Where, Oh Where, Has the Time Gone?

Wow. I can't believe that it's almost February 2007 already! Where has the time gone? It's been so long since I've logged into this site that I don't even know where to start. Things have been crazy with work and life in general. My twin nephews were born on Dec. 6th. Everyone is healthy and happy. Here's the happy family:

I finished their blankets a little late, but the blankies are still too big for them even now. Oops. They're warm and snuggly, though, so I'm sure they'll get their use.

I started training Capoeira (www.go-cap.com) in Nov. and fell in love with it. The people I train with are marvelous and the training itself is tons of fun. It kicks my butt every time I go, but it's well worth it. It's really been helping out with my daily aches and pains in me knee and back too. I can tell when I haven't trained in a while when the pain comes back. I just need to get work to stop making me travel so I don't miss any classes!

I do have a couple of FOs for 2007. I sat down the past couple of days and made Deneen's Chunky Brimmed Winter Chapeau (http://deneens.blogspot.com/2007/01/chunky-brimmed-winter-hatchapeau.html) and a Calorimetry (http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTcalorimetry.html). Pictures are bad, though, as I took them myself. So don't laugh.

And I have about 90 grams of 100% bulky weight wool that I'm looking to do something with. Any ideas?

I'll quit boring you for now! Gotta go pack for a trip to Midland tomorrow. Going to be snowing there. Yuck. Of course, snow is better than ice any day.

Quick Update

I think about updating this everyday on my drive to and from work and during lunch, but never seem to push myself to do it when I get home at night. So, I figured that as long as I was thinking about it while on lunch, that I would do a quick update. Yeah!

I finished one of two baby blankets for the twins. Here is the first one...



It's not quite as dark as it looks in the picture, but it's the best picture I have. The second one is about halfway done. I took the advice of my buddies over at Fiber Freaks and am making the second blankie in the same pattern, but reversed colors. I hope Jess doesn't freak about it being mostly white. I had mentioned that as a concern, and they all said that it's going to be washed everyday no matter what the color. If she has a fit, I'll just have to make another one, I guess. The blankies are made with TLC Amore and they are so very warm and snuggly! Thinking I may have to make an adult sized one for myself. lol.

Other finished projects? More dishcloths...


And a scarf using broomstick lace...


WIPs include the second blankie which I don't have a picture of, a second French Market bag which I don't have a picture of, and a pair of socks...


I've gotten a bit farther on the socks since the picture was taken, but not much.

In other news, our plans for going to Wisconsin have been finalized! We have our plane tickets, we have guanentee's from work that we have days off that we need, and as of last night, we have our costumes! I'm so very excited. Kyle is going as Jack Skelington, and I'm going as the Wicket Witch of the West. I'm so thrilled with this costume. Though it barely fits. Guess that means no more eating out for me! And that excercising I've been "planning" on doing is actually going to have to get done. I just love halloween. So much fun to be able to dress up as something that you always wanted to be or in my case, as my parents would say, a chance to show your true self. lol. Tell me what you think of the costume...

One of these days I'll actually get around to updating my links in my sidebar and whatnot too. Right now I have to eat. My stomach feels like it's going to start devouring itself! Then again, that my not be a bad thing. lol.

Just for Fun

Actualy posting to come later...

Found these through Kimberly. Apparently we are amazingly alike...

You Are Guinness

You know beer well, and you'll only drink the best beers in the world. Watered down beers disgust you, as do the people who drink them. When you drink, you tend to become a bit of a know it all - especially about subjects you don't know well. But your friends tolerate your drunken ways, because you introduce them to the best beers around.

What's Your Beer Personality?

What Color is Your Brain?

BLUE:

At work or in school: I like to be with people, sharing with them, inspiring them, and helping them. I work and learn best when I can take into consideration people and the human element. I flourish in an atmosphere of cooperation.
With friends: I always look for perfect love. I am very romantic, and I enjoy doing thoughtful things for others. I am affectionate, supportive and a good listener.
With family: I like to be happy and loving. I am very sensitive to rejection from my family and to family conflicts. I really like to be well thought of and need frequent reassurance. I love intimate talks and warm feelings.
Take this quiz!








