Knits Like A Dream

My new needles arrived!  Yay!

I was so excited to open them up.  I was like a kid at Christmas.  Really.  They're pretty and the cables are nice and it's just a really lovely set.  Of course, I couldn't wait to use them and I immediately set up the size 8's so that I could replace the circular needle on the scarf I'm working on.  

First thing is they connect really easily to the cable, and the join is really smooth.  Since they are, in fact, Addi turbos, the finish on the needles is really sleek.  The yarn just slides right along and really, it's wonderful.

I'm telling you, this was one of the best purchases I ever made.

I'm loving this scarf, and I've been convinced to keep it for myself.  I'm just over the 75% done mark, and I think I may finish it this week instead of doing other things I should because I really want to get it done.  Then I have my hat, so there's that.  And the BFF's afghan to finish as well.  Now that I have this stellar set of needles, things will be easier and I intend to get working on those two projects.

I'm also making a baby blanket, for a new baby that will arrive at the end of May, and I am absolutely loving that one as well.  The yarn is simply fantastic, and I can't wait to finish that and show off pictures. :)

In other yarning news, the BFF has decided she wants to give it a try again.  I'm super excited about that.  We tried knitting a few years ago, but she didn't really take to it.  We're going to try crocheting this time, and we'll have a wine and learning night in the near future.  I love sharing my yarn knowledge, and I love teaching people the art, so I can barely wait. I want her to love it, and nervous she won't, but I know she'll give it a good try.  And that, in and of itself, will be fun.

Playtime!

The BFF and I are having one of our night tonight.  It's been a bit since we got together--she hasn't even seen my hair yet--and with it being her birthday week, it was the perfect opportunity.  

We're having dinner at our diner, followed by prezzies, wine, and playtime.  We'll get a little bit drunk while we chat, and write, and do our respective things.  I love our playtime.  It's always recharging for me.

She's already decided on waffles for dinner.  Which makes  me grin because it's a fun deviation from the norm.  And she's feeling a little poorly, but I was assured that waffles and wine not only cure sickness but promote creativeness.  It's going to be a good night.

Now, I totally cheated on the BFF's birthday present.  The blanket isn't done, nowhere near, and she knew it all all along.  She knew I was making it, and she knew she wouldn't get it on time.  So she's getting some other things instead.  But it's a cheat, and I feel a bit bad about it.  She's already forgiven me for that, but...I still feel a bit bad.  

At any rate, it's going to be a great start to a great weekend!

Hope y'all have a lovely weekend!!

Happy Birthday!

To the BFF!!

Happy birthday to my girl, my rock, my confidant, my support, my awesome BFF.  

It was my good fortune when I stole you.  I'm keeping you.  May your day be filled with awesome.  I love you 12ever.  

Being Me

So you may have noticed that I haven't been around in a bit.

I meant to post.  I really did.  But, you know, I didn't.  So there's no excuse for that, not really.  I just...haven't.

Anyway!  To fill you in on what's been going on...

Went to the BFF's new place last Friday, and I made her dinner and we also baked cookies. The oven was a little bit possessed and there was a bit of cookie burnage, but we managed to own that bitch and 96% of the cookies were full of awesome. It's just a cute little place, and it feels like her.  It's nice, and I fucking love her back door (get your mind out of the gutter, people!  lol)  Her kitty, Cersei, attacked the crap out of me.  It was so damn cute I don't even have words.  My hand was all chewed up, but I forgave her.  But it was awesome to have BFF time.  And I really loved giving her prezzies, one of which was her very own bob!

I had two days off this week and it was...not all it was cracked up to be.  Unfortunately.  Monday, I woke up with a migraine, and they suck donkey balls, and I was extra super pissed because it was a day I already had the day off of work.  At any rate, pills, and coffee, and unfortunately a little bit getting sick, took care of that, and the afternoon was mine. 

Tuesday I got bad news (and I was very sad), followed immediately by good news.  And also the Flash Fic Holiday Blog Hop sign up went live!  It's super exciting.  We've had quite a few sign ups so far, and I'm just thrilled about that.  And I really, really can't wait to see all the different stories that people come up with.  I think it's going to be so fun to see what's the same and what's different.  So Tuesday was just a roller coaster of emotion, and that made me tired.  It was mostly good, though.  

