Cuz did you know that when you get a lay off notice that it's a silent request for everyone in the damn company to demand you do something for them RIGHT NOW? Yeah. It is. I didn't know either! They should send out a memo or something. So yeah, it's been crazy busy and stuff.
Anyway, just thought it was a good idea to say "Hey! Look! I'm alive! Woohoo!" Things are looking up even though I am still losing my damn job (bitter much?) and don't have another one lined up yet. BUT, I have some leads and I've got ideas running through my head (but there's so much room!) that I might try selling stuff on Etsy, creating patterns and maybe try my hand at writing...something....or something. A Stalker Angie book.
......
.......
Pppfffttttttbuahahahahahahaha! Heehee....damn that's funny.
But seriously, thanks to those of you who have sent me job ideas and application links. They are all being seriously considered (Do you think you could work with me? Do you think you'd get anything done with me around?) and some applications have been sent in. So again, thank you!
Keep your eyes open for an Austin countdown timer on the side somewhere. I'm so ready to go. I'm also gonna try and stay in town that night cuz....ya know....there's alcohol and such. Not that I'll be getting drunk (cuz we all know I'm a mean ass drunk) but a couple of drinks might be nice, ya know? Plus, someone might wanna hang out and sit around a hotel room and knit or something. It could happen. Shut up.
COME TO AUSTIN!!! (It's not that far from Washington/Vermont/Illinois/Canada dammit. Carpool or something)
Back to work. *sigh*
Update: The countdown time was wider than I thought so it goes up top instead of on the side bar. Thanks for the link Christina!!
Living vicariously through others with grace and elegance. Okay, no, I'm actually trying to find my own life by stalking the shit out of it!
Friday, October 06, 2006
Friday, September 29, 2006
Numb + Scared + Really Pissed Off = Me
Ok, so you know that thing you do where..ya know...you get up in the morning and you eat breakfast, then you shower and get dressed and drive? That...uumm....damn...oh yeah! Work! That thing! Ya know where you have this...job thing and it helps you buy yarn and gives you a place to live where you store the yarn? Oh and it pays for the vehicle that takes you to the yarn store? Ooh ooh and it pays for the internet thingy where you get to talk to all your blog friends? That work thing? Yeah....
So Tuesday afternoon we found out they're doing lay offs at work. So like, my last day is December 29th. And remember how I said T and I work at the same place? Yeah so his last day is February 28th. So like, 2 people, married, living in the same house, both getting laid off. And we live in a town where ' job market' is an oxymoron. There isn't one. You can work at the college where they don't hire anyone unless you went there at some point, or retail and I am so not going back to retail. No really. I feel rather strongly on that subject. No retail. Allow me to demonstrate the ability for me to hate retail.
Me: So what the hell are we gonna do now?
T: Ummm.....
Me: Yeah, my thoughts too, dude.
T: Well, we have options, baby. It's not like we don't have job skills.
Me: *glare of hatred* Don't say it.
T: Well, darling, you are good at retail and you have all of that experience.
Me: Looking for sharp object to poke your eyes out with now.
T: Don't be silly, I'm being serious.
Me: I totally told you 5 years ago I wasn't ever going back to retail.
T: I know you don't like it but...
Me: No! Are you deaf? No retail. Don't make me cuss at you. Don't look at me like that, I will cuss you.
T: You're being unreasonable.
Me: Ok, let me explain. Retail + Me = NOT. I won't go back to retail. No. I would rather stand on the edge of a cliff, take a full bottle of arsenic, slit my wrists, drink a bottle of bleach, take an entire bottle of sleeping pills, then shoot myself in the fucking face so that I fall off of said cliff before I go back into retail.
T: You're not right. In the head I mean.
Me: No retail.
T: Well, I gather you feel rather strongly about this.
Me: Just a smidge dear, just a smidge. And you made me cuss you. You were warned.
T: So how bad will the disappointment be when you tell your blog friends you can't make it to Austin.
Me: I'm sorry, were you speaking?
T: We have to save money.
Me: Eat shit, dear, I am so going to Austin. I will eat light or whatever. I really, really need this trip now and if you try and tell me no, it won't be me on said cliff and it will be a different face I shoot. *glare*
T: Well, ok, so you'll have fun in Austin then.
Me: Yep.
So yeah now what? I mean, starting over sucks ass, guys. I've never left a job without another one lined up. We can't just pack up and move, we own our house. We have 5 dogs and a cat. Apartments are kinda out of the question. T's medicine is $1,500 a freaking month without our insurance. Plus, this is kinda putting stress on him and if he relapses due to this shit? I am so gonna sue the pants off these bastards. And dammit, I like my job! I like the people I work with! I make good money for our area. ARRRGGGG!
Tuesday I cried. A lot. Wednesday I was numb. Today I was just really pissed off about it all. I hate corporate politics. We have a guy in our room that is in the middle of adopting a baby. We have a 50 year old woman with cancer. We have a 52 year old supervisor that sold everything after her husband died, packed up and moved here to start over. We have a lot of single moms where I work. Out of 120 people in our location, 66 are being laid off. For where we live, that's flooding the market with people looking for the same types of jobs.
Did I mention how much I hate retail?
So Tuesday afternoon we found out they're doing lay offs at work. So like, my last day is December 29th. And remember how I said T and I work at the same place? Yeah so his last day is February 28th. So like, 2 people, married, living in the same house, both getting laid off. And we live in a town where ' job market' is an oxymoron. There isn't one. You can work at the college where they don't hire anyone unless you went there at some point, or retail and I am so not going back to retail. No really. I feel rather strongly on that subject. No retail. Allow me to demonstrate the ability for me to hate retail.
Me: So what the hell are we gonna do now?
T: Ummm.....
Me: Yeah, my thoughts too, dude.
T: Well, we have options, baby. It's not like we don't have job skills.
Me: *glare of hatred* Don't say it.
T: Well, darling, you are good at retail and you have all of that experience.
Me: Looking for sharp object to poke your eyes out with now.
T: Don't be silly, I'm being serious.
Me: I totally told you 5 years ago I wasn't ever going back to retail.
T: I know you don't like it but...
Me: No! Are you deaf? No retail. Don't make me cuss at you. Don't look at me like that, I will cuss you.
T: You're being unreasonable.
Me: Ok, let me explain. Retail + Me = NOT. I won't go back to retail. No. I would rather stand on the edge of a cliff, take a full bottle of arsenic, slit my wrists, drink a bottle of bleach, take an entire bottle of sleeping pills, then shoot myself in the fucking face so that I fall off of said cliff before I go back into retail.
T: You're not right. In the head I mean.
Me: No retail.
T: Well, I gather you feel rather strongly about this.
Me: Just a smidge dear, just a smidge. And you made me cuss you. You were warned.
T: So how bad will the disappointment be when you tell your blog friends you can't make it to Austin.
Me: I'm sorry, were you speaking?
T: We have to save money.
Me: Eat shit, dear, I am so going to Austin. I will eat light or whatever. I really, really need this trip now and if you try and tell me no, it won't be me on said cliff and it will be a different face I shoot. *glare*
T: Well, ok, so you'll have fun in Austin then.
Me: Yep.
So yeah now what? I mean, starting over sucks ass, guys. I've never left a job without another one lined up. We can't just pack up and move, we own our house. We have 5 dogs and a cat. Apartments are kinda out of the question. T's medicine is $1,500 a freaking month without our insurance. Plus, this is kinda putting stress on him and if he relapses due to this shit? I am so gonna sue the pants off these bastards. And dammit, I like my job! I like the people I work with! I make good money for our area. ARRRGGGG!
Tuesday I cried. A lot. Wednesday I was numb. Today I was just really pissed off about it all. I hate corporate politics. We have a guy in our room that is in the middle of adopting a baby. We have a 50 year old woman with cancer. We have a 52 year old supervisor that sold everything after her husband died, packed up and moved here to start over. We have a lot of single moms where I work. Out of 120 people in our location, 66 are being laid off. For where we live, that's flooding the market with people looking for the same types of jobs.
Did I mention how much I hate retail?
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Hear Ye, Hear Ye!
The time and date are set. The management has been forewarned. So come one, come all, to the First (maybe only) Annual (bi-annual, monthly, or whatever) Texas (Or where ever) Knitter/Crocheter/Blogger/Crazy Persons Get Together!!! The title is a little long, but I wasn't making t-shirts anyway. So here's the deal. If you wanna come hang out and meet up and get to know your fellow bloggers, you're invited! If you wanna come just for food and laughs, you're invited! You don't have to be a knitter or a crocheter or a blogger. Just be aware you may be one or all of these things before you leave. Hell, you don't even have to live in Texas. It just makes the drive shorter.
Now, it has come to my attention from the dear Tina that this date is also the same as the Lonestar Knitters Knit Out and Crochet at Border's Bookstore. Anyone for combining brunch at Opal Divine's then descending on Borders to digest, knit/crochet en mass to scare the (To coin a Harlot phrase) muggles with out hooks and pointy sticks? I love the idea myself.
Now, the brunch thing is not a concrete engagement. I'll be there at (or around, you guys know me, huh Dene) 11:00 am and plan to hang around for quite a few hours and letting people drift in and out as they see fit. Just come in, grab a seat, order food and chat. You don't have to stay just cuz I am. I had planned to head off to the Knit Out around 3 pm anyway just to see what I could see and meet who I could meet. Fun stuff, dudes. Plus, there are yarn stores in town to hit up. Seriously.
If you don't make it to the restaurant and you see me at the Knit Out? For the love of wool people, stop me and say hi. I don't bite unless you ask nicely or spill queso on your shirt. Then all bets are off. But I would love to meet as many as I can cuz I'm a total dork. Just ask Christina. She knows what a big dork I am.
Who's going? Who all do I get to meet? Who all do I get to see again? This is gonna rule.
DETAILS!!!!!
What: A bunch of loonies sitting around yakking, eating and possibly playing with yarn.
When: October 14, 2006 from 11 am until they throw our sorry asses out the door or we decide to go torment someone else.
Where: Opal Divine's Penn Field at 3601 S. Congress Ave. Ste. K100 in Austin, Texas.
Why: Because we can! And we want to! And if you guys leave me sitting there alone feeling stupid I shall show you the true meaning of Stalker! (Kidding. Maybe.)
How: Now here's the trick. I suggest car pooling and a designated driver. Seriously. Jesus loves me and if you get into an accident and die because of our get together, he will resurrect your ass for me so I can kick it all over this state and kill you again. Nuff said. We don't play that drunk driver game here. Dammit.
Now, it has come to my attention from the dear Tina that this date is also the same as the Lonestar Knitters Knit Out and Crochet at Border's Bookstore. Anyone for combining brunch at Opal Divine's then descending on Borders to digest, knit/crochet en mass to scare the (To coin a Harlot phrase) muggles with out hooks and pointy sticks? I love the idea myself.
Now, the brunch thing is not a concrete engagement. I'll be there at (or around, you guys know me, huh Dene) 11:00 am and plan to hang around for quite a few hours and letting people drift in and out as they see fit. Just come in, grab a seat, order food and chat. You don't have to stay just cuz I am. I had planned to head off to the Knit Out around 3 pm anyway just to see what I could see and meet who I could meet. Fun stuff, dudes. Plus, there are yarn stores in town to hit up. Seriously.
If you don't make it to the restaurant and you see me at the Knit Out? For the love of wool people, stop me and say hi. I don't bite unless you ask nicely or spill queso on your shirt. Then all bets are off. But I would love to meet as many as I can cuz I'm a total dork. Just ask Christina. She knows what a big dork I am.
Who's going? Who all do I get to meet? Who all do I get to see again? This is gonna rule.
Friday, September 22, 2006
The Perfect Autumn & Winter Potpourri
The Perfect Autumn & Winter Potpourri
This is the perfect smell for your home for the Autumn and Winter seasons. If you like the smell of fresh apple pies, Christmas cookies, fruit cakes and wassail you’ll love the way this makes your house smell.
All ingredients are option and can be changed to suit your needs or wants. Basic recipe below.
1 small apple (Don’t go for the best taste, go for the strongest smell.)
