pad, a power strip with surge protector, a toy, batteries, tap lights, a snack, Command Strips, and kitty litter.  Now, tell me, how awesome is it that I could go to one store and get everything I needed in one go?

What I wanted to buy: an ottoman with storage inside, a stackable cube shelving unit, a chair, sheets, a lamp, a hook rail, picture frames,  and a hamper.  There were probably other things that I would want, but I finally made myself leave so as not to be tempted any further.

I got what I needed and I have a list for the future.  I'm all set for now.

I have much to do this weekend and I'll be a busy girl.  And I'll be exhausted when it's over.  But I know I will feel accomplished and that is an awesome feeling.      

Yarnaholic

Oh, God, I really am.  I sort of think that I need to join a 12-step.  Except, the fiber addicted really don't need to reform, now do we?

My goddaughter's birthday snuck up on me and there was so much other that I was doing that I didn't actually make her anything.  That's okay because I did get her a sweet little outfit and when I go shopping tonight after work I'll pick her up a toy too.  Because she's two and godmothers should be practical as well as frivolous, don't you think?  We're celebrating on Sunday and it'll be fun.

Last night, I was lazy.  In that I didn't get anything done that I should have been doing.  But I did knit!  And gasp!  Can you believe it? I actually worked on Sis' blanket!  I know, I know.  Try to contain your shock.  Thanks to a great suggestion (thanks again, Helena!) I pulled up an audiobook that I've had for practically ever and got through the first couple of chapters and just knitted away.  I actually had a fair bit of fun whilst doing it too.  So tonight, after some shopping, I think I'm going to do it again. 

My weekend will be jam packed, I think.  Some cleaning and organizing (blargh) and helping with the munchkins tomorrow and then party fun on Sunday.  So tonight, after I get the things I need, I'm just going to relax, listen to some more book, and keep my lap warm with Sis's blanket.  I'll actually feel like I'm getting something accomplished and I can relax and mentally prep for a busy weekend.  Because even though it'll be a good time, yes, it will be busy and I don't do so well with that sometimes.  

When the audiobook stalled out right after chapter two (I had to restart it, my computer went weird) and I just had to finish the row I was on before I could reach out and fix it, I got absorbed in the awesome yarn.  And I started thinking about this other awesome yarn I recently worked with (Kodiak by Berroco, seriously hella awesome) and I started imagining what I would make with it because I intend to go back and buy some more to make something for me.  And I was thinking about how my hands are always cold at work and I really should make myself a pair of fingerless mitts like I've been wanting to do for forever.  And I was thinking about the yarn that I bought and had shipped from Scotland and how I need to make Auntie's shawl before her birthday.  And I was thinking about Izzy's shawl that needs to get done before her birthday.  And I was thinking about how I have to make the BFF's Christmas present.  And I was thinking about how I love to buy yarn almost as much as I like to make things with it.  I was thinking all of those things in the five minutes or so it took me to finish the row when it sort of hit me, all over again, like a brand new thought (though I've had it many a time before) that I truly am a yarnaholic.  Which brings us full circle.

But I won't be joining a 12-step.  I will hold my head high and proclaim it to the world.  "Hello, my name is Kris, and I'm a yarnaholic!"

Have a splendid weekend y'all!

Winter Is Coming

And no, I'm not channeling the motto of House Stark.

It was only about last week that I had to finally break out the light jacket to wear when I went outside.  Before that a sweater or sweatshirt was more than enough.  Last couple of days, the temperature dipped pretty low but still nothing too extreme.  And then yesterday?  Snow.  That actually stuck.  Technically, we got a "trace" but, yeah, winter is coming.  

Now, I am well pleased that I live in a region that has four distinct seasons. And I, personally, could never live anywhere that it didn't snow because to me, that's what winter is all about.  But I want it to snow from the day after Thanksgiving to about the third of January...and only fall on the grass, trees, and buildings and not accumulate on the roads.  That's not too much to ask for, now is it?

One of the things I love best about wintertime though, and I'm sure this will come as a great big shock and surprise to you, is the scarves and hats and gloves.  Love winter wear.  A lot.  I love making it and I love wearing it and it always makes me feel cozy and warm and special.  I still need to make a pair of fingerless mitts for me.  But I have a hand knitted scarf, made for me by my mother before I got into knitting and one I've knit myself.  I have another that Tato got me for my birthday that's very long and thick and warm.  I don't usually wear hats because I usually wrap my long hair in a bun, but I want one and have been contemplating patterns for a long while.  I've also been having fantasies about making a cowl.

