FunnyGuurl

New Blog!

2010-10-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

Well, in the name of growing up, and becoming more official, I've decided to do all my professional posts on a different blog (yes, I realize my two blogs look the same at the moment - it will be remedied)! I'm still tinkering and toying with what this blog will be reinvented for, but in the meantime visit: http://www.shellimartineau.com/ for Social Media news and info, ramblings, and ideas. Thanks ;)

Tumblr is Purple in Support of Gay Teens

2010-10-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Today, October 20, 2010, hundreds of thousands of people across the country are wearing purple to draw attention to the deaths of six youths who committed suicide after they were bullied or harassed because they were gay. Wearing purple today is a show of support for gay teens.

On the social media front, many people are standing up and taking a stance on this issue. On twitter, many people have Purple or NoH8 Twibbons on their avatar, or are using the hastag #purple, to show support.

Tumblr, which is growing in popularity (especially among teens),

has taken a silent step in support of gay teens by turning their normally blue dashboard a subdued shade of purple.

Interestingly, as of this posting, the Tumblr Staff Blog makes no mention of the dashboard change.

We've seen online organizations do similar things like this before. Google changes its logo for all sorts of occasions, and in support of many different causes, but I can't think of any that have been on such a timely, controversial issue. Many Tumblr users are not happy with the change, while others are elated. I, for one, am glad some companies and organizations on the web are brave enough to take a timely stance on difficult issues.

Is this the beginning of more socially conscious social networking sites?

Blogging: What's my Niche? Do I care?

2010-10-15T16:13:00.000-07:00

So, I've been reading ProBlogger's "Secrets for Blogging Your Way to a Six-Figure Income" and, although I'm definitely not into blogging for the money (well maybe a little), I'm becoming all sorts of inspired. There are MANY valuable take homes (even - or perhaps especially - for someone who has been blogging as long as I have).

(The beauty of blogging (possibly the ugly)? Image via Stars with My Coffee)

Right now I'm reading the section on Niche Blogging. I've been a blogger for some time and have worked in SEVERAL niches. When I first started it was poetry and literature, then it was family and my marriage, next it was teaching, then knitting, then more of just a "personal" blog, and now I'm venturing into recording my fitness/weight loss journey. I've also tried every single blogging platform out there (or so it feels like).

What to do with all these ideas, interests, and topics I love...? Pro Blogger's suggestions have been really helpful. For now, I'm taking a pause. I'll be blogging what I learn and planning my next big "move". But, I'm not in a huge hurry because I'm happy with my little Epic Weight Loss Journey on Tumblr and this repository of all things Shelli, for now. My new niche will probably have something to do with losing weight and creating a healthy lifestyle, but we shall see. Do you think people would be interested in a fat girl's take on weight loss and exercise?

And... For that matter, are you a blogger or just plain inspired to start one? Have you thought about writing in a "niche" or just starting up something personal?

Blogalicious 2010: What I learned

2010-10-14T00:13:00.000-07:00

I took a LOT away from this year’s Blogalicious Conference. The sessions were inspiring and informative and the women and men I met were intelligent, savy, kind, and just generally inspiring! Apart from the incredible wisdom I gained from the sessions, I learned some practical lessons that I will carry with me to the next conference. I’d thought I’d share these with anyone and everyone who is planning on attended a professional conference in the future.

Pack Light and Leave Room

I did not account for the AMOUNT of stuff I would be taking home from this trip, so I packed a ton of clothes and left almost no room for the return trip. I received SO MUCH swag that I had to make decisions about what I had to leave behind. I shouldn’t have had to do that! The crazy thing is, I was working through two of these days and missed almost two full days of swag. I didn’t even get a large portion of the stuff from the exhibitor’s booths because I was elsewhere. Next time, I’m leaving LOTS of extra room in my back and ensuring I can take everything home. No more sacrifices.

The Smaller the Better

My number once grievance with myself at this conference was packing my laptop instead of my netbook. My laptop is HUGE and carrying it around was painful, but necessary. Further, I was forever sitting in the back or the sides of the room (near outlets) for fear I’d run out of juice mid-session. Admittedly, I had TOTAL and UTTER gadget envy whenever I saw an attendee pull out a sleek, quick, fully charged IPAD. A smaller tablet or netbook, while it has less computing power, is just an intelligent solution to this problem. Smaller netbooks and IPADS also have incredibly long battery power which is a must have at a conference (As Aliza Sherman pointed out in her advice to me before the conference). In the future, my shoulder will thank me and my nerves will be that much less frazzled at airport security if I’m packing a tablet.

Find the Value

While this is certainly NOT true for everyone, the value I found in the conference was in the sessions (rather than the social aspect). I tried to do it all and I did not regret trying to make it to a lot of stuff. Every session I attended had value for me and I honestly wish I could’ve attended more on Saturday (which is when I was more “on duty” for our client).

Relax and Give yourself a BREAK!

As a result of all of the above, I had a hard time relaxing. I was wary about my responsibilities, wary about my laptop/power issues, thinking about all the stuff I would be lugging home, eager to attend things and disappointed when I missed sessions I wanted to see. The only time I was REALLY able to relax was when my duties were over. And by that time, I was so exhausted and frazzled I just CRASHED in my hotel room. I truly believe that in order to enjoy, and be successful at a conference, its important to relax and give yourself a break.

Blogcalicious Day 1: All sorts of inspired

2010-10-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

What is my passion? What is my niche? What drives me to react, think, write, speak? What does my voice sound like? Who do I want to have conversations and connections with?

It's only day one of my first ever professional bloggers conference and I am just immersed in a world of creativity, style, class and smarts. I'm loving every minute of it. My little work notebook is filled with inspiring quotes, statistics, information, and ideas from several of the awesome break out sessions.

The first session was one of my favorites. Author of The 85% Niche (I'm buying immediately), Miriam Muley explained three major ethnic groups (Asian, African, and Latina Americans) in terms of buying/shopping habits and the amount of influence women from these groups have over spending on products and services. She pinpointed key tactics and insights into how marketers can become relevant to the unique needs of Asian, African, and Latina American women. I was blown away and left wondering where I could get a copy of Muley's PowerPoint presentation.

My favorite breakout so far was the only one I attended for sheer personal reasons. I went to "Chronicles of a Fit Diva" because as you all know, I am on my own personal Epic Weight Loss Journey at the moment and I wanted to hear more about other women's experience and gain insight into how they shared their journeys through social media.

Christie Crowder, Lorraine Robertson, and Barbara ( I can't find her blog, I promise I will look it up - she was amazingly clever and passionate!) started with the statement "When it comes to weight loss, we change all sorts of things, but we forget to change our minds," and she absolutely won me over. Again, I walked away with a plethora of cute quotes, information, and blog post ideas.

Overall, Day one of Blogalicious was a huge success. Now... on to a cocktail reception and the Parranda Party!

EWLJ: Focus on Food

2010-09-09T18:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, Ok, I know I haven't been the best at giving you Epic Weight Loss Journey updates. The reason? Well, to be honest, I've been backsliding. I could give a laundry list of excuses in an attempt to solicit pity, OR I can tell you what I'm doing to change the path I'm on. This week, with the help of my ever patient and loving husband, I have been focusing on food.

Ben and I chose several recipes from this book, I went shopping, and I've devoted myself to eating something healthy for every meal. Thus far we've had:

Doc's Healthy Chili

Broiled Italian Flank Steak with Roma Tomatoes (altered a recipe from this book) by Chef Ben

NOT from the book: Chef Ben's Teriyaki Spinach, Swiss Chard, and Romano Cheese Steak Wrap

Some Steps I'm taking for Getting Back on Track: Focus on the Food

Find new, healthy cookbooks
Choosing several new healthy recipes and SHOPPING for the ingredients
Shopping for fresh, local ingredients at the Puyallup Farmer's Market
Starting a food journal (AGAIN)
Keep on a healthy eating schedule and making it a routine. Which means not eating lunch at 3pm and eating small healthy snacks
Having good, healthy, non-processed snacks on hand for those hungry moments between meals
Drinking lots of water
Taking my vitamins!

Next week I'm also getting on a more vigorous exercise routine again. I've signed up for a membership to LA Fitness (I hate the gym and my apartments) and have joined a friendly "Biggest Loser" styled weight loss competition which starts on 9/13/10. Woot!

Things Ben and I Can Do this Weekend in Seattle/Federal Way

2010-09-04T14:31:00.000-07:00

The house is clean and all my work is done for the day, so, I thought I'd spend some time researching what Ben and I can do this weekend after Ben gets off work.

Something we Can't Really Afford but TOTALLY Want to Do:

Bumbershoot
(9/4-9/6)
Economy Tix (no mainstage) $22
Standard Tix (includes mainstage) $40

A Local Zoo

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
July 1 - September 6 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily
Adults (ages 13-64) $13.50

Woodland Park Zoo
May 1 to September 30 — 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
Adults (ages 13-64) $16.50

Northwest Trek
July 1 - Sept. 6 - 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
Adults (ages 13-64) $16.00

Seattle Aquarium
9:30am to 5pm daily - Last entry at 5pm, exhibits close at 6pm
Adults (ages 13-64) $17.00

A Museum

Museum of Flight
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
General Admission $15.50

Tacoma Glass Museum
10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday
General Admission $12

Somewhere we've Never Been:

Emerald Downs
During live racing (April 9 - Sept. 26, 2010), $7.00

Somewhere we ALWAYS go:
The Movies!!!

A Park or Garden

Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
March through September
10am to 4pm
Open 6 days a week, closed Thursdays
$5.00 General Admission

Washington Park Arboretum: Japanese Garden
Aug 16 - Sep 20 - Mon-Sun - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Adults 18-64: $5
Audio Tour Download link

Kubota Garden
The garden is open to the public, free of charge, every day during daylight hours

Dash Point State Park

Redondo Beach

Des Moines Beach Park

Saltwater State Park

Coming UP:

The Puyallup Fair
(9/10-9/26)

Who I went to for Seattle To Do Ideas:

Seattle Maven
http://twitter.com/SeattleMaven

Epic Weight Loss Journey

2010-08-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Back on the track :)

Epic Weight Loss Journey Day #94

2010-05-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

Diet. Diet. Diet.

There is an expression/saying (I have no idea where it comes from) that goes something like: Only fat people diet. And without being a doctor, weight-loss researcher or expert in any sort of relevant field, I'd have to say that statement is 100% correct. Fat people diet. Skinny people do something else. I don't want to be a fat person anymore, so, I've got to figure out how to do something else. How to not diet and still lose weight.

In the past I've had success with several diets. In junior high/high school I lost a ton of weight on Weight Watchers and it was overall a really good experience. I liked WW because I could eat what I wanted as long as I was mindful of portion size, calories, dietary fiber and fat. Counting points DID get tedious, however. Once I lost a significant amount of weight, I also got really lazy and stopped counting and paying attention. Eventually, I slipped into old habits, fell in love, and the rest was unfortunate history.

I tried WW again while in college but I think stress and laziness ended getting the better of me in that instance. It was hard to shop and eat right, study, go to work, and hang out with friends simultaneously. I just wanted to order pizza, or have dinner ready for me when I arrived home and, bless his heart, Ben was not a "light" or "healthy" cooker at the time. I ended up doing what was easiest for me - ordering out, asking Ben to cook, eating at restaurants, and fast food.