1 small orange
1 small lemon
Vanilla Extract
Whole cloves
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Allspice
Peel the apple, orange and lemon and place the peels in a 1 qt glass sauce pot. Add vanilla and spices according to what smells good to you. Like more vanilla? Go for it. Like more cinnamon? Let your smell guide you. Add water until about an inch from the top of the pan so it covers all ingredients. Place on stove and let heat over lowest heat possible. Walk away and enjoy the scent. As the water boils out, simply add more water to keep the ingredients from burning. You can cover and refrigerate over night and the scent will last approximately 5 days. Not bad for less than $2 in fruit!
If you’re worried about wasting the fruit, cut up the apple and the orange and place in a bowl with a sliced banana. Squeeze the juice out of the lemon into the bowl, mix and enjoy a light fruit salad.
Dear Anonymous,
I have no idea who you are, but I am properly freaked out now, thanks. Do I still win a prize for being chicken shit? Cuz, I totally deserve one of those. I mean sure, I know people who know me personally and read the blog, but I don't know any who know my brother. My folks, yes, but my brother?
So, tell me who you are then umm..yeah so I know if my mom is actually reading this so I quit saying things like fuckerpants.
Love,
Stalker
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Because Stupid Conversations Are Hereditary
So yesterday was my Mom's birthday (Happy B-Day, Boo!) and I didn't forget, but it was late when I was getting around to calling her. There was work, we needed a new vaccuum, Tinker needed toys, and I needed fruit for some potpourri. (I'll give you the recipe for the best damn homemade potpourri that will have you drooling, if you want it.) Getting home, there was hanging of the toy for Tinker to play with, assembling the new vaccuum (alone since hubby was outside) and dinner. So as I was winding up to call Mom, my cell phone rings. It's my brother.
Me: Hello?
Bro: You need to call Momma.
Me: Umm, yeah I know, it's her birthday. Hi to you too.
Bro: Then why haven't you called her yet? I was the first one to call her and I'm always the last cuz I'm an asshole.
Me: Ok, no argument there. And dude, it's called "life." You should get one.
Bro: Well I already called Larry (our oldest brother) and left him a nasty message.
Me: You so need to stop sucking up. You're already Mom's favorite and your head is so far up her butt that if she turns too fast it'll break your neck.
Bro: *Laughing his ass off* Oh like you're not Daddy's favorite.
Me: Well duh, I'm the girl, but I don't kiss his butt like you do Mom. I bet you told her you were gonna call us, didn't you.
Bro: Hell yeah
Me: Suck up.
Bro: Whatever, just call her and at least ACT like you love her.
Me: Oh what the f*ck ever, dude! Who took her on a freakin cruise?? I did. She knows I love her, and besides, none of you called me on my birthday.
Bro: I did too.
Me: Nope. Not you, Larry, Mom and Dad, the in-laws...nobody.
Bro: Well, nobody calls me on my birthday.
Me: That's cuz nobody likes you.
Bro: Why?
Me: Cuz you're an asshole.
Bro: Oh yeah. Call Momma.
Me: I will when you get the hell off my phone.
Bro: Oh yeah. Ok, see ya sis.
Me: blah blah blah.
Bro: *laughter* Bitch.
Me: *laughter* Asshole.
Don't you just love family?
Me: Hello?
Bro: You need to call Momma.
Me: Umm, yeah I know, it's her birthday. Hi to you too.
Bro: Then why haven't you called her yet? I was the first one to call her and I'm always the last cuz I'm an asshole.
Me: Ok, no argument there. And dude, it's called "life." You should get one.
Bro: Well I already called Larry (our oldest brother) and left him a nasty message.
Me: You so need to stop sucking up. You're already Mom's favorite and your head is so far up her butt that if she turns too fast it'll break your neck.
Bro: *Laughing his ass off* Oh like you're not Daddy's favorite.
Me: Well duh, I'm the girl, but I don't kiss his butt like you do Mom. I bet you told her you were gonna call us, didn't you.
Bro: Hell yeah
Me: Suck up.
Bro: Whatever, just call her and at least ACT like you love her.
Me: Oh what the f*ck ever, dude! Who took her on a freakin cruise?? I did. She knows I love her, and besides, none of you called me on my birthday.
Bro: I did too.
Me: Nope. Not you, Larry, Mom and Dad, the in-laws...nobody.
Bro: Well, nobody calls me on my birthday.
Me: That's cuz nobody likes you.
Bro: Why?
Me: Cuz you're an asshole.
Bro: Oh yeah. Call Momma.
Me: I will when you get the hell off my phone.
Bro: Oh yeah. Ok, see ya sis.
Me: blah blah blah.
Bro: *laughter* Bitch.
Me: *laughter* Asshole.
Don't you just love family?
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
At A Loss
I have no idea how to follow up that last post. The response was so awesome and you guys had me in tears laughing. I cannot tell you how often I giggled while knitting the sock just thinking about that post. So, I'll go with the basics. The pattern is an adaptation of Widdershins in the Summer 2006 Knitty. Basically, I just skipped the leg part and went straight into the cuff. The yarn used was Knitpicks Parade knit up on size 3 DPNs. That sounded like I knew what I was talking about, huh.
And since I am dying at work, I will simply distract you with an overload of cuteness. I leave you with Tinker and Alex napping.
And since I am dying at work, I will simply distract you with an overload of cuteness. I leave you with Tinker and Alex napping.
Friday, September 08, 2006
For The Record
For this post, my dear Stalkees, there will be loads of sarcasm. I know shocking. For your enjoyment of this post, I recommend that anything that resides within quotation marks, such as "Hi, I'm Stalker Angie," should be read in the whiniest, nastiest, mocking, nasally voice known to man. Or woman. Think 5 year old children mocking each other with "I know you are, but what am I?" and you should be fine.
Hi! Me again. I think we need to set some things straight. I'm Stalker Angie. I stalk knitters. I crochet. I am a Crocheter. It's what I do. It's what I love to do. I do own knitting needles and they are quit pretty on their little knitting needle shelf where they will remain sitting pretty.
Don't get me wrong, I have knit in the past. A couple of scarves here, a hat or 2 there maybe even a cable once or twice. This does not even qualify me to be a knitter. I am so far from being a Knitter, it's unreal. Yes there is a difference between knitter and Knitter. You know there is. Here's my problem. In all my stalking and blog reading and such, I have become enamored with knitters and your gossamer lace shawls, your cabled sweaters, your fair isle cardigans, your quaint little socks and your felted purses. A lot of what you create has no equal in crochet. Well, not yet anyway. We're working on that and busting out of the granny square, but that's another tale for another time.
There are so many of you I consider friends and I know you mean well, but this has to stop, people. There are things in life I just don't do. I don't eat right. I don't exercise. I don't keep schedules worth a shit. I don't like cats. I don't knit socks. Stop suggesting the socks. Yes, I love sock yarn. I have lots of it. Why would I knit them? I have weird feet. I live in Texas where it is just hot as hell and we don't need socks. I don't like having my feet enclosed anyway, which is why I live in flip flops.
Every single time I wonder what project to move on to, what do I hear? "Oh, Stalker dear, you should knit some socks."
No.
"Have you tried knitting socks?"
No.
"Oh I bet you'd love knitting soooocks."
No.
"I'm not sure but look at these lovely socks I just finished."
Nice. No.
"Oooh, you could join our sock-a-long."
Hell no.
Stop it! I don't knit socks. I don't even like socks. Socks are the tool of the devil. It's like putting your feet in hell. I don't even own that many socks. Three pair of socks will see me through the winter and I only have to wash once a week. So for the very last damn time, I don't knit..
Well shit. Dammit, I blame all of you. I'm not going to start linking because it would take me forever. Oh there are some of you I blame more than the others, but I blame all of you. All of you with your parading of your socks and your self striping sock yarn. Your pretty little sock patterns that are oh so easy. You and your "Ooh look at me I knit socks." and "Aren't my socks so pretty?" and your "I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to knit socks."Well, this doesn't make me a knitter! It's one sock! So I enjoyed knitting it. So I figured out DPNs. So I wanna make more socks. I am a crocheter! Wanna know why? Cuz 90% of you knitting suckers have cats. I hate cats! Noooo cats. I have 4 dogs. I am a crocheter. You can keep your lace and your cats all to yourselves. It's one damn sock. At least there's no..
DAMMIT! Meet Tinker. He showed up at Mom's house while I was binding off that damn sock. He lives with me and the dogs adore him. T adores him. He sleeps next to me. I blame you guys for this too. I give up. Someone hand me a crochet hook please.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Stalked! Also Hi!
Yes, it's me! I still have a blog! I just don't know if I still have any stalkees. *pout* So yeah, life has been ever so busy and it sucks and I am trying to get back into the swing of the blogging and the stalking. I have so many blog posts to catch up on it's not even funny. Well, I'm sure the posts themselves will be funny, but you get my meaning. The hardest part of this is getting back into my groove for the blog. I have a writing style. Kinda. Sorta. Shut up, do too. I just need to remember what makes you guys snort and spew coffee on your monitors is all. Cuz, ya know, I find that shit funny.
Anywho, waaaaaaay back on Aug 19th, I went to Yarntopia cuz my arm was twisted and such. You guys know how I hate yarn stores.
This is an adorable yarn store. The folks are friendly, helpful and they have a really nice selection. So anyway as you walk in, there's this sitting area on the right with a sofa and 2 chairs and as I walk in I hear:
"I'm stalking the Stalker."
I heard it, I'm just not sure I heard it right and I'd have loved to see the look on my face as the lady on the couch repeats herself with less surety and a slight question to the statement. Good job Ang. Let's make faces at the stalkees and scare them. And who was stalking me? Why none other than the very lovely Dene!
I like Dene. You guys would like her too. She's funny and tall. OMG so tall. Yes, I know I'm short as hell. Also, shut up. Dene is awesome and we had a good time playing with yarn. I promise she was having a better time than what the above picture shows. I think I caught her off guard. This is more like Dene.
I'm angry about this picture though because it was supposed to be a stalking shot and the yarn I was hiding behind didn't make it in the picture and it just looks like I tried to shove my camera up her nose for a picture. She looks lovely though. I also learned her real name and in true stalker fashion, I'm so not sharing. My info. All mine. Mwuahahahaha....*cough*...sorry.
So Hi Dene!! Maybe next time lunch can be involved cuz you were a blast to talk to. There might have been yarn purchases, but we're not saying. What happens in the yarn store stays in the yarn store, right? Like a mini Vegas? Hee!
So I've noticed something rather odd, and you guys can tell me if I just need to lay off the crack, if I just have an obsession or if it's just this way. I try my damnest not to judge people on the way they look. Some of the sweetest people I know can scare children and adults alike just by walking in the room. By the same token, I know some physically beautiful people that will rip your heart out because they want to. Granted, there are moments when some people just make me think "Oh someone needs a makeover soooo bad." But I slap myself mentally and try to find pleasant things about people.
Then there's knitters. What's the deal with knitters? I've met several in person now, I've seen a horde of them when I met the Harlot, and lots of them post their pics on their blogs. So what is it about knitters that there aren't any ugly ones? Why haven't I met any ugly knitters? Do they just appear beautiful to me because they have yarn with them? Is it because they are usually draped in something hand knit that we can fondle? Everytime I see a picture on a knitting blog I'm all "Oh wow, she's pretty/cute as hell/beautiful." Why haven't I seen a pic on a blog that made me say "Well, it's a lovely shawl....she should stick to pics of FO's."
Is it possible with all of my stalking I have just become enamored of knitters as a whole? If someone in need of a serious makeover picks up knitting needles and yarn, will I think they're pretty all of a sudden? Maybe we don't need makeover shows. Maybe we just need to teach everyone to carry yarn with them and everyone will be pretty and shiny. Maybe I need to lay off the wine coolers for a while. Or dammit, maybe you're all just that damn lovely.
Anywho, waaaaaaay back on Aug 19th, I went to Yarntopia cuz my arm was twisted and such. You guys know how I hate yarn stores.
This is an adorable yarn store. The folks are friendly, helpful and they have a really nice selection. So anyway as you walk in, there's this sitting area on the right with a sofa and 2 chairs and as I walk in I hear:"I'm stalking the Stalker."
I heard it, I'm just not sure I heard it right and I'd have loved to see the look on my face as the lady on the couch repeats herself with less surety and a slight question to the statement. Good job Ang. Let's make faces at the stalkees and scare them. And who was stalking me? Why none other than the very lovely Dene!
