That's it! Alright gang, please update your links and visit me in my new digs! Beware! The paint's still tacky! Knit and the City

I'm taking the rest of today off. I need a break. I need some sleep! No knitting, too pooped. Still don't have the upload file thing working from my IE browser. I'll ask the guy to surf for a new one later. Nighty night

I found the corkscrew. The guy had set it on the coffee table anticipating that I would open the wine there. Why should I do that? Kitchen, Hello! I often wonder how that man's mind works! Crazy, I know, but I love that man of mine!

Happy Birthday to me! All of 35 today! Woo Hoo! I recieved 2 bottles of wine for my birthday and was looking forward to sampling some. Um, seems I can't find the corkscrew. Now what am I going to do? Anyone know how to open wine without a corkscrew? Anyone? Anyone> Beuller? Beuller?

Here I am!  Being sneaky at work!  I emailed my pics to myself but it looks like only 2 pics made it! Thank goodness it's the most important one! Birthday Surprise!

 

It's my b-day package from Terri!  Included were a T-shirt and tote bag from the Park she lives in, a little bear holding a Canadian Flag pin and my personal favourite, a little RCMP bear.  Terri knows I have a thing for men in uniform.  Especially those Mounties! A big shout out to Terri!  Thanks!

 

Tomorrow I'll try to get some more stuff transferred and put up.  Maybe not, it's supposed to be really busy!

 

Holy MF! This is really bad! I know I'm not up with all the latest and greatest upgrades and versions of browsers but c'mon! This totally sucks! Especially when I have a super birthday present from Terri to share! And a new project to show you on the needles! Grrr. I'm off to forward all the neat pics to my PC at work. Pray to god I don't get fired.

Another 12 plus hour day yesterday...ugh. It was super busy! After work I had to drive an hour to see my dear friend visiting from Korea! She looks mahvelous and seems to have mellowed a little with age. So, so, so nice to see her! Le buchet, aka the bucket hat, hasn't shrunk up any further. Any ideas on how to keep shrinking it? I guess I could just wash it every week with the blue jeans. They keep shrinking a smidge everytime you wash them so in theory the hat should too. I'll try it! And the wash out effect on the yarn is gorgeous! I have to renew my driver's license today. So I guess I'll try to do something to my hair and put a little makeup on. I'd like to have a nice picture. You never know with those DMV people though. I think they're trained to catch you in your worst moment!

Well, I finished the bucket hat I was making for the guy. I used an indigo dyed cotton. Nice cotton but the label did say that the garment may discolour while being knit up. Um...not the garment, the person knitting! My hands turned blue. I have pretty dry hands, I did work on it one day after I had been in the ocean and I turned very blue. All good though. The colour washed out easily. Now, it seems I have made another soup tureen. The label said to expect a 5% shrinkage. (Hah! The Seinfeld about shrinkage. Snarf!) Five percent is not a lot. This will be the hat's 3rd trip through a really hot wash for about 10 minutes and a tumble in the dryer as hot as it will go. I love the hand of this cotton knitted up. It's a great fabric, kinda stiff but soft. No flopsy mopsy. I can't wait till Bonne gets a Bucket together for the Sugar and Cream cotton. That should be a really great one. I still haven't done the zipper on the Cabled Hoodie. I'm going to blame the weather. And quote Matthew Broderick in Biloxi Blues. "This is like, Africa hot."

One day that upload file button will show up. Maybe it's time to surf for a new browser. A free browser that is. Jeeezus. It's not even 11am and I'm sittin' here in a cotton tank and my, well, undies and I'm sweating buckets. Holy hot, Batman! The girls are so quiet and still I have to check to see if they're breathing! The guy is off to Saturna Island to play a wedding at the vineyard. He usually plays there once a year in the summer. I've never been as it seems I always have to work or something. He took my CRV and I'm glad he did. At least he'll stay cool. I'm going to get cooled off now. Any suggestions for staying cool?

This still sucks. I'm wondering if I should give them any money next time around. Maybe it's time to explore other territories! No knitting as it's been smokin' hot! Phew! Stepping out into the lot today was like stepping into an oven set to broil. My pit stick did okay though. Still with the Secret Platinum, maybe I'm just getting used to the aroma of sweaty me? I dunno. Blogger without pics sucks. It sucks! Sucky sucky sucky!

Still no upload capability! Argh! Here's a snippet of what we did while we were away! The story continues!

Dammit, the upload file function is still not working. I'm going to have to forward my pics to work and upload from the PC. Grrrr...I know that Mac user issues are usually low on most list's to be fixed but I hope they do it soon! I don't want to get busted for 'net use at work. It's a dismissable offense! I think I might get off with a warning, after all it's not porn but I can see how knitting stuff could be construed as non-work related. I'll upload a new photo album to my mac.com page and post the link when I've got it up!

Houston, we have a problem...seems that I've lost the ability to upload pics. Hmmmm... Back with the fantastic trip update soon!

Ahhhhh... Off for some beach time. See you next Wednesday!

Rumoured to be in town filming a new Muppet movie. I'll be pulling some favours to get my picture with them. They rock! I think I've seen almost every Muppet movie made! And that Kermit is on my Top Ten Men list. -meow- No zipper yet. Maybe tonight during Amazing Race. One aside-the little person should have picked a better partner. Her cousin sucks. And she drools all over Phil. Yuck. Le Poope The guy put all the dog toys back into the storage basket this afternoon. By the time I got home the basket was empty.

A lot of posts about nothing really. I'm trying not to gripe about work. Since I work 11 hours a day that leaves little for me to talk about. So what do I got today? No knitting. The zipper is still freaking me out a bit. I'll look at it a bit more and figure it out. Patience is a virtue. What's procrastination? Did you know that bucket hats suit everyone?

I'm afraid. I'm very afraid. Of The ZIPPER! I know I shouldn't be. After all, I do have a degree in Fashion Design and a zipper's just another day at the office, right? Might turn out to be a challenging day at the office. I've been reading up on some tips and I think I've got it down. I'll be attempting it tonight. Send off those good vibes, folks! New FCEK on the shelf of the grocery store. There's a couple things in there that look worth trying. Most are in affordable yarn. Nice to see I don't have to spend $15 per 50g ball for a project! Now I'm thinking of my next project. Tank top. Possibly crochet. Maybe not. Unsure... Hm..... Pic of the day! She kinda looks like a brothel dog on that couch with that red collar!

Do you ever have one of those days? The ones where your partner drives you bonkers? Even the way he sneezes makes you crazy? I know the reason behind it. I want to finish some of my projects and he keeps bugging me! Following me around, asking if I want to do anything, asking if I finished the laundry, asking if I'm hungry, etc, etc. Grrrrrrr. It hasn't held me back though! Look! It's a BUP! And it fits! I think I look a little like Liza Minelli. It's the eyes. A little spacey. Next up...All the seaming is done. Most of the ends are woven in. Now, about that zipper! On the list for tonight. I wonder if I'll be able to get the guy off his rear to take a decent picture! We have a visitor at our house. This is Billie. She's staying for the weekend. She hides out in the basement. Last, but no where near least...Ella and her amazing eyes.

The seaming has started! Hood done! Problem...it seems the pattern issue I had discussed with Nora has become a reality. What the hell am I supposed to do with this? The pattern called for turning to make the hood shaping. That's some fine shaping isn't it! Nora had the same problem. She stitched hers closed. I'm thinking of a more original approach. What about a tassel? I'll put some more thought into it tonight. Ahhhh...a quiet moment with Buddy and Monk.

Pre blocked BUP pics. I'm blocking it tonight and it should loosen up. My gangsta look. I think I look like I'd love to bust a cap in somebody's ass! Happy look. The guy does make me smile. I finished this BUP today while at the Vancouver Airport waiting for my father. He's looking better! Got a haircut since I last saw him. He was flying through YVR on his way up to Northern BC for a fishing trip. Always good to catch him on the way up. On the way back he's been in the bush for a couple weeks and hasn't showered and, well, he stinks. I love him but he stinks. Sorry, pops! The airport is pretty cool. I think the renovation/expansion that was done is great. Sure it cost me $18 to park in the parkade next to the International Arrivals gate but I did get to see sights like this Notice the guy on the left. Ouch! How about this sculpture? I love the way the marble on the floor looks like water and the paddles are dipping into it. Pretty cool, huh? Last pic today. Hmmmmm... Knitting and dogs and me all in one entry! I think it's a new record!

No knittin' so how about a kitten? Or a scary puppy? Or maybe this adorable one?

I'm having too much fun! Presenting The Greyhound Truth a short film by The Guy. Please be patient while the film downloads. Shhhhh...the movie's starting...

Look! She's blocking! Photos taken with my NEW Nikon 3200 Coolpix! How about a pooper pic? How cool is this?!

Pit update. New stick lasts till about one o clock. Not bad. I may have to move into the man scents. Cabled hoodie is blocking. Another BUP is on the needles. TTFN!

I did it! I finished the knitting of the Cabled Hoodie! She's downstairs getting ready for her blocking. Now just assembly and the scary zipper! I blocked my BUP as it was a little big on me. Well, now it's way too big on me. I threw it in a hot wash and a hot dryer to see if it would shrink up but I dare say it got bigger. I think the rayon in the yarn has gone slack and the cotton has tightened up! Making it the same as when I started out. I'm off to try another one. I have some indigo dyed cotton that may work great. Then again I could end up with another tureen for my head. Cabled Hoodie's almost done!

You'll never believe it. I am finishing the hood to the Cabled Hoodie! AND! I knocked off a Bottoms Up Bucket! A fun little pattern. Quick and easy and rewarding. Nice break from the woes of Cabledom. Why the Cable today? Because it's c-o-o-l. Overcast and showers today. Lovely! I'm having pit issues at work. It's so stinking hot that my deodorant fails me around 11am. So today I bought a new brand. I'll let you know how it fares. Only my third deodorant in a month! July is my favourite month. Birthday month! Today I've been spoiled with a new book and some brunch. Ahhh, the luxury!

Happy Canada Day!!!! Best wishes from Ande and The Fish!

Ugh. What a day. *phew* Computers went tits up at 5pm. A busload of people showed up at 5:05pm. Got home at 7:30pm. Discovered pupchuk in the bedroom. Big pupchuk. Grooooossssssss! So I dealt with that. Now I think I need a stiff drink.

Say it like The Donald! It's Eewge! That's a queen sized comforter folded in there! More than enough room for the towels, books and beer! And my little Sarah.

Finished! The Savary Beach Bag will be having it's photo shoot today and those shall be posted tomorrow! I'm very pleased with it. For not having a pattern I think it turned out great. I finally did decide on the handles. Obviously, if I finished it! Now all I need is a beach! Picked up and put down the hood to the Cabled Hoodie. Today I think I may have to finish it up. It's hogging the needles I need for the next (maybe) project. I also want to start a pair of little sweaters for my ex's kids. They will be coming for a visit in Aug-Sept. So I have a few months there. Better get started now. At my pace I will never finish in time. Funny puppy story. Yesterday I had a blanket out on the back lawn so I could sit in the sun. Later I came outside to empty the compost. As I came back from the compost pile I saw Ella doing the pouncy dance on a lump under the blanket. Ugh! It could be a skunk, a 'coon, a 'possum! My mind was racing and I was petrified to pull the blanket back. Ella meanwhile, was giving the lump a couple more swipes and pounces. I heard a shaky meow from under there and as I tossed the blanket back Buddy staggered out. A little worse for wear but okay. I bet she doesn't hide under the blanket again for a while! I coulda bean a contendah!

I've named it. The Savary Beach Bag. I'm still deciding on the handles. The guy and I are having differing opinions. I know, what was I thinking asking him his opinion on MY knitting? I should be done today and pictures on Monday! WooHoo! I've been keeping track of what I've been doing and should be able to put in in cohesive order on paper to resemble a pattern. It's been cool enough the last few days to be working on my Cabled Hoodie. Today I planned to devote some time to it. Guess what? It's dawned sunny and hot! Curses! I went to the Mall yesterday with specific needs. I needed a couple more balls of Lily's Sugar 'n Cream Cotton in the Playtime colourway. Warning: Don't make the same mistake I just did. It's sugarncream.com not sugarnspice.com. Eeek! Quite an eyeball assault first thing in the am! And all the other porn pop ups froze my 'puter so I had to restart. Damn, I hate that, the restarting. Har har har. I picked up the last two balls of this colour and when I got to the counter to pay I had pulled out some US cash while I was digging around for my bank card. The sales lady intoned "We don't take US money here." Kinda like the same tone in the movie where the new guy gets asked "You ain't from around here, are ya?" It was a little strange. When I was in Cali I picked up a Lancome compact that had eyeshadow, blush and lipstick. I liked the lipcolour so much that I thought I better buy it. Thing is there's no indication on the compact I have as to what colour the lipstick is. It told me what kind it was but I was on my own for the colour. Sheesh. If I had the colour name I wouldn't have had to try all those lovely lipsticks. I ended up with (check the lower left hand side for the colours) Siesmic and Maniac. Mmmmm. My lips feels so yummy in them! And of course I had to have the latest, greatest Mascara! There was a quick hundred bucks. Then I went to find new sneakers for work. My pair from last year are falling apart. I can't figure out how I spent over $125 on a pair of shoes and they only lasted me a summer? I know what failed me was the design. The sole has started to peel off from either side of the shoe at the ball of my foot. I realize that I slide side to side at work a lot and drag my foot. So I went to find shoes that had a solid base. No stuck on thin rubber sole. Every shoe store had a sale and every shoe store was sold out of my size in what I wanted. Niiiiice. I ended up at Payless and nabbed a pair of white sneaks for 15 bucks. Who cares this year if they only last a summer! I'm going to go outside and sit in the sun before it gets too hot. Maybe I'll make a pedicure appointment later!

Woooo! So exciting! I think it's going to be cool. We shall see.

Depression has set in. I'm seriously down in the dumps about my MIT leaving. How much longer do I have to wear all the hats? I'm so tired. I just want to focus on one job and do it extremely well. Enough with this spread thin, all around, too much to do to do it completely thing! Argh! Worse is that no one else knows! He and I are like a couple who's divorcing but still likes each other and he hasn't moved out yet. It's a little weird. I'm sure that people think there's something else going on. There's been a lot of long looks, pats on the back and hugs between us. I'm really going to miss him. Anyone out there want to take on a rental office? Crochet bag has the bottom done. I'm going to start the mesh in a few more rows. I'm uploading a pic in the am from the Clie. Ella is having some summer issues. Every night at about 3 am the local skunks pass between our house and the one next to us. As soon as she smells them she jumps up and runs to the office and hides, trembling like a leaf for about an hour. I have no idea what a skunk did to her in the past but it seems that it wasn't pleasant. She's such a goofy poopy!

I've stopped wondering if it can get any hotter. Everytime I do, it does! Work woes. My manager in training has decided that maybe this isn't for him. Too bad as we LOVE him! He does say that it's the hours that made him decide. He loves the staff and all the customers but he's got kids and they need to see him too. I totally understand. His advantage is that his kids can feed themselves. My furkids still need to be hand fed! Ha Ha! Now I may have to have a bit of a breakdown or hire 3 more staff members. I set aside my Cabled Hoodie for a rainy day. I started on a cotton string bag for the beach. I'm trying to keep track of my pattern. I'm crocheting it! CROCHET! So the pattern may be a little funky as I have no idea what the different stitches are called. I'm working on it. Watched Mystic River last night. I have read all of Dennis Lehane's books and this was great. It was long enough since I had read the book that I didn't remember all the details. I'd recommend it. Also a note. We're going to have to buy a DVD player. All the new release rentals are offered in both VHS and DVD but if you miss getting it as a new release, TOUGH! Dvd's only. Our luddite days are over. Sigh.

Hooweee! Issa hot 'un out they ear! So glad we have a/c at work. Not too keen on our super new shirts. Coolmax, my eye! Sweat to the max is more like it! Poopers are hot. So am I. Phew.

Is it me? Here's a fun way to waste an hour. Thanks to Mimoknits for the fun link!

Today I decided to go get some new Teva's. My old pair has finally given up. The velcro doesn't stick anymore and somebody's dog chewed through most of one of the straps. I really like the old school style. The Originals. No frou frou, just nice and basic. I have bony feet so I can't have a lot of stiff leather or extra doodads rubbing against my feet. So I found a pair today! I'm not thrilled with the webbing pattern but my feet are happy. I also spied a pair of these. I love them! They fit my skinny, bony feet and are super comfy. No extra stuff to cut into my feet. I have happy, happy feet today. Also stopped by Laramy (no web link as the site is currently under construction) a local manufacturer of some really cool stuff. They had Kangaroos! I couldn't find a pair that would work for work but I did spy these leather slides that I think my niece would die for! I also came home with this really cute tee! It took about 1/2 an hour but we were well tired of the whole mall experience. Jammed with people and it wasn't even a weekend! We had a nice lunch then wandered home. To a fabulous puppy greeting! Since it was Africa hot here today the girls have had baths and are smelling like fresh puppies. Now I'm all sweaty. Eeeewwww. Now I think I'll cool off with a frosty beverage and sit and knit! And do laundry and clean the bathroom and do the dishes...ugh. Kitten pic. Man, he is so fat!

I have no idea where the time goes and how quickly it slips away! How did we get so far into the week and into June!? It's summer at the office. We started to wear our shorts and sneaks. A little more self tanner and we'll be okay. I have to manage not to close car doors on my legs. I'm sporting another spectacular bruise! Damn truck attacked me! I've also noticed that since we switched to shorts I'm getting seriously zapped everytime I get out of a car. Static electricity! I slide out and grab the car door and wham! Ouch. It really hurts after a while. Last year I had the same problem and I figured out it was because under all my fabulous cotton clothes I had on synthetic unmentionables. Switched to cotton and all is good! This year we will not be so lucky. Our shirts are a high tech sport polyester. I have a tingling feeling in my fingers that I'm going to keep getting zapped. Anyone know how I could painlessly ground myself when I get out of a car? Cabled Hoodie suffered a setback. More of a stall. I had to ask for some advice from Nora seeing as she recently completed the sweater. All is well! It's the patterns problem and it's not me. Thanks to Nora for all the help! Props, sister! I've been cameraless for over a week. The bosses digicam had to take a trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma. I've been cruising the Sony site to figure out if I have earned enough points on my credit card to get one of these babies! Pooper pic? Of course! Goofy Poopy Ella and the guy! How about this! The Golden Gate Bridge. What a cool site! I read an amazing article in a magazine (I think it was The New Yorker, must have been, I was at the doctor's office) about how the Golden Gate draws people to jump off it. Yep, jumpers. So interesting! It was all about what happens when you jump off, why the county won't put up a fence, who's lived to tell about it. Really, really fascinating stuff.

Ahhhh...home sweet home. I made a little switch at work. I'm going to work Sunday so I'm taking today and tomorrow off! Just to make it a proper restful weekend! So far I've had a 3 hour nap and have progressed halfway through my Cabled Hoodie's hoodie!I Dare say I see light at the end of the tunnel. I'm trying to maintain my focus as I have a couple of quick projects that want to distract me. I will not start a new project until I finish this one! I do have my friends birdcage cover to complete. It's been well over a month since I decided to take on that project. My goal is to whip it up tomorrow. I'll prewash the fabric tonight. I also found a pattern for Thai Fisherman's pants so I may have a sewful day tomorrow! I was over at Rock Chick's the other day and saw a link to these fantastic pants! I plan to make some pants for work as well as a pair for going out. Just have to find the perfect fabric! Then I spied the Vintage Vouge section and died and went to heaven. This beauty is on it's way with the pant pattern. I have some beautiful crepe backed satin for this in black. Where am I going to wear it? I don't know. At least I'll have something to wear! By the way the patterns were 50% off. More than enough saved to cover the exchange rate and the shipping! Right now, Buddy is making a giant pain of herself by walking all over the keyboard and bumping her head into my hands. Forgive any spelling errors please! Now back to the Cabled Hoodie!

