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....

Man-Cho.... It's So Hot Right Now

Thank you, Lion Brand, for creating a term that once again makes me question the santity of your creative team. Yes, I am talking about the Man-cho. As in, a poncho for a man. Now, I by no means want to start a flame war about the legitimacy of the garment traditionally known as a 'poncho', because there are some variations that I do like and find use for (chilly cars in the morning, etc). I am also not implying that a gentleman shouldn't be wearing a poncho man-cho knitted/crocheted garment that covers the shoulders, But why coin a term that threatens the validity of an already fragile concept. Why didn't the term Wom-arf stick? Because we do not need gender-specific terms to identify accesories. I see the same backlash as the 'man-bag', made famous on that episode of Friends.

This dude looks like he means business. Don't mess with my Man-cho, BITCH! It's so hot right now.

Praying for More Free Time

Quickly stopping by to note that the project list for Interweave Knits Spring 2005 magazine is up, and it's got some GREAT potential WIPs! I see the Fitted Dolman, A Good Bias, Vintage Pink Cardigan and Wave Skirt in my future....

Mini-Update.... I needed a small needles fix so I cast on the back of Kyoto last night with taupe Cotton Classic. I fell victim to the WIP once again!

An 'About Me' List With a Purpose: Secret Pal 4 Questions

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high-end and/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you? Some Lion Brand stuff makes frequent stops in my stash [namely trellis, Kool-Wool, a bit of Homespun), but if a yarn has anything scratchy or abrasive about it, I would rather save my $ and splurge later.

2. Do you spin? Crochet? Just a knitter at this point.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.). Nothing that keeps me from enjoying anything!

4. How long have you been knitting? About 6 months A little over a year

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, however it is a work in progress. [link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html/102-8996581-0992961?type=wishlist] Not right now

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) Anything earthy, lavender, or Men's cologne (I know that they rarely make stuff scented like that but mmmmmmm.....)

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? I have a sour tooth.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I just started embroidery and cross-stitch. I also love 'self-creating' things (read: creating recipes) in my kitchen.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I have a definite preference for classic rock and oldies (from the Beach Boys to Al Green), but I like some modern artist like Ben Harper, OAR, Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews. I also like old country (from the 1990's - Garth, Tim McGraw, Martina). I can play MP3s just fine.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? I like almost everything except for SUPER brights. Red and Light Blue are my two favorite colors, but I can appreciate almost every color scheme in one way or another.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I live with a roommate, and my family lives in another part of CA. I have one feline, Viva the Wondercat, whom makes frequent appearances on this blog. She really is like my daughter, but for classification purposes we will refer to her as my 'pet'.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) I would LOVE to live in wine country (Napa/Sonoma) and do something that involved food and wine, like own a restaurant or gourmet tasting room. I would also love to be self-employed.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Cascade Rowan Cashsoft, Rowan Calmer, Noro Silk Garden, and Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk. I also really like 'not-too-novelty' unique yarns for scarfs [no fun fur here!]

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I stay away from 100% acrylic, and any animal fiber that is not 'common' (i.e. wool, alpaca, merino) since I do have allergies that I like to ignore that sometimes give me problems.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? Not too sure... I guess scarves, and wrist warmers. Lace! I finally think I got the hang of it!

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I am definitely a scarf knitter but I've also found that I am really drawn to unique-looking sweaters. Basically I like making things that you can't buy in a store. I really like baby clothes, socks, and the occasional sweater.
17. What are you knitting right now? See sidebar up updates, but I usually have at least 1 sweater, 1 scarf, and 1 misc. item going at once.

18. What do you think about ponchos? I don't like them if I can't move my arms... good for nights in but I probably wouldn't wear them out.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Straight Circulars when at all possible
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo
21. Are you a sock knitter? Yep.
22. How did you learn to knit? Taught myself with a kit - still a 'trial and error' knitter.
23. How old is your oldest UFO? 1 year
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? Since when is a bird not an animal? Animated characters aren't my thing, but my favorite animals are cats.
25. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas and my Birthday [March 24th]. Shameless, I know.
26. Is there anything that you collect? Anything wine-related. InStyle Magazines. Old Records.

