How will YOU be remembered?

So, I try not to be a downer here but every once in a while I know that I am. Today, my hubby sent me a link from snopes that truly saddened me. To save you from clicking over, it's about how the following obituary was a TRUE one posted in the Times Herald on August 16th, 2008:

Dolores Aguilar
1929 - Aug. 7, 2008
Dolores Aguilar, born in 1929 in New Mexico, left us on August 7, 2008. She will be met in the afterlife by her husband, Raymond, her son, Paul Jr., and daughter, Ruby.

She is survived by her daughters Marietta, Mitzi, Stella, Beatrice, Virginia and Ramona, and son Billy; grandchildren, Donnelle, Joe, Mitzie, Maria, Mario, Marty, Tynette, Tania, Leta, Alexandria, Tommy, Billy, Mathew, Raymond, Kenny, Javier, Lisa, Ashlie and Michael; great-grandchildren, Brendan, Joseph, Karissa, Jacob, Delaney, Shawn, Cienna, Bailey, Christian, Andre Jr., Andrea, Keith, Saeed, Nujaymah, Salma, Merissa, Emily, Jayci, Isabella, Samantha and Emily. I apologize if I missed anyone.

Dolores had no hobbies, made no contribution to society and rarely shared a kind word or deed in her life. I speak for the majority of her family when I say her presence will not be missed by many, very few tears will be shed and there will be no lamenting over her passing.

Her family will remember Dolores and amongst ourselves we will remember her in our own way, which were mostly sad and troubling times throughout the years. We may have some fond memories of her and perhaps we will think of those times too. But I truly believe at the end of the day ALL of us will really only miss what we never had, a good and kind mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I hope she is finally at peace with herself. As for the rest of us left behind, I hope this is the beginning of a time of healing and learning to be a family again.

There will be no service, no prayers and no closure for the family she spent a lifetime tearing apart. We cannot come together in the end to see to it that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren can say their goodbyes. So I say here for all of us, GOOD BYE, MOM.

How SAD is that??? I wonder how a family could be this torn apart? How can you live with a family that is so obviously full of hurt and anger? I wondered to myself, "was the whole family this way or just this one particular daughter?"

So I googled "Dolores Aguilar". Thankfully, I DID find an article that was printed in the Times Herald a week after the original Obit was printed. It was a commentary written by a neighbor of Dolores which read as follows:

Loving Dolores
Article Launched: 08/24/2008 08:18:25 AM PDT


I had been told about an unbelievable obituary about a woman who was not loved by her family because she didn't love them. Today, I was given that obituary to read and could not believe my eyes.
This was a woman I knew, and had grown to love.

Dolores Aguilar was my neighbor on Carolina Street for many years. A few days after we first moved there, I was introduced to her by her young granddaughter who was living with her and she was taking care of. I met her husband, Raymond, who loved her very much and she loved in return. They were friends, and comrades in life. Raymond, who worked at Mare Island, died a few years later from asbestos poisoning. He was a very good man.

I spent a lot of time at her house. She adopted me as her granddaughter, too. I was happy to be there, as I loved to hear her stories and her hugs were always heartfelt. Every time she saw me, she would hug me and say, "I love you Nena" or "I miss you." Dolores had many stories to share. She spoke a lot about life experiences, and being strong in the world. The one thing she made sure to tell me was not to lose love.

Although she didn't go to church often (she did not drive), she was a deeply religious woman. She talked a lot about the saints, the Virgin Mary and God. She spoke a lot about Heaven and also about faith and forgiveness. She was excited to go to Mass, dressed to the nines, and heard the service in complete solemnity. Dolores' spirituality may not have been visible to others, but I knew she believed and she had great faith in God.

She often cried for her son, who died in Vietnam. I was honored to be included in a trip with her grandchildren to South San Francisco, to visit her son in the cemetery. The experience was unforgettable. All the way there, she talked about how he was a good person, and how he decided to serve his country and how she often prayed for his safety. She had zest in her eyes when she spoke about him, and she would also stop mid-sentence as she tried hard not to cry. In her frailty, she made the trip to see her baby boy, she touched his tombstone, and whispered "I love you." I didn't hear one word against the government, against the war or against those who killed him. All I heard was that he was a good son, he gave his life for what he believed in, and she missed him terribly.

Dolores had a great love for animals. She welcomed dogs, and spoiled them. She was also good with people, and understood deeply about their paths in life.

What I want everyone to know is that she isn't the woman on the obituary. Because I knew her, and I loved her and she loved me. She was a wonderful woman. She was a beautiful woman. Despite all the different sorrows and pains she may have gone through with her family, she still continued to love.

She made a huge difference in my life. She may not have given me material things, but the pearls of wisdom and her enduring belief and love for me is something I will cherish forever.

Grandma, I love you, and may you truly rest in peace. I miss you and I am forever grateful.

Maria Guevara
Vallejo

I felt a bit better for Dolores but then I thought some more. Why did her daughter feel such loathing for her and yet a neighbor such love and caring? Was it something that her daughter perceived or was it a family 'secret'? Were there two Dolores Aguilars, the cruel family Dolores and the kinder neighbor Dolores? Was Dolores incapable of showing care to her family but still able to be kind to outsiders? Was she somehow frozen in her family life because of some unknown turmoil or tragedy? Did the loss of her son turn her cold towards the rest of her family? WHY could her daughter not see the person her neighbor saw? Obviously this woman was capable of giving, receiving and feeling love. She did so with this neighbor.

WHAT HAPPENED WITHIN THIS WOMAN'S FAMILY LIFE?

So, I say (once again) make sure that those you care about know how you feel. Sometimes it so much easier to be kinder and loving to outsiders because of some unseen circumstance. Whether it be because you think your family/friends/loved one know how you feel or because you were raised to not express yourself to family. Maybe you were raised that showing emotions is weak or unnecessary. Maybe you get caught up in living life and therefore are too busy at home to express your love and caring. Maybe you set too high of expectations within your family and mistakenly withhold care to "toughen" family up. Maybe you are too frightened of being rejected or are being held back by a past tragedy or hurt to express yourself to your closest loved ones.

SCREW ALL THAT!

Be sure that people in your life know how you feel. If they don't return the sentiments, F'em! At least you won't be giving anyone a reason to write an obit about you like the one written about Dolores Aguilar.

Never let yourself be unknown to anyone. Never leave yourself in doubt. Never leave reason for a obit such as the one written for Dolores.

OK, now I KNOW that I am going

straight to hell. All because I find this
extremely funny.

I can't help it and now I am dying to see this movie. (psst make sure you check out the url - too funny!)

Well, and also I just blasphemed (?) the Hail Mary into:

"Hail Harlot, full of lace
the Muses are with you.
Brilliant art thou amongst knitters and
brilliant is the fruit of your hands, JESUS!
Holy Harlot, mother of shawls,
pray for us knitters now and in the hour
of our frogs.
AMEN!"

