Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Zodiac

Ha! I received this from my friend Sarah... It kind of sounds like me! Is yours descriptive of you?

PISCES - The Dreamer (Feb 1 9 - Mar 20) Generous, kind, and thoughtful.
Very creative and Imaginative. May become secretive and vague.
Sensitive. Don't like details. Dreamy and unrealistic. Sympathetic and
loving. Kind. Unselfish. Good kisser. Beautiful.


CAPRICORN - The Go-Getter (DEC 22 - Jan 19) Patient and wise. Practical
and rigid. Ambitious. Tends to be Good-looking. Humorous and funny. Can
be a bit shy and reserved. Often pessimistic . Capricorns tend to act
before they think and can be Unfriendly at times. Hold grudges.. Like
competition. Get what they want.

AQUARIUS - The Sweetheart (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Optimistic and honest. Sweet
personality. Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and
loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but
original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric
personality.

ARIES - The Daredevil (Mar 21 - April 19)
Energetic. Adventurous and spontaneous. Confident and enthusiastic .
Fun. Loves a challenge. EXTREMELY impatient. Sometimes selfish. Short
fuse. (Easily angered.) Lively, passionate, and sharp wit. Outgoing.
Lose interest quickly - easily bored. Egotistical. Courageous and
assertive. Tends to be physical and athletic.

TAURUS - The Enduring One (April 20 - May 20) Charming but aggressive.
Can come off as boring, but they are not. Hard workers. Warm-hearted.
Strong, has endurance. Solid beings that are stable and secure in their
ways. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and
reliable. Make great friends and give good advice. Loving and kind.
Loves hard - passionate. Express themselves emotionally. Prone to
ferocious temper-tantrums rums. Determined. Indulge them selves often.
Very generous.

GEMINI - The Chatterbox (May 21 - June 20) Smart and witty. Outgoing,
very chatty. Lively, energetic. Adaptable but needs to express them
selves. Argumentative and outspoken. Like change. Versatile. Busy,
sometimes nervous and tense.. May seem superficial or inconsistent.
Beautiful physically and mentally.

CANCER - The Protector (June 21 - July 22 )
Moody, emotional. May be shy. Very loving and caring. Pretty/handsome.
Excellent partners for life. Protective.. Inventive and imaginative.
Cautious. Touchy-feely kind of person. Needs love from others.. Easily
hurt, but sympathetic.

LEO - The Boss (July 23 - AUG 22)
Very organized. Need order in their lives - like being in control. Like
boundaries. Tend to take over everything. Bossy. Like to help Others.
Social and outgoing. Extroverted.. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive.
Creative energy. Full of themselves. Loving. Doing the right thing is
important to Leos . Attractive.

VIRGO - The Perfectionist (AUG 23 - Sept 22)
Dominant In relationships. Conservative . Always wants the last word.
Argumentative . Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager.
Hardworking .. Loyal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please
Harsh. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Pessimistic.

LIBRA - The Harmonizer (Sept 23 - Oct 22)
Nice to everyone they meet. Can't make up their mind . Have own unique
appeal. Creative, energetic, and very social. Hates to be alone.
Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful. Flirtatious. Give in too
easily. Procrastinators. Very gullible.

SCORPIO - The Intense One (Oct 23 - Nov 21 )
Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive.
Hardworking. Great kisser. Can become obsessive or secretive. Holds
grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long Relationships.
Talkative. Romantic. Can be self-centered at times. Passionate and
Emotional.

SAGITTARIUS - The Happy-Go-Lucky One (Nov 22 - DEC 21)
Good-natured optimist. Doesn't want to grow up ( Peter Pan Syndrome ).
Indulges self. Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and
outgoing. Doesn't like responsibilities. Often fantasizes . Impatient.
Fun to be around. Having lots of friends. Flirtatious. Doesn't like
rules. Sometimes hypocritical . Dislikes being confined - tight spaces
or even tight clothes. Doesn't like being doubted . Beautiful inside
and out.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Life With Children

The big issue that is brewing on my mind today is when John and I decide to have kids, should I stay home, or not? Funny that this topic seems to be something that I continually find myself pondering during my spare moments (which aren’t many since I am often consumed with knitting thoughts and knitting lust), but really… Could I be the type of person to stay home?

If all goes according to plan, this is not something that will happen anytime in the next two years – so it is not like there are any quick decisions to make here, but I just want to know how people come to the conclusion to stay home with kids. I work with a bunch of men, which I am sure that you have picked up on by now, and many of their wives stay at home. Lucky for them, our compensation structure can support such lifestyles. Maybe I should let John stay home… Nah, forget about that.

