1.31.2005

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!!!


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.


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.


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....

1.28.2005

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.

1.26.2005

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!