Um, would anyone like me to save them a seat next to me?

The agony of defeat. . . .

Yeah, I didn't finish my ravelympics project. UGH.

I'm treading on with it and WILL finish it. It's my first sweater for DH so, it will be done. Plus it's coming along so lovely and DH seems to like it so. . .

we'll keep on, keepin' on.


Hey, my book club is coming along lovely and I have finished every book so far. Just read The Seduction of Water and it was great.

We are now reading Eat, Pray, Love and so far, it's good.

Are any of you in a book club? Do you all love to read? What are you reading right now?

Look Ma! No Cancer!

OK, OK, so I suck b/c it's been longer than a week and I haven't posted any other info. Y'all probably thought I died in that time (or something close to it). Thankfully the initial round of tests showed no cancer. I think that's what we are going to end up with and I finally exhaled a week ago today. However, I still need more procedures done, specifically a LEEP procedure. Doesn't sound like fun but, at least I've had a "no cancer" diagnosis so far.

Still nervous about this whole thing. My maternal grandfather and all his siblings have died of some sort of cancer or another. Plus I have a great aunt who had breast cancer as well. So, I've always felt as though "it's coming". I was sure that this was IT but, so far so good. The leep will be next friday, the 22nd. I'll try to post sooner rather than later this time, kay?

OK, onto other news. Can I say just two words to you? OLYMPICS ROCK!! We have been glued to the coverage since last friday. Woo hoo! The olympics were always a magical time in my home while growing up. My parents and grandparents would all be into it and we (my brothers and I) would get to stay up late for the opening and closing ceremonies as well as for the major events.

Can I say that in all the olympics I've ever watched, this opening ceremony was by far the best. EVER. Of course, nothing could go this well as demonstrated by this and now this. Really? Not "pretty enough". How does a 7 year old EVER get over that one? Of course, I don't buy it for one minute that all their gymnasts are at least 16 either. Honestly there are a couple that I would say are 13 at the most. Sigh. Oh well, I'll just enjoy the show and not try to focus on the politics of the whole thing.

Speaking of Olympics, I am participating (snicker) in Ravelympics for Team Hopelessly Overcommitted. I am participating in three events ("freeforallfreestyle", "holidayhandball" and "sweatersprint") with the knitting of this beauty for DH. So, I'm into the body of the sweater and I am desperately trying to work on it as much as my poor little carpal tunnel wrists will allow. I also have to try and squeeze in some reading time for my book club. We are reading "The Seduction of Water" by Carol Goodman. So far, it's been a good book but I just don't have the time to do it all.

AAACCCKKK!!

ooh, I wonder what's on the olympics right now ???

Have you seen this?

THIS is a great site and an amazing way to "recycle" books. So far, I've 'mooched' 2 books (one of which is next month's selection for my book club - SCORE) and now sent 3.

If you are like me and have many books which you've read and which need good new homes, go check it out! By the way, my bookmooch id is "knittingnurse" - SURPRISE!

Knitting continues slowly but surely. Still working on the SOTS-II and some other previous WIPs. I'm trying not to start anything new without first finishing somethinig old. We'll see how that goes. . . . .

Health front: at least 1 week before results come back . . . . . . .

Sharing a funny

Thanks Amy for the heads-up on this!

So good!

Daily Thought

July 15, 2008
The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.
— Allan K. Chalmers


I am one of those people that sign up for all sorts of stuff in her email. I can't help it. I'm a sucker. One of the things I get is a daily thought. Sometimes I open them, others I just delete. Some of them hit home and others have no impact at all. I am a believer in kismet, synchronicity, karma, fate, call it what you may and I think that things come to you at just the right time when you really need them most. Like when I am really feeling pissy about my life and how "unfair" it all is and then I go to work and take care of someone who has had their world cave in on them. I always take a look up and say "Ok God, I hear you and I will shut up. Thanks for the reminder!"

So, anyway, today's daily thought spoke to me. Not because I am not happy, I am (today is a good day). It's just that happiness can be so fleeting and we often take it for granted.

Now, since my "active" posting a lot has gone on. Hate to repeat but, there was the accident, the hot water heater, the downstairs a/c (replaced last week) and now the upstairs a/c (thankfully we have, since last week, renewed our home warranty contract so it will be, at least partially, covered this time). I am, as I type, waiting for the a/c repair people to come check it out. So, still happy though, why?

Well, because in the last few weeks I have been dealing with another issue that has really made me take a good look at life and what matters and what happiness really is. I am in the midst of a health issue that I have wondered about posting vs. not posting. For right now, let's just leave it as, I am going in next week for further tests and then I will have a definitive answer. I'm not trying to be sneaky, I just would rather wait to have a clear diagnosis (or hopefully not) before typing. As I said, I was debating about whether or not I should post about it until later but, I've been really good about keeping it to myself and I felt I needed a bit of an outlet. So, here's my vague post about the whole thing. Le sigh. Sorry 'bout that. The thing is that I really have a grasp on what truly matters better than I have in the past. I am grateful for that understanding.

So, think of me and say a little prayer if you have a moment. All will be revealed in the next couple of weeks. . . . .


Tonight is swim meet night. Woohoo. Go SHARKS! I should post some new pix of the boy soon. . . . .


Still knitting on SOTS-II but signed up for SOTS-III anyway! Ravelry link.

Things I've done since falling off the face of blogger

1. Recuperated from that REALLY bad accident.

2. Dealt with a ruptured hot water heater (heater in attic - water coming down through second floor and into kitchen on first - fun times)

3. Joined a book club (Woo hoo)

4. Dealt with broken A/C (yep!)

5. Visited my friend for her 40th birthday up in Cleveland!

6. Drove down replacement car for hubby on the way back from Cleveland

7. Got sick on said drive down (on side of road and not in new car - Thank GOD)

8. Helped friend here in NC deal with dog behaviour issues and having to give dog back to breeder (EVERYTHING was tried)

9. Got hooked on "In Plain Sight" and "Swingtown" (hey, I'm allowed some guilty pleasures)

10. Knit unknown quantities of dishcloths (at least 8 or so)

11. Knit this tunic in bubblegum Cotton-ease (ravelry link)

12. Planned a girls weekend away craft extravaganza for August with 3 buddies from my 'hood (ha ha, I said "hood")

13. Dealt with the death of 4 fish (they made the trip all the way down from OH and everything!) - abou 1/month or so - they were old

14. Knit my very first Baby Surprise Jacket (and gave it away without a picture)

15. Got 4 new fish (our pleco was getting lonely)

16. Knit some more on my SOTS-2 (ravelry link again)

17. Bought new living room furniture!

18. Lost 3.5 lbs on Wii Fit!

19. Got hooked on Facebook!

20. Didn't feel guilty about not blogging (well, maybe a little. I DO miss you all)


I will try to get some pictures up of some of my knitting (except the dishcloths - those are already given away)

Mosaic meme

1. 040906 - Mike and Jannett around campfire, 2. Pompon the Sushi Connaisseur, 3. 01-BrieMimiGrandmaNancy, 4. Red Panda, 5. Andy Garcia, 6. Mojito Power, 7. extraordinary symbols, 8. Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Cake and its Chocolate-Ginger Mousse, 9. the Clinquant of Hope, 10. Joy of life, 11. Golden Clouds, 12. Flip Flop Swap Goodies

I totally stole this one from Amy

1. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr search.

