Hook & Needles

I am NOT alone!!

2008-07-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

One of the fellow mom's of Ravelry forward this to the "moms" .. I was in STITCHES and had to share!!!

I suddenly feel like I'm not alone in these teenage years! Oh Michael! Oh Stephanie! Be ready ... it's going to be a FUN weekend!!!

Happy 4th everyone!

Quiet Day in the Office

2008-07-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

Ok so everyone in the office is traveling this week - and I've been left in here with 2 other people. Randomly we here music playing in the bakground and have to name the artist, song and year. Like:

or:

And least we forget:

but the best was:

Yeah - I love my job!!!

TRUE COLORS

2008-06-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

My boss sent me an email the other day asking me if I was doing anything Friday night. Usually the response would be “of course” since those questions usually are followed with “oh, I needed you to do me a favor …” but this Friday I KNEW it was in regards to going to see the TRUE COLOR concert tour here in San Diego with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, the B-52’s, and (holding breath) CYNDI LAUPER!!!
I have ALWAYS loved Cyndi Lauper – from the moment she erupted on the music scene back in the 80’s. Yes I was one of “THOSE” kids that shaved my head to the side, dressed in neon and dyed my hair carrot red just to be like her. And to my mother shame I even received my diploma from college in a black skirt, green neon tights and BAREFOOT! Needless to say I’m a Cyndi worshipper!

So when Sam asked if I was busy Friday, it didn’t matter if I was having dinner plans with Madonna and Guy Ritchie – I’d cancel! The really COOL part was not only did our staff get tickets, but Cyndi also made sure Robert was able to come… TOO FREAKEN COOL!!!

Ok enough of the small talk – the concert... well it ROCKED!! Joan Jett was as amazing as always!! And yes “I LOVE ROCKn’ROLL’ was the best part of her set! Cyndi came out to introduce the “MC” Carson Kressley (the fashion guy from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy!) and again – AWESOME! Ok, I will admit I’m not a HUGE B-52 fan (Like Sam and Matt are) but it was nice to rock out to “Love Shack! (drum roll) and then there she was – the sweet voice with Rocken’ sounds!! OMG!! She Bop, Girl’s Just Want to Have Fun, and the most impressive Money Changes Everything (Duet with Joan Jett!)

But I have the moment I cried was when EVERYONE came back on stage to sing TRUE COLORS! Cyndi’s passion is HRC and obviously this concert was a way of her promoting the get out and vote cry and also to make sure that everyone – not just a select few – have the right to love and MARRY who they want! And I would like to ask EVERYONE out there – regardless of what you feel to think about one thing that Cyndi said that makes so much sense whatever your orientation is – Once the government says who you can and cannot marry, based on sexual preference – what’s next? What if they decide if all the Brunettes with curly hair can’t get married? Or only blonds can marry redheads … what if the next decision and segregation affects YOU and no one says anything??? What would YOU do and what would you hope someone would do to help YOU?!

As a way to thank Cyndi for her generosity for making the tickets available to me, our office and off course dear Robert!, we are collecting for the HRC in the office with Sam matching ever dollar I collect - So I hope to make a HUGE donation SOON!! Also - going to do a yarn in sale too (you know profits going to the cause) It really hit home about what happens when the next law effects something I do because of who I am, because my parents were from Sicily or my daughter was born in Connecticut. Someone has to stand up for my rights - so damn it - it's gonna' be ME!

There are more people who PAY to vote for the AMERICAN IDOL than the AMERICAN PRESIDENT – hmm makes you think huh??! So in the words of the 80’s – come November – ROCK THE VOTE!! Vote smart! Get out and Vote!! And make sure that you have a say in your todays and TOMORROWS!!

Silly little box!

2008-06-25T11:18:00.001-07:00

Isn’t the internet a wonderful thing? Through this stupid little line that goes through this box on my desk to a plug in the wall we are connected to our friends, families and the world. Sometimes we find friends from years gone by, meet our perfect mate (bow to my dear Rob – from when we had a whooping 24 baud modem!) , or make new friends and business partners . Amazing isn’t it all!

I belong to this amazing group of friends on Ravelry – the 9-5 Multi-taskers Group – that we all work hard at what we do, but also get a moment to sneak away to the “box” for some chit chat on the internet. Through these friends, I have met some great, GREAT ladies – and often will sit and “chat” with them when things here in the office go so awry I feel like I’m going to lose it.

We had this really COOL swap … hmm wonder who had that idea (blush) … and I got the most AWESOME gift from my partner Ally!! She TOTALLY spoiled me … I LOVE my bling, bling purse she made me – and my little purse to hold all my gadgets! WOW! Ally you are amazingly talented!! She also stocked me up with all these great treats for my desk – nummies!! And I LOVE this Sushi wallet! I have been looking at this kit since I got back into knitting and now I can think about my new friend Ally every time I use it and how cool am I going to be when I go out for Sushi with Ms Laura and have a funky cool sushi wallet? Oh yeah I will ROCK!!!

I got to spoil my new friend Nichole in the process too. She and I had been chit chatting about her lovely stitch markers and had actually already swapped markers for yarn about 2 days before the swap itself came out. I got to play sneaky devil and chat her up more and see what she likes and dislike – all under the disguise of idle chatter… and she feel for it!! Seriously though she has some AWESOME stitch markers and you should check out her Esty store!!