When I started my EWLJ, I decided to try a different diet and I've been doing the Ketogenic diet since the beginning. A typical day looked like:

Breakfast: Whole grain cereal (with no/little sugar) and low fat milk. Tea with low fat milk and Splenda
Morning Snack: Protein Shake (low carb) with a teaspoon of flax seed oil and a tea spoon of honey and a sprinkle of nutmeg
Lunch: Chicken breast (skin free) cooked in a pan with small amount of grapeseed oil. With a cup and half of salad. 1 med orange.
Afternoon Snack: Low carb yogurt
Dinner: Same as lunch, except I would swap salad for veggies and vice versa: Chicken breast or steak with cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, etc.
Night Snack: Handful of raw almonds

While this diet has been wildly successful, I've known for a while now that it is not sustainable and I am highly likely to cheat because I love and miss bread and cheese like nobody's business.

What I know about myself on a diet:

If I feel deprived of something I want it more
I like the taste of healthy food
I crave convenience
I hate to put time into cooking but I'm learning it doesn't take *that* much.
When stressed/upset I overeat or make bad food choices
If I "cheat" I go hard on myself and feel guilty
I like variety

To avoid feelings of deprivation and ensure I have variety and less of a desire to cheat, I've decided I HAD to change my diet. I need a diet that is livable, something I can share and explore and yet live with on a day to day basis.

So, for now I'm trying a mix of counting calories and using the food pyramid as a guide. Honestly, it's going to look similar to what I was doing with the ketogenic diet, but, it will be augmented so that I can still enjoy the foods I like.

Using the food pyramid as a guide means:

Fruits and Veggies - at least 4 servings daily
Protein - 3 servings daily
Whole Grain - 2 servings daily
Extras - no more than 200 calories
Lots of water!!

Counting Calories:
The calories I eat will will change week-to-week. The smaller I get, the less calories I will eat. Rocket science, right!?

Other things I'm doing:

Daily exercise (of course)
When I'm hungry, drinking water first (to see if maybe, I was just thirsty)
Eating small healthy snacks so I'm never hungry (don't feel the urgency to eat right away)
Planning ahead - ensuring I have options and bringing foods I know I can have
Recording everything I eat

Epic Weight Loss Journey Day #88

2010-05-15T20:55:00.000-07:00

Holy shit. I ran!

I never in my wildest dreams thought I was ready to run, and I definitely didn't think I'd be able to run for maybe more than a couple of seconds. But, today Ben and I decided to walk to Saghalie Junior High, and walk the track a few times before doing the new workout DVD we're trying, and one thing led to another.

So, we get to the track, and I'm immediately bombarded with all these memories from junior high: the torturous "fun run," coming in last every Friday, and truly believing exercise meant you must suffer and be embarrassed. I remember thinking I'd never run as an adult because I hated it so much. All this actually served to create a FEAR of running. I'm afraid to run. I realized this as I was walking, and I got so mad I thought, "well, lets see if I can run this straightaway without stopping. Lets see how far I can go." So, when Ben and I approached the starting line, I just..... RAN.

Ok, admittedly it wasn't a pretty run. I'm quite a jiggly person - so, it was jiggly, unpretty, very slow, and probably looked suspiciously like a jog. But damnit, I RAN. I ran that whole straight away and when I got to the end, I kept walking.

This is where things got weird.

When I approached the next straightaway, I decided I'd run again! And so I did.

After the next successful straight away run I decided I could definitely do that three more times. And so, dear readers, I alternated running the straightaways, and walking the curves of the track, for four entire laps. I believe that means I ran a QUARTER mile today.

I have NEVER in my life been more proud of myself (at least physically) in my entire life.

My pedometer says that in total:

I walked/ran exactly 2 miles (5 laps total + to/from my apartment)
The entire walk/run took 45 minutes
My average speed was 2.7 mi/hr
My fastest speed was 5 mph
I burned 330 calories

woot

Epic Weight Loss Journey - Day #85

2010-05-11T23:46:00.000-07:00

What's ALMOST as good as looking at the scale and noticing you've lost weight?? Or that moment when sweat is pouring down your face and you know you've worked really hard?

Thats right! Swag!

Last week I ordered a book and two workout videos. I'm told you're supposed to vary your work out to keep your body guessing and to stave off boredom. So, I ordered,

The Biggest Loser: The Weight-Loss Program to Transform Your Body, Health, and Life (book)
The Biggest Loser: Last Chance Workout (DVD)
The Biggest Loser: Bootcamp (DVD)

After spreading the word about my purchase several people recommended a few things:

Movies that have been recommended:
P90X: Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program

Books that have been recommended:
The Omnivores Dilemma by Michael Pollan
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan

Have any of you seen/read these? Have any recommendations?

My last bit of swag are these brand new Asic shoes which I so desperately needed! They fit great and the girl at Lady Foot Locker said they are good for overpronation - which I've been told I do.

Today's workout:

I decided to try the Last Chance Workout DVD first. It's divided into 3 weeks and each day has a different workout. Today Ben and I did the 1st day of the first week and It was INTENSE. OK OK... Granted, Ben and I are both relatively out of shape, but we work out regularly and it was HARD. Good hard.

The Last Chance Workout is mainly High Intensity Training aka H.I.T., which according to Wikipedia, "The fundamental principles of High Intensity Training (HIT) are that exercise should be brief, infrequent, and intense. Exercises are performed with a high level of effort, or intensity, where it is thought that it will stimulate the body to produce an increase in muscular strength and size. Advocates of HIT believe that this method is superior for strength and size building than most other methods which, for example, may stress lower weights with larger volume (reps)."

Overall, I really liked the video. There was only one part that I found difficult. I can't remember what it was called but it starts like a pushup, then you jump and pull your legs under youm then jump and put them back straight out. Insane.

Epic Weight Loss Journey Day #83

2010-05-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

West Hylebos Wetlands Park

We walked the main trail twice and around the lake once. It took about 45 minutes. BEAUTIFUL day :)

Epic Weight Loss Journey Day #82

2010-05-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

Pounds Lost: 36

It has been exactly one week since I last hit the gym. I STOPPED going because I was having knee pain. My knee was just feeling "loose". I asked my Facebook "support group" and most everyone told me to take it easy. So, I took it easy. A little too easy! Oops. But, I decided I'm not going to feel guilty, and today I finally made it back to the gym.

At the gym I was struck with how HARD it was. 40 minutes on the elliptical at a pace SLOWER than I was previously used to was HARD. So hard, in fact, that I wasn't sure I would finish.I started to think, "Oh, I'll only do 30" and had to consciously readjust my thinking, "NO, push through and do the 40!". So, I did. I DID, however, skip the last 20 on the treadmill. My knee is still bothering me and I didn't want to tempt fate and/or injure myself.

Lesson Learned: DON'T skip the gym for week!

Shopping List:
Knee Bracelet
Ice pack for my knee

To Do List:
Call the doc (re: knee)
Spruce up blog

Oh, that reminds me. Right now I'm also "revamping" my blog. Before, it was all about my knitting obsession and for now it will cover my Epic Weight Loss Journey. In general though, its just going to be a place where I vent!

My Apple Bottoms Mix

2010-03-03T14:17:00.001-07:00

I met up with my friend QDot and he helped me compile a list of songs that fans of Apple Bottoms by Nelly Fragrance would likely enjoy. This was a project for work but I thought it would also make a great blog post. ALL of the comments are my own (not QDOTs) and I am a casual observer at best. I am in no way an expert on hip-hop/rap music. For an expert's opinion, visit Q Dot's blog or listen to his Podcast.

Hopefully, you know that most hip-hop/rap music is strongly linked to specific regions of the country (unless the artist is like a SUPERSTAR) - each having its own unique sound/favor. Nelly, along with a few other big names, was one of the first MAJOR musicians to make Midwest Rap/Hip-hop well known. So, I chose songs that generally suit the Midwest/Southern "flavor" and listed where each artist is from. I also chose songs that women tend to enjoy which are slightly different from those that men pick. Enjoy!

PAST:

These songs are older examples - maybe a little "played" (outdated) - but Nelly fans still love 'em.

Low by Flo Rida (From Florida) feat. T-Pain (Atlanta, GA)

This song was a HUGE hit! To clear up the confusion, NO, Nelly isn't in this video nor does he sing this song. This song is just in praise of his jeans brand (well, to be precise, it is in praise of a girl who WEARS those jeans flawlessly)- this song features Flo Rida and T. Pain.

Country Grammar - Nelly (St. Louis, MO)

Nelly made his solo debut in 2000 with Country Grammar, the title track of which was a top ten hit. This song, Country Grammar, is Nelly's declaration of his Midwest pride.

Here we come – Nelly (St. Louis, MO)

A lesser-known song, but, back in the 2000's this was one of my favorite Nelly songs.

PRESENT:

These are songs that are being played right now that Nelly fans may also enjoy.

Imma Be by Black Eyed Peas (Non-Regional but from California)

One of Shelli's favs :-) Especially for the GYM.

Whatever you Like by T.I. (Atlanta, GA)

Bedrock song – Young Money: Lil Wayne (New Orleans, LA) , Drake (Non-Regional but from Canada)

LOTs of big named performers on this one. Makes me laugh at its sheer corniness. Love it just for that. Very popular song.

Best I ever Had - Drake (Non-Regional but from Canada)

Admittedly, I love this song. So sweet and catchy. Drake is well known and popular. To be honest, I think most of his fans are girls who think he's hot (Sorry Drake).

Single Ladies - Beyonce (Non-Regional)

You all know who Beyonce is (hopefully). This is a great female empowerment song. People make endless fun of, and parady, the dance Beyonce does in this video.

Replay - Iyaz (Non-Regional but from Virgin Islands)

Another catchy popular one Shelli likes. Girls probably like this one way more than guys do. He compares his love for his girl to being obsessed with a song and having his i-pod playing the same song over and over (thought you might like the i-pod reference). LOL.

How Low Can you Go? – Ludacris (Atlanta, GA)

Ludacris is a well respected musician and actor. He is another big SOUTHERN name. He has hit after hit and will probably be around for a long time.

Please Don’t Stop the Music - Rihanna (Barbados)

Another really hot female musician. Has had tons of hits: "Umbrella", "Disturbia", "Take a Bow", etc.

Nothing on You - B.O.B "Bobby Ray" (Atlanta, GA)

A sweet song :)

Party People by Nelly feat. Fergie

This song is Nelly's most recent hit. Featuring the ever adorable Fergie of Black Eyed Peas fame.

AND OF COURSE (Shameless plug for my helper),

froglegs n fishgrease by Q Dot - You can hear it on Facebook, Pandora, iTunes or Amazon

Matisyahu!

2009-11-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

Vote for Rachel!

2009-11-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

Hey - this girl deserves it :D . Will you vote for her? It literally takes 3 seconds!

Good Mood Gig from SAM-e

If it cost you nothing, would you give to charity or download from itunes?

2009-10-15T12:29:00.001-07:00

Full disclosure: This post is about one of my clients who is.. I think.. just rad. That said.. This was written by me and in no way represents Kasasa. I just think they're neat and thought you guys/gals might want to check 'em out..

I seriously hate banking. In fact, if I could just not use a bank I probably would just do that. At least, that is how I felt until we got this client, Kasasa. They offer banking products that YOUNG PPL can get behind (finally!).