2. Using only the first page of results, pick one image.

3. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into Big Huge Lab’s Mosaic Maker to create a mosaic of the picture answers.

4. Post your mosaic on your blog.

5. Enjoy!

The questions:

1. What is your first name?

2. What is your favorite food right now?

3. What high school did you go to?

4. What is your favorite color?

5. Who is your celebrity crush?

6. What is your favorite drink?

7. What is your dream vacation?

8. What is your favorite dessert?

9. What do you want to be when you grow up?

10. What do you love most in life?

11. What is one word that describes you?

12. What is your flickr name

Happy Birthday my love, my life

It may seem like an ordinary day to others, but today is the day where I bend knee to thank God for you and the life that we have. What may seem like any other day is the wonderful anniversary of the day that you were born. I'm sure that your parents had no idea on that day that you were to be as amazing as you are. I'm sure that looking at you, they were both in awe and couldn't imagine you being anymore wonderful than you were in that very moment. However, they learned.

They learned about your kindness as you grew and brought home hand made gifts and trinkets. They learned about your intelligence as they were amazed with your accomplishments at school. They learned about your wit with all your quick retorts and the wonderful sounds of your laughter. They learned about your compassion while watching you care for Baron as well as your amazing bonds with friends. They also learned about your mischievousness through all your antics with your cousin and friends. (Boy did they ever learn THAT!)

I, however, had very little time to learn all this before falling helplessly in love with you. You were handsome, kind, smart, funny, bold and strong and I loved you. I loved you and I have since that moment on. There's never been a moment since then in which I haven't loved you with all that I have within me.

Our years together have been peppered with sadness as well as anger. We have disagreed and we have argued as well as crying and laughing. We've moved forward, then backwards, only to push further forward in our lives together. I want you to know that through it all, my love for you has never faltered and, in all the years to come, it never will.

I want to thank you for blessing me with the honor of guarding your love and having our son. To look at him and know that this is something made from both of us and our love amazes me to this day. I shall never be able to repay you for the wonderful gift that our son is to me. Thank you seems so inadequate for all that I have been given by you.

So, today I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE! I hope that this coming year is full of even more joy and happiness for you. I pray that all your heart's desires are fulfilled just as much as you have fulfilled mine. I will try to bring you a fraction of the swonderful life that you have brought me because, I know, that there is no way that I could ever dream of being able to make you as happy as you have made me. I can't imagine my life without you in and am in awe of my luck at having you love me.

Tag you are it!

First, Moriah tagged me for a little meme that's kinda cute and been running around (frankly I'm surprised that any of you are still here with as lazy as I've been about blogging):P. Here be the specifics:

1) Link to the person who tagged you.
2) Post the rules.
3) Share six non-important things / habits / quirks about yourself.
4) Tag at least three people.
5) Be sure the people you tagged KNOW you tagged them by commenting what you did.

My stuff:

1. I am a neat freak at work everything has to be in it's place and any non-essentials thrown away. All my tubings, bags, bottles, syringes must be fresh and dated. However outside of work, I have many multiple piles all over the house and never put the same thing in the same spot twice. Despite this, I know where everything is. This drives my husband insane.

2. I DESPISE putting laundry away. I don't mind washing and drying. I even like folding things the right way so that everything is nice and neat and the same size. . . . .and then UGH! Hate, hate, hate, hate, hate putting it away. What a waste of time! Again, hubby is driven batty.

3. I had two miscarriages before successfully carrying our son. I spotted with his pregnancy and fretted over him the entire pregnancy (although I continued to work until the day I went into labor). I called my hubby with each and every twang putting him into fits of despair I am sure although he was extremely supportive.

4. I was very close to my great-grandmother growing up. She died on the day before my first communion. About 3 years later, I saw her sitting on the edge of my bed waving at me to let me know she was there. My husband thinks it was all a dream. It was in the middle of the day and I know what I saw. Nobody else saw her. Hubby thinks I'm insane on this point. Whatever.

5. My day isn't successful unless I make my patient smile at least once in my shift (barring those days when I am lucky just to keep my patient alive through my shift). There's nothing better than to hear your patient laugh or to see their eyes light up as they smile - especially when they do it despite their breathing tubes, etc. Makes my day every time. No insanity with this one, just some Patch Adams therapy (Ok, maybe a little craziness from me but would you rather have Nurse Ratched?)

6. I got my first (and so far only) tattoo at the age of 36. It took me that long b/c I wanted something that would mean something to me no matter my age AND that wouldn't look silly when I was old (gotta love them grandmas with their skull tattoos or birds/flowers on the breasts- NICE) and give my family something to be horrified about. I settled on the Univ of Miami split "U". It's on my lower back. Yeah, it's a tramp stamp but I like it and it isn't going to turn into some unidentifiable blob when I am old. Hmmm, does that make me crazy?

hmmmmmm I think I am going to tag. . . . . .

1. A Nurse who Knits

2. Knitting RN

3. Nurse Shar Knits


Oh, and BTW, could you tell that I had a fabulous day at work today?????!!!!???

Have I told you all this yet?

I think I totally forgot about this but I want to let you know that I have recently become a bzzagent at bzzagent.com. It's a great opportunity to try out new products and have my opinions heard as well as being able to tell my friends about new products and services that I feel may be useful to them.

I am in the midst of participating in my first campaign and I have not been disappointed. I am trying out the Glade Wisp Flameless Candle and can I tell you guys, I LOVE IT!

First, it's so easy to put together. In my kit I also had a choice between the "Clean Linen" scent and the "Hawaiin Breeze" scent. Yummy! I first tried the Clean Linen scent and it's so light but still makes our entire family room and kitchen area smell lovely. I placed it on our mantel and from a distance, it really does look like a flaming candle. There is a choice of 5 different fragrance levels as well as being able to use it with the "flame" option on or off. When using the "flame" option, the system will automatically go to the no "flame" option after 3 hours (to conserve batteries). Nice. So, wonderful fragance that is battery operated (eliminating the dangers of wall socket units and actual flaming candles) as well as still giving the ambiance of a "flame". So nice.

The best thing was that after our 10 day vacation, when we came into the house, the entire first floor smelled wonderfully fresh and clean. Yeah. If you are looking for a deodorizer option, you might want to check this one out.

