Waiting for the mail....without going POSTAL!!

Are you a patient person?
Generally speaking I am, with some exceptions (8:00 am on a school day, when we are late, at stupid people..)
I am patiently.... waiting for some mail.
1. prize from WWCS - i heard it went in the mail at the beginning of January, but currently unaccounted for.
2. part of my Hot Cocoa Swap gift - I ordered it as soon as I could and paid as soon as I knew, but I don't think it was soon enough.
3. malabrigo - 2 sets of destash lots.. one only mailed 2 days ago, but the other was at least 4 days ago.
4. Robyn's Nest Sock club for January - i have resolutely stood firm in not ordering the February, but I still want my January soon. (nothing against the club, but I have WAY too many skeins of yarn.
5. something else. can't even remember what at this point, but well, you can bet the bills find their way here right on time!!!
That isn't as bad as I though, but still seems to be a long time.
On another mailing front, I'm guessing I wasn't selected for the Socks that Rock club cause I see people getting theirs, and well I never was sent a bill... at least I don't have to gripe over that unknitted yarn.
Looking at that list, I feel guilty for complaining, but sometimes...

Renovations

Where do you stop???
My living room and office are currently mudded drywall - with no electrical outlets or lights installed and at least 3 more days before they reach usable status. And all I can think about is the changes I want to make to the flooring, the doors, the bathroom, the kitchen, the front porch...
I mean, I hate living like this - I can't find anything in my room and the gurls are going crazy with the controlled space they get, but I'm thinking of delaying it even further. Keith, the best contractor (hottest too) is no help as he wants everything to be just right and continually offers suggestions for changes. Like the flooring in the lr/office. I hate the carpet there and am definitely planning on changing it, however hardwood is what I want and the rooms are 17 by 20-wait a second that is only 340 square feet, that's not so bad, until you cost it at $3 (at least) a square. arrgghh.
On the knitting front - I am 40 rows from the end of hint 7 in Sots and 6 rows are done of Sots ii, my socks are at the gusset (will likely fit little sister). I may have chosen a pattern for her afghan - lizard ridge from knitty - version 2. I don't think the malabrigo will pattern as nicely as the Noro, so I think the straight across version is a better choice. Now to just find the spare time to cast it on...
I have the project for my cocoa swap partner on the crochet hook right now. Gasp you say, this is wrong. I find that the crochet works quicker and I have more control over my stitches for the finished project. IF I manage to keep it out of the big gurl'z hands long enough to wrap it and send it. The camera is one of the items that has gone awol since the return from Ottawa. I put it down somewhere and ....
Have a great couple of days.

Life in the fast lane, raising children and home renovations

Well, I think I am totally back now. I was in Ottawa for training last week. I took the train as I refused to drive and the airport was really not that convenient. Lovely thing riding the train - they feed you and 'water you'. Hope to do it with the kids one day. I managed a visit to Yarn Forward for some small indulgences -all for my swap partner I swear - I'm only lying a little; and my wardrobe was enhanced with a coat, dress and sweater. Very lovely. I had a stopover in Toronto, so I took a streetcar to Lettuce Knit - lovely store with so much, but only bought (something for my swap partner) and something for me. As soon as I find what I bought and the camera, I may remember to take photos. also walked by parliament, drank with strange people in bars and ate some delicious food.
Raising children - what could I mean?!?!?! This is not difficult is it??? When they are both redheads like their mother and carry a number of traits from their fathers well, you get the picture. Due to the big gurl's temper, I may not get to go tobogganing on Sunday, skating on Saturday and to Florida in April. Whom is really being punished (we will not discuss the screen door that won the kick the wall, kick the locked door or possible harm child who has locked you out of the house lottery. I repeat that the child was not harmed. Some may say I should have, however, I have learned that when they are unreasonable, nothing really works. BUT i get a new screen door and I really hate the current one (now more than ever).
Home Renovations - they have taken a kleine bettja longer than expected. The current estimate is this coming Sunday - primed walls, painted ceiling and all construction materials gone. However there are a few issues...
1. The previous owner only took the carpet to the trim, so I have about a 1 inch gap on all interior walls. Since I hate the carpet, the whole new flooring issue has arisen and pricing of various floors is occurring. This will add at least 2 days.
2. Trim and paint have not been chosen. Due to item 1, there is some hemming and hawing going on about this.
3. My furniture no longer suits the rooms but is so big as to make it impossible to take it out and... therefore, what colour(s) to paint.
4. My eldest gurl does not handle changes well and has been acting up rather nastily, therefore we must hurry the timeframe along.
.....
In other news, my SOTS is 1/3 of the way into hint 7 (of 8) so, I cast on SOTS ii. It is about 1/4 of the way. The nephew's scarf was very well received and is loved, but someone always forgets to take pictures. I have a pair of Widdershins that are gusset increasing. My Dashing are going nowhere. I have at least 2 things to finish before the end of the month.
Can't find yarn to do one of those, however swore, that would not buy more after last Friday. I've lied before though.
And how are all of you?

