Five days more...

Standard view/pose of tween in the 21st century

That's all I have left. Five days. Pokey says I count weird because I don't count the current day but the current day has already started so it doesn't need counting because it doesn't count. Totally makes sense, right? Right. Anywho, I simply need to power through five days more and when I get off work, my little Hobbit will be back from her travels with my folks. I miss her.

She's been gone the whole of July. I must admit, it was a bit by design though so that she wouldn't be spending the summer alone now that I am working outside of the house. I had such guilt knowing she was just left alone until Pokey got home from work. We had it pretty well worked out though. The first week I was off, the second and third week she was with my folks, the fourth week was Pokey's turn to be home. After that, she had a week alone. I felt horrible. Granted, I didn't go to work until the afternoon and Pokey came home in the early evening so it wasn't like she was abandoned from sun up until sun down - and let's add that she is 12-years-old so it isn't even like she's a baby... but she's my baby.

That week, we will have to do some school shopping. I'll see if she wants a first day of school outfit or if she is cool with what she has. Also need to get her a new school bag and the list of school supplies for 7th grade Cambridge Programme kids. I think Sam's will be the best place to get it all but I will leave it up to her since there are different options on her list. I think she is in the great "backpack vs cross body satchel" debate. Given how little she really has to carry, I would do the satchel but that is me. I did get the bus stop moved to the corner of our yard so I feel better about that bit. She has to be out there before 7 am and I would rather she be close to home and under a street light. The bus depot lady was a bit of a poop about it but it still got done and I gave her my best sing song 'thank you' that I could squeak out on the phone.

It will be a February Lady Sweater when it's done.

Time to work on those sleeves and play catch up on "Game of Thrones". I am just about to start season 3 and the only reason I'm watching is because a girl on my team really likes it and no one else in the class watched it so I started it so we could talk about it. Once I get caught up, I am sure we will natter forever on it but right now, she doesn't want to give me any spoilers so I've been sharing what I think as I watch... some even via text messages because they could not wait... vile little Joffrey. House Stark forever... with a little Lannister, in the form or Tyrion, thrown in for good measure.

This sleeve is nowhere near being done but it needs to be turned in no later than 31 July so I best get cracking - because this is the first sleeve, not the second! I only have 14 days to get it done which means a week per sleeve. I think I will go with the short sleeve option instead of elongating it all the way down the arm. It is a heavy sweater and I just really need it at my desk at work. My arms rarely get cold, just my shoulders. If my arms are completely covered, I get too hot. This will be the perfect compromise.

Rocking out

I have been fortunate enough to meet Keith Urban and see him play live from the front row of one of his shows. He is the sweetest soul and his talent is undeniable. He is a good thing.

I have had this song in my head since I saw it the other night so I thought I'd let y'all rock out with me today. Have a great one... and if it's not, pull a Picard and make it so!!

One of "those" people

Yepperdoodle, I just spent the morning watching this and I wanted to share... it just makes me happy.

Wednesday Wound-Up

I almost forgot what day it was... having everyone off on Monday has me thinking it's a day behind - on the upside, I got a surprise day off since it's Wednesday and not Tuesday.  So here is an update on my projects -

I got the approval for my OWL so I started the hat last night.  I love how it's turning out so far.

I finally broke down today and frogged that shawl that I wasn't happy with so I can find something better.

I'm almost done with the first of two presents for a dear friend.  I'll share once they are received.

Now it's time to make some burgers, grab a soda and chips, and settle down to watch the finale of "So You Think You Can Dance".  I forgot to vote but I love all of the final four so I'll be okay with any of them winning - though I'm rooting for Fic-Shun and Jasmine!

Sunday Snaps

Done - and they are now going to a complete stranger simple because she said she loved them

This week I noticed that my hair is getting a lot of grey... oh well, I've earned them

In the first 24 hours of Olympic coverage, I've managed to almost finish one slipper boot

I have had, what appears to be, an uneventful week... but it wasn't.  Simply put, the events weren't photograph-able. It's been an emotional week, that's for sure but the only thing I can do about it is put my face towards the sun, close my eyes and smile.  I can't change anything - I can simply learn to graciously live with it.