Still alive and knitting!

Yes, yes, the rumours are true. Knittingnurse is indeed alive and KNITTING! Whew. So much to say. Well let's see. Um, DH and I are still wrestling insurance companies et al re: the total loss on our 7 day old car! Which, btw, now looks like this:




But, again, we are all safe and sound. That's what matters and dealing with this stuff re: the car doesn't seem so bad in light of what could have happened to us.

Since then I have been knitting and have finished 2 pairs of felted clogs, a pair each for DS and DH. I have the wool to make a pair for myself, but, that's been put on the backburner. Uh, let's see. I've started and have woefully not completed SOTS2 - Savannah. I am making the original or Savannah version of the stole but may turn around and make the charleston version (with beads) as well. It's a lovely stole and a great pattern to follow so, we'll see. I haven't completed her b/c I got sidelined with the clogs and about 6 dishcloths that I've made as giftees. Um, I have also started (I know, I know) and am halfway to completing my first Baby surprise jacket. I am using up the rest of my blueberry & pistachio Cotton-ease for this one. It will be gifted to a neighbor for her newest addition. I have been good and have also picked up a few old and until recently ignored UFOs. Of these, I am working on completing a pair of socks started waaaaay ago as well as a few other UFO's which I won't jinx by writing about.

I will take photos of these and post when I get a moment (not too soon probably).

Knittingnurse and fam went on vacation over DS's spring break to Montchanin Delaware and NYC!!!! First we spent 2 nights at one of my favorite Inns of all time, The Inn at Montchanin Village . This was our 2nd stay but the first had been so memorable that I had wanted to return since we first left. DH planned it into our trip and I had just as lovely a time as when we were there the first time. We will return once more. When? Who knows, but it will happen. It's quaint and quiet and beautiful and I love it there.

But now, onto NYC!!!! We stayed 5 nights in Jersey City at a Marriott right next door to a path station which conveniently took us straight into Manhattan. We spent the last 2 nights at a Marriott in Manhattan to top off the trip. DS and I had never been and it had been years for DH. What a great time was had by all. DH took me to 3 different shops while there and I did get some 'souvenir stash' to bring home. (Too much really to be called just souvenir stash, but, vacation yarn doesn't count right?). Anyhow, I will write another post detailing the trip later and will post some pics of the trip as well. It was great.

Glad to be backed. I missed writing to you. Hopefully you are all still there as well!

One last thing, please go over to Nautical Knitter and wish her well and send some prayers and love her way. She really needs it right now. Thanks!

On a dime

So, I hadn't blogged about this but, if there were a time to blog about it, the time would be now. Last weekend (exactly 1 week ago today) we drove up to OH to trade in my husband's Pontiac bonneville for his newest car, a black cherry Cadillac CTS. Yep. My FIL works for GM and we lease cars via the employee leasing program. The lease on the Bonneville was up and we got a deal on the CTS. It was a sweet and beautiful car.

Operative word is "was".

Tonight on the way home from dinner, less than a half a mile from home (actually just 1 turn left to get into the development) we were in an accident. We were coming up on the last intersection before our development when a car coming from the other direction thought they had enough time to turn left in front of us. Yeah, not so much.

The Caddy? Well, I may not know that much about cars but I do know when a car is beyond repair. Ours is. I'm sure. The entire front end of our car came up to the dash. Literally.

Each and every single airbag in that thing deployed. Both Front bags, both front side bags, both back side bags and, unless I was just too in shock, maybe one from the back window? Is that even possible? Maybe not. But DEFINITELY all 5 of the other ones did. BTW, that dust released by airbags when they deploy is horrible. My throat is still scratchy from inhaling it but if that's the worse I have to complain about, it's all good.

Let me tell you all something. That Cadillac? Worth every penny if I were to buy one. We were all, of course, wearing seatbelts but considering the damage to the car, I can't believe that we all walked out without a scratch. Sore? Absolutely. But nothing broken or cut. The inside passenger area (what is that called again?) held up to the impact. It was a bit difficult for people to open the two front doors but they did open and DS's door in the back opened without a hitch. DH and DS were sore but not in any real pain. I, on the other hand, had a sore neck so, I got a nice ride in a shiny ambulance on a back board with a C-collar. UGH! Thankfully my CT and Xrays were all OK and we were all just warned by the ED staff about how horribly sore we will be in the morning. Great. DS was such a champ. Didn't even really complain once. All he was was worried about me. Such a big guy. He said he was "sore, but OK".

3 1/2 hours and a cab ride home later, we are back and trying to wind down from the whole thing. Boy, it makes you really think of how absolutely precious and fragile life is. Would the Bonneville have held up as well? What if one of us happened to have not had our seatbelt on (we ALWAYS do but, y'know it makes you think). Thank God that we are all conscientious enough to wear seat belts and that the car held up so well (bless you GM). Poor hubby is on the phone making a claim with the other driver's insurance company.

We are going to go the the towing place tomorrow to gather up anything left in the car and to take pictues. Funny, the first pictures that I will be posting taken with my new camera is going to be of our new, but totalled, car.

You'll remember just how quickly things can change when you see the picture. I am just so happy that we are all OK.

Remember to kiss your loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you. Oh, and one more thing. . . .

always wear your seatbelts!

Look at what I just found.

I just joined BZZAGENT and have started to do some survery and reviews for them. In relation to my reviews, I just found this:

Visit HeatEatReview

How cool is this? I have to get frozen foods for us as sometimes I just don't have time to cook from scratch. Who wants to cook after working 12 hours and being out of the house for nearly 14? Anyhow, often I would like to try new companies or meals but get leery as I have had quite a few meals that I just don't like or that are so pitiful in amounts that I have to eat something else right after. I think I will be using this reference when looking for new options. It even provides all the nutritional info I want to look at.

Who knew?

Not really a quiz but still. . . . .

69 words

Speed test

So, I've been consumed with that time sucking addiction that is Ravelry especially the Ravelry Games Group. Sigh. I'm such a geek. I have so much fun with word play games though and that's what this group is all about. DH thinks it's a hoot to see me on the forum. Oh well.

I'm all into AI again this year. I have to say though, I don't know what the fuss is about. Randy, Paula and Simon keep speaking about how "it's the best season of American Idol ever!" Really? Huh, I just don't see it that way. I am also really surprised that there are so many contestants that have had other singing careers and yet they are in the competition anyway. I mean some of them have had recording contracts before. I guess it's within the rules but, I think the opportunity should be given to people who have never had that chance. Oh well, what do I know?

I must say though that David Cook's performance last night was one of the best performances I have ever seen on the show. I think his vocals where spot on and his arrangement/interpretation of the song was so current and, as the judges say so often, very very relative to today's music scene. Missed it? Well, here ya go:



He's a bit of a hottie in that song, dontcha think? I don't know what Simon is thinking but he definitely had charm and charisma with that performance. Do you all think they will release a full version of that song on iTunes or just that little bit from the show? I hope they do the full version because I really want to get it. Even DH thought that he did really well with the song's arrangement and performance. So, there ya go.

