Wednesday, December 31, 2008

New Year's Eve

I honestly cannot wait for 2008 to be over. This was probably the worst year of my life. I've been lied to, lied about, cheated on, used, taken for granted, taken advantage of, and generally treated pretty badly. Ironically, this is probably the year that I have tried the hardest to be kind and to create some happiness around myself.

So I have some New Year's resolutions:

1. I am going to succeed in quitting smoking.
2. I am no longer going to expect anything from anyone else. I can't stand the disappointment any more so I am giving that up along with the smoking.
3. I am doing what I want to do. No more compromising, no more doing things to make other people's lives better. I've tried that and it has never done anything but bite me on the ass.
4. I am going to blog more regularly.

I know it sounds angry and bitter but that's how I'm feeling right now and, looking back over the past 12 months, I think that it will serve me better.

Good luck to all for 2009. If it only sucks 1% worse than 2008 did, I'll be better off.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Perspective

Yesterday afternoon, I got home and had a very cryptic message from a friend. As it turns out, a mutual friend of ours had passed away yesterday afternoon. She was only 42 years old and leaves behind a husband and a two year old son.

It kind of puts all my stupid problems in perspective.

Please keep her family in your thoughts.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

A Big Night in the Y.O.

So I actually went out last night. It was a small celebratory Democrat cocktail party with some speakers. There were some good questions and some folks who clearly had their own agenda. I met a few nice new people which I think was good for my. I've had a hard time being around other people lately but I'm trying to take some baby steps towards getting my life back to normal.

By the way, I decided to finish the hat and send it off to Boy. After posting about it, I realized that the healthiest thing for me to do was something that would give me some sense of completion. I'll probably never know if he received it but alt least I know that it is one less piece of unfinished business.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Work In Progress

So I've been trying to drag myself out of the funk that I've been in and I'm not having much luck. I've been working on a bunch of projects that have been unfinished for quite a while to try to get some closure in my life. It's interesting having to make decisions about whether or not to let them live.


This is the hat that I started for Boy. I love it. I love the pattern and I love the yarn and I love the way it's knitting up. But I don't know if I have it in me to finish it. I think I need it to remain unfinished right now. It's Brooklyn Tweed's Turn A Square hat. The pattern is available for free on Ravelry in Lamb's Pride Worsted.



These are the mittens that I am making for my sister. They are lovely and intricate and fiddly and I love the pattern. But I've had a hard time getting the gauge that I want. I am going to try them out again on smaller needles. This will be the fourth time casting on for this project but I love it so much that I think it's worth getting it right. They are also from Brooklyn Tweed from the Fall/Winter 2008 Vogue Knitting.


Another gift for my sister. I had to cast this one on twice but now it's working beautifully. It's Hey Teach in 2nd Time Cotton. It's a recycled yarn made from cotton mill ends and has a beautiful drape to it. What you can't see from the photo is the subtle variations in the color. It's not immediately obvious but it lends real depth to it.


And there's nothing like a little Elizabeth Zimmerman to help you make it through the night. This is the beginning of the Garter Stitch Blanket and it is so soothing and comforting to knit. The blue (also not a great representation in the photo) is sooooo pretty and it is squeezy and warm. However, I've been waiting for months for the rest of the yarn to arrive. It's Lamb's Pride Bulky in Blue Magic and my church--I mean yarn shop--has been waiting for their delivery for months.

So what does all of this mean? What guidance can I get from the metaphors of my knitting? I'm hoping that working on finishing them--and having the patience to wait when I need to or start over when I need to--will help me get some focus in the rest of my life.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Mittens Mittens Mittens

I finished a bunch of mittens and mitts. This is a fabulous kids mitten pattern. I'm a huge fan of it.


The left ones are for a little girl. They are what's leftover of my Fiesta Boomerang in Iris. It's a favorite. The ones on the right are for a little boy. Chaco and Galway worsted from Rhinebeck. Great inexpensive yarn for things like mittens and wrist warmers. I mailed them off to Boy's sister because, although I thought I would see her again, it turns out that I won't. It was hard not to write a nasty note about what a jerk her brother is but I took the high road.