I like Dene. You guys would like her too. She's funny and tall. OMG so tall. Yes, I know I'm short as hell. Also, shut up. Dene is awesome and we had a good time playing with yarn. I promise she was having a better time than what the above picture shows. I think I caught her off guard. This is more like Dene.I'm angry about this picture though because it was supposed to be a stalking shot and the yarn I was hiding behind didn't make it in the picture and it just looks like I tried to shove my camera up her nose for a picture. She looks lovely though. I also learned her real name and in true stalker fashion, I'm so not sharing. My info. All mine. Mwuahahahaha....*cough*...sorry.So Hi Dene!! Maybe next time lunch can be involved cuz you were a blast to talk to. There might have been yarn purchases, but we're not saying. What happens in the yarn store stays in the yarn store, right? Like a mini Vegas? Hee!
So I've noticed something rather odd, and you guys can tell me if I just need to lay off the crack, if I just have an obsession or if it's just this way. I try my damnest not to judge people on the way they look. Some of the sweetest people I know can scare children and adults alike just by walking in the room. By the same token, I know some physically beautiful people that will rip your heart out because they want to. Granted, there are moments when some people just make me think "Oh someone needs a makeover soooo bad." But I slap myself mentally and try to find pleasant things about people.
Then there's knitters. What's the deal with knitters? I've met several in person now, I've seen a horde of them when I met the Harlot, and lots of them post their pics on their blogs. So what is it about knitters that there aren't any ugly ones? Why haven't I met any ugly knitters? Do they just appear beautiful to me because they have yarn with them? Is it because they are usually draped in something hand knit that we can fondle? Everytime I see a picture on a knitting blog I'm all "Oh wow, she's pretty/cute as hell/beautiful." Why haven't I seen a pic on a blog that made me say "Well, it's a lovely shawl....she should stick to pics of FO's."
Is it possible with all of my stalking I have just become enamored of knitters as a whole? If someone in need of a serious makeover picks up knitting needles and yarn, will I think they're pretty all of a sudden? Maybe we don't need makeover shows. Maybe we just need to teach everyone to carry yarn with them and everyone will be pretty and shiny. Maybe I need to lay off the wine coolers for a while. Or dammit, maybe you're all just that damn lovely.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Hiatus
I'm so sorry my dear Stalkees! We had a new software version release and I have been avalanched by calls at work. Home is currently for laying on my couch and staring into space and hoping nobody speaks to me.
"Yes sir/ma'am, we are aware there is an issue with that process in the software and our development team is working on it. We hope to have a solution as soon as possible to get it out to your agency."
I've said that at least 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 times today.
Know what really sucks? I had an awesome weekend, got stalked and took pictures. I am hoping to be able to tell you that story soon cuz it's funny and y'all need a good laugh. I know I do.
Worst part? I haven't even been able to stalk ANYONE yet this week. You may pity me now. Break over. Hugs. Send alcohol. Or Chocolate. Or yarn. K? Thx.
"Yes sir/ma'am, we are aware there is an issue with that process in the software and our development team is working on it. We hope to have a solution as soon as possible to get it out to your agency."
I've said that at least 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 times today.
Know what really sucks? I had an awesome weekend, got stalked and took pictures. I am hoping to be able to tell you that story soon cuz it's funny and y'all need a good laugh. I know I do.
Worst part? I haven't even been able to stalk ANYONE yet this week. You may pity me now. Break over. Hugs. Send alcohol. Or Chocolate. Or yarn. K? Thx.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Not Even A Little Surly
So I had my wine cooler and I didn't even get touchy. I did, however, get giggly as hell and slept like a baby Wednesday night. Experiment successful I suppose. Did I mention I felt like a total retard sitting in my house drinking? Hell, even buying the wine coolers were difficult for me. If I am going to someone's house and I buy wine to take as a gift, I always find some way to mention it's NOT FOR ME. Yes, I am an adult. When it's convenient. Shut up.
So anyway, I think I'm supposed to do the wine cooler thing about once every other night cuz, you know, feeling retarded for drinking in your own house will de-stress anyone (she says with oodles of sarcasm). I will say though, that T had an awesome time having a giggly wife. He would say stupid shit and I thought it was funnnnny.....so yeah. Also, he thinks it's an awesome thing to have a tickle war with a giggly wife and he fights dirty, y'all. He starts doing the Jaws theme and I ALWAYS start giggling when he does and I can't fight while laughing. Cheating bastard. Cheater McCheaterson. I do, however, appreciate the lengths you guys went through to help me along in my alcoholism. I found it awesome and hilarious to read comments suggesting different alcohols to try. You guys soooo rock. Also, for future reference? Raspberry = Ewwwww! Just sayin.
______________________________________________
So Sunday is my dad's birthday, so I'll be going down to Katy, Tx. on Saturday and spending the night. I'm a total Daddy's Girl and always have been. In high school I was a choir geek and my senior solo was the song Daddy's Hands and it made him cry. I have made him cry other times, but those weren't warm fuzzy moments so we'll just move on, k? Thanks.
I have a yarn dilemma though. See, Katy has a relatively new yarn store there that's like, huge and stuff? And I wanna go? But I'm flat ass broke? Cuz the insurance company hasn't paid T for his disability time off for a month and stuff? But dammit, I really wanna go. I know they have fabulous yarns. What would you do? Multiple choice format, please choose one answer only.
a.) Avoid the store! It will be there when you have money again! You don't hit the corner when you can't afford the crack!
b.) Go to the store just to look around. Take a notebook and write down the things you'd really like to go back for. This will also give you the opportunity to look online and see if you can find it cheaper. It's possible to go and not buy anything and act responsibly. (Yes, I giggled like an idiot the whole time I typed that)
C.) You have money in your savings account right? What's the problem? It's not like your taking bread off the table. Take a little money out of savings for a little something for you.
D.) Why is this even a question? Close yarn store, money in savings that's YOURS and the insurance company has to pay T sometime......duh.
E.) OMG you selfish tart! It's your Dad's birthday, not yours! Use some of your savings money to buy HIM something or if you buy yarn, at least buy something you'll use to make him something. Damn, woman!
And....vote!
Saturday, October 14th is being worked on diligently. I have a couple of phone calls in to suggested restaurants and they are being picky and wanting numbers closer than "somewhere between 10 and 40 knitters/crocheters/bloggers." If anyone wants to start compiling lists of people you know are going let me know. It could help to be able to pinpoint numbers a bit better. Also, if anyone wants to step up and kinda coordinate things in your area, that would be cool too. Car pooling is a great idea for folks. Also, email me. We're only 2 months away. Hee!
So anyway, I think I'm supposed to do the wine cooler thing about once every other night cuz, you know, feeling retarded for drinking in your own house will de-stress anyone (she says with oodles of sarcasm). I will say though, that T had an awesome time having a giggly wife. He would say stupid shit and I thought it was funnnnny.....so yeah. Also, he thinks it's an awesome thing to have a tickle war with a giggly wife and he fights dirty, y'all. He starts doing the Jaws theme and I ALWAYS start giggling when he does and I can't fight while laughing. Cheating bastard. Cheater McCheaterson. I do, however, appreciate the lengths you guys went through to help me along in my alcoholism. I found it awesome and hilarious to read comments suggesting different alcohols to try. You guys soooo rock. Also, for future reference? Raspberry = Ewwwww! Just sayin.
______________________________________________
So Sunday is my dad's birthday, so I'll be going down to Katy, Tx. on Saturday and spending the night. I'm a total Daddy's Girl and always have been. In high school I was a choir geek and my senior solo was the song Daddy's Hands and it made him cry. I have made him cry other times, but those weren't warm fuzzy moments so we'll just move on, k? Thanks.
I have a yarn dilemma though. See, Katy has a relatively new yarn store there that's like, huge and stuff? And I wanna go? But I'm flat ass broke? Cuz the insurance company hasn't paid T for his disability time off for a month and stuff? But dammit, I really wanna go. I know they have fabulous yarns. What would you do? Multiple choice format, please choose one answer only.
a.) Avoid the store! It will be there when you have money again! You don't hit the corner when you can't afford the crack!
b.) Go to the store just to look around. Take a notebook and write down the things you'd really like to go back for. This will also give you the opportunity to look online and see if you can find it cheaper. It's possible to go and not buy anything and act responsibly. (Yes, I giggled like an idiot the whole time I typed that)
C.) You have money in your savings account right? What's the problem? It's not like your taking bread off the table. Take a little money out of savings for a little something for you.
D.) Why is this even a question? Close yarn store, money in savings that's YOURS and the insurance company has to pay T sometime......duh.
E.) OMG you selfish tart! It's your Dad's birthday, not yours! Use some of your savings money to buy HIM something or if you buy yarn, at least buy something you'll use to make him something. Damn, woman!
And....vote!
___________________________________________
Saturday, October 14th is being worked on diligently. I have a couple of phone calls in to suggested restaurants and they are being picky and wanting numbers closer than "somewhere between 10 and 40 knitters/crocheters/bloggers." If anyone wants to start compiling lists of people you know are going let me know. It could help to be able to pinpoint numbers a bit better. Also, if anyone wants to step up and kinda coordinate things in your area, that would be cool too. Car pooling is a great idea for folks. Also, email me. We're only 2 months away. Hee!
Update: I have caved to the pressure (and cuz I want to) and I will be at Yarntopia tomorrow. I'll try and get there by 10:30 am, but warning, I am late to everything. I should be fine, after all, I managed to not buy anything when I went to see the Harlot. We'll see. hehe
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Argh And Also Erg And Stuffs.
Ok, so there's supposed to be a post here. Yep, and it's supposed to be entertaining and such. Yep. Hmmm....by the way, you people are a hoot. I lurv my commenters. Blogger really needs to make it easier to respond by email cuz I feel like a total dork weed commenting on my own blog to reply to the comments.
So anyway, not much going on. There's some knitting and crocheting, of course, but nothing worth reporting on at the moment. I mean, yay, I knit one more row! Or, yay! I made another granny square that looks JUST LIKE the last 20 I showed you. Not exactly inspring. Also, is it bad that I am beginning to resent work? Cuz it sooooo takes away from time I could be knitting or crocheting. See, right now I knit during my lunch hour (I work while I actually eat lunch so I can have more yarn time) and I hate having to stop, put away the yarny goodness and go back to work dealing with people who whine. Every time I end up with a bitchy customer I can't help but think "Hmm....I could so be knitting/crocheting right now but nooooo" and I'm afraid it may come across in my voice.
Maybe I can have myself committed to the bouncy castle and they'll let me knit and crochet all day as therapy and then I can write a book about how yarn saved my mind and kept me from going totally mental. It will sell millions and then I can stay home to knit and crochet and write a book about how yarn and the previous book kept me from going mental. It'll be great. It would be a funny book too. Cuz dammit, I'm funny. Also, serious isn't in my DNA. That gene skipped me completely.
Is it selfish to want to stay home and knit/crochet all day and design patterns to make googobs of money? Or maybe not even googobs. Maybe just enough to, you know, pay bills and fly around the country stalking. Cuz stalking isn't crazy at all. I could go to fiber festivals and be an attraction! "Come meet Stalker Angie! She's totally batshit! You'll love her! Don't get your fingers too close to her yarn, she bites." I'll be in the stall between the sheep and the llamas. I'll be the crazy chick playing with yarn and rocking back and forth. There might be drooling.
So T thinks I am stressing myself out too much. I'm not sure where he is getting the idea really. So I get nauseated and lose my lunch daily. Doesn't everyone? No? Well damn. Part of it is worrying about money, the house, T's health, my health and not enough yarn time. The other part of it is work. No, I'm not stressed about work in the traditional sense. It's kinda hard to explain. Cuz I'm weird, that's why.
See, most people hate deadlines and they hate having 100 things thrown at them and they cannot abide chaos. I thrive on chaos. If you hand me 3 projects to do and tell me they are all 3 due in a week, oh and you need these 5 reports done by then oh and this customer has an issue you need me to help on, then my brain clicks into happy mode and I excel at my job. If I have to sit here with X amount of time between calls and very little else to do in between, then tell me I can't play with yarn on the clock, I go into stress mode. I cannot handle boredom at work. I feel like excess baggage. I don't want a lot of down time at work.