Nichole also hooked me up with what might be my coolest link – she got me involved with this lovely LYS in New Hampshire, A Knitter’s Garden. Joann, the owner is a sweetie and I probably will NEVER ever met her, but she is my VERY first WHOLESALE client possibility for Zona Blue Design and my hand dyed yarns. I’m SO excited!! I have No idea what to send her – solids, semi-solids, self striping? It’s all a blurr! Nichole is my link in .. so I’m dyeing like crazy this week – sending like crazy – I have NO clue what I’m doing and I’m trying not seem like an airhead in the process but DANG! I’m sooo nervous I’ll blow it!

So this silly little box that sits on my desk – has found me, new friends, my man AND my possible new income?? WAY TO GO INTERNET!!!

The Invasion of the POD PEOPLE!

2008-06-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

Today has been one of those days were I REALLY question the "why" of it all..

Work has been overly stressful - pick a country and I'm sure we have SOMETHING going on there but my friend Maureen recommend this amazing book GETTING IT ALL DONE - by David Allen., and although I had been doing a lot of the general management stuff, this book really hits on a few good key elements on multitasting and simplifing your life and work. REALLY! Awesome read and it has NOTHING to do with yarn and knitting... unless you consider that I now have incorporated the habit of placing my patterns & yarns into the Do, Defer, and Trash (egads) catagories ...lol

One of the other things I have noticed though is that all this craziness has a root of evil and I'm calling them the "20-somethings!" (sorry out there... there are a few of them that have tarnished it for the lot!) I want to know when the answer "Gee, I don't know" became acceptable at work.

ME: So why are we spending $20K on this ...

HER: Gee I don't know ...

ME: And you are late why?

HER: Gee, I don't know ...

ME: And the reason you didn't say anything to anyone about these charges on your credit card are why?

HER: Gee, I don't know ...

OMG - even before I started working, I use to help at mom's restaurant (read that as FREE labor that had no choice in the matter) and if I ever said "I don't know" to anything business related, she FLIPPED... the answer ALWAYS had to have a solid reason. Hell we are talking MONEY, DINERO, (or in terms this chicy might get) BEER!! And worse, its not me, there is a term now for these kiddos - Millinials! They even got their own spot on 60-minutes!!

I am so tired of the "me generation!" WAIT!!! I was the me generation, wasn't I? I was a child of the 70's and in college during the 80's. I knew excess I knew credit card debit! But these kids, they don't try out for a team, they don't win or lose, they are there for the spirit of it all.

Ok, don't get me wrong, I might not be THE best team player - In fact I sent an email to my managing director today BEFORE I sent it to one of the Millinials because I didn't want to be too bitchy! But would you have ver thought of just announcing an hour before a doctors appointment you were leaving (when no one in the office knew you were going? Or on Friday afternoon you decided at 4 - yeah it was time to wrap up and go home?

I'm SOO tired of the extended lunches, the whining in the office that YES you really have to put in 1-year before you get a paid vacation and omg PLEASE stop talking about your birthday to EVERYONE on the phone 2 weeks before it happens and a week afterwards. Really, after turning 8 years old - and mommy and daddy stop throwing the b-day parties - ENOUGH!!!

And can you PLEASE take the damn I-Pod earphones off while you are in the office. Yes I text messages on my cell too, but I didn't pay $300 for a phone to have a QWERTY keypad, nor do I have a relationship through one (remember when you actually had to CALL someone up to ask for a date? Now it's all a IM or phone text... and yes, they even break up with you these days on those things!)

ohhh -- did I say I needed a LITTLE therapy? Ok Maybe that was more than my nickels worth, but really it felt SOOO good to get it out there!!

It is FINALLY Friday …

2008-06-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

I don’t think I’ve looked forward to a weekend SO much in a VERY long time.

I’ve seen some really great highs this week – like Lyn from New Hampshire not only coming out to San Diego to see her daughter (who was evacuated due the fires in October 2007) and then having breakfast with DH and me on Saturday, but she brought ANOTHER amazing blanket for us to deliver through the San Diego Blanket Project.

My knitting group got together to celebrate its 1 year anniversary the other night and WOW, you know merlot and knitting really doesn’t mix! But it was really nice to see some of the original group, some have had a baby, another is GOING to have one. We’ve had new people join the group, have 2 active men knitting with us, and have lost a few of our ole’ regulars. When all was said and done though, it was a refreshing moment and nice to get back to our roots.

Other than that, I still can’t get any of my projects to stick and become FO’s … who knows maybe tomorrows KIP will inspire me. But today the sun is shining, my head is high, its PAY DAY and I just ordered $200 in yarn for my knitting group … it’s a good day …

Stuck in a rut ...

2008-06-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

Words – to paper … sometimes the hardest thing in the world to do. Lately though, I just compose these incredible things (be they lists, blogs, letters and memos to Sam, that sound awesome in my head, but get my hand near a pen – and watch out … I’m deadly. Nothing has come out right!

The same can be said with my fiber! I have yarn on top of yarn, design on top of pattern all ready at the go and I sit here frogging – again – another latest and greatest. I can’t seem to make a square, a hat or a scarf hold true to pattern. The fiber is all wrong, the texture isn’t right, or (this is my favorite) why do I even bother when … (you fill in the blanks).