I finished the sleeves on my Cabled Hoodie! WooHoo! Now I'm working on the hood. Small, almost issue was the casting on stitches at the beginning of the row. I was like, what the...? but I pulled out my knit bible and figured it out. I'm feeling a little proud of myself! All my extra hours and whirlwind trip are catching up with me. I woke up this morning feeling nauseous and hung over. If I had drank the night before I would understand the headache, wooziness and dry mouth. I decided to sleep in and go into the office a little later in the morning. I got there and did a few things then I got turned around and sent home. So I've been lazing on the couch knitting up a storm. I'm tired, tired, tired. Physically and emotionally. I usually can pull it together to help people and be very nice and polite but the last couple days I haven't even been able to do that. I feel I've been a giant 'B' to some of those folks! If one was you I'm sorry! Really! Now back to the couch. Godspeed, Ray Charles.

I got a new t-shirt. Too funny!

I'm home! What a whirlwind trip. Next time we go for a week at least! First things first. It was, like, Africa hot. 95 degrees (35 for the metric minded) when we arrived. Needless to say we were overdressed. A quick trip to Old Navy solved our clothing problem. Now I'm set for the summer! My niece and nephew are pretty damn cool. When I first saw my niece it was like looking at my sister. They are very similar looking down to the curly, curly eyelashes! My nephew looks a lot like my father when he was young. Their adoptive parents did a bang-up job. These are two well-mannered, respectful, delightful young adults. A little more life experience and they'll be ready for whatever life throws at them. They've got a great solid foundation to build on. I'm so glad they got the stability of a family as they grew up. When my parents split up I found it weird to find stability. It was only after my mom remarried and things settled down that I felt comfortable again. I realize now that is what every child needs. A family they can count on. A family that sticks together and supports each other. No matter what they do or say that they are going to be loved no matter what. We did so much that there's just too much to go into. We put at least 800 miles (1287 kms) on our rental car! The little town I grew up in is growing like mad and I don't like it! I want it to stay like it was! I got to see my brother and one of his daughters. I saw my father and my step mom. We stayed with my mom's oldest friend. I saw friends I used to hang out with as a kid. I saw old family friends I haven't seen in years. We even found a little time to hit the casino. Thank goodness they're open 24 hours! I didn't with the million dollar jackpot but I did try. I'm very glad I took today off work. There wasn't a day on the trip that we got to bed before 1am! Now I must head up to the grocery store. I need moo juice. Then I can make a coffee. A real coffee..mmmmmm.

Solution to squinting? Sunglasses! These are some Gucci's that were left in a rental. Amazing what you can find in the lost and found! Do you like? One more sleep! Or kinda sleep as we have to be at the airport at 5am!

I tried to get a pic of my new, new, hair today. New, new as in new red. But it was a little bright outside. My bright, red streaks showed up great but I had to squint so I looked very angry and OLD! I deleted that picture. Nuff said. I can't believe I leave the day after tomorrow! I can't wait! I've got a lot of stuff to do tomorrow. Maybe I can leave early...Hm... Pooper pic Oh, I almost forgot. My newest celebrity boyfriend was in again. He is so cute and polite! Love him!

When your hair diva decides to take the summer off you have to take your hair into your own hands. I trust no one else with my hair. Once when my hair diva was away I chanced a trip to another very well known and very expensive salon. It was a $200 mistake. Yes, I spent $200 on my hair. I don't anymore. So I've decided to leave it. It's gotten past the really annoying 'in your eyes' phase and the basic style it is should grow out nicely. I did colour it though. And highlighted it. I could use a little more practice but I think it turned out fine. At least all the greys are covered and I don't have 3 inches of different coloured roots. My hair grows super fast. By the time the hair diva returns it should be past my shoulders. I think tonight I'll put in some bright red streaks and be done with it! I'm never going to finish my Cabled Hoodie by my self imposed deadline. I would have if I hadn't lost a couple of those Saturdays to the office. Damn! Work is getting in the way of my knitting time! I'll be packing a couple projects along for the trip as I know my mother will look at what I'm working on and ask if she can knit a few rows. I'll be bringing along a project of her very own. Maybe a BUP . Or a maybe one of these super scubbies! Just enough to keep her interested and away from my sweater!

You're a Speak & Spell!! You nerd, you. Just
because you were disguised as a toy doesn't
mean you weren't educational, you sneaky
bastard.

What childhood toy from the 80s are you?
brought to you by Quizilla I had one of these as a kid and I loved it! I guess I really am a big ol' nerd after all!

I made it. A day off tomorrow! I was glad I went in to help the girls. They needed it and they were appreciative. All I need is a pat on the back once in a while. No losers today! One 'B' but she doesn't count. The guy rented The Return of the King last night. Giant spiders should be censored. Argh! I just about turned inside out when that scene played! Moving horror story. I have a friend who bought a house and is to take possession tomorrow. The people in the house HAVEN"T EVEN PACKED YET! Can you freaking believe it? New thing I learned about myself. At hour 65 of the week my back really starts to hurt and I understand the meaning of the saying 'my dogs are barking'! I just talked to my father in Cali. I was his birthday the day before yesterday. I remembered yesterday. Runs in the family. So I haven't told him I'm coming down! It's going to be a surprise! I told him tonight that I was putting his present in the mail and it shoudl get there late in the week! Wahoo! God, I hope he doesn't have a stroke at the sight of me! And my bad, bad hair.

I am very sad. I have no new hair. I was all set to go direct from work. I had all my little sweaters packed up to pass out. I was excited about what kind of new hair I was going to get. I was going to set the boys up and get everything done so I could leave early. Not so. We got slammed at about 3. It didn't let up until after 6. I got home at 7:30. I had to make a tearful call to my hair diva and cancel. Then I find out that she's taking the summer off and won't be back until September! Gah!!! I get to work tomorrow. That will make 70 hours this week! Then Whiney the Pooh had the GALL to ask me if I was coming in Sunday to help out! find a happy place-find a happy place-find a happy place 5 days and counting till I leave on that jet plane!

Where are we? Wednesday? Sheesh! Work is almost wonderful. Most staff seem happy, nice customers and crappy weather. We did get to see this hunk again. Billy. I've been instructed not to call him Mr. Campbell anymore. This photos not the greatest but it looks more like the Billy we see. Add a beard and it's him! Very handsome, tall and polite. Unlike some of our other higher maintenance folks. You know, the ones that want a blue car, any blue will do and then decide not -that- blue. We're down to the 7 day countdown before my trip! Tomorrow I get new hair! And I'm going to hand out all my little sweaters I've made! They all live over on the 'new family' side of the river! I'll try to get pics, really I will! I've been thinking about what to give my niece and nephew when I see them. I do have some jewelry that was my sisters so that takes care of the niece but what about the nephew? Is he really going to want those turquoise earrings? Or the cow magnets? Or any of the scads of cow stuff? Really? I want to give him something that was his mom's. I'm going to have to dig deeper into the box of things I inherited. This is proving to be quite difficult. I'm at the sleeve cap shaping for my Cabled Hoodie. Then the hood. Then the finishing. Then I'm done!

Another day, another dollar. Today I went in to work with the express task of clearing out the 'craptastic basket'. The basket where stuff that you need to get done but have no time gets tossed into and forgotten about. I myself am guilty of tossing things into the basket and not dealing with them in a timely fashion. I completed 8 accident files that were in there! Everytime I completed one I would run it up to the courier bag singing the theme to Rocky and doing my best impersonation of Sylvester Stallone. By noon I had cleared the basket out of everything except 2 items that are waiting for authorization! WooHoo! I was so proud that I rewarded myself with the rest of the day off. What a lovely day it's been. Sunny and hot! I got home and the guy decided he wanted to take me out to lunch at our favourite mexican place on English Bay. The mexican place is no longer there. Hm. We ended up at The Boathouse and had a great lunch. The ceasar was a little stiff and I ended up giggling the afternoon away! Such a cool place to watch all those fit people rollerblade by. My guy rules. Now he's going to make me beef tenderloin for dinner. I am s-p-o-i-l-e-d! Picture time! Sarah will try to squeeze into any place beside you no matter how small.

Gah, out damn spot! Out, Out! The 'L' is still on my forehead! It seems to have faded a bit and is not sending out the loser beacon as loudly as earlier this week. Yet still they migrate to me like moths to a flame. I think they love me because even though they're total jerks to me I still treat them nicely. I'm such a sucker! Knitting Mishap-I was supposed to increase every 6th row on the sleeve! I've been doing every 8th row! Damn it! Not so bad though. After I counted up how many increases I would have done for the rows I've knit I'm only out 2 increase rows. Phew. I think I'll live with it and that the stars above that I have arms like twigs! I think I may try a dishcloth or something just to take a break from it. But then how will I finish by my self imposed deadline? After all there's only 11 sleeps left till I go! Must go knit-must go knit-must go knit Pic of the day! Me!

Man, I've had the big 'L' on my forehead that last couple days! The one that sends out the tractor beam to all the losers and jerks and it pulls them in to the office. Then the voice tells them to pick the dark haired girl and be a complete asshole! I hope that wears off soon! I wonder if I can pass it on to someone else? I have been working and not knitting. I am bad, bad, bad. I planned to do my usual Saturday routine tomorrow but I have to work! Just 3 hours but it throws the pace of the day entirely out of whack! We have a very fine looking gentleman who passes by our office everyday. Chocolate Sundae with lovely long dreads. Usually about 3:15. We admire him as he strolls by and are quick to let everyone know that 'It's 3:15!" whenever he walks past. No matter what time of day it is!

Today I'm doing something I -never- do. I'm listening to music as I write this. I pulled up the iTunes and am wiggling my butt in my chair to Jamiroquai. I could get used to this! BRACE YOURSELVES! Actual freaking knitting. See I do knit! Just very slowly. Work news. I leave the office for 1/2 an hour and I miss this! Billy Campbell! Sheesh. Had a great weekend with the girls. I actually took a couple pictures of Sarah that shows some personality. Also my Ella was having a time as well! Now she a quivering blob of dog jello at my feet. The skies just opened up and it's pouring! Pounding on the roof! She's a bit of a wuss. But Jamiroquai seems to be making her feel better. It is feel good music! MMmmmm...I can smell the hot, wet, asphalt. I love that smell.

Sometimes I don't understand people. Well, a lot of the time. But if your boss told you 3 weeks ago you -had- to do something, then the week after told you that you -must- do something and then the week after gave you a letter that said it was -very important- that you accomplish this something, would you think it was important? I would, but it seems that some folks don't understand the meaning of 'have to' and 'must' . Cabled Hoodie Armies are progressing nicely. I didn't get to spend as much time on them yesterday as I would have liked but I will work on them some more today. I'll snap some pics as well. I broke the boss' digicam yesterday. It was in my bag and the bag fell off the chair. I guess it landed on the bottom corner where the batteries slide in as the latch that holds the battery tray has snapped off. Eeeeek! I have it rubber banded together at the moment but I will have to investigate getting it fixed or buying him a new one. Oh well...c'est la vie! The guy will be heading up to the island by himself while I head off to Cali. He's decided to take the dogs. I'm a little worried that they may be too much for him to handle. Not while he's on the island but the transport of them. He's up for the challenge and I know they'll be in good hands. I can't get the vision of them jumping off the water taxi out of my mind though! Pic of the day!

Yeah! Saturday! Woo Hoo! I still have to go to work today though. Hopefully what I have to do will only take 1/2 an hour. It's going to be a long month with the Big B away. I think the emerging trend of 12 hour days in my life may continue for some time. Egad! Not much knitting news. I so freakin' exhausted when I get home! Last night I fell asleep on the couch! Then when I went to bed I couldn't sleep. Sucks to be me. I'm going to try to do something moderately interesting this weekend so I have something to write about! Meanwhile I shall distract you with little, fuzzy kittens! Or one giant one.

On Thank God! My faith in reality TV has been realized! After last night's American Idol I was worried. WTF was America thinking voting out La Toya London! Good Lord! Then tonight when I saw that Rupert won the million dollars I was thrilled! He -so- deserved it! I went into total geek mode on Sunday and went online and voted. So did the guy! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No progress on the Cabled Hoodie. Work News...all is well. What a nice day today until quarter of six. Pandemonium! I dislike working the late shift. Note to self-leave at 5! Pooper pic of the day. Ella being the love of our lives.

Just when you thought it was safe to back in the water...Work Attack! One guy gave his notice, another needs 12 days off to go to his girlfriends grad (wasn't it one night when I was a kid?), hired another Tyler (that makes 3 in the office) and have a parking lot so full I can't pull another car in! Always a new adventure everyday! Exactly the reason why I love it! Zipping along my Cabled Hoodie. I have no idea why I didn't take a progress photo this weekend but I think I was distracted by this. It's strangely erotic. It's my accidental asparagus growing by the compost. I had one but it seems I've spawned another! Weird and funny too. I have pooper and kitten photos! Buddy! 'Get that camera away from me!' Sarah! Having a tan! Hoo...look how dark she's getting! Ella! Being a shy goofy poopy! Monk! How you doin?!

Whoa...new Blogger stuff. Cool! Survivor Finale...Crap! I immediately went online and voted for Rupert to get the additional million bucks. I was very glad to see Jerri walk out of the reunion show. You knew what it was all about when you signed up the second time, sister! You can't whine about it now! I can only imagine what a tirade Terri would have written! Hee! Now I wait for the Amazing Race. Bring it on! Knitting news! I'm about 10 inches into my sleeves. I think I will be able to complete this one by my self imposed deadline! I'm cursing my gorilla arms though. I always have to add at least 2 inches to any pattern I make. I also took a chance and threw my Hippy into the wash. Came through with flying colours. My finishing skills may not be as bad as I think! Work went surprisingly well today. I'm feeling a little unwanted as anyone who calls looking for Big B will ask for the Small, Strange One next. What about me? I started this whole department! Without me Big B would still be struggling on his own! Wah! I just want to be loved! Somebody want me! Har har. Hey, I still get paid, so I'm not too worried. After all I still have to look after the ungrateful sots! And Whiney the Poo! Argh...if I see another eye roll I may spoon them out! I know I complain a lot but I do love them. They're really like a family. I love my lil sis but she drives me bonkers too! Surprisingly the only one who doesn't drive my loopy on a regular basis is the guy. Hmmmmm.... Tonight the guy came home from the store to find the butcher paper from last night's chicken breast out of the garbage and shredded into tiny, little pieces all over our bed. Ella got busted as her collar was in the midst of the confetti. Sarah was in the clear till she got up from her bed. She was trying to hide the paper evidence by laying on it! Funny puppies!

The ribbing is done! I misread the pattern (surprise, surprise) as saying after completing the 5 inches of ribbing the I was to K2, P2TOG for one row then continue in K2, P1 ribbing for another 6 inches. Nope, not it. It was just 'until it measures 6 inches from the beginning'. Wahoo! I'm now working on the increases and keeping them in the pattern. Kinda tricky as I have to count the rows of my cable pattern and remember to increase every 8th row. So far, so good! I'm so excited! I'm planning a trip with my mom to California for my niece and nephews grad. My sister gave them up for adoption when they were babies and it's only in the last 5 years, since my sister's death, that anyone in our family has been allowed to speak to or see them. The adoptive family's a bit paranoid and lot of holy roller. It should be a nice trip. Only thing is I'm going to miss a trip to Savary. The guy is off then too. I think he'll go to the island anyway. I kinda hope so. Maybe he'll finish up the cabin and next time in July when we go up it'll be all finished! A girl can dream can't she? The memorial service yesterday was very nice. Being there with mom was hard. It just brings mortality up in your face and you can't ignore it. The guy and I plan to work on our wills today. Yucky, but neccesary. Rented 2 great movies this weekend. Big Fish and The Cooler. Loved them both. If you didn't like Amelie then you probably won't like Big Fish. Alec Baldwin was great in The Cooler, and Bill Macy is fantastic! A great story! Now to tackle some laundry, knitting, last will and testament, dishes and breakfast!

Is it Friday already? How did we get here so quickly? Work has been a little hectic. Short staffed again, the Big B is off on his vacation, and one of my young 'uns is having difficulty listening. Today was a special day as we went to sales training. The kind where they videotape you and then play it back! Very good learning tool. I learned that I have to get my hair done, wear at least a little make-up and that I'm developing the jowls of my father. Enlightening, don't you think? I have knit nothing all week. With the short staffing at work I've had to pull extra hours this week. Leaving me weak. Har har. I've just come home and vegetated on the couch in front of the TV. Too tired to even lift my arms and in bed by 9. Sigh. Tomorrow I'm attending a memorial service for the lady we adopted our dear Ella from. She changed our lives and brought us so much joy that I feel I need to pay her respect. Ella came from Royal Hounds, a rescue agency out of Puyallup. How could I not go when I see this little, goofy face every morning? And all because of her? Now I think I'm ready to knit.

Picture time! Here's the views from our hotel. I didn't have my girls with me but there were greyhounds on the bed linens! More mountain pics from the moving car! I haven't asked the other folks in the party pics I have if they would mind if I posted them. Therefore no pics of us being a wee too happy, if you know what I mean. Trust me, when you see them you'll understand completely! First day back sucked. Short staffed and busy! Then a staff meeting at the end of the day. Yawn! I'm a little tired!

Correction to yesterdays post. Sorry Terri, but this is the jacket I had to have. This is all good because it means that Terri can buy the Lime Green one and we won't have to worry about matching! Working today on catching up. Laundry, cleaning, dishes, dogs, gardening, weed killing, knitting, the list goes on. Makes me wonder how my guy would get by without me! Just kidding. He did pretty good on his own. As long as they sell processed, pre-packaged food he'll be okay. My dear friend The American stopped by today. What a pleasant surprise! So nice to sit in the yard and catch up for an hour. Good thing she stopped by too, I picked up a postcard for her in Banff and now I don't have to mail it! Ha Ha! Cabled Hoodie is in the doldrums. I didn't get to work on it while I was away and now I find the task of 2x2 ribbing boring. I'm applying myself diligently as I'm over halfway to the end of this project. Only 9 more inches of ribbing till I get into the cable pattern! Yahoo! not. Planning on a nice pasta alfredo tonight. Yum.

Home Safe. So nice to be home. The girls went wild when I arrived! I think they were just expecting the guy and then to see and smell mommy was a frenzy. Now they haven't left my side since I got here. They're laying at my feet now. So cute. I missed them almost as much as I missed the guy. How nice was it to have someone to meet you at the airport? Niiiiice. Last night we arrived in Calgary fairly early. We checked into our hotel and then met up with some other people for dinner. We decided not to have steak and ended up having Indonesian as one of our group is Indonesian. What a treat, the perfect meal. I thought if I saw another piece of steak, potato, smoked salmon, and/or (gasp) asparagus, someone was going to get hurt! After dinner I was walking behind the boys with C and we both realized that one of the boys was going commando! Nary a pantyline in sight! No boxerline...no boxer/briefline...nothing. You have never heard two girls giggle more hysterically! Still making me giggle now! Later on in the evening we dropped two of the group off and walked around downtown in the financial district and ended up at another hotel's lounge. So nice to relax with friends outside of the 'work' enviroment. It may seem like I didn't care what other people thought this weekend but I did. I was my usual self, I just made sure not to step too far over the line and embarrass my boss or my co workers. We stayed at this other hotel's lounge for a few hours sipping port and ice wine and snacking on a cheese plate. Nice way to finish the trip. Today we went shopping. I noticed at the conference that one of the sponsers was giving away some luggage. I asked about it and was told they had picked it up at Winner's in Calgary. Today I found it and bought myself my very own set! Red luggage! I picked up a medium sized wheelie and a matching carry one bag. I love it! Then across the street I saw there was a Patagonia store. All Patagonia, all the time. I really had to hold myself back. This is a line of stuff that I love and have stayed away from for years as it's pretty pricey. I ended up with this bag And managed not to come home with this jacket. I think I did extremely well! Afterwards we went to the airport and caught a flight two hours earlier than the one that was booked! Yippee! Home, sweet, home sooner. Now it's time to chill out and relax.