But winter is here and that means the end of autumn.  Which is always a sad time for me because fall really is my favorite of the seasons.  But knitwear...happy sigh.  I love winter knit wear.  And that makes the season a lot more bearable for me.

Accomplishing Words and Yarn.

I finished writing the first draft of the novel I started on the 1st of November.  When I told Brub, he looked at the calendar and said very solemnly, "You did it wrong."  I frowned confused.  He said, "It's called novel writing month, not novel writing ten days."  I just grinned.

But now that first draft is completed, Sis has gone back to badgering me to finish her blanket.  She said I promised and she keeps making not subtle comments about how it's cold and "it sure would be nice to cuddle up under a big, thick, cozy blanket."  I supposed she's right.  So while I take a few days break from writing anything (excluding blog posts) I'll be working on that.  Which, for the record, still bores me to death and I still don't want to work on because it's boring. But I will and hopefully make some progress.  If I want to get technical (which I totally will) as long as I give it to her by the 30th of December, I'll have fulfilled my promise to get it to her faster than the last one.  Seriously, when it's her birthday again two months from now, I'm giving her cash.  

But I feel good and accomplished.  And riding that writing high, the next story is already making itself known.  I'm still in the "plot bunnies running 'round my brain" stage.  But I know the overarching plot.  I got my two guys and I know how they meet and where they end up and why.  It's just getting them from point A to point B that's the trouble.  

And after finishing the BFF's mitts and the other project and starting Izzy's shawl, I'm in a good place, yarn-wise.  So I need to get a move on on Sis's blanket.  I have the whole first week of December off from work, which means that I can spend a great deal of time yarning.  

Then again, if I can accomplish a bunch of yarning before then I just might see if I can write full time that week.  And see if I can churn out the first draft of a novel in 7 days.  

Recap!

--Saw Thor and adored it.  I was pleasantly surprised by all the funny.  My favorite line? "Ta Da!"  If/when you see it you'll understand.

--Then back to the house for food, cake and prezzies.  Chocolate cupcakes with PB frosting were to die for.  I wish I hadn't stuffed myself so full of Chinese food before hand so I could have eaten more than one.  

--Present anecdote: The BFF opens my gift, on which I didn't actually say was from me, and she grinned and said, "I know who this is from!"  Without missing a beat, Marvin says, "Well, you know I've been working really hard.  And let me tell you, it's been a bitch to hide it from you living in the same house!"  We all laughed.  She was super happy with them and excited that she can now be warm at work.  Being the best friend of a yarner, she knew what questions to ask about laundry care.  I was pleased.

--Got home late and, since I didn't get my nap yesterday, was exhausted.  I fell into bed and slept hard all the way through to morning.

Now, I'm going to finish a novel.  I've got less than 6,000 words to meet my goal of 50,000 and maybe 10-12,000 for the entire thing to be done.  I'm really going to do my damnedest to get all the words on the page today.  They don't have to be perfect, I'll polish it up when I edit.  But I really want to complete it, so I'm going to try.

A Birthday Party!

Today, we're going to celebrate the awesomeness that is my BFF.  Now, her birthday is actually three days from now, but why should that matter?  It doesn't!  So this evening there will be movie--Thor: The Dark World--and then back to her place for hanging out, food, chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting, fun, laughter, and prezzies!

I have to say, I'm a bit nervy about my gift.  I've got myself half convinced that she won't like them.  And I'm worried that they won't fit right.  Or that it's not enough of a prezzie and that it'll be lacking.  Admittedly, my crafting confidence is a bit shaken with the whole baby shower debacle.  But this isn't about me so I need to let it go.

No, today is about the BFF and celebrating all things her.  She's my heart and the other half of my brain.  My kindred spirit.  I'm a lucky girl to have her in my life.  She gets me like nobody else.  My world is better because she's in it.

Love you, BFF.  Have a splendid birthday!

If I Were Rich

--I'd spend all day, every day writing.  

--I'd by all the yarn that I wanted, whenever I wanted, and take breaks from writing to work on projects.

--I'd give more than just a few dollars and a bit of my time to the charities that matter, the ones that actually do good things in this world.

--I'd buy a 1967 Corvette and drive it around when the weather was nice...even though I hate driving.

--I'd buy a house in the country, surrounded by at least 20 acres of open space.  

--I'd finally get an iguana.

--I'd have a 500 gallon saltwater tank filled with the brightest and most beautiful fish and sea creatures.

--I'd have a tree house built by Pete Nelson.

--I'd go on holiday and visit Scotland.

What can I say?  I'm an avid daydreamer and I like to dream big.  

What about you?  If money were no object, what are your dreams?

What's Going On...

