Yarnmaven

Change

Changing Priorities

I can't say when exactly things changed.  It may have been when I agreed to become the PTA Fundraising Chair.  It might have been when my mom moved down from Dallas to a house only about 10 miles away.  It might have been even farther back before I became a grandma, I just can't figure out when exactly my life changed, but it did and I haven't quite adjusted to it yet.  I really miss blogging.  I really miss me time.  I really miss lots of things I used to do and don't seem to have the time to do now and yet, I keep trying to do it all.  Which means I am doing most things in a very half-assed, scatter-brained sort of way.  My life is spread so impossibly thin between work, family and volunteering that there is less and less time I get to spend at my favorite passtimes. 

Changing Technology

I used to think that I had to have something craft related to talk about in order to bother with a blog post.  I got over that a bit, but then I got completly sucked up in Twitter because Twitter can provide that instant gratification that you can't get from regular blog posting. Twitter is impetuous and reactionary.  And it limits you to 140 characters.  It's been a real lesson in brevity. It's very "in the moment".  At least for me.  Anyway, I would truly be dangerous with a smart phone because at least for now, I can only Twitter from a computer, which I am almost always in front of.  So, lately I don't blog.  I Twitter.

Changing Sizes

And there has been precious little knitting.  I started a sweater for Abby.  Starsky Jr in Cascade 220 Cranberry.  I got to the armholes on the back and held it up to her.  I don't know why I can't seem to keep up with this child's growth.  I measured her.  And made the smaller size.  Now it's too small and I have to rip and start the next size up.  The pattern is killing me.  I love cables and was thinking this would be like that and it's not.  I still love the design, but it's a lot harder than it looks.  Something like a 14 row repeat that is hard to read on the needles.  Anyway, I think I'm getting better at reading it and only refer to the chart every so often.  Also when I sit down to knit these days, it's just before bedtime or during debates (try debate watching while Twittering the drinking game AND knitting), so it's not real productive knitting time.  Now I'm ripping.  <sigh>

Changing Seasons

I did manage to sew Abby's Halloween costume while she was at a Brownie Sleepover last weekend.  I think it's big enough for her to wear next year too.  We're still looking for a Toto stand-in for this gig.

The Daylight Savings thing begins again this weekend, so what that means to me is: short, dark days when I can't get a decent photograph of anything that I made.  It also means that it's winter. 

The Change

I started having hot flashes.  It took me a while to figure out what was happening.  I always thought it would be great to feel warmth instead of cold all the time.  But it's not like that at all.  It's like being really embarrassed.  It's not just warmth and it's not all over, it's just from the chest up and it's a discomfort - not horrible, but it gets your attention and it's hard to ignore.  But it passes.  My chiropractor tried to get me to take these Chinese herbs, she said something about my pancreas steaming.  As scientific as that sounded an all, I decided to pass for now and we'll just see how it goes.

Changes in Attitude

It's a really stressful time for lots of people, like those with money in the stock market or in real estate, or in retirement accounts, but I can't really get too worked up about that right now, maybe because there's not a damn thing I can do about it.  I am very excited about the prospect of a real change in the leadership of this country and I don't think much can spoil this optimism.  See, I don't dislike change, I embrace it.  Tomorrow I am voting, I have never voted early before.   I always liked the excitment of voting on Election Day, but I don't want to take ANY chances on something going wrong that day. I am really looking forward to Tuesday night TV.  I wonder if we have any champagne?

Feeling Memish

37 things about me(cuz it's been so long you folks must have forgotten).

Borrowed from Beth.

1. Do you like blue cheese? No way!

2. Have you ever smoked cigarettes? Yep, for over 25 years EXCEPT when I was pregnant.  This November marks two years since I quit.  Still miss it.

3. Do you own a gun? Husband owns a pistol.  Currently I have in my custody a .22 rifle that is a loaner(for squirrel control).

4. What Kool Aid flavor was your favorite? Hate Kool aid, but might dye yarn with it.

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Not any more.  Have great doc been going to for 15 years.

6. What do you think of hot dogs? Love hot dogs, but feel guilty about it.

7. Favorite Christmas movie? Scrooged with Bill Murray.

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Diet Dr. Pepper.

9. Can you do push ups? Probably not, but I haven't tried.  Thought about it though, cuz of all the hype about 100 pushups, but lack any real motivation.

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? a pair of pewter birdhouse earrings, a gift from my oldest daughter.

11. Favorite hobby? Knitting, duh, but not the only one.

12. Do you have A.D.D.?  It has never been diagnosed.  My husband is NOT a physician, so it really doesn't matter what he thinks.

13. Do you wear glasses/contacts? Yes, bifocals, used to wear contacts, can't anymore - too many visual deficiencies.

14. Middle name? Ann

15. Name three thoughts at this exact moment? 1. So tired 2. Really should be sitting in the Living room and enjoying my husband's channel surfing company. 3. Where are my plumbing tools?

16. Name three drinks you drink regularly. Diet Dr Pepper, Dos Equis, Diet Dr Pepper.

17. Current worry? I weigh too much.

18. Current hate right now? Politics.

19. Favorite place to be? outside, when it's not cold.

20. How did you bring in the New Year? As usual, at home probably asleep?

21. Where would you like to go? China

22. Name three people who will complete this? Couldn't say.

23. Do you own slippers? Yes, they are sheepskin, only wear in winter.

24. What shirt are you wearing? "BrOwse me" t shirt I got for free at the Opera booth at SXSWi last year.  First time I've worn it.

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Doughtful - though I don't know - only %100 cotton or cotton flannel.

26. Can you whistle? Yes, but struggle with the Andy Griffin theme.

27. Favorite color? greens blues and browns and cranberry.

28. Would you be a pirate? Nah, I get a little sea sick.

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? none.

30. Favorite girls name? Tula

31. Favorite boys name? Dirk (silly questions)

32. What's in your pocket right now? $14.32 cash, grocery reciept, gas reciept, lottery ticket for tonight (crossing fingers) and a business card from someone I met today.

33. Last thing that made you laugh?  Husband trying to convince me to stop doing this and watch a show about body language.

34. What vehicle do you drive? 1998 Subaru Legacy.

35. Worst injury you ever had? Broken ribs - bastard ex-husband.

36. Do you love where you live? I love Texas, I am content in my current house for now.

37. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3 - sometimes they are all on at the same time.

Okay, now that that's done, perhaps I'll try a real post in a day or so. 

10 Years...in a row!

October 11, 1998 Tom and I were married in our back yard in Seguin, Texas, by the local Justice of the Peace.  Surrounded by our friends and family, it wasn't a flashy affair, but it was a lovely day and we were happy to share it with those we love.  I'd do it all again.