Here's the cutie pie sweater that we dropped off for her two weeks ago.


It's the new Mission Falls 136 Merino. It's so soft and silky. This is my first time using it and I loved it (although I had to go up on my normal needle size for this sweater a lot). I'll definitely be knitting with this again. The color is a little more lilac than the photo (Boy picked the color before he and I crashed and burned) and the buttons are from a big jar of buttons that I bought at a flea market a million years ago. I like them--they have a nice shine to them that goes well with the yarn.

So the question of the day is "which knitting project will I bring to stand on line to vote tomorrow." I don't think I've ever been more excited about voting and I hope that you will go out tomorrow and let your voice be heard.

P.S. Think I'm feeling a little bitter today? Does it show?

Saturday, November 1, 2008

P.S.

I kid you not. I just got home and A&E was halfway through The Shining. It's on a commercial right now but I'm glued to the tv.

What the Hell is Wrong With Me?

Can someone please explain to my why I thought it was a good idea to stay up the other night and watch The Exorcist at half past midnight? I mean really. Who was I kidding? I was frantically knitting with my feet tucked up under me--got to avoid the bony hand that might pop out from under the couch--absolutely terrified.

There are some horror movies that I can handle and some that I can't. Although I've read the book The Shining a million times, I have never once made it through the whole movie in one sitting. It just scares the bejeezus out of me. (Note: The Shining is a great book to read if you have just moved. It is about people who have also just moved into a new place and are much worse off than you are. For heavens sake--all you have are boxes to unpack.)

I saw a movie called Let's Scare Jessica to Death when I was in about fourth grade and, to this day, mumblemumble years later, I have not gotten over it. Every one of my adult fears is based on that flick. About 10 years ago I found a copy on VHS and thought that I would rewatch it and find it amusing--the same way I did with Trilogy of Terror. Hmmm, not so much. It took me two weeks to get through the damn thing and it still scares the living crap out of me. So much for my "now that you've grown up you may have matured a little bit" theory.

Now on the other hand, I could watch Trilogy of Terror over and over again. It is truly hilarious. How wrong can you go with Karen Black. I really can't believe the Academy has overlooked her for so long.

And then there are those 1950s horror movies. My sister and I used to watch Horror Hotel every time it was on tv. Every Sunday we would get the tv guide out of the paper and see if it was on. It was about a girl named Nan Barlow who accidentally ends up in the middle of a Salem witch coven. Fabulous! There's lots of following-the-sound-of-that-odd-chanting-by-
candlelight-in-my-nightgown going on and a great ending. I mean really, how wrong can you go?

Friday, October 31, 2008

October Was An Odd Month

So my consulting gig ended. Oye! Now I'm looking for a new job. I must say, the timing couldn't be worse but, I'll plug away until I find something good. I have discovered that I really don't like consulting. I've found that I really like to see results and, as a consultant, you can't really do much more than advise people. You don't get to dig into the meat of things and I much prefer that.

That said, I've gotten lots of knitting done!

I FINALLY finished these socks.


I have absolutely no excuse for them taking so long except for the fact that I made a ton of other things on the in-between. There were at least four pairs of wrist warmers, two pairs of mittens and three baby sweaters. Not to mention the start of a blanket and the beginnings of two other pairs of socks.

One of the baby sweaters and both pairs of mittens were for boy's in-vitro niece/nephew and his extra-vitro niece and nephew. However, he kicked me to the curb like so much of yesterday's trash so I have to mail the mittens to his sister tomorrow. I already gave her the sweater last week (when it seemed like we were happy--boy was I wrong) and the mittens were already done when he dumped me so I washed them today and will send them off tomorrow. Cleaning up the loose ends is the suckiest part of all this crap. I'll post photos of the mittens along with a link to the pattern (because it is fabulous) once they are dry.

In the "could it get any worse" category, I went out the other night and decided that it would be healthy for me to flirt a little. But, I got stuck with Fergus--the bi-sexual Irish immigrant who was into tranny three ways and women with big boobs (not that there's anything wrong with that). I suggested to him that perhaps he didn't want to open with that information but couldn't get rid of the lunatic.