I think I’m burnt out. I don’t know. I’ve made a few gifts already (although I’m thinking of getting a craft booth with a few fellow crafters this fall and selling things) and well that though lasts about an hour and then I tell myself how silly that is.

I’ve been dyeing a good amount of yarn lately. But even that, doesn’t seem to keep my interest. Randall (one of our costume designers at work) says sometimes you just gravitate to particular colors and I should go with it, but I can’t seem to break from the vibrate blue, greens and purples. I tried – Really! And I ended up coming up with THIS: I’ve even started turning to friends on Ravelry to say HELP… but that’s not working… I’m ALMOST tempted to try socks again but we all know that will lead to loud swearing and lots of broken needles. I need to be back in New England – I need to have a reason to play with yarn. I think I’ve exhausted all there is for fiber in my mind in Southern California. I think I need a vacation to the Arctic!

Hmm … so words went to paper today now maybe I can get yarn to needles ... maybe

Norma Rae! Norma Rae!

2008-06-06T13:14:00.001-07:00

So I'm thinking today that the universe and I aren't talking. I've lost my cell phone, got about 2 hours of sleep and have been working on a personal project for my boss now for almost 4 hours and still have to get the regular $hit done too.

I'm going on strike!

I walked into the house yesterday and the 16 year old was too tired to get a job (ohhhh poor thing) and the 12 year old couldn't clean his room, but after a long day the first words were "what's for dinner" - Yup I'm on Strike!

Then I asked for help in skeining some yarn for a new client, the 16 year old says no - she's watching TV, the 12 year old is busy playing video games. Can they clean the counter, vacuum the floor, maybe even unload the dishwasher? Nope! - So I'm on Strike!

When DH got home last night (15 minutes later than he said - this normally shouldn't be a problem - but in his world he works from 8 am till 10 pm and has missed the last 5 weeks of date night and dinners at 8:30 - and yes doesn't call) I had already gotten in the car to go out and basically blow the world off ... SMART man intercepted me, got me dinner (as bad as it was he gets a point for trying) and said YUP - You're on strike!

Tomorrow I go food shopping. I'm going to take MY food, and MY clean clothes and MY electric and have a good ole' time. Maybe some yarn and I will reintroduce ourselves ... maybe a nice Ice Tea...

Hmm -- I wonder how long its going to be before they even notice ... that "I'm on strike!" ?

It's BACCCCKKKK!!

2008-05-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for my friend Anita - without her I would have missed the Spring Dish Cloth Swap and very honestly mine have been looking a bit old so LORD KNOWS I am in need of this swap! (plus I am so tired of life that this is just the right amount of mindless activity to MAYBE get the juices flowing again - who knows)

Well rule #1 is to post our questionaire so here is everything you want to knwo about me and where even more afraid to ask ...

1. Do you Knit or Crochet? For how long?
Both - crocheting since I was about 6 and knitting not long after that - recently returned to my roots and have been crocheting up a storm but will LOVE LOVE LOVE the way fabric draps with knitting

2. Do you enjoy using metal, wooden, or some other kind of needle\hook?
Mostly I'm a metal girl, with my double points in bamboo (maybe because they hold the yarn better)

3. What are your favorite types of yarn? Any you just can't stand?
I'm in LOVE with anything that is a wool blend (maybe because I've been dyeing so much lately) but its easierfor holiday gifts too. Although I just found Vanna's new color ways for the summer and think a lot of the gifts will be based on them. CAN NOT stand anything in the novelty yarns!

4. When it comes to cotton, are there any brands you'd love to try and haven't?
I would LOVE to try some Egyptian cotton .. I have a skein but cannot bring myself to knit a dish cloth with it (sorry Corinne)

5. When you make Dishcloths, do you use them yourself, or tend to give them as gifts?
Both (although I've been lagging in the self spoils lately!)

6. Do you have a favorite color? Any that you dislike?
I love the greens, blues and purples, hot colors just don't do it for me :(

7. What color(s) (if any!) are your kitchen and bath decorated in?
We have an all white kitchen with a wonderful wood floor. I love the clean lines it gives, but a spot of color is always nice!

8. What are your favorite scents around the house?
Can't have any - kids and I are allergic

9. What is your very favorite thing about summer?
Coming home after a LONG day at the office, grabbing the kids and heading to the pool, maybe on weekends going to a drive-in with my honey, and just having longer day light hours to play.

10. What is your least favorite thing about summer?
The Electric Bill in August! Even in San Diego it get HOT!!

11. Do you use soap or body wash in the shower?
Only unscented (see allergies statement)

12. What scents do you enjoy in the bath?
None

13. What is your favorite dishcloth pattern?
All of them

14. What sort of treats do you enjoy? Sweet or Salty?
Both

15. Imagine today is one of the hottest days of the year - what do you do to keep cool? Or are you one of those folks who loves the hot weather?
At the pool with the kids, knitting in hand with a nice Ice tea in the other

16. What sorts of hobbies do you enjoy besides knitting or crocheting?
POKER!!! Texas Hold em!

17. Do you collect anything (besides yarn!)
mini snowglobes

18. Are you on Ravelry? If so, share your ID!
Georgiegirl65

19. Do you have any allergies?
None

20. Do you have any pets?
Kids have Hamsters - I have kids :0

The Best Feeling in the WORLD!