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Your Haloween Costume Should Be

A Sexy Bunny

What Should You Be For Halloween?

You Are

An Evil Pumpkin Face You would make a good pumpkin bomb.

What's Your Pumpkin Face?

You Should Rule Mars

Mars is a planet that shines brightly and loops wildly around the solar system. You are perfect to rule Mars, because you are both energetic and independent. Like Mars, you seems attractive and bright to others - but you're difficult to pin down. You are a great thinker, but you only think in the present and ignore the future. Full of enthusiasm and inspiration, you are into your own thing... and rather insensitive to others.

What Planet Should You Rule?

You Are The Stuffing

You're complicated and complex, yet all your pieces fit together. People miss you if you're gone - but they're not sure why.

What Part of Thanksgiving Are You?

What kind of knitting needles are you?

You are interchangeable.Fun, free, and into everything, you've got every eventuality covered and every opportunity just has to be taken. Every fiber is wonderful, and every day is a new beginning. You are good at so many things, it's amazing, but you can easily lose your place and forget to show up. They have row counters for people like you!
Take this quiz!








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Wisconsin Here We Come?

Well, maybe! Hubby and I have been invited to a Halloween part in Milwaukee by some of the guys we play WOW with. We both agree that it would be a great way to meet everyone in person PLUS if we can go up for a few days we can even go see my family! How fun would that be? I called my boss when I was out of town last week, just to check the schedule for the last Monday and Tuesday of the month, and she actually put me down for two vacation days. Woohoo! And Kyle thinks he can get that weekend of the party off as well. So, we're good to go there. The only problem is finding the money for plane tickets. Sigh. We can get a good deal on Southwest, but that would involve driving up from Chicago. And while usually I don't mind, I'm going to be travelling so much between now and then that I'm more than likely not going to want to spend another 3 hours in the car after the flight. Too bad I don't have any free flights yet!

On the crafty front, I finished my third garterlac last night. Still don't have pictures, but did finish it! Worked a coule of more rounds on my sock until I started to fall asleep, then started on my first baby blanket this morning while waiting for my carpool to come out of the house. The yarn I picked for the blankets is kind of a pain, but it's going to be so warm and snuggly when it's done! I think I'll work on that today while waiting to get my blood drawn on lunch break. Give myself a little break from knitting. Of course, I also have my sock with me, as well as needles and yarn for another garterlac in case I get bored with afghan. lol. I'm horrible.

Adult ADD?

Anyone have it? I think i do. I've been really into those Garterlac discloths lately - even bought a pound cone of yarn to make them! I have managed to make 2.5 so far and am addicted to the pattern. So, I went to Hobby Lobby last night to check out baby stuff (need to get started on making stuff for nephews) and I bought even MORE yarn for dishcloths. The plan was to finish the one I was working on, maybe make one more, then get started on the first of two baby afghans when I got home. So what did I do last night? I taught myself to use dpn's and started a sock. Go figure. What happened to the dishcloth addiction? And finishing my current project? No wonder I have so many WIPs that need finishing. Maybe I can force myself to finish the one discloth before continuing on the sock. And take some pictures.

I get to go to Grand Chenier Louisiana next week for work. My doctor will probably have a hissy fit since I came back from West Texas last week with a blood clot. But, I figure, I'll be on blood thinners, so shouldn't be so much of a risk, right? Been giving myself shots all week and if you looked at my belly you would think I was some kind of weird drug user. Thankfully I do the last one tonight. Tomorrow I get to get poked one last time for the week and have some blood work done up. Some to check the levels of blood thinners in my blood stream, and a whole slew of tests to make sure my blood is actually ok since this is the second time I've had a blood clot. Should be tons of fun! Then I get to go see the doctor on Saturday to get results and break the news of my travel schedule. I think I will be in the office for one entire week until the beginning of November. She won't be happy. And neither will Kyle. But, what can one do? Gotta earn money somehow!

Ok, need to find work now. Here's another picture from Aruba to amuse you...