Stuff I like about Kasasa:

1. These are banking products that ONLY local community banks and credit unions can carry to help them compete against the megabanks. (Yay to the little guy!)
2. Their checking and savings offer very high interest (Yay to more free money!)
3. Their "Giving" account lets you put your interest towards a charity (what other bank does this???)
4. Their "Tunes" account lets you ~~get your interest as iTunes downloads instead of cash~~ get iTunes downloads every month by meeting monthly qualifications (uh... AWESOME!)
5. Right now if you go to their blog and vote on your fav video they will give $$ to 3 awesome charities (American Humane, Stand up to Cancer, & The Boys and Girls Club) go here to vote: http://doyoukasasa.blogspot.com/2009/09/kasasa-slam-poetry-whats-your-favorite.html

WHAT YOU CAN DO if you don't Kasasa (yet):
- Follow the above link and VOTE
- Friend Kasasa on Myspace - http://www.myspace.com/kasasa
- Fan Kasasa on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/doyoukasasa
- If you have friends on MySpace or Facebook (over 18) who might be interested in a cool new way to bank, please put out a bulletin or send them a message and encourage them to friend/fan Kasasa.
- Go to their site (see if they're in your area) and start giving to charity or getting free music the easy way
- If they're not in your area, scream and pound ur virtual fists until they are!! Lol

My biggest question: WHICH Kasasa account would you choose? Why?

Edit: Their "Tunes" account lets you get iTunes downloads every month by meeting monthly qualifications (this ISN'T turning your interest into downloads as I originally thought). -Sorry! Still cool though!

2009-10-14T11:33:00.001-07:00

Still basking in the awesomeness of my new phone :)

2009-10-12T14:31:00.001-07:00

I have a poetry crush on this awesome poet I met on secondlife. Is that pretty much the dorkiest thing ever??

If I controlled the internet by Rives

2009-09-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

If I controlled the internet?
You could auction your broken heart on Ebay
Take the money, go to Amazon,
Buy a phonebook for a country you’ve never been to
Call folks at random until you find someone
who flirts really well in a foreign language

If I were in charge of the internet
You could Mapquest your lover’s moodswings
Hang left at cranky
Right at preoccupied
U turn on silent treatment
All the way back to tongue kissing and good lovin’
You could navigate and understand every emotional intersection
Some days I’m as shallow as a baking pan
But I still stretch miles in all directions

If I own the internet
Napster Monster and Friendster-dot-com would be one big website
That way you could listen to cool music while you pretend to look for a job
and you’re really just chatting with your palls,

Heck if I ran the web
You could email dead people
They would not email you back
But you’d get an automated reply
Their name in your inbox
It’s all you wanted anyway
And a message saying: “Hey, it’s me. I miss you.
Listen you’ll see, being dead is dandy.

Now you go back to raising kids
And waging peace
And craving candy”

If I designed the internet
Childhood-dot-com would be a loop
Of a boy
In an orchard
With a ski pole for a sword
Trashcan lid for a shield, shouting
“I am the emperor of oranges”
“I am the emperor of oranges”
“I am the emperor of oranges”

Now follow me OK

Grandma-dot-com would be a recipe for biscuits and spit bath instructions 1-2-3
That links with hot-diggity-dog-dot-com, that is my grandfather
They take you to gruff-ex-cop-on-his-fourth-marriage-dot-dad
He forms an attachment to kind-a-ditsy-but-still-sends-ginger-snaps-for-Christmas-dot-mom who
Downloads the boy in the orchard, the emperor of oranges who grows up to be
Me,
The guy who usually goes too far, so

If I were the emperor of the internet
I guess I’d still be mortal, huh?
But at that point I would probably already have
The lowest possible mortgage and the most enlarged possible penis, so
I would outlaw spam on my first day in office
I wouldn’t need it.
I’d be like some kind of internet genius.
And me,
I’d like to upgrade to deity and maybe
Just like that

(p-o-p)

I’d go wireless.

Maybe google would hire this
So I could zip through your servers and firewalls like a virus
Until the world wide web is as wise as wild and as organised
As I think a modern day miracle-slash-oracle can get, but
Oooooooooo, you wanna bet just how whack and un-p.c. your Mac or PC's gonna be when I'm rockin'
hot-shit-hotshot-God-dot-net?
I guess it’s just like life

It’s not a question of if you can
Its, “Do ya?”
We can interfere with the interface
We can make you god hallelujah the national anthem of cyberspace every lucky time we logon

You don’t say a prayer
You don’t write a song
You don’t chant an ooooohm

You send one blessed email to
Whoever you’re thinking of
At
Dadeladatatatatatatadadeladedadeladedatatam-dot-com

- Rives

2009-08-21T21:22:00.001-07:00

Need to come up with clever, original blog title

Question

2009-08-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

I am still in the process of chosing a winner for my contest.

In the meantime I have a question for everyone: I am planning on starting a weight-loss type blog that will record triumps and pitfalls during my weight loss journey. Should I start a brand-new blog or keep record on this blog - which I consider my 'knitting' blog??

Neat Blogs for DIY Craftsters and Designers

2009-08-13T11:55:00.002-07:00

One positive thing about living on a shoestring in a tiny apartment is the opportunity for some truly ingenious creativity. While I have always been creatively inclined, I've never had the time or inspiration to really rock out my apartment. Of course now that I have no apartment, and no money, I find awesome DIY design sites. Oh well.. I will pass the awesomeness on to you!

Ikea Hacker (as cool as it sounds)
Apartment Therapy - Refresh and redesign your apartment (sometimes on a budget)
Normal Room - Cool designs from around the world
Apartment 132 - Cool designs, DIY, and swag (cheap and not-so-cheap)
Wisebread - Living large on a small budget

Contest! Woot! Woot!

2009-08-04T22:20:00.001-07:00

One of the most comforting things for me throughout all the turmoil of moving and starting over was my amazing friends. Even after I essentially ignored them throughout the school year, and student teaching, they remained loyal. As we were getting ready to leave, our friends started doing amazing things: D-- & L------ took B & I to the premiere of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince; We had a dinner, movie, and videogame marathon with J, J, and (currently preggers) B----; and my SNB upped the meetings to twice a week so that I could have my fill before my departure.

One of the most awesome things to happen during this trying, stress-inducing time was a sweet gift from one of my favorite knitters. She gave me this beautiful, hand spun (by her) mountain colors wool with strict instructions that it can not go into my "permanent," unknittable stash. In other words, it must become something.

I am not completely sure how many yards are in this skein, but after careful estimation, I believe it is close to 74 yards of worsted weight wool.

**EDIT: This yarn is "actually superwash merino from Blue Moon Fiber arts" whoops.. I got most of it right, right?

My challenge to you: help me come up with a project for this skein. I can't lie to one of my favorite knitters...

Da Rulez:

Your suggestion must be posted as a comment on my blog by Friday, August 14th.
If you have a blogger, blogspot, or gmail account you have to "join" my blog (please, I'm desperate for groupies).
Your suggestion has to be specific. i.e. you can not simply write "make a hat" you should say something like "do one of these" and ellaborate on how/why this project would be best.
Your suggestion can incorporate other yarn as long as it is listed in my stash on Ravelry(username: Funnyguurl) AND the pretty skein takes up at least 75% of the project.

Da Prize(s):

The winner of this contest will win two kick ass prizes:

#1) A set of unique stitch markers made by Me

#2 a sock knitting needle holder from KnitPicks

The sock holder (yarn not included)

Pictures of some of the stitch markers

Let the games begin!

Socks - My current obsession

2009-08-02T16:53:00.009-07:00

For awhile now, I have only had eyes for socks: sock patterns, sock yarn, sock needles, sock books, and other sock paraphernalia. There is nothing so rewarding as casting on socks, setting up pattern rows, and seeing some gorgeous cable, lace, or color work pattern emerge. While other projects have these elements too, socks seem to be cheaper, lovelier, quicker, and more gratifying.

25 Reasons I love socks....

Socks are always totally portable and fit in most purses comfortably.
In the summer, it is almost never too hot to knit socks. (Take this week for instance: In Seattle we had 100+ degree weather and I still managed to start Cookie's Pomatomus)
Cute, wonderfully warm socks can help you feel extra cozy on a cold day.
I've heard that the human body loses body heat quickly from the head and feet. So, if this is in anway true, socks can help alleviate up to half of winter-human-heat-loss problems (Shelli logic).
Socks can be complex or simple depending on your knitting needs.

While it can get a bit pricey ($20+ for a skein of super nice yarn) you don't have to break the bank on sock yarn. You can get one skein of luxurious, merino-alpaca silk and still have money left over for Starbucks.
Socks are easy!
Knitting socks is an excellent way to experiment with new knitting techniques. (Kitchener stitch, Magic Loop, Magic Cast-on, Knitting on two circular needles, short rows, the twisted german cast-on, toe-up, cuff-down, ANYTHING Cat Bordhi does, etc., etc.)
Socks are useful!
With the rare exception (*AHEM* AMY!) everyone wears socks.

You can knit a pair of socks for everyone you know. No one is too fat, too skinny, too young, or too old for socks.
Once you get the hang of knitting socks, experimenting, changing patterns, substituting stitch patterns and designing your own patterns is easy and fun.
Knitting socks with 4-5 DPN's can look like you're wrestling a porcupine. This almost inevitably encourages some curious stranger to strike up a conversation (you know me I love to gab!).
Sock knitting is one of the oldest needle arts traditions. One of the oldest knit fabrics discovered was a pair of socks found on an ancient Egyptian mummy. Cool huh!?!?
It is possible to knit socks in the bathtub (don't ask - no, there are no pics!)

Sock yarn is pretty!! In the skein, in a ball, on and off the needles - it's pretty!
Most men will wear socks. We all have boyfriends, husbands, brothers, uncles, etc. who are... lets say... less than enthusiastic about our knitting obession. We all know it is sometimes difficult to get men to wear (or even feign interest in wearing) knit garments. That said, even the most reluctant knitwear model will graciously don a pair of socks.. Am I right??
Socks can be (reasonably) knit in all weights of yarn.
They don't take that long (unless, of course, you suffer from SSS - second sock syndrome).
As the Yarn Harlot & Stringativity have taught us it is possible to persuade famous people to hold socks for photo opportunities.

When airlines ban long-sharp-pointy things it is sometimes possible to get a set of bamboo DPNs on a plane.
As the Yarn Harlot often says, socks are one of the only knit items that are meant to be worn and literally walked through. Socks are fleeting. So, we knit them knowing they won’t be around forever. Eventually, the heel or the toe will be ripped or rubbed through and they will be undarnable (my word). This makes them even more precious and soulful.
If you like knitting with non-traditional fibres, yarn designers are coming out with beaucoup sock yarns in variety of crazy fibres: bamboo, Chitan, soysilk, hemp, various plant fibres, etc. etc.)
Turning a heel makes you feel smart.
Socks almost never go out of style

A little late

2009-07-31T22:19:00.007-07:00

Hey...! Long time no blog.. Do you forgive me??

Lots of stuff has happened in Shelliland since my last blog. First of all, If you've been living under a cave for the past few months, I was non-renewed from my teaching job at St. Regis (through no fault of my own). So, seeking a change and a "break" from reality, B and I moved back to Seattle and are currently job hunting and providing slave labor to certain in-laws that shall remain nameless.