Today I'm very glad that we only have these sort of get togethers once a year. I feel like that song that goes "Me, oh, me oh my, wasn't that a party!" But it was such fun! We had our dinner (steak, again! I swear I must have eaten a whole cow by now!) and heard some speeches. I had to keep zipping up to the lounge to keep everyone updated on the hockey score! We met up with some of the staff from the hotel in the lounge so we hung out there for a while then at 1am we all decided that we wanted to go into town to a club. So we did! There was no one in this place over 19, I'm sure of it. And for a Thursday night it was jam packed! We danced up a storm and closed the place down. Fun, fun, fun. I don't think I've done that in years! I also don't think I've ever fallen asleep so quickly! Pass out-fall asleep-whatever. Today is quiet. Everyone who was out last night is a little subdued today. Wonder why? The weather here is glorious! Sunny every day. This afternoon we head back to Calgary and we fly home tomorrow afternoon. I guess there wasn't a flight available earlier. I'm trying to remember to take lots of pictures so I can show you what we did! Anyone know the LYS in Calgary? Anyone, anyone?

Holy Cow. I'm baked! This has got to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Stunning. I had forgotten how spectacular it was! We landed yesterday at about noon. This was after my associate picked me up very late and we had an Amazing Race style dash through the airport! We ended up at the gate huffing and puffing and were the last ones to board. Many a glare at us as we boarded! We made it though. Yesterday we started drinking around noon. Beers at lunch, beers when we arrived at the hotel, cosmopolitans before dinner, beer at the meet and greet, wine with dinner...it went on and on. I kept drinking as much water between drinks as I could. I finally gave up and just drank water. The boys ended up staying out much later than we did and are feeling a little rough today. The seminars today are okay. You know what it's like to sit in a room for an hour and talk about something that is never going to be part of your realm? Boring! You get all noddy and sleepy and yawny and you want to spoon your eyes out. Now we're done for the day and have a reception tonight. Should be fun. There are some really neat people here from acroos the country. I haven't had the chance to knit. I did pack it though! It's up in my room next to the comfy chair. I think I'll head up now and spend some time on it before dinner.

I'm off to Banff today! I still have a little packing to do. I'm in a quandry what to wear. I've been wearing a uniform since Grade 1 and I'm very comfortable with it. Now I have to come up with 3 days of clothing that doesn't involve jeans or sweats. It's going to be a challenge. I also have decided to pack my knitting. I was waffling last night but have decided to pack it. It going into my checked baggage. I'm not going to chance getting it into the cabin. I got a call last night reminding me that there's a hot springs and to pack my suit. Bad news is I got the call late and have no time to -tidy up the lawn- if you know what I mean. I'll have to deal with that this morning somehow. I'm only about an inch into my sleeves but I'm knitting them at the same time. Whoever I got that idea from had a stroke of genius! Now all I really have left is the hood! Loving it still. I gotta go pack and mow! I love my dogs feet. I find it amazing that these teeny, tiny rabbit like feet can propel these dogs over 65 kmh!

Egads! Gaggles of Greyhounds! Greyt Walk 2004 And proof I actually knit.

Today my mom and I were supposed to head out to the Greyt Walk. That was until she just called and jammed on me AGAIN! Man, that lady jams on a lot of things. She did promise to make it up to me. I love her and she's my mom. The guy and I may still go for a bit. It's a beautiful day and the girls love meeting up with all their greyhound buddies. We'll see. Into the pit on my Right Front of the Cabled Hoodie. Looking good! They guy was off again last night and we did the same as the night before. Stayed in and watched a movie. Last night we watched Assasination Tango with Robert Duvall. Languidly paced and an interesting story. I could have knit while I was watching but I was enjoying the lights down, curled up on the couch time! Off to the couch for more knitting!

The day started out yucky and wet and windy but ended up fantastic! Sunny, warm and beautiful! Not only do we have lovely weather, my guy has the night off! Woo Hoo off on a Friday night! We just decided to eat in and rent a movie. We are boring, sad people, aren't we? Boring day really. Nothing to report. Weenie free day all around. I think I knit 2 rows last night. I plan to jump into it this weekend. After all what's better on a Saturday than to curl up on the couch and watch PBS cooking shows all day! Almost nothing. It's a ritual I adore. Sorry, scattered thoughts today. I best be going. More of Sarah and Monk spoonin'!

Well, well, well. I figured there was a 50/50 chance my new boy would show up today after the fiasco yesterday. I was impressed that he did. It must have been hard for him. I would have been mortified and so embarrased I don't know if I'd have shown up again. Later I got a phone call from his daddy apologizing profusely for the error they made in the dates and thanking me for having such patience with his son. Hm. Oh! I forgot to tell you this! The pups and I went to our friends to measure the birdcage for the cover. The bird is allowed loose in the solarium. We all went in and my friend had a tight grip on the girls collars. We were talking and the bird was sitting on the chair and decided he was going to fly over and land on Sarah. I almost didn't have to make a cage cover! Sarah took a leap and a snap at him! Thank goodness K had such a grip on the collar! Could you imagine? I would have felt awful! Egad! WTF is going on in American Idol? This truly is the decline of Western Civilization or the presidential influence of The Shrub. They left the red headed kid in and booted one of the only three there that can sing! Total and complete crap! Sing on, sister! Jennifer Rocks! No, I haven't been knitting. I have to go on a business trip next week and I'll take it along. Look at our resort we're booked into! I'm thinking I may have to skip a workshop and hit the spa! I'll take lots of pictures. Really. Pooper pic! Who are by the way at the perfect weight, unlike some others in our family.

Man! I was run off my feet today! Look out, long post, work related, scroll down for puppies and knitting news) First I had to deal with a work issue. One of my new boys said we shorted him 60 hours! 60! I was, like, holy crap! So as I looked into it further I figured out that he had gotten the dates wrong. He said he had worked at the beginning of March but all the paperwork I had said March 22nd. So he's stomping around and yelling that I'm ripping him off and calling his daddy and having his daddy call me. How nice was that? You think about it! Anywho, it got settled when we pulled up his interview file dated the 18th, but he's still mad. So I took a bold approach. In one of his ranting moments he stated he was going to give his two weeks notice. So at the end of the day I went to have a chat with him. I started with "So I hear you want to give me your two weeks notice. Is this true?" He mumbled that no his mom had suggested it because if this was the way we treated employees that he shouldn't work here. (Maybe I should call his parents in for a meeting!) That pissed me off. Here I am busting my butt to see if we really could have made the error and he's spouting off at the other employees, talking on his cell to his parents all day about this and being a big baby. I asked him if everything with his pay was sorted out. He kinda apologized. Then I went in and laid it out for the kid. I told him that his attitude and stomping around and yelling at co workers was unacceptable. Not only was it unprofessional it was disproportionate to the event. That I had hired him to do a job and that he didn't do it well at all today because he spent the whole day on the phone, slamming car doors and being pissy. I said that I was offended by his actions. Nope, I said 'apalled'! Then I told him if I saw that bad behaviour again in the next 60 days that there was going to be disciplinary action. I wonder if his daddy's going to call me again about telling off his kid? How many times do I have to tell the staff not to push me too far! I hate doing stuff like this. But he got me pissed off by accusing us of 'doctoring' the schedules. Why didn't I fire him? Because he's a kid. I almost fired him. I still may. Grrrrr. AND in the middle of the day the owner calls a meeting at head office ASAP! Ack! I still have my job but I swear my butt's a little smaller because it got chewed out a little! Other event today was a trip to the vet for the crew. Everyone got their shots updated, 3 had rabies shots, and everyone has to get flea treatments. Blame it on Monk. He seems to be the only one with fleas. Also found out that Monk is obese. The obesity scale goes to 9 and Monk is a high 8. He weighs over 20 pounds! Maybe he's causing my back problems! So he'll be going on a little diet. Don't know if it will help but we'll try it out. Also asked the vet to look at Monk's eyes. The little dude doesn't see very well. When the vet looked in his eyes with the scope I heard 'What the heck is going on in there?' Seems that the Monk has cataracts (kittyracts, har har) in both eyes but there's a bunch of other stuff happening in the eye too. Nothing we can do about it. It looks like it's a birth defect. Awwww... Monk-in! Rainman was blind for the last couple years of his life and managed quite well. I'm positive our little Blind Melon will be too. Still lingering in the right front of the Cabled Hoodie. I know, nothing new, sorry! Sarah say "Argh! My leg, can't-feel-my-leg. Fat-cat-mommy-help..." Maybe we should rename him 'Shamu'?

Oh! I forgot! My blogiversary was at the beginning of the month! Who knew I could keep it up so long? I've -met- such great people and have had such fun doing it. Who wouldn't want to show off their furkids all the time, huh? Thanks for reading everyone!

Well, hockey's over for me for this year. I'll keep an eye out to see if the Canadiens or the stinkin' Leafs make it. I'm sad my little 'Nuck-leheads didn't make it. There's always next year! My back is protesting again. Maybe it's allergic to work? Finally into the pattern on the right front of the Cabled Hoodie. Take a look at Nora's gorgeous completed sweater! Makes me all the more motivated to finish this thing! If you 'lose' your rental car and the keys, should you let the rental office know right away? Wait till it's convenient for you to stroll on in, say, 12 hours after you noticed it was missing? Should you ask for a replacement car for the one you lost? Should you get mad at me when I say 'No? You lost a $50,000 SUV. I can't give you another?' Just a question. WWJD? Finally I have a pic of the whole fur family together. Aren't they cute?

Weird that the colours look so different in each! The actual colour seems similar to the bottom photo. Can't wait to wear this one!

Holy Hockey, Batman! Triple overtime! I thought we Canucks were doomed for a moment there but we finally got it done! Actually it was more than a few moments of anxiety. One more game to go. C'mon boys! I'm not going to go out to the Fiberfest today. I can't bring myself to drive an hour out there. A friend of mine called last night and asked if I would come over and measure the new birdcage they have for a cover. I made their last one, so I'm gonna wander over there and set up for making them a new one. The girls are obsessed with the bird. They get up on their hind legs to peer into the cage. And then the lovebird nips their noses if they get too close! I'll try to get some pics as it's pretty funny. I'm one and a half inches away from the left front bind off of my Cabled Hoodie. I would have been done sooner if hockey hadn't been so exciting! I think I'll go finish that up now.

Is it me? I was all set to go to the Fiber Festival today with the Small, Strange One and maybe my mom. I called them both last night to remind them and to have them call me and let me know when they wanted to be picked up. Guess what? I'm still here and the phone hasn't rung. Wah! I thought about going by myself. I'll think about it and maybe I'll go tomorrow. Pissed me off a bit though. Well into the left front of my Cabled Hoodie. The pattern set up is a little bit different so it's taking me a little bit to get into the swing of it. Rented Kill Bill Vol. 1 last night. Hah! Tarentino is a freaking genius! I loved his quirky sense of humour that was all over this film. Maybe the guy and I will go see Vol. 2 at the theatre tonight! I'd like to see Uma take a few thousand more people out! Have I told you what a great guy I have? He just came in and offered to take me out to the Fiber Festival. Awwwww.

Crazy day yesterday! I had my list and thought I'd breeze through everything. I did get everything done, it just wasn't breezy. It was cold,wet and blustery. Started at the tax place. Nice to know I only owe $85. Took $75 to find that out. I should have done them myself. I think Terri will tell me I should have done them myself. I have a feeling there's a -dumbass- coming! Hee! Then it was off the the drug store, the aromatherapy shop, the other drug store and then off to see Frieda over at the Burnaby Knitworks. I went to get a zipper for my Cabled Hoodie. I got a zipper but I don't like it. It's too red. Can you believe I only bought a zipper? Today I'll make the trek out to the fabric store and get a proper matching one. Cabled Hoodie marches along. I still haven't made it to the back bind off. I'm working on it!

Something's different. Today I slept in till past 11. I haven't been able to do that in, I don't know, how long. I wasn't up late. Weird. We'll see if it sticks tomorrow. Cabled Hoodie has about 4 more inches to bind off. Then on to the fronts and sleeves and hood. Hm. May have set the finishing bar a little high on this one. Puttered around and about today. The girls were almost out of food so we had to go to the pet store, then it was off to the liquor store (not working tomorrow so a glass of wine for me tonight!) after that it was the Rona for the lock for the gate and finally we ended up at the Renzullo italian grocery for stinky cheese! Marscapone & Gorgonzola. It is heaven on a cracker! I love a ghastly, stinky, piece of cheese! Thanks, Travelling Gnome, for that. The new thrift store is next to the italian grocery. So we popped in for a look. We've been looking for chairs for the cabin. Something that folds up. Like these. Ha ha! Found one similar for $15! Woo Hoo! American Idol tonight. The guy quipped that I could eat my stinky cheese and listen to stinky singing! He's a laugh a minute. Still it's a good suggestion! Now for more knitting!

I got a week off! I got a week off! Man, I'm stoked! WooHoo! I also found some more of the yarn I'm using for my Cabled Hoodie in the same dyelot. So no worries about finishing that! I plan to spend ample time on that and may set the lofty goal of finishing it by Monday. You think? Another -most- of the day manager's meeting today. The good thing is is that we're meeting regularly once a month now so it's not the marathon 8-10 hour ordeal it used to be. Actually it wasn't like I had to work at all today. It's just like I spent a day with friends talking about work! Not bad... Rented the final Matrix movie last night. What is it Revolutions? Great special effects! I thought that by using the digital graphics the way they did (using it for machines and robot entities) that it hid alot of the hurky jerky movements that you can get with computerized animation. Story kinda sucked. Well, really sucked but I did enjoy it. Some guy named Dave got a new cell phone number. Only difference between his and mine is the area code. So I keep having to tell people "Dave's not here." If you're old enough that's pretty funny in itself!

You know you waaaahhna!

I think I was a cat in a previous life. Why? Because everytime I hit a warm sunbeam I fall asleep. Today I was out in the yard working on the Cabled Hoodie with my legs in the sun and after about 10 minutes I was fast asleep! I decided when I woke up that I should take advantage of this glorious sun and move out to the lawn. I did and fell asleep! I've officially reached the armhole decreases of the back of the Cabled Hoodie. WaaHoo! I'll work on it some more tonight. Despite my self imposed ban on working in the yard I did a lot of yard work today. Pulling some weeds and then deciding that the park bench we have needs to be refinished. I got out the palm sander and had a whack at it. I searched around for the green stain that it had been stained with originally but couldn't find it. I like the way it looks with all the distressed stuff so I left it and got out the can of paste wax and waxed it up all nice. In between the knitting, naps, weeding and refinishing I did all the laundry and dried it on the line(except the socks and undies. Uh-uh, not a chance the neighbours get to see my granny panties). Nothing smells better than line dried bed linens. Aaaahhhhh. The guy got most of the rest of the storm windows off and touched up the paint around the trim. Starting to look very nice. Next week, with my time off, I'll tackle the repainting of the front steps. I'd like to change the colour this year. They're a drab grey that matches the trim of the house but I think they should be a deep red or a batik/indogo blue. I'll worry about that later! I see that I got a little colour in my face today. Feeling a little tight and warm. I better go get some cream on it!

I did it. I ate so much I could barely move. Uncle Nick outdid himself this year. Roast Lamb, Lemon Potatoes, Meatballs, Chicken Souvlaki, Roasted Vegetable Salad, Tatziki, Hummus, Some Fish Roe Creamy Thingy, Pasta Salad, Greek Salad, Caesar Salad, Pita Bread, Baklava, Awesome Cheese Platter and lots of wine! I'm not a giant fan of lamb. The way Uncle Nick does it I can't get enough! Yum! Thinking of all that food after I ate all that food is making me a little nauseous. Ugh. Fascinating afternoon of conversation. We ended up sitting with a group of women. One was a Film Production Manager/Line Producer, another was a Street Nurse in the Downtown Eastside and the third was the nurses sister, who works at a fabrication plant that manufactures machines that make wood chips into MDF (I think.) We started to talk about the city we live in and that it's getting pretty screwy. Two days ago 7 blocks further down the street there was a handicapped man beaten, stripped of his clothes and left to die in the middle of the street pretty much in front of his house. It led to amazing revelations from the street nurse about what really happens on the street. Horrific, interesting, fascinating conversation. The guy and I waddled out after lunch and went to the office to rent a truck. We took it downtown to pick up a pair of patio umbrellas that the guy bought from one of the restaurants he plays at. They were going to replace them so we decided to get a couple. One is normal patio umbrella size but the big one is big! It covers almost our entire back patio when it's up! We'll be taking them up to the island to cover our soon to be built deck. Cabled Hoodie is seeing a little action. I'll work on it tonight and stress out some more about having enough yarn. Is the mall open on Easter Sunday? Speaking of tomorrow, it's a certain special someone's birthday! Ellafanella turns six! Happy Birthday Poopy Dawg!

I don't -think- I pissed off any customers this week. Then again when I arrived at the office today I found that 10 windows on the building and 7 vehicles windows has been shot out. Weird was that I never received an alarm call. I did a little looking around and figured out the the little bastards had used a slingshot and ball bearings. Enough force to crack the windows on the building but not enough to break them out completely. Left nice little pencil sized holes in them too. The car windows are safety glass so they went out with a bang. Glass everywhere. Dammit! It's a holiday today. I had to have an emergency call out for the glass company to come and have two guys here for most of the day. I can only imagine what the bill's going to be. Keeerist. No further ado on the cabled hoodie. I'll pick it up again this weekend. Tomorrow is Uncle Nick's Greek Easter Feast. Yahoo! I'm gonna eat till I can't move! Did someone say Uncle Nick? Or was it 'cookie?' And one of my little pansy pots. I had to get a pic before I forget to water it and it dies.

I made it to work today. I lasted through the day. I also found out that if I dropped something on the floor I couldn't pick it up. I'm feeling a bit better though. I do have a doctor's appointment set up for Thursday. Just in case. My new guy, The Gatekeeper, has decided that maybe this isn't the job for him. Damn! I liked him! Now I had the schedule all set up for the rest of the fiscal year and now it's all shot to shit. Grrrr. At least he made the descision and I didn't have to fire him. Anywho. I know what you really want to see. J Crew! Inside on my sad, vintage couch that I can see and know needs to be recovered. Look there's some Felted Toes in the picture! An' mah belly! Here he is lounging outside on the back lawn in the fabulous weather! Really darling, you look smashing! I'm so glad that he's done. I have a good start on the Cabled Hoodie for me and I have a pic from a couple days ago. Now I have finished the first pattern repeat and am starting into the second. Even my first wobbly, bobbley blends in and I can't tell there's a mistake! Yipee! I'm starting to panic about having enough yarn though. I know, why do I do this to myself? I know where to score some more. I actually did a swatch for this one and found I had to go down .50mm in needle size. Got gauge, did she! So proud are you! Lastly a pooper pic. I think this little lady needs to lay off the partying!