Also, I love the nit-picky shit. Don't hand me the obvious. I love researching issues and finding a resolution. I love when my yarn is knotted, too. I know. It's not contagious, I promise. When I worked retail and got over stressed, I headed down to accessories and got out the bin of tangled necklaces and worked on them until I was calm again. I play a lot of puzzle games. Not word puzzles, but visual puzzles. Mental puzzles. For a mental person. So yeah, I'm the only person I know that can be bored and totally stressed because of it. Now if they would let me KNIT OR CROCHET at my fucking desk, problem solved. But nooooooo we have to find new projects for me. *sigh* At least my supervisor cares enough to understand me and try to find new reports for me to do and find other projects nobody else wants.
So the point of all of this random rambling form the mind of a crazy person, is that T is trying to turn me into an alcoholic. Seriously. See, I'm not a drinker. If we go out to lunch and everyone orders margarita's, I'll be the one with the iced tea. Others drinking doesn't bother me, I just. Don't. Drink. I've been drunk maybe 5 times in my whole life. When T started having a lot of stress issues, the doctor actually recommended ½ - 1 beer a day. It says something when you go home, open the fridge and stare for a full 5 minutes before you yell, "There's beer in our fridge!" and the hubby replies with, "Damn, you are observant, baby." And you wonder why I marvel that I have let him live this long.
So anyway, stress, blah blah blah, bored, blah blah blah, alcoholic. T seems to think his "prescribed therapy method" (Yes, this cracks me the hell up everytime he says it) would work for me. I don't care for beer. I'm so over wine having worked in an import wine store and going to wine tastings all the time. Hard liquer is so not me. I'm flabbergasted by beer in my fridge. Can you imagine if I found Jack Daniels in the house? I might faint dead away. Or hell, I might cook with it. MMmmmmm. Oh sorry. So the solution he came up with is wine coolers. Ok, I can handle a wine cooler. I hope. I am gonna feel so damn stupid if I go home tonight, open a wine cooler (a wine cooler for fuck's sake) and get totally sloshed. From one.
Oh, and the reason I don't drink? I am a mean drunk. A seriously mean drunk. As perky and happy as I am sober, you get me drunk and I will punch people in the face for no reason other than I think it's funny as hell when I am drunk. This has been proven many times over. Drunk Stalker = Mean Stalker. Bad stalker. No yarn. I'll let ya know on Friday if T has become a battered husband. *cringe*
P.S For someone who didn't have shit to post, I sure can ramble.
So anyway, not much going on. There's some knitting and crocheting, of course, but nothing worth reporting on at the moment. I mean, yay, I knit one more row! Or, yay! I made another granny square that looks JUST LIKE the last 20 I showed you. Not exactly inspring. Also, is it bad that I am beginning to resent work? Cuz it sooooo takes away from time I could be knitting or crocheting. See, right now I knit during my lunch hour (I work while I actually eat lunch so I can have more yarn time) and I hate having to stop, put away the yarny goodness and go back to work dealing with people who whine. Every time I end up with a bitchy customer I can't help but think "Hmm....I could so be knitting/crocheting right now but nooooo" and I'm afraid it may come across in my voice.
Maybe I can have myself committed to the bouncy castle and they'll let me knit and crochet all day as therapy and then I can write a book about how yarn saved my mind and kept me from going totally mental. It will sell millions and then I can stay home to knit and crochet and write a book about how yarn and the previous book kept me from going mental. It'll be great. It would be a funny book too. Cuz dammit, I'm funny. Also, serious isn't in my DNA. That gene skipped me completely.
Is it selfish to want to stay home and knit/crochet all day and design patterns to make googobs of money? Or maybe not even googobs. Maybe just enough to, you know, pay bills and fly around the country stalking. Cuz stalking isn't crazy at all. I could go to fiber festivals and be an attraction! "Come meet Stalker Angie! She's totally batshit! You'll love her! Don't get your fingers too close to her yarn, she bites." I'll be in the stall between the sheep and the llamas. I'll be the crazy chick playing with yarn and rocking back and forth. There might be drooling.
So T thinks I am stressing myself out too much. I'm not sure where he is getting the idea really. So I get nauseated and lose my lunch daily. Doesn't everyone? No? Well damn. Part of it is worrying about money, the house, T's health, my health and not enough yarn time. The other part of it is work. No, I'm not stressed about work in the traditional sense. It's kinda hard to explain. Cuz I'm weird, that's why.
See, most people hate deadlines and they hate having 100 things thrown at them and they cannot abide chaos. I thrive on chaos. If you hand me 3 projects to do and tell me they are all 3 due in a week, oh and you need these 5 reports done by then oh and this customer has an issue you need me to help on, then my brain clicks into happy mode and I excel at my job. If I have to sit here with X amount of time between calls and very little else to do in between, then tell me I can't play with yarn on the clock, I go into stress mode. I cannot handle boredom at work. I feel like excess baggage. I don't want a lot of down time at work.
Also, I love the nit-picky shit. Don't hand me the obvious. I love researching issues and finding a resolution. I love when my yarn is knotted, too. I know. It's not contagious, I promise. When I worked retail and got over stressed, I headed down to accessories and got out the bin of tangled necklaces and worked on them until I was calm again. I play a lot of puzzle games. Not word puzzles, but visual puzzles. Mental puzzles. For a mental person. So yeah, I'm the only person I know that can be bored and totally stressed because of it. Now if they would let me KNIT OR CROCHET at my fucking desk, problem solved. But nooooooo we have to find new projects for me. *sigh* At least my supervisor cares enough to understand me and try to find new reports for me to do and find other projects nobody else wants.
So the point of all of this random rambling form the mind of a crazy person, is that T is trying to turn me into an alcoholic. Seriously. See, I'm not a drinker. If we go out to lunch and everyone orders margarita's, I'll be the one with the iced tea. Others drinking doesn't bother me, I just. Don't. Drink. I've been drunk maybe 5 times in my whole life. When T started having a lot of stress issues, the doctor actually recommended ½ - 1 beer a day. It says something when you go home, open the fridge and stare for a full 5 minutes before you yell, "There's beer in our fridge!" and the hubby replies with, "Damn, you are observant, baby." And you wonder why I marvel that I have let him live this long.
So anyway, stress, blah blah blah, bored, blah blah blah, alcoholic. T seems to think his "prescribed therapy method" (Yes, this cracks me the hell up everytime he says it) would work for me. I don't care for beer. I'm so over wine having worked in an import wine store and going to wine tastings all the time. Hard liquer is so not me. I'm flabbergasted by beer in my fridge. Can you imagine if I found Jack Daniels in the house? I might faint dead away. Or hell, I might cook with it. MMmmmmm. Oh sorry. So the solution he came up with is wine coolers. Ok, I can handle a wine cooler. I hope. I am gonna feel so damn stupid if I go home tonight, open a wine cooler (a wine cooler for fuck's sake) and get totally sloshed. From one.
Oh, and the reason I don't drink? I am a mean drunk. A seriously mean drunk. As perky and happy as I am sober, you get me drunk and I will punch people in the face for no reason other than I think it's funny as hell when I am drunk. This has been proven many times over. Drunk Stalker = Mean Stalker. Bad stalker. No yarn. I'll let ya know on Friday if T has become a battered husband. *cringe*
P.S For someone who didn't have shit to post, I sure can ramble.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Who You Calling Easily Amused?
You guys will never guess in a million years what I got to do this weekend. No, seriously, try and guess. Nope, not that. Erm....that's none of your business, but try again. Give up? Huh? I'm all giddy with excitement. Picture me standing tall (well, as tall as I ever can), chest puffed out (some of you will enjoy that more than others, heehee.) and hands on hips in a very old Superman pose. Are you ready? Drumroll please!!!
I, Stalker Angie, shaved my legs!
Yay!!! Woohoo!!! Go me. Umm....hooray? Yes, I am in my 30's, why? Ok, maybe you're not getting the picture here. I had a gimpy hip. This does not make for standing on the right leg long enough to shave the left one. I just can't go around half shaved. Also, sitting in the bathtub to shave is not an option with a bad hip either. How the hell do you get back out? So this is a milestone! Oh for Pete's sake people, I hadn't shaved in 3 weeks. I had Yeti's flirting with me in the grocery store. It wasn't pretty. My dear, darling husband who is still alive and you may wonder why in just a moment, actually said to me, "Aww, it's so cute when you cuddle with the two dogs on the loveseat. Oh wait, those are your legs. Nevermind." Then he walked away chuckling at his own comic genius. And he's still alive. Feel free to ponder that one.
For those of you who stopped by for pictures of clean laundry, my sincerest apologies. I did do laundry, I just didn't photograph the process. I still have a load to do tonight in case anyone is really, really interested.
Also, you know what else was supposed to happen this weekend? I was gonna dye yarn with kool aid for the first time. I was! I was all excited. I was just gonna do a single color on a small bit to test it and see how the process went. Woke up Saturdaymorning afternoon and got myself some coffee, played on the computer a bit, and talked with hubby who was not drinking coffee. So we have us a conversation. You guys know how this goes.
Me: You're not having coffee?
T: Oh I had some this morning. You know, while you were asleep? All morning?
Me: Whatever Mr. Morning Person. Did you make tea?
T: I was going to until I saw the 2 packets of kool aid. That's good stuff. I haven't had koolaid in forever. Thank you for getting it.
Me: ...........
T: What?
Me: *whimper*
T: Oh hell what did I do now?
Me: You drank my yarn dye!
T: Oh good we had our crack this morning. What are you talking about??
Me: I was gonna use the kool aid to dye yarn!
T: Well there's half a jug left. Go dunk your yarn or something.
Me: You are so dumb.
T: I'm not the one dipping yarn in kool aid.
Me: It's a proven method! It's been blogged! You drank my yarn dye. Dork.
T: Ok. Yeah. I did. Would you like a glass of yarn dye?
Me: Yes, please. With ice.
Y'all, that yarn dye was pretty tasty. Guess next time I should by some for us then hide the rest, huh.
I, Stalker Angie, shaved my legs!
Yay!!! Woohoo!!! Go me. Umm....hooray? Yes, I am in my 30's, why? Ok, maybe you're not getting the picture here. I had a gimpy hip. This does not make for standing on the right leg long enough to shave the left one. I just can't go around half shaved. Also, sitting in the bathtub to shave is not an option with a bad hip either. How the hell do you get back out? So this is a milestone! Oh for Pete's sake people, I hadn't shaved in 3 weeks. I had Yeti's flirting with me in the grocery store. It wasn't pretty. My dear, darling husband who is still alive and you may wonder why in just a moment, actually said to me, "Aww, it's so cute when you cuddle with the two dogs on the loveseat. Oh wait, those are your legs. Nevermind." Then he walked away chuckling at his own comic genius. And he's still alive. Feel free to ponder that one.
For those of you who stopped by for pictures of clean laundry, my sincerest apologies. I did do laundry, I just didn't photograph the process. I still have a load to do tonight in case anyone is really, really interested.
Also, you know what else was supposed to happen this weekend? I was gonna dye yarn with kool aid for the first time. I was! I was all excited. I was just gonna do a single color on a small bit to test it and see how the process went. Woke up Saturday
Me: You're not having coffee?
T: Oh I had some this morning. You know, while you were asleep? All morning?
Me: Whatever Mr. Morning Person. Did you make tea?
T: I was going to until I saw the 2 packets of kool aid. That's good stuff. I haven't had koolaid in forever. Thank you for getting it.
Me: ...........
T: What?
Me: *whimper*
T: Oh hell what did I do now?
Me: You drank my yarn dye!
T: Oh good we had our crack this morning. What are you talking about??
Me: I was gonna use the kool aid to dye yarn!
T: Well there's half a jug left. Go dunk your yarn or something.
Me: You are so dumb.
T: I'm not the one dipping yarn in kool aid.
Me: It's a proven method! It's been blogged! You drank my yarn dye. Dork.
T: Ok. Yeah. I did. Would you like a glass of yarn dye?
Me: Yes, please. With ice.
Y'all, that yarn dye was pretty tasty. Guess next time I should by some for us then hide the rest, huh.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Because I Will Obviously Post Damn Near Anything
Hooray for Fridays! I am so glad this week is over. It's been a rough one. I want to thank everyone who commented on Monday's Pity Party Post. I would just about get a grip, then someone would comment and I go all weepy again. This is a good thing as it's really what I needed. I needed to be able to wallow in my own darkness and despair (so dramatic) for a while and just let it out of my system. This was ok cuz I have an awesome supervisor who understands, having lost a husband recently to cancer. This was not ok when I got home and would receive a comment that would send me into weeping again. T was very concerned about my apparent eye leakage. I chalked it up to PMS for him and he didn't pry. I have trained him well. I have found my sunny disposition again (bastard was hinding under the sofa) and all is right with the world. You guys rock. Seriously.