However, before I left my fairlady, Missoula, I got to attend the fabulous Big Sky Fiber Arts Fest. The following are some interesting/cute/random pics from Saturday:

First of all, check out this woman. She is operating a hybrid exercise bike/spinning wheel. She says she used this contraption to lose over 100lbs and spin untold amounts of yarn. I was in awe.

Next, one of my favorite parts of all fiber festivals is the animals! Cuties!!

Last, but not least. The SWAG!!

My brand new swag bag. I've had my eye on these for years and I finally had a tiny amount of splurging money to get one!

Wolf Creek yarns (formally Sweet Grass Wools) Toe Jammies Sock Yarn, in Khaki.

Both of the above Superwash Sock yarns are from Puffy Mondaes. The chick at the fesitival booth offered D and I a coupon and asked us to post pics of her yarn on Ravelry. When I asked if I could use the coupon to purchase the yarn at the festival she said it was only good for her shop IN IDAHO. Tres tacky. Cute yarn.

2009-07-15T19:04:00.001-07:00

My number 6 bamboo knitting needle broke on the move to WA. Is this a bad knitting omen?

2009-05-25T06:10:00.001-07:00

20-24 oz of nice Canadian wool (weird green color but can be overdyed with a darker color) up for trade. I'm willing to part with it for sock yarn...

2009-04-27T13:25:00.001-07:00

keep ur eyes peeled for an english teaching job for me!
*[shellster]*

Spring Break Basket Weaving

2009-04-08T08:37:00.001-07:00

Ben and I made baskets during spring break this year!

The Desert of Knitting

2009-02-28T15:28:00.002-07:00

A long time ago in a land relatively nearby.....

I am living in the desert of knitting. Wool tumbleweeds bounce past my eyes, cotton goes untouched, and Knitty is a ghost town according to all of my web-browsers. Yes, I am a first-year, full-time teacher and every spare moment I have belongs to Morpheus (the god of sleep), some self-absorbed teen, or my adoring husband.

Yesterday, I saw Miss Mary at the courthouse and almost wept with joy at seeing a friendly knitter decked out in beautiful hand knit items. I guiltily clung to my purse which has a much neglected washcloth suffering in its depths. (NOT EVEN A SOCK!!)

Shamefully, I tried to explain my absence from knitting group. Miss Mary graciously forgave me and completely understood my naughty knitting behavior.

So, today, prompted by my rendezvous with a ghost from Christmas past, I decided to visit the old, faithful knitty.com. Surface... Amused... Plaited points... Blackrose... Maja.....

I think a surge of knitterly inspiration is rushing to my deserted sticks.

Adieu, fair readers, I am off to knit.

Resolutions

2009-01-01T02:53:00.003-07:00

In the spirit of the new year, and our culture's time-honored tradition of self-torture, I've decided to go out on a limb and make a new year's resolution. It is simple, easy to remember, and it incorporates everything I hope to accomplish in 2009. My new year's resolution is: Respect. I vow to respect myself and others.

Respecting myself means:

Building back my self-esteem

Eating well and exercising

Giving myself time to relax and do things I'd like to do

Working towards my goals

Getting my finances in order and KEEPING THEM

Respecting others means:

Writing more letters and emails

Calling and speaking with others more

Spending quality time with my husband

Working on my patience and keeping my temper

Valuing things people do for me and not taking their help for granted

Free Original Pattern: Men's Seed Stitch Socks

2008-11-24T09:53:00.002-07:00

Size 2 needlesGauge: Stockinette Stitch 8sts/inch

CO 72 loosely (or on two needles held tog) evenly on to 3 needles. Join in a round being careful not to twist the yarn (24sts on each needle).

Work K1, P1 rib for 14 rounds or for desired length of cuff

Round 1: p1, k1 until the end of the round

Round 2: k1, p1 until the end of the round

Continue to knit rounds 1 and 2 (seed stitch pattern) for desired sock leg length (some people go up to 7 or 8 inches).

Slide 36 sts onto one needle for heel and divide remaining 36 sts over the other 2 needles for the instep (18sts on each needle).

Slip 1, K1 across heel sts.

Turn heel to purl side and begin working back and forth of the heel flap sts as follows: Row 1 - Slip 1, p to end of row, Row 2 - (Slip 1, K1) across. Repeat these 2 rows for 33 rows. You should be ready to work a knit row.

TURN HEEL=Feel Smart: Row 1 - sl 1, k18, ssk, k1, turn. Row 2 - sl 1, p3, p2tog, p1, turn. Row 3 - sl 1, k4, ssk, k1, turn. Row 4 - sl 1, p 5, p2tog, p1, turn. Continue in this fashion until you have knit all sts (there should be 20 sts on the heel needle).

Slip all instep sts onto one needle.

K across 10 heel sts. Using another needle, k across other 10 heel sts and pick up 18 sts along the side of the heel. Using ANOTHER needle, knit across instep sts. Using ANOTHER needle pick up 18 sts along the other side of the heel and knit across the first 10 heel sts. You are now at the beginning of the row (the middle of the heel sts).

Knit one round (knitting through the back loops of the picked up sts). Instep sts (needle 2) should be worked in seed stitch pattern from now on. Seed stitch pattern = Row 1 – p1, k1. Row 2 – k1, p1

Work Gusset rounds until there are 72 sts (18,36,18) on the needles. Gusset Round 1: Needle 1 - Knit to within 3 sts of end of needle, K2tog, k1. Needle 2 - knit garter rib pattern. Needle 3 - k1, ssk, k to end of needle. Gusset Round 2: Needle 1 - K. Needle 2 - Knit garter rib pattern. Needle 3 - K.

Knit every round (seed stitch pattern on needle 2) until foot of sock (including heel) measures 2 inches less than desired length.

Toe: Round 1: Needle 1 – K1, slip 1 to within 3 sts of end of needle and k2tog, k1. Needle 2 - K1, ssk, k1, slip 1 to within 3 sts of end of needle k2tog, k1. Needle 3 - k1, ssk, k1 slip 1 to end of needle. Round 2: All needles: K

Continue to knit the above 2 rounds until there are 36 sts left and then work the decrease round (round 1) every round until there are 8 sts left.

Break yarn, gather remaining sts, and weave in ends.

Funny!!

2008-11-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

Sock-tastic!

2008-11-09T15:34:00.004-07:00

With everything that has been going on lately I have had almost no time to knit (or breathe, or think, or ANYTHING!!) However, Friday night I sat down and finished one of the socks I am working on.. I'm not gonna lie. It felt good.. Really goooood.

This sock was made from my own pattern. I will post the pattern soon (ha! Like you believe me!?).

Also, b/c I'm not quite ready to talk about it yet; I'll leave you with this picture. At the moment it's all I can really say:

What teachers make, or You can always go to law school if things don't work out

2008-10-18T12:56:00.004-07:00

He says the problem with teachers is,
"What's a kid going to learn
from someone who decided his best option in life
was to become a teacher?"
He reminds the other dinner guests that it's true
what they say about teachers:
Those who can, do; those who can't, teach.

I decide to bite my tongue instead of his
and resist the temptation to remind the other dinner guests
that it's also true what they say about lawyers.

Because we're eating, after all, and this is polite company.

"I mean, you're a teacher, Taylor,"
"Be honest. What do you make?"

And I wish he hadn't done that
(asked me to be honest)
because, you see, I have a policy
about honesty and ass-kicking:
if you ask for it, I have to let you have it.

You want to know what I make?

I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I can make a C+ feel like a Congressional medal of honor
and an A- feel like a slap in the face.
How dare you waste my time with anything less
than your very best.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of study hall
in absolute silence. No, you may not work in groups.
No, you may not ask a question.
Why won't I let you get a drink of water?
Because you're not thirsty, you're bored, that's why.

I make parents tremble in fear when I call home:
Hi. "This is Mr. Mali" I hope I haven't called at a bad time,
I just wanted to talk to you about something Billy said today.
He said, "Leave the kid alone. I still cry sometimes, don't you?"
And it was the noblest act of courage I have ever seen.

I make parents see their children for who they are
and what they can be.

You want to know what I make?

I make kids wonder,
I make them question.
I make them criticize.
I make them apologize and mean it.
I make them write.
I make them read, read, read.
I make them spell definitely beautiful, definitely beautiful,
definitely beautiful
over and over and over again until they will never misspell
either one of those words again.
I make them show all their work in math
and hide it on their final drafts in English.
I make them understand that if you got this (the brains)
then you follow this (the heart)
and if someone ever tries to judge you
by what you make, you give them this (the finger).

Let me break it down for you, so you know what I say is true:
I make a goddamn difference! What about you?

Taylor Mali

XDR-TB

2008-10-05T08:50:00.001-07:00

Spread the story. Stop the disease.

The sun, whose rays/ Are all ablaze (The Mikado by W.S. Gilbert)

2008-09-05T20:15:00.001-07:00

The sun, whose rays
Are all ablaze
With ever-living glory,
Does not deny
His majesty--
He scorns to tell a story!
He don't exclaim,
"I blush for shame,
So kindly be indulgent."
But, fierce and bold,
In fiery gold,
He glories all effulgent!

I mean to rule the earth,
As he the sky--
We really know our worth,
The sun and I!

Observe his flame,
That placid dame,
The moon's Celestial Highness;
There's not a trace
Upon her face
Of diffidence or shyness:
She borrows light
That, through the night,
Mankind may all acclaim her!
And, truth to tell,
She lights up well,
So I, for one, don't blame her!

Ah, pray make no mistake,
We are not shy;
We're very wide awake,
The moon and I!

No I have not fallen off of the edge of the planet

2008-08-07T11:53:00.002-07:00

I know. I know. Listen... I haven't had a moment to post on this blog or to attend one SNB meeting. I have been buried.

I have had a rough summer. By rough I mean ROUGH. R-O-U-G-H... This means: Get up early every morning, work until fingers and eyes hurt, stumble into bed, repeat.

I have had no summer. No camping. No hiking. No Swimming. No Picnic. No BBQs.. NADA. Zilch... Instead... I have acheived the following:

1) Sucessfully moved all my belongings from one apartment to another (across town). Cleaned the old apartment. Completed all the necessary paperwork and phone calls/bills associated with moving.
2) Studied for, AND PASSED, my comprehensive exams for my Master of Education degree. (PHEW) I was sweating it!
3) Applied, and interviewed for, multiple teaching positions finally landing one in St. Regis Montana... GO TIGERS!
4) Destroyed my Isuzu Rodeo beyond repair
5) Finished a pair of socks I've been knitting exclusively since March.

Lessons from the English Teaching World

2008-07-14T15:21:00.001-07:00

The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid.

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt. I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg.

Dont spend hours drilling your students and children on spelling!!!

Actual Craigslist Ad

2008-07-11T12:41:00.001-07:00

Ferocious Attack Kitten

http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/dal/705407729.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 2008-06-02, 7:10PM CDT

Ferocious attack kitten is available for adoption to any home willing to accept him.

This destructive kitty has been trained as a proud warrior and will fiercely defend your house, even against you. Well-trained since 10-weeks of age to attack anything in his presence, he will protect your family from evil things, including the following:

* insects

* other trained attack kittens

* babies

* toilet paper

* anything under a blanket

* unwanted house guests
* paper bags

* floor rugs

* Chuck Norris

* Feet.

