Back from Ohio

For the knitters in my life, I got an amazing set of Addi Clicks! I haven't fully played with them yet, but I imagine that I won't be touching my Options much anymore.

This is a Brighton necklace and charms that Eric got my for my birthday. I truly love it! He picked it out himself, and it really means a lot to me cause he hates to shop!

Here is my Pandora bracelet that Eric got me for Christmas. It's perfect, and I'm excited to see what charms he picks out next.

Eric and I at Blind Bob's in the Oregon District for my birthday with some family. There was even gluten-free cake!

See! Gluten-Free Cake! It was actually really good.

Eric and I on Christmas Day. I miss him already. Five days with him was perfect, and while I get to go back to Ohio on the 6th, it just seems so far away.

Happy Birthday! Merry Christmas! from Jessica!

Jess sent me this amazing box for my birthday (December 22nd) and Christmas. Can I just say wow!!!

This card made me giggle and cringe.

a nail file with yarn on it!!!

Skein 1 of sock yarn!!! Isn't it gorgeous?

Skein 2!!! Freakin' stunning!

This is skein 3, and can't we say WOW???

Finally, skein 4! Meet Lola also from Schaefer.

Thank you, Jess! I lover you!!!

sigh...

No net at home... The moving is done. Just unpacking left... Comcast can't come out until Saturday. I can't stay on this long. So, I leave you with pictures. Please let me know which is your favorite. I want to blow it up for Mom for Christmas.

Puppy Photos

Not the greatest picture, but I don't live with humans who can help me out.
sitting on my lap looking over her shoulder...

Mom, why does he keep licking me?

I want another treat!!!

Indy in clothes with ID tags... She's so confused.

Mom, she's still here???

I'm sitting on Dega's bed.

Busy Weekend

I stayed up pretty late Friday night working on packing. I get the keys to the new apartment next Friday, and I'm so excited about getting to move into the new place. With a new places comes great things. For example, there's always the purging of stuff you shouldn't take with you to the new place. Plus, there's a washer and dryer in the apartment. Oh, and there is a 2nd bedroom. So, friends, please come visit.

I got to go to Lorna's Laces Saturday. I got to see some old friends, and I scored an amazing deal on yarn. I'm a big fan of Lorna's Laces' yarn, and it was such a joy and totally worth the stress of getting all the way there. I came home and picked up a bit. Lisa came over with munchies and her boys, and we chilled for a bit. I love seeing her. So, then, Dega and I took a huge nap. I woke up and did my homework. I finished a sock that I have been working on. I currently have two socks on the needles, and I'm hoping to have them both finished by the end of the year.

The big announcement? With a new apartment with more space and Dega mostly trained, we are getting a new puppy. I am picking her up in about 10 hours. So, check back soon... I'm off to bed.

Back from Ohio...

I'm exhausted. Driving hom yesterday sucked, and it took so long that I didn't get home until 5am today! I'm wore out and very sleepy. I get off work in about 6 plus hours, and I think I'm going straight to bed when I get there.

I didn't take a lot of pictures of the trip home. Lots happened, but the main thing is that I think I love Eric now more than ever. Ever time I think he couldn't be any more perfect for me, he surprises me.

Now, to the people who want to know if I got the tattoo...

This is on my left wrist... I took this right after I first had it done on Saturday.

This was taken yesterday. Not the greatest pictures, but the words show up. So, you get the idea.

I absolutely love it, and I am pleasantly surprised how much it really helped me close a door.

to TATTOO or not to TATTOO...

Okay... For those of you who don't know, my dad was murdered in 2000. I struggle with that every year all year long. While I believe that it has made me a stronger person overall, I feel the need to do something to achieve some peace. I thought about doing this a couple of years ago, and I wanted to tattoo the day he died on my wrist. A lot of people told me how morbid it was. So, I did some thinking over the past few years, and I have decided to tattoo some of his handwriting on me. I'm still debating on the wrist or under the current tattoo, but it is true. This Saturday I'll sit down in a chair and let someone tattoo his last written words to me on my body.

Here's to hoping my mom doesn't kill me.

Lazy but Productive?

So, I finished my Prairie Kimono today. The pattern was by far not my favorite. I should have been 1 skein short, but I still have 1 1/2 left. I might take my bind off out and add a few inches. I also need to figure out how to have to a bit looser on the bind off edge. Other than that, Dega and I laid on the couch ALL day. It was quite nice.

Insomnia sucks!