All right.  Here's the truth.  Second Blessing (for those of you who care and follow along) is on temporary hiatus.  I hate to say it and I hate to do it, but my mind is very elsewhere right now.  Can't tell Daniel and Sean's story when they've gone silent.  Or, more to the point, have been drowned out by other voices.  So you won't see anything from them this November.  I apologize if that makes you angry or upset.  

Halloween, I mostly hid away and waited for midnight.  But while I was waiting, I got the first repeat done for Izzy's birthday present.  I think it's going to be pretty awesome once it's done.  Have I told you what it is?  I don't think that I have.  It's a shawl...with skulls.  Seriously.  Skulls.  It's pretty Gothic awesome.

Other than Izzy's shawl, the only thing on my list to do and get finished (other than Sis's blanket, yes I know, I'm not going to make my deadline on that) is Autnie's shawl.  Still haven't found a pattern.  Still don't know what I'm going to do.  I think it's going to have to end up being crocheted because I don't have the time to knit it.  But that's all right.  I'll worry about that next month.  I have until the beginning of January.

I did have a productive weekend that I feel really good about though.  I wrote a lot, which was so good.  It feels good.  And I'm riding that high.

Babysat for the bulk of Saturday.  I adore those kids and we had a good time.  The baby was fighting sleep so hard.  I gave her to Tato and she snuggled down on his chest and he started humming.  Out like a light and she slept for more than an hour, which she needed so badly.  Way to go, Tato!  

I don't have much going on this week, which is how I like it.  Work, words, the season finale of Face Off, downtime with the yarn.  And then finish off the week with celebrating the BFF's birthday. It's going to be good.

How about you?  Anything exciting going on?

I Hate Waiting

The title of the post is said in the vein of Inigo Montoya.  You killed his father.  Prepare to die--okay, no not really. But remember that scene in The Princess Bride when the Man In Black is climbing up the face of the cliff and Inigo is at the top waiting to kill him?  And the Man in Black is taking a long time and Inigo announces he hates waiting?  Yes, that is me.

I'm writing this Thursday night as I wait, wait, wait for midnight.  See?  I'm doing NaNoWriMo, which you know, and the rules say you start writing at midnight.  Now, I'm not usually opposed to bending rules a bit.  But here's the thing: I've taken on this challenge and I'm determined to not only complete it but to do it all within the confines of the rules.  

So after I found the yarn for Izzy's prezzie and watched a bit of TV...I'm at loose ends. Because I'm just waiting for midnight.  I'm going to start Izzy's shawl and maybe get one repeat done, and I'll be dead tired when midnight rolls around.  But I'm going to start writing.  Even if it's just a couple of paragraphs.  Because that's when this whole thing starts.  

I have a feeling that I'm going to be cranky tomorrow, I get grumpy when I'm tired and a bit snappish, but when I get home from work, it'll be back to the computer.  Everyday, there will be words on the page.  It's only 1667 words a day.  I can do that.  I've done it before.  Only this time, I'll be forcing the muse to do what I want instead of the other way around.

Wish me luck.  I'm going to need it.  

Halloween Random

--Ha!  I finished another project!  It's a secret though...no pictures, no discussing it.  Shhhh!  This is the most important thing, so it goes first.  (Pictures and discussion will come later.  Promise!)

--I never really cared much for Halloween.  I'm not a big fan of scary and when I was little I was the mouse, the princess, the pretty witch.  And as much as I liked the candy, I never really got into trick or treating.  I was about ten when I asked to stay home and pass out candy instead.  Now, I mostly run and hide.  It just doesn't do anything for me.

--I will not be dressing up in any way, shape, or form.  I will be wearing regular clothes.  Though, in the past, I have been known to wear my Ren Faire costume, my Soft Kitty hoodie, and one year I went as a Cabbage Patch doll.  I even had Xavier Roberts' signature on my ass.

--I do not like Candy Corn.

--October is over!  Already!  But what a relief it is.  October is not my favorite month.

--I took the first week of December off as vacation before I decided to do NaNoWriMo.  It occurred to me just now that after a month of stress and crazy writing, I'll actually have a week off of everyday life to recover.  How creepily awesome is that!?

--If you're going out in the revelry tonight, enjoy yourself.  Have fun!  But stay safe.

--Happy Halloween!

Stomach Bug

Yesterday, I was sick.

I got up and got ready for work, all the while pretending that I didn't feel like a great big pile of shit.  But then, my body informed me, very loudly, that no, we wouldn't be going to work.  

Before I went back upstairs on to bed, I laid on the couch for a while.  My Anyanka came right over and crawled up onto my chest, wanting pets.  I indulged her for a few and then my eyes drifted shut.  She curled up on me and snuggled in.  It's amazing how much heat a six pound cat can generate.  (My Anyanka is very wee)  That alone made me feel a bit better.