I guess I haven't done my "who's going home" predictions this year have I? OK, better late than never. From the guy's last night, I think that Luke and Danny should go home but since Danny is this year's Sanjaya, then Luke and maybe Michael will go. It's a toss up for me between Michael and Jason. But I hope I am wrong and Danny goes.

My neighborhood just started a book club. We are meeting on our first book next week. We read "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Piccoult. Wowza! Good but intense read. I want to read some of her other titles but I need to stay on course with book club so I might use another of her titles as a "between" book. We haven't decided what we are going to read next but among the ones we are talking about choosing are:

The Glass Castle; The Next Thing on my List; Water for Elephants.

I'm also going to suggest 1000 Splendid Suns as that was recommended to me by a friend.

What are you reading now? Do you belong to a book club? Can you read and knit at the same time? If so, how? Do you take your knitting to your book club meetings?

Good Morning Meme!

I hadn't seen this one before and I thought it was a good one so here I go! (Found and stolen from Amy)


MOUTHOLOGY
Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant? A. Before we moved to NC I would have said Wendy's because that was my best option in OH. However, now that we have plenty of Chick-Fil-A restaurants around, that would be my answer. When I was a little girl, it was always a treat to have a chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-a whenever I would go to the mall with my folks so, it's a comforting favorite for me.

Q. What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? A. I have to pick one? Really? I guess I would have to say that it depends on my mood. DH and I are always trying new restaurants so, I really can't just pick one.

Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant? A. 15-20% however, I will say that I have no qualms about leaving as little as 5% if I have poor service. I won't ever not leave a tip because I want to be sure that they realize that I didn't "forget" or that I'm a non-tipping jerk. I want them to realize that poor service doesn't get rewarded in my book. I'm pretty lenient in my definition though. If it's busy or the kitchen's fault, I don't fault the server. However, not friendly or forgetfulness/unavailability from a server = minimal tip.

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? A. Pasta or gouda cheese & bread.

Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice? A. Pretty boring on this front, pepperoni with more pepperoni and cheese with extra cheese. What make a pizza for me though is the sauce. It should have some zing to it.

Q. What do you like to put on your toast? A. Butter.


TECHNOLOGY
Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer? A. Some boring canned wallpaper available from the computer.

Q. How many televisions are in your house? A. In use, three. All together 5 (1 in the guest bedroom and 1 in the attic not really used) It's so bad but we are TV addicts.


BIOLOGY
Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed? A. Right.

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body? A. I don't think so.

Q. What is the last heavy item you lifted? A. Er, probably a patient on Friday at work.

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious? A. Nope though there have been plenty of times when I wish I would have fainted.


BULL****OLOGY
Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? A. Geez, that's a hard one. Part of me would say yep and the other part says not a chance.

Q. If you could change your name, what would you change it to? A. I don’t know that I would change my first name but I might consider changing my middle name from "de los Angeles" (spanish for "of the Angels") to just plain Angela.

Q. What color do you think looks best on you? A. Fire engine red.

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake? A. Not that I can remember.

Q. Have you ever saved some one’s life? A. Many a time. Nurses save lives daily (and probably more than doctor's do, but, hey I'm biased that way!)

Q. Has someone ever saved yours? A. Yep. When I was about 8 years old or so I accidentally jumped into the deep end of a pool and began to struggle to get out (couldn't swim at the time very much at all and I panicked). Suddenly I saw an arm reaching for me in the midst of all my air bubbles in the water and a wonderful man had pulled me out of the water to safety. I learned to swim (not well but I can tread water) RIGHT after that.


DAREOLOGY
Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100? A. Absolutely.

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000? A. Not a chance. I might not be able to knit or cook or craft or, etc. . . . .

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000? A. I hate to say it but yep, (although I would miss you all, I could 'see' you all over at Ravelry! tee hee)

Q. Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000? A. Heck yeah. I might reconsider, if DH was against it though. Although I think he wouldn't mind b/c that's a lot of money and he would probably be proud that someone actually asked me to do it!

Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? A. If I was given enough time to finish it, absolutely!

Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000? A. No, although, much to my hubby's chagrin, I am pro-capital punishment I wouldn't never try to play judge/jury.


DUMBOLOGY
Q: What is in your left pocket? A: Zilch.

Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie? A: It has it's moments but overall I would say it's just an OK movie.

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower? A: Stand.

Q: Could you live with roommates? A: I think that I would be fine. I lived at home until I got married so I've never had a roomate other than DH and I think we've done OK for almost 19 years now.

Q: How many pairs of flip flops do you own? A: Not enough. I don't ever wear them "out" but I do like to wear them around during the summer. I currently have 5 pairs - 4 plastic/rubber and 1 pair in leather. I match my flips to my swimsuits when going to the pool. I know, I'm a dork.

Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops? A: When I got a speeding ticket last year when my mom and aunt where visiting (I failed to notice the speed limit drop from 45 to 35mph in an area of Raleigh that I hadn't been familiar with).

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up? A: If I weren't already doing it I would STILL want to be a nurse.


LASTOLOGY
Q: Last Friend you talked to? A: Other than my DH and DS it would be Kathleen.

Q: Last person who called you? Kathleen.

Q: Last person you saw? A: DH and DS


FAVORITOLOGY
Q: Number? A: Eight. I like that it's the symbol for infinity turned on it's side.

Q: Season? A: That would be a toss up between Spring and Fall (although Spring has a slight edge b/c of all the flowers).


CURRENTOLOGY
Q: Missing someone? A: Yea, I miss my Dad and my Mother-in-law every day (they both died way too young).

Q: Mood? A: Peaceful (we just got back from church).

Q: Listening to? A: Drag racing that DH and DS are watching on the TV right now.

Q: Watching? A: Nothing but my computer screen right now.

Q: Worrying about? A: Funny, I'm such a worrier but right now, I'm not worrying about anything. That will change in about 30 seconds I'm sure. ;-}


RANDOMOLOGY
Q: First place you went this morning? A: 10:30 Mass.

Q: What can you not wait to do? A: Finish knitting my Secret of the Stole 2 (oh yeah, finish SOTS 1 too!)

Q: What’s the last movie you saw? A: “Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium”

Q: Do you smile often? A: All the time.

Q: Are you a friendly person? A: I go out of my way to try and be friendly to every one. I used to be a wall flower (no, really, you can email hubby if you don't believe me!) but then I broke out of my shell and now I think I have been making up for lost time!


That's was fun to do. Like it? Go ahead and take it!

A meme and a contest.

Moriah was sweet enough to inform me about Miss Me's very first contest for her very first blogiversary. Go check it out and if you enter be sure to let her know that I sent you!

