Saturday's PSA

That would be public service announcement.

Last Monday when day care was closed, SweetPea spent the day with us.    Nothing unusual about that, he is at our house a lot.    Makes himself right at home.   He knows where Granddaddy keeps the "good" crackers.  

Stanley decided to bring a friend inside.    Stanley, in case you have forgotten, because it HAS been 9 months since I sat down to entertain everyone with life in the TinkerPro house, is a cat.    His friend was a chipmunk.    I think the same one that Jack was playing with out back a few days earlier.    Poor little thing was scared and making noise hiding behind a box in the dining room.    Stanley, to his credit, was just sitting there staring at it.  He is not a hunter.     So, I put SweetPea in his highchair with a banana, grabbed a broom, opened the back door (which was less than 2 feet from said visitor) and moved the box.   Chipmunk ran toward the door, and I put the broom between him and the rest of the house.  He ran up the broom and into the living room.    Of course he did.

I lost him behind the desk.    So, being a normal, not enthusiastic about rodents in my house kinda girl, I went to get Granddaddy.   We opened the front door and started moving furniture.  I even remembered to close all doors to rooms but then noticed the gaping space between the bottom of the door and the floor so figured it wouldn't make much difference.    Finally we saw him coming out from behind the clock and headed toward the dining room.    I chased and he ran.   Not as fast as I would have expected.   And then he paused by the door.  The open door.   The door to freedom.   Where he could not see a cat sitting in wait.   Mostly because by then, both cats were sitting on the sofa watching.   

Tell me again why I keep them?

All this leads up to my topic.    While we were moving things, I realized that my housekeeping skills have not been challenged in quite some time.   I am the first to admit, I'm not fond of cleaning, and have a high tolerance before I will dust.   However.   Even I was not pleased with what was behind the furniture.    So, first thing this morning, I pulled all the curtains down and started washing.   I washed windows, floors, walls, baseboards.    I did not look at any cleaning instructions however.
Hung the sheers up still damp because, well, they will dry.    Hung the drapes back up.   The full length ones.    They are now 6 inches shorter.    Oh, the tag says dry clean only.   Well.  

I was going to replace them when we got new furniture anyway, so will just live with them until that time.    Then I was thinking, not all is lost, I might be able to use them in the bedroom since I wanted to re-do that room too.   

Fitness

I've started two new programs this month.   One is my birthday gift to myself awhile ago, of the body media system.    We are not getting along, mostly because my skills when it comes to technology are less than stellar.  I am almost afraid to contact customer service again, but will Tuesday if I can't figure this latest "blip" out.  

The second is a LifeWorks exercise my sister is doing.   She suggested I join her and maybe one or two other people.    I'm not all the big on figuring my life out, mostly because I'm too busy doing things, but maybe this will be a good year to sit down and really think about what it is I am doing and where I expect to me in the next decade (or even month).  

I started the workbook, which begins by closing out 2013.   I'll really have to think hard about the good and bad of 2013.   Of course one definite good thing was SweetPea's arrival in June.  

Ten on Tuesday - A Day Late But Not A Dollar Short

Ah, the Oscars.    No, I don't watch them either.  So I can't write 10 Reasons Why I Watch the Oscars, so my assignment is to write:

10 Reasons Why I Don't Watch The Oscars:


1.    They go on way too long.    I get up early and thus am usually in bed by 9:30

2.   I object to the price at the movie theatre.    Maybe that doesn't coincide with the Oscars, but the Producers say it costs money to make a movie, the actors say I may only make one movie this year, so I need a boatload.   The crew says I don't make enough and am exploded.

3.   I would like to see all the dresses and whacky clothing, but can usually catch it later.   This year I have not bothered yet, so by the time I have time, they will probably be gone.

4.   Hmmm, I may not have 10 things.

5.   During the show, when there is something going on stage, like each song up for nomination, the cameras pan everywhere but not long enough on the actual performer.  I don't need to see the audience.   Unless she is necked.

6.    Sometimes, a winner will use their time on stage as a personal podium for whatever cause they feel for at the time.    Don't foist your ideas on me please.   This is suppose to be entertainment.

7.   At least 1 presenter will make a stupid mistake that could have been prevented by actually practicing what they are suppose to say.    Especially someone's name - how hard is that? 


Okay, that's all I got, but if I come up with anything else, I'll add it.
  

Random Friday

Because it is Friday, right?    Pretty just posted about jeans that don't fit.   And finding pants that do.   She is right, they are near impossible to find.    And what is really baffling to me is that for years - or at least the last 10-15 that I have been paying attention, women have been complaining to designers and stores that they are not making or selling pants that fit and flatter.   Yet nothing changes.   Dudes!   Our bodies aren't changing to fit your clothing, when are you going to make clothing that fits?    And stop with the granny pants.   Yes I know, some women need them.    My mom for one.  But then she is 94 years old and when I'm 94 I too will gradually wear pants with elastic waists but I won't be happy about the baggy part.