Oh yeah, dating is going to be fun! I'm really looking forward to it.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

They're Fixing Something

About four years ago I was in the car with my niece--who was about 11 at the time--on my way to have one of those wonderful grown up/kid at work days. We passed a construction site and she asked me what they were fixing. I answered her "They're fixing something." About five minutes later she started laughing and, when I asked her why, she pointed out that not only had I given her a total non-answer but she had accepted it because it sounded good.

So this big old bail out--they're fixing something!

I keep hearing about the bail out but have yet to hear what it actually means. What do they want to approve? What are they voting against? I don't know if I think the bail out plan is a good idea or a bad idea because no one is talking about what it actually means.

I did hear our President on the news today saying that we--as tax payers--would buy the failing assets, wait for the market to correct and then resell the assets. Hello! Aren't these failing (and in many cases artificial) assets the problem. It seems to me like he is saying "We'll take your house of cards, protect it from the wind, and then when the wind stops give you back your house of cards." For crying out loud--it's still a house of cards.

On the other hand, for my Jewish friends, it is the beginning of a new year. I'm going to embrace that as well and wish you all a happy, happy new year and a healthy and wonderful next 12 months.

Friday, September 19, 2008

A Good Day For Ripping Back

I decided that I didn't like my Spring Forward socks. It's not that I don't like the pattern. I do. I love it. And I love the yarn. But together--they're just not working for me. So I'm ripping back and coming up with a new plan for both.

It seems like a good metaphor for life these days. Ripping back and exploring and trying to figure out what went wrong. As in knitting, sometimes, you rip back to a spot where you can fix it. Other times you just rip the whole thing out and try something new with it. Other times, you don't even bother ripping back. You just toss the whole thing in the trash because you hate it all. Between my fractured relationship and my consulting gig ending--I have to say I'm appreciating the zen of ripping out knitting and trying to figure out how to do that in the rest of my life.

So here are the poor little socks before I pull them off the needles.


I think I may just go for plain socks and enjoy the colors in this yarn. Or maybe not. We'll see where all the ripping takes me.

On the other hand, I did finish baby Dylan's sweater and sent it off to him. Again with the favorite baby sweater but I just love making it. It just works out perfect every time!


Yes those are adorable little Peter Rabbit buttons on it. I don't know why the picture came out so blue. I swear it is white (and my bedspread is white!). When you were a kid, did you have summer and winter bedspreads? We always did and I never quite understood it because we didn't sleep under the bedspread so the winter one wasn't going to keep us any warmer. And we had plenty of heat in the Y.O. so it just didn't make sense to me. But I digress.

In other knitting news, we started a little knitting group at the Hastings Farmers Market. We meet at 10 on the grass next to the knife sharpener. It was only two of us last week but it was the first week and I think we'll grow. Of course I have to be late tomorrow because I have to go to the dentist (who is a huge Met's fun so I am sure quite happy right now) so I'll get there as soon as I can. Gotta love a dentist with Saturday morning hours!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

A Day for Checking In

Jinkies this has been a crazy few days. Life in the Y.O is okay (not great today--just okay) but I just wanted to do a quick check in.

  • I've been up to my eyes trying to get the Annual Report done at work and it has not been an easy task--especially since my boss decided to rewrite the whole damn thing Saturday morning. But we're almost done. Just need to finish proofreading and it can go off to the printer on time.
  • On the vanity page of the magazine of my life, I finally got a haircut! It took forever but it looks really nice. Now we just have to finish fixing the color and I'll be good to go.
  • On the Boy front, I am still heartbroken. Although my Fatal Attraction feelings have passed (they really didn't last long), I am still terribly sad. It's awful to have someone lie to you over and over and then refuse to talk to you about it. I think I've finally slowed down on my crying but I can't be sure of that yet.
  • Does anyone have some good ideas for birthday presents for 10-year-old triplets (2 girls and a boy). I have no ideas. They may just get cash. Or underwear.
  • I'll post some finished knitting tomorrow (I finished Dylan's sweater) and some photos of the beautiful treats I bought myself at the sale at Katonah Yarn. Got some sweet stuff.
Even though it's lousy out, I may head down to the Y.O. waterfront tonight and treat myself nice. I could use a little pampering.