Good news!!! I am no longer cane bound! The hip is healing along nicely and I hardly even limp now which is pretty damn awesome. This also means I have to start working the hip, but hey, there are other activities besides walking, yes? Hee! Oh. Sorry. Somewhat family friendly. Umm...I was speaking of water aerobics! I was! I swear.....really? *ahem* *innocent whistle*
So.....damn.....not much has been going on. I've been knitting, but it's not really worth mentioning at this point. Ditto on the crochet. I have a few projects on the back burner but nothing that needs to be discussed at this time. I umm...hhmm...I gave one of the dogs a bath but that's not exactly exciting. I went on a cleaning spree on Tuesday but hell, that's boring too. I don't discuss work that much so it's not like I have any funny anecdotes. Well, you definitely deserve better than this tripe I've typed so far.
So, let's stalk, shall we?
Ryan has the latest "possible" numbers for the Dulaan Project, and it's staggering, people. She's also giving away yarn to people who wanna go to her house in Seattle. If you're close, pop on over to her site for details.
Dorky Erin has an awesome vintage purse she is relacing the lining for. She's balloting on which fabric to line it with so go put in your 2 cents.
Amanda has had some good news on her site and her daughters are pretty as ever.
Poor Norma Dear is so swamped with work she turned off her comments! We'll send loving thoughts her way.
P-La scored with her sock kit pal. Looks pretty awesome.
Someone finished her Eris and it's beautiful! However, it seems she celebrated by going out and killing defenseless Muppets. Strange.
Steph actually started Joe's gansey. I think the world may stop now. She's been spinning it for what, over a year now. Not that she's busy with kids, home, husband, blog, books and touring or anything.
Cookie is Kicking the Can with Norma and the can seems to be kicking back. Go show her some love.
S t a c i is showing off some tiny religious figurines. She has a chewed up Jesus. I don't know why it makes me giggle, but I know my chances of salvation are still pretty good. I believe Big J has a sense of humor. God definitely does.
Nikki has a new wee babe chihuahua. Too cute.
Sachi is peddling awesome knitting bags from Knitpicks.com and her spinning makes you drool.
Susan has pictures of not just socks, but a lovely girl child in said socks. Cute kid, cute socks and a Ken doll. Solid Gold baby.
Lee Ann co0ntinues to get better. In fact, she seems to be well enough to flash her arse to the Quebec police. Hehe
NanC is having her 6th anniversary today. Congrats!
So that's our stalking for the day. I don't think I've ever posted actual internet stalking. It was just assumed I did this activity. Hmmm.
Anyway, Monday seems to be more promising in the post department. Don't ask me why. It's not like I have plans for the weekend. Hell, you may just get pictures of my laundry. I promise only to post the clean. Eww.
Good news!!! I am no longer cane bound! The hip is healing along nicely and I hardly even limp now which is pretty damn awesome. This also means I have to start working the hip, but hey, there are other activities besides walking, yes? Hee! Oh. Sorry. Somewhat family friendly. Umm...I was speaking of water aerobics! I was! I swear.....really? *ahem* *innocent whistle*
So.....damn.....not much has been going on. I've been knitting, but it's not really worth mentioning at this point. Ditto on the crochet. I have a few projects on the back burner but nothing that needs to be discussed at this time. I umm...hhmm...I gave one of the dogs a bath but that's not exactly exciting. I went on a cleaning spree on Tuesday but hell, that's boring too. I don't discuss work that much so it's not like I have any funny anecdotes. Well, you definitely deserve better than this tripe I've typed so far.
So, let's stalk, shall we?
Ryan has the latest "possible" numbers for the Dulaan Project, and it's staggering, people. She's also giving away yarn to people who wanna go to her house in Seattle. If you're close, pop on over to her site for details.
Dorky Erin has an awesome vintage purse she is relacing the lining for. She's balloting on which fabric to line it with so go put in your 2 cents.
Amanda has had some good news on her site and her daughters are pretty as ever.
Poor Norma Dear is so swamped with work she turned off her comments! We'll send loving thoughts her way.
P-La scored with her sock kit pal. Looks pretty awesome.
Someone finished her Eris and it's beautiful! However, it seems she celebrated by going out and killing defenseless Muppets. Strange.
Steph actually started Joe's gansey. I think the world may stop now. She's been spinning it for what, over a year now. Not that she's busy with kids, home, husband, blog, books and touring or anything.
Cookie is Kicking the Can with Norma and the can seems to be kicking back. Go show her some love.
S t a c i is showing off some tiny religious figurines. She has a chewed up Jesus. I don't know why it makes me giggle, but I know my chances of salvation are still pretty good. I believe Big J has a sense of humor. God definitely does.
Nikki has a new wee babe chihuahua. Too cute.
Sachi is peddling awesome knitting bags from Knitpicks.com and her spinning makes you drool.
Susan has pictures of not just socks, but a lovely girl child in said socks. Cute kid, cute socks and a Ken doll. Solid Gold baby.
Lee Ann co0ntinues to get better. In fact, she seems to be well enough to flash her arse to the Quebec police. Hehe
NanC is having her 6th anniversary today. Congrats!
So that's our stalking for the day. I don't think I've ever posted actual internet stalking. It was just assumed I did this activity. Hmmm.
Anyway, Monday seems to be more promising in the post department. Don't ask me why. It's not like I have plans for the weekend. Hell, you may just get pictures of my laundry. I promise only to post the clean. Eww.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Happy Birthday, Christina!!
It's Christina's birthday today. Go say hi. Give birthday wishes. Also, her hubby is coming home today on leave and that's ever so exciting. So go visit! Now! Why are you still here? I linked her. Several times. She's on the sidebar, too. Stop reading this! Damn!
Happy Birthday, my (picky! hee) friend. Enjoy your day and may you get everything you want.
(Update: Her hubby isn't coming home on leave. His ship is coming in and he's taking leave. Oops.)
Happy Birthday, my (picky! hee) friend. Enjoy your day and may you get everything you want.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Enter At Own Risk
This is not a happy, funny or light post. If you don't like the heavy stuff, come back Wednesday. I don't mind and I completely understand. I just need to vent in some form or fashion and tag, the blog is it. Today is an angry day. No, I'm not angry, I'm pissed. My husband fell this morning. Seems his MS is fucking with his balance now. This has been going on for weeks but he hasn't fallen before, he just got dizzy.
I only reacted enough to verify he hadn't been physically hurt by the fall. I say physically, because I know emotionally and psychologically, it's damaging as hell. We got him up, dusted him off and I got ready for work. Then I cried the whole way to work. Normally his MS doesn't get to me this bad, but I am really feeling it right now. If he is getting dizzy spells now, how long before he is in a wheelchair? How long before he's bed-ridden? How long before this shitty disease shuts down the part of his brain that keeps his heart beating? Or his lungs functioning? How long before I have to decide if he should be on life support or this shit disease takes that choice from me?
I work in a room with 4 other woman. All 4 of them have buried a husband. They joke that I'm not in the widow's club but here recently I get that lovely word running through my head. It's only 3 letters but it seems huge. The word is YET. And it pisses me off. I hate it. I want to scream and cry and rant at the world but there's nobody to yell at. I don't want to bury my husband at a young age. We want children but there's new studies showing MS may be hereditary. I get angry with family members who don't understand. I want them to back the fuck off without having to scream at them. I don't want to ask his mother if she wants to bury her son just to get her to stop nagging him about taking time off from work.
I hate watching him break down and weep in frustration. I hate watching him fight off depression. I hate watching him rage against everyone because there's really no one to blame. I hate that I am fascinated when he sleeps because he's so still. So quiet and peaceful. So everything he's not when he's awake. I love his laugh and I hate the fact that when I hear it I try to hold onto it and save it. My head says there will be plenty of laughs. My heart tells me I need to hold each and every single one as dear as I can so I can remember them.
My husband is so far from perfect it's scary. He's an ass, he's unforgiving, he's messy and he's selfish. I have people who can (and will) vouch for this. He's demanding, overly possessive and protective to a fault. He's also loving, gentle, playful, intelligent and funny. He puts up with all of my shit and still manages to say he loves me and mean it. He's never said "You have too much yarn." He's convinced I can do anything I set my mind to and he's always supported any life altering decisions I make. MS is threatening to take that away and I want to hurt someone responsible and there's nobody there.
It's exhausting to cry in the car and go inside and pretend your world isn't falling apart. I'm tired of being supportive all the time and not letting him see me break down. He thinks I'm strong and that I am taking it all in stride. He praises me for putting up with his mood swings and loving him enough to not leave him because of his disease. I'm not brave. I'm not strong. I'm scared and angry and hurting but it would tear him apart if he thought he was causing me pain, even inadvertently.
I'm going to get through work, drive home and then sleep. I'll wake up tomorrow and find my happy place again all will be right with the world. Until then, I'm going to knit and try not to use my needles as weapons. I'm also going to smoke (not at the same time as knitting though) and try not to use stupid people for ashtrays. It's not a great plan, but it's a plan.
I only reacted enough to verify he hadn't been physically hurt by the fall. I say physically, because I know emotionally and psychologically, it's damaging as hell. We got him up, dusted him off and I got ready for work. Then I cried the whole way to work. Normally his MS doesn't get to me this bad, but I am really feeling it right now. If he is getting dizzy spells now, how long before he is in a wheelchair? How long before he's bed-ridden? How long before this shitty disease shuts down the part of his brain that keeps his heart beating? Or his lungs functioning? How long before I have to decide if he should be on life support or this shit disease takes that choice from me?
I work in a room with 4 other woman. All 4 of them have buried a husband. They joke that I'm not in the widow's club but here recently I get that lovely word running through my head. It's only 3 letters but it seems huge. The word is YET. And it pisses me off. I hate it. I want to scream and cry and rant at the world but there's nobody to yell at. I don't want to bury my husband at a young age. We want children but there's new studies showing MS may be hereditary. I get angry with family members who don't understand. I want them to back the fuck off without having to scream at them. I don't want to ask his mother if she wants to bury her son just to get her to stop nagging him about taking time off from work.
I hate watching him break down and weep in frustration. I hate watching him fight off depression. I hate watching him rage against everyone because there's really no one to blame. I hate that I am fascinated when he sleeps because he's so still. So quiet and peaceful. So everything he's not when he's awake. I love his laugh and I hate the fact that when I hear it I try to hold onto it and save it. My head says there will be plenty of laughs. My heart tells me I need to hold each and every single one as dear as I can so I can remember them.
My husband is so far from perfect it's scary. He's an ass, he's unforgiving, he's messy and he's selfish. I have people who can (and will) vouch for this. He's demanding, overly possessive and protective to a fault. He's also loving, gentle, playful, intelligent and funny. He puts up with all of my shit and still manages to say he loves me and mean it. He's never said "You have too much yarn." He's convinced I can do anything I set my mind to and he's always supported any life altering decisions I make. MS is threatening to take that away and I want to hurt someone responsible and there's nobody there.
It's exhausting to cry in the car and go inside and pretend your world isn't falling apart. I'm tired of being supportive all the time and not letting him see me break down. He thinks I'm strong and that I am taking it all in stride. He praises me for putting up with his mood swings and loving him enough to not leave him because of his disease. I'm not brave. I'm not strong. I'm scared and angry and hurting but it would tear him apart if he thought he was causing me pain, even inadvertently.
I'm going to get through work, drive home and then sleep. I'll wake up tomorrow and find my happy place again all will be right with the world. Until then, I'm going to knit and try not to use my needles as weapons. I'm also going to smoke (not at the same time as knitting though) and try not to use stupid people for ashtrays. It's not a great plan, but it's a plan.
Friday, August 04, 2006
It's Not Even A Hurricane Anymore People....
There's no real post today my dear Stalkees because all of the insurance agencies in Florida are going crazy over what is now a tropical depression. I know they're leary, scarred and jaded, but damn people. If you're that nervous, I hear there's lots of room in Montana. Florida may not be the state for you. Just sayin'.