2008-05-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

Ok I know as a mom of two I should say holding my babies when they are born, or when I hear the words "mommie I love you" ... but SERIOUSLY the absolute best feeling in the world TODAY is getting in to NEW JEANS 2 sizes smaller than I use to wear!!

I know I use to say it was the 26 tumors but D-A-M-N!!! that was 6 months ago!! time for this girl to flaunt it .. lol oh wait THAT'S what gets me into trouble.

Anyways - Hope everyone has a SAFE and WONDERFUL holiday weekend!!

We all do something stupid ...

2008-05-19T11:56:00.001-07:00

Miss Moneypenny - please mark this post personal and make sure you forewarn all and any reader that they may get more than they bargain for here.

I use this blog more like a reflection of who I am, where I've been and where I would like to go more than the original purpose and that was to showcase all the wonderful fiber creations I create. Unfortunately, due to recent developments in my life, I have done neither reflected on my life nor created and I have seen the dark corners of hell that I have drawn myself into and now am in the process of pulling myself out of.

First I would like to let people like Laura know how much I absolutely adore her and thank the powers above that she is my friend and "twin". She is the only one that give my ass a good kick when I need it and hold me up when I stumble. I so am very lucky for you and I will hold your hand if you hold mine!

The reason for all this self indulgence and self "ugh" is that over a year ago there was an Idiot who I thought I was long through with that I thought could no longer hurt me, my family, my dear Robert. But stupid me and my "12 year old heart" didn't know that the moment he decided to grace me again with his presence that every thing I thought would be changed.

I realized that although I am a strong woman, can run a non-profit for the SD Blanket Project (which I apologize I have let lapse because I have been so selfish), be a Business Manager in probably the coolest job with the coolest bosses, and a damn good mother of two great kids ... regardless of all that - I am still learning to accept that I am capable of being loved by one incredible man and that this other Idiot is just a distraction.

I realized yesterday that I do not interact sometime (ok MOST of the time) but REact to people. I don't know what I can do about it but I seriously think that knowing the problem my be the first stop in to solving the problem. And a word of advice ... when an EX comes back into your life, for whatever reason, RUN - do not walk, do not pass GO, DO NOT collect $200 - as fast as you can in the other direction!! There is a reason that these people are ex's and we often forget all the bad - but trust me RUN LIKE HELL!!

So I took to hiding my blog and making it private (which I have now unblocked because I won't hide myself again from anyone), back to knitting last night (augh, I really have to get SHORTER size 11 needles), and we all had burgers and hot dogs on the patio for dinner while we watched the balloons over the San Diego coastline and all 4 of us TALKED. (ok, Stephi didn't like the "when you getting a job Miss I'm 16 now" talk, but hey welcome to being 16!)

I'm going to take the baby steps BACK to my family and friends and DOING my job the best I can, and I can hope that if and when I stumble - cuz I know I will - I'll have folks to hold me up (like this really great guy that has shared the past ohhh 17 years with me and understands that sometimes a hug and holding my hand speaks VOLUMES to what I really need!!)

Ok, Miss Moneypenny, set this post to self-destruct in 5 - 4- 3 - 2 .....

And the beat goes on ....

2008-05-06T11:09:00.000-07:00

So life at Casa de Smith has resumed to its normal craziness … Stephi is working on getting a job (YEAH! She can now pay for her $300 phone bills!!) and Michael is still twisting my heart around his little finger … and work is well to say we are busy is a major understatement – YUP I’m thriving in my environment!!

On Friday my friend H got me KILLER tickets to go see Montgomery Gentry at Pala Casino here in Fallbrook … I’m so really excited –I mean the last time I went to any concert I think my hair was dangerous to the environment in the 80’s!! And H – being a true “good guy” HATES country so he got me the tickets and is going to then disappear – he earned points for that one… maybe we both grew up in the year we weren’t hanging out … but DAMN it’s a concert!!

The really cool part is I’m going to go with my 22 year old costume designer from work (OMG – I’m old enough to be her MOM!!) and we are raiding the costume warehouse for clothes – but I’m drawing a line at the OKLAHOMA wardrobe … no way am I going in with the petticoat and singing about the wind sweeping down the plains! Maybe some Cowboy boots, and if the “girls” will fit into a leather vest … Hey do people even dress for concerts anymore?? Damn I better consult with my 22 guru!!

But knitting is there – and I usually get in about 5 minutes a day when I’m in line to drop Michael off at school .. but I have completed a few things. A couple of really cute LONDON BEANIES (yes H you get one for when you go camping – but you are NOT getting the sweater!) and Stephi even asked for a shawl for her prom dress…

Right now I’m working on another Lucy Bag for my friend TJ’s daughter who is turning 16 five days after Stephi does. YES, STEPHI is going to be 16!!! Yes, I have a special gift for here (which has been hell to work on since she is ALWAYS snooping – hmm wonder where she gets that – cough, cough)

So hopefully I will get a few more stitches in today … and until then I leave you with this ...