P.S. If you haven't seen the move Once, run out and rent it right away. It's wonderful. Although the song about the lies sent me over the edge. But I survived.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Finally--something made me laugh!

Okay so I had a totally crappy week. Won't bore you with the details because they are all things that all of us have gone through. Nothing original here--keep on moving folks.

But tonight--that all changed. In a moment of complete and total patheticness (Hi--my name is Pathetica and I'm emotionally handicapped. Hi Pathetica!) I You Tubed the Def Leppard song Love Bites.

And I couldn't stop laughing. The halos of hair. The drama. The 80s. Oh good God, if I knew that this was all it would take to make me feel better, I would have done it a week ago.

So, for your viewing pleasure, I give you:

Love Bites

Click it. Live it. Love it.

P.S. You might have to right click it to open it but it's worth it for the split screen and the earring in the opening sequence.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Don't get bitchy on Match.com

Does anyone else think it is "not okay" that some guy asked for a picture because he wanted to know--and this is a direct quote--"what he was talking to." WHAT! For crissakes--I'm not a what, I'm a who. I checked out match.com because I had a crappy crappy crappy week and my relationship is ending and I come to find that this is what is out there--a guy who refers to me as a what instead of a who.

Am I over reacting?

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Mrs. Mallie's Birthday Party

I went to a wonderful 80th Birthday party on Sunday night. The guest of honor was just a delight as were all of her friends.

And I actually think she was surprised!

Here she is arriving.




And since this is a knitting blog, I just cast on Brooklyn Tweed's mittens from the new Vogue Knitting (scroll down on the page). I'm doing them in cream. Am halfway through the first cuff and they are just lovely.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Now I Know How Tai Babilonia and Randy Gartner Felt

I've had to give up on the Ravelympics. I was really really really behind on my heart socksbut I thought I could finish them by the closing ceremonies. I was knitting anywhere and everywhere (including in the Lesbian bar that I accidentally wandered into last night (they were very nice to me but I felt like a had a big flashing "straight girl" sign on my forehead) where the girls were intrigued by the whole idea of Olympic knitting).

But alas, it turns out that I really didn't like the way they were turning out. I was using Gems Opals on size 1 needles. The fabric was way way way too dense and I couldn't even get them over my foot.

Some tribute photos before I frog them.


Cast on at the orthopedists office during the opening ceremonies. Did I mention that I did a number on my knee?


Gerri holding the sock at Northwest Harbor Beach during Book Club Sag Harbor weekend.


Alas, it shall become something new tomorrow. Maybe mittens for my sister.

And while we're talking about book club, this is a picture of Maria when she thought she was being swept out to sea and was going to spend the rest of her days roaming Davy Jones' locker.


That little dot in the water to the right of the yellow kayak is Maria.

Now this is Maria when she realized that she was only in water up to her knees.

She was quite surprised. Not to worry though, I had an eye on her the whole time and there was a couple with a boat just out of frame on the picture so she would have been safe and sound.



Saturday, August 9, 2008

I Think I'm Back to Normal

Okay I'm over the "bad man" moment and he and I are actually acting like adults and "workingonourrealtionship"--say that 10 times fast! Actually, it's really good and I'm happy right now.

Lots of fun knitting. I cast on some pretty socks for ralympics. They're pink and pretty and I have the approval of earthtonesgirl on them. I have made a deal with myself--if I finish the socks I can only work on WIPs until the olympics are over. I have plenty of things to finish so I doubt I will be bored.

Although I was very upset to hear today that the men's volleyball's coach's father-in-law was killed by a lunatic today in Bejing. My thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends.

I also shed a tear today for Bernie Mac. He was a funny, funny man and I loved his view on the world. I will miss him but I have a funny feeling that George Carlin had something to do with this and is dragging some really funny guys to the afterlife to hang out with him.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Too Bad About the Bunny

Men stink. Okay not all men but a lot of them really do stink. I'm mad as hell today and, I swear to God, if Fatal Attraction was on tv right now, I would be cheering for Glenn Close.