This was supposed to be a post full of some philosophical shit that almost makes me sound intelligent, but only if you're easily fooled. There was going to be discussions of optimists, pessimists and realists and the differences of each. I am an optimist. T is a pessimist. He claims to be a realist. He must have one harsh reality. We'll have this discussion at a later date.
Basically I am actually real excited about a Meet N' Greet (everyone is invited. Come to Austin. You'll love it.) and it seems to be getting a positive response. So here's the deal for today:
What: First Annual (maybe only, who knows) Texas Knitters Meet N' Greet
When: Saturday, October 14, 2006 (all freaking day, baby!) (Saturday sounded good in case you wanted to grab a hotel room for the night if the drive is long.)
Where: Austin. Some restaurant. Probably Mexican food since everyone seems to like it and P-La and I have a queso fetish.
Who: Well, everyone. Whoever reads this and wants to go. Whoever you want to invite along. Since when did we become elitists? The more the merrier. This is all about meeting other Texas (or wherever) Knitters/Crocheters/Bloggers/Crazies. I am the shyest person I know. Seriously. My self confidence is total shit. YOU can do this. come play.
What I would like is suggestions on restaurants that are easy to find (Dear God make them easy to find) so I can call them and see if they can handle a crowd. Then once a restaurant is decided we'll see who all wants to come play so I can give fair warning to said restaurant. Then we can meet, greet, eat and possibly descend upon some poor unsuspecting yarn store. Glee!
Suggestions and or (really) early RSVP's can be sent to either the gmail account in the sidebar to the right, posted in the comments or sent directly to ami0701 AT earthlink DOT net where you will be shuffled into the junk folder until I can rescue you. The fun never ends.
Oops, break is over. Gotta go sooth some agitated insurance agents.
Who's going to Austin?!?
This was supposed to be a post full of some philosophical shit that almost makes me sound intelligent, but only if you're easily fooled. There was going to be discussions of optimists, pessimists and realists and the differences of each. I am an optimist. T is a pessimist. He claims to be a realist. He must have one harsh reality. We'll have this discussion at a later date.
Basically I am actually real excited about a Meet N' Greet (everyone is invited. Come to Austin. You'll love it.) and it seems to be getting a positive response. So here's the deal for today:
What: First Annual (maybe only, who knows) Texas Knitters Meet N' Greet
When: Saturday, October 14, 2006 (all freaking day, baby!) (Saturday sounded good in case you wanted to grab a hotel room for the night if the drive is long.)
Where: Austin. Some restaurant. Probably Mexican food since everyone seems to like it and P-La and I have a queso fetish.
Who: Well, everyone. Whoever reads this and wants to go. Whoever you want to invite along. Since when did we become elitists? The more the merrier. This is all about meeting other Texas (or wherever) Knitters/Crocheters/Bloggers/Crazies. I am the shyest person I know. Seriously. My self confidence is total shit. YOU can do this. come play.
What I would like is suggestions on restaurants that are easy to find (Dear God make them easy to find) so I can call them and see if they can handle a crowd. Then once a restaurant is decided we'll see who all wants to come play so I can give fair warning to said restaurant. Then we can meet, greet, eat and possibly descend upon some poor unsuspecting yarn store. Glee!
Suggestions and or (really) early RSVP's can be sent to either the gmail account in the sidebar to the right, posted in the comments or sent directly to ami0701 AT earthlink DOT net where you will be shuffled into the junk folder until I can rescue you. The fun never ends.
Oops, break is over. Gotta go sooth some agitated insurance agents.
Who's going to Austin?!?
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Visitations
Well.....Hi there! Wow. I'm a better Stalker than I thought. So many awesome new people I have now met on the interweb because I took pictures of them. I'm getting around to stalking everyone and saying "Howdy!" and then those blogs are leading to other bloggers who were also at the Harlot sighting and it's just. So. Crazy.
Speaking of, you Texas knit bloggers are a few biscuits short of breakfast, ain't ya. I am having some serious Stalker love for all of you right now. I am considering seeing if anyone is interested in a luncheon meet & greet (cuz y'all, I saw some of the after party lunches and I am so jealous) and getting together in Austin, just cuz. I know, insane right?? Any thoughts or is anyone interested in trying to piece together a meet n' greet for Austin? Towards the Fall when we won't melt cuz we stepped outside? Cuz I would so be in.
I so wish I had had some semblance of sleep for that day and that I hadn't been gimpy. I'm normally not so stand-offish and have been know to walk up to people at events and loudly proclaim, "Hi! I'm Angie and you're new." This scares the new people at work, too. I also would have wheedled my way into one of those lunches and had a grand time. Have I mentioned I'm loud? I can be. I have good lungs for a smoker. I must say, it was still so awesome to see all of the knitters gather and be able to take pictures. There was also fun when I got home. Yes, it's time for another retarded Stalker/T conversation.
Me: Look at all the knitters and bloggers! I have awesome pictures.
T: Damn....That's a lot of people.
Me: Yeah. Hehe
T: So, who's that?
Me: No idea. A knitter. Isn't she cool?
T: Umm....Ok. So who's the lady with the...is that a Ken doll??
Me: Yep!
T: So who is she?
Me: Not a freakin clue but I blogged her! How cool is that? She knit him bermuda shorts!
T: Baby, do you know who any of these people are?
Me: They're knitters?
T: ..........
Me: Well, what?? They were there and they knitted and stuffs so I stalked them! The word is out there, baby. They'll come visit, see themselves and tell me who they are. I will meet them through blogging them.
T: You honestly think that's going to work? Are you on drugs? What are they putting in wool these days? I notice you people sniff it a lot.
Me with the pursey lipped, narrow eyed angry face: You'll see. You underestimate the power of the blog side.
T: Whatever, Dork Vader.
Me: Jerk
And what happened? So who won that argument, Obese One Kenobi? I did! That's right! Hah! And stuff. Yay knit bloggers! Yay internet! You guys rule.
So, responses to comments since Blogger doesn't always allow for emailed responses which sucks.
Christina - I totally got to hold the sock. Although I found out later that some people took advantage of a Harlot potty break and molested the sock. Shocking, I know. Hee!
Staci - Dig the handbag. Lurv the face eating sunglasses. Really. Very retro. I'll be over later for some TV Theme Song, k? I'll bring snacks.
P-La - I missed a Stitch N' Pitch in Texas?? WTF?? And there was nacho cheese spillage?? *cry* I demand a re-enactment! Hehe
Sachi - Right back at ya babe. *wink*
Kristin - Argh!!! Argh I say!!! I was like what, 3 feet from you? I call do over!
Caro - Lurv the Orangina. Ees veddy veddy nice. Pssstt, Susan, just kidding about the anger face. Hee!
Chris - Grr. You totally owe us a trip to Austin for a meet up now. Bring NanC and the rest of the grrls. You know you wanna. :)
Stacy - If it's any consolation, I didn't do a whole lot of introducing myself either cuz I felt like a dork for even thinking the words, "Hi, I'm Stalker Angie." It all felt like I should have on a polyester leisure suit with big gold chains and like I should lean back and do the finger pointy gun shooty thing with my hands then say it like, " Yo, I'm Stalker Angie, babe. What's your guage? Rowr..."
Meg - You sat in my pew. Not only am I in shock, but my juvenile side is now making me giggle like a moron. Yay! Sorry we didn't get to truly meet.
Childe - Blogless? I need a link woman! I cannot stalk without a link! Oh and yes, we seriously need to all meet up again. I feel like such a heel for not meeting more people. Chickie, I even checked over at Ryan's and the Harlots, scanned for comments and there's no link there, either. *le sigh*
Susan - You and Ken are now famous. You have been stalked by several people and it's a good schtick, let me tell ya. Also? I promise, no dead animals from me. I cannot vouch for any neighborhood cats who really, really like you though.
Jo - Hooray for stalking! It's an awesome gig. Ken was kinda hunky in the shorts, huh.
So, I may have some knitting updates for you on Friday, depends on how much knitting I get done. I just found out that my overly wealthy sister-in-law and her hubby are coming down from Colorado soon and want to come by my house. Which is still in a state of dog induced destruction. And I'm gimpy. Maybe we can claim no A/C and spend a quiet evening on the porch. Yeah, I like that. Easier than having to vacuum. Heee!
Speaking of, you Texas knit bloggers are a few biscuits short of breakfast, ain't ya. I am having some serious Stalker love for all of you right now. I am considering seeing if anyone is interested in a luncheon meet & greet (cuz y'all, I saw some of the after party lunches and I am so jealous) and getting together in Austin, just cuz. I know, insane right?? Any thoughts or is anyone interested in trying to piece together a meet n' greet for Austin? Towards the Fall when we won't melt cuz we stepped outside? Cuz I would so be in.
I so wish I had had some semblance of sleep for that day and that I hadn't been gimpy. I'm normally not so stand-offish and have been know to walk up to people at events and loudly proclaim, "Hi! I'm Angie and you're new." This scares the new people at work, too. I also would have wheedled my way into one of those lunches and had a grand time. Have I mentioned I'm loud? I can be. I have good lungs for a smoker. I must say, it was still so awesome to see all of the knitters gather and be able to take pictures. There was also fun when I got home. Yes, it's time for another retarded Stalker/T conversation.
Me: Look at all the knitters and bloggers! I have awesome pictures.
T: Damn....That's a lot of people.
Me: Yeah. Hehe
T: So, who's that?
Me: No idea. A knitter. Isn't she cool?
T: Umm....Ok. So who's the lady with the...is that a Ken doll??
Me: Yep!
T: So who is she?
Me: Not a freakin clue but I blogged her! How cool is that? She knit him bermuda shorts!
T: Baby, do you know who any of these people are?
Me: They're knitters?
T: ..........
Me: Well, what?? They were there and they knitted and stuffs so I stalked them! The word is out there, baby. They'll come visit, see themselves and tell me who they are. I will meet them through blogging them.
T: You honestly think that's going to work? Are you on drugs? What are they putting in wool these days? I notice you people sniff it a lot.
Me with the pursey lipped, narrow eyed angry face: You'll see. You underestimate the power of the blog side.
T: Whatever, Dork Vader.
Me: Jerk
And what happened? So who won that argument, Obese One Kenobi? I did! That's right! Hah! And stuff. Yay knit bloggers! Yay internet! You guys rule.
So, responses to comments since Blogger doesn't always allow for emailed responses which sucks.
Christina - I totally got to hold the sock. Although I found out later that some people took advantage of a Harlot potty break and molested the sock. Shocking, I know. Hee!
Staci - Dig the handbag. Lurv the face eating sunglasses. Really. Very retro. I'll be over later for some TV Theme Song, k? I'll bring snacks.
P-La - I missed a Stitch N' Pitch in Texas?? WTF?? And there was nacho cheese spillage?? *cry* I demand a re-enactment! Hehe
Sachi - Right back at ya babe. *wink*
Kristin - Argh!!! Argh I say!!! I was like what, 3 feet from you? I call do over!
Caro - Lurv the Orangina. Ees veddy veddy nice. Pssstt, Susan, just kidding about the anger face. Hee!
Chris - Grr. You totally owe us a trip to Austin for a meet up now. Bring NanC and the rest of the grrls. You know you wanna. :)
Stacy - If it's any consolation, I didn't do a whole lot of introducing myself either cuz I felt like a dork for even thinking the words, "Hi, I'm Stalker Angie." It all felt like I should have on a polyester leisure suit with big gold chains and like I should lean back and do the finger pointy gun shooty thing with my hands then say it like, " Yo, I'm Stalker Angie, babe. What's your guage? Rowr..."
Meg - You sat in my pew. Not only am I in shock, but my juvenile side is now making me giggle like a moron. Yay! Sorry we didn't get to truly meet.
Childe - Blogless? I need a link woman! I cannot stalk without a link! Oh and yes, we seriously need to all meet up again. I feel like such a heel for not meeting more people. Chickie, I even checked over at Ryan's and the Harlots, scanned for comments and there's no link there, either. *le sigh*
Susan - You and Ken are now famous. You have been stalked by several people and it's a good schtick, let me tell ya. Also? I promise, no dead animals from me. I cannot vouch for any neighborhood cats who really, really like you though.
Jo - Hooray for stalking! It's an awesome gig. Ken was kinda hunky in the shorts, huh.