Today I Jump on the Bandwagon

Since this has been popping up everywhere and I am at a loss of what to write about today, I present to you the life of Delia.

Grooming Products
Shampoo - John Frieda Brilliant Brunette
Moisturizer - Olay Total Effects
Cologne - I assume this means perfume... [Day] Banana Republic W; [Night] Estee Lauder Beyond Paradise or Ralph Lauren Romance.
Razor - Whatever is on sale. I only have to shave my legs about once every 2 weeks.
Toothpaste - Whatever is on sale. But don't worry, I do brush twice a day.

Electronics
Cell phone - Cingular LG Flip
Computer - [Home] Gateway Laptop; [Work] Dell Laptop
Television - Sony, Just a basic silver box.
Stereo - Another basic silver box.

Home
Sheets - Pure Beech Jersey Sheets. They are heaven on earth - I HIGHLY recommend them!
Coffee-maker - No Clue. I look at it with only one eye open every morning.
Car - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara, Dark Green
Stationery - 'You're Single and Fabulous', or some stuff with a 'D' embellished on them.

Beverages
Bottled water - FIJI
Coffee - Grande Non-Fat Vanilla Latte
Vodka - Grey Goose Olive
Beer - Fat Tire
[adding this one myself] WINE - Zinfandel

Clothes
Jeans - Paper Demin and Cloth, G-Star. I like Abercrombie because I get to wear a size 4 in those.
T-shirt - Men's plain white bulk pack from Macy*s
Briefcase or tote - The Love Bag
Sneakers - Puma
Watch - Funky $12 special from Target, or a basic silver Fossil number.

Favorite Places
Wine Country (of course, I am a bit biased towards that right now), Yosemite, SBC Park, London, anywhere with a beach.

Necessary Extravagance
Wine (DUH!), good cheese, CSI, good Wool.

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I also found out that the newest addition to my family will be.... A NEPHEW! The OBB needs to be kicked into overtime - and adorned with Blue!!!!

Just Another Reason You Could Never Drag Me Out of CA

First off.... a HUGE thank-you to Ms. Wu from Lori Speaks for her RAOK I recieved on Friday! After what started off as a pretty crappy day (super tired, late to work, a 4 hour meeting, no lunch), I was overjoyed to come home to a fun envelope with sour candy goodies and a sweet card amongst my usual bills and junk mail! The Sour Patch Kids contained within didn't even make it 20 minutes ;).

Thanks again Lori!!!!

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Needless to say, Napa was fantastic. Not just because of the company, food, and wine, but the WEATHER! Jason's parents were stuck in a snowstorm back in IL, while we were enjoying blue skies and 65 degree weather. I almost felt ridiculously bad, but then I realized I pay about 500% the housing costs they do and I got over that REAL fast.

(l to r, top to bottom: the Andretti courtyard (the best wines), the view from Silverado Vineyard (my FAVORITE tasting room), Jason at Clos Du Val, Domaine Carneros (cheese and champagne... yummmm), the oak barrels at Grgich Hills, the view from Rutherford Hill)

I came back with purchases from Clos Du Val, Grgich, and Rutherford Hill. Jason joined the wine club @ Andretti , got some chocolate wine sauce from Rutherford Hill, and bought a Zin at Grgich. Lots of good wine to come!

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AAAWWWWWWWEEEEEE.... My attempt to capture a photo of the two of us on the deck at the tasting room at Silverado. I was still fairly un-intoxicated so I accomplished this task with minimal problems.

However, I was a bit intoxicated about 8 hours later, as I tried to hide behind the arm of the couch.

Common, would that face lie??

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As expected, I got a lot of knitting done in the car during the little excursion. I didn't take any photos last night, but I am on ball 4 of the mini-cardi, chipping away on the main body session. I also started my mom's birthday scarf with Lion Brand Microspun and some Bernat Boa, but be the end of the trip I ripped the whole thing out because it was too tight and needed to be done on larger needles (I'm thinking 10's, but no definite decision has been made). I spent a lot of time fondling the Manos as well, but nothing legit came out of it, except the realization that I need to break down and try to learn dpn's so I can turn it into a hat. I also decided that Stacy's "My So Called Scarf" is going to be my next IGP (instant gratification project), done with Lion Brand Landscapes like Libby's [the hat is pretty darn cool as well, but... hmm... there's the dpn thing again].