Have you ever thought about rereading the books you had to read in high school English class. A few summers ago I did. Some were fun, some were still ridiculously obtuse. Some I had a totally different perspective on at 40 than I did at 13. Case in point--Ethan Frome.

Really, that little bitch should have just left the f*&king pickle dish alone.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

My Favorite Baby Sweater

I love babies. I love the way that they snuggle right into you--totally naturally, as if you owe it to them--find their spot and get cozy. It makes me sad that we lose that ability as adults.

Luckily, there are a few new babies around. The first is my friend Jenny's. Here's the sweater for baby Jack. The cute little white bunny buttons aren't on it yet but I love it still. It's nice and squeezy and such a pretty shade of blue.


The pattern is a very basic raglan baby sweater that my friend Marlys gave me from a magazine about 15 years ago. I have no idea what magazine it came from but I love, love, love it. I can't begin to try to figure out how many of these sweaters I have made. I've added a cable. I've added little tiny knit leaves for an autumn baby. I've embroidered flowers on it. A long time ago I took my frayed photocopy and typed up the pattern so I could have it forever.

It's just perfect. The armholes and the neck are big enough for those yummy little odd baby limbs (and huge baby heads) and every Mommy has loved this sweater.

I love this yarn--the ball band is around somewhere--because it's not too precious. It's a real blue rather than an overly sweet baby blue and I'm sure baby Jack will be cozy as all git out in this sweater.

Of course it's still a gazillion degrees in the Y.O. so who the hell wants to put a sweater on but I made it big enough to fit him in the fall.

News 12 has been promising me a thunder storm for a week now and I feel totally let down by them that I haven't had a good one. Plants are dying. People are wilting. I hate this weather. I want a really good, really dramatic storm--the kind that scares you a little but you can't stop yourself from sitting in the window and watching. I think I'm owed one for not acting like a crazy person during these 90 degree (PLUS!) days. I don't think I should be held responsible for my actions if this doesn't break soon.

I'm also quite certain that my Con Ed bill is going to arrive in a box. Baby Cat is an old old old lady and it would be really cruel to leave her in the house without the a/c (never mind the other two cats). The living room air has been on for weeks and I'll probably be selling pencils on the corner to raise the money to pay for it but hey, what else could I do.

Friday, July 18, 2008

The Best Special Effects Ever

I don't care that it's 33 years old. I don't care that it was supposed to be really scary and doesn't scare me at all anymore (really never has). Jaws still has the best damn special effects ever!

One of the questions that I ask when I'm stuck talking to someone that I don't know and have run out of small talk is: If you got home at midnight--dead tired--and flipped the tv on for just a second, what movie would you stay up and watch.

My top three are:

1. Jaws
2. The Poseiden Adventure (the original and I probably spelled it wrong)
3. Scarface

I got home today just in time for Jaws. Granted it was 2:30 in the afternoon and I wasn't tired at all but I have planted myself on the couch to watch it. I'm working on that wonderful mitered EZ blanket that Brooklyn Tweed made and it has been the perfect way to spend the afternoon.

Naturally, I have the airconditioner on 11 because it is hot as hades here in the Y.O. today. Not good for knitting anything other than socks unless you're in the a/c. So of course, I have two pairs of socks on the needles and am also starting a baby sweater. The cameras charging so there'll be pictures very soon!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Nancy Drew and the Case of the Disappearing Blogger

I've been gone because I've been working! Working like crazy. On good stuff. With good people. Now I'm not saying it hasn't been hard work--there's some stuff that is just craaaaaazy--but it has all been good and interesting and intelligent and I am so happy.