Maybe if I were not an equal contributor in our home it would be easier for me to see, but I am an equal contributor. How do you cut out one entire income? What has to happen for me to say staying home with our kids is worth it and I am willing to make that sacrifice? I think that it is a really unselfish thing to say – and probably not something that I will be able to say until I am acting as a human incubator to John’s spawn. I am sure when this does occur I will stop referring to pregnant women as incubators and babies as spawn 

Yes, we definitely are not there yet.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Let it Rip!

So in my last blog I was able to happily report all of the progress that I had made on Ingenue. Today there’s good news and bad news… I’ll give you the bad news first as I always like to end on a high note!

Bad News: Way too big for me, not enough shaping… Here I was knitting happily along thinking, “Finally, I’m going to make something that will adequately cover my oversized boobage and will be completely appropriate for work!” Well, it seems as though my waist isn’t quite the size of the uppers and there’s definitely not enough shaping. Truth is, I spend most of my days wishing I was about a 34" and let's face it, I'm not.

I had two ideas… Initially I thought that I cannot bear to rip out all of this handy work – I will gift this to someone – my aunt! Then I spoke with a few friends and my hubby – and I’m ripping baby! I’m going to try to rip up to the decreases and decrease a bit more… Extend the waist a bit – then increase and go… I’m also going to put the sweater on a large enough cable so that I can try on as I go – instead of having to remove from cable, etc…

So, the good news in all of this is that I’ve learned a lesson. Pay attention to ALL of my measurements no matter how much I may not like them. Take the time to try on as I go – and don’t be afraid to make modifications. What’s the worst that can happen? You’ll either rip it and try to fix it or end up with something that you won’t wear. I definitely think the latter is worse!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

I Took the Plunge - Literally!

On Saturday John and I set out to Utica Square to pick up lunch and take to a friends house. I insisted in stopping by Starbucks because I was yawning incessantly and thought a little pick me up would do the trick – I love triple grande caramel macchiatos! John, not so much a fan of coffee dropped me off in front of the store and parked. When I came out I had to walk across the lot and over a curb to get to the car – well, folks… I had decided to wear my glasses instead of contacts that day and my peripheral vision was non-existent. I seemingly missed the curb fell knees, elbow (had to try and save the coffee) and hand first into the concrete… I know what you’re thinking, “Did the coffee survive?!” Why, yes, the Starbucks lids are rather sturdy and the coffee, although landing sideways, was not sacrificed. My knees, however, were!

Naturally John felt bad – so after cleaning up and heading off to lunch with friends I managed to get some major couch time! I worked all of Saturday evening and most of Sunday evening on Ingenue. I am using Cashmerino Aran – this poor yarn was originally purchased when I first started to knit for the Tree Jacket (never happened), has been tried on Snezi – never matriculated past the first 7 inches of stockinette, then on Amused – we have now settled on Ingenue. This one I will finish… And finally put this poor yarn to rest. I have made it through the waist decrease section and am moving onto the increases. With any luck I’ll be onto the sleeves by the weekend.

I also examined my current stash and have mapped out the following projects for the year…

28Thirty / PeaceFleece / Need to finish
Double Breasted Cardigan by Stephanie Japel / Jaeger Roma - Cinnamon
Baby Cables & Big Ones Too / Jaeger Roma – White
Favorite Cardi by Wendy Bernard / DIC – Wisterious
Flair by Wendy Bernard / Louisa Harding Nautical Cotton in Green

I also have some RYC cashsoft that is in need of a project… And whatever else I manage to buy  But this is at least a good start and very aggressive list for 2009 – by my own standards 


 

 

 
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Thursday, January 15, 2009

Everything Isn't Always What it Seems... I Guess.

I think I am going to take a few minutes to vent - then maybe we will have a "What I am Thankful Session" at the end. The two seem to compliment each other and I always try to end on a high note when possible.

I work in the 'field' - i.e. not at the corporate office. I work at the place that actually produces the product. I really do not know or remember what my expectation was when I went to college - "I'm going to work in human resources..." What exactly did that mean? Since I work at the field and my company seems to work steadily on centralizing as much as possible, the field turns you into a glorified paper pusher. When someone needs help I simply say, "please hold while I contact corporate," or "Aw, Mr. Doe, you would like to change your address, please complete this form and I will send to corporate..." Pension calculation - no problem, let me send that to corporate so that they may send to 3rd party.

It seems like every step of my job is elongated by 1 - person that is, at corporate, but of course! The longer I stay here the more my job becomes to talk to corporate. I think I will start to hand out corporates phone number and simply remove myself from the process, thus eliminating my own job. Doesn't seem to be helpful to myself, but maybe I can at least get a laugh out of the situation - because right now, my face is covered in a scowl.