I've been yarning a bit.  I wanted to get the mitts done BEFORE I went to the BFF's but, yeah, that didn't happen.  But now I'm nearly done, so she really will have them in time for winter.  Her birthday present on the other hand?  Nowhere near done.  And since her birthday is like, in less than three weeks, well...let's put it this way.  I already told her it might be late.  She loves me so it'll be forgiven.  But I still really fucking love it, and she will too.  

And so, yeah, that's pretty much it.  Work is still work.  I've been writing, and reading, and yarning.  So basically, I've just been being me.  There were some low points, and I was really low, but mostly it was good.  

And  now it's Friday night, and I'm chilling and happy.  And I'm about to make tea.  And enjoy the holy hell out of my weekend.  

Story Time!

This is the story about how I'm a hero and kept my BFF out of jail.

So on Saturday, the BFF moved into her apartment.  She reserved a U-haul so that she could throw all her stuff in, truck it over, unpack, and be done.  She asked me to drive her to the pick to pick up the truck, and of course go in with her.  Now, there's two guys working behind the counter, sweet, little Abe, and rude, mean douchenozzle.  Point of interest, douchenozzle was only rude to Abe--he was overly sweet and over the top polite to the customers.  Anyway, Abe is checking the BFF in and DN interrupts to say that there are no trucks.  BFF sees red.  But Abe jumps in and says that BFF has a reservation.  DN is still being rude to him and says that there aren't any trucks, but then kind of relents and says that there was one due back at 9 and he'll reach out to them and see where they are.  They were, it turns out, on their way back.  So the BFF calms down a little, and I murmur that it's okay, cause it's only a couple of minutes after, and she calms down some more.  And then we're made to wait.

And wait.

And wait.

We saw the truck pull in and we knew Abe went out to check it in, and still we're waiting.  And being ignored.  And kind of indignant on Abe's behalf because of the way DN treats him.  And we're still waiting.

Swear to god, if I hadn't been there, the BFF would have done murder and y'all would be reading it on the news.  Eventually, finally, we're done and we leave and head back to her place.  I meet her there, so I can direct her into the driveway because she wanted to back in.  So she's starts to do that, but there was a van in the way and she was going to hit it.  So I tell her she's got to pull forward more.  Which she does.  But then she somehow manages to get the truck in a weird spot.  So I'm like, it's okay, just back up and start all over again.  It's all good.  But she's frustrated and worked up and that's keeping her from being on my wavelength so she's not quite understanding what I'm wanting her to do.  So she gives me puppy eyes and asks me if I could just do it.

Now, something interesting of note is that not only do I hate driving, but I'm pretty sucky about backing into driveways/parking spaces.  But I knew what I wanted the truck to do, so I hopped in the cab and...first try!  Exactly perfect backing up!  I totally did a happy dance.

So I'm the hero.  I kept her out of jail, and backed her truck up.  Yay me!

The Scoop

I've been missing for a bit. 

There's been a lot going on. I feel like I'm in a vortex at work, and it's emotionally taxing.  I come home at the end of the day feeling very drained.  It's too complicated to get into, but I'm just trying to keep my head above water, improve, and do the best that I can.  I don't know how successful I'm being.  But when I walk out of the building at night, it's like a temporary reprieve until I have to go back and do it again.  Something has to give there, and I fear it might be me, but I'm slowly working on changing things.  We shall see how it all shakes out.

I wound all my hanks into balls.  I'm telling you, that swift was one of the best investments I've ever made.  I still love that blanket with the fiery passion of a thousand suns, and I love it even more now that I've started putting on the new stripe of color.  It's purple and white, and the purple is pretty dark.  So even though I already adored the stitches and pattern, being able to see it really well in the lighter color makes me even happier.  I still want to keep it.  But the BFF saw it--I can't keep secrets *blushes*--and she loves it a lot a lot too.  And it's for her.

I've been experiencing a lot of highs and lows this week.  One minute feeling elated, then next very sad.  Okay, not quite that extreme or that often.  But it has been a bit of a roller coaster.  Which doesn't help with my feeling tired at the end of the day.  I can pin point a lot of reasons for the feelings, so that's good.  Right now I just have to ride it out.  But it's making me fall into bed a lot earlier than normal.  And it's making me feel like not doing a whole lot when I get home.  I haven't done much this week but read some--and reread some favorites--and yarn a little bit.  Very little is holding my interest.  I know it will pass, though.  

Anyway, I'm a bit of a mess, but I'll get through it and it'll be good again.  Just keep plugging along, doing my best, and trying to make all my hours worth it.  