Eventually, I crawled upstairs and slept most of the day.  Around five I woke up and managed to keep down some toast.  Then I slept some more.

That's the only problem with staying home sick from work.  You can't enjoy it because you're sick!

Yarn On The Brain

Seriously, right now, that's all I want to do.  Riding high on the finished mitts, I jumped right into the next project with the fabulous yarn I bought.  It's so freaking awesome!  So, I'm working on that.  When that's done, I'll get to Izzy's gift.  I really hope that one will work out like I intend.  And I do need to make Auntie's gift as well.  But after that?  After those are done?

I know what I'm going to yarn after that and it's going to be fucking epic!

I guess I'm in a yarn cycle right now.  I do that, go through cycles.  Which, of course, is unfortunate timing because I have to start a novel in a few days.  Not just have to, want to.  And it'll be good and I'll enjoy writing.  But the yarn is on the brain and therefore, I must yarn myself out in the next few days.  So I can be in a writing frame of mind.

Sometimes, there's so much creativity going on in my brain (not all of it worthy of seeing the light of day) that I'm afraid I'll explode.  

Fingerless Gauntlets

All done!  Gauntlet style fingerless mitts!  I knitted them flat and then sewed them up, leaving a space for the thumb to go. It was the easiest way to get what I wanted.

Pattern is simple enough: Cast on 39 stitches.  Knit 1x1 rib for about four inches.  I like the 1x1 (knit 1, purl 1) because it fits tightly and doesn't move.  You can't really do a 2x2 here because it's an odd number of stitches

 After you have the ribbing (you can make it as long as you want) you start the pattern.  Knit a row to set it up.

Row 1--K3, slip 1, k3 to end

Row 2--P3, slip 1, P3 to end

Row 3--repeat row 1

Row 4--Knit

Row 5--K1, slip 1, K3, slip 1, rep to last two stitches, slip 1, K last stitch

Row 6--P1 slip 1, P3, slip 1 rep to last two stitches, slip 1, P last stitch

Row 7--repeat row 5

Row 8--Knit

Repeat these 8 rows four times, until the pattern section is four inches.

Knit 1 inch of 1x1 ribbing.  Bind off

**Whenever slipping stitches, slip purlwise with the yarn with the yarn in back for the knit rows, and the yarn in front for the purl rows**

Then, sew up the seam leaving hole for thumb.  And there you have it!

Fingerless Gauntlet style mitts!  This pattern is highly customize-able.  If you need to make them wider or skinnier, just make sure you increase or decrease your cast on by four stitches.  And you can make them as long as you want by either working the ribbing or pattern for longer stretches.  Same goes for making them shorter, only do less rows.  Then, when you seam it up, you can put the thumb hole wherever it best fits.

A bit stretched out by my fat arm/hand.  But you get the idea
The BFF has skinnier arms than I do, and these are for her.

More Knitting

I spent the entire day yesterday yarning.  Almost literally.  I finished one of The BFF's mitts and then...well, I couldn't resist the other yarn I bought so I started working with that.  It's so freaking fabulous!  It's a baby alpaca/merino wool blend and it's just so light and lofty but so warm too!  Honestly, I'm a little sad I'll be giving it away once I'm done with it.  I'm going to have to go back and get more yarn and make myself something too.  Well, I say that but we all know the issues I have with making things for myself.

So, that's what I'm doing today again.  Watching Supernatural all over again (I started at the beginning again yesterday) and knitting.  I'll finish the other mitt and then go back to my fabulous yarn once it's done.  SSS (remember the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome, of which I am an chronic sufferer) is rearing it's ugly head and I don't even want to do it, but once I get it on the needles and start doing it, I'll be able to muscle through.  I think the mitts are lovely and I hope she'll be pleased with them.  Look for pics tomorrow because...

I'm skipping Second Blessing this week.  It's just not where my head is at all.  In all honesty, I've got so much else going on in my life right now that I might put it on hiatus for a bit.  I hate to do that to any of you who are reading along, and I'm not quite ready to say it officially.  It definitely won't be going up this week, but, as much as I enjoy Sean and Daniel (because I really do) and even though I know where the story is going, I'm having issues wrangling them to where they need to be.  It might be good for me to take a step back for a bit.  I want to tell a good story, a story that's worth telling, and I'm afraid I'm forcing it.  Whenever I tried to get the next episode written this week, it all fell apart.  And that's not good for the readers or the characters.  Thoughts?