Today is going to be full of Olympic coverage - swimming and gymnastics galore - with a bit of wash in between... although, I must admit that I'd rather be sitting in my chair working on my slippers instead.  So I do what I do best, I'm bribing myself.  One part of the slipper for each bit of wash completed.  Putting it in the washer earns me the rest of the sole from the photo above.  Switching it to the dryer and adding more the washer, earns me a hexagon.  Oh yeah, I'm that gullible and easily swayed... plus, I feel horribly guilty if I cheat.  It's a win-win in the end.

I hope that your week was full of smiles and your day is full of joy.

Oooo... new shiny things!

My view from my chair - lots of things waiting!

Yesterday, after much discussion with Pokey, we broke down and decided to give the free month trial offer of Netflix an honest go.  We also opted in for the one week of HuluPlus to give them a better side by side comparison.  So far, I think that Netflix might win out.

We are streaming them both in through our Wii and I have to say, it's really rather amazing.  Yesterday, I introduced Hobbit to some classic cartoons and television series (Doctor Who, Garfield and Friends, and The Greatest American Hero), I started watching "Downton Abby" (only on the first episode and except for one scene, I rather enjoy the story thus far) and Pokey talked me into watch "Starship Troopers" (I spent more time with my eyes closed than open).

While I may not have enjoyed every minute of what we were viewing, the options and experience have been more than I dreamed possible.  The only downside that I have experienced so far has come from HuluPlus - it needed a minute to buffer and it's done it twice now during two different shows.

Another plus, I got two hexagons done yesterday during all the shows.  Three more to go and a sole means a completed pair of slippers - and the halfway mark on my Dissertation!!  While I'm off to make more progress on my projects (and my Netflix queue), don't forget to pop over and enter for a chance to win my bloggiversary giveaway... it's right over here.  You have until Friday the 13th... best of luck!!

5 more minutes

So there is this show that I love to watch - I admit it and I'm not ashamed to say it... it's American Idol.  I love music and even though we had a parting of ways for a short period of time due to some of the "choices" that were made and disagreeable contestants that were aired, we reconciled during Season 9.





Now, it seems as though we have a new challenge.  It started with Season 10 and it has only been getting worse.  Networks air shows in time slots.  Those are the parameters for when it will be on the television - and those are the default parameters for when my DVR will record them.  Yes, I can change it to read more or less but if I have it set to "when program is scheduled to start/end", wouldn't you believe that it will record all of the show?  Yeah, me too but guess what - it doesn't when the show doesn't notify the rest of the world and simply runs over.




American Idol is horrible at running past their scheduled time.  I'm not sure how it is allowed but it seems to be impossible for them to stick to the 60 minute time frame.  It's getting to be 63 or 65 minutes which means that I am missing the conclusions to the show... and we all know that they keep the best stuff for the last five minutes.  Do you see my predicament?

Yes, I have adjusted my DVR now to run 5 minutes past since I am not recording anything else afterwards on those days but what if I was - you can only record two things at one time.  American Idol, consider this me asking nicely that you please, please, pretty please stay within your scheduled air time... because just once this season I'd like to actually see the ending of your show.

Stars Hollow

That's where I am going to spend the day.  I'm going visit my best girlfriends and catch up on lost time.  We'll stroll around town, share some coffee and stories and perhaps even a tear or two.  I love spending the day there.  It has such a calming effect - nothing beats a day of knitting with friends.

I am hoping to make some major progress on my sweater today.  This part is my major hangup with larger projects... you reach that repetitive point and it just gets to be a tad boring.  It's 'nose to the grindstone' now and just muster through to the other side... only 33" left to go... it's a cake walk.  As a motivator, I'll post "before" and "after" shots of my day's work... yeah, that's the ticket!  So here is the "before"...

Starting point - 11" completed

and I will update this with the "after" before I go to bed tonight.  I hope I make some decent headway - I think if I can get to 23", I'll be tickled... because that marks the beginning of the downhill slide!