Kay, so now to the meme. Moriah wants to know 7 random things about me so here comes the meme:

Here are the rules, and they must be posted to your blog.
Link to the person’s blog who tagged you (see above).
List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself.
Tag seven random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog and also so they can look at your blog and not tag the same people all over again!

My 7 Random Things:

1) I had 2 miscarriages before finally having DS. I wanted more children but, it seems that was not in the stars for me.
2) I am perfectly thrilled with #1 above b/c I can't imagine a better kid than DS and he fills my life with joy everyday. I am truly blessed to have him in my life.
3) DH and I keep thinking about adopting a daughter but we haven't gotten our arses up to truly look into it. If we do adopt, we are going to adopt a 4-6 year old to shorten the age difference between her and DS.
4) I have a single tattoo and a single body piercing (besides earrings). I got them both AFTER my 30th birthday.
5) I used to swingdance for about 2 years on a regular basis and was DAMN GOOD!
6) I grew up in a single home but have lived in 9 different homes since being married (married for 18 years) - I am hoping (and praying) that we will live in this house until retirement (keep your fingers crossed for me)
7) Only 2 of those moves were done by movers - the other 7 were just us (UGH! and NEVER again)

Boy, that was a weird collection of 7 things. Huh, what a weird mindset this morning. OK let's see. . . . . .

I tag:

1) Katharine
2) Moonstitches
3) Suzie
4) Erin
5) THE Knitting Nurse
6) Knitting RN
7) Parikha

Hopefully you all will play along!

Do Not be alarmed

We have interrupted this blog to participate in the time sucking vices that are Dance Dance Revolution and, as of tonight, Guitar Hero III.

No need for alarm. There has been knitting.

1 pair of felted clogs for DS - done.

1 pinwheel baby blanket (early) for baby that came 9 weeks early - done.

SOTS - progress made.

Few and far between knitting but it has been continuing. Gotta go. I need to beat "In the Sunshine of your Love" now.

he he

Speaking it doesn't mean you can knit it

Yes, I am fluent in Spanish. Yes I can read in Spanish. Can I knit in Spanish? er, no. I don't know any of the terminology and I certainly wouldn't be able to figure out any complicated pattern work (SSK, PSSO, KFB - who the heck knows how that is said in Spanish?).

Anyhow, why does that matter? It matters because months ago I found this lovely online zine. It has a few really nice patterns but, heck if I know what they are talking about in the directions!

I added it to my bloglines anyhow thinking that someday I would be adventurous enough to either figure it out or look up the translations somewhere.

Well, guess what? They've translated some of their patterns for me! Yeah! Look at these lovelies. Beautiful no?

Gotta go. Gonna add them to my Ravelry queue!

Finished Objects, Rachel Ray, etc.

So, since the last time we've been together there have been a couple of covert projects that snuck in and, believe it or not, got FINISHED! First off was a fun little knit that I love, love, love!
Cute huh? It's a ruffly scarf made with Online Linea 194 Solo yarn. So easy. So fun. It makes me feel like I'm wearing a boa! tee hee. I got the yarn during our most recent trip to Asheville when I saw the shop model and HAD to have one just like it. Very satisfying knit. Now if it would drop back down to below the 70's so that I could wear it, I would be happy. (Can you believe that it went from mid 50's to upper 70's and 80 degrees here overnight and it's still that warm? UGH! It's Winter and Christmas is less than 2 weeks away. It needs to be cooler!)

Oops, tangent rant. Let's get back on track shall we? The next covert project was a result of this little one's early arrival
That would be Baby Girl C. She came into the world 9 weeks early as her mommy was having some serious blood pressure issues. She is the daughter of my cousin although I call her my neice. That picture is of her the day after she was born and she's now 2 1/2 weeks old and looks like this: Look at all that hair for a preemie! So, so cute! Anyhow, she warranted the immediate cast on and completion of this beauty:That would be the Pinwheel Baby Blanket done in 3 different colors of Cotton Ease; snow (white), strawberry cream (light pink - d/c'd color - rats) and bubble gum (dark pink - d/c/d color - rats again!)

So, after being derailed b/c of Baby C, I finally got back to working on my SOTS (which I was woefully behind on anyway). I don't have any of the most recent pictures of it but it isn't to far from this: I've done more of the middle back portion but really haven't gotten back into the "meat" of the lace knitting yet. But I'm going at it as much as I can.

Let's see. Oh, DS and I waited for about 5 hours to meet my cooking goddess who was extremely nice in person. Poor thing had signed over 1500 books by the time we got to her and was still smiling and talkative to both myself and DS. Here are a few shots from the book signing:

The silly woman in white who stood RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE of the photos was her publicist. Geez, y'think she would have known people were photographing the signing? UGH!

We've been going to a couple of holiday parties and I've gotten to get dolled up. YEAH! Love to get to play dress up from time to time. Here are the pictures (of course)




That's about it for now. DS is in the school's chorus and has quite a few performances coming up. I'll have to post about them and further knitting/crafting projects next time.

Bye!

'Tis the Season. . . . .

for a Christmas MEME! haha. Here goes:

Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE ! Just copy this entire post and then replace my answers with yours!

'Tis the Season to be NICE !

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Wrapping paper but gift bags for things that are too hard to wrap or way too big!!!

2. Real tree or artificial?

BOTH! We have an artificial tree that's our "formal" tree in the formal living room. It's all decorated with Burgundy, Green and Gold ornaments and ribbons. We have our real tree in our family room. That's the one with all our family and annual ornaments. There is so much fun in going out and finding "the" tree and then reminiscing while putting up all the family, home-made and annual ornaments. . . . that reminds me. I need to go get out 2007 ornaments. YIKES!

3. When do you put up the tree?

On Black Friday! It's the only thing that I will go out shopping for on that day! It's a big tradition to go find the perfect tree and set it up. Then we decorate the formal tree that day while waiting for the branches on the live tree to drop. That whole weekend is spent on christmas decorations around the house while playing christmas music!

4. When do you take the tree down?

Not until after Epiphany. Being Cuban, we celebrated Epiphany each year and we continue to do so as a family now.

5. Do you like eggnog?

It's alright but I prefer coquito (hispanic eggnog)

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

Anything Barbie.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

I think that at last count I have 3 - maybe 4? There's one in the formal living room, one in the dining room and another in the family room. . . . hm, I think I am missing the little one that goes in my bedroom come to think of it. . . .

8. Hardest person to buy for?

DH and his Dad

9. Easiest person to buy for?

DS and my Mom

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

I don't remember any sticking out in my head as bad so I guess I really haven't had any?

11. Mail or email Christmas cards?

Mail

12 . Favorite Christmas movie?