Flashback Thursday

2008-05-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

Was surfen' around the other night and found this ... hope those that remember it enjoy it as much as I did seeing it :)

And "kids" this is what they REALLY use to play on Mtv ... ahh the good ole' days ...

We Graduate!!

2008-04-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

So it’s been doing a lot lately:
Family Camping trip – check
Artwalk – check
International Business – check
Car Accident – check
Taste of Little Italy – in process

But the best thing I can mark off on my list is STEPHANIE GRADUATES HIGH SCHOOL!

We got her test scores last night and this kid ROCKS!! In order to graduate from the California School system, kids have to pass a series of tests that basically show – wow – they actually learned something in the 12 years. And for ANYONE that knows me, this year has been a killer.

Between hospital visits in the first few days of school, being told that my normally A student was a “problem” because she would question the teacher (yes the teacher actually said that the Holocaust was never proven therefore it was not a fact and Stephi should not bring the topic up in class – HELLO – I’m Italian and my Nana was Jewish and a survivor of the holocaust – our family was THERE … rumor my ass!!) Sorry I digressed…

To homeschooling – where I was told I couldn’t / wouldn’t be able to do this and work the schedule I do with the 3 companies … and raise another child ..

To all of those nay-Sayers I have one thing to say – KISS MY GRITS!! My kid got nearly perfect scores on both the Math and English portions of this test!! She is amazing!! Stephanie YOU ROCK!! I am so proud to have you as my daughter and you are an amazing person …

… now go clean your room and set the table, its nearly dinner time. Love Mom xoxo

Where's GeorgeAnne (like where's Waldo with better pics!)

2008-04-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

Yes I’ve been missing in action – I’m sorry but seriously if you know me you know where you could have look – Either my desk at work or in the kitchen dyeing yarn (you can see all the pretty colors in my sidebar)!

Work has been amazing the past few weeks. The Imagination Entertainment side of things has been going world wide with events in Turkey and for the first time I’m REALLY happy I use to hang out with a Turkish guy who told me how to get things done … Thanks H! But seriously International Business was NOT something I was ready to jump into!! Making collection calls at 2 am our time – Sam I love ya’ but seriously … oh hell I love my job!!

This past weekend was the INCREDIBLE ARTWALK 2008!! Over 400 artist booth closing down 15 city blocks and I walked that event for 18 hours over 2 days in 90+ degree weather… but I LOVE it!! (Maybe I’m heat stroked, but what better job is there were you can hang out with artist, work on your tan, AND carry your knitting with you to work on??!)

The only bad part of the weekend was some idiot decided that my car made an excellent RAMP for his to back up over … yup I was the victim of a stupid car accident! The Saturn takes a licken’ but keeps on ticken’!! I love this car and more importantly as bad as the damage is I walked away from what could have been a terrible accident! The really “cool” part was I called Robert in a full fledge state of panic and within 15 minutes this man was by my side to help me get the car on the tow truck, get my rental, and got me to work (yep went to work after being hit head on – hey it was ARTWALK weekend!!)

So now it’s back to knitting at night and dyeing yarn when I can … I’ll let the pictures do the rest of the talking because seriously … I’m pooped!

Counting my Blessings

2008-04-09T19:27:00.001-07:00

About a year ago I started a knitting group. My heart was breaking – it’s a long story and if you know well enough you know it’s long and evolved. But I started to get out away from a computer that I had hid behind to pretend to be someone and something I wasn’t…. so I started a group. My therapy group.

In that group I met some AWESOME folks… and one amazing lady who I swear is a sister to my heart. I actually MET her for the first time after the fires in San Diego (her dad ended up losing his home) but I knew from all the emails of the previous months before that she was a great person.

Through the past few months (can you believe that girl - 6 months?!) I feel so inspired by her… We share so many things from home schooling our kiddos, to knitting and crochet to (blast) a similar sense of humor!

I guess in all that tragedy and especially in my heart break – I grew up a bit. I use to think that I needed a lot of names in my cell phone of people to call “friends” but rarely knew anything about me at all. Now I have a much better perception about what I want in my life not what I THOUGHT I needed.

I realized today I have people I care about and who really care about me. So thank you Amanda, and all my therapy “sisters” who held me when I would cry about nothing. You really do make a difference and I might not always say it – but I’m so glad I have you in my life!

There and back again …

2008-04-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Wow! It’s been a week and such a strange ride at that. Let me see where to begin. Perhaps at the beginning. Fiber wise: I’ve been knitting and dying! I’ve had LOTS of hats on and off the needles. Some are going to friends who are collecting for their chemo patients:

And another hat is going to my Reggae friend. This guy is amazing! At 36 he is raising is daughter solo, going to college, and works 2 jobs. One of his jobs is catering the food at a Reggae club where he occasionally gets to DJ as well. So I thought this was PERFECT for him – well he thought so too! And he is now “pushing my wares” down at the club and I’m loving it!! Thanks TJ!

Other than that .. hmm I HAD MY FIRST ETSY SALE!!! Actually, I have three sales and I love it. Dying yarn has been awesome, but it’s now a family experience – Michael and Stephi help wind and skein, Robert helps in the photo process (the man went out and got me Photoshop C2 to help me!!) and I get to clean the kitchen! I love my etsy store and I’m learning a lot about me in the process. Right now I’m having a SINGLE SKEIN SALE to clean out the test skeins, so you might want to take a look over there. So fiber life is good – life life is HECTIC! It’s tax season (rabbit season – sorry that’s my bow WB cartoons!)