Sorry, Charlie. No J Crew pics yet. You see today I am officially on the injured list. My lower back was sore last night but this morning I couldn't bend at the waist or lift my knees. I think I may have hurt it when I slipped off the top step yesterday and landed hard with both feet on the next step. So I managed to get out of bed and into the shower but getting into my work clothes was a fiasco! Took me 10 minutes! I got to work and got promptly turned around by the staff and sent home. Took me twice as long to get my boots off as it did on! I've spent the day as immobile as possible except for some yoga stretches. The back pills have helped alot. More than the aspirins I took yesterday. The weather here has been fabulous again so I did spend some time outside laying flat out on the patio. Felt good till I had to get up. I keep thinking of that ad with the little old lady. "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!" I've been making progress on the Cabled Hoodie. I figured out what I had done wrong with the bobbles. I left the first one I did poorly as a reminder how not to do it. I think I have to incorporate at least one mistake into every sweater I make!

Holy Crap! I'm freakin' exhausted! This weekend was ab-fab weather wise. The guy and I decided to go to the home improvement store and spruce up our yard a bit. We picked up some bedding plants and some herbs and went to town! I've neglected our planters the last few years and they made me pay for it. My back is killing me! They guy took off some of our storm windows and painted up the trim. I ripped out most of the grass and dandelions and freaking morning glory (anyone got a solution to get rid of that awful, invasive plant?) from our planters and put in some flowers in the front bed and some herbs in the back yard. On top of all the reorganizing of the potting table, trimming the cedar into a bonsai shape (the guy claims I was trying to kill it) and cursing the morning glory it was all good work. When summer comes it will be fabulous! When I was clearing out the back bed I found two asparagus shoots coming up! I never planted asparagus! I love it as it's an 'A' vegetable but where the hell did it come from? J Crew is finished! Yahoo! I started on the Cabled Hoodie for me in a lovely burgundy. I was having trouble tonight with the bobble thingys. Patterns are all up to interpretation. Actually it was me reading the pattern wrong. Surprised? Not me. After about 7 tries I finally figured it out. Sometimes I'm an idiot. Actually it's just the way I do things. I like to find my own way of doing things. Even though I have set guidelines I like to stray from them if I can make a better way to do it. For myself that is. I'm a bit of a freak. The guy had the night off last night! Yippee! So after slaving in the yard all day we curled up with a movie. Something's Got To Give with Jack Nicholson. Loved it! Laughed my butt off at Jack contemplating and then trying to walk up that flight of stairs! No other star could have done it justice. It was a great night. Now, with the time change, I'm very tired. I took a couple of aspirins to calm my lower back and I hope that by morning I'll be able to get out of bed and off to work!

Gone so long! It's been a busy one here. Work, work, work. I've scheduled some time off in the middle of the month. A few days in lieu to spend around the house getting it ready for the summer. Can't freaking wait! I'm banning myself from the yarn store. I popped in yesterday at lunch with a mission in mind and a time limit. Both of those limits I set upon myself were shed the moment I walked in the door. I stayed too long and never got what I had originally intended. I ended up with some sock yarn! I bought sock yarn! One day I may make some socks out of it! I also managed to find a wool/acrylic blend in PURPLE that said take me home. So I did. And managed to get in the house, no questions asked. J crew shall be done today! The guy has the day off so we're going to spend it together. Hm, that's going to cut into my knitting time. Ah, the sacrifices for love!

Drumroll, please... Baby Sadie! The mistake I made in the armhole isn't too bad because of the way the bottom of the arm is connected to the sweater. The yarn is atrocious. Bulletproof acrylic. Wore a sore spot on my finger where the yarn carried over! But I am happy with the way it turned out. The other great news is that the J Crew will be completed! I ordered some more yarn from Heirloom Handknits and they were very friendly and dispite a backorder they managed to get me the dyelot I had requested! Yahoo! And I seem to be on a purple kick. I had ordered some purple yarn from them and I checked my stash out this weekend and I have alot of shades of purple. Varying from Lavender to Dark Plum and Eggplant. Maybe I should do something with all those purple yarns. You think? Work question, or maybe a customer service question. You come in to rent a truck and tell the counter agent that last time you rented you had a problem with the truck and that the manager told you that next time you could get a discount. Okay, no problem...but not TWO YEARS later! Sorry dude, ten percent's the best I'll do for you. Go ahead stomp out and say that's not good enough. It's month end, there's lots of people willing to pay retail. Thanks! Jeezus! A pic for ya. Wouldn't be as fun without Ella! Looking a little psycho dog but she's really very nice. Snarf!

My mom makes me laugh. Today since it was so beautiful we decided to walk to the Drive with all the dogs and hit Sophie's Pet Palace to buy my mom's dog, Cole, a new collar. So we get there and my mom proceeds to buy up the store. A new tag collar, new walking collar with matching leash, new dog bed, Doggles and a plethora of doggie treats. So loaded down with this and 3 dogs my mom asks "Hey, isn't that really neat fabric store around here?" We wander off down the street to the fabric store and I sent her in unsupervised because I had to stay outside and watch the dogs. Two GIANT bags of fabric and candles later she emerges. This is on top of the two bags and three dogs we had from the pet store. I can't carry that 10 blocks home! Is she crazy? I guess not because even though I placed a call to the house pleading for a pick up on the answering machine, I ended up walking all that stuff home. Mom can't carry it because she has a bad arm. My arms are about two inches longer! Tired and sore but a great day! I love my mom!

Baby Sadie is complete! Pics up tomorrow! Yahoo! Now what am I going to do? Descisions, descisions... A glorious day here yesterday. We took the poopers for a long walk in the neighbourhood, ran into the people who lived in our house before us and had a nice chat, other neighbours came over to chat too and it was a little lawn party! So nice to get out and about and the girls slept like babies when we got back. In the evening my man took me out to Memphis Blues BBQ House for dinner where I ate till I couldn't move. As usual. It's so yummy! My mom is coming out today for a visit. The dogs are so funny. If you say "Where's Grandma?" they'll run to the back porch and look out. If they don't see anything there they'll tear off to the living room and jump on the couch to look out the window! Quivering with excitement the whole time! They love their Grammie!

I've been busy but I wasn't busy knitting. I've got the new guy, The Gatekeeper, at work and he's keeping me on my toes. Love him! Also inherited a new girl from another office and hired a couple more guys to wash cars. Busy, busy, busy. Training! Ack! There's stuff I found out I don't know! Crap! And I'm extremely jealous of this person's puppy. Baby greyhound! That's what Ella must have looked like! I want one!

J.T. Fever has hit the office! Here's the Small, Strange One and My Ty modelling their wishes.

Lil sis amazes me. Now she's won a radio contest and is going to have the band Gobsmack, play in her living room on Thursday night. (Link later) Now she's going to be unemployed and homeless. Hm.

Happy Monday! Coffee for you!

What a glorious day! Sun was out, temperature was about 17 degrees and I praise everyday that I chose to live here in Vancouver! Even on the craptastic days. I am well rested and almost ready to go back to work. Today I managed to sleep in till 10. A new record for me lately! The official first rite of Spring in our house is that the dogs get to go on the back lawn. We keep it fenced off until it dries out enough so they don't shred it to pieces. We let them out for a little tear around this afternoon. They have such fun! Now I'm patching up some scrapes and banged up knuckles. They are worn out and sleeping like little, tiny, puppies. They're so great! Baby Sadie is one arm and buttons away from completion. I realized today that I've been making this pattern wrong the last 4 times I've made it. It was one of the first sweaters I ever knit. I used a 5 mm needle on it as the pattern called for a size 5 needle. As in a US 5. No wonder the kids I made them for haven't outgrown them yet! Baby Sadie is on the right size needles and it looks great! Even with my little boo boo in the pit. I'll get a closeup of that tomorrow. My dear man has brought me home an artichoke. Told me he wrestled it to the ground himself to get it for me. He's a very, very, very, good man.

Can you -forget- how to sleep in? I think I have. Seems I can't sleep much past 9 now. Even though I crave more sleep. Hm. Baby Sadie's hoodie is arms away from completion. It's rocking along nicely. I noticed that I did make a mistake on it. Right after where I divided for the fronts and back. The pattern calls for garter stitch on either end for 4 stitches until the divide. On one row of the front I purled for 4 when I shouldn't have. Once again, like most of my errors, it's in the pit and I'm not ripping it back. I went up to the Michael's to see if I could pick up any Homespun for the sweatpant pattern in the Spring IK. Ugh. All they had were these colours. Eeek. Pink is not for me. Oh, excuse me, -rose-. Yak! Coral. Belongs in the ocean, not covering my butt. Need I say anything at all? I think I'll just order some online. At least then I may get a nice colour. I do notice that the colours are more intense than my monitor displays them. This could be a challenge. Today I'm going to be one of the 'ladies who lunch'. My girlfriends and I are getting together on the Drive. It gorgeous and sunny and I know it's going to be packed. I should have a snack before I go to meet them as I think we'll be having a very long wait for a table. Maybe I'll take my knitting. Either way I'm going to enjoy the sun!

What time is it and where am I? Home!!!!! Yahoo! A day off! A 3 day weekend! I'm unsure of what to do with myself for all this time. Not really. First things first. I'm going knitting.

Alright, one guy down, one more to go! My hamster was having trouble at the end of the day. One of the staff moved my car and didn't put the anti theft device back on the steering wheel. So when I went to go home I put it back on the steering wheel and then started the car up to go home! Hm...that's not going to work... Baby Sadie is left front done and right front almost. It's a quick knit. If I get to have a weekend this weekend I'll actually have time to finish it! We'll see.

I've been away because I don't want to blather on about how crappy my work life is! It freaking sucks! I had to go to work on Saturday so another 6 day week for me! So I fired one guy today and may fire one or two more by the end of the week. It's not fun at all. That is until 4:30pm today. I have a new celebrity boyfriend. Isn't he adorable? Cuba Gooding Jr.! Thank God I got to shake his hand before I really recognized who he was! The Small, Strange One and My Ty were with me and they thought it was pretty funny to see recognition dawn on my face. Actually it was fear! (Mind Mantra at that moment-I'm not wearing any makeup! I didn't brush my teeth after lunch! My breath, gum! God, is there a bat in the cave?!) After I figured it out I was all sweaty! And ladies, he is f-i-n-e. He's better than a chocolate sundae. Lord, I believe he's Chocolate Pudding! I love my job. I love my job! I love my job! Today, at least. I also started a new project. I'm still waiting for my yarn I ordered (still haven't heard squat) so I started a little hoodie for the newest baby. (Wait, she's not the newest as my penpal of 15 years just had a son.) Um, what do I call this one? Baby Sadie! And today I heard that another bun is in the oven for some other friends! What's up!? Did everyone decide that now is baby time? Is that going to make me freak out and want one of my own? I doubt it. I'm exhausted already, I don't need a kid to make my life more tiring. Anyway, here's the progress so far. And a close up of the eyelet stitch at the hem. It's pretty neat. It's a pattern from the first issue of Knit It! I also picked up a copy of the new Interweave Knits with the sweatpants that everyone seems to be raving about. I couldn't resist! Oh, I also received this news. Scroll down for the sordid details.

Ugh. I'm still here. It's just I've had to spend extra time there, at work. Spent my Saturday off, working. Totally, super, sucked! Now I have to see when I can schedule and extra day off. Maybe another 3 day weekend? That's a long way away! I'm waiting for my yarn for the J Crew. But I haven't been idle. I started a new little hooded cardi for another friends new addition. It's in a light lavender acrylic. I'm only about an inch into it but I will take a photo and post it tomorrow. There's really nothing exciting to tell. Oh Wait! Sarah turned 5 years old yesterday! Happy Birthday poopy dog!

Ha! Seventy bucks later and my one skein of yarn to complete the J Crew is on it's way! Along with 8 friends in the same type of yarn, just a nice solid colour for me! Woo Hoo! New guy, The Gatekeeper, starts tomorrow. (It's too easy to guess his name with that as his callsign.) I think he'll work out well. We shall see. I had to buy him 2 neckties today. It's hard to buy ties for a man you barely know! I really liked some of the classic striped ties but they were a little out of my price range. After all I hardly know him. Maybe after a year I'll splurge. Oh yeah, I got my notice for Jury Duty. Hm, is it rude if you fall asleep in the juror's box? These guys will sleep anywhere and all day!

Well, well, well. It seems that I can still get some of the J Crew yarn at the website that T linked me to. It's -only- $6.80 a skein. Highway robbery! Shipping for my one lonely little skein of yarn will be $7.00. More than the yarn! So I guess I'm going to -have- to put together a substantial order to make the shipping cost worth it. Can you believe ordering more yarn was the guy's suggestion? I love that man of mine!

In this moment of anger at myself, I must quote Rock Chick. "Fuckity-fuck-fuck-fuck!" I seem to have miscalculated how much yarn was needed. Or the kid grew faster than I anticipated. This yarn is discontinued and they're sold out at the Wal-Mart I got it from. So the sweater will only have one arm. Maybe there's a needy amputee child out there who would like a hand knit sweater? All is not lost, yet...Terri left a note in my comments that had a link to where to get some more. I'll explore that after I finish this post. Aarrrrgghhhh! I also see in my weekend off that Nora has started on her Cabled Hoodie Pattern. Made me envious she did! Maybe that will get me over the heart break of the J Crew. Hm. Also, I found that sometimes there's no room to knit in this place! Look at Sarah stick her tongue out at me!

Mommy's knitting. She'll tell you about it later.

What day is it? Do I really get to stay home and away all day today? Yipee!!!!!!!!! Good thing because I got lots planned. Like knitting. I also want to visit the new thrift store that opened up down the street. I want to cook something wonderful for dinner. I wonder if the artichokes are any good at the store. I have to touch up the colour on my hair. I may send off the Baby Cable (finally!). Dogs need baths and toenails trimmed. Maybe I'll just knit today. Survivor Histrionics last night. Had lunch with the owner yesterday. He talked, I ate. Everything he said I had to agree with. I'm going to have to bring the hammer down on my staff. I'm always the first to greet someone as they enter. Maybe I'll keep my mouth shut for a few weeks and see what happens. See if they get it and pick it up. And I have to deal with Big B. I know he was frustrated with someone else but it landed in my lap. Egad! Ahhhhhhhh...3 whole days away from that! (insert crazy dance here!)

What day is it? Day 10 if I remember correctly. I almost had a meltdown today. My Big B was being contrary (I know, how unlike him) and I almost burst into tears! I managed to keep it in check, barely. So I did a little pro active planning. I decided to take Friday off. I asked my part time boy to take my place on Friday. Yipee! 3 days away from the madhouse! Everything seems to be blurring together. American Idol was a washout again last night. Ugh. Tonight is the premiere episode of the miniseries Kingdom Hospital starring my Andrew. Filmed here! I'm kinda sad that it's starting tonight. That means my dear, sweet Andrew is not going to be around for much longer. Sigh. J Crew lingers in the pits. I've only made about an inch more on it. I plan to put some serious focus on that this little long weekend too! One more day!!!!!

I know you can be put in jail for animal abuse...but what about when your pet abuses you? What happens to them? As I was getting ready to go to the hockey game the other night the girls heard Big B outside the fence. They -love- Big B. So they started to bounce around and swarm and bark and whine. I ordered them into the kitchen and told them to stay. Somehow in the melee I ended up with (Warning! This is a link to a graphic image! If you are at all queasy don't open it!)this. Here it is from another angle. Today it's almost black. Surprisingly it doesn't hurt. The initial welt did. The darkside of greyhound ownership. It was day 8 at work today and I have no patience. None. That's why I'm home now. I was sent home by my staff. The good kids are working today. The grateful ones. The ungrateful sots are up at the end of the week. Yipee. Here's a work ethic question. You work in a rental car office and have tickets to a hockey game. That means you have to leave immediatley after you shift ends. As you're closing up you accidently lock the keys in a vehicle that's running if front of the parking lot gate. You decide that it's too much bother and you don't have time to call a tow truck before the game, so you leave it there. Running. Then you decide that you don't want to take your own car to the game. You'd like to take a $50,000 SUV. You don't ask anyone if you can rent it for the night. You just take it and leave your own car in the parking lot. When you get called on your cell at 10pm because the police have called the manager to let her know about the running pick up, you say that I forgot about the pick up. Then when the manager calls back to say I checked the car control and there's an SUV missing, do you know where it is? You say that it was a vehicle replacement for another office and I forgot to write it down. Then when you get called back and told that I know you have the SUV because your car is here in the parking lot, you finally admit that you have the SUV. Then when you show up with the SUV it's apparant that you're drunk. Should you be a)fired, b)charged with auto theft, or c) both? Can you freakin' believe that? Truth, no word of a lie. What the hell is up with the youth of today? J Crew finally motors along! I'm just at the pits (bottom of the armhole, if you prefer) and I'm so glad I had time to work on it. Did you watch the Oscars? My two 'poor dress choice' picks. I'm tired, makes me cranky and catty.

Sometimes I wish that people could move in and out of their homes and apartments anytime. Not just the 15th and the 30th. Or in this case, the 28th and 29th. Working for the truck rental company is insane. We have been so busy and I'm tuckered out. I went in yesterday morning and helped out till about 11 and then I'll pop down today to help with the month end inventory for a couple hours. It never freaking ends. Then when I decide to take a day off to make up for the fact that I've worked 7 days this week I'm going to get flak from my staff. Ungrateful liitle whiners! I love 'em but sometimes I'd like to put my foot in their butts! Last night I went to see the Canucks play the St. Louis Blues! In the suite! With free food and free drinks! It's the one night where we get the transpotation coordinators that use our company together for a little thank you. It's always fun and some of those boys are gosh darn cute. So it's not a bad way to spend a Saturday night! Especially when we WIN! Yeah, Canucks! Fact: Last night was their 73rd consecutive sell out game. Hm, somebody's making money. I haven't picked up a stitch on the J Crew. I'll work on that today. I'm already thinking about my next project and I have no idea what it will be. Nice to have a chance to peruse all my knitting books again. With the Oscars on tonight I should be able to knock off a good chunk of knitting. Yipee! Well, here I go. Off to work again. Day 7. Thank goodness for this to come home to!

Forget Wednesday! Thursday sucks! Another freaking mental day today. It seemed like just as I got the last rush put away and all the trucks parked that there were 5 more turning into the lot! One of my car wash boys called in sick, another is off for two weeks due to his high blood pressure, another office called and asked to take another one of my boys for half the day leaving just My Ty to deal with the chaos. My Ty sucked it up and dealt with it. I -love- him. We both think along the same lines. The "let's just get it done' line of thought. Man, I am tired. No progress on the J Crew. Well, some if you consider 2 rows progress! Survivor night! Woo Hoo-o-o-o....I can't believe it. I'm too tired to care. I need puppy hugs. With a little kitten on the side.

Wednesdays suck! It's the one day of the week where we're shorthanded in the office and it seems like even though the reservations are few, it's stinking busy all day with a million walk ups and drop offs! Yippie-ki-yeah! I think there's a better way to spell that. Hm. My hamster is down. I cast on for the J Crew. I'm using a Red Heart yarn called Misty. I tried to search for it on their web site but it's not there. No link, sorry! Very nice to work with. Surprisingly as it's mostly acrylic. It's blended with 25 percent rayon and that's what gives it it's softness. The colourway is called Seaside Heather. Nice blue tones variegated through. I'll post a pic when I have enough done to give it credit! The guy brought me home boconccini. I see a tomato, basil salad in my immediate future. Yummy! In the pic I posted of the guy and Ella mugging on the couch I don't think anyone can see the face Ella making. So here's what she really looks like. Pea brain and all.