I hope y'all have a Stars Hollow day today too.

Thanks to My Crazy Aunt

I love reading Crazy Aunt Purl.  She's just a breath of fresh air.  Always writing as though she's conversing and she has this fabulous attitude of shooting from the hip.  She's just awesome.  Today, I was going through and catching up on some of my blog reading and she touched on the newest season of American Idol.  I left a comment, something I don't do often and should make an effort to rectify, but thought it would make a great post on it's own... yeah, I do tend to have diarrhea of the mouth (or fingers in this case) at times... perhaps that's why I don't comment often - I get carried away and end up writing a book.  Here is my 'comment' regarding this season of American Idol:

Scotty

Karen

"I loved your segment on AI and I couldn't agree more... well, except that last season was a snooze because I totally adore Lee DeWyze and Mama Sox... but I digress.

How in the world did they pick Brett over Colton?  Unless they were going for the geeky high school male androgynous demographic, Colton should have gotten that last spot for the guys - he was completely robbed!  Jacee can come back in a few years and steal it all - he was so precious - but Brett, seriously?  I was so disappointed.

I am totally digging the hobbitish upright bass player, Casey Abrams, along with the whispery voiced Kenny Loggins looks stealing Gentle Ben of a guy, Paul McDonald.  My favorite though, and I almost feel pervy for it, is Scotty McCreery.  His voice is too sexy (see, there is the pervy aspect).

As for the girls, I love the prom queen refugee Julie Zorilla.  I also can't help but smile every time I see that mop top, crazy haired cutie, Karen Rodriguez.  Teetering in as my last girl that I could root for is Pia Toscano.  Not a strong group of girls but these three really hold their own.
Bring on Tuesday - I'm ready to get going!!"

Yeah, I do write a book - but what can I say, I mean every word.  Besides, we bloggers love comments... at least I know I get excited to see what someone thinks of my work.  It's like tiny bits of Christmas every time someone leaves a note.  I must make a mental to leave more comments on my wanderings around the blogisphere... leave little bits of Christmas for others.

Monty Python-----How not to be seen

Every day should have a touch of silly - now, I slap you with it... LOL

30 Days of Thankfulness

I've seen this around but never thought to put it down on paper, as it were.  I use it as a reminder to show my thankfulness every day - regardless of the month - but I thought I would share with you all that I am thankful for as well.

1.  The love and understanding of my husband.  He is my rock, my foundation, my light and without him I would truly be lost in this world.

2.  The blessing of my Peanut who has taught me what beauty and grace truly mean.

3.  The honor of my Hobbit who is teaching me what patience and humility truly are.

4.  My parents - the two souls who continue to show me the way I wish to be.

5.  My brother for his perfectly timed oddball sense of humor that can make anyone smile.

6.  Amy1, who is a dear friend that I have yet to meet but brings so much love and light to my days.

7.  April, who reminds me to stop long enough to gaze at the wonder of the moment.

8.  Kathy, whose silent strength screams from the rooftops and lifts us all up with her graces.

9.  Becca, whose compassionate and gentle soul leaves us all soothed in her wake.

10. Jacque, my best girl friend in the world who is more like my sister.  She has the most understanding heart that I could only dream of emulating.

11. My knitting.  The rhythmic motion and melodic clicking of the needles, coupled with the scrumptious feel of the delicious yarn keeps me grounded.

12. The ability to cook delicious meals from scratch for my family.

13. The ability to bake sinfully.

14. My education.

15. My health - no matter how wonky it gets, it could always be worse.

16. My camera so that I can capture moments in time that I don't want to forget.

17 - 19. Music and movies and books - ways to get lost in fantasy worlds to recharge.

20. My dog who always loves me, no matter what happens around here.

21. My cat who brings joy to my girls which is more important than my allergies.

22. My home - the trim and trappings don't matter, it's what's inside that counts the most.. and my house is filled with laughter, love, music and joy.

23. My coffee.

24. The sun on my face and the gulf breeze in my hair.

25. Sidewalk chalk - because not all masterpieces are done on canvas.

26. Hugs - from anyone really.  There is no way to have a worry in the world when you're being hugged by a loved one.

27. My crock pot - yes, I love my kitchen appliance because it makes delicious pot roasts.

28. Wisdom though the years and the humility to learn through my missteps.

29. My sense of humor because the only one who can truly cheer yourself up is you.

30. God - for walking along with me on this journey and wrapping me in his loving arms every day.

What Happened To Men?

Every time I read an entertainment article or see something on the news about today's hottest stars, I noticed a common theme - there aren't any 'manly' men any more.  All the boys look like girls.  Seriously, they do... no wonder we have a generation of sexually confused individuals - the boys are so uber feminine that you begin to wonder if they are even male.  Don't believe me - here is one who is supposedly the 'hottest young male lead of our time' all because of some poorly acted vampire series...

Does he look at all masculine to you?  Nope, me neither.  He looks like a teenage girl in need of some electrolysis and hair care tips.  Men are supposed to be strong, protective and give off an air of confidence... at least, they did but if this is what the next generation has to offer, I worry for our future.  I am sorry, but he looks too much like what the media are claiming to be the sexiest female celebrity...

In case you have no clue - she played "13" on House... oh, and here's an interesting twist to the character she played - she was bi-sexual.  I guess they did that because apparently she also looks like the 'sexiest' version of male celebrity as well... sure, give her a wider fan base then.  They both look alike - who can tell and since she was sleeping with everything on two legs what a great way to further the cause and confusion.

I'm sick and tired of this androgynous world.  Men should look and act like men.  Women should look and act like women.  There are roles that we were meant to play in society and when you muddy the water and blur the line, society falls apart.  I would like a leading man who actually is a man - virile and testosterone filled.  I would like a leading lady who is actually a lady - sweet, feminine and demure.

Our kids emulate these people, whether we want them to or not, and the next generation seems to be so sexually confused and disoriented that they have no clue what to do.  Take back gender roles, be proud of being a man or a woman and let's get society off this downward path... let's get everyone back on track.. and for the love of Mickey - let's get some manly men back in Hollywood.

Gibbs'd Defined

After I wrote the previous post, I realized that some might not know what it means to be Gibbs slapped - or Gibbs'd. Please enjoy this fabulous video, outlining the different techniques used by Leroy Jethro Gibbs, as he is the master and creator. I know, I know ~ he truly is awesome.

Knitting "Glee"fully

I'm sitting here watching my DVR'd episodes of Glee while I work on LoriJean's Wrap. I am coming to the painful conclusion that I might not get it done in time. Some modifications might be in order... either that or not take it to her when we have lunch on Friday.

I really wanted to get it done and surprise her - I think she will love it. I've got 11" completed. The average wrap length is 5' from wrist to wrist so that means that I am just about 4' short... that is a LOT of knitting.

Perhaps I can do a modification of my own pattern and when I get to 3', I can add a decorative button for closure at the end. I don't know - all I know is that I should probably wrap this up and work LoriJean's Wrap instead. Finger's crossed.

Shedding Some Light

Now I know some of you were a probably thinking - Ramsay, really!?!? - and the answer is a resounding "Yes Really!" Watch this and you'll possibly understand why a bit more...

Gordon Ramsay's F Word

I love this show! It has everything you could ever want - Gordon, cooking, family life, celebrities, challenges... it's just amazing. Granted, I got hooked on the opening because if I have to be honest - I have a wee bit of a crush on Chef (and who wouldn't it). Then I sat down and watched the rest of the show (after rewinding the opening a few times) and I have to say I was hooked!

On The F Word website there are tons of recipes that he cooks on the show so you know that you can make exactly what he does on air... and they are delicious! I have made a few of them and have yet to be disappointed.

Pokey promised me on our 5th wedding anniversary that we would go to London and hopefully get to dine at Claridge's and eat something prepared for me by my delicious chef... I can't wait!