So here's a brief update:
  • Knitting on the subway rocks. No one wants to sit next to the lady with the point sticks so I get some peace.
  • Listening to my podcasts on the subway while I knit is even better.
  • It's f*&)ing hot in NY right now. I hate the heat and I honestly don't think I could sweat more than I have in the past three days. I have my air conditioning up so high I'm surprised it doesn't thunder when I open my front door.
  • On the upside of that, I noticed yesterday that my living room air conditioner actually "goes to 11". I almost wet myself laughing. Have I mentioned how I feel about Spinal Tap?
  • The Hastings Farmers Market is open for the season. I am in veggie/chicken/fish/wine/bread/cheese/flowers/strawberry/duck heaven. It's amazing to me that as soon as they open their doors, my biological clock gets me out of bad at the crack of dawn on Saturday to be there early. There may be a Farmer's Market recipe in the future.
  • Granny's birthday was last week. I took her out for drinks, appetizers and dessert and we sat at the bar at Jake's and had a ball. I recommend it. It's a favorite spot of mine.
  • I'm considering letting my hair go gray. I've been dying it since I was 17 and I would love to know what it really looks like.
I promise I'll try to get back to posting regularly. With photos. I have lots of pretty knitting in the works right now. I also have two beautiful colorways coming from Three Irish Girls. I am very very excited about them.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Don't sleep in the subway darling!

I got a job! A real job! With real people! And real work to do! And enough room for everyone's egos (hmm--I'm not bitter, no, not me).

It's a three month contract gig which may turn into something longer. In the meantime, it suits me just fine.

And I have a solid 40 minutes to knit on the subway. Oh happy happy day!

Friday, April 4, 2008

The Crazy Cat Lady Dinner

Tonight is my favorite night of the year. A friend of a friend runs a cat assistance program here in Westchester County and they have a fundraising dinner every spring. Picture this--about 300 crazy cat ladies in a room together with wine, music and raffle prizes. It's a hoot and a half.

So in the spirit of the Crazy Cat Lady day:

Here's Buddie.


Isn't he a handsome boy? He's one of my sister's four cats.

Here's Tiny Cat and Heather.


Two of my three beauties. They are all about snuggling up together lately. They're both rescue cats and, honest to God, there is nothing that loves you more than a little animal that you took home.

Now onto things in my house that probably have some cat hair knit into them.

I finally finished my Monkeys but they are in the laundry so we must wait for a photo. And I finished Bratty Girl's Ogee Lace Skirt a few weeks ago. Here's a quick photo. It's unblocked but I let her take it on vacation anyway. I'll block it this week. I've got a blue one on the needles for her cousin in Ireland.


She tried it on over her sweats just to make sure it looked great on her (which of course it does because she is 14 and has a fabulous figure). She'll make it the newest style craze of The Rivertowns.

And on a sad note, a friend of mine was moved from the hospital to a wonderful hospice today. His life is coming to an end and, although I am comfortable with death being a part of life, I am sad about it. I will be filling his wife with wine tomorrow and celebrating a life well lived. If you read this, it would be lovely if you could take a moment and shine a little white light for a peaceful passage for him.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Actually talking about knitting today! What a surprise.

I have finally been uploading photos and have some wonderful things to show you.

First: Kathleen's birthday scarf from the Knitty breast cancer issue. I love it. It is Blue Sky Alpaca and so soft (probably has a little cat hair knitted in but--so be it).



Cornelia's birthday scarf. Berrocco (sp?) alpaca. It is so soft and just fuzzy enough. And, can I tell you, the price is right! Picked it up at Flying Fingers and breezed right through it.


I like this pattern a lot. It's ridiculously easy to remember and a lot of fun to make. The scarf is redder than it looks in this photo but I am still getting the hang of digital photography. The pattern is the Falling Waters Lace Scarf that I switched to four repeats instead of three.

Then there is this.


This is the yarn that I got from Denise. She didn't care for it. I am in love with it. It's going to be socks very soon (as soon as I finish my Monkeys which are (really--I swear) almost done.

More finished objects and in progress pieces coming tomorrow. For now, I am making a wonderful dinner for Boy. We had a rough weekend. I fully admit that I acted like a lunatic. I am usually very normal but for whatever reason, I was very vulnerable on Saturday night. I blame the full moon.

Anyway, all is well now. I am making a beautiful prime rib with au gratin potatoes. It smells amazing. It's drizzly and damp here right now--the perfect night for a cozy, warm dinner for two.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Has it really been over a month?