Stop using teenage girls as your models.   Honestly.   They have no shape.   Sure, they are cute, and I'm sure they help with the sales, but let's be practical please.   

Don't get me started on shoes.

Ten On Tuesday

Today's challenge, begin ten sentences with I feel:

1.   I feel happy and not a big guilty that I love the snow and was happy to see it today.  And I know I'll be glad to see it tomorrow too.

2.  I feel annoyed that I'm going to have to do something about this blog not being compatible with my browser apparently.   Tech savvy I'm not and just grrrrr.

3.  I feel happy that I got a spot in the mini knitting retreat next month and annoyed with myself that I waited to sign up so missed the sign up closing date.  By one stinkin day.  

4.  I feel grateful that my BIL seems to be doing better despite the severe health challenges he is currently facing.

5.  I feel really grateful that my sister made sure they had good health insurance so the care of my BIL won't bankrupt her.

6.  I feel like stirring the pot at work just a little bit, and today did so.  Not in a mean way, but in a way that lets someone else who is being petty know that if you throw crap at me and mine, I will toss it right back at you and throw you under the bus with no remorse.

7.  I feel less tired today because I napped on the couch right after dinner last night so when I was up in the middle of the night, it wasn't so horrible (and I actually fell back asleep for a few hours).

8.   I feel blessed that I have a grandson who is always happy to see me.

9.   I feel like kicking some lazy ass in my life, including my own so that I can get back on track with exercise and eating better and fit back in my pants.

10.  I feel like buying new shoes.

Ten on Tuesday

So this week's ten is on the Olympics.    Like last week's favorite red things, I don't think I have ten things about the Olympics because I don't watch them.   But we shall see.

1.  I don't watch them. 

2.  Not because I'm protesting Russia because that seems like a stupid reason, I more protest
      them because they let professional athletes play the games. 
 
3.   I don't have cable TV so can a only see what  the station chooses to show on "free" TV
      which is fine, but I would like to see more than skiing and ice skating.

4.    Yes, I know I could stream them on my computer.   That would require me sitting down to
       figure out how to do that since I haven't yet.   Sure, everyone says it is simple, but they
       haven't met me.

5.  The Olympic committee rather pissed me off when they slapped back Ravelry for daring
     to use the word Olympic in our games.  

6.   Here is the sweater I planned to finish while I wasn't watching the Olympics but would work
      on during the game weeks.

It is the back and done.    I'm about 3/4 done with the front.    Then I have to put the shoulders together, pick up the stitches for the neckband, then pick up stitches for each sleeve and knit them then seam the sides up.

I actually had both front and back done and the neck band on 3 weeks ago.   I decided to try it on.   Too tight.   I thought about "oh it will block out just fine".   But the more I thought about it, the more I knew if it didn't I would never wear it and be pissed.    So riiiiiiip it out.  Of course, I was then cocky because I've done this pattern once, so the second time will be a snap.   That was my first mistake.    Because of course, when you change sizes, the pattern changes.   Duh.   I was done with the front, spread it out to admire before putting shoulder seams together and hmm, something wrong, but what.

Oh yeah, that cable going up each side?   Skipped it on one side about half way up.   Riiiiip

As of today, I have the second half of the front split for the neckline half done.  So about 13 more rows.   I have double and triple checked after every 3 rows and even resorted to putting life lines in when I'm sure I'm good so far.  So this one won't be ready before winter is over.   I know that because even though February is only half over, it is 100 wool, and a chunky wool at that.   But that's okay, I'll have a "new" sweater for next winter.

Day Off

Today we woke up to the snow so hoped for.   I know, a lot of people don't like the snow, and it is a lot of hard work.   But I live in an area where we are teased about snow every winter.    The weather guy says it is coming, everyone gets excited, then poof.   Either it stays just south, goes north and west or is just plain rain.    I get that our weather guys cover a LARGE area, and we have mountains an hour away, and I get that we are in a weird spot on the equator that makes the line such a hard thing to pin point.   And people laugh when they hear about the weather rock in my yard.   But then after a second they agree, it is probably most accurate way to tell what it is doing outside.

The weather rock has been a family joke for years.   The kids get up and want to know what it is like outside before going to school.   check the rock.  Is it wet?   Then it is probably raining.   Is it hot to touch?   Then it is probably hot outside.   You get the picture. 

I also did today what I promised myself I wouldn't do.  Shoveled too much.    I tried to remember to be careful and only shovel in layers - since we have about a foot of snow, and I let the guys with the snow blower do most of the work.   Just not near my truck.   and the front steps are rather a shovel area, not snow blower area.    And we always go up and shovel the elderly couple out just in case, so again, steps and around the car.   I only do one of their cars, the other they wait for melting.    And now I ache.    Sure hope we don't work tomorrow either.   Although if we're closed, I'll probably go in for a little while just to get caught up on stuff.   But then I don't know why.   No one else will.....