The year without a Santa Claus (the heat and cold misers crack me up) and Santa Claus is coming to town (love how the explain all the things about santa in that one plus the mean guy that runs the town is funny)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

Believe it or not, I start to look for stuff around Halloween time. I hate last minute shopping b/c I feel like I end up buying stuff just to get stuff. I prefer making sure that I get the 'right' gifts so, I start early.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Nope.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

If I could, I would have the traditional Cuban Pig Roast dinner like when I was growing up! Since I can't I love my Turkey dinner complete with canned cranberry jelly. Yum-O!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

Tee hee, again, it's BOTH. Clear on the formal tree and colored on the family tree.

17. Favorite Christmas song?

O Holy Night

18. Travel for Christmas or stay home?

I must say I prefer just staying home but you can all come visit if you'd like!

19. Can you name all of Santa's' reindeer?

Yep!

20. Angel on the treetop or star?

I know, it's getting old but, again, BOTH. Angel on formal and Star on family tree (in fact the star we have is the one that DH had growing up).

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Christmas Morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

Crowds at EVERY SINGLE STORE regardless of whether I'm christmas shopping or not. Why do people insist on waiting until the last minute? UGH!

23. What I love most about Christmas?

Seeing DS running down and watching his face when he first sees the presents under the tree. I love going to Christmas mass as well. It really reminds me of what Christmas is all about.

24. What's your favorite Christmas Memory?

DS's first christmas when we put him in the stocking we got from the hospital and took a picture of him under the tree. He's been the best christmas present EVER!

25. Believe or Not?

ABSOLUTELY Believe!


Now, I think that I will Tag Miss Pink, Miss Jennifer, Miss Jeanne, Miss Amy and Miss Lolly. Tell us all about you and Christmas!

LOVE THIS!!!!

This is what blogging is truly about and although I've lived it for a while, I am publicly declaring that I now will be

Yeah! Yes there has been knitting. There has also been a baby born to knit for as well. All details will be posted when I can. Right now, I have knitting, crafting and cleaning to do.

Love you all!

Happy Turkey Day!

(The above turkey is from Ruthlessknitting -isn't it darling? I wish she had the pattern available now!)

Tomorrow we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the US. I have today off as well so we are going to do the last minute grocery shopping and cleaning. We aren't having a HUGE celebration but we are having a neighborhood family come on over. Our friends have 2 boys and were staying in town as well so we thought we would spend the meal together. I have the turkey and pumpkin pie to do. She's doing the apple pie, shrimp cocktail, wine and stuffing. We are each doing a potatoe dish (she sweet potatoes, me regular potatoes) and a vegetable (she's doing green bean casserole and I'm doing ???????). Pretty fair distribution I think.

The boys will be able to play together before and after the meal and the men can watch football while we finish up the cooking. Luckily, my house has an open floor plan that allows us to talk with them from the kitchen while they watch the games. We've already decided that the men will do the cleaning up (we might have neglected to tell them that so far. . . . .tee hee) and we will KNIT! Yep, she knits as well and has recently been inspired by my knitting to start knitting again. Yeah!

I'm looking forward to a great day.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all and I hope that the coming year brings you all plenty more to be thankful for!

Just what I needed

So, last post was a huge bummer I know. But, it is where I was at and what I needed to write. It helped to write it all out.

Hubby was great and took me and DS away for the weekend. We drove about 3 hours or so to the coast and spent the long weekend at Atlantic Beach, NC. Great time was had by all. Usually our weekends away are chock full of stuff to do and we are constantly going, going, going until it's bedtime. This was different. Although we had one place to visit each of the 3 days, each site was done leisurely and then the rest of the day was spent, er, 'vegging' (for lack of a better word). So here's the recap:

Saturday morning we took off for our drive. The weather was cool but dry and just a little cloudy. Great day for an indoor activity - the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knolls Shore which is just one of three aquariums that we have here in NC. We saw lots of different fish/animals and had a great time. Here are a few pics from the aquarium:
Overall we gave the Aquarium a thumbs up!

Sunday we decided to go to visit Fort Macon. Very interesting and really fun to explore. The day was perfect with cloudless blue, blue skies and weather in the mid-60's. Fabuloso! After the Fort, we walked along the beach and went shell hunting. Here are the pix:



We also took DS to see "The Bee Movie". It was entertaining and well done but, the story was a bit far fetched even by animated movie standards. DS enjoyed it though and it was entertaining so, I wouldn't buy the DVD or anything but I'm glad we saw it.

Monday was our day to take a ferry over to the island and visit Cape Lookout. What a great place! First of all, the 'season' is over and it usually isn't busy anyway because there is nothing on the island except the lighthouse. We took a small ferry (a large skiff really) with a few other folks and explored the island. We didn't get to go into the lighthouse (there are only 4 days a year where the actual lighthouse is open) but we did go into the lighthouse keeper's home and read alot about the history of Cape lookout and Cape Lookout Sound. There were so few people there that it felt as though we were the only ones on the island. It was quiet and peaceful and as we walked the shore we heard the birds and the waves and collected sea shells. Pure heaven!





All in all, it was a great weekend. We had something to do each day but each visit was just a few hours and the rest of the time was spent quietly relaxing and just spending time together. I truly appreciated my family this weekend and was filled with many happy memories of my own family weekends as I was growing up. I felt like Daddy was with me and I felt a warmth of love from my husband and son that reminded me of the love of my Daddy. I realized he'll always be with me. It was a good weekend.

Today and this weekend

I am going to request no comments to this post please. I don't know how to turn them off for a post and I don't have the inclination of researching it right now. Thanks for understanding.

Today is the 10th anniversary of the last time I spoke with my Daddy. That day was a Friday as well.

This weekend is going to be huge for me to get through. There are so many details to the story and so much guilt on my part over his death. I can't get into details right now, I'm not in the frame of mind to actually write the words out. Let's just say, I'm a cardiac nurse and I was a daughter when I should have been a bit more of a nurse. . . I still feel like I let him and my Mom down. 'nuf said.

This weekend is going to be hard b/c a DECADE seems like an impossibility. How can it actually have been that long when it feels like it happened TODAY!?! Besides the length of time, it happens to also fall on the same days of the week.

So, I know that this weekend will be like reliving it all over again. "At this time I was talking to him" "Now, I was calling the hospital and heard about the bleed" "I talked to Mom right now" "We spoke with the doctors at this time" "I kissed him for the last time right about now". . . . . .

The worse part of it all is thinking how life could have been so different had this horrible horrible thing never happened. DS would have KNOWN him. Daddy got to meet and hold and love him. Thank God. I will hold those memories dearly for the rest of my life. But, my son never got to know him. He wasn't even a year old when Daddy passed away. He doesn't have any memories of him.

I miss my Daddy. I miss him every day. Before my Daddy died and I would hear people say "I think about so so every day of my life" I thought "Isn't that a bit of an exaggeration? Do you really think about them EVERY SINGLE DAY?" I had lost family members and, though I thought of them often, every single day was a bit of a stretch. Or so I thought. Then my Daddy died. Then I knew.