Hot Cocoa Swap Topic #2

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?
No. I knit whatever and am just happy to have something on the needles.
My knitting is my way of just escaping everything.

Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Swap

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?
Both
2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths?
I like using dpn with a needle point thing on one end. The longer needles are just well too long and I don't have any short ones yet.
3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try?
I have bernat handicrafter cotton from the original inception time. I don't really like it as it is the sport weight and takes forever to knit up. My sp11 sent me some lovely stuff that has been lost in the house somewhere. I'm game to try almost anything.
4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)?
My kitchen is complemented with RED. the kitchen appliances red. I love it.
My bathroom has green accents - paler, like that spanish/mexican green.
5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite?
I always say blue green, but I am getting quite the assortment of blue/greens. i'd like to try some greys/light blacks out for accessory knitting.
6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends?
I enjoy winter, but I love Spring and Autumn.
7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps?
A good cup of something hot (tea/coffee/cocoa - depending on time of day) and a treat - either sweet or salty. If that doesn't work, I go hardcore and add some alcohol in the mix. (haven't had to go that far lately)
8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps?
See above, but the most favourite way - a real chocolate something.
9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa?
All the above in both caffeinated and decaf.
10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do?
I'd go on a cruise with family - likely the Disney one, cause there are so many kids. I'd enjoy myself and them.
11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of?
I am allergic to flowery perfumes and scents. Usually apple/cinnamon or harvest spice type ones are okay, but most of the others get my eyes running.

Hump Day

The week is more than half over, the house is more than half messed up, the laundry is more than half done and the dishes are halfway to the ceiling.
Oh well.
Thank you for the comments about my washer installation and the independent woman bit.
Tonight - as a follow-up, I knocked the drain think from the old washer off of the top and it....
...emptied the dirty disgusting smelly water on my basement floor. Am I ever glad that happened before I tried to get it out of the house.
That was too much for me, so I watched Dora Saves the Mermaids with the gurlz, and since that wasn't enough, The Goblet of Fire with HP.
I didn't have anything else I was supposed to be doing.... Did I?