I can't sleep. This is like the 4th day in a row. I have Ambien to help with this, but I am trying to not take it all the time. Sleep shouldn't be this hard to come by. I wish I could just turn my brain off light I do the lights in my house. :flick:

I have nothing exciting to report. My new semester of school started, and while the classes are only 9 weeks long, they are starting to get to me. I haven't taken any time off between them, but I think next time I might wait at least a week. They are going fine so far though.

Knitting is going well. I am on a self proclaimed yarn diet. I know that they rarely work ,and it's not that I want to get rid of a certain number. I just want it to stop being so overwhelming. I worked on the Sampler Afghan today. I'm only 30 rows into the first block, but it is my forever project. So, I will survive. I also worked on my Praire Kimono and Double Cable Scarf (for a girl at work).

Dega had a vet appointment today, and all is well. He's going to have his neutering surgery after Christmas, and I'm pretty sure he knows. He is always so tired after going to the vet, and I feel so bad for him. He's all curled up in his cage. Which he uses all the time now that I took his bedding out of it. How weird is that?

That's about it for now. I'm going to put on a boring movie and pray for sleep.

a couple of pics from last weekend...

Eric and I on the way to the Museum of Science and Industry.
Eric trying to nap at the U505 exhibit.

New Me, Same Year!!!

Dega fresh from the groomers... :) We were on our way to pick up Lisa and her boys.
Me while at the groomer's (lol)... I was due for a highlight, and we added a brighter purple to the mix.

So, I am working on a new me. I quit smoking (again) on October 6th. So far so good... I'm still going to school full time, and that is going well. All is normal at work. Eric and I love each other more than ever. He was here last weekend, and we had a nice chill weekend. I can't wait to see him again. I can't believe that it's been about 14 months already. Long distance relationships aren't easy, but he makes it easier on me. :) I have been working on losing weight, and it's going well. I am on a yarn diet. Not super strict, but just trying to work through the massive stash I have already. Next, I am hoping to give up Mountain Dew. I'm not sure I'll ever fully get there, but my overgoal is just a healthier lifestyle.

The next six weekends is going to be nuts. I have finals to finish today, and my next block of classes starts tomorrow. Next weekend, I volunteer at the Museum of Science and Industry again. I also have a knitting class to wrap up this Wednesday for the Fireside Stocking and a Cable Club class on Saturday for an afghan I'm working on. The weekend after that is Thanksgiving weekend, and I'll be driving with Dega back to Ohio that Wednesday night. Doris is getting married the first weekend of December, and I'm driving to Iowa for that. Let's see... My move to the bigger apartment with a washer and dryer in the unit on December 12th. We have a yarn swap that Saturday, too. Then, I go back to Ohio again for Christmas on the 23rd.

Oh, and on December 22nd, I turn 30. I have been very bitter about this birthday because no one ever remembers my birthday to begin with. I know it shouldn't be a big deal, and it's not like I'm asking for someone to make a huge deal out of it. I guess it's just difficult that no one seems to celebrate your life. I don't know. It's part of the reason I'm working on me. I need to be happy by myself and forget about this little crap. Anyways...

Yesterday was a fun filled day. I took Dega to the groomer's and myself to the salon. We then picked up Lisa and her two boys to go to the yarn store to see some friends. We ended up have bad traffic, but we had fun overall. I came home and knitted a bit, but I fell asleep early.

That's it for now!

Secret Pal 13 has begun!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Socks that Rock Heavyweight, Malabrigo and Manos Wool
What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? most acrylics (sorry) and I find cotton rough on my hands.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? My straights are in a glass jar on a book stand. I need a thing for my circ's. I have a lantern moon thing, but it is flimsy.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn?
3 years; self taught
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
intermediate

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes.

5. What's your favorite scent?
Fireside Woodwick Candles, NASCAR tracks and orange cranberry

6. Do you have a sweet tooth?
yeah
Favorite candy? I love soft peppermint sticks from Cracker Barrel. I have Celiac Disease. So, that's a bit hard.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
scrapbooking
Do you spin?
no, but I want to...

8. What kind of music do you like?
anything really... I love country, Christian rock and even opera...
Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
yes

9. What's your favorite color(s)?
Navy Blue, Hot Pink, Emerald Green
Any colors you just can't stand?
not really

10. What is your family situation?
long distance relationship
Do you have any pets?
yes - Dega, the monster Maltese

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
YES!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Hmmm... most anything. Maybe fingerless mittens/gloves?

13. What are you knitting right now?
Dear God! That's a long list. I hope you are on Rav so you can see!

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
yes, but I have enough coasters. A previous pal made me 10! They are everywhere.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I love Addi's, and I have the Options. Bamboo is cool, too.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
yep

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
2 1/2 years

18. What is your favorite holiday?
the 4th of July

What winter holiday do you observe?
Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Besides yarn? lol Art for the walls...