Great with children (assuming you don’t like the children). Probably best used for professional catfighting. He is housebroken, but only because he wants to be. This attack cat has trained himself to seek out his food anywhere you hide it and rip the bag open to feed himself, great for those who travel extensively. Also trained to drink water out of toilet bowls and dishwater from items in the sink. Knows how to open some doors. He will find you wherever you hide.

Neutered (trust me, you wont want to him to procreate). Has not been declawed, but you'll figure that out really fast.

Understands and responds to a variety of vulgar and profane verbal commands. Has a very soft and furry belly, like a teddy bear - however he will bite your face if you try to touch it.

Willing to accept trades. Potential adopters must have experience with trained attack-kittens... please be prepared to show scars.

For the love of God, someone please take this thing out of my house.

2008-07-02T11:31:00.003-07:00

Does anyone want an Entertainment Center for a big screen tv?? PLEASE TAKE IT!! ITS FREE TO MY FRIENDS!!!

How Sweet!

2008-06-27T10:54:00.000-07:00

Brina's IPOD Cozy Pattern

2008-06-07T16:27:00.003-07:00

Pattern for: IPOD TOUCH
Needles: Size 7 DPN
Yarn: Bernat Cashmere Natural Blends

Version #1

Loosely CO28

Using DPNs Join in a circle

Row1: k
Row2: (k2 p2)x4

Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 6"

Divide sts evenly onto 2 needles (16 on each)
Finish with Kitchener st

Version #2

Loosely CO 28

Using DPN's Join in a circle

Row1: k
Row2: (k2 p2) repeat until the end of the row

Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 1" or desired length of cuff.

K1 row (increase by adding two sts evenly) (30 sts total)

Start Lace Pattern:
Row 1: K
Row 2: K
Row 3: *K3, (k2tog) 2 times, (YO, K1) 4 times, (K2tog) 2 times *repeat once
Row 4: K

Work lace pattern until peice measures 6"

Divide sts evenly onto 2 needles (15 on each)

Finish with Kitchener st

Ben Painting

2008-06-06T17:58:00.002-07:00

Pitfalls and Small Miracles

2008-06-04T14:45:00.006-07:00

This week has been abundant in small miracles and pitfalls. I had a job interview today.. And while I won't hear if I got it or not until tonight I'm pretty sure I COMPLETELY SCREWED THE POOCH in the job interview.. I was so nervous - I kept running my mouth with the most ridiculous unintelligent babble. It was so bad I'm thinking the interviewers were wondering how I drove myself to the interview.. UGH..

For example, when asked how I might participate with the Arlee community... I replied something like, "Well, I've never been to a pow-wow but I've always wanted to go".... AHHHHH! What!?!?

**This just in**
Yeah... Right as I'm writing this they JUST called and told me I didn't get it.... UGH UGHH UGHHHHHH.... :( HUGE FROWNY FACE... I'm really upset.

At least I have Pheobe to cuddle to me...

and my appendectomy scars are healing... So I have my health..
Also.. I've had some triumphs and smalle miracles this week...

Small Miracle #1:

This is a picture of Lindsey. She is wearing her first ever hand-knit-by-herself sweater. Isn't it (what you can see) beautiful? The miraculous thing about this sweater is that, with Lindsey's specifications, I designed it! Ha! Who would've thunk it.. I've never even made a v-neck before but miraculously I was able to follow some sweater making books (courtesy of Mary) and voila!! A bottom-up raglan v-neck! Fit to exact specifications..

Small Miracle #2:

Also, another miracle is that I drug myself to the nail salon. Those of you who know me know why I consider this a miracle: I never EVER do stuff like this... You see, I had a gift certificate from a year ago and I finally decided to cash it in for some spoiling... I had no clue what color/design to get.. I ended up looking like a bit of a hooch with this crazy things... Also, I've already injured my middle finger with these suckers... Furthermore, knitting, typing, and some of my other favorite tasks are almost impossible...

Well.. Bye for now.. I'm off to find a HUUUGE glass of wine...

Huge Yarn Sale Blow Out!!

2008-05-24T10:38:00.005-07:00

Well, as many of you know, there was a huge yarn sale this weekend. All the yarn at the sale belonged to one woman, Marilyn, who is terminally ill. Her friends and family got together to help her sell her yarn and fabric (THERE WAS TONS!!!) In fact, there was so much yarn there I was completely overwhelmed. This woman was a collector, a hoarder, a stasher, a keeper.... The most exciting part of the sale is that there was so much HIGH QUALITY yarn for SO CHEAP!!

$2 Each!!!

$3 Each

$30 for a huge bag!!

I'm crazy........ like a FOX

2008-05-22T18:50:00.002-07:00

Ok. I don't know how many people I've told this to. It's such a fragile concept/idea I'm afraid it may not work... So I've been avoiding discussing it because I'm afraid talking about it may jinx me.. You know.. If you brag about something you're gonna get or you can do it definitely won't happen. The universe will find some way to sabotage your plans and wishes. Hopefully, I'm far enough along the away I can combat the universe head on.

My plan is simple. Knit my Christmas presents now, starting at the begining of the year, so they'll be finished in time for Christmas. Everyone I know will have a knitted Christmas gift (a nice one) from me. The plan is simple - yet there is a huge margin for error.. Can it be done? Wish me luck..

So Far I've made:
1/2 a present for Genn
1/2 a present for Laura
1 present for my mom (JUST FINISHED A SWEATER!!!)
almost 1/2 a present for my mother-in-law
3/4 a present for Ben

I have left:
1/2 a present for Genn, sister (I have the yarn)
1/2 a present for Laura, sister-in-law (I have the yarn)
A present for Tiff,sister (I have the yarn)
A present for Paul, brother-in-law (I have the yarn)
1/4 of a present for Ben
Present for Dad (Don't even know what it will be yet!!)
Present for Guy, father-in-law (Kind of sure what this will be)
Present for Lindsay, friend (She's a knitter so I may just buy a knitting related gift)
Present for Jason, friend
Present for Becky, friend

Now do you think it's possible??? I've already been side tracked because I made a Mother's Day gift for my Mom and I plan on making her a b-day gift (July) and a b-day gift for my sister Genn (December).

I know all the good juju I can get.... Send it my way people!!!
Also, if you're in the juju giving mood send me some for my job interview next week..

Bii for now....

2008-05-17T10:29:00.003-07:00

Hello everyone. Its time again for an update from the land of Shelli... If you are squeamish I advise you to look away!

Appendix Scars are cool!! This is one of 3 small scars that I have after my Laparoscopic Appendectomy. (It's actually much smaller then the blood clot makes it seem).

I even found a video of the procedure on YouTube.. Cool huh?? Remember, look away!!

So, shortly after my Laparoscopic Appendectomy (4 days to be exact) I walked in my graduation ceremony. I was a little uncomfortable walking with my scars and walking made me a little nauseous. So I walked very slow. It was actually kind of funny b/c ushers kept trying to rush me and make me catch up with the person in front of me and I felt I had to explain to them every time. The conversations went something like this...

"Uh, could you please fill the gap in between you and the person in front of you"

"I just had surgery" OR

"..... oh.. you know that organ you have...?" OR

" I'll show you a 'gap'.." OR

"If I walk any faster I'll throw up... then you'll see a real gap!!"

Clearly.. Humor is not stored in the appendix.

Anyway, My Mom bought me two beautiful matching frames. One for my B.A. and one for my M.ed..

The fruits of my labor:

She also stocked my fridge and spoiled me rotten. Thank God for Mamas.. Happy Mothers Day, again!!! Next, I've been knitting away with my free time ((THANK GOD I HAVE FREE TIME))...
These are Almost Argyle socks for someone's X-mas present.. :)

Lastly, BYT my LYS had a "sale" and I decided to buy a couple of skeins of sock yarn for more xmas gifts..

I really like the colors in this Opal sock yarn. The colorway is called "Raupe" which is German for "Caterpillar". On the label there is a picture of the rainforest caterpillar these socks will look like... and the resembelance is amazing.. So cool!

This is On Your Toes Bamboo.. I'm a little leary about making socks out of anything but wool but this stuff was so soft I thought I'd give it a try... Has anyone out there used bamboo for socks? What do you think?

Funny Story

2008-05-07T11:47:00.004-07:00

So, on Monday I made an emergency appt. at Curry Health Center because I was having abdominal pain on Sunday and Monday. I honestly thought I had a bladder infection. It felt different from the last bladder infection I had though.. So I decided to go in. After blood, urine, and a girly-parts tests the Nurse Practioner suggested I go to St. Pats for a cat scan. Her diagnosis: Either appendicitis or an ovarian cyst. I crossed my fingers "Please let it be appendicitis".

After over 3 hours in the catscan area of the hospital I was informed I indeed had appendicities and pre-op preperations began to take place almost immediately. I had what they called a "hot appy" (this according to my Dr., Dr. Pickhardt, who I called Jean-Luc and Captain).

So.. Now.. Here I sit.. After surgery, dizzy, hopped up on percoset..... With no more appendix.. Call me.. I'm bored and funny

Funny English Metaphors

2008-04-28T19:28:00.003-07:00

To those who write, edit or teach, better take a Tums before you read these. Metaphors found in high school essays!

Every year, English teachers from across the country can submit their collections of actual similes and metaphors found in high school essays.

These excerpts are published each year to the amusement of teachers across the country. Here are last year's winners:

1. Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two sides gently compressed by a Thigh Master.

2. His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

3. He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.

4. She grew on him like she was a colony of E. Coli, and he was room-temperature Canadian beef.

5. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up.

6. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.

7. He was as tall as a six-foot, three-inch tree.

8. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM machine.

9. The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't.

10. McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty bag filled with vegetable soup.

11. From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and Jeopardy comes on at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30 .

12. Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze.

13. The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease .

14. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.

15. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences that resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth.

16. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.

17. He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant, and she was the East River.

18. Even in his last years, Granddad had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.

19. Shots rang out, as shots are known to do.

20. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil,this plan just might work.

21. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for awhile.

22. He was as lame as a duck------not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.

23. The ballerina rose gracefully en Pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.

24. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.

25. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up."

Excellent Knitting Movie

2008-04-18T22:34:00.006-07:00

(The Jane Austen Bookclub)

If you feel like a cuppa, a cry, a good movie with knitting, and your own knitting.. I highly recommend renting this one. If you collect good movies, just go out and buy this one. Yes, people knit in this one too!!!

Update

2008-04-15T11:33:00.004-07:00

For once in my life I'm not killing a houseplant! Look! I didn't know spider plants made blossoms..!?!?

I've started my Christmas presents already!!! I'm really proud of myself and my goal is to make something knitted for everyone this year! Wish me luck!! If you want to know more about this particular item go to my RAVELRY site... My recipiants are not knitters and don't have Ravelry accounts.. So I've been updating pics and showing off everything on there.

Lastly, a new season of my favorite TV show starts up again tonight!! YAY.. I'll be knitting, drinking tea, and watching Deadliest Catch.

Picture Post: The Obama Rally in Missoula, MT

2008-04-05T13:29:00.007-07:00

Waiting in the longest line of my life! (Over a mile long line!!)

The Line Continues...

A Glimmer of Hope..

(This silly man selling shirts is from Arizona.. He said the people are nice in MT but it's too cold.. I told him we keep each other warm with our smiles... He seemed only mildly impressed..)