Onto happier things... I've not knit up much lately. I think I've spent more time ripping than knitting. What the heck, it's good practice, right? I hope that you all have been making beautiful, colorful, crafty items!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Bad News Comes in Manila Envelopes

Today, the obedient HR staff that we are, were sent on a mission to distribute the last of the layoffs. This portion, however, was much more painful than the previous distribution. This round was for the salaried folks. Two on one. As a salaried individual one is not subject to such things as seniority. We do not have our years of loyalty and service to protect and shield us from the daggers thrown by the economy. You cannot 'bump' someone less senior - and are not as easily redistributed from one side of the tracks to the other. As salaried individuals, one is subject to such things as 'job necessity' and 'performance'.

I can honestly say that at age 26 I did not expect nor hope to be sitting across the table from someone watching as they are told that their position has been eliminated or their job duties consolidated. "We are really sorry, but after XXX years, your services are no longer needed." It is a brutal experience and heart wrenching to anyone with any sign of a conscience.

It's been a long day, and a day that I would much rather forget. Unfortunately, the administrative duties that stem from a layoff extend far beyond simply delivering the news. And this experience (while good experience --- I now have WARN, OWBPA, severance agreements, etc. to add to my resume of experience) is one that I will never forget. And I really hope to never need such experience ever again.

I don't know if issuing 'pink' slips would be any more dignified, but bad news is no longer delivered that way. It now comes in a manila envelope (Taryn) - with numerous papers to sign and information to be explained - all by your local HR staff and supervisor.

I am definitely retiring to the couch with a bottle of wine - yes, bottle - that was not a typo.

Friday, January 9, 2009

From the Page A Day Knitting Calendar:

This calendar is fabulous! It is made many good points - and it's only January 9.

Stash: (n) A knitter's supply of yarn, conveniently prepurchased and place in the home of the knitter. Oddly, many knitters do not knit from their stash but continue to purchase as they go, despite the presence of what is essentially a personalized yarn shop where they don't have to pay. This phenomenon has led researchers (OK: me) to believe that stashes exist not just for the purposes of knitting but for inspiration. After all, painters have lots of paints.

Make sense to me, what about you??

Thursday, January 8, 2009

A few things I've done...

A few things I've done...

I saw this list over at RobinM's and decided to play along. I've only done the Meme thing once and that was awhile ago!

The things I have done are in bold.

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris (does the airport count?)
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (indoor)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant

I think this year I should find a book club to join... We'll wait until next year for the baby :-)

Wanna play along? Leave a comment!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Well Laid Plans

When I think of my life in relation to what I always thought it would or should or could be, I always think I'm behind the curve. The curve is relative though, right? In college I had a well mapped out plan. Graduate at 21 (check), Married at 22 (uncheck), Finished producing offspring at 26 (uncheck). And that was the loftiness and full extent of my goals and plans. I can't believe I'm writing this because as I do I now realize that I did not have a clue.

I am 8 weeks away from my 27th birthday - and if I compare to my previous expectation, I have failed in every sense. Well, I did graduate college :-) After completing my bachelors degree - and my engagement to my college boyfriend went kapoot (thank goodness) I needed a new map. After all, when the marriage portion and everything thereafter --- which wasn't much --- failed, I needed a back up plan. Instead of getting married I got a masters and a job. In place of the babies that I most certainly was not having, I got a dog. And instead of working on my 2nd child, which was difficult because none of the preceeding existed, I bought a house. And instead of turning off my human incubator at age 26, I am able to comfortably entertain the idea of really turning it on. I am only one month into my marriage - instead of 6 years OR divorced for 3 (the latter would have definitely been an idea entertained).

It is funny how plans, as we all know, can turn out so incredibly different and so much better than we ever intended. I think all of my so called failures can today be merited as successes.

So, in 2009, I resolve to live a day at a time and do what is in front of me. Oh, and to do it well :-)

Sunday, January 4, 2009

The Kitchen Gods Came and Brought Me Cabinets!

I bought this house in July of 2005... My first home! It is a small house, only 1200 square feet. I have grown to really LOVE this house! John and I hope to stay here for at least a few more years - so we need to do some updates to make it more accomodating for all of the crap that two people seem to accumulate.

John and I both love to cook and be in the kitchen, so naturally we have multiple kitchen appliances and seemed to accumulate many more from the wedding. This weekend I have to say John and my dad made all of my dreams come true! I now have an additional 90 inches of cabinet space!!! My kitchen is really comprised of two rooms. Apparently this house used to have three bedrooms and they tore down the wall between bedroom #3 and the kitchen. This left a nice open area.




Now we have cabinets and all of our small appliances fit nicely! And I have counter space!!!




Other items this weekend... My mom and I worked on JoAnne's diaper bag... Photos to come later this week - when it's finished :-) And I posted 3 items to my Etsy shop (roseknits.etsy.com). Check me out!

More to come this week when I hope to get my blogging mojo back!