Just one of the many friends we made on our hotels private island.

As promised...

A picture of my entrelac dishcloth! It's big, and wonky, but I'm proud of it! I'm about halfway done with my second one, but haven't been able to work on it as I've been in west Texas and haven't had the time. Sigh. Oh well.




Wow! My picture actually uploaded this time! Nice.





I finished painting this past weekend. I'm very happy with the color, but I think I'm going to have to do a second coat. I took some pictures, and of course, the colors didn't turn out completely right, but it's close! So here are some pictures. Please ignore the fact that there's furniture, cat furniture, and other things kind of scattered about. I didn't have a chance to put everything back where it belonged yet, which I guess is a good thing because it's going to have to be moved again anyways for the second coat. Let me know what you think!

My entry way (that chair belongs upstairs in the game room, but actually matches the paint rather well! lol)

My formal living room. Eventually that cat tree, sewing machine cabinet, and ab roller will be out of the middle of it...

and last but not least, the back wall of the dining room. Matches the chairs rather well, does it not? I'm so happy to finally get the chance to put some color on the walls. It makes my house feel warmer to me.

Alright - it's getting close to bedtime. Tomorrow is going to be an extremely long day in the field and I need my beauty rest! Hopefully I'll get the chance to post again soon! And there might even be a pleasant surprise for some of you...

Past few weeks...

well, the weeks since i last posted haven't exactly been the best weeks for me. my new laptop blew out two power cords. had to take it back to best buy where they said it sounded like a grounding problem. they weren't even going to turn the computer on because "that's how fires start". nice. so, they took my word for it and exachanged computers without any questions. i guess that was good. that weekend i went out to dallas with izzy for stephanies birthday. she wanted to do a mary kay makeover party and then go out. we had a great time, it was good to see steph (as always) and great to see her sisters again (who i haven't seen since she got married almost 10 years ago) and meet some new people. only problem is i've felt like i've had a hangover ever since. and i didn't drink. go figure. then, last week, i broke my toe. if you haven't done it already, take my advice - don't. it hurts. bad. thankfully i haven't had any field work to do since. it is now finally getting better though. it's not nearly as swollen and it doesn't hurt as much. just looks bad. then, yesterday, i started getting sick. couldn't keep food down. had to go home from work early. and, of course, i carpooled, so in order to do that, kyle had to come pick me up. he wasn't too happy. i stayed home today too, but haven't thrown up since around 10. very good. maybe i'll get to go back to work tomorrow.

on the good side of things, kyle and i agreed on a color to paint the front living room, dining room, and entryway. so, while he worked over the long weekend, i was out shopping and to lunch and the movies with the girls on saturday, and spent sunday and monday (our 2 year anniversary) painting. woohoo! and the color looks good! i'm thrilled. i need to go out and get more blue tape though, so i can finish. let's see, what else was good? oh yeah. i finished an enterlac dishcloth! woohoo! didn't think i could, but once i understood the pattern it was easy peasy. it turned out huge, and a bit wonky, but i'm still excited! i'm working on another one right now with smaller needles. i'll get a picture of them when i finish the second one. and the last bit of good news? kyle and i installed our very first fan! only took us two years to find one that it perfect for the bedroom. lol. but, we did find it, and we installed it last night. well, kyle installed it, but i helped! i can't tell you how nice it feels to finally have a fan in there! now we just need to find them for the rest of the house. it will really help with that $250 electric bill!

ok, so i just realized how very unamusing this post has been... i'll just have to make it up to you by posting a picture from aruba. this one is one of my favorites and the view from our hotel room. grrrr. will someone tell me why my picture isn't uploading? i've tried three times already! i guess i'll post the picture as soon as i can figure out why it won't upload and fix the issue.



(apparently i can cut and paste html code from a previous post and change the photo name. woohoo!)