We have ARTWALK 2008 coming up in three weeks. What Sandi and Paula do as a team is an amazing feat! I am so proud to be a part of that! In addition to the KidsWalk area (really, if you have children, are a fan of the independent artist or just love a good time in Little Italy, San Diego – you should NEED to come down on April 26 and 27) but we are also having an Artist Auction for these AMAZING benches that with all the funds raised will help fund the ArtReach Program.

Thanks to all the budget cuts many schools have lost the arts in the school systems and ArtReach is a way to help bring some of it back! As a parent I’m glad they are there – as part of the team … I just am amazed at what goes on and what the kids get out of this!!

And if that wasn’t enough, everyone take a deep breath because 10 days after ARTWALK we have The Taste of Little Italy! Needless to say – a lot going on in an amazing company! This is all part of my day – in the morning I might be working for Sam and the iL Circo side of the company, and by the end of the day I might be looking at some of the most amazing art that is going to be showcased at the April event.

Yeah it’s hectic and amazing and I’ve been there… and back again.

Is that a Gray Hare?

2008-03-25T16:22:00.001-07:00

I work with a fairly young bunch of people - I guess you have to when you are an acrobat or contortionist .. but there are sometimes when I feel like I saw the invention of the wheel. For that I have to say:

Since the “kids have it so easy” rant is still in full effect, I thought I’d pass this along as well. Feel free to update as necessary, as this list only refers to kids born in 1980…I’m sure it gets worse in later years! Each year the staff at Beloit College in Wisconsin puts together a list to try to give the faculty a sense of the mindset of that year’s incoming freshmen.

Here is this year’s list:
The people who are starting college this fall across the nation were born in 1980.
They have no meaningful recollection of the Reagan Era and did not know he had ever been shot. They were prepubescent when the Persian Gulf War was waged.
Black Monday 1987 is as significant to them as the Great Depression.
There has been only one Pope. They can only really remember one president.
There were 11 when the Soviet Union broke apart and do not remember the Cold War.
They have never feared a nuclear war. “The Day After” is a pill to them, not a movie.
They are too young to remember the space shuttle (Challenger) blowing up.
Tieneman Square means nothing to them.
Their lifetime has always included AIDS.
Bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic
Atari predates them, as do vinyl albums.

The expression “you sound like a broken record” means nothing to them.
They have never owned a record player.
They have likely never played Pac Man and have never heard of Pong.
Star Wars look very fake to them, and the special effects are pathetic.
There have always been red M&M’s and blue ones are not new. There used to be beige ones? (I actually don’t remember these and I was born in ‘68–L)
They may have heard of an 8 track, but probably never have actually seen or heard one.
The Compact Disc was introduced when they were 1 year old.
As far as they know, stamps have always cost about 32 cents.
They have always had an answering machine.
Most have never seen a TV set with only 13 channels, nor have they seen a black-and-white TV. They have always had cable.
There have always been VCR’s, but they have no idea what BETA is.
They cannot fathom not having a remote control.
They were born the year that Walkmen were introduced by Sony.
Roller-skating has always meant inline for them.
The Tonight Show has always been with Jay Leno.
They have no idea when or why Jordache jeans were cool.
Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave.
They have never seen Larry Bird play, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a football player.
They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.
The Vietnam War is as ancient history to them as WWI, WWII or even the Civil War.
They have no idea that Americans were ever held hostage in Iran.
They can’t imagine what hard contact lenses are.
They don’t know who Mork was or where he was from.
They never heard: “Where’s the beef?”, ”I’d walk a mile for a Camel,” or “de plane, de plane!”
They do not care who shot J.R. and have no idea who J.R. is.
The Titanic was found? I thought we always knew where it was.
Michael Jackson has always been white.
Kansas, Chicago, Boston, America, and Alabama are places, not groups.
McDonald’s never came in Styrofoam containers.
There has always been MTV.

Just in case you are having one of "those" days ...

Playing Tour Guide

2008-03-24T15:37:00.000-07:00

I'll be playing your tour director today - since Robert and I FINALLY got a day off together!

We started our morning off at Hash House a Go-Go in Hillcrest. OMG if you ever get to San Diego and want an AWESOME breakfast – GO HERE. We waited an hour for a seat, but trust me the food is SO worth it! Look at these plates!!

We did not eat again until 10 that night it is worth EVERY PENNY!!

From the restaurant, we headed down to the San Diego Embarcadero. I work about 10 feet from these place every day and I never realized just how beautiful it is. We went to the USS Midway War Museum and well… just look at the view!

Right next to the USS Midway was the Bob Hope Memorial. The really neat thing about this, is that there is no statue of Hope, but instead it's images of what he saw when he was performing. This was amazing and after living here 13 years, I didn't even know this was here!!

Oh and this was REALLY cool!
Yup, that's me in the red ... that's one BIG statue!!

When we got home, My friend Anita - aka the Easter Bunny - had gifted me with these adorable stitch markers ...

Last, but not least, we snuck away for dinner (it consisted of a $1.50 hot dog) at one of the local casinos and ended up winning about $40!