And knitting.   I've been working on a sweater.    I should have been done by now and I was ready to start on the sleeves, but after I put the shoulders together and the collar on, I tried it on.    Unblocked it was too tight and I was afraid I wouldn't get it stretched out enough.    So riiiiiiiip it out.    And start again,   There is 3" of ribbing on the bottom.   about 16" of plain knitting, and then the pattern across the top.   I got the back done and everything matches.   I have now done the front pattern part three, count them THREE times.    I'm a little discouraged.   On the other hand, I know the pattern pretty well now, and have though about reducing some of it to make a special little boy a sweater for Christmas (because I probably won't get around to it until next fall).    So The pattern repeat is 2 times of 17 rows and then when you split for the collar in front, you've got to get funky with the pattern to make it match (where I seem to be challenged).    Lifelines this time.    ugggg

Ten on Tuesday

Carole's choice this week?    My favorite things that are red.  Hmmm, could be a problem here, I’m not much of a red person but here goes:

 

1.       My first bought by myself car – a red firebird

2.       A sweater I made.  I like the body, but hate the sleeves so it is being “amended” then I may love it.

3.       My second bought by myself car – another red firebird.   To be fair, in the middle I had a station wagon I loved because I had little kids and it wasn’t a minivan.

4.       Red high heel pumps.   I rocked in those shoes

5.       Red Wine.

6.       Raspberries grown in my side yard, I got the roots from my uncle about 25 years ago, he had a boat load in his back yard

7.       Red tulips.  I love the simplicity of tulips.  And daisies but they are white with a yellow center.  Not red.

8.       Sparkly nail polish.   I only wear colored polish on my toes, my fingers are always French.    Too often I rub the color off the ends and then I’m a week or two before I see my nail lady again.   It drives me nuts.  

9.       Lipstick.   Not orange, not pink, but red.

10.   Henry’s cheeks.   Who can resist the rosy red/pink of a baby’s cheeks?

 

Well, maybe I am a red person after all

February

The month that FlyLady says to de-clutter.   A wise choice of things to do in this cold and dreary month.    I like winter.   I like snow.  Unfortunately, we get the cold and the dreary, but usually the snow is just a teaser.    Oh, we see snow flakes now and again, but usually we get sleet and ice.    Which is nice for delayed school openings, or being closed altogether.  I'd rather have the snow.  But at least in winter I can wear the sweaters I love to knit.

As for the de-cluttering, I'm all about that.   This month marks the first time in close to 30 years that there are no offspring living under my roof.    The last child has flown the coop so to speak.    Of course, they are all close by and they still come over often - usually when they are out of money and need to eat, but nonetheless, they do come over.    The kids still have a few things here that need to go.   And honestly I was so tempted to load my truck up yesterday with some of their stuff and deposit it in their respective abode when I knew no one was home.    But I did not.

I am using this prompt to start the purge and replace phase of my life.  To be fair I am starting with my knitting/craft room.   It needs help just as much as every other room in the house.   I have tossed a ton of stuff I know I will never reference or use.   Even as I was going through it all I asked, why did I keep this again?    Of course no fiber is being hurt in this process.  I would never dispose of that.

So woman cave now, then I'll move to the next room, decisions decisions.   I've even thought of moving it to another room, but think I'll stay where I am.  Starting with the one room has allowed me to roam from room to room at random times, pick something up and decide, keep or go?    I've got a box started for the rummage sale at church next month.   The youth hold a huge event every spring, and raise a lot of money that helps support their trips and other programs.   Every year I find one or two things to donate, I think this year there will be a LOT more.

It is nice to be able to finally stop keeping stuff for "someday" and "because so-n-so gave it to me".    Stuff finally no longer holds me hostage.  I have my memories and I can either free a tangible item  from my home to bless someone else, or send to the dump because it isn't worth passing along.  

I am working slowly, so may not get it all done in February, but bet I'll have a good start.

Ten On Tuesday

Carole's challenge this week is 10 things that start with I am:

1.  I am glad Henry is here tonight while his mom is in class.  I'm sorry his dad is sick and can't take "baby duty" but secretly not that sorry.

2.  I am going to start blogging this year again.  Yeah, you've heard that before right.

3.  I am going to exercise more this year too.   Researching computer aided tracking devices now.

4.  I am learning to bite my tongue and not fire off emails immediately.

5.  I am not sick of winter yet, and hope for more snow.

6.  I am one of those people who don't really care another actor died this week.   And that probably makes me sound callous.   I am always sorry to hear that someone died, especially when they have young children they have left behind.   But I don't need to hear about it all the time.

7.  I am glad I got to spend a few days this weekend with my mom.   I don't see her often enough anymore and need to make more of an effort.

8.  I am glad I have a good job that I still enjoy going to.

9.  I am glad I didn't read everyone else's "I am" blogs before I started mine because while it is really hard to come up with 10 things, I'm almost done.

10.   I am glad that my children are secure, self sufficient children who have figured out how to support themselves and are now all officially out of my house and in their own homes!