I was told the owner was going to be coming by today. So I ran around and cleaned up and made things all neat. Then I got a call that said he wasn't coming. Then he showed up! It was still tidy. Niiiccee. And here's the moment you've all been waiting for! Ladies and Gentlemen! Let's hear it for the Little D Cardi!!!!!! I'm ready for my close up, of my fabulous increases! Last, but not least, the money shot. I'm positive that Little D will love it! Now I'm casting on for a sweater for her brother. Little J. Actually he's bigger than his big sister so I think I'm just gonna call the next project J Crew. No copyright infringement intended. His name starts with a J and I'm making him a crewneck. Simple, no? American Idol tonight. I'm taking a spoon with me into the living room so I have a way to put myself out of my misery if it's anywhere near as bad as last week. Egad! Finally a pic of my kid. Monk.

Lookit what happened over the weekend! Sadie came along! My dear friends J and A welcome home their second child! I'll start on your sweater next week, sweetie! The Little D Cardi is so close to finished! I have a good reason why it's taking so long. See? I have to knit around this! Don't try to move the mom glommer Sarah. She's a master at becoming dead weight when it's deemed appropriate. Sigh. I do love the colourway of the Little D. Not for me but ever so pretty. I spent most of the weekend chasing around the furkids with the camera. Someone was suffering puppy picture withdrawl. So we're good for a while. No panic. Here's a pic for my dear Am-ers in Korea. I hope you laugh till you wet your pants! It's the guy and Ella mugging for the camera. Happy, Funny, Monday!

Last night instead of getting one of my usual brands of wine, I decided to try something different. I picked an italian red that was a little more expensive than what I usually get. Note to self-More expensive does not always mean better quality. Yuck. I don't like it. I really like a full bodied red wine with lots of stuff going on. The one I got is kinda like a red white wine. Dry, very acidic and ew. I didn't like it so much that after one glass I decided to have a beer. If you know me, you know it had to be pretty bad. Had to go into work today for a couple hours. Can I just work a couple hours a day, 5 days a week? What a breeze! We went for brunch today at a new little coffee place that opened up in da hood. Very nice folks and great food. I'm stuffed. The latte's are high octane goodness. I had the shakes for a while after I drank mine. Whew! Little D Cardi is a quarter of a sleeve and buttonbands away from completion. I talked to the guy today about ripping apart his Black Acres and making something else. He gave me a little insight as to what he'd like in a sweater. If it's a hoodie it has to be BIG. Not a wool sweater because it's too hot. Cotton's okay but gets saggy quick. Who knew he paid attention to all those things? Maybe later this week I'll rip that out. It'll only be the second or third time that yarn has been knitted up and ripped back. Sigh. Off to complete the Little D Cardi!

Today is one of those days that is just fabulous. The sun is shining, the office girls are happy, customers are happy. Makes the day go faster, and smoother. Little D Cardi is down to the last half an arm. I will take the camera home this weekend! After all I haven't posted a pooper pic in a long time. Survivor so totally rocks. I love this show. This time everyone seems a lot calmer. There's not a lot of scheming yet. Everyone knows what's going on and I think they're playing it close to the vest. Rupert is losing it I think. I think the sun has fried his brain. And Rob C., poor, little, nerdy guy, was ready to cry as he got voted off last night. Hee! Apprentice is interesting. I just get sucked in at the prospect of seeing The Donald and his hair! How does it stay like that? I've seen footage of him in gusty winds and it stays in place! Eeeek! Already anticipating the next project. I'm thinking of having a little froggy party with Black Acres. I don't think the guy's gonna wear it. So now I have to think about what to make him. Hm...

I got a call from the employment insurance office today. It seems lil sis has applied for -medical- EI. Seems she had to leave her job due to stress. Excuse me? You never came to work and when you did you were late! Okay, I exaggerate, but puh-lease. I haven't called mom about this yet but the more I think about it, the more steamed I get that she is going to take advantage of the system. That she's not facing up to the responsibilities of being a grown up. I'm afraid she's going to be one of those ladies at the welfare office with the big hair that knows how to get every penny she's eligible for but won't use the same knowledge to get a job. Grrrrrrrr. We promoted the Small Strange One to my old job! Yahoo! That means I have no job to go back to....wait a minute...was that a good idea? Of course it was! I think. I finished the one sleeve on the Little D Cardi last night. Tonight, I try to conquer the other. I will finish by the weekend for sure. Next projects in the wings are kid and baby related. I like that they're so quick to do. I think I need to focus on myself after this. I doubt it though. I'm a giver. What can I say? I picked up the new Knit It. Ugh. Sucks. As I was suffering through American Idol (should be renamed American Awful after last night) I found out that one girl, Marisa Joy is from my hometown! WooHoo! Good thing is that she was one of the best of the worst last night. I say she'll be top 3 tonight. Will she make it through? Mmmmm. We'll have to see. Anyway, I gotta give props to the homegirl! Almost everyone else was horrific. I hate to think of the great talent that the judges passed up and didn't put through to the finals. To be left with the lot they had last night was embarrasing.

Okay here's some grotty pics of my Little D Cardi from the weekend. I'm down to the ribbing on the one arm. Have a great day!

Phew! What a monday! Just got home from an all day meeting. At least there was dinner at the end! It was good though. Managed to work out some direction for the future. Little D Cardi is about an arm and half with buttonbands, to go. I'll plod along more on it tonight. I requested virgin Ceasars at the restaurant but the way my eyes feel I think they weren't. Yawn. Time for bed!

The guy is quite a catch. Friday he reminded me that I had said that I didn't need a present on Valentine's Day. He wanted to know if that was still the story. I could change my mind if I wanted to! So on Valentine's Day he spent the day with me knitting and watching PBS. Then this guy came on and he was hooked! Later that evening I was treated to this and it was amazing! I was speechless! I couldn't speak because I was devouring the whole plateful! Yummy! The Little D Cardi is at the bottom ribbing. I might be able to plow through an arm if I concentrate and don't get distracted by a Bottoms Up Bucket. I think it will be a quick knit. Maybe I'll reward myself with it after I finish the Little D Cardi. Hm...self bribery, isn't that a symptom of something?

Hey! Check it out! 2003 Finished Objects! Not 2003 of them just the ones I made in 2003. You already knew that didn't you?

I'm still here! It's been a -week- at work. Interviewing, staff melting down, insurance companies being difficult, studio heads being demanding..and this morning at 4 am was the kicker. Break in at the office. As the person who lives closest, I get the honour of attending. So after spending 2 hours there cleaning up broken glass and strewn about computers, I came back home and went to bed. And I'm not going in later either. Yipee for me! I've knitted one row on the Little D Cardi. I'll make up for that later. I wonder if I can finish the body this weekend? We'll see. It's a beautiful sunny day today! Not a bad day to take off!

Houston, we have a problem.

The sun came out for a bit today! Yipee! We took the girls for a walk and started to see Spring everywhere. All the crocuses and tulips are starting to pop out of the ground. Buds are out on the trees. It's almost here! Little D Cardi plods along. This one is a bit slower than the crewneck because with the cardigan I have to work back and forth, knit one row, purl one row. On the crewneck it's just in the round, knit, knit, knit and you're done quick as a bunny. I'm almost to the underarms. A couple more decreases and I'm there. Went out to see the guy play last night. My brother came into town with some friends so we had some dinner and listened to the band. It was fun. Managed not to drink too much and get home by 1am. I finally slept in today! I've been having trouble sleeping in on the weekends for a while. I don't know why. Off to make some dinner. Mexican Chicken, Bean, and Corn soup. Actually it's more like a stew. Yummy, yummy, yummy!

I'm searching for the perfect dill pickle brand. I'm crazy about pickles or anything pickled. No, I'm not expecting, I just love pickles. I'm looking for something crisp, tart, dilly, garlicky and maybe a bit of heat (chile). I'm looking for the kind my Grandma used to make. My Mom swears she has the recipe but mom's pickles don't taste like Grandmas. No knitting on the knitting front. I picked up there new VK and think I may have found the perfect poncho for my dear friend Am-ers in Korea! It's got cables and fringe and a lovely shape! She'll love it! I'll pick up the Little D Cardi and work on it for the most of the day. Here's the Little D Hoodie I made for her a couple years ago. I'm not sure if that expression is joy or pain. It was a tight fit over her head! I'm up early today for some reason. I guess I'll have a nap this afternoon. Happy Saturday!

Deja vu. This afternoon the guy went to go to the store and I heard him calling me from the back door. The sense of urgency in his voice made me run. I heard him say that someone was dead. I thought he said "Buddy's dead!" I was in a panic. As I got to the door he said "Chico's dead." Chico is our neighbour's kitty. I stepped out onto the back porch and it was just like when Rainman was hit. Same kinda big orange kitty, same spot on the street, same type of injury. Took my breath away. Chico was a funny kitty with no street sense. Unfortunatley I always knew this was going to happen. He'd dart out into the street without looking all the time. He would get into our backyard and sit on the other side of the inner fence where the dogs couldn't get to him and just sit there. Drove the dogs crazy. He also used to sit on the other side of the gate and wait until Sarah would stick her nose out under it and then lay the smackdown on her. It was a quick trip to the Rainbow Bridge. Thank Goodness. Hug your pets.

All right, it's public retraction time. Yesterday I wrote that it was Evil Jerri that Terri had the hate on for. I stand corrected! It's Jenna M. the winner of Survivor Amazon that she refuses to let contaminate the pixels of her TV screen! What do you think I thought when I received this in the mail yesterday? Ah Ha! She's caved! She's all set to watch the encore episode tonight! I knew it! Bwwaaaaahhhh! The sweaters worth of yarn has arrived! I won! Woo Hoo! Wait a moment... What's this? and this? It seems I am wrong. She hasn't caved like a crying, tiny baby. She's just a nice lady who's sent me some of her stash. Dammit!!! I do -love- the yarn and those funky patterns! The hat one is a riot! We've been snickering all morning over them here in the office. A giant thanks out to her! If she thinks I'm going to lay off the taunting, she's got another thing coming. Here's my process on the Little D cardi. I'm enjoying it. It's a Red Heart Super Saver yarn. The colour is called Monet. 100% acrylic. Yummy! Perfect for kids! Last pic. I've got alot today don't I? I'm sure some people wonder why we call the Fish, Fish. Seems a little derogatory for a girl, doesn't it. Here's part of the reason. That's the back of her neck with her new tattoo!

oh-my-god! This is going to be the best Survivor ever! It's too bad that Terri has sworn off this one. All because of the Evil Jerri. I decided to make a wager with her for a sweaters worth of yarn from Elann that she would break down and watch the show. She swears she'll stay strong. I think it's a shame that we won't be able to enjoy the wisdom and insight of her post episode rants! I feel like she's denying her people. Tsk, tsk, tsk. I'd sure like to hear what she has to say about Richard Hatch shedding his clothes every chance he gets and how annoying Boston Rob is! And Evil Jerri has been quite contrite. Also why is she wearing the same swimsuit as last time? Circa 1983? Terri, can you shed some light? And now for something completely different... Sorry about the quality. But you get the idea. It's my new duvet cover. And I finished this! I love the way it turned out. I think the little guy will be very happy. I was so excited that I started Little D's sweater. I -love- this variegated yarn. It just has burps of colour along it. Not window rattling Coca-Cola burps but delicate hand to the face ladylike burps.

Superbowl Sunday! It's my last holdover of my Americanism. I became a Canadian Citizen of my own accord in 1990. It's a day to lay on the couch and drink beer and eat chips and not feel guilty about it. It's a good day. Mine is to question 'Why?' Who takes all the deposit envelopes from the bank machine station? What do they do with them all? When do they accomplish this? Where did they stash them? Why do it at all? Any other day they're falling all over you except the day you have to make a deposit. Must remember to take two next time and put one away in my purse. It's been a productive sewing weekend for me. I made the duvet cover I've had planned since Christmas. Took about an hour. Basically a big pillow case. I closed up the one end with buttons. I took a pic on the Clie and I'll post it on Monday. I also patched up Ella's dog bed. She likes her bed just right and will spend a fair amount of time fluffing and fussing to get it right. The drawback is that she wears holes in the cover. So I fixed them again. Lat time I just gave it a quick fix. This time I actually patched it up with additional fabric. I finished the arm of the top down. I'll finish up the other arm during the game. Then it's on to the next kid. Little D. I showed the guy the yarn I picked and he got all gooey. "Awww, that's so cute and the colours are so perfect for her and she's going to be so pretty!" I'm crazy about him. He's perfect.

I still haven't finished the little sweater. Arm and a half to go. But I do have fabulous hair! I'm convinced I have one eye bigger than the other and that I look like a bit of a dork. Saturday at work. One of the boys didn't show up today. He told everyone he was meeting his friends to party after work. Hm. We reminded him that it was month end and he needed to come to work. So far no call. So we call every hour and leave a message. The longer he takes to call or arrive the madder I get. Hey, I drank a bit of wine last night and I have a bit of a headache and I didn't want to get out of bed this morning but I'm freaking here on my day off to help. The least anyone can do is show up for their shift and be a responsible adult. Nuff said.

New Hair Update: My ears are freakin' freezing Pics tomorrow!!

I've earned an extra day! It seems my friends will be needing a rental truck for tomorrow. So I won't have to drop it off this afternoon! I'll do my best to finish up tonight and give it to them tomorrow when they come to the office. It's Saturday, you say? Yes...I get to work on Saturday. It's month end and I better pitch in. I may even get to work on Sunday too! Yipee! But look how cute it is! Oh yes! It's new hair day today! Pics tomorrow!

Good Lord... This was the one night I -had- to be home right after work. 5:45pm a man comes into the office and says (in a heavy accent) 'Call police. No money. Lost ship. Port.' Awwwwww, bloody hell! So 2 cop cars and an ambulance later we find out he's Turkish, speaks almost no English, has 1 dollar American and lots of Turkish money on him, and is feeling a little dizzy. Oh yeah, he's lost his ship and he smokes. I'll have to get the update tomorrow as I left Big B and the Small Strange One to handle it. The other thing was that police'men' can't park worth a damn. They park in the middle of everything! The policewoman parked perfectly out of the way but still close enough to access her car. Are we better at everything? Top Down is about 4 inches and two sleeves away from completion. I hope to get the body done tonight and start those sleeves. My imaginary deadline is Friday, remember? The girls are very complimentary about it. They are nice girls. My pooper Ella has been out of sorts. Monday night when I was getting their dinner, I was barrelling through the kitchen and told Ella to get out of the way. She didn't and her nose met my thigh. Quite a bonk! She yelped and then held up her leg that she broke a couple years ago. I checked her out and she didn't flinch as I poked and prodded. So I let her be. Later in the evening she went to lie down and was crying "ow!ow!ow!". I checked her over again and didn't find anything. She was shaking but no panting. She got up a couple times in the night and cried again as she went to lay down. I left in the morning for work and she seemed to be fine. No panting, no temp, no shivers. The big guy said she was fine when she got up but after she had her lunch she 'pup'chucked and then went and laid out on the hardwood floor. Very weird. By the time I got home she was a little better but still a bit off. So we had dinner over 3 hours. Only giving a bit at a time. She kept it all down and hasn't yelped at all. Today she seems to be back to normal. Hm. She kinda always looks like this so it's hard to tell if she's not feeling well.

I love this part! When you can visualize the finished product. The end is in sight! This yarn is faboo! It's Patons Canadiana in the Stained Glass Variegated colour. I really like the richness of it. It's the same yarn I made the Fish's hat out of at Christmas. I think it's going to wear like iron. I also made it a couple sizes larger than the kids wearing now. I want him to have it for a few years. I'm going to be out in this friends neck of the woods on Friday. I wonder if I'll be able to finish it by then. I'm not going to give myself a deadline but I will keep it in mind. I've been bringing it to work everyday and working on it on my lunch. Even though I may only knock off a couple rows it means I'm a couple rows closer to the finish. The Small Strange One has somehow thrown her back out and is away today. It's eerily quiet without her. Hm.

Look how lovely it looks when you do your increases correctly! Here's a closer look. Images from my Clie so not as clear as the boss' digicam. I'm at the part where I separate for the sleeves. I didn't do it last night as I was a little tired and I didn't want to muck it up. Add an 'f' if you'd like. I'm going to try tonight.

The top down raglan may turn out to be a sucess after all. Amazing that when you get it right it all works together and looks 'right'. Strange but true. I can't thank dear T enough for walking me through the problem I was having. So great that there's folks willing to help you out out there. I probably would have given up knitting at the beginning. I was getting so frustrated at my mistakes and not knowing how to fix them. Thank you everyone for helping me out! You may not know it but you did! Really! What Not To Wear has had an effect on the guy. He trimmed and tweezed his scary eyebrows this week! Very nice and kinda sexy. Subtle. I was very impressed. I think I'll die if he puts on a pair of khakis though. He's a blue jeans kinda guy. I also had to start a new binder for all my patterns I've downloaded. I have a 3 inch binder full! Now I've started another one. Will it still be cool to wear a knitted halter top when I'm 80? At this rate that's how long it will take to complete all I have now. Let alone all I'll get in the future! I may need professional help. Lazy Sunday. Hope you're enjoying it!

No knit pics today. There's nothing to show you. My little top down raglan is a thread of its former self. After a gazillion emails between Terri and myself it was sorted out and I am now ready to proceed correctly into this little stupid sweater. The things I do for my friends kids! If I get this figured out I should be on the right path to knock off a couple more in the same style and get my kid knitting out of the way for another year. It's funny to be able to see the mistakes in someone else's knitting. I was over at my moms and she was working on a very bright sweater for my neice. I could see that she had twisted her stitches when she attached a new colour. Me! Can you believe it? Did I tell her? I can't remember. It was a while ago. Today I purchased Rogue. I may participate in the knitalong over at Kate's so far as I may knit it at the same time. I have some Philosopher's Wool in a lightish purple. I think it's the grape colour. I've met both Ann and Eugene when they were here for a sewing and craft fair and they are very nice people. It's PBS day for me. So I'll tackle some laundry, knit and watch PBS. It's cooking show day! Love it. Did you think I'd leave without a puppy pic? How do they sleep like that?

Aw craaap. After seeking advice on my top down raglan from Terri, we've discovered that I am doing the increases wrong! Here's how not to do it. Can you see how the increases are twisting. It seems I'm migrating my marked stitch somehow. So I decided to RIPPIT all the way back and start again tonight.

Some days you just have to 'roll with it, baby'. I'm back to where I was on the top down raglan and it looks the same. Which I'm taking to mean that I was doing the increases correctly in the first place. Therefore, that, in turn, herewith, means that I would have been a lot farther along if I hadn't gone all froggie on it's ass. -sigh- Found out that my guy secrectly lauds my knitting to his friends. Sunflower was over the other day and he -had- to show her the Muppet Coat. She even tried it on! Who knew he flaunted my knit bits when I wasn't around? Repeat after me...Best guy e-ver! Work is going good. The girls have it under control. It kinda feels like I'm not needed sometimes. That makes me feel a little sad, and glad at the same time. Lord knows I deserve a bit of a break. Year of the Monkey. May he live long and prosper.

Okay, okay, okay. So I went to add buttons to my Muppet coat. All good. Then I decided that I needed a closure at the very edge of the collar. Just in case it was really cold I could close up the neck. So I added a crochet loop and a button. Too bad they're on the wrong side! It should run right over left. I did it left over right. Who's a dumbass now? It's all me, baby! Rippit, rippit, rippit. I had a little froggie party last night. My top down raglan was looking a little weird. Instead of doing a simple M1, I thought I'd be a smarty pants and do a lifted increase so there was no hole. Dumbass again! Looked like hell! So I'm back at the beginning of the increases. Which is to say, nowhere. I hope to get back where I was yesterday tonight. Anyone feeling a dog picture drought? Pop on over here. Ella and the guy give it two thumbs up!