So last Friday, I got home from work to find that Kyle had bought me a laptop. He had decided that I needed a computer that was good enough to play WOW on that I can bring with me when I travel for work. That way, when I am done for the night, we can hook up online and play. So, when I was in Waco this past week, I had all intentions to sit down when I got to my hotel room, post on this blog, and then play. But, my intentions weren't good enough. For some reason, after starting work at 6:30 in the morning, working in up to 106 degree heat all day, and returning to the hotel at about 8 or 8:30, I was a bit exhausted. I managed to turn the computer on long enough to check email, and that was all. I was out. So, it may take me a little while to catch up. But, you'll survive, right?

So, I'm going to be an Auntie for the first time! We're very excited. And, we found out about a week ago that I'm not just getting 1 nephew, I'm getting 2! Yes, she's having twin boys! I think my mom had an aunt that had twins, but that's about the history of twins in our family. There's no history in her hubby's family. Can't quite figure out where they came from. lol. Boy, is she going to have her hands full! I think I may treat myself to a trip to Hobby Lobby today to check out baby patterns and yarn. Get back to working with fiber. I miss it so much! If any of you know of anything I should make for the boys, let me know!

Do I have any readers left?

ok, so i've been bad. i've been very bad. i haven't blogged or spent any time reading blogs, or visted my favorite crochet boards since the end of may. i can't even access DoD anymore because of it either. oh well. it seems the same things went down there that went down at the ville, and i just don't want to deal with that kind of crud.

so, lots of things have happened, but i won't spend an hour here tonight writing everything out in one post. that way you won't have to spend an hour reading everything in one post either. i'll spread it out over a couple of days. i'll start off by saying that working at Chico's wasn't good for me. the hours sucked. the pay sucked. and i got a bit depressed always wondering why i was stuck working retail with a college degree. so, when i got home from work, and on my days off, i didn't want to do anything. i didn't crochet, i didn't knit, and i had cancelled WOW because i wasn't playing that either. i was either spaced out in front of the tv, sleeping all day, or reading. at least i was reading. i actually went through quite a few books - mainly because that was my way of escape from what my life had turned into. i do have to say, though, that my hubby was a saint through it all. he even supported me when i decided to start trying my hand selling mary kay. by the way, if you want /need any, check out my website at www.marykay.com/jennymoore.

anyways, shortly after i started mary kay to earn some extra money (and to get my products at a discount) I received an offer letter from Retec (the company i interviewed for in austin). and they wanted me to start after our vacation to aruba. of course, i accepted tie job. yeah! and so far am loving it.

but, i'll get more into the job, and aruba (including pictures) at a later date. kyle needs to set his fantasy football team for his work...

Exhaustion Sets In

Well, after working at Chico's for 5 days, the exhaustion has finally sank in. My back and feet are killing me, and I'm at the point that I don't want to do ANYTHING! That includes email, blogging, and even crocheting. I just want to sit in the bath and go to sleep. Two more days of this and I have two days off. Woohoo!

I did have some good things happen this week, though. I went to my neighbors Mary Kay meeting on Wednesday night and won a $200.00 drawing. I was so incredibly excited! I never, and I mean NEVER, win anything! That money is going straight into savings for Aruba (well, actually, it bought me some new clothes - but daddy was sending me money for new clothes so THAT is going into savings for Aruba lol). Go me! I also got a call last night from TCEQ (Texas Center for Environmental Quality - or something like that) wanting me to interview for a position with them on May 30. Of course, I accepted! They're the regulators of the consulting firms. And it's a government job so that means excellent benefits! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I get it. Sad that I would have to give up Chico's though. Maybe they'll work with me and let me bump down to part time... Let's see, what else? Oh yeah. I FINALLY got 1 of my 2 medical reimbursements in the mail today, so I'm another $250 richer! woohoo! Debating whether or not I want to put that in savings for Aruba too, or treat myself to a pair of MTBs (http://www.mbt-uk.com/) for work. They're really expensive, but if they make the foot and back pain go away, they'll be worth it! Of course, I really should wait and see if I get that TCEQ job first - because that would entail a lot of sitting...

Anyways, that's all I know for now! Kyle should be getting off work any minute and I'm going to need to start making dinner. And pay attention to the doggies. And maybe work a bit on my serepina shawl that I'm doing in a laceweight wool yarn. Insane? Yes, I know.