So nope, there wasn't a lot of knitting on my vacation ~ unless you count the 2 rows I did in the car on the way to the casino ~ but in those 24 hours with DH I had the BEST day!! WOW ... this was ONE AMAZING, TOTALY AWESOME day!!

And this ladies and gentlemen, concludes our tour today. Thank you and come again :)

Happy Spring Equinox

2008-03-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

IT’S SPRING TIME!!

It’s really NOT that big of a deal when you live in San Diego but this weekend I’m sneaking away to my condo up in Carlsbad with my family … and look at this view!! Not only do we get to over look the beautiful Pacific Ocean but look at these flower fields! If I can’t find inspiration there, then well, there isn’t much to inspire me!

I’ve been dying A LOT lately and just having a blast with it. I sold my first skein of Merino Wool at the Assembly Party last week (Which I am VERY pleased to say was by far one of the BEST events we have ever put on - poo poo on MY melt down!!) but still nothing yet on Etsy, I think I really need to get some better pictures of the yarn since I’m not quiet getting the beauty yet. But I’m SO pleased with the effects. I have worsted weight, DK and now fingering for all my sock friends…

The best part is I’ve gone from Kool Aid dying right to kettle dying and the best part is its all natural dyes so even when the kiddos help (yep I’ve added this to the Chemistry curriculum for Stephi) I’m not worried.

So other than dying my heart out, I’ve been KNITTING a storm up!! I’ve got these Pi chemo caps down to a science and if you can believe it, I’m now designing my own hats too. I realized just because I live here and I’ve never been a hat wearer doesn’t mean I can’t knot for others. So I’m loving it. It’s still saving my life while I’m helping others – RIGHT ON!!

I'm Melting ....

2008-03-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had a melt down!

It was one of those days when no matter what I was doing, I found 4 other things wrong with it… and worse, these usually were from other people that I have to go fix problem with. Top it all off, my boss came over to my desk just as the tears began to roll down my cheeks.

Now Sam is an amazing boss – he runs this amazing entertainment company that I get to “play” at as Business Manager. When I was sick he was the GUY who stocked the ladies' room for me with all the feminine products a girl could dream of, and when he saw me yesterday crying all he did was ask if I was ok and gave me a hug. Yeah there might be better jobs out there with more money, but he is understands all my quirks with the kids and knitting - in short me! Thank you Sam – you got me through THAT melt down…

Nevertheless, I wish that were the only one yesterday. When I got home I got some sad news about a few of the people that are in the Blanket Project with me. NO, not the sad news were you wear Black, but just the part where you realize that they are no longer able to be involved. And it’s sad because they were there from the start and to beg for their help … not my style. Charity knitting is something we do because we want to, not for quilt reasons, and more importantly I know when people are going through their own trials they need to re-prioritize … and sometimes knitting and friendships go to the side. I can only hope that she knows I’m here for her, and always will be, and when she’s ready … I’ll still be just a call away – Project or not.

But in all that I also realized I have this AMAZING wonderful friend from ‘Jersey! Damn, she reminds me of everything that is GOOD about being an East Coaster and I love talking to her and hanging with her. I called her in the mist of my tears and asked her what was I doing wrong… and proceeded to have a conversation with myself with her on the other side of the line. Ten minutes on the line and she made the really BAD day seem not so bad. I was able to get back into the office, get back to the press kits and back to the task at hand. Thank you for listening M and thank you for being my voice of reason!

So today is a new day, no melt downs ... yet. I have my lunch knitting with me and all the press kits for the project went out. I’m hopeful that we get some attendance at the Assembly Party on Saturday for the Project and if 10 people show great and if its only M and me, well we will be working our butts off but it’s ok… sometimes I just have to realize that everything is going to be okay when I breath in and out and in again…

With Every Stitch, We Save A Life

2008-03-10T10:06:00.000-07:00

Everyone in my Fiber Therapy Group seems to be talking about the book The Knitting Circle lately and it wasn't unit Heidi said that it took place in Providence, RI that I had any interest in picking it up. (Yes, a part of me will forever stay true to my East Coast roots, although I consider myself now one of “those” Californian people).

The book probably will never make it into the “Great Halls of Literature” fame, but for those of us that are fiber affected, I would definitely recommend it for several reasons. Primarily there is a line in the book that has struck a chord with me and if you have ever knitted or crocheted for a charity or friend in need you will understand … the words were simply “with every stitch, it saved my life”.

Right now I’m not only working on the San Diego Wild Fire Blanket Project, which whenever I speak of it I tend to talk people’s ears off (sorry), but I’m also working on these great little Pi Chemo Caps. I think they are a little more fashionable and yes, the math factor is a major draw for me. These things are a quick little knit and only take MAYBE a skein, so if you are trying to destash this is a very worthy and cool thing to do!! (ps NO I haven't followed Dr orders - I'm knitting!)

Then last night I started to think more about “with every stitch, it saved my life” and it really started to hit home on a more personal level. I’ve always knitted or crocheted to some extent. I’d start a project, it would sit in the closet and maybe I would finish it. I think the only time I really work diligently on anything was Stephi’s christening gown, and that was because I was on bed rest.