The Stadium that holds 24,000 might've been more appropriate than the Adams Center that only fits 7,000.

I decided to take a Yarn Harlotesque photo of my sock-in-progress. I'm pretty sure the people behind me were wondering if I forgot to take my meds..

Barack under "uber magnification"

He said he likes Montana and that it's very beautiful.. I say the drive from the airport to the U is pretty scenic... j/k

TONS OF NEWS CRAMMED INTO ONE TINY POST

2008-03-23T09:52:00.005-07:00

Well... TOday... In the spirit of the Harlot.. I am creating a list:

Here is today's late-breaking Shelli news:

Pheobe is doing great.. She has her stitches out and her fur is growing back. Also, she's adventuring outside a little bit more each day. Sometimes she gets frustrated when she can't get her balance but otherwise, she is a happy, cancer-free girl! Plus she has a new nickname: Tri-pod. For Halloween we're going to put a camera on her head. :)

Outside Girl! (Already!)

Congrats to Diana for your bravery and determination (p.s. your purse is cute that doesn't mean you're old!)

It's spring break! Am I catching up on piles of homework? Am I reading during my freetime?? HELL NO!! I'm cleaning my horribly messy house and working on some new socks for a certain someone.

These pics do not accurately show the sock's amazing green color.. I guess the sun washed out the photos??

Sad Kitty News

2008-03-05T12:42:00.003-07:00

My best kitty friend, Pheobe Lynn, went into surgery yesterday and the vet had to remove her leg. You see, she had cancer last year and the vet removed it and it came back this year only deeper into the leg muscle. So, they had to take her leg to save her life :( .. Currently I am experiencing copious amounts of guilt, fear, and sadness. My little girl is sitting on a heating pad at the vets right now :( ..

2008-02-21T18:50:00.001-07:00

“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue centerlight pop and everybody goes "Awww!” - Jack Kerouac

Close Knit

2008-01-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hey! Wanna read a feature article on my knitting group?? Click Here.

Have you seen Juno yet??

2008-01-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Go see it.. It is cute, funny, sweet, and it has a million awesome 1-liners.. :) My favorite:

Punk Receptionist: Free condom? They're boysenberry.
Juno MacGuff: No, thanks. I'm off sex right now.
Punk Receptionist: My boyfriend wears them every time we have intercourse, it makes his junk smell like pie.

Our Christmas 2007

2007-12-31T19:31:00.001-07:00

Look what else I can do with my new camera!

New Camera for Christmas!! Yay!!

2007-12-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

Well, for Christmas my Mama gave me a brand new camera! So now it is time for a much need picture update. First, b/c Mama gave me the camera:

Mum's Klaralund (about 85% complete).
For this project I am doing something knitters shouldn't do. Or.. Don't do often.. (I think??). My mum is losing weight, and as a weight loss gift/trophy, I am making a sweater for her in her ideal size (by her request of course). Ok everyone. Wish Mum luck! (She's doing quite well - at this point she's up to 30 lbs. lost).

Next, B's Sweater.
This is the front side and one of the sleeves; it is about 1/4 or so complete (maybe more). With this project I did not make my goal of completion before Christmas. However, I've forgiven myself. There was no way I could finish this bad boy during my student teaching semester.

Martha Washington Afghan.
This project is currently on hold, however, I've been dying to show you some pics. Isn't it neat? I've seen one complete and they are awesome.

Last, Janese's Baby Blankie.
The pattern for this blankie is in one of the posts below.

Sock Wars

2007-12-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

And you thought knitters couldn't get any cooler.
Check out the WSJ article my father-in-law just emailed me: SOCK WARS

Also, check out the video:

Easy Lacey Basic Blankie

2007-12-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

Easy Lacey Basic Blankie

Gauge (unblocked) 2.5sts/inch, 11sts/4inchs
Needles: Size 13
Yarn: 1 skein Bernat Alpaca Natural Blends (100g/3.5 oz, 10% Acrylic 30% Alpaca)

CO 79

Row 1: (k2, YO, K1, K3tog, K1, YO) x11, k2
Row 2: Knit across

Repeat rows 1&2 eight times

Next,
RS: seed stitch for 10 sts (k1, p1) knit across to last 10 and seed stitch (k1, p1) last 10 sts
WS: (p1, k1) for 10 sts, knit across to last 10 stitchs and (p1, k1) until end

Repeat these last two rows 19 more times

Last,
Row 1: (k2, YO, K1, K3tog, K1, YO) x8, k2
Row 2: Knit across

Repeat rows 1&2 eight times

Bind off

Finishing:
Block blankie, wrap in a cute bow, and give to expectant mama.

DocuKNITery

2007-12-16T10:50:00.001-07:00

Stitch N Bitch Missoula from Kristine on Vimeo.

Hello! A local student at the University of Montana did a media project on our Stitch N Bitch for class. It's pretty cute. I'm not in it b/c I was gone the day she interviewed everyone but I encourage you to check it out. Original Feed is at http://www.kristinepaulsenphotography.com/StitchNBitch.html

Nick and the Candlestick by Sylvia Plath

2007-12-05T22:07:00.000-07:00

I am a miner. The light burns blue.
Waxy stalactites
Drip and thicken, tears

The earthen womb

Exudes from its dead boredom.
Black bat airs

Wrap me, raggy shawls,
Cold homicides.
They weld to me like plums.

Old cave of calcium
Icicles, old echoer.
Even the newts are white,

Those holy Joes.
And the fish, the fish----
Christ! They are panes of ice,

A vice of knives,
A piranha
Religion, drinking

Its first communion out of my live toes.
The candle
Gulps and recovers its small altitude,

Its yellows hearten.
O love, how did you get here?
O embryo

Remembering, even in sleep,
Your crossed position.
The blood blooms clean

In you, ruby.
The pain
You wake to is not yours.

Love, love,
I have hung our cave with roses.
With soft rugs----

The last of Victoriana.
Let the stars
Plummet to their dark address,

Let the mercuric
Atoms that cripple drip
Into the terrible well,

You are the one
Solid the spaces lean on, envious.
You are the baby in the barn.

Ouch

2007-12-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

I didn't get the job. Let me tell you... It feels sucky...

Meanwhile, I finished the Baby "Pooh" Hat & Booties (For a coworker's baby shower that was tonight). I am busily finishing the matching blankie (She knows she'll be receiving one more matching gift). yay.

I'm depressed.. I need chocolate.... Or prozac....

This is really difficult. My heart just isn't into it. Sorry guys.. I thought I wanted to vent. Apparently not.

What I love...

2007-11-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

Isn't it nice to just discover something? To feel as if you are the first one to stumble upon a masterpeice, or a master artist, or a clever coincidence? This week I "discovered" Loudon Wainwright III (yes, I know I'm a little late... but isn't he lovely??)

Listen to:
The Swimming Song
Daughter
Grey in L.A.
The Alblum: Strange Weirdos: Music Inspired by the movie "Knocked Up"

Watch this:

A Much Needed Update

2007-11-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, fair readers, I am still alive and well. In fact, I am MORE THAN WELL! Student teaching in Stevensville continues to be the most rewarding and fun teaching experience of my life. I am very happy that I decided to take the plunge in teaching and I am more happy that I was assigned to a small district for student teaching. I love coming to school everyday and feeling at home. It's great :).

Another exciting opportunity has entered my life in the form of a job opening at Drummond School. I am putting together my application and it will be mailed off on Tuesday. Please cross your fingers for me!! Working in Drummond could be a positive and beneficial experience.

Awards

2007-11-04T03:45:00.001-07:00

Yes, I feel guilty for receiving awards when I'm not updating frequently..

2007-10-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

The English Papers I have been receiving...

Dedicated to Mum

2007-10-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

2007-09-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued is just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly may alight upon you" - Nathaniel Hawthorne

Free Yarn Swift

2007-09-11T13:17:00.001-07:00

Hello, as many of you know I am student teaching at Stevensville High School. I have been very busy and my knitting is lonely and depressed..

However, a ray of sunshine has lifted the mood. The woodshop teacher at SHS assigned YARN SWIFTS to one of his classes last year. After spending a lot of time explaining the purpose and appearance of a yarn swift to a group of confused teenagers, he made sure each student in the class made a swift. While some of them took their swifts home, most of them left the swifts behind. When the woodshop teacher discovered my love of knitting he insisted I take one from his large surplus.

I've been driven to Yarn Harlotesque lists

2007-08-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

1. Stevensville - So, as I mentioned before, I am student teaching in Stevensville and I just have to say that I am now officially very excited. Despite the distance, the staff and my cooperating teacher seem really nice, funny, and smart. I spent two days there this week (Staff PIR days) and it was very exciting! I now know exactly what I should be doing and when and what is expected of me.. (gulp)..

2. Crazy yarn purchase - The down/upside to student teaching in Stevensville is the proximity to Wild West Wools which is (unfortuneatly) closing and (fortuneatly) having an big going out of business sale. Well.. I just stopped in for a peek at the prices and my eyes landed squarely on some gorgious yarn that is perfect for a certain ((as of now nameless)) person. Needles to say... This person needed a sweater in this:

Noro Silk Garden No 203. "So Pretty Greenish Bluish"

3. Knitting - I am actually making a little progress on B's sweater (now that it is not so da*n hot) and I've completed the awesome Monkey Socks..

4. Need a desk/table for B - Lastly, as some of you know, B is now back in school ((YAY!)). We thought we had everything we needed, but we are still looking for a desk/table for him to work on. He has a laptop so he doesn't need anything fancy.. If any of you are dying to get rid of an old table/desk let me know!!

Ok.. One more pic of pretty yarn:

You like me!! You really like me!!

2007-08-28T19:38:00.000-07:00

I'd like to thank all my fans and Anemotis for nominating me for the "Rockin' Girl Blogger" cute award/button thingy.

I am honored that even my absenteeism on the blog has not stopped your admiration.. Also, I know this nomination means you really like me and I will not simply conclude that I am the only other Girl Blogger Anemotis knows.. :) Yay...

In the spirit of Rockin' Girl Bloggers everywhere, I nominate DIANA & Nuggy & her Mum !!

2007-08-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

I was looking through my computer files and I found a file entitled "New Poems". By now they're all old poems (Ironic considering the subject matter of this poem). This one is depressing but I like it so I decided to post it:

Time

Time floats up and
bubbles at the surface

unlike a kissing mother
he has not bothered to mend
my mottled mind.

I’ve been swallowing a ball of scars
and pushing pills and
time floats by
gives me his evil eye.

Time left me with no chance.
I wanted to say goodbye.
I wanted to float cloud-like,
lofty and lovely with
wide eyes and open arms.

Time has left me low.

10-14-06

2007-08-06T11:02:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone! Summer break has been very good to B and I. Last week we went rockhounding at the Snowbird Mine somewhere in the Lolo National Forest and we've been swimming in various rivers and creeks all around Montana.

In Knitting News: I'm currently working on the Monkey Socks from Knitty and I absolutely love them! I wish I could take a picture to show you how beautiful they are in Mountain Colors Bearfoot (Goldrush) but you'll just have to take my word for it. They look like fall (which is very refreshing to think about during this smokey, hot, summer!!).

Everything else is working it's way out. I found out today I will most likely be student teaching at Stevensville High which I am both excited and nervous about. The gas cost and distance will be hard but I know the experience can't possibly be worst than my field experience was.