Exchange Bag

Well, the Exchange Bag from The Happy Hooker is done! It was hard to get a good picture of it do to the coloration of the cord, though. These are the best I got. Now, to find my next project.

When Good Dogs Go Bad

You know how I just told you about working on that Exchange Bag? Well, I was making decent progress for the amount of time working on it, and I was working on it some more downstairs with the dogs running around while Kyle was upstairs playing his game. Well, I decided I needed to do something real quick upstairs, so I left the dogs downstairs alone. Mistake. Should have locked them outside, but I thought "it's only going to be a few minutes, and they're eating - they'll be good." Couldn't have been more wrong. Kyle went downstairs before I did - he finally decided to go get his Texas drivers license (we've only been here for a year and a half) so he was going to shower. All of a sudden I heard him yell at Smudge. Uh oh. Then he told me I better get downstairs - oh, and bring the camera. BIG uh oh. This is what I found...

Wait, is that my Exchange bag?


It sure is! And look, the cord goes out the doggie door...








And all around the porch...













And in the grass...









And back on the porch... And apparently I can't upload any more pictures, but it went from there, back into the doggie door, back out the doggie door, and then around the post. I had to laugh. Then, it turns out that Kyle was yelling at Smudge because she was chewing on my wooden crochet hook. The one his grandmother gave me. Rendering it now useless :( The good news through all this was my project itself didn't get unravelled. The bad news is I had to unravel it myself because my aluminum crochet hook was 0.25 mm smaller than my wood one. And while it doesn't sound like a big difference, it actually is. I could have killed those dogs. Still hoping to have the bag done this weekend though! Guess I better get to work for that to happen.

Stitch N Bitch

So, I finally broke down and bought "Stitch N Bitch, The Happy Hooker" the other day. I had a 30% off one item coupon and a 10% off entire order all day shopping spree from Borders. I couldn't resist. I wanted it only for the Sweet Pea shawl that everyone else was making, but by the time I sat down to look through the rest of it, I had a million and one projects that I wanted to do! And the book itself is hilarious. Now all I need is Stitch N Bitch Nation and my collection is complete! But, I digress. Kyle got a new computer game that day too - Civilization 4 - so after we got home, he sat in front of his computer, trying to figure out the game, and I sat in front of my stash with my book, trying to find enough yarn to do a project. But, unfortunately, most of my stash is Red Heart for making afghans. I do have quite a bit of homespun I received from my MIL (mother-in-law), but that's going to be an afghan too. Oh, and I had enough wool to make some stuff, but I'm saving that for Elizabeth's Lucinda Bag once she finally sells the pattern! So, I'm thinking I'm going to be SOL until I see the Exchange Bag, and realize that I have exactly two rolls of that cord (I forget the name of the stuff off the top of my head, and it's already downstairs)! Now, I gotta say, I can't remember when I bought it, or why. It's been just sitting there for years - like, at least 4. Guess I knew 4 years ago that I wanted to make this bag! That stuff is a pain in the you know where to work with though... Hoping to have it done this weekend.

Curiosity Killed the Cat

...or tried to, at least. I have begun brushing Boog Boogs on a daily basis and collecting his hair for spinning. I had a convenient Hobby Lobby bag and put it in there. About 10 minutes after I hear a weird rustling noise. I turned around and saw this...

Notice the "Help me momma" plea in his eyes? Or is that a "Leave me the hell alone" look?

Yes, that Hobby Lobby bag was wrapped nicely around his neck. Gotta wonder how he got himself into that situation! Good thing I was in the room. That boy sheds a lot and I would hate to have had to run around the house trying to pick up all the hair I had collected!

Ugh, cats...

Pet Hair

So, after trying so very hard to keep all the pet hair off of my project for Lani, without success, i spent a good couple of hours trying to get it off. I'm pretty sure that I didn't get it all though, and for that, I apologize.