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Yes. The 20 Powder Jacket
What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to Interweave Knits

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'm learning fair isle right now. Maybe lace next...

22. Are you a sock knitter?
yes
What are your foot measurements?
I wear a size 9 Medium in women's.

23. When is your birthday?
December 22, 1978 No one remembers though. So, I think I'm going to move it.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
TiaPixy

Yes, We Did!

Obama is the President-Elect!!! I am so happy, but I guess a bit sad at the same time. I am a conservative person and a Republican. Obama inspired me, and that doesn't make me sad. What does, however, is that the Republican Party doesn't or did not this year. The negative campaigns made me willing to listen to Obama/Biden. They convinced me they had the change we need, and that was that. Had McCain ran his campaign like he gave his concession speech, I imagine he wouldn't have lost so many of us to Obama...

Now, it is time to unite and work together regardless of who won. I, for one, am excited!

Still here...

Dega and I at Stiches in August... Got to meet the Malabrigo peeps and got yummy sock yarn, too. Yes, I'm still knitting. It is a full on addiction now with the collecting of yarn. I am running out of space, and I am currently trying to knit more than I buy. Ha!
Still in love with Eric... the 12 of October was a year! How freakin' nuts is that? I adore him though, and I'm very lucky to have him in my life. Now, if I could just convince him that living in NW Indiana is the place to be...

Earlier this month, Melissa (friend from work) and I went to the NKOTB concert. It was AMAZING!!! I haven't had that much fun in a long time, and I couldn't speak for the rest of the weekend. The only downer? I dropped my BB in the toilet. Luckily, it still works.

Finally, here's Dega. He's sweeter than ever, and he is growing into his puppy personality more and more. He is definitely more chill now, and it's funny how he likes to be near me. Like now, he's under the chair as I type this. Earlier when I was doing laundry, he was laying on my feet. Too cute!!!

I am going to be better about blogging. This was just a picture update for now. I have math homework to do!

Back into the Swing of Things

Life has been crazy. October always sucks for me. I can't wait for it to end. I haven't been doing much of anything exciting.

Work. School. Dega the Monster Puppy. Sleep. Eric. Repeat. It's amazing I find time to knit. I am going to take more time to blog though. I miss it, and laying on the couch isn't helping much.

Until then...

Save the Boobies!!!

My friend, Nick, is participating in the race for the cure! Please consider supporting him and SAVE THE BOOBIES!!!

https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=277583&lis=1&kntae277583=0AA306A2462F4A9280CD396377EC0C55&supId=231787835

world's cutest puppy

I hate Stitch by Stitch (yarn store in Highland, IN)!!!

I'm sick of it being okay to get back service or be disrespected while spending good money at yarn stores. I went to Stitch by Stitch in Highland, IN when I first moved to Merrillville. It's a small shop. They seem to mainly carry Noro, but they do have Dream in Color and some other fun stuff. I felt that most of their stuff was overpriced considering all the yarn stores in the area I've been, too, but that's her right as the owner. The Classy DiC was $22 and $27 for the Smooshy. I browse for about an hour, and then, after feeling a bit guilty, I felt like I needed to buy something. That was my first mistake. So, I grabbed [this][1] because Eric wants camo colored socks, and it was the perfect colors. It was $19 on the tag. I felt that that was more than I had paid before, but whatever... I love the boy. When I got home, I realized I had been charged almost $2 too much. I called, and we agreed that she'd fix it next time I came in. Two months went by, and I found the receipt. So, while I was out running errands today, I thought I would stop by. I found a skein of yarn in the sale bin that I liked, and I figured I would be on my way. They did have the Smooshy color I had been hunting for in the sock area, but the price was still $27. I asked the owner about it, and she said that stores in the area were obviously underselling by several dollars. I said fine. In my head, I thought, well, I guess I'll be shopping there. It didn't stop though. She kept going on about how I was wrong about her overpricing which isn't even what I said to her. There were at least 5 people in the store, and needless to say, I didn't appreciate being humilated in that way. Her loss though... I won't be bag, and I spend way too much money on yarn! Hell, I spent $1500 at Chix with Stix in like 6 months. I guess I'll just have to cruise down to the Valpo store because they have great service and many options.

Yummies from a Starbucks Swap

Yummy stuff from my Starbucks swap pal, Lisa. I was truly spoiled. Thank you so much!
I didn't even know Cascade made sock yarn! Fun!!!
probably the only Starbucks cup I hadn't bought and one I really wanted...

Round 3 Photos