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By the way, did you know January 24th is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year?!? Hope yours isn't turning out to be... Maybe it's an excuse to splurge or more wine, chocolate, and/or knitting?

Scarf Whore Reporting for Duty

I'll admit it. I am a total scarf whore. Check out my little Musique number (just like Lori's!) below. Something about the big needles, instant gratification, and unique yarns just keep me coming back for more. As much as I love these snazzy little accessories, I really need to commit to a sweater from start to finish. I need to resist the urge to go back the LYS and buy more yarn for a drop-stitch number for the Sonoma excursion. I MUST I MUST I MUST I MUST!

Speaking of sweaters, I am slowly making progress on the Peruvian Wool boobholder. After much deliberation, I decided that it was going to instead become a Mini-Cardi [and thus coming closer to my goal of knitting an actual full-sized garment]. I am going to continue the increases until they meet under my arms, and then knit the body part straight until it hits mid-torso. Then I will knit the sleeves straight until the elbow, add a few rows of garter stitch edging, and VOILA! Sounds simple enough, right? But then again... I don't exactly CHECK for gauge, and I seem to think that pattern modifications can be done in my head. If anyone sees any problems with my seemingly-too-simple logic, please let me know so I don't have another caplet episode.

Admit it, you noticed my 'are you talking to MOI?' demure-ness as I attempt to cover my own cleavage. This is after 2 balls of the Peruvian goodness.

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Finally, I leave you with this ever-so-familiar photo of Viva hiding out in my closet. She's that black blob in the middle of the photo:

I wish I was a black blob sleeping in my closet right now. Is it 5:30 yet? Hmmm....... come to think about it, at this time tomorrow I will be wine-tipsy somewhere in wine country and undoubtably lavishing a steady stream of PDA's upon my companion. I am such a fun drunk!

Testing 1-2-3... Live From SSC 329

Yep that's me about 5 minutes ago [Thanks to Juan, the man with the photo-phone]. I am testing out this new 'post straight from Photobucket' thing. Pretty fricking convienient, I must say.

Blessed Be the Computer Access

I am ecstatic to report that I am back online at work. Not that I actually have the time to be blogging like I did about a month ago... but it's nice to have my link back to this cozy little online community I have come to know and love.

But anyway, how's this for a fantasitic gig: I today I got my traveling assignments for the Spring, and I am getting sent to SoCal twice in 3 weeks. Once to Long Beach/Fullerton and again to Torrence/L.A. [La - I may be sticking around for the weekends... the first one is the weekend after Stitches West.... hmm.....]. Anyhow, since I am still only 24 i'm not allowed to drive the rental car, so lots of passenger seat time = lots of knitting! I am so glad that I picked up a hobbie that can travel with me during the work day! Let's analyze, shall we?

Estimated Drive time to LA from San Jose: 5 1/2 Hours
Approximate pay-per-hour on a recruitment trip: $20
Getting paid by the state to knit in the car: PRICELESS

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Speaking of knitting, my progress has slowed significantly due to two significant factors:

1. A nine-hour workday now seems to fly by and I barely have time to take a lunch.

2. My evenings have been spent in the company of a wonderful young man to whom my needles [but not wine!] have been taking a backseat to. Since I know he reads this I will be conservative with my words, but needless to say it's a sacrafice I don't mind making.

I did finish the Musique scarf over the weekend and wore it to work today. I got all sorts of fantastic compliments, although I am still a little peeved that a co-worker beat me to the punch and brought in a bunch of her aunt's crocheted scarves to sell. I though had uploaded the photos, but obviously I did not because I am scrambling to find SOME sort of photos to post here.