How the hell does this lady knit so fast? I thought I was doing good but she's knockin' off projects left and right! My little top down raglan seems to be coming along well. I've started my increases after the neck and I think it's working out okay. I also was over at Wal-Mart today and ended up buying more yarn! I found some kid coloured yarns and realized I should make my little friends D and J something that fits. I made a couple sweaters for them when I first started knitting and when it said pick up and knit 75 stitches for the collar that I thought it was okay to do only 65 stitches. Yup, the neck of the sweater barely fit over their little heads. Would've been better if they had no ears. You know what I mean? I think I have pictures somewhere of those. So I'm going to try again. I picked up nice and soft 100 percent acrylic yarn too. Last time I used a wool blend and it was too itchy. Live and learn. Ungrateful liitle brats! Just kidding. They are my favourites out of all my friends kids. Puppy pic of the day. Ella.

I can't remember the words to The Muppet Show theme song but hum it your head for me! I love it! Next a top down raglan for another friends kid. I did my swatch last night. Yes-I said swatch. New Years Resolution #2-Swatch before every project. I'm noticing a trend here. All the other couples are having babies. Not me! No worries, I get to be Auntie Ande to all of them. It's too fun! I'm trying my hand at matchmaking. I spied a very beautiful cat over at Michelle's.I really think her kitty and my kitty should hook up! Who could resist this? And he's neutered!

Okay, okay, okay. It's really finished now. Can I say that even though I haven't found buttons for it yet? Pics will be posted at 6pm PST. It took me 10 days to finish. Does that mean I'm a fast knitter? Who knows? Have a great day! See you at 6!

It's finished! Well, almost. The Muppet Coat needs to be seamed and the collar needs to be added on. I did finish all the weaving in of the ends and I think it's gonna be grand! I just about sweat my socks off while I was working on it! That alone makes me very happy as I'm always freezing. Photo shoot this afternoon! Pics tomorrow! So lil sis wasn't in an accident she just didn't call in. She was working at her other job and forgot her cell phone and didn't really know if she was scheduled and couldn't get a hold of Big B and didn't think to call anyone else and and and. I decided that we'll just end it here. I'll have her record of employment sent out with her final paycheque. I sleep better when the guy is working in the studio. It's directly under the bedroom and even if he gets noisy I don't wake up and I sleep through the night like a tiny baby. Aaahhh. I also found a new favourite treat. Edamame. Yup. Soybeans. Yum! I get mine at the Japanese foods store in the freezer section. Already parboiled you just defrost and enjoy! Holy Yum! I love em. Seaming Muppets are calling me!

Lil sis is supposed to work one day a week until we find someone to replace her. Last week she called in because she had an interview. This week no call. I called her but got her voicemail. Should I be worried or pissed? So I was watching The Apprentice last night (I think I have a sick fascination with Donald Trump, it's the hair) and I was shocked at a comment that was made. Two girls (one white, one African American)were snapping back and forth and (the African American) one said something like you don't have to be a bitch about it and the other (white) girl threw back the old saying 'Ain't that the pot calling the kettle black!' All of a sudden it was a race issue. The African American girl was accusing the other girl of using racial slurs. I'm, like, wait a minute, did I miss something? Does someone need to explain the history of the saying? That it's from a time when we (all) cooked over open fires and all the pots, pans and kettles got blackened with soot? It was an interesting moment to see. I felt that it was taken out of context. That what the (white) girl was saying is that 'You're being a bitch, too!' Interpretation. Hm. The guy is off for a week. But he's promising to work in the studio and record some of his new tunes. Phew. I don't think I could put up with a week of 'crankypants'. He seems very happy to be back at it. Yahoo! Muppet Coat moves ever forward to completion. A sleeve and a half and a collar to the end. Not far now! I was also over here and I spied this. Good God, a hoodie with cables. I think I died and went to heaven.

What a surprise! Today I received a nice email from this lady encouraging me to actually pull this out and take a stab at it. Maybe...maybe. It still frightens the hell out of me. My Muppet Coat is almost finished. I really do believe by the end of the weekend I'll have it done and ready for the big reveal! Oh crap, I've got to go find buttons for it. Sheesh. There is -no- fabric store near here. If there is I don't know about it. I saw in the paper the All Star Survivor list. Evil Jerry's going to be on! I don't know how I'll be able to stand watching it. Maybe she'll get booted first! I'm going to have to watch to find out. Unlike Terri who swears she won't watch. Anyone want to wager?

HooWee! This boy gets cuter everytime I meet him. Next time I must ask for a photo. Last night the guy and I went for sushi at our favourite place. It has one of those conveyor belts that runs the sushi around the bar. Love it! He once again asked me to see LOTR:The Return of the King and I again turned him down. I did let him rent Bad Boys II and we howled! It was pretty funny and I thought the action sequences were great and real. None of that crappy digital imagery that doesn't look right and what they used of it was perfect. The guy woke up at 3 am and started to look out all the windows. I woke up and was thinking "Are we getting broken into?" He came back to bed and told me that he swore he heard gunshots or some -big- firecrackers. Yep, I heard it on the news this morning. Those were gunshots! Yikes! A block away from our house! What the heck is this world coming to? And last note I just set my favourite pot on fire. I had my artichokes in the steamer basket steaming away and forgot about it. Guess what happens when there's no more water? Fuck me. That's the second time we've tried to kill it. The guy's done it once too. Sheeeit.

As I said in a previous post, no pictures of the NYMSC until the project is completed! I've decided to rename it The Muppet Coat. It's not really hairy but brightly coloured like my furry Muppet friends! I did show my swatch I did for it to the girls (don't pass out-I did a swatch!) and they thought it was pretty great. They were surprised I was making something for myself! Besides the usual weekender stuff, slippers, hats, scarves. So far I've done the back, right front and am about 1/4 into the left front. At this pace I could be done by next week! So I do have photos that involve knitwear. Here's the Monk on the guys tummy. Please note the beautiful hand knit sweater he's wearing. One of my first. This sweater also doubles as a dog warmer. Toasty Ella! And here's how Sarah feels about all the attention everyone else seems to be getting.

Ugh...I may never eat again! I'm still full! It was soooo good. And now there's lots of yummy leftovers. -sigh- Update on NYMSC later. Watched Out of Time last night with Denzel Washington. He hits my yummy list too. Aside from him the movie was so-so. I thought it dragged a little and the action was just kinda there. Nothing too exciting. Well, except seeing Denzel's cute heinie jogging away from the camera! He's my new chocolate sundae. Mm-mm-mm.

The guy has the night off! Yahoo! We're going out for dinner. Memphis Blues BBQ House. I can't freaking wait! The guy also wanted to see LOTR: The Return of the King but I don't think that after being on my feet all day I should spend my whole night on my ass. So we'll rent something. That way I can KNIT! I have no idea what's happened to me this year but I'm sensing lots of projects getting completed. I also wanted to say I can't help but gloat about my Sasquatch Slippers. They totally rock! Off to the NYMSC!

One last pic of some happy feet. They are sooooo comfy and warm! Now I'm onto a new project. I decided to make the 'Not Your Mother's Suit Coat' from The Purl Stitch by Sally Melville. It's going rather quickly. I'm using yarns held together. A black and a hot pink with strands of blue, yellow and orange in it. It sounds scary and it looks it from this photo on my leopard print chaise but it really is pretty neat. No more photos till it's finished I think. I may scare myself out of finishing it! Last pic. 'How many times have I told you? Don't eat the puppy!'

They're finished! Well worth the wait I think! Here's the clogs pre-felt. This pattern is available from Fiber Trends. It's really easy! That's me doing some funky yoga to get my foot on the washer! Here's the original pair I made for the guy. I used Lopi as suggested in the pattern but I wouldn't recommend it. As you can see from the pics it just doesn't work. Maybe if you didn't double the yarn as called for in the pattern. Dare to compare! I made these using Patons Classic Wool. Felts beautifully and knits up great! Aren't they gorgeous! Now what am I going to do next?

If you're talking to someone on the phone and asking them math questions about taxes and total bills and Provincial Rental Levy while the office is a zoo and they give an incorrect answer do you say 'What are you? Stupid?' to their ear or do you come up with another way to tell them they're wrong or suggest that they sound distracted and ask them to call back after they've had a moment to look at it? I guess not everyone realizes that if you're nice about a customer service issue it'll get you way farther than being a bitch about it. The guy's offering leftovers for dinner but he's calling it Glop. Sounds yummy, doesn't it? I have not finished my Sasquatch Slippers. I was too tired last night to do anything other than pick up the stitches around the edge of the sole. I still don't know what to do next. Do I do another Kid-sized Cable for the ex's other son right away or do I do something for me? Yep, that descision was hard. Now what am I going to make for me?

Craptastic! That was how the day went today. We have had a heavy snowfall warning in effect since last night. Temps started out today at -9 and have slowly risen to just below 0. A nice fluffy dump started at about 9 am and continued through most of the day. At the end of the workday it was freezing rain. Nice. I think my toes are beginning to thaw out. My head is still itching from my toque. I'm also tired of answering every call with "No, I'm sorry I'm sold out of SUV's today." I really will finish the Sasquatch Slippers tonight. I just have to make the outer sole and then felt. The guy rented A Mighty Wind last night. Ha! I thought it was great. I've loved Christopher Guest since Waiting For Guffman. Eugene Levy was fantastic and really managed to bring a lot to his character and made you feel his emotions. Really!

Beware! Large knitting content! Le Cable du Bebe! Can you see my mistake? Doesn't bother me that much. This will be off in the mail tomorrow! Next! Ooga Booga Bag! Here's the blocking photo off the Clie. Here's the finished product! A beauty! Now, about the weather. -14 degrees is just a tad chilly for me! The Sasquatch Slippers should be done tonight. I'm on the cuff of the second slipper. That and the sole plus a little felting action and I'm going to have happy, happy feet! Stay Warm!

I finished the Baby Cable! I washed and blocked it and it didn't come apart! Pictures tomorrow! I also started a pair of Sasquatch Slippers for myself instead of Fuzzy Feet. Hellooo Harry and the Hendersons!

More snow! Only about 2 cm for us but it's cold! Our neighbourhood has become a skating rink. It's solid ice on all the side streets and a JOY to try and drive in! So I'm not. I made the guy drive to the mall and then I escaped to the italian deli and back safely and will stay holed up in the house. I finished to Ooga Booga bag and have already received a compliment on it. And it wasn't from the guy! I'm thinking of shortening the handle and making it more of a hand bag than a shoulder bag. I'll think about it. I've finished the collar of the Baby Cable and all that's left is the seaming. I picked up some more classic wool and will try a pair of felted clogs for me. I also picked up this book. I love this cabled hoodie on the front. I have some indigo dyed cotton that I think would be fantastic for this. I also have some grey Lion Brand Wool-Ease or I even have some Philosopher's Wool in a great plummy/purply shade. So now I fret about what to do next.

So much for 4 days away from work. The owner called a meeting for today. As usual it was a 2 and a half hour affair. We got lots accomplished and determined what we're going to do for the next few months so it was good. My boss is so funny. He says he's going to 'beat me up a little' in this meeting by pointing out something I did wrong. I braced myself for the worst. I was wondering 'How did he find out about that?' but it was, well, nothing. I said 'That's it? You said beat me up. I didn't feel a thing!' He said 'We love you and think you're great! Got another letter today from a customer naming you for great customer service. Here's $50!' Woo Hoo! Point me in the direction of the nearest yarn store! The Ooga Booga bag has been felted and is on it's shoe box drying. Looks good! The neon green is just a nice thin stripe. I was going to stop at the office and pick up the camera but I missed the exit off the freeway. I did get a shot on my Clie but the colours are totally washed out. Also! Finishing the neck shaping on the Baby Cable. I plan to finish up that little one tonight! I was procrastinating because I had to work the cable pattern and bind off and do decreases all at the same time. Scary! So far, so good. I'm counting and keeping place. Thar She Blows! I seem to have blown a toe in my Fuzzy Feet. Damn, I guess I'll have to make another pair. I was thinking of getting some wool to do a pair of felted clogs from Fiber Trends. Paton's Classic Wool should work very well. I used some Lopi for a pair I made for the guy last year and it turned out rather badly. They just wouldn't felt down enough! We call them the Sasquatch Slippers because they're brown, huge, and very furry. I need a picture of them. Maybe I'll put my $50 towards a digital camera. I'm sure I can get one that works for the blog for cheap, cheap. Maybe I'll just bring the one from work home again. That one's free. We're starting a new contest at work. If you fill out your sales tracking paperwork and are applying the steps in the sales process you'll get a raffle ticket for each service you sell. It's a 3 month contest. I LOVE coming up with stuff! First months grand prize, a DVD player, second month's grand prize, a TV, and third months grand prize, a Playstation 2 or X Box! There will also be spot give aways of movie passes and the like. Sometimes it's fun to be the manager! Off to Baby Cable Land!

Happy New Year! I hope everyone's was safe and happy! We spent a quiet night at home. Actually dragged out a word game called Razzle and played it together. I kicked the guys butt. And I wasn't even trying! I'd find a couple words but I'd wait and let him win a couple. Even so the score at the end was 10 to 1. It was cat and mouse. I told him when we started I played to win but I don't think he really grasped the concept! So maybe we shouldn't play anymore word games. I think I'll go get new questions for the Trivial Pursuit game. We do have Scrabble though. I love words, can't spell them very well sometimes but I do love word games. I wonder if it comes from all the reading I do. I've been a voracious reader all my life since I was very young. In elementary school I can remember going to the library and checking out 14 or 15 Pony Club paperbacks and being back 2 days later having finished them all. It's funny. My brother hates to read and my sister wasn't a big reader either. Maybe, back then, I read to escape all the crap. Hm, the blog brings insight. Cheaper than therapy! Working on the I-cord for the Ooga-Booga bag. I had to put the Ooga in because the colours in the Kureyon go along fine then NEON GREEN comes out of nowhere. I just don't get it. I've had a fear of variegated yarns forever. I like the look of them in a skein but can't handle the knitted version. I was getting over the fear when I bought the Lo Tech pattern and some variegated yarn from Bonne and finished up my LoTech last year. And then I did up the Jester Hat for the Fish. I guess it's love/hate. I do like my Ooga-Booga bag. Maybe I could manage a top down raglan out of the Noro. Hm.

I've decided that I never, ever want to work another Eve. I don't care what holiday it is, no more Eve's for me! I rented an SUV to a guy last week. He had booked a mid-size car and I told him we had other sizes available if he's like to step up. He decided on a Suburban. It was $75 more per day than the car he booked. So I pride myself on a perfect contract. I explain everything the same way. I write everything of note in BIG letters or numbers. I ask my customers if they have any questions several times during the transaction and at the end before I make them sign the agreement. So dude-a-roonie brings his SUV back and freaks out at the total bill! I'm, like, what part of the giant 129.99 a day I wrote on your contract didn't you understand? Did you think it was free? He said he did. It wasn't really him it was his wife, who wasn't in the office when he picked up the car. Fuck, I was steamed. Mostly at the fact that they blatantly accused me of lying to them. I've got way better things to do in my life than to lie to you. I am so indignant about this! Don't they teach people how to read english in the good ol' USA? And not even a freaking 'Thank You' when I discounted the rental for their ignorance. Fuck that! I usually don't get worked up but, argh, this one almost made me cry. Planning a quiet night off. My guy picked up Freaky Friday (I love Jamie Lee Curtis) and some wine. He's got some Dom chilling in the fridge. He's cooking me dinner. Here's to more in 2004! Be Safe Everyone. Have a great night!

I lost the previous post and had to rewrite it. I'm leaving the spelling mistakes in. I hope Terri understands!

It's snowing! Not the usual Wet Coast huge flakes but the fine dry snow that makes perfect snowballs and snowmen. I horror to drive in for those of us who see snow maybe once a year! I almost put my beautiful little car into the curb today on the way home! I was turning onto our street from the nice clear main road and made a small miscalculation. Thank goodness for the all wheel drive! I must remember to tell my boss how much I love my car! The flu has overtaken our office. Last week the Fish was out. Today the Small Strange One went home and the Whale (she's preggers, don't ya know) is suffering a little as she was sick on her days off. I went home early yesterday and had my nap between 2 and 4 and feel pretty great! Maybe it was the flu shot. Then again I think I may have started the whole thing a couple weeks ago. I'm still doing the mindless stockinette stich of the Booga J Bag. I think it may stall when I get to the I-cord. Man, I hate that. Someone send me a Magic Cord Maker! Please! I ran inot some friends of mine today and I realized I still haven't made their kid anything yet! I better make something for a 10 year old because it may be that long till I finish it. It was good to see them. I was the 'best man' at their wedding. Snoop Petey Pete was my prom date and I was his. How cute is that. He's such a great guy. I wonder if it'll snow all night? Theguy woke me up when he came to bed last night to tell me that he loved his Fuzzy Feet. I sound like a broken record but I love that man of mine!

My guy is so funny. Well he makes me laugh and that's all that really matters. I felted his Fuzzy Feet last night. They were about 15 inches long pre felting. He's got flippers I tell ya! I felted them down to 12 inches (a foot! Bwaaa) and then made him put baggies on his feet and squish into them. Perfection! He was wandering around all proud and posing! I know it's all for me. Sorry no pics. I didn't get a digital camera for Christmas. And I keep forgetting to bring the digital home from work. New Years Resolution #2-More pics on the blog. I received a wonderful letter from my father today. Along with a little Christmas gift. It was so nice to get the letter and read the latest update. He does have email but I don't think he ever checks it. I scheduled myself for 4 days off at the beginning of January. I find I'm tired all the time. I think I just need 4 days away from there. No popping by on my day off, no one day off here and another off there, just a complete, uninterrupted 4 days off. I was telling the guy that this year I had no time off. Like time off. Yes, we went to our cabin once a month all summer but we slaved! Worked so hard to get the place built. It was all work this year. It was well worth it but I'm tired. Next years gonna be different. Currently working on the Booga J bag. Maybe tonight I'll pick up the Baby Cable. If I procrastinate any longer the kid's gonna out grow it!

Yeah! A day off! Just one because one of the girls called in sick for tomorrow. The flu is going around the office and it's not a pretty one. Started the second Fuzzy Foot and doubt I'll finish today as now I have to do all my chores in one day. Here I am in the computer room procrastinating. Got a call from my father on Christmas Eve at work. That was very nice. We have communication interruptus and can't seem to apply ourselves to calling or emailing on a regular basis. I've been trying to call once month but you know how time is. It flies along and before I know it I haven't talked to him in 3 months! New Years Resolution #1-Keep in touch with my father on a regular basis.

What a great Christmas! I have the best boyfriend in the world. He spoiled me rotten and got me a beautiful 3 stone diamond promise ring. He promises to love me always! And this is after 7 + years! He's a keeper! I finished one of his Fuzzy Feet and will start on the other one tonight. I gave him yarn in his stocking and he just laughed. "Is this for you or me?" I get the joy of knitting and he gets the finished project! Oh, oh, oh! The guy also got me Sally Melville's "The Purl Stitch"! He said he didn't get me "The Knit Stitch" because I already knew how to knit! Ha! Great book with a ton of information and excellent how-to sections. Some pretty good patterns too! I'm a sucker for a knitted hoodie and the pattern in the book looks great! Work today was insane. Thank god I had yesterday off! We were open for 5 hours. We did a page of business. So if you multiply 5 times 60 we were open for 300 minutes. A page of business represents about 90 contracts. So that works out to 3 rental agreements a minute. Divided by 2 because there were two of us on the counter today. 1.5 a minute each. Holy Crap! And then we had someone call and ask us to stay an extra hour because they were running late! I told them I had nothing better to do tonight so I'd wait around for them. I apologized for being a bitchy pants when they arrived. They owe me big time. Actually we still had a ton of stuff to do so it wasn't like we were sitting there twiddling our thumbs waiting. Managed to get out of there about an hour and a half after we closed. We rented all the cars we had on the lot and there are none left! WooHoo! I hope some people return overnight so there's some for tomorrows reservations. I'm glad I'm not going to be there! Hope everyone's Christmas was merry!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Too cute! She loves it!