2007-07-30T22:55:00.000-07:00

B said this song reminds him of me. He's so romantic. Ironically, Delilah is his mother's middle name.

Fantasy Me, B, Luna, and Pheobe

2007-07-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

I'm Back! I'm Free! I Can Rejoin Society!

2007-07-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

The summer semester is officially over today. I've written all my essays, answered all my professor's emails, and successfully maneuvered my way through another couple of classes. I am offically on my way to student teaching and exactly one month away from studying and thinking. Yay!

Anywhoo.. Today B and I saw the Simpsons movie.. It was very funny but I have to say the funniest/weirdest/most shocking part had to be the full frontal shot of Bart Simpson's crotch.. I was shocked!! PARENTS: This is absolutely not a children's movie. (For the record, I also fully enjoyed Auto smoking out of a bong.... classic...).

On the Knitting Front: I am still working on P's second sock (or "thockie" as Elizabeth Zimmerman might say). I am also trying to find the perfect pattern for a sweater for my Mama. I am planning on using Silky Tweed in a beautiful copper/rust color and I have considered the following patterns so far:

** The On Deck Pullover has bell sleeves and is modeled in one of the most recent Knit Picks catalogues.. I think she'd like it cause it would be very comfy.
** I also like Coachella which is technically not a sweater but it's sexy and every mom should feel sexy.. Plus it would look good on her.
** I also think my Mom might like Ungranny Smith.. Its a little more traditional and she seems to really prefer cardigans.

Has anyone else seen any good (preferably sport weight) cardis lately?

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows

2007-07-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

I am consumed... This is definitly affecting my homework.. at this point, I don't care..

Flake

2007-07-09T16:11:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! Sorry I've been such a flake by not blogging or even showing up for knitting meetings *gasp*. Right now I am probably so boring my absence hurts me more than it hurts you (trust me).

Once again school is taking up all my time and energy and I have been getting little summertime action in between long reading assignments and ridiculously large/quick/high priority projects and assignments. Oh well.. So goes summer school online (which I will never recommend to ANYONE!!).

As for my current knitting, my projects are moving along slowly:

B's Heirloom Aran: The front is a couple inches long and I've temporarily put it aside for a less hot project (Come on, I doubt even the Yarn Harlot herself would knit with wool in 104 degree weather)
P's Sock Socks: Are going nicely ( I LOVE this yarn!) I am probably 3/4 through the first sock and this has become my "main" project due to the extremely hot weather
Kindergarten Sox: Progress on these has ceased until I finish P's socks

In other news:
The movie premier of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is tomorrow/Wednesday at midnight and I already have my advanced tickets! eeeek! I am so overcome with happiness that I am using terms like "stoked" to describe my excitement. Yay!

Random Wish List

2007-07-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

1) A set of DPN's from HERE - SO PRETTY!! (I can dream can't I?)
2) A Harry Potter School Planner for the upcoming school year (I've looked and I can't find one anywhere).
3) A Digital Camera (Duh)
4) All the available seasons on DVD of Deadliest Catch, Scrubs, Wallace and Gromit and My Name is Earl (Note to Mom: Have you seen My Name is Earl? If not... Watch it! It is a show you will enjoy)
4) Anything on My Amazon Wishlist
5) Books, Books and more Books!
6) 2 new tattoos: i) to commemorate our honeymoon in Paris ii) a ball of yarn with crossed knitting needles a la skull n crossbones
7) A diet that works (Does Alli work?)

OK back to homework.. :(

I WILL RECEIVE a new camera.. I am channeling one as I type.

2007-06-30T23:35:00.000-07:00

I've finished the sleeves of B's heirloom sweater and moved on to the back (which I'll knit separately from the front). I considered knitting the front/back together in the round until the pattern changes for both, but then I remembered what happened the last time I changed a sweater pattern, lost my confidence, and decided to simply follow the pattern. I'd like to post a picture for you, but B and I returned our camera (long story involving an emergency road trip to Seattle). BUT hopefully we'll get a new one soon. I'm hoping the laws of attraction will be good to me. Ha..

Speaking of the Laws of Attraction. Have any of you out there read/seen The Secret? B thought it was a The Da Vinci Code style novel and picked up the audio CD for our trip. Yeah.. It's not fiction.. We listened to half of it in the car first, because we thought it was a novel, and then out of shear curiosity. I'm not going to comment too heavily on this book because I know some people out there just love it.. But I will say I thought most of it was slightly funny and (surprisingly) common sense.

The Knitting Girl

2007-06-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Well, while in Seattle I had a chance to stop by Hilltop Yarns and B's bro P purchased some Shibui Sock in the Rust colorway for me. This yarn is incredibly soft and pretty and I am using it to make socks for P who wants "very plain, yet very soft socks" in a "plain color". My knitting soul cringed when I heard those words. Fortunately, he liked Sock and so did I.

While at Hilltop, S (B's mom) and I admired a beautiful afghan made from Colinette yarns that S has had her eyes on since the first time she stepped in Hilltop Yarns. I promised her I would purchase the kit and make the afghan for her someday. The kit is kind of pricey and when I went to the Colinette website I didn't see it listed there. Hopefully it will be around Hilltop for awhile!

Lastly, while in Seattle, I came up with a list a few things I must knit. Here are a few: Something for my goddaughter and a neon pink and green ribbed hat with HUGE pom-poms for my cousin A. I've decided to write this down here so that you folks might remind me.

Oh yeah, here's another pretty painting by one of my new favorite painters:

The Knitting Girl by

William-Adolphe Bouguereau

"Heads I win, tails you lose"

2007-06-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I just got home from Federal Way where I spent some time celebrating the life of John P. Hickel, who was born September 19th, 1956 and who passed from this earth on June 13th, 2007. John left behind his wife of 29 years, DeAnn, and his daughters Melissa (Missy), Rachel, and my best friend Amy.

I have known and been associated with the Hickel clan for something like 16 years and in that time, John was always there. It was always clear to me how much he loved his family and that he was their foundation. It was also clear that he was a good man I could trust. He was a model father who was our softball coach, chauffeur, and constant heckler.

I first met John when I was around 8 years old and I still remember my shear amazement at his size. He was a tall, big, man who had to duck when entering a room and grazed his head constantly on ceilings and light fixtures. Compared to my father, who was something like 5'4'', John was a 6'+ giant. Most vividly, I remember seeing John's shoes by the Hickel front door and being absolutely amazed at his shoe size. I thought surely there was no other person with shoes as big as John's, no one but him with feet that could fill that leather. They were big and brown shoes that slipped on and off, and were care-worn from constant use.

After a short time of knowing the Hickels I was already involved in their constant need for activity and excitement. I joined Amy's campfire group and softball team and Amy's parents were two important guides in my life. John was my coach and I followed those brown shoes around many fields for years to come.

John was a great coach! He was kind and sweet (but tough) and treated us like the boys (or so we suspected). At first, John put me in outfield, but after a few games of me becoming bored, dancing around, and choreographing dances in the outfield, John decided he should give me more to do and put me in his old position, catcher. John's decision ended up being lucky - I was a natural catcher! Maybe John knew I just needed a push and some pressure. Either way, that position changed my life and boosted my confidence immensely.

As a coach and a father, John always had a way of teasing us 16 year old girls so that we were left confused, giggling, and blushing. He loved his girls so much he teased and joked to ensure they were just as clever, witty, and intelligent as he. Baseball always ended for me, whether it was a good or bad season, with a pat on the head and a congratulations from coach Hickel.

The Hickel camping trips were also the stuff of legend. Every one of Amy’s friends vied for a spot on those trips but only a select few were allowed to attend. Usually, one of Amy’s friend’s whose parents were also going camping got to attend, but sometimes I was lucky enough to be invited. When camping with the Hickels there was never a dull moment. The good ol’ boys went fishing with John and us kids went hiking, exploring, swimming, and more. DeAnn always had special treats to eat. I remember packing in to John’s huge truck with the very visible yellow “WE DO CQ” license plate.

I have so many memories of John it’s hard to know where to begin and to end. It’s funny because most of the things I remember are so small they almost seem trivial to mention. John always smiled when he talked and when you talked to him. His eyes danced with each word because he listened and responded with earnest care and humor. I remember John being reclusive during most sport seasons and we only knew he was in house because of the smell of cigarette smoke and the small voices of the baseball announcers and cheering fans drifting from the garage or basement. Again, he focused when he listened and cheered and raised a hand when his team did well.

What is most difficult for me about losing John is that he was really not a sad person. I don’t remember him being sad ever. Occasionally, during special events, his exterior would crack but he could always be counted on to lighten the mood with a fun, silly, or sarcastic comment. He made us smile even in the most difficult times. I know that if he was looking down on us during his memorial, with tears in our eyes, he was chuckling, rolling his eyes, and whispering funny memories to help us through.

I know now my initial impressions of John were correct. He was an impressive man whose shoes no one could fill. I will miss John Hickel and I promise to help his granddaughter, my goddaughter Lillian Mae, remember him with all the love and laughter he’s given to his family (and to me) over the years.

Rest in Peace John. We love you.

William-Adolphe Bouguereau

2007-06-13T13:48:00.001-07:00

Travail Interrompu

Interrupted Work

by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

Second Sleeve Melancholy

2007-06-03T11:41:00.000-07:00

As you know, I've finished the first sleeve of B's Heirloom Aran and I have moved on to the second. Yesterday, as I paused to look at the new sleeve, I was struck with a sudden sense of melancholy. After having the beautiful aran pattern established for so long it was kind of hard to see the beginnings of a new sleeve with no real pattern yet to emerge. The effect of the pattern is just not the same when it is short. I guess this means I'll just have to knit this sleeve really fast.

BroadRipple Socks Update:

So, after spending a significant amount of time on the Broadripple socks, I decided that I didn't like the pattern and I frogged the socks. (yes, I knew this day would come).

I've started over with the same yarn on a new pattern (off the top of my head) which will hopefully be more successful. These socks are still intended for a cousin (who shall be named later).

In other (non-knitting) news:

Ok, so, those of you who know me, know that I recently tested positive on a TB skin test. The doctors x-rayed my chest and determined that I have latent or "dormant" TB. It's not catchy. I'm not spreading it around. However, to be on the safe side, the doctor recommended I take antibiotics for 9 months to prevent the chance of me ever having active TB in the future. (10% of people with latent TB develop active TB later and 93% of those treated with antibiotics never develop TB). The antibiotics have a couple negative side effects but are supposed to be generally tolerable. The only downside is that I won't be able to drink alcohol for 9 months because the antibiotics are not great on the liver. (Needless to say I've been "celebrating" most of the weekend before I go on the meds). The doctors will be checking my liver levels and ensuring I'm safe through the whole ordeal but I just thought I'd give everyone a heads up in case you want to send some positive thoughts my way.

Ms. Luna in a rare moment of calm.

Dorky me with my new glasses.. Do I look suave or what?

Progress

2007-06-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

One sleeve is complete on B's sweater and I've started the second sleeve.

Pheobe has decided to protest knitting help until we "get rid" of little sister.

2007-05-23T09:35:00.001-07:00

Whats this? An average street in Missoula, MT?

Look Closer...

It's official...

Gas now costs an ARM and a LEG.

B and I stumbled across this sign early this morning. Need I say more??