It doesn't hurt that there's a long weekend this weekend, and no plans in sight!

The Yarn, She Beckons

Okay, yeah, you know I'm sometimes I'm a fickle yarner.  Sometimes, the pretty things catch my eye and then...I just have to make stuff even though I should be making other stuff.

So I started this blanket.  I found this really easy pattern, and I didn't think it was going to be anything exciting, but I was going to use up some of my old yarn (that was once going to be a sweater for me) and by a bit of other yarn.  And in the end, it'll be a blanket for the BFF.  But here's the thing...

I really want to keep it.

I love it.  I really, really do.  I love it so much.  There isn't even anything too special about it but I just...love it.  It's knitted, which is fun.  And it's got peaks and valleys, which is more fun.  And it's just really lovely.  And I want it.

But no, it's for the BFF.  Because it's purple and that's her color.  And I want her to have it.  I really, really do.  

So I thought to myself, I'll just make another one for me when I'm done, right?  But that dreaded SSS comes into play, and I don't usually want to make the same thing twice.  And I'm only about five inches in on this one so far, and I know I'm going to get bored with it before I'm half finished and just want it done as happens to me whenever I make anything at all.

But the BFF only has one blanket from me.  And that was a very particular, special gift.  It was a Slyterin blanket, with a big S that was a snake and it was crocheted in the afghan stitch and it was a bitch. But it was awesome when it was done.  

And you know my track record with blankets. Okay, you know my track record with Sis's blankets.  But this one calls to me.  It wants to be made.  And even though I'll be giving it away eventually, I really, really love it.  And I can't wait to see it when it's done.  

Comfort Shopping

This upcoming weekend, I'm going to take a trip to my LYS and do a little shopping.  No, of course I don't need more yarn.  Just want.  :)

Things have been...not great in certain aspects of my life.  And I need a little comfort.  And see, my LYS moved locations (not too far from the original one) and so there's going to be a whole new layout which is always fun to explore.  And new yarns, because she had a big sale so she didn't have to move as much (which I sadly did not partake in) and then she had to replenish her stock.  So that's always hella exciting.

And yarn shopping is just....yeah, it's one of my big comforts.  Actually, just going to the LYS and being surrounded by all that luscious yarn is the comfort.  I may or may not walk out of there with yarn.  Probably I will, I'm not going to lie, but maybe only a little. 

The only project that I have on the needles right now is finishing the BFF's mitts.  Okay, wait, that's not true, but that's the only one I have to get done.  The rest are gravy.  At some point in the near future, I'll finish that.  Honestly, my life has been taken up by reading and writing lately and I haven't done much yarning.  Very little in fact.  I think I need some of that balance back.  

So anyway, there's yarn shopping on Saturday at the new store and I'm a bit excited.

On a side note:  I got a really heartfelt and warm thank you note for the baby's blanket this week. My coworker's wife really loved it, and that makes me very pleased. And it was really nice to get that note, because not enough people do the thank you note thing anymore.  I, myself, have dropped the ball on that on occasion.  But getting that was wonderful, and it reminds me that it's the right and good thing to do. Showing appreciation is never a bad thing.   

Lovely Weekend

I had a really spectacular weekend. And even though it's now Monday and I have to go back to work, the high of the weekend is still following me. I'm a ridiculously happy girl.

Spent some time with the BFF just hanging out and doing what we do. I love that we can just be in each other's presence without saying a word. And we are both content just to be. After lunch and story time, I read and she did stuff on her computer and we spoke when we had something to say. It was awesome and a lovely way to spend the 4th.

I also had some great conversations with some good friends this weekend that made me laugh and feel good about myself. I think I did the same for them. It was good.

I got out of a family get together because I just couldn't handle socializing. I felt bad, but mostly not. And I needed not to be there.

In other news I got back the deliciously beautiful cover for Spell Break. You may notice that it's gone from its own page, as is Soul Bond. That's because in the near future they will be PDFs. I'll share the cover with you tomorrow.

It's rainy and dreary this morning, but even that can't get me down!

Hope y'all had a lovely weekend too!

4th of July

What are you doing for the fourth?

I think I've heard that question about seventy million times over the past week.  It seems like that's what everyone wants to know.  And when I answer honestly--reading a book and having lunch with the BFF followed by chill time--they stare at me like I'm crazy.