I have thought of my Daddy every single day. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. His passing also brought my wonderful mother-in-law's death to me every single day. She was like a second Mom and life would have been totally different as well had she not died. They both died from very similar circumstances and both abruptly and unexpectedly. It's made it that much harder to have both of them to grieve for daily. Sometimes I feel like I can't breathe.

There is an emptiness within my soul that can never be filled. There is a place where a part of me has been taken and no one else can ever refill. I was my Daddy's little girl and he was my big strong hero. My safety net. I made him smile and he made me feel like a princess. He would smile at me and I would instantly be filled with joy and happiness. He would put up with me hanging all over him whether or not he was dead tired or sore or cranky or hurting or anything else. He would let me tickle him when he HATED to be tickled b/c we would laugh together and it would make me happy. He knew by looking at me just what I would like to do and knew just when to do it. HE took care of me in a way that no one else will ever be able to.

The last thing I said to him was that he would be OK. That it would all be alright and not to worry. I lied. I didn't know I was lying but I lied. It wasn't and it isn't and I can't take that back. I can't take back that the last thing I told him was a lie and that I let him down. He never let me down. I let my Mom down. He would have never allowed that to happen.

I miss my Daddy. I miss him every single day. It isn't an exaggeration.

Oh Dear,

Seems like I've let quite a bit of time pass since posting notice of completing Cherie and actually getting back on to post a picture! Sorry for the delay but without any further delays, here she is:


I love her! It's the quickest knit I've ever made (besides dischcloths) and I think it's one of my faves so far. No modifications made and the fit was spot on. I know that many knitters have had issues with the neckline decrease portion of the pattern but, I guess I was lucky? I just knit what it said and it seemed to work for me without any questions. The thin/thick quality of the Manos gives it a feel that really appeals to me for this knit so, overall I am happy with the process and the end product!

So, I've been doing quite a bit of knitting in my absence from the blogging world. I've finished clue #1 and started #2 of my Secret of the Stole. Yep, I'm behind but I'm enjoying the knitting so, I am not too concerned about it. I just want to finish and I will be happy to keep myself in check, within 2 clues of the forerunners, until I am done with it.

My heart was broken since I've last blogged but, I will get over it (again). Sigh. There's always next year right?

A couple of weeks ago, we took an overnight trip to Biltmore for their Harvest Celebration. I was hoping that the leaves would be starting to turn for our drive on the most visited Parkway in the US but, alas, not yet. (I bet it's GORGEOUS now!) We had a great time away and enjoyed ourselves. We took our first ever specialty tour at the Estate, the 'rooftop tour'. We got to see some different areas and views that we hadn't seen before. Here are some of my fave shots of that day:






DS has been having a great time this Fall. There are so many more neighborhood kids his age in this development and he's made quite a few friends. There are a core group of 4-6 boys that come over each afternoon to play and jump on our trampoline. It's so cool to have kids FINALLY be able to just ride their bikes over and ask him to play. In Ohio, I always had to organize playdates and have kids dropped off or drop him off somewhere. Then I would have to watch the clock to be able to pick him up in time or make sure that no new games were started too close to pick up time. Now? Now, he goes off with his friends or they come over and they play until they're tired or it gets to be dinner time. LOVE IT! He's also been "booed". . . TWICE! Despite posting the first "boo" sign, we STILL got "booed" a second time. How cool! He also had a ball sneaking over and 'booing' his friends in the dark. Very spyish y'know!

Uh, for those of you that don't know about "booing" here's a link with an explanation and all you need to start your own 'booing'.

Other than that, life's been the same over here. Work. DH traveling (blech). Sunny being sunny. DS being wonderful. It's all good.

Yep.

All good!

Don't stop believin'!

Go TRIBE!!!!

I can taste it. . . . . .

tee hee. All the knitting is done.


Now there is just seaming to do.


Woo hoo!

Good vs. Bad

The GOOD:

The Indians are on their way to Fenway Park! :-)

The BAD:

We are in NC this year and are missing all the 'fever' in Cleveland. :-(



The GOOD:

My FIL and his wife are coming to visit this weekend! :-)

The BAD:

I need to do some major housework between today and tomorrow. :-(



The GOOD:

DH STILL loves his job and has just had his 1 year anniversary! :-)

The BAD:

He's been doing a lot of traveling and is set to do more still. :-(


AND last but not least. . . . . . . . .



The GOOD:

One sleeve down and just one to go! :-)

The BAD:

Work has been so busy and life so crazy that I haven't had time to knit and I still don't have that much! :-(

I can't stand the wait anymore!

10 hours and 41 minutes to go, but who's counting?

I'm such a two-timer! (psst actual knitting content)

Well, actually, it would be more accurate to say 5 or 6 timer with the number of UFO's I have going right now. Yep, this is a knitting blog and I actually have knitting content! Will wonders never cease? tee hee.

Oh yeah, back to my scandalous ways. So, remember when Ashley recently tempted me with this beauty?. Well, actually I first started to notice Ashley's designs when this first came out. I thought "Wow, that's hot!" albeit a bit impractical for a 40ish suburban mom with that big peek a boo back. I was contemplating it sans said hole but not enough to actually begin it. Then in this month's Magknits we saw Ashley again with this. Once again, it caught my eye but not enough to put me over the edge.

But then. . . . . .

Then there was Cherie Amour. Oh, my. I just went into my best Stevie Wonder when I saw this one.

"My cherie amour, pretty little one that I adore. You're the only one my heart beats for. How I wish that you were mine. . . . . . . ."

ahem.

Anyway. I fell and I fell hard. So hard that I went out immediately and purchased (yikes, I know I know) the yarn for it. Now in my defense, I searched my stash but alas I had no yarn in sufficient quantity and correct gauge for this one. So, purchase it was. Thankfully I still had some credit on the gift certificate that DH got me for Christmas last year (yep! I can show restraint when I want to, see?). I did have to purchase a 24" size 13 circular but, that's beyond the point.

So, cast on I did and after just 3 knitting sessions, this is where I am:

Isn't she beautiful? (uh, the sweater I mean). I love it. I would be much further along had it not been for some snaffoos I had yesterday in the neckline decreases. I had to knit and unknit a total of 12 rows (knit 2 1/2 - realize a mistake - unkit 2 1/2 - knit 4 1/2 - find mistake - unknit 2 1/2, etc.) That's what I get for knitting while watching college football I guess. But, I'm happy with the results and glad to have fixed all my mistakes. I'm so close to the end I can't stand it.

Specifics: Cherie Amour
Fall 2007 Knitty
24" addi-turbo circulars in both US 9 and US 13
Manos del Urugay kettle dyed wool
Color 107

My goal is to have her done before the start of Secret of the Stole. I think I can do it. What do you all think?