So, I may have some knitting updates for you on Friday, depends on how much knitting I get done. I just found out that my overly wealthy sister-in-law and her hubby are coming down from Colorado soon and want to come by my house. Which is still in a state of dog induced destruction. And I'm gimpy. Maybe we can claim no A/C and spend a quiet evening on the porch. Yeah, I like that. Easier than having to vacuum. Heee!
Update: You guys leaving comments are cracking me the hell up. I'm seriously grinning like an idiot. Who knew Texas had so many knitters? Definite Meet N' Greet in the Fall. I may do one in Dallas then again in Austin. No, I'm not going "on tour" I just seriously wanna meet you guys. Too fun. Yay!
Monday, July 31, 2006
You Harlot!
I. Met. The. Yarn. Harlot. I did. I so did. I stalked her and everything. So let me tell ya the story.
I spent Friday night at mom's cuz she's closer to Austin and she had thought she might be able to go and she had my first 2 Harlot books from reading them and such. Then she and I got to talking on Friday night and the next thing I knew, it was 7 am and I had to hop in the shower to leave her house by 8 and be in Austin on time. That's right folks. No sleep. I didn't care. There was stalking to be done.
So off I head to Austin, cane in hand, worried that when I get to meet her I am going to totally dork out. I probably did, but I have an excuse. Ha! Anyway, I wasn't worried about falling asleep because I love the drive to Austin, where the motto is "Keep Austin Weird," so there's always something entertaining on they way. Like this little gem. Female biker. Love the license plate.
Rocket Bunny, indeed. Yes, we were stopped at a red light. Jeez, people. Do you think I take pictures while driving?? Ok, yeah so I took this one (and literally 8 more just like it) on the way.
This is why I could never fall asleep on this drive. It's gorgeous. It's like going through tree tunnels...and I think we all know how I feel about trees, huh. So, gorgeous drive, blah blah, motorcycle babes, blah blah. I found the church where she was speaking (does anyone else find this slightly ironic? Yes? No? ok) with no problem what so ever and man....was there a crowd! Here's the early crowd from my vantage point..
And that's just from 2 angles. I didn't get what was behind me. She had a nice turn out! I must say, it was a bit creepy to find people in the crowd knew who I was. If you guys papparazzi'd me, let me know would ya? I wanna come see how bad the pics turned out. To top off the heat of the day (Steph agreed with me that it was damn hot) my face broke out like 2 days before from my hip meds and I swear I had 15 yr old boys stopping me on the street giving me Clearasil money. It was sad.
So anyway, Steph was introduced as "Just another Harlot on South Congress" and we all laughed, but Steph? You're not just any Harlot, k? And here she is! Blogging us!
I know everyone says it, and it always comes across as sucking up to Steph or just, I don't know, insincere, but dudes, she's awesome. No, I am not gonna fall at her feet and worship her (unless my hip gives out and she calls 911 for me) and I know she's not perfect, but she is quite something. She's funny as hell. She had us rolling with tears in our eyes. Or it might have been lack of sleep. I don't know. I do know I watched her while I was in line after the reading and over at Hill Country Weavers and she treated each person individually with care and spent time with everyone. She viewed and commented on projects, asked about blogs....she is a lot more patient than me. Just another way we are polar opposites. She is also, quite lovely. Proof!
Before I got up to meet here, there was another lady in line who's name was Angie. Steph asked her if she was Stalker Angie. She was not. So I worked up nerve and went with the dorky and yelled "Steph!" She looked at me and I told her that I was, in fact Stalker Angie and I got the same response as Skitter; "Wow, you're a real person!" This cracks me up. It must be pretty awesome to travel the country and meet all these people. So then I got up there and I am so impressed that I didn't go total fan girl on her and just start screaming. Point for me. But I did get a Harlot hug, and we talked, we laughed, we blogged....
I totally dorked out when I got to hold the sock.
The lady behind me in the red skirt does NOT look amused. I'm sorry I took too long. Really. I know how bad the heat was. I promise. I know how hard the line was too. Thank you for not beating me with your circulars.
We discussed how now that we are face to face, polar opposites getting along, it was a bit disappointing because I think we both expected world peace to descend. I fully expected the middle east to suddenly sit down, pull out yarn and needles and discuss gauge and swatches. Someone in line said they would check the news when they got home. I like that person.
I didn't want to leave. I wanted to steal the stool next to her and just chill with her while she made nice with everyone. Or maybe I just wanted to sit and get off the gimpy hip. We may never know. I would, however, seriously love to spend an afternoon of tea/wine/beer and knitting with her. I think it would be a total hoot.
So I ended my Harlot adventure, stepped outside and stalked.
I uhh...don't know who these people are. By then I didn't know who I was. If you're in the picture, tell me! Hee!
I also got to meet Very Pink (very briefly, she liked my shirt) who is in one of these photos I believe. It was all a whirlwind but it was all wonderful.
I spent Friday night at mom's cuz she's closer to Austin and she had thought she might be able to go and she had my first 2 Harlot books from reading them and such. Then she and I got to talking on Friday night and the next thing I knew, it was 7 am and I had to hop in the shower to leave her house by 8 and be in Austin on time. That's right folks. No sleep. I didn't care. There was stalking to be done.
So off I head to Austin, cane in hand, worried that when I get to meet her I am going to totally dork out. I probably did, but I have an excuse. Ha! Anyway, I wasn't worried about falling asleep because I love the drive to Austin, where the motto is "Keep Austin Weird," so there's always something entertaining on they way. Like this little gem. Female biker. Love the license plate.
Rocket Bunny, indeed. Yes, we were stopped at a red light. Jeez, people. Do you think I take pictures while driving?? Ok, yeah so I took this one (and literally 8 more just like it) on the way.This is why I could never fall asleep on this drive. It's gorgeous. It's like going through tree tunnels...and I think we all know how I feel about trees, huh. So, gorgeous drive, blah blah, motorcycle babes, blah blah. I found the church where she was speaking (does anyone else find this slightly ironic? Yes? No? ok) with no problem what so ever and man....was there a crowd! Here's the early crowd from my vantage point..And that's just from 2 angles. I didn't get what was behind me. She had a nice turn out! I must say, it was a bit creepy to find people in the crowd knew who I was. If you guys papparazzi'd me, let me know would ya? I wanna come see how bad the pics turned out. To top off the heat of the day (Steph agreed with me that it was damn hot) my face broke out like 2 days before from my hip meds and I swear I had 15 yr old boys stopping me on the street giving me Clearasil money. It was sad.So anyway, Steph was introduced as "Just another Harlot on South Congress" and we all laughed, but Steph? You're not just any Harlot, k? And here she is! Blogging us!
I know everyone says it, and it always comes across as sucking up to Steph or just, I don't know, insincere, but dudes, she's awesome. No, I am not gonna fall at her feet and worship her (unless my hip gives out and she calls 911 for me) and I know she's not perfect, but she is quite something. She's funny as hell. She had us rolling with tears in our eyes. Or it might have been lack of sleep. I don't know. I do know I watched her while I was in line after the reading and over at Hill Country Weavers and she treated each person individually with care and spent time with everyone. She viewed and commented on projects, asked about blogs....she is a lot more patient than me. Just another way we are polar opposites. She is also, quite lovely. Proof!Before I got up to meet here, there was another lady in line who's name was Angie. Steph asked her if she was Stalker Angie. She was not. So I worked up nerve and went with the dorky and yelled "Steph!" She looked at me and I told her that I was, in fact Stalker Angie and I got the same response as Skitter; "Wow, you're a real person!" This cracks me up. It must be pretty awesome to travel the country and meet all these people. So then I got up there and I am so impressed that I didn't go total fan girl on her and just start screaming. Point for me. But I did get a Harlot hug, and we talked, we laughed, we blogged....I totally dorked out when I got to hold the sock.
The lady behind me in the red skirt does NOT look amused. I'm sorry I took too long. Really. I know how bad the heat was. I promise. I know how hard the line was too. Thank you for not beating me with your circulars.
We discussed how now that we are face to face, polar opposites getting along, it was a bit disappointing because I think we both expected world peace to descend. I fully expected the middle east to suddenly sit down, pull out yarn and needles and discuss gauge and swatches. Someone in line said they would check the news when they got home. I like that person.
I didn't want to leave. I wanted to steal the stool next to her and just chill with her while she made nice with everyone. Or maybe I just wanted to sit and get off the gimpy hip. We may never know. I would, however, seriously love to spend an afternoon of tea/wine/beer and knitting with her. I think it would be a total hoot.
So I ended my Harlot adventure, stepped outside and stalked.
I uhh...don't know who these people are. By then I didn't know who I was. If you're in the picture, tell me! Hee!
I also got to meet Very Pink (very briefly, she liked my shirt) who is in one of these photos I believe. It was all a whirlwind but it was all wonderful.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Growth
I have been avoiding the back part of my yard. Oh, I go outside and play with Bonnie and Clyde, or to BBQ or such, but I avoid the back part of it. The reason being that the back part of my yard used to contain a pear tree that was reduced to this during the fence construction.
This still bothers me. I cried for a week when my dad cut down a silver maple because it threatened his precious swimming pool. Now, I know pools are expensive, but damn, could you look into how extensive the root system is before you plant it? Cuz, it would have been easier. I know I've said it before, but I have a thing for trees.
I like the sound of the ocean but I hate the beach. I like the look of mountains but I don't want to climb them. Deserts have a sparse beauty to them but I don't really wanna visit them. Wide, open plains have a grace about them with their tall blowing grasses and their breath taking open skies but I feel too exposed. Trees I have love for.
Give me a forest with tall, majestic trees reaching to the sky. Give me the sound of the wind blowing through them as their leaves rustle with the movements of the earth. Give me the steady drip of trees after a rain storm. Trees provide food, shelter, shade and oxygen. They are a place to rest, a place to play and a place to live. In the Spring they fill the air with new growth and the flowers of the fruiting trees. In the heat of Summer, they give us shade from the sun and rustle to let us a know a cooling breeze is headed for us. In the Fall, they give us beauty in the final blazes of color transformations before the leaves fall. In the Winter, they provide a stark, skeletal beauty against the gray Winter skies.
Imagine my delight when I stepped out in my backyard and actually walked back to the back fence to see this.
That, my dear friends, is a baby pear tree. It's coming up from the root system and I cannot tell you the amount of whooping and hollering that went on in my backyard. So to the fence builders who cut it down I say, "Take that, you troglodyte chattel!! Viva la Poire!" And in less fancy English/French combo, "Ha! Kiss my ass, tree killers!!" To the pear tree, I say, "Grow, baby, grow. You got a few months to get big enough to survive the Winter. I'll do what I can for ya."
In knitting news (yes, it says knitting. I do know how, ya know.), this baby continues to grow.
This is made of the Touch Me yarn I got on my Dallas trip. I...I don't know what it's going to be. I really don't. I'm not sure I care either. I'm not worried about the end result. I am just enjoying working with this yarn. It will either be a wide scarf, a short stole or a big square to roll nekkid on. Like I said, this is all about the working with this yarn. I can also work it without my hands hurting and that's been wonderful. This project is also about re-teaching myself to knit. Seems I hold the yarn continental and wrap the yarn wrong so all my stitches are twisted. I re-learning how to yarn over so I don't get twisty stitches. It's a slow process, let me tell ya.
Tomorrow I am driving toDallas Austin (Sorry, I miss my Dallas Grrls.)to meet Stephanie, the Yarn Harlot. Guys, I get to stalk her in person. I should like, wear a mask and stuff except that would be beyond creepy for her and this is Texas. The headlines would read "Stalker Suffocates In Superwash!" or something equally stupid. Too hot. Plus, I am so looking forward to meeting my dear polar opposite. Hee!!
See you guys Monday when I come down off my Harlot high.
This still bothers me. I cried for a week when my dad cut down a silver maple because it threatened his precious swimming pool. Now, I know pools are expensive, but damn, could you look into how extensive the root system is before you plant it? Cuz, it would have been easier. I know I've said it before, but I have a thing for trees.I like the sound of the ocean but I hate the beach. I like the look of mountains but I don't want to climb them. Deserts have a sparse beauty to them but I don't really wanna visit them. Wide, open plains have a grace about them with their tall blowing grasses and their breath taking open skies but I feel too exposed. Trees I have love for.