New Camera

2007-05-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

B & I decided we couldn't do without a camera so we purchased new one: a Canon PowerShot A640 (10.0 Megapixels & 4x zoom). So, now my blog can continue to be fun.

Here are some pictures of what I've been blogging about:

Ailing Al's Remedy Socks

Miss Lynn & Luna
Still learning to be sisters

My beautious new sock yarn.
(Mountain Colors, Bearfoot, Gold Rush)

2007-05-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti

Road Trip/"Jaunt"/Commute to Flathead!!

2007-05-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

So, B and I went to Flathead lake today and while we were busy looking for a boat rental place open before the official season we came across Bigfork and the Witty Knitters Yarn Boutique. I loved this yarn shop! It was cute and Annie Leberman (the shop's fabulous ownder) was very friendly. B decided to spoil me and let me choose anything I wanted ((every knitter's fantasy))((the ladies in the store were quite impressed with a husband who would A. point out a yarn store as we drove by B. come into yarn store with wifey C. let wifey get whatever she wants)). After a search through the beautiful stash I decided to get Moutain Colors Bearfoot (aka COOL sock yarn) in the beautiful Gold Rush color (which can only be described as "Shelli Like" according to B).

The Witty Knitters shop was lovely, they had an excellent selection and everyone there was friendly. After I purchased the yarn, Annie placed it in a bag along with her card and a neat little business card sized Needle Inventory Card.. ((How cute!!)).

Broken Camera & Sock Pattern

2007-05-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

I am more than halfway through uncle Al's socks that I designed with the help of the Yarn Harlot's Knitting Rules. I wish I could post a picture here but my camera has decided to stop working. :( A blogger's worst nightmare. The socks have a very nice garter-rib pattern on the instep and the bottom of the foot is knit plain. I decided to do a really rib-heavy sock because I'm not completely sure how big Uncle Al's feet are. The pattern is neat because it stretches to fit the foot (widthwise) while still maintaining it's pretty pattern.

B says they are totally comfortable socks (and he's worn a few - ha!). I am in love with the sock yarn and a little jealous that I'm giving these socks away. The yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino in Tropical Storm. This yarn is gorgeous and the best part is that Uncle Al can simply throw the socks in the wash. Unfortunately, this yarn is also very EXPENSIVE.. It was given to me as a secret pal gift so I probably won't be using some for myself any time soon.

As for B's aran sweater, I am ashamed to say I haven't worked on it since I started Uncle Al's socks. My goal is still to complete it in time for his birthday a couple of days before Christmas. The broadripple socks that I am making for a certain (to-be-named-later) cousin are also on the back burner until Uncle Al's socks are complete.

Free Original Pattern: Ailing Al's Remedy Socks

Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Yarn
Size 2 needles
Gauge: Stockinette Stitch 8sts/inch

CO 72 loosely (or on two needles held tog) evenly on to 3 needles. Join in a round being careful not to twist the yarn (24sts on each needle).
Work K2, P2 rib for 4 inches or for desired length of sock leg (some people go up to 7 or 8 inches).
Slide 36 sts onto one needle for heel and divide remaining 36 sts over the other 2 needles for the instep (18sts on each needle).
Slip 1, K1 across heel sts.
Turn heel to purl side and begin working back and forth of the heel flap sts as follows: Row 1 - Slip 1, p to end of row, Row 2 - (Slip 1, K1) across. Repeat these 2 rows for 33 rows. You should be ready to work a knit row.
TURN HEEL=Feel Smart: Row 1 - sl 1, k18, ssk, k1, turn. Row 2 - sl 1, p3, p2tog, p1, turn. Row 3 - sl 1, k4, ssk, k1, turn. Row 4 - sl 1, p 5, p2tog, p1, turn. Continue in this fashion until you have knit all sts (there should be 20 sts on the heel needle).
Slip all instep sts onto one needle.
K across 10 heel sts. Using another needle, k across other 10 heel sts and pick up 18 sts along the side of the heel. Using ANOTHER needle, knit across instep sts. Using ANOTHER needle pick up 18 sts along the other side of the heel and knit across the first 10 heel sts. You are now at the beginning of the row (the middle of the heel sts).
Knit one round (knitting through the back loops of the picked up sts). Instep sts (needle 2) should be worked in garter rib pattern from now on. Garter rib pattern = Row 1 - k2, p2. Row 2 - k all sts.
Work Gusset rounds until there are 72 sts (18,36,18) on the needles. Gusset Round 1: Needle 1 - Knit to within 3 sts of end of needle, K2tog, k1. Needle 2 - knit garter rib pattern. Needle 3 - k1, ssk, k to end of needle. Gusset Round 2: Needle 1 - K. Needle 2 - Knit garter rib pattern. Needle 3 - K.
Knit every round (Garter rib pattern on needle 2) until foot of sock (including heel) measures 2 inches less than desired length.
Toe: Round 1: Needle 1 - K to within 3 sts of end of needle and k2tog, k1. Needle 2 - K1, ssk, garter rib pattern to within 3 sts of end of needle k2tog, k1. Needle 3 - k1, ssk, k to end of needle. Round 2: Needle 1 - K. Needle 2 - Garter Rib Pattern. Needle 3 - K.
Continue to k the above 2 rounds until there are 36 sts left and then work the decrease round (round 1) every round until there are 8 sts left. Break yarn, gather remaining sts, and weave in ends.

Yarn Harlot

2007-05-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

2007-05-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

I contemplated sending this poem to all the plastic surgeons in Missoula. Instead, I will post it here for your enjoyment. Isn't it wonderful?

FREAK

A child is born with a third eye smack
in the middle of his forehead. It's not
worth much. He can't see with it, can't
ogle with it, he can only blink with it.
But this is good enough to get him a place
in a freak show, so he spends his youth
sitting in a chair blinking his third eye
while crowds of people fall back and gasp.
At first, he doesn't mind being an oddity,
but by the time he is thirty he's grown tired
of traveling and broods about the small town
where he grew up and how he'd like to have a farm.
Therefore, he takes the big step of having
his third eye surgically removed and returns
home and buys a piece of land. But right
from the start it's a mistake- the bank
cheats him on the mortgage, the tractor
salesman sells him a clunker of a tractor,
the hardware cheats him on the price of nails.
But even worse, he's gone from being an ugly
man with a third eye to being plain ugly-
the jerk that the world pokes in the back.
So he sells the farm and returns to the show.
Who wants to be invisible? Billing himself
as the man with the third eye and dressed
in his old spangled tights, he again sits
in a straight chair before people foolish
enough to spend a quarter to see some character
with a badly painted blue eye on his forehead.
What do you see? shouts a joker at the barrier.
But the man is too proud to answer.
He now understands the divisions of the world
and has made his choice, and even a third eye
done with paint is better than no third eye at all.
As for what he can see, if he wanted
he could describe a field of white, perhaps
a field of white flowers, of snow, or sand
with no tracks or interruptions, nothing to show
usage or the casual depredations of man.

By Stephen Dobyns, from Cemetery Nights, 1987

2007-05-04T08:59:00.000-07:00

You're Invited...

... to Shelli's Graduate Day & BBQ which will be held on Saturday, May 12th.

The ceremony for the College of Arts and Sciences begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Adams Center (U of M) and no reservations or tickets required. After the main ceremony, the graduates from the English Department will head to the UC Center Ballroom for the department's award ceremony..

THEN..

We will start the BBQ sometime in the afternoon of May 12th. It will be held at Shelli's aparment (in the central, parkish area). Please feel free to stop by to enjoy some yummy BBQ and to meet Shelli's family and friends.. Please RSVP (so we know how much food to buy) by leaving a comment, calling, or talking to Shell at SNB.

All knitting projects and munchkins welcome!!

When it rains....

2007-04-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that B is having trouble with his health. His doctor thinks he is having seizures due to medication and he is slowly going off of the suspect meds. Furthermore, he is having an EEG scan on Monday so doctors can examine his brain waves and then he is going straight to Seattle (with his dad) to see a really fancy doctor (Psycho-Pharmacologist or something like that).

Today, I also found out that my Uncle's heart just.... stopped..... He is still alive, but his doctors are keeping him sedated until they can perform a triple bi-pass surgery on his heart. Thankfully, when he collapsed, the people around him immediately gave him life saving mouth-t0-mouth and chest compressions.

All this news is really getting to me and I've been crying, or near tears, all day doing homework. On top of it all, I'm dealing with school-melt-down-syndrome that occurs at the end of every semester. I really just want to go to Seattle and be with my husband and uncle. Most of all however, amidst all this tragedy, I just want to put my homework aside and knit my uncle some nice blue socks.

But.... I can't....

Week before the week before finals... 'nough said...

2007-04-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have a moment to update everyone on the goings-on in Funny Guurl land so.. here goes:

#1: Charity Hats
I can hardly believe it myself, but I sucessfully knit five!! I thought I would be hard pressed to knit one!! The best part is that 4 of my hats are being made into two twin pairs.. Isn't that cute? So the twins will have the chance to have similar/matching yet different hats.. Our group's total came to something like 71 hats! (Official figures will be posted at www.missoulaknits.blogspot.com this Sunday or Monday). All the hats will be donated to Community Hospital and we will be checking the ecradle for our work!

Speaking of ecradle... Look who I found!!

#2: Kitty Cats

Well, looks like the new baby is here to stay. As I suspected we would, we've grown quite attached to her. Her Name? We've chosen Luna Mei Mei. We named her Luna because I just accidently called her that because I've been writing lesson plans for the YA book Luna and it just stuck. I found a black collar with tiny moons and stars on it which only solidifies the perfectness of the name. :)
Mei Mei is Chinese for "little sister" which I happened to read in Amy Tan's Joy Luck Club. Luna is definitly the "naughty little sister" so her middle name is especially perfect.

#3: B's Sweater: I've made miniscule progress... Don't ask...

#4: New Blog Format: I dig change... What more can I say?

Grammy

2007-04-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

Well, you've all heard me tell you stories about my Grammy. What I haven't told you is that I inherited her love of writing and I truly admire her gift. Today she wrote a journal entry that is especially heartfelt and poignant and she asked me to share it with my friends and family. So, here it goes:

04.19.07

Thursday- This week has been filled with tragedy and sorrow. I understand the massacre at Virginia Tech is the worst we’ve seen here. The death to our troops was reported to be at a high. There have been murders in our homes and fatalities on our freeways. Wonderful family members who didn’t make the news were badly injured or killed, leaving a giant jagged hole in the lives of their families and friends. This week especially, has been particularly bad in that respect.

What does one say to someone who is hurting beyond belief? We can’t say we know how they feel, because we don’t. We can’t tell them things will get better, because they don’t need to hear that now. It is not in their present reality. What they need most just now, is caring empathy.

I am reminded of a story I heard many years ago. A mother allowed her little girl to go across the street to play with her friend. Upon the child’s return, the mother asked what she did at her friends house and the little girl said “I helped her cry”. That surprised the mother, who then asked what they were crying about. “Well”, said the little girl, “her new dolly had an accident and its head came off, so I sat down beside her and helped her cry”.

My dear American sisters, if you have been devastated this week by tragedy and sorrow, please let me sit down beside you in love and help you cry. In time the tears will wash away some of the agony you feel and the caring love of others will allow a bit of healing to your soul, but until then- just let me sit beside you and help you cry--.

- Jeannie
Auburn, WA