Anyways, I was wondering around on the web today and saw articles about people spinning the hair from their pets into yarn, and I got to thinking... The dog hairs are too short, but Boog Boogs hair (which is everywhere) would be perfect for the task! So, I got out the kitty brush and sat with him for about an hour. It's amazing how much hair I got! By the time I can afford to buy the carding paddles and drop spindle (want to buy a spinning wheel, but too expensive) to make some yarn, I will have enough hairs for a sweater! Well, I won't be making a sweater, but will have plenty to make something. Maybe some slippers? I've been wanting to spin for a while now, and this gives me the reason to do it. I learned at Rennaissance Faire when I worked there years ago, so I think I'll be able to do it again without too many problems, right? What do you think? Would Boog Boogs make a cute pair of slippers?

Well, I did it...

I called Chico's today to tell them that I wasn't able to take the job, and now, I start Monday! Can someone tell me how that works? Actually, I asked her some more questions about the bonuses and incentives, and possible overtime, and she pretty much gave me all the right answers. One of them being that if her current full time cashier was having a bad month, she was walking away with an addition $400. Not too shabby eh? And they're changing some things around as well where if they have three cashiers on, and only need 2 to be open, then the full timer (which would be me) would go out to the sales floor - which means more bonuses. Not to mention training in sales. I told Kyle about it and he seems really excited. And who knows, maybe in 6 months I'll be a manager. Or, maybe I will finally find a job in my field now that I'm actually working again! Wouldn't that be nice?

Kyle also mentioned that he's going to start training for floor manager. Which means an increase in pay for. That would be nice too. Plus, their floor managers still qualify for the bonuses as well. Even better. And, his store manager anticipates them getting their full bonuses this year. So, maybe we'll be ok. Maybe I can just enjoy working at Chico's, go back to school, do something new. I was getting tired of what I was doing anyways. My ego is just killing me - having a college degree and working retail. Oh well. I'm sure I'll get over it.

Ugh

Ok, so I just sat down and figured out bills and the budget and stuff, and if I were to take this job, it would leave us $750 short. Yikes! If we were to get all the bonuses Kyle and I are eligible for, we'd be fine, with money leftover to spare. BUT, there's no guarentees on those bonuses. And if we have a month without them, we're screwed. Grrrr. I so want to take this job! If only to help keep my sanity in check! Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that's going to happen for me. :(

To Work? or not to Work?

Well, Chico's offered me a full time cashiers position this morning and has given me til tomorrow afternoon to decide if I want to take it or not. I don't know what to do. The pay would be equal to my unemployment, minus taxes. 50% discount off clothing, full benefits after 90 days... It would get me out of the house, and help me emotionally, BUT, would have to pay for gas and leave us short on bills. What should I do?

Good News!

Well, I don't have a job yet, but have heard a vicious rumor that someone is going to call me for an interview. Yeah!

I also have a finished project. Finally! Only took a couple of months, and an entire weekend of weaving in ends and sewing pieces together, but it's done. And in the mail on it's way to my secret pal. I hope she likes it! What do you think?





It was hard for me to let go.

Phone Call

So, I receieved a phone call the other day from the Program Chemist that works at my old company. I answered the phone and heard "Project bring Jennifer back is in full swing" Ok, tell me more.... Apparently, I should expect a phone call from the company, but they may ask me if I'm willing to re-locate. And Christelle just wanted to give me the heads up so I can prepare. Well, haven't heard from the company as of yet. In a way I guess that's good, though, as I don't know what to say about the whole relocation thing. I mean, I don't want to say no outright (though that is my answer) because I don't want that to go against me, but I don't want to say yes either because then I would have to relocate! Which moving to the east coast wouldn't be so bad, if that's where they would want me to move, but, Kyle is really happy with his job here, and we have a house! We have a house that is only a year and a half old! And who knows if we would even be able to get a house somewhere else? What I am really hoping for is to be based out of a different office, but working out of the San Antonio one and travelling. Or working out of the house and travelling. Wish me luck with that phone call, if it does indeed happen, as I will be needing it!

Other then that, there's really no new news. Been working hard on my reveal package for my SP. Packages are to go out on May 1st. Guess I should check the board and see if there's any good swaps coming up. Life just doesn't seem right if I'm not stressing about finishing up some project and getting it in the mail in time! Lol.