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Ah Hah! Here we go:

Speaking of wine, I am completely overjoyed at the fact that I am going to Wine Country this weekend. It's been over 6 months since I have made the trip [L-O-N-G time for me!], and I couldn't have a better traveling companion. There is something about the abilty to drive only a hour and a half to immerse yourself in good wine, delish food and beautiful scenery that makes paying a gazillion dollars in rent every month seem somewhat legitimate. Yes, this should be a fantastic weekend: the weather looks great, the wine will flow and I will be knitting the whole way up in the car. Delia is obviously in a FANTASTICO mood!

Off to a training.... I raise you all a glass of Napa Chardonnay to a renewed promise of more frequent updates!

Remind Me To Never Stand Behind My Sisters Car

A bit-o-trouble in the family stronghold back in Fresno: I got this message from my sister about 4pm today saying that she had accidently ran over our 16-year-old cat's back legs and ended up breaking her hip. Friskey (the victim) is confined to this box-like thing for the next 6 weeks, but I think it was my sister that suffered the real damage here. Poor thing couldn't stop crying for a couple hours thinking about how she almost killed her own cat.

This little incident just confirmed the fact that we think Frisky is going to live another 10 years. She is so old and frail, and can barely climb the stairs in the house but this incident didn't slow her down at all. She got up and was walking around right after it happened! I would have thought that the shock of getting her legs run over by a giant black SUV would be enough to send her into cardiac arrest, butin fact it was quite the opposite. What a trooper!

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After a late night out last night with Kaci to celebrate my first week of work, the only thing I managed to do today was drag myself out of bed to go to the LYS for a couple sets of needles for the OBB. Of course, how naive is it to think I could go in there and walk out with ONLY 2 sets of needles?

Purchases made: I finally got over my fear of bulk yarn purchases and bought 12 hanks of Takhi Cotton Classic today for Kyoto 2 Balls Crystal Palace Musique for an instant gratification scarf 1 hank Manos del Uruguay Variegated Wool in color #109, Woodland And of course, my size 2 + 3 bamboo needles

The Manos is beautiful! I couldn't put it down in the store. I have no idea what I am going to do with it, but it was too pretty to be left hanging there all by it's self. My knitting basket is much more cozy.

I spent the remainder of the day sleeping and knitting. I am about ready to seperate the sleeves from the body on the mini-sweater, and I got through one ball of the Musique in a basic garter stitch scarf. Viva was being less-than-cooperative when it came to modeling the progress.

I should have someone more meaningful to say here, seeing as I haven't updated in a week, but my mind is still a bit numb. Tomorrow morning, with my cup of coffee in hand, I will set out to take on the blog world and write something that actually involves thought.

Still Kicking

I'm still alive and kicking, but the new job has been kicking my butt. I worked 12 hours yesterday - and I am exempt so no more overtime to me!

Anyhow, I've only knit about 3 rows on the minisweater since Monday so I have nothing to report. I would do more righr now, but if I don't take a nap before dinner I might pass out in my food.

I'll be back soon....

Reason #4212 that Beer is Awesome

Last night I had some girlfriends over for a little girls-night-in, ghetto style. Pizza replaced our usual brie and olives, and instead of chi-chi martinis and cosmos we were drinking Coors Light out of cans. We played a lively game of Trivial Persuit, 1990's version, in which my roommate and I took the win because I knew that Eazy-E was the genius behind such classics as 'Hit the Hooker' and 'My Baby'z Mama'.

Anyway, all the while I was working on Red Mini-Sweater. I got through one hank of the Peruvian wool and wove in the second during the game:

What are those stitch markers you ask? Well they are reason #4212 that beer is awesome - Who knew a beer tab-top was good for more than cracking open the barley goodness?

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While I had the camera out, I snapped some photos of the Obligatory Baby Blanket. I have a feeling the progess is going to slow significantly, since I doubt that I will have time to knit at the new job.

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I've been up cleaning homebase since about 10 this morning. About an hour ago, I totally freaked because I couldn't find Viva and I realized I had left the front door open when I took the trash out. After frantically searching the apartment for about a half an hour, I opened my closet and was greeted with this:

I swear she did it on purpose. I think it makes her feel powerful to know she has that sort of control over me.

My 'Obligations'

Thank you Stacey for the RAOK card this morning! The dancing monkeys were definitely a great way to start the day.