No, I'm not barbecuing.  No, I'm not going to the lake.  No, I have no intention of going to a fireworks display.  

Yes, it's the celebration of the declaration of independence.  Let me be independent and do my own thing.

So in this case, I'm mostly just looking forward to having the day off from work so that I can get some much needed hang time with the awesome BFF.  I don't need any more than that.  I don't have a particular hankering for grilled meat products and the sun and I don't get along at all.  Why would I do something I don't enjoy just because that's what everyone else is doing?  Doesn't make sense to me.  

So that's what I'm doing today.  Lunch out, hanging out, enjoying the relaxing time.

But if you're celebrating, I wish you a lovely holiday.  

Busy Weekend

Busy.  But good.

I got a great deal of yarning done.  And I feel very accomplished in that area.

Had some quality BFF time that was long overdue.  It was fantastic.

Took the two year old out with me on Saturday when I ran my errands.  He was incredibly well behaved and said Thank You and Bye to everyone we met.  It was fun and it gave my sister a bit of a break, as the baby was teething and feverish and had a cough and generally felt yucky.  It was tough for their mom to leave them in the morning for that reason, but she knew they were in good hands with my sister.  Sis needed a little time though, to give the baby attention without worrying about entertaining her brother.  We ate lunch out at McDonald's as a treat for his good behavior and he ate all his nuggets and all his apples but didn't care for the fries.  I thought that was pretty awesome.

Watched a lot of movies while yarning.  It reminded me that I want very much to plan and execute a heist...but only if it works out like awesome like it does in the movies.

Read Rhys Ford's latest offering Dirty Deeds the 4th book in the Cole McGinnis series.  It was fantastic.  I have so much love for this author and this series, it's kind of ridiculous.  But it was really, really good.  

Off to work, because I must, but not because I want to.  :)

Recovery

What a hell of a weekend.

I'm not even kidding when I say that it's basically taken me the last two days to get my head back into normal space.  I love my relatives and it's wonderful to see them, but it's almost as good to see them go.  Loud, crazy, all up in the business, making my life chaotic.  I like my routine.  I need things to go a certain way for me to be able to function at optimum levels.  The disruption is always a hard thing to take.

But peace and quiet has been restored and I'm back to being me again.

Currently, I'm working on an updated and better version of Spock.  And now that I've discovered a different way to do the hair parts, I think I'll finally be able to finish Captain Kirk.  Well, I'm making him over again too, in the new and improved way.  And then there will be a matched set.  Spock must have his T'hy'la.

The BFF's mitts are only half finished.  But she's not pressing me to have them done.  In fact, she sort of doesn't want them until the summer, as it's sort of a tradition.  And now that it's finally starting to warm up a bit, it's a moot point anyway. She'll have them when they are done.  

I got two new pattern books for my birthday.  And I'm dying to dive into that and make some of those things.  So after Spock/Kirk, I'm going to crack those babies open and start playing there.  That is going to be a great deal of fun.  

There's a baby blanket on the horizon as well but I still have a couple of months for that.  I know what I'm going to do and with what kind of yarn, so I'm doing well there.  (Famous last words right?)

At any rate, it was a good weekend, and fun...and crazy and chaotic and I'm glad it's over.  But I enjoy it for the most part.  Except the parts I didn't.  And now I'm looking forward to getting through the week and having another much quieter weekend.  :)

Loose Ends

I sort of don't know what to do with myself today.  If only this was always my problem, right?  There's a lot that should get done.  But mostly, I don't feel like doing anything at all.  

The scratchy throat is no more...because I've got the full blown cold.  Yep.  It's really a wonder than I haven't been sick at all this winter.  But now that winter is beginning to loosen it's hold--though they are calling for maybe a badass storm next week--that's when i get the sniffles and the coughing and excess phlegm.  Too much info?  Too bad.  It's true.  And though it's just a bit in my head and chest, it's given me a general sense of malaise and fatigue.  Which I'm sure is contributing to my want to do nothing.  Though, fortunately, I can still breath okay, even if I'm blowing my nose at regular intervals.

The BFF has the cold oogies too.  We're supposed to get together this evening and we probably will anyway, despite the oogies.  Unless the oogies grow and we, both of us, want nothing more than to sleep.  Cause that wouldn't be exciting company.  My usual Saturday nap, which almost always lasts two hours, may start earlier and go later.  I always want to sleep when I don't feel 100%.