Anyway, I'm in yarning mode today and I hope I'll have pretty pics for you tomorrow, along with a pattern.  

I Went Yarn Shopping!

Oh, good Lord, did I go yarn shopping...

It turns out, there's a cure to the yarn coma.  The only reason I didn't end up sitting in the corner at closing, glazed eyes and stroking yarn mumbling "prettyyyyy" (heh, thanks Alder!) is because when I went to pay, and she told me the total, my eyes sort of bugged out of my head and I choked a little.  No lie.  But I thought to myself, "Guess I don't get to buy any books for the next two weeks" and handed over my card.

I, of course, immediately casted on and started (re-started) the BFF's mits when I got home.  And got the cuff on the first one completed.  So I'm in a good place to get knitting today.  So that's what I'm off to do.  After coffee, of course.

Enjoy your weekend!  And maybe I'll have pics tomorrow!  

No Rest For The Wicked

So I have to go into work early today and the only good thing about that is that it means I get to leave early too.

And I have (dare I say it?) plans!  Leave work, stop at the bank, stop at the post office, and then, yes folks, go to my LYS!  I know, I know. I don't actually need any more yarn.  There so much in my stash, it's ridiculous.  But well, yeah, I want to indulge myself.  And possibly purchase different yarn for the BFF's birthday present.  I probably have enough to make the mitts, even with the one completed aborted mitt.  I have other yarn that would work as well.  Except, I got it in my head that I wanted to get something extra super soft...like a cashmere blend, or maybe something with kid mohair.  I'm not sure.  I have to see what there is to see.  And if she still has that fabulous yarn I made the tribble out of, but in the right color, I'm going to get the stuff for her Christmas present too.  Oh, and maybe buy some new needles too. (No, I don't actually need any more of those, either.  Just want)

I did finally pick out a stitch pattern for the mitts, so I think I'm good there.  Of course, that may all change depending on the yarn.  And, also dependent on what I see, I may get yarn for that other thing I need to work on.  And at some point this weekend, I need to locate the yarn for Izzy's present, so I know exactly where it is.  

Then I'll spend the weekend yarning and possibly a bit of writing.  My goal is to get the mitts finished so that I'm not scrambling at the last minute, yet again.  Her birthday is sneaking up pretty quickly.  So that first.  Then my goddaughter's gift, which will probably be a toy of some fashion.  Then I'll turn my attention to my December gifts, one of which is crocheted, the other undecided.  

And in the midst of all that, I intend to write a novel.  

One Step Forward

And two steps back.

(Hey BFF, pretend you aren't reading this post!  Kthnxbai!)

So!  The BFF is getting gauntlet style fingerless mitts for her birthday.  And remember before when I said I jacked up the pattern and I put them aside to focus on baby things?    Last night, I finished one of them.  I frogged out the bad part and picked up the stitches and got to work.  Except...yeah.  Not going to work.  I was making it up as I went along, thinking I knew what I was doing.  And I mostly did.  But I made some mistakes and so it's not going to work.  The cuff part isn't as long as I wanted it. And when I sewed it up, I made the thumb hole too low, so it didn't fit exactly right.  And I used a whips stitch to sew it up but I think I want to do it with mattress stitch instead.  And maybe even pick a different stitch pattern.

Anyway, half of me is just a little upset that I spend several hours making it and now it's going to amount to anything.  But!  I learned what I didn't want and how to fix it.  So I can start over and make it better.  Because now I know exactly what I want it to be.

All in all, tonight wasn't a complete waste.  I learned all the things I don't want to do and all the things that I do want to do.  And I now know exactly what I'm going to do.  With the exception of the actual stitch pattern of course :)

It's good when we can learn from our mistakes, right?

Things To Do

All right.  With the baby sweater off the table for now, I've prioritized what needs to get done.

--The BFF's birthday present.  I need to figure out what freaking pattern I'm going to use and just get it done.

--My goddaughter's birthday present.  As much as I have this fanciful notion of making her something for each birthday, I'm okay if I have to go shopping instead.  I'm kicking around a couple of ideas, but time, as per usual, is running out.  

--Izzy's birthday present.  I know exactly what I'm going to make her.  I even have the yarn for it already.  (From something I was going to make but never did)  If only I can locate it...

--My Autnie's shawl.  That one is going to be more difficult as I have yet to find an acceptable pattern.  

--There's one other thing that I'm making that also has a December deadline.

--And of course, Sis's blanket.  Have I bitched about that enough yet?  

With all this going on, I'm not sure how I'll have time to write or read.  Fortunately, I do have the first week of December off for some vacation time, so that'll help immensely.  I need to get crackin'.  Wish me luck and look for pictures in the near future!