Whew, It's Tuesday Night and It's Alright

This weekend was a roller coaster of emotions and stuff.
My washer broke on December 18th, after doing 2 loads of bedding, it died after filling up with water for the 3rd. Dad looked at it, emptied and played with it, and it was still broken (filled up again, but did no washing). I had no time to go looking for one until, I thought on Saturday. Unfortunately, do to the holiday homework assignment, we didn't leave the house. There was plenty of discussions and stressing, but only a couple pages of the My Christmas Traditions grade 1 project were completed. Sunday - there was church and dishes and .... then this is the day she needed a nap. Some friends came over to exchange gifts and play, and by the time they left, she still wasn't going to do the homework. On the positive side, I have more red coloured kitchen utensils - Thanks Shannon!!! *and the gurlz have some more toys.
Monday - I was at work just after 8:00 am cause I knew we had 24 hours to do the project and I needed to be at work for 8 of them and the big gurl needed to sleep for about 10 and....
Mentioned in passing to my next door desk neighbour that I needed a washer. HE KNEW SOMEONE WHO HAD ONE!!!! For $150 as opposed to $500 ++++ Arrangements were made to go see it tonight after work (due to the aforementioned deadline for the homework project)
After work we came straight home and the homework came to the table. I planned on doing the dishes as she worked on it, so I could help out with spelling. I almost ran away from home. Arrgghh She's only in GRADE 1 - I have 11 more years of this plus 14 with the other one (oh please Lord, let the little one be a natural student who never has to be told and...)
Let's just say that the homework was completed this morning - about 5 minutes before we left for work, school and daycare. When I asked what was said - (a classmate) didn't even colour hers Mommy. Whew, I have survived major homework assignment number one.
The washer - we went directly from daycare to the house (2 major streets away). It is an apartment sized washer, which still holds a lot of clothing. It is currently washing load #2.
I still have the broken one in the middle of my basement, but considering the 2 Don's were both late for dinner and we didn't have a dolly cart, I wasn't going to make them lift the thing out.
Ladies - I AM WOMAN!!! I disconnected the old one (without making a big mess) sort of dragged/shimmied it off of the washer stand and out of the way and them put the new one in place (after vacuuming the disgusting stuff that collected over the last 13 months and pouring a little bit of baking soda/vinegar down the drain tube). The manuals were left at the old place - not sure how but that is that, so I just pushed some buttons, put some soap in and tried it out. Except for on really nasty stain on one of the towels, the stuff looks great.
I'm so excited, I just can't hide it, I'm about to gain control of something and I like it!!!!!!
I ordered yarn for my sister's afghan, and even found 4 skeins of the same colour on Destash, just in case. I know they are likely different dye lots and will have shades and... but it's a lot better than ordering 10 regular priced skeins.
The dishes are still getting away from me and the housework and I think my renovations won't happen next week, and my front step is totally skewed and... it's like 16 degrees Celsius here.
But I'm so happy!!!! I have a beautiful washer!!!!

MMM Hot Cocoa Swap Questionnaire!!!

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug?
I usually make store bought with water in a big mug 'cause I don't have the patience to wait for the milk or to mix my own. I love the gourmet store bought - especially the dark chocolate which is a little less sweet.
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream?
I prefer whipped cream, but fresh marshmallows are nice.
Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors?
My current favourite is worsted to chunky weight in either organic cottons or wool - superwash or not. I love blues and browns with green thrown in to complement my hair.
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)?
I do both. Currently am knitting mainly, but often use crochet to start or finish.
3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new?
I love both dpn and circs in bamboo or addi. I would love to try some of the wood needles out there, but haven't found a good selection to choose from.
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions?
I have a decent supply of stitch markers and stuff, but have admired some of the mini crochet hooks and needles for helping with dropped stitches and stuff. Also looking for a finer needle for seaming and end weaving - I think it's called a chibi?!? but mine works with worsted weight so not much good on my lace and socks.
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)?
I'm looking for a project bag - one that just speaks to me. Sounds stupid I guess, but i want one that I can be sure my yarn is safe in - won't pop out on me or anything. I visualize it as almost like a separate compartment for the working ball of yarn with a little hole to let it out and then when in use, can stay inside, but stays safe when travelling. Saw one once with clear vinyl, but wasn't sure if I want everyone seeing my stuff.
6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification)?
I love granny squares - little bit of colour changes, and voila pretty design. For knitting,may sound funny, but the toe of a sock - all that short rows or the magic cast on and voila - a sweet little pocket...hmm that gives me an idea for my stitch markers...
Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter?
I love playing with my gurlz in the snow (not to cold), curling up under a blanket near the wood stove(imaginary at my house but awesome over the holidays at my parents) and knitting in the evenings and lately my mornings involve coffee, but my afternoons or early evening - a lovely cup of hot chocolate or tea.
2. What is your favorite animal?
It's always been cats - especially tiger/leopard/lion KITTENS, but I am loving some of the sweet little dragons/frogs/turtles that are floating around out there. And a really sweet teddy animal of any kind - monkey, rabbit, puppy.
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'?
YES!! Especially when it rains in January and everything is grey and wet, but you know that winter is not even close to being over yet.
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs?
Hide with a video OR spend money slightly recklessly OR do something with my gurlz.
5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring?
A new front step/walkway and my own tulips and daffodils we planted this fall.
6. What are your favorite treats?
Chocolate - dark, or real fruit gummis
7. What is your favorite board game?
I prefer Yahtzee and card games, although Monopoly was always a hit in our house.
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)?
2 gurlz - 6.75 years and 2.25 years.
9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about?
I am allergic to strong perfumes, cats and feathers.