But there's yarning and words and books and I feel like I should be doing something, even though I don't feel like doing anything at all.  Does that make any kind of sense?  

Perhaps I'll just have a cup of tea--I have a new favorite thanks to a suggestion from a friend--and reassess then.

The Good and The Not So Good

I started and finished one of the BFF's mitts this weekend.  It was, actually, a study in extreme patience.  And, a couple of times there, I was convinced the mitt did not want to be made.  Twice, I crossed the cable the wrong way.  Fortunately, both times, I realized it immediately and was able to go back straight away and rearrange my stitches.  Twice, I dropped a stitch.  The first time, I didn't realize it at first and had to "ladder" it back up a couple of rows and put it back on the needle.  The second time, I saw it was not on the needle as soon as I finished the row so I stuck the cable needle through it to hold it until I got to that spot again, put it back on the working needles, and knit it.  Several times, while working the cables, my needle slid out of the stitches and I had to quick grab them back up again.  When I got to the very end, I somehow had the incorrect number of stitches so I had to fudge it to finish the top.  That didn't matter so much because you can't tell and I didn't drop any stitches.  But one mitt is successfully completed.

After that, I jumped over to Izzy's shawl.  Now that I'm about halfway finished, I sort of think I should trash it and start all over again.  See, the pattern is in Swedish (yes, Swedish) and even though the pattern maker also translated it into English, I seem to have trouble following along.  It's taken me an extraordinarily long time to realize exactly what is going on and how it is all put together.  To be honest, I'm not entirely sure I understand one part of it.  But it's sort of misshapen.  I can fudge it...I can finagle it from here and make it work.  But I sort of think it would be better to just bin it and start over so that I can do it correctly from the start even though that means she'll have to wait even longer for it. I'm still contemplating my options.

At any rate, I do feel a bit accomplished.  It was a good weekend for the yarn...even if it didn't all turn out as it should. 

Wonderful Friday

Oh, darling Friday!  How I have needed you!  I've longed for you!  I'm so glad you're here!!

It's been a long week.  In fact, every day this week, it felt like Thursday to me, so when I woke up in the morning (on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) I spent a minute or two being glad it was Friday...only to crash back down to reality when I realized it wasn't.  To say that it was disappointing is an understatement.  But this morning, it is Friday!

But it's Friday.  Which means jeans and sweatshirt instead of business casual attire.  It means good lunch (as we usually order lunch at work on Fridays).  It means when I get home tonight, I can get in my even comfier clothes and just chill.

I finally finished Mum's mitts last night!  Go me!  I had particular motivation, though, because the yarn for the BFF's mitts arrived yesterday.  And I desperately wanted to get them on the needles and get them made.  But I told myself--very firmly, I might add--that there was no way I could do that when Mum's weren't done.  So, I sat myself down and finished knitting.  I knew it would only take a wee bit of work and a couple of hours, so I commanded myself to finish.  And I did.  Of course, now I'm terribly worried that she won't like them...

Relatives were supposed to come in this weekend, but now they are postponing it a bit.  So I get to relax and unwind this weekend.  I'm going to make a pot of tea and drink it leisurely.  I'm going to knit on the BFF's mitts.  I'd really like to get them done in one weekend, but I think that's really a pipe dream.  But I am going to start them when I get home tonight.  I'm really very excited about the whole thing...as long as I can keep the SSS at bay.  Look for pics in the near future!

Hope everyone has a splendid weekend!

Remake

Sadly, the BFF's favorite mitts got lost.  Stolen, is more likely.  Someone was admiring them, she accidentally left them behind, and when she went back to get them a short while later, they were nowhere to be found.  The BFF is heartbroken.  

I'm going to make a new pair.

Yesterday, right after I woke up, I got an email that a bunch of yarn was on sale.  Turns out, the exact yarn I needed was not only on sale, but in a combo pack that made it an especially good deal.  I ordered it and it should arrive in a few days.

After I finish the last bit of Mum's mitts, that's next on my docket.

They were sort of a bitch to make the first time around because it was several years ago and I didn't know as much as I do now about the knitting.  It was still new to me at the time.  So as sad as I am that the mittens have gone, I'm also a little bit glad that I get to do them over.  I can make them better this time.  And that's just a little bit exciting.

And as much as I fear SSS, which will come into play twice as I've already made them one and there are two to make, I'm also looking forward to it.  

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!

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!

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.