Lot's and lot's of knitting going on. It's the beauty of being out of work!

My monkey socks are almost done and I love them. Bratty Girl's Ogee Lace Skirt is done and it is really beautiful. Her cousin's skirt is cast on. Rockin Sock Club March package has arrived and I got great new sock yarn from this wonderful woman.

But today let's talk about food. Fabulous food!

Last night I went to the Westchester Italian Cultural Center They had a culinary evening in their kitchen space. Four tables of eight people each facing a full amazing kitchen. And the chef was the wonderful wonderful Dave Dibari of Zuppa in Yonkers.
I have been a Zuppa fan since they opened. The family who owns it (and the new Mima in Irvington) are delightful people and their food is beyond fabulous. Dinner last night was amazing. We had four courses--each one better than the last--paired with two wines.
My friend Cathy and I sat at a table with a group of strangers (two of whom thought they were cooler than we were but they found out they weren't--poor women). And even though I am as Irish as you can get without being born in Ireland I fit right in with all the wonderful Italians.

They are showing the movie "Life Is Beautiful" on Friday night with a speaker afterwards which I think I'm going to go to. It should be fun.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Has Anyone Seen The Cord For My Camera

I finally took some photos of nicely finished projects and now I can't find the cord for my camera. It'll probably turn up as soon as I finished posting!

Here's what's done:
1. Kathleen's scarf--it's beautiful. It's the Heart scarf from Knitty's breast cancer issue. It's in beautiful pale pink Blue Sky Alpaca bulky yarn and I love it.
2. Rockin' Sock Club--my Dragon Dance socks feel so amazing on my feet. I am in love with them. The pattern flew by and I can't wait to make it again although I am going to play with the size of the heel a little bit.
3. Renee's Wrist Warmers--same old pattern but they are such fun to make. I'll have to mail them to her since I started them before I canned from the old job.

And onto the job front! I had a good interview next week and am sending out more resumes today. Keep your fingers crossed for me. In the meantime, my pal unemployment insurance is my new best friend.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Snow Day

So much has happened in the past few weeks. Still don't have a new job but had a very good interview this morning. Of course it was raining cats and dogs so I left way too early and had to sit in the parking lot and knit until it was time to go in. It was at the Wildlife Conservation Society which is headquartered at the Bronx Zoo and, let me tell you, you have not seen anything until you have seen the American Bison in the fog. They were amazingly beautiful. Big huge brown humps floating in the mist. I was moved.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Today is a better day.

I spent most of yesterday crying. It was probably the best thing that I could do. I spoke to one of my former board members and good friends who--in a lovely big brotherly way--reminded me that I should mourn all the things that I have lost in the past two weeks.

He struck a chord and I wept for the rest of the day. By about 10 p.m. I was dried out and felt oh-so-very-much-better. Today I got up and picked up Mystery Stole (I am planning on being the last one to finish it) and got loads and loads done on it. A little Law & Order on TV, knitting on my lap--this could be okay for a while.

I also got a call from a friend with leads for jobs which was very nice and made me feel even better.

I may be crying again in an hour but I don't think so. I think I'll just go for a pedicure instead.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

What Famous Person's House Did I Go To Today?

I went to a famous person's house today.

I can't say who it is (work, blah, blah) but it was initially sort of thrilling. The apartment--as a space--was fabulous. It's one of those magical New York apartments that, when you see them in a movie, you assume some made up. This one was for real.

However, it was just a regular house--actually a home. Which was kind of nice. I was expecting an overdecorated monstrosity but it was clear that people actually lived their. It made me feel warm and fuzzy. I did, however, find it odd that they have a no-shoes-in-the-house rule. I'm always barefoot at home anyway and I don't really like to wear shoes (although I like to buy them) but I would not have expected these folks to have that rule.

The brightest part of the day was the bus/subway ride. It meant over an hour of uninterupted knitting. Except for the few minutes I spent chatting over my little glovelets with the conductor on the subway so that made it all worth while.

I have a big batch of meatballs in the oven for Boy right now and they are making the house smell fabulous!