Give me a forest with tall, majestic trees reaching to the sky. Give me the sound of the wind blowing through them as their leaves rustle with the movements of the earth. Give me the steady drip of trees after a rain storm. Trees provide food, shelter, shade and oxygen. They are a place to rest, a place to play and a place to live. In the Spring they fill the air with new growth and the flowers of the fruiting trees. In the heat of Summer, they give us shade from the sun and rustle to let us a know a cooling breeze is headed for us. In the Fall, they give us beauty in the final blazes of color transformations before the leaves fall. In the Winter, they provide a stark, skeletal beauty against the gray Winter skies.
Imagine my delight when I stepped out in my backyard and actually walked back to the back fence to see this.
That, my dear friends, is a baby pear tree. It's coming up from the root system and I cannot tell you the amount of whooping and hollering that went on in my backyard. So to the fence builders who cut it down I say, "Take that, you troglodyte chattel!! Viva la Poire!" And in less fancy English/French combo, "Ha! Kiss my ass, tree killers!!" To the pear tree, I say, "Grow, baby, grow. You got a few months to get big enough to survive the Winter. I'll do what I can for ya."In knitting news (yes, it says knitting. I do know how, ya know.), this baby continues to grow.
This is made of the Touch Me yarn I got on my Dallas trip. I...I don't know what it's going to be. I really don't. I'm not sure I care either. I'm not worried about the end result. I am just enjoying working with this yarn. It will either be a wide scarf, a short stole or a big square to roll nekkid on. Like I said, this is all about the working with this yarn. I can also work it without my hands hurting and that's been wonderful. This project is also about re-teaching myself to knit. Seems I hold the yarn continental and wrap the yarn wrong so all my stitches are twisted. I re-learning how to yarn over so I don't get twisty stitches. It's a slow process, let me tell ya.Tomorrow I am driving to
See you guys Monday when I come down off my Harlot high.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Additions
Look! It's the promised post from 2 of the previous posts! With pictures! And lots of exclamations!
This is a long, picture heavy post, my dear Stalkees, so bear with me while it all loads up. It's been a hectic couple of weeks at Casa de la Stalker with plenty to blog and it's not all about deflecting shit from Lee Ann during her recovery. Who, by the way, looks awesome and has a new weapon in the clearance section of her LYS. Sweetheart, if they try to take the yarn you were ogling, whip off the awesome skull durag and tell them the scar is from the last fight you had over yarn and that you were the winner of that one. Then grin at them. Then email me so I can laugh and laugh. It'll be so awesome.
Anyway, back to me, yay. So like I said, it's been hectic. There was the fence building and so forth and there has been just lots of throwing shit away from my house. We have set so much crap out on the road only to check an hour later and it is mysteriously gone. This has been so entertaining we are searching the house for crap to throw out. We have a big TV console and TV in my yarn room that is going to go and we can't wait for the console to try and leave. We're going to stake out the front windows to watch on that one. Yes, we have been getting rid of crap so why is this post titled additions? Meet Bonnie and Clyde.
Bonnie is the tan and Clyde has the cream coloring. T found these poor guys on the Catahoula Rescue Message Board and asked me what I thought. What do I think about what? Who remembers Penny, the Demon Dog? We are still recovering in our house from Penny. No. No way am I bringing in TWO Catahoulas when one did so much damage. Nope. Huh uh. Then he says this to me:
"They were dumped by their previous owners who had obviously abused them and they were found on the Utah freeway system starving to death. They are in a high kill shelter and if they don't have someone claim them today, they'll be euthanized in 24 hours."
Well, shit.
So, I made the stipulations that these were HIS dogs, he takes care of them, they are never allowed inside my house, they do not mingle with the little ones at all, and I want nothing to do with them except to be allowed in my backyard. Clear enough? I think so. I hold some serious bitterness towards poor Penny. Anywho, the rescue network had a guy picking up dogs in Colorado to come this way, so he agreed (free of charge) to hop on up to Utah and grab these 2. Then he called us halfway to Texas and raved about what wonderful dogs they were. Yeah right, dude. Tell someone who will believe you.
Then they got to the Dallas region and was fostered for 2 days with the lady who watched them after their spaying and neutering, who called us and told us how wonderful they are and how her 2 year old rides Clyde around like a horse. Whatever lady. You are so not gonna convince me that any Catahoula is "wonderful." Then hubby went up to Hillsboro, Texas and got them. When I got home from work that day I knew I had to go meet them and face them and deal with them being in my backyard. Ugh. Hubby had already called me a told me they were shy, skiddish and a bit stand-offish due to previous abuse. Great. I get to deal with mental dogs.
I get home, play with the little ones for a while and T comes in to lead me out back to meet the new dogs, warning me that they may not come to me at first. So I step outside, sit in one of the deck chairs and say "Hi, Bonnie and Clyde. Welcome home." They both came up to me, sniffed me, wagged their tails and laid their heads in my lap. It still brings tears to my eyes. I love these dogs. We've had some work and there's still a lot left to do but they have come so far. They are always happy to see us, they no longer cringe if we move too fast and they are beginning to finally play after almost 3 weeks. When we first got them, if you threw a toy they tucked tail and ran the opposite direction. Neither of these dogs is over 3 years old and they don't know how to play.
They are protective of us and our home. They can both jump our new 6 foot fence, but they just go to the front yard, lay down in the grass, then go BACK into the back yard of their own accord. If we let them go in the front with us, they stay with us and could care less about any cars or people going by unless someone steps in the yard, then they growl unless we say it's ok. These guys are smart and really amazing. They are pranksters. They love to ride and at one point T had popped his trunk for something and they both hopped in the trunk ready to go. They were a booger bear to get back out. The only time we have lost control of them was when our neighbor across the street came home and lowered his tailgate to unload something out of his truck. Before we know what was happening, they were across the street and in the guys truck bed. They REALLY like to go for rides. When I hurt my hip and was laid up on the couch, Clyde kept jumping the fence to lay on the porch below the window behind the couch. It was the weirdest thing. I cannot tell you how happy I am with these 2. I still can't believe we get to keep them. We still don't let them mingle with the little ones. We're gonna keep it that way.
Also new to our home, is these little guys. Mama Wren has hatched 2 more eggs in her laundry room nest. Two yellow beaks and twice the chirping power.
Speaking of additions, I had another new addition come live with me courtesy of Erin. Meet Clucky Rooster*. Clucky came with not only the cutest card ever, but she came bearing gifts of Lorna's Laces. I now own 4 skeins in 2 colorways of this wonderful crack yarn and I still don't knit socks. What is wrong with me??
A close-up of Clucky herself.
And because it's all about the yarny goodness, a close up of the Laces.
T had a hard time figuring out why I was dancing (ok, hobbling and limping) around with a box yelling "My chicken came in, my chicken came in! Woohoo!" until I opened the box and got teary eyed and said "My chicken brought me sock yarn! *sniffle* How cool is that!?" Which is when he realized it had to do with blogger things and gave up. Thank you soooo much, Erin. She's perfect.
I leave you with the sentiment at my house of all the recent activity. I think Alex sums it up beautifully.
*For those that are my age and wondering why the name of the chicken sounds almost familiar, she was named after Punky Brewtser. Hee!
This is a long, picture heavy post, my dear Stalkees, so bear with me while it all loads up. It's been a hectic couple of weeks at Casa de la Stalker with plenty to blog and it's not all about deflecting shit from Lee Ann during her recovery. Who, by the way, looks awesome and has a new weapon in the clearance section of her LYS. Sweetheart, if they try to take the yarn you were ogling, whip off the awesome skull durag and tell them the scar is from the last fight you had over yarn and that you were the winner of that one. Then grin at them. Then email me so I can laugh and laugh. It'll be so awesome.
Anyway, back to me, yay. So like I said, it's been hectic. There was the fence building and so forth and there has been just lots of throwing shit away from my house. We have set so much crap out on the road only to check an hour later and it is mysteriously gone. This has been so entertaining we are searching the house for crap to throw out. We have a big TV console and TV in my yarn room that is going to go and we can't wait for the console to try and leave. We're going to stake out the front windows to watch on that one. Yes, we have been getting rid of crap so why is this post titled additions? Meet Bonnie and Clyde.
Bonnie is the tan and Clyde has the cream coloring. T found these poor guys on the Catahoula Rescue Message Board and asked me what I thought. What do I think about what? Who remembers Penny, the Demon Dog? We are still recovering in our house from Penny. No. No way am I bringing in TWO Catahoulas when one did so much damage. Nope. Huh uh. Then he says this to me:"They were dumped by their previous owners who had obviously abused them and they were found on the Utah freeway system starving to death. They are in a high kill shelter and if they don't have someone claim them today, they'll be euthanized in 24 hours."
Well, shit.
So, I made the stipulations that these were HIS dogs, he takes care of them, they are never allowed inside my house, they do not mingle with the little ones at all, and I want nothing to do with them except to be allowed in my backyard. Clear enough? I think so. I hold some serious bitterness towards poor Penny. Anywho, the rescue network had a guy picking up dogs in Colorado to come this way, so he agreed (free of charge) to hop on up to Utah and grab these 2. Then he called us halfway to Texas and raved about what wonderful dogs they were. Yeah right, dude. Tell someone who will believe you.
Then they got to the Dallas region and was fostered for 2 days with the lady who watched them after their spaying and neutering, who called us and told us how wonderful they are and how her 2 year old rides Clyde around like a horse. Whatever lady. You are so not gonna convince me that any Catahoula is "wonderful." Then hubby went up to Hillsboro, Texas and got them. When I got home from work that day I knew I had to go meet them and face them and deal with them being in my backyard. Ugh. Hubby had already called me a told me they were shy, skiddish and a bit stand-offish due to previous abuse. Great. I get to deal with mental dogs.
I get home, play with the little ones for a while and T comes in to lead me out back to meet the new dogs, warning me that they may not come to me at first. So I step outside, sit in one of the deck chairs and say "Hi, Bonnie and Clyde. Welcome home." They both came up to me, sniffed me, wagged their tails and laid their heads in my lap. It still brings tears to my eyes. I love these dogs. We've had some work and there's still a lot left to do but they have come so far. They are always happy to see us, they no longer cringe if we move too fast and they are beginning to finally play after almost 3 weeks. When we first got them, if you threw a toy they tucked tail and ran the opposite direction. Neither of these dogs is over 3 years old and they don't know how to play.
They are protective of us and our home. They can both jump our new 6 foot fence, but they just go to the front yard, lay down in the grass, then go BACK into the back yard of their own accord. If we let them go in the front with us, they stay with us and could care less about any cars or people going by unless someone steps in the yard, then they growl unless we say it's ok. These guys are smart and really amazing. They are pranksters. They love to ride and at one point T had popped his trunk for something and they both hopped in the trunk ready to go. They were a booger bear to get back out. The only time we have lost control of them was when our neighbor across the street came home and lowered his tailgate to unload something out of his truck. Before we know what was happening, they were across the street and in the guys truck bed. They REALLY like to go for rides. When I hurt my hip and was laid up on the couch, Clyde kept jumping the fence to lay on the porch below the window behind the couch. It was the weirdest thing. I cannot tell you how happy I am with these 2. I still can't believe we get to keep them. We still don't let them mingle with the little ones. We're gonna keep it that way.
Also new to our home, is these little guys. Mama Wren has hatched 2 more eggs in her laundry room nest. Two yellow beaks and twice the chirping power.
Speaking of additions, I had another new addition come live with me courtesy of Erin. Meet Clucky Rooster*. Clucky came with not only the cutest card ever, but she came bearing gifts of Lorna's Laces. I now own 4 skeins in 2 colorways of this wonderful crack yarn and I still don't knit socks. What is wrong with me??
A close-up of Clucky herself.
And because it's all about the yarny goodness, a close up of the Laces.
T had a hard time figuring out why I was dancing (ok, hobbling and limping) around with a box yelling "My chicken came in, my chicken came in! Woohoo!" until I opened the box and got teary eyed and said "My chicken brought me sock yarn! *sniffle* How cool is that!?" Which is when he realized it had to do with blogger things and gave up. Thank you soooo much, Erin. She's perfect.I leave you with the sentiment at my house of all the recent activity. I think Alex sums it up beautifully.
*For those that are my age and wondering why the name of the chicken sounds almost familiar, she was named after Punky Brewtser. Hee!
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