I still haven't figured out the caplet pattern [although anonymous's comment did provide some insight], but I will probably give it another go tonight.

With the night ahead of me and no caplet, I did what I do in so many other situations: started a new project. I am giving the minisweater another go with Peruvian Wool. I'm using a size 10 needle instead of the recommended 9 so the sweater will be a bit looser, but that is sort of the effect I am going for. I have been browsing eBay this morning for a brooch that matches. If When I finish this thing, I will reward myself with a sparkly purchase as a closure for the sweater.

I've been bringing the Obligatory Baby Blanket with me to work, and I've got about 3 inches (of 33!) done. After that, it's the Obligatory Baby Sweater. I should clarify, I am calling this 'obligatory' not because I resent my soon-to-be niece/nephew, but as a joke because my brother-in-law gave me all the yarn as a christmas gift. What else was I going to do with 1200 yards of white baby yarn?

My step-sister confided to me that while he was at Michael's getting the yarn, he found a book entitled 'How to knit baby clothes' or something of the like. He called her from the store and said 'if I get this for Delia, would that be a little too blunt?'

Not blunt, dear brother-in-law, but I will say this: As long as you keep buying me yarn and bamboo needles, I might consider clothing your baby for the next couple years.

AAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHH

I just ripped out the Spiderweb Caplet for the 5th time. [desperate, whiny, pleading voice...] If ANYONE can help me with this, please do... because right now, I've got a disease, and the only cure is more cowbell knitting advice.

"sl2 pwise, k2tog, pass 2 slipped sts over, k1 without dropping st off needle, yo, p1 without dropping st off needle, yo, k1 without dropping st off needle, yo, p1 and drop st off needle"

It's the YO's that are screwing me up. Each of those lace repeats should take 5 stitches, but I am winding up with 7 at the end instead of 5.

If anyone has made this or knows someone who has - PLEASE HELP!

Designer Vision

WARNING: BLATENT SELF-PRAISE AHEAD

I got this postcard in the mail yesterday:

I noticed that looks remarkably similar to the shrug I made a few months ago:

Yay for me. I am such a fashion visionary!

Something a little bit different....

I am going in a different direction with my post today. This was sent to me in an email, and I figured it was a good way to look back on where I have been and where I am going this new year [oh my god that was super cheesy...]

Anywho...

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY:
1. Delia
2. Deals
3. D-Rau

THREE SCREEN NAMES YOU HAVE HAD:
1. VivaInSantaCruz
2. DomesticDelia
3. AYE FEE

THREE THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. I have a great sense of humor
2. I get along with almost everybody
3. I aquire new things easily

THREE THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. I've been known to get overly emotional
2. I tend to be disorganized
3. I let my heart rule my head too much

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1. Italian
2. Armenian
3. German

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1. Snakes
2. Flying [in an airplane]
3. Failing

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1. Knitting
2. Glass of Wine
3. My Cat

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. Black pointy-toe Boots
2. Dark Jeans
3. Green Corduroy Blazer

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS OR MUSICAL ARTISTS (at the moment):
1. Tom Petty
2. Van Morrison
3. Prince

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS (at the moment):
1. Into The Mystic - Van Morrison
2. Beast of Burden - Rolling Stones
3. I Believe In a Thing Called Love - The Darkness

THREE NEW THINGS YOU WANT TO TRY IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS:
1. A multi-day Road Trip
2. Snowboarding
3. Embroidery

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP
1. Respect
2. Mutual Trust
3. A woo-hoo-woping Good Time

TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
1. I was in a sorority
2. I can do a backflip
3. I can speak Italian

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE OPPOSITE SEX (or same) THAT APPEAL TO YOU:
1. Sense of Humor
2. Eyes
3. Confidence

THREE THINGS YOU JUST CAN'T DO:
1. Resist drunk-dialing
2. Give up my cat
3. Get up early [or at least on time]

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. Knitting
2. Skiing
3. Wine-Tasting [it can be a hobbie!!!]