I survived the Family Christmas Dinner! I think only because it was finger food this year. Usually it's the giant spread and I have trouble getting up from the table after scarfing all that turkey and fixings! Scored some nice presents. My lil sis got my name this year. She got me a $50 gift certificate to the new yarn store in town! Now that's the coolest! By the way, she has apologized. My mom tries to buy me clothes every year and there have been many years of questionable outfits. The last few years she finally gave up on trying to put me in pastels and started buying classics in black. This year a beautiful pair of staight leg , low waisted black dress pants and a lovely ribbed black sweater. Classy. She also gave me some jewellery that my father had given her when they were married. One piece is a charm bracelet. All the charms tell a story and most of them have a date stamped somewhere on them. There's one for the birth of my sister, one for the birth of my brother, none for the birth of me...hm...a charm for the year my father got drafted, a charm from Vietnam, a bell charm that is flattened from when mom fell after dad hit her. Quite a family history. The best is that it does show that my mom and dad really did love each other at one time. That it wasn't all long sleeved shirts in the middle of a California summer.

First there were the dog days of summer, now I fear we've happened upon the dog days of Christmas. The days where the dog takes the unwrapped presents and snacks on them. It was a nice new paperback for the guys friend, now its a shredded disaster and someone's not happy. The culprit? Sarah. We think. When both dogs were present and asked 'Who did this?' only one went into a submissive pose and tried to leave the room slowly and quietly. The other wasn't fazed at all. Maybe Ella has a brain the size of a pea and doesn't understand good dog/bad dog. I think it's separation anxiety because it happened while we were out. But then again Sarah has alot of furry friends in this house. Maybe it's boredom. Who knows? She's currently serving her sentence in her bed. The judge has yet to rule on the time served.

I learned a faboo new thing yesterday that I have to share. You know when you get a cold and you have to blow your nose a lot? Even though you're using those super soft tissues with lotion you're still getting a red, sore (even dry and flaky (gasp)) nose? The solution? Lip Balm! No word of a lie. I had (gasp) nose day before yesterday. After a day of lip balm (applied twice) it is a beauty to behold! Far from it's beastly cousin who had appeared earlier! Remember...it really works. Crap. I made a mistake on the Baby Cable front. About halfway up on one of my side circle thingys I zagged my cable instead of zigging it. As I said it's about halfway up and I'm an inch from binding off. Do you think I'm going to rip it back? If you know me you'll say 'Hell, no!' but then you'll realize I'm sending this to my ex husband. 'Ah Ha!' you'll say 'You will make it perfect so he will see what a dork he was to let you go!' You really are very close. Truth is I'm leaving it in there. As a reminder that no one is perfect. Not even me.

Just a pic of the back shortly before I bound off. Isn't it nice? About 2 inches away from starting the neck shaping. I'm very happy with this project and I think it will be a big hit. Must remember to block it before I put it all together. Also had a request from my friend in Korea to make her a poncho. She's a nut. She would like it made out of snuggly yarn. I think I have a pearl grey coloured mohair/acrylic blend that might work. I just don't know about the colour on her. Hm. I'll worry about that after Christmas (that's only 10 freakin' days away!) when she returns from her month long holiday to Australia and New Zealand. Life is rough. I really do have to work a little today.

Don't panic! Remain Calm! After I did my swatch for the Baby Cable and measured it out according to the 'knit bible' It looks like I'm only about 1/2 a stitch out. Phew! It's the ribbing that's throwing me off when I look at it! Must remember ribbing stretches! I recommit myself to swatching before every project. Is it really Saddam Hussein? I'm sure George Bush wishes this would have happened closer to election time.

Sometimes I'd really like to kick my own ass. I'm so proud of my cabled masterpeice but as I was knitting the sleeve yesterday I was thinking to myself that babies are small but they're chubby, not toothpicks. And I had just completed a sleeve for a toothpick. So where did I go wrong? Gauge, baby! It's a baby sweater, why do a swatch? I'm a very snug knitter. I realized today that I will have to go up a couple of needle sizes to get it to be remotely right. A couple of whole needle sizes. Pattern calls for 3.5mm. Looks like I have to use 5.5mm. Is this right? And later when I have to switch to larger needles I'll have to go to 7.5mm! My row count is always almost spot on it's the stitch count that gets me confused. If I get the right row count in my swatch how do I adjust the needle size and get the width without wacking out the row count? Could someone explain this to me? I've read in my 'knit bible' about it but it's still not very clear. Maybe I need someone to show me. Please, I know you're lurking out there. I won't bite or stalk. Any suggestions or explanations? Anyone, anyone? Bueller, Bueller? I also have come down with a cold. So I won't be able to go to the Christmas Party tonight. Sucks. Colds suck. Christmas shopping sucks. Hell, the whole world sucks today. Did I mention I get cranky when I get sick? I'm off to the couch to read more about Gauge and see if I can get to know her better.

Let's get 2 things out of the way. 1.Lil sis hasn't apologized. 2.My ultrasound is clear. That's all I want to say about that. The cable baby sweater rocks on! I'm about 3 inches from completing the back and I dropped a stitch somewhere in the middle and I dare you to try and find it. I compensated by picking up a stitch in another row. I'm very smug about this little project. It looks so complex. And I did it! Forget those beginner + patterns! Get me the intermediate and expert ones! Bring it on! Thank God the girls on Survivor finally got their shit together and made a descision! I'm going to go work on my little sweater some more!

I did it. I can cable! I can! I can! Isn't it gorgeous? Well, I think so. If you're ever confused get out the graph paper! Amazing! It's going to make someone a handsome little sweater. Ronald! Look away! I found out that some of my overseas friends read this. Yeah, that makes 5 people including me! Har har. They think it's pretty neat to read about my daily life and the goings on. Kinda like a phone call for nothing. There are good reasons to blog. For me I like to write but don't like writing. Or the task of getting paper and trying to write legibly. I am the daughter of a doctor and a nurse so you can imagine what the handwriting's like! I also like to 'write' the way I talk. I try not to get too wordy and I do forget my grammar but the truth is that when I talk I sometimes use no grammar either! I talk very fast when I sense that someone is on the same wavelength. Sometimes I misjudge and watch their eyes glaze over as I go right over their head with my fast talk. Now that's funny. Making some of my 1001 Spice Chicken Soup for the guy. I'm such a pushover this week!

The guy had his flu shot and has had 2 killer colds since. Man, is he cranky! I'm hiding in the computer room till he has to go to work. So far he's yelled at the striking ferry workers on TV, cussed out the scheduling of Friends at 7:28pm and told the dogs to get out of the kitchen even though it's doggy dinnertime! I'm glad I parked the car right or I may get yelled at! He makes me laugh! I am sympathetic, really! Abandoning the ZigZag hat. I'll just make the Jester Hat from the same issue of Knit It! Slightly sucks but I know it's going to be like a Far Side cartoon that you read and don't get. Years later it'll make you wet your pants! I'm being very good and using my graph paper to chart out my Aran sweater pattern (from the same issue of Knit It! I really do own more than one knitting magazine! It's just that there's so much good stuff in the first one!) I managed to trap myself in my office today with my chair. Well, I tried to behead myself with my desk, that seems like a more accurate description. I was reaching and managed to tip the chair over and sent myself flying! My co worker was in the office with me and managed to ask if I was okay. When I said 'Yep.' She went back to her book. Ha! No bruises but my pride was hurt. We also had a customer compliment the office on the great customer service she received. She thought we were professional, very friendly and that she wasn't dealing with anyone else ever. Wow! Thank you! Makes our day! On top of that I received notice from the head office that I just joined the $50 club. That's the club you join when a customer writes in about how great you were and you get $50! Nice way to supplement your income! I also did a good thing today. In our Production Office we hired a lady to be our accountant last year. She has been amazing. Taken on new tasks, picked up on things that weren't getting done, took on the payroll for the office and is a genuine pleasure to work with. I gave her and her husband a trip to Mexico today. Don't you want to come work for me?

Well, there you go. Lil sis will work part time till she finds another job. Thank the owner for giving her that lifeline. I was ready to fire her ass first thing this morning. Well, hey, I gave her the opportunity to move out of mom and dad's and get her own place and let's see where she takes it from here. I wish her luck becuase if she shows up late consistently at her next job, she's going to need it! Better things. KNITTY! I -so- love this magazine. I just had a quick glance over it all and thought there was some great stuff. I'll pour over in more detail another day. Epiphany moment-I was having trouble with the Zig Zag set from the first issue of Knit It again. I emailed Terri again and she mentioned that she had plotted out the stitches called for on graph paper! Pure Genius! It was a lightbulb moment for me. Not that it's helped in the construction of the zig zag hat, that's still suffering and I let the recipient know that it may not get completed this year either! I'm starting little aran sweaters for my ex's two sons and couldn't get past cable row 2. BING! Graph Paper! I can plot out the stitches and visualize it in my head! Amazing how the internet has helped me gain new skills in this craft! New word of the day: Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an asshole. (From the Washington Post's Style Invitational)

Why did I even bother? Lil sis was late again today. When she called in a half hour after her shift started I told her to stay home and think about whether or not she wanted to work here. I don't think she grasps how embarrassing to me the situation is. How she behaves does reflect back on me to some degree. I'm hugely disappointed and pissed off after this mornings stunt. That makes it 10 times in 12 weeks that she's been late. WTF is she thinking? To top it all off, aside from having to work by myself for a few hours, I had to call almost every employee in the company and wake them and their families up on a Sunday morning to see if they would take an overtime shift. You can imagine how popular I am today. Sheesh.

Okay, so here's a surreal moment from my ultrasound appointment. Last week when I was watching Sex and the City (as if you can't tell from the title of my blog that I love) Charlotte was going to the Chinese acupuncturist to facillitate her chances of getting pregnant. They were talking about the herbs that both parties had to take and such. The couple next to me in the waiting room happened to run into a friend that was so excited about their pregnancy and was talking to them about their encounters with a chinese acupuncturist! It was almost word for word from the episode of Sex and the City! 'Are you taking the herbs?' and 'You know that you both have to take the herbs.' I almost wet my pants! Then the guy was a real jerk. 'Why don't they tell everyone to show up at 9 then they'll just take them as they come.' I -so- wanted to kick him in the shins. Especially when the girlfriend/wife said in a tiny little voice 'Don't you want to see the baby?' I was pissed! Now that my ex's new baby has arrived and I think he's just a love, the guy has been weird. I love babies. I don't think I'm ready or want to have them. So this evening I was going on about the new baby and how beautiful I thought he was. Then the guy started to say something and then stopped. I pressed him about what he was going to say but he was tight lipped. What was he going to say? I'm all worried about my ultrasound results and don't really want someone to say 'Sorry, that's it, your time has passed.' Did I never think about kids before? Well, hell yeah! I just didn't think our lifestyle was the best for kids. I think I'm selfish about what I want and want to do. I don't think that a child in this world has a lot to look forward to. There's too much shit going on. I think I may prejudice that child. It's not fair. I always knew that my ex would be a great father. That I never doubted. I wanted us to be solid before we brought another life into a scary world. Unfortunatley, for us, we couldn't work out us. I am so happy that he found a wonderful woman to complete him. I'm a little sad it wasn't me. This is not to say I'm unhappy with my guy. I love him and appreciate him more and more everyday. Hello, that's what my grandfather told me when he met and married his third wife shortly before he died. Grandpa Jim and Grandma Irma were a perfect match. On their wedding day they wore matching PINK polyester! It was adorable. Sometimes it takes a couple tries before you get it right. I feel that way now. I have the perfect man. He's attentive, tells me I'm beautiful (a lovely thing for a Leo to hear) and truly loves me with all his heart. Now why am I so curious as to what he was going to say?

It's here! It's here! The Ex's kid has arrived! Welcome to the world.. Valentijn Waldemar Olivier! What can I tell ya, the Dutch like the interesting names! This one may have to grow up to be an author or an actor. Now what am I going to make him? I'm thinking matching set of sweaters for the little tyke and his big brother. I'm so proud!

Holy Craptastic Day! Muthafuhhhh. I got to work this morning only to find out that our interac/visa/mastercard/amex/everything machine went tits up and wouldn't respond to any CPR I gave it. We called the tech support for the machine and they told us it was the phone line. We called the phone company and they said it was the debit machine. A guy came out from the debit machine company and walked in and said "I knew when I got the page it was your phone line." Didn't look at anything and walked out. Phone guy came in (love him) and at least bothered to explain what was going on. So after 6 hours we managed to get the machine running. Then the computers went down. I missed that part because I was at the ultrasound place. Oh joy! Standing room only in the waiting area! No results yet, of course. As I was leaving I got in the car and reminded myself about the pole behind me and not to hit it. I looked and watched and hit the freaking pole! Damn was I mad at myself! Small mark on the bumper and the bumper moulding popped out about a centimeter. As I drove back to the office I was so upset! By the debit chaos, computer chaos, ultrasound chaos! I parked the car at work and got out and kicked my bumper in the spot where it was sticking out! Hey! Who knew my car could pop back together like a Snap-Tite model! Can't tell anymore that I bonked my bumper. It ended up an okay day after all!

Woo Hoo! The silent auction scarf went for $25!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another -busy- day at the office. Thank goodness the weather was nice. It really improves people's moving moods! We finally got toques at work. We've been asking for them for years. So after we get them the trainer for the company asked us to get a picture of ourselves in our toques. So in my weird sense of humour I tell the girls to put on their best Bob and Doug MacKenzie faces and we'll be hosers in our toques, eh? Now we find out that she wants to use them to show other franchises what we ordered. Hm. I think there may be a reshoot. Very tired after getting home at midnight last night and up again at 6am. I slept through my alarm and had to rush to get to work on time. I -hate- that. I also hate having to bust lil sis for not showing up on time. The shift starts at 9 not 10 past 9. She pulled the snotty attitude with me today when I mentioned it and blamed public transport. That only goes so far, my dear, take a freaking earlier bus!

Argh. I was so proud that I finished the hat for the silent auction ensemble! Too bad it was a waste of time! I used Bonne's beanie pattern and I altered it for the yarn I was using. Problem is I didn't add enough lenth to the brim or main part of it. It looks like a beanie. An old style beanie like the kid in Our Gang wore! Some days I wonder why I knit. I think I'll just take the scarf over and keep the fingerless gloves for myself. The guy thinks they look good so I'll wear them for him. What woman hadn't done that for a man in her life at one time!

How nice not to work for a couple days! I finished my scarf for the silent auction while I was at the doctor's office. Yes, I was knitting in public and I got 2 compliments! I think I may do that more often! Got my flu shot (ow) and the doctor decided I should go for an ultrasound to see why my left ovary is so cantankerous. I'm a little nervous. I also made a pair of fingerless gloves to go with the silent auction scarf but I'm not happy with them. I'm using a worsted weight yarn and it's just too heavy for a project like this. Definitely should have used a DK weight. So I'll sew up the ends and the thumbhole, stuff them and use them as cat/dog toys. Maybe I'll stick a squeaker in there too! Ha Ha! Currently working on the beanie hat to complete the set. I just can't go there with only a scarf. I heard news today that the founder of the rescue organization we got Sarah from has passed away. He will be missed. He did such great work and had such a quirky sense of humour. I'm sure the group will go on but it will never be the same.

I'm taking the day off. I justify it because I'm going to work on Saturday. It's more like a quiet day because I've had a bunch of stuff emailed from the office to do here where it's quiet. If I ever get to it that is. I have a doctor's appointment today to see if we can find out why my ovaries are torturing me. And I'm going to get my flu shot. Word on the news is that this new flu could go pandemic. That's a bit frightening. I've almost finished my scarf for the silent auction and do believe that I could do a hat and mitts before Saturday night. My only comment about Survivor is that what you put out there, whether it be through your speech, your actions, your behaviour, your deeds, will come back to you, good or bad. I try to be and behave the way I'd like others to be towards me. If I put enough 'good' stuff out there some's bound to come back. Have you noticed that miserable people are always having crappy things happening to them? Hm....Jon will get his in the end and I know he's the kind of guy that won't see himself on TV and go "I am such an ass!" and try to change. He's going to be sitting there thinking he's the coolest guy on earth. Sad, isn't it?.

Here's the auction scarf so far. Nice and simple. It's made from Bernat Boa. It comes in some beautiful colourways. I especially love the purply one called 'Parrot'. I can't remember what this one's called. After this I'm going to see if I have time to make a matching hat and fingerless gloves. Going home early today! Yeah! I'm going to stop for Pho for lunch. Life is good.

I must stop work on the Fish Hat because I have to do a project for the silent auction. Here's what I've done so far. I was a bit worried about where to attach the next colour but, once again, dear Terri has come through again. Did I tell you the pattern says 'Beginner +'? Freakin sad, isn't it. Another crazy day at work. One of my car wash guys is sick and lil sis is sick. Makes for mondo work. I was ordered to go on lunch so that's why I'm logging on from work. I also realize that it's month end this weekend. I guess that means no weekend for me. I'll take Friday off but work Saturday and then see if I can get someone to join lil sis and me for Sunday. Yahoo. No wonder I'm tired all the time. I'd take an extra day but I think I'd hear comments from the peanut gallery. I don't know what to do. I'm here all day, almost every day, 12 hours a day and it's not good enough for some people. I gave them the choice when our other girl left whether or not to hire someone or suffer through it and make a bit more money. Everyone voted money but I know they are hating the suffering. What to do? I'm eliminating the suffering and hiring another girl. She'll start in a couple weeks and I hope it will improve some moods around here. I brought my scarf project to work so I guess I get to knit a few rows before I head back!

So I got totally lost picking up the lil sis this morning. I have no idea what I was thinking. I wasn't thinking. That's what was up. I ended up in Westside when I should have just turned left on Main about 10 miles earlier. I managed to find her and get to work on time. Lookee! The Fish Scarf. Working on the hat to this set. I'm still a bit confused by the pattern but I think Terri set me on the right path. We'll find out tonight. I also realized that the Silent Auction is less than a week away and I've made nothing! ARGH! Must start working on that too. Well should go do some work here. TTFN

I spent over 20 minutes at the drug store trying to select an anti perspirant yesterday. There's w-a-a-y-y-y too much selection. One kind I think they should get rid of is baby powder scent. You're a grown up, not a baby! Pick something else! Now my pits smell of watermelon reminiscent of the Hubba Bubba bubble gum I used to chew as a kid. Interesting. I started another hat/scarf set for the Fish at work. I'm doing the Zig Zag set from the last Knit It!. I tried to do it for her last year but I had a problem reading the pattern. (Really? You don't say...) Yet again, my dear e friend Terri came through again. Thank Goodness she's a housewife now and has lots of time to help me with my questions! Ha! I'm working on the Zig Zag scarf and it's rocking along. I wasn't happy with my colour choice at first but after I completed two sections with the two different colours I find I really do like it. It'll bring out the blue in the Fish's eyes. As well as being a little bit phreak-ish. Kinda like her. Lil sis works with me at the office on Sundays. Lil sis doesn't have a car. Busses don't really run until 8-ish which means she didn't get to work last week until about 9. Sidenote: We open at 7am. So to avoid that tomorrow. I'll drag my ass out of bed and go pick her up at 6:15 AM! I figure if I have to suffer, so should she. It's all about equality.