SPOILED - and they aren't even done yet!!

So today was a little busy - big gurl had an eye check up, all is perfect (my hair is curled tighter than normal with prayers that she avoids glasses even though she is dying for a Barbie pair).

Lunch at Joey's Only Seafood - cause I was craving fish and chips and figured it was a smidge healthier than McDonalds (big gurl's first choice).

Shoes (black Mary Janes), boots (Hannah Montana useless $%^^%%) and a pretty coat (sparkly pink with fake fur lining) were bought for the big gurl. She received money from her grandparents in Florida and I had promised to buy her shoes as her others (last Christmas gift) were destroyed. The boots were purchased due to the fact that, well all the other gurlz do have them and her grandparents would have bought them for her. The coat - well she has one winter coat - it goes everywhere, she needed something pretty and it is at least a size too big, so should last a couple years. Plus it was all on sale.

Little gurl - two fleece sleepers - cause she doesn't stay under her covers and gets as cold as me, and a sweet My Little Pony - with the money from grandparents again (also on sale).

And a Madeline video, since the other Christmas present is still winging it's way too me.

Little gurl has a nasty cold thing going on - I went to two different shops today, I had the Dimetapp in my hand and cart, but when we got home it wasn't there. At least they didn't charge me for it. I called the little pharmacy around the corner for it - it's off the market?!?!?!? I was pleasant with her, but I know it was in the store. This stuff is amazing for the little gurl's cold thing - we wouldn't have survived last winter without it. ARRGGHH

Me - well some travel sized toiletries, new contacts, groceries and oh yeah - my swap packages have arrived - or portions of them.

First up - WWCS - this one I know is not complete as my spoiler was ill, but wanted to make sure I got something.

This was what I saw when i opened the box - and it smelled like pine needles.

In the box -Hazelnut flavoured coffee and a gorgeous tall mug with a knitting embellishment (it was in the cute reindeer bag). If it hadn't been after 4:00 pm I would have brewed some right up. Smelled heavenly.

I also received my Harvest Sock Swap package (forgot to take a picture before I opened it). Here is all the glory.

Color Wonder for litle gurl, flower magnet/painting set for big gurl, Burt's Bees Bee-Bop wristlet (while waiting for the mail lady to come back I eyed the display of these)Better Homes and Gardens - pot holder with snowflake cookie cutter and Sugar Cookie Mix; Keychain Sock Blocker set - want to make the little socks out of all my yarn ends; Austermann Step - been wanting to try this, and the sock - made with Knit Picks Essential in Blue Violet Multi. Here's a close-up

It fits great - unknown pattern right now as Stacey had to order more yarn and will send the pattern with it. Thank you so much, Stacey!!!!

Must go now as little gurl is crying and coughing and... I don't know that I will make it to work this week after all..

Happy New Year to all!

We are home and well (for now).
Snow has covered the ground and my sister dropped by for a visit from Vancouver.
I finished little gurlz socks on Sunday the 30th, and she wore them for 24 hours after.
The scarf is on its last foot or so and an afghan has been commissioned by baby sis.
A parcel awaits me at the post office - was home to late today to go get.
We were spoiled and spoiled others and had lots of food.
Now it is time for back to business and routine.
Must shop for a washer, a carpet and shoes; and visit the eye doctor for big gurl.

Arrgghh
(as I type this my head is rhyming it to 'twas the night before Christmas')
Pictures will be posted as soon as I can and a list of projects that will be completed this year (I hope).
TTFN!!