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. Go to Napa - perfect weather for it today
2. Go back to sleep
3. Eat sushi

THREE CAREERS YOU'RE CONSIDERING:
1. Risk Management Law
2. University Admissions
3. Small Business Owner

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:
1. London
2. Bahamas
3. Italy

THREE KID'S NAMES:
1. Leia
2. Calista
3. Dominic

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. Live in a foreign country
2. Fall crazy in love in that 'sappy-romantic-movie' sort of way
3. Open my own business

THREE WAYS I AM STEREOTYPICALLY A BOY
1. Love Baseball
2. Drink Beer
3. Hate Talking on the Phone

THREE WAYS I AM STEREOTYPICALLY A CHICK
1. Cry a lot
2. Love shoes
3. Love cats

THREE CELEB CRUSHES
1. Kevin Spacey
2. John Cusack
3. Johnny Depp

HEL-LO 2005!

Wow, I can't believe I actually made it without internet access for about 14 days. I don't even know where to begin catching up out in blogland, but it is great to be back and I hope that all of you had a fabulous holiday season and a safe entry into 2005. Many people in the world didn't so I am even more thankful for everything that I have in my life.

That being said, I had a wonderful time at home with my family the last couple weeks. Of course, I vacation had to end with me being stuck in the Central Valley while my car was at the mechanic because the truck wouldn't close [no, it's not because it is stuffed with gifts, although Santa obviously thought I was a good girl this year... more later].

First off, the biggest news is probably that I GOT MY NEW JOB! This morning I accepted the position of Admissions Recruiter at San Jose State U. After about 6 monthes of waiting and convincing myself that I didn't get this job, I was absolutely thrilled to start out 2005 with this new opportunity. I officially start on the 10th - I definitely think this calls for a celebratory trip to the mall for new work clothes [and yarn!] My time at home was, well, I could lie and say it was productive but who would I be kidding. It had the usual Delia antics: I ate, slept, hung out with my buddies, drank, fell and twisted my ankle, laid on the couch, ate some more, walked home 1 1/2 miles at 4am, knit, slept some more, had my first experience in a dune buggy, went skiing, re-twisted my ankle, finally saw Napolean Dynamite, drank some more. Is it strange I had a crazier night on Christmas than I did on New Years? Anyhow, Santa treated me well, and I ended up getting my love bag. I also got all sorts of knitting goodies, including a total of $75 to the Knitting Garden, Rowan Mag #35, Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk pattern Book, Rowan Summer Tweed pattern book, and some super-soft baby yarn. I also got to see literally every member of my immediate and extended family including my step brother Matt who lives in NYC, which was awesome. He L-O-V-E-D the Irish Hiking Scarf. He put it on a Christmas morning and still had it on when he got on the plane bound for NYC. I totally got a knitter high from this, so I spent most of the rest of the break knitting for other people.

I'm the 'Old' cousin. Me and the Dune Buggy. Nanny, the coolest grandma on earth. Me at 4am. Mike at 4am.

Perhaps the most memorable part of this trip home was getting stuck in Shaver Lake at New Years, during a snowstorm, with no power for 48 hours.

When you are stuck in a cabin with 7 other people for that long, your mind starts to talk you into doing very bizarre things - Just a glimpse, because most of the photos I have in my camera would probably get me kicked off blogger if I posted them.
I swear, this was not the sick beginning to Eyes Wide Shut! We were fortunate enough to have running water, and a free-standing fireplace that we could cook on. Of course, with boys being stuck in the cabin even cooking became a chance ot show off. Literally.

The best thing about being stuck in the snow was all the knitting time! Seriously, I think that was all I did (in between drinking Bloody Marys and impromtu snow fights, of course). I started and finished these two scarfs, on the right for my sister and the left for my mom:

Also completed was beenie for my sisters boyfriend (forgot photos! Will ask him to send me one of the hat in action), made with a blue-brown Cascade 220 and done in a woven stitch. I also started a baby blanket for my step-sister and the Spider Caplet from SnB Nation. All and all, a pretty successful knitting trip.

So here Viva and I are, chilling out back in San Jo and waiting to start the week (AH HA! I had today off too!] I actually unpacked when I got home, so I am off to surf blog land with my glass of Shiraz! 'Till next time.