But in May of this past year, prior to knowing about the tumors, prior to Fiber Therapy, my life really was the $hit$. My relationship with the world was miserable and I found myself alone in a room filled with people. I had placed someone in my life that had no right being there and ended up draining me of my life spirit. Looking back, I don’t blame them for this I gave that power … but when they were gone, I was left with only the person I saw in the mirror and I didn’t like her very much … not much at all.

I wandered into a friendly place, you know the place that everyone knows your name … fortunately its Michael’s and not a bar… and found the most sensual fiber. I didn’t know what I was going to make but I knew I had to have it… and stitch by stitch, I made a blanket for Laura’s daughter. But more importantly, I know that with each stitch I was rebuilding ME. I was able to look into me, reflect who I was, and see where I was and what I wanted to do with ME during those hours of quiet. I was able to leave the dark hole of my room, rejoin my family, be a part of their world, and still stitch by stitch rebuild my world with them there. It was an amazing process that I began, and I thank my friends that I have made along of helping me in getting through it.

The funniest part of all this is that person that I thought I needed in my life came back this weekend. Although it was nice to see them, I realized that I'm not the person that I once was. Yes, we all grown and change, but it is has been with every stitch I became a stronger person. It’s been through my fiber, my friends, my blogs and my family that I have seen all the beauty out there. Maybe it’s the colors in the yarn, maybe its creating something from nothing, or maybe it’s after 43 years, I FINALLY believe in me.

But yes … with EVERY stitch, we save a life!

Into the Closet

2008-03-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

2008 is the year to get it all together… I mean after last year nothing else could go wrong, right?

ENTER THE CHIROPRACTOR… (This is where you place the dark music, the thunder and lighting, and fear strikes the heart of men!)

Since my first surgery in July, I have been having increasing pain in my right shoulder. I thought it was because when we went camping, MAYBE I slept on a rock … ok I’m naïve. One of the women I work with who is a Sports Med specialist (what she is doing being the Event Manager for ArtWalk I will never know – but I would be lost without her) suggested that instead of sitting her in pain I actually get my @$$ to a chiropractor and see if there is something wrong.

I HATE MY DOCTOR!

Seriously I don’t – Dr S is a dream but he had me hooked to so many sensors doing electoral analysis to see whether I was leaning left or right… and I didn’t like what I saw. Apparently with all my years as a Cheerleader (ok everyone wipe your keyboard clean from the soda you just spit out!) and then the years of caring children and high heels I have totally destroyed my back!! Yeah the 5-south “S” curve is less curvy than what I have going on! So here is the diagnosis

The good news - If I take it easy, go in for corrections and stop doing the “flying Russian splits” (all you cheerleaders know what I’m talking about lol) I should be ok. No more lifting items more than 7 lbs for right now, back to proper posture and all that good stuff our mothers taught us that we thought was stupid and we could forget.

The bad news – I’m on KNITTING RESTRICTION! Ok there was a lot more he told me I couldn’t do, but seriously I’m suppose to stop using the muscles! I tried to explain to him I’m a CPA and I use the same muscles when I’m using a 10-key … hmm that did NOT buy me any street cred at ALL!

So what am I going to do?! Well, I have my Yarn Yummies of dying – no joke I have been looking into working with Stephi on her etsy store and maybe selling some hand dyed yarn, I can organize for the SD Wild Fire Blanket Project…

… but I know me, in about 2 days I’m going to look at my yarn and pick it up and hide in the closet so Robert doesn’t see me and knit! Yup I’m going to be officially IN the closet! Oh well there’s a nice light in there, and with a few extra pillows and my I-pod... it might just be damn cozy!

A lovely weekend to DYE!

2008-03-03T15:06:00.000-08:00

It was a GORGEOUS day in San Diego yesterday!! The type of day when all you want to do is find excuses to play outside... and I did!

Robert and I went yarn hunting and I found some great deals on wool for MORE Lucy bags … can you believe that I have had this pattern for 6 months just hiding in my stash and NOW I can’t stop making them (don’t ask me what I’m going to do with these things, but everyone better be surprised if they get one for a birthday, anniversary, RAOK or Christmas gift!!)
So needless to say out came the dying pot and the dyes and SHAZAM! We have a mess on the patio and colors galore!!

This baby is called MEADOW :

The variegated pink – really has no name yet, but the pink tie-dye is called SWEETHEART and not sure if someone is going to be gifted the yarn … or the project!

Tonight I’ve decided to play with the color BLUE (seeing how my hands are still stained pink and red!) so let’s see what happens with all that. Thank goodness I live in San Diego … Connecticut is about 46 degrees today and under another threat of freezing rain.

It was HIS Birthday but I got the presents!!

2008-02-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

My Dishcloth Exchange Partner SOOOO spoiled me and my presents came in on Rob's birthday ! Looks at all the pretty gifts I got to unwrap!

The kids tried really hard to swipe the chocolate and all the nummies but I won!! And look at that BEAUTIFUL tape measure cozy! I'm SOOO spoiled!! Thank you Alana for an amazing swap!

You are more than welcome to come knit with us in San Diego any time ... but you have to teach me those patterns :) Thank you AGAIN for all the goodies!!! I can't wait to do the Spring swap now ... but until then I'm going to go back to making some dishcloths with my new, pretty cotton!!