She loved it! I knew she would. Who couldn't love a Baby Bear like him?

Why do I waste my time watching TV? I loved Rupert! But even I had to admit that in the first 2 minutes I knew he was outta there. I also have to say that I'd like to slap the smirk off Jon's face. He just makes me bristle at the sight of him! I finished my Baby Bear! I decided to give him to my girl at the office who knits. It's her birthday today. She'll really appreciate him. I'll make him a bow before I take him down to the office later today. And of course I'll post a pic of the cute little guy. I felt a little like a plastic sugeon on ExM as I had Baby Bear laid out on the table and I was sewing his little Muzzle on and stuffing it to get it perfect. Then sewing on the nose (Not too big-not too crooked) and fixing up the eyes. He probably could use a little touch up from a board certified surgeon but I think he'll blend in nicely and look 'normal'. Now for the laundry, knitting, shower, knitting, office visit, knitting, dinner, knitting. Looks like I've got my day planned out!

It is my pleasure to introduce my new pride and joy... Burgundy Baby Bear Blob! This is the body including the head and legs. I just have to make him some arms, ears and a nose and I'll be done. A simple seam down that back should finish him off. Very fun to do and really quick. If I wasn't watching so much crap on TV I'd probably be done in an evening. The coolest thing about the pattern is that you change the size of the bear by the gauge of yarn you use. A DK weight will give you a tiny bear, Worsted weight a medium bear and a chunky weight will give you a big bear. I think this is what I'll take for the Food Bank Auction. Sneaking on from work. Got to go!

I've 'met' some great people since I started blogging. I have to publicly thank Terri for helping out her -dumbass- e friend. I was stuck at the armpits of my teddy bear and she has saved me! I could have wallowed in those pits for a long time! I couldn't understand what the pattern was telling me to do. It didn't make sense. Knit 7 (Knit 2 together) four times. Knit 10 (Knit 2 together) four times. Knit 7. 2nd Row:Purl So I was all confused wondering how I was going to do that. Was it K 7 K2Tog,K7 K2Tog, K7 K2Tog, K7 K2Tog? If I had to do all this four times in a row shouldn't there be more rows? What the Fuhhhh? Now with the advice of the Great and Wonderous Sage it all makes perfect sense. And solidifies that fact that I Am An Idiot! Off to try some more -pit-tastic action!

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my ex husbands 2nd child. Am I wacked out or what? I can't lie. He's a fine looking man and if the first kid's any indicator the second is going to be a babe too! I finished the hat/scarf combo! I started a furry scarf for one of the other girls at work. I think that I might try a teddy bear tonight! That way I'll have something to do when I have to turn away from watching Fear Factor because it's so gross! Rave reviews on the new hair. Even from the elderly folks! Customers are so funny. Not just customers but people! They make me laugh and I know that they don't mean to. I think I've been in retail so long that nothing phases me. I better not say 'nothing phases me' because that means I'll get a doozy tomorrow! Example: One of the girls had a person today that was quirky. She pulled the 5 ton up for inspection and while they were inspecting it she stopped to show him how to use the electric gate and make sure that it worked. She reached out to the switch and the person stepped in front of her and the switch and pushed her aside! Wouldn't let her touch it! Even though he was doing it wrong! 'It doesn't work! It doesn't work!' Maybe if you let the staff show you first you'll know how to make it work. Funny, funny. I find myself that a fair amount of time when men are picking up a truck they will ask me if I need help to pull the vehicle up for them. Ha! Just makes me chuckle.

What an interesting day. Today I had to work a Sunday and do almost everything by myself. I'll admit I've relied (?) too heavily on my competent staff. Granted I haven't done some of the Sunday Stuff for years. Now since my Sunday girl has left I get to learn it all over again. AND little sis is there with me. She's a newbie and she's no help. Next Sunday should be better. Here it is! They're not the greatest. I had lil sis take them at work because my self portraits were awful! But you get the idea. Fuzzy pics because she was laughing at the goofy faces I was making! It is cool hair. Check out the swoop on the side! Still knitting the scarf for the scarf/hat combo for the girl who quit. Should be done tonight. Yesterday I made it out of my LYS for $20!! And no yarn! I picked up 3 pattern books, top down raglans, top down cardigans(yeah I know I could figure it out on my own but I'm lazy) and a neat little book of knitted teddy bears. I think it will be fun. I can't wait to try a teddy bear. Maybe I'll do one for the auction at the end of the month. Hm that's only 14 days away. I better get my shit together if I'm gonna do anything! That's all folks!

Lately I find myself wondering where the time goes. All of a sudden it's Friday and I have no idea how I got here. It that freaky or what? New hair, new project and other pics all coming later. Have you ever had a time where you searched the fridge and the cupboards and there was nothing to eat? I'm having that moment. I think I better get shopping!

Greyhound Collar pictorial First...pick a cool fabric. These are showing up much oranger than they really are. They are in rich shades of red and burgundy. Next cut out the shape you want. Elliptical seems to flatter the best, interface and back with polar fleece. Figure out how to finish the edge of the fabric beforehand. If you're not thinking you have to do a little 'fast on your feet' action like this. And before you know it...Voila! I think they'll pass. Also got this from Big B. It's Santa's Little Helper! The greyhound from The Simpson's! I always knew they were a special family. With the popularity of the show it's a wonder there's greyhounds out there that still need homes. Finished a scarf for one of the girls. Off to make a hat for my girl who's leaving. Yawn! I'm tired tonight!

I decided what to do next! I was reading over at Super Eggplant that Mariko got a compliment on her Mini Chic Poncho! I've been contemplating making one and now I believe it's going to be my next project. If I don't get distracted by something else. Hm. I'm about 99 percent done on my hound collars and all I have to do is measure the puppies necks so I can get them sized properly. I thought I might go by the measurements from the last time but one puppy has gotten quite robust. I'll take a picture when I complete the collars and you can see what I mean. Other interesting greyhound related stuff. Over here is the Greyhound Breed and Race Database. It has most of the pedigrees and race stats of racing greyhounds all over the world. Not everyone but look and see! Here's Valley Excite also known to millions as Ella, and her adopted sister Kiowa Zeke Mina better known as Sarah-poop. Interesting thing is that you can click and go back in their pedigrees to the mid 1800's! You can also find out if your pups are related. Looking back I can see that Ella and Sarah are distant relatives! I also see that Ella's dad had a lot of kids. He was a supersatar of the greyhound racing world. It's too bad they breed so many for so few champions. Rescue a greyhound! You'll never regret it!

If you had someone at work who was negative and always was a downer when you would tell a story or something, what would you do? I'm unsure. One of the other ladies asked her if she was going to be snarky all day or if it was just a moment. I'm surprised that girl still has a head. Snarky almost ripped it off! 'Keep talking like that and you'll know the meaning of snarky!' I -so- wanted to slap her. I know that's bad. C'mom...just a little pop? KAPOW! Could knock something straight! Anyway. Still working on the scarves for the girls. And trying to think of something cool I can whip up by the end of the month for the silent auction. My Kitty hat I made last year went over okay but this year I think I'll have to be more mainstream to rake in the big donation dollars. I'm thinking of doing a set of Voodoo Wrist Warmers a little shorter and with some fun fur at the cuffs. I saw a set on my girlfriend last year and she said that she paid a fortune for them. Mind you, I think they were cashmere. But I bet I can do better! I also want to try to make something like this but to incorporate my own little greyhound design on it. I think it'd be cute and a great idea for fundraising at the greyhound events. Or for keeping Korean friends ears warm! Speaking of hounds I have to do my friend's collars today. I'll take pics of the step by step and upload them on Sunday. I hope they like them! Terri is back online! Welcome back! Can't wait to read what you have to snark about Survivor this week! Another entry to 'My Guy Rocks'- Last night I got home late ready to eat and hit the couch. My guy had no dinner on and was lazing on the couch. Turns out he's been waiting for me to get home so he could take me out to dinner! Nice dinner at our Italian place with a nice bottle of wine. And a sympathetic ear for my work tribulations. And the VCR set to tape Survivor! Isn't he the best! Love him!

Is there such a thing as 'karma'? Or shall we call it 'sweet justice'? Evil, Almost Made Me Cry, Dude brought his vehicle back with a dent in it. It's going to cost at least $700 to fix it. If he had left the insurance top up on the contract it would cost him nothing. But since he accused us of trying to rip him off with useless coverage and demanded we refund him I think he'll be paying for everything. Including loss of use days and 2 days of administration time. Rental Car Tip #5-You can never be overinsured. Tonight I'm going to start on the office girls Christmas gifts. I made most of them hats last year, so this year they'll get the scarves in the matching yarn. I was thinking wasn't I? Today we got a new H2 briefly. Well you'd have thought some drop dead, gorgeous, rock star had arrived! All the girls ran screaming out of the office, jumping up and down! It was temporary insanity! But most of all it was fun. That's all I want them to have at work.

Isn't he cute? He's way cuter in person and his eyes will knock you out! Andrew McCarthy! I got to meet him! Very polite and, um, short. He is so adorable I'd like to put him in my pocket. Knitting Notes. So my little sis decides to show me up at work and crochet a nice scarf as a going away present for my girl who gave her notice. It only took her a couple hours..blah, blah, blah. It sure as hell isn't knitting! I was a little taken aback because the fiber arts has always been my territory. She's been the computer geek. Not fair to step into another siblings realm! Do you hear me? I'm going to work on my Black Acres a little while I figure out what to do next.

Do ya wanna see it? My Clie had a meltdown after I took these pics. Maybe my last pics for a bit. But lookee! A ScarfMat! Or a PlaceScarf! I'm noticing I've inherited my father's chin. Holy Crap is it busy here at work! All our computers shut down this morning and we had to do everything by hand! I've only just finished re-entering everything and tidying up. My sweet, little sis is going to take me out for Pho. She's the best! But then again... I am the Queen B!

Why does the guy start snoring and wake me up an hour before I have to get up? I tried not to get mad, really I did. He ended up with a very hard poke in the ribs. I ended up getting to work w-a-a-y-y before I needed to. Nice quiet day there though. I finished my Cable PlaceScarf! Or ScarfMat. However you wish to say it is fine with me. I should have cast on 40 stitches instead of 70. Or I shoulda had more yarn. It was a fun project! Pics tomorrow. Getting a bit of a sore throat. That's the guy's fault as well. How dare he wake me up AND contaminate me. Shheeeeesh. The things you suffer for love!

Okay, I'm back in one piece. Where does the time go? Thursday I spent all day in a manager's meeting. Now I remember why I didn't want to be a manager. Yawn! But I got my yearly bonus and I am thrilled! I never knew I was doing so well. Next week I become a property owner. I'll be buying half of the Savary Island property. Wow, I'm going to buy real estate with my boyfriend! This is a giant step! Why am I not totally freaking out? Hm... Friday was my day off but it was month end so I went to help my girls out at work. Aren't I nice? Not as busy as I thought. Which is good. Evil, almost made me cry, Dude was back and requested only to deal with me. Shit. How come I charm them and make them want only me? I handed out some candy in the evening but without a pumpkin we don't get a lot of kids. So I shut down early and curled up on the couch. Then the fireworks started. Every year it seems to get worse. Sounded like Iraq out there. Poor Ella went downstairs and literally stuffed herself into a corner, shivering and panting. Sarah was a little restless but she was fine. So my dear e-friend Terri is off to her new home! Wish her luck with the move! I'm off myself. Off to knit something! The silent auction is coming up at the end of the month and I have to take a couple of knitted things. The obligatory scarf and hat combo and something else. We'll see.

Stayed home today. I think my ovaries are expiring. Feels like they're giving up their last breath as a giant fist squeezes the life out of them. Too much information? So far I've slept about 20 hours. Time to go back to bed with my hot water bottle.

Well, well, well...I have discovered a new love. Or actually many of them. Last night Big B and I attended the 13th Almost Annual Doorman's Dinner and the Terminal City Club. Holy Crap! There's a plethora of H-O-T doormen in this city! It was like a smorgasboard! I fully enjoyed checking out all those hot men. I will admit that my escort was the best there. After all he told me I was the best looking woman there! I love Grandmaster B! Hit work a little later this morning as I was out a little late last night and had another one of those customers. If you don't like our rental experience just return your vehicle and go some where else. Please do not call me a liar and a thief and accuse me of scamming you. I have better things to do. Also do not sneer at me when I tell you that I'm the manager. Do not question me and ask "Really? You manage this whole location?" Fuck me. Not the morning for it. I apologized for the error and refunded him the amount he requested but that wasn't good enough. He'll be writing a letter to the owner to let him know that our company and it's employees are ripping people off. Oh by the way he LOVES his vehicle. It's really nice. Right after dickhead left one of my favourite regulars was in. He asked if I was okay and I almost burst into tears! Dammit! I hate it when that happens! No one should make me feel like that! What an asshole. God I hope I'm not there when he returns his vehicle. Nice part about my day was that one of my other (sane) customers wrote a letter to the owner telling him that I was a fantastic employee, that my people skills were amazing and that he wanted him to know how great I was. How nice was that to hear after my morning! Very, very nice. No progress on my Cable Scarf as I was out shmoooozing with all those hot men.

Shhhhh.... Sneaking on from work. Wow, what a difference when you do this from a Windows PC and not the Mac. So many options! Got an email from Bonne last night. I bought a Bucket-o-Chic pattern from her earlier this year and she just sent me an updated version of the pattern! Out of the blue! She's such a nice lady. I have such an urge to call her Bon-Bon but I know she hates it. But I think it's so appropriate! She's just so good! Okay here's the log on reason Isn't it purty? Okay gotta go. Leave you with one more!

The guy had a night off (finally) last night. I think it's the 1st in a month. Anywho, we spent another fab day together and rented Matrix:Revolutions. Very Cool. Keanu is very cute. I loved the slo-mo 360 degree camera work and blending with the digital imagery. It got a lot cartoonish in the end but it was fine with me as it was a nice night of entertainment. I played car wash kid at work today. We only had one guy on in the wash bay so I pitched in and gave him a hand. That was a short 6 hours of washing cars! There were a lot. Now my arms hurt from all the exercise. I must do more for those boys out back. The girls called from the office yesterday afternoon to say they were experiencing the Apocalypse and not to freak out at the mess! It was a mess! Then I decided to mosey home a little early. That's the nice part about being the Queen. Question-If you rent a truck and we forget/you forget to ask for blankets, should you get your rental for free or a discount equivalent to the blankets? Someone thinks it should be free. I'll deal with that tomorrow. I'm sure you know what I think. Yes, it has to do with their hamster. Or lack thereof. Managed a few more rows on the Cable Scarf. I'll snap a pic tonight and set it up tomorrow. Oh! We got our names for the Christmas Draw! Our family is so large that we draw names for presents. I got the same one as last year! Is that fair? I think the guy should swap names with me. At least I could knit his person something! Maybe I'll knit my person something. Sheesh who am I kidding!?

I was going to blog this morning but I had nothing to really blog about since yesterday! What a difference a few hours makes. Started off with a nice soak in the tub. Yum. When I lived in the Netherlands there was nothing more I wanted than a tub to soak in. Everyplace has a shower. Except my dear friends who were from England and bought their house solely because it had a tub. It was great, they'd invite me over for dinner. Greet me at the door with a glass of wine and a fluffy towel and send me up to soak while they made dinner. I got some good friends! After the tub soak I put in a few more rows on the Cable Scarf. It's looking very nice. One and a half more balls of yarn to go. I may finish it this year! I have a sorta side business of making stuff for dogs. Greyhounds mostly as they are hard to fit and find stuff for. I make specialty collars out of outrageously expensive fabric. Fleece jackets, dog beds, portable dogs beds, raincoats with reflecto strips on them and the best squeaky bears and bunnies around. I made the collars for my girls and a few of their friends. I got a call from one of the 'greyt' buddies requesting a new collar. So I got to meet up with them at Chintz & Co. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! What a fabulous store! We wandered down to the fabric section and found some great fabrics. We skipped on the $109/metre fabric but just barely. We settled on a lovely coordinating set for their two dogs. Thank doG collars don't take much fabric. Got out of there for $16 and .1 metre of each type of fabric. Now I have to buy some webbing and measure their skinny, little necks. The actual construction should take about an hour each. A nice project for some great friends who tell anyone who asks that I made them. After that the guy and I stopped to do a little grocery shopping. The day was so beautiful. Sunny and warm with the smell of Autumn in the air and the sounds of the crazy people shouting profanities. It was a glorious day.

This may be the coolest thing about my Palm. Actually it's a Sony Clie but I'm unsure how to pronounce it. Anywho, I can whip it out and snap a pic at a moments notice! Here I am in traffic and look what comes after all that rain! I love it! It was so beautiful and was a gorgeous double. Some things in life are truly wonderful. Currently I'm roasting garlic for dinner. We picked up a Dizzy Chicken and with some 'taters and a can of corn we're good to go for dinner. Then I'll get to make my 1000 Spice Chicken Soup with the carcass. Yum! Maybe I'll write down what I do and post it. Hm. Well I have the best boyfriend ever. Took me to lunch, bought me a new shirt, bought me another doo hickey and just strolled with me while I window shopped without complaint. Now we're off to take the poopers for a walk. We'll head down one of the Maple tree lined streets to hear the leaves crunch underfoot. I really love Autumn. Bought the Holiday FCEK. Just for the Dinosaur kids sweater. I think the new babies I have to knit for will love it. I know I'll love making them. Kiddie sweaters are so fun and fast. I hear the guy telling the girls that I'm blogging and they have to wait. I guess that's my cue.

Check it out now! The funk's yo brotha! Doesn't he look cute? He's the Big B! Don't I look ready for Halloween with my devil eyes and hot mama half shirt?! What was I thinking? Must remember to keep my arms down in that shirt. Cable scarf plods along. My puppies want to go for a w-a-l-k.

What a night! What a party! It was a fun night at the ol' Staff Appreciation. And Big B and his bling-bling went off smashingly! Made the old man misty we did. He's such a love. The guy and the band were great and I hope that he gets a little work out of it. But boy was it hard to get up and be at the office at 6:30am. Everyone else there was in the same boat because we all carpooled together. So we were a sad, little bunch this morning until I started to make sheep sounds at the Fish. You see she bought a new, wooly, blue fleece. Quite a nice thick pile to it but it reminds me of the sheeps at the Fair. Just blue. Then the craziness started that is the Gilmore Girls. Or sometimes the Budget Babes or even Ben's Bitches. That one was coined last night after we crowned him Pimp Daddy Grandmaster B. I figured out how to do this myself! With only a little help from lil sis. Isn't it looking good? Rain, rain, rain again today. Washing out roads and isolating communities. I managed to get soaked to my undies again today. I'm going to buy a rainsuit tomorrow. Nothing worse than wet undies riding up your rear all day. Sarah has sympathy. Really she does!

Is it okay to despise laundry? The neighbour kids used to call me 'Laundry'. They couldn't get my name right. Maybe it's held over resentment from those early childhood days? Nah, laundry just sucks. Today I have a pair of the shiniest, cleanest, black greyhounds in Canada. It was quite an ordeal for Ella who decided that I had rubbbed her with a towel vigorously long enough. She chomped me on the head. No bleeding but I do have a little goose egg bump from her fang. My fault for not paying attention to her dog body language. Sarah on the other hand weathered it all without a peep. Anytime spent with mommy is a good time to her. She's so dependant. Today they get their flea treatment. Ugh, I hate it. It stinