Whine and Cheese.

You have been warned.
Bah. I HATE being sick. I went home to Fresno and brought back a bug. I am one of those fortunate few to whom this rarely happens, but when it does I turn into a pretty whiny baby about it. Cue up the violins, please:

I was up until 2am. I was late to work. I forgot my Tylenol at home. My throat feels like sandpaper. I can't smell or taste anything. Blah Blah Blah, Bitch Bitch Bitch.

But before I settle in with my WHINE and needles for the rest of the day, I would like everyone to know how AWESOME my SP4 is! This fabulous person already has me watching my mailbox for a little surprise in the next few days! Even though I am feeling crappy and complaining about my sore throat, I am very thankful that this person has such a kind heart and has already made my day/week/2005!!!!

THANK YOU!!!

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Despite feeling less than stellar this weekend, I got a lot of knitting-related things done in the backseat of my mom's car on my way back to Fresno. In addition, I visited both the LYS and Michaels within a 24 hour period and came home with:

• 2 balls Lana Grossa Visione for a drop stitch scarf (the current IGS)
• Size 11 dpns for the Cross Hat - Ch [and hopefully rid me of my dpn fear so I can start some socks]
• 2 Balls Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick in Fisherman, potentially for Cabin Socks (pending the above-mentioned is accomplished), or more legwarmers.
• Size 4 + 9 bamboo needles because believe it or not, even with my eBay binge a few months ago I was STILL missing these sizes.
• A little surprise for MY secret pal.

I plugged away on the back of Kyoto, knit a few more rounds on the Mini-Cardi, did 2 pattern repeats on the OBB, and finished off one whole ball of the Visione IGS [I was in a very equal-opportunity sort of mood with my WIPs this weekend]. I've got some photos of these little guys, but didn't have time to upload them before coming to work this morning. I am also itching to cast on the Cross-Hat-Ch, but I am attempting to show some restraint and keep the WIP count down. Who am I kidding, I am totally weak and will most likely cast on later tonight. I am confident that I will prevail in this task.

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I ended up cooking dinner for the family on Saturday night. I made my Gamberi [to be seen in the Knit-Bloggers Cookbook], and added 1 lb. fresh mussels to the mix at the end. WONDERFUL addition, if anyone ever makes this dish I highly recommend it. This dish has now morphed from sauteed shrimp --> shrimp w/ wine+tomato broth --> quasi-cioppino. As a side, I did a butter-lettuce salad with avocado, tomoto, asparagus and blue cheese dressing. My mom cleaned her plate and Jeff gave the dish glorious praise. Coming from those two [especially my mom], that was a HUGE honor. I didn't even have to do the dishes ;).

After this meal and a few bottles of BV Rutherford Hill, we had a lively debate on Bushie, the War, and politics in general. The active participants: A 20-something liberal, a 50-something conservative, and a 50-something fence-straddler who hates Edwards. For the record, all participants agreed we were on the brink of a 2nd Vietnam. Other than that, it was definitely a lively exchange.

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Finally, I am officially in debt and the owner of a used previously loved car. Her name is Julia, and she is a 2002 dark green Suzuki Grand Vitara. I love her; she is small and sassy but has a V6 and 4WD that could kick ass if called upon. Yes, me and Julia are going to have some good times.

Off to have some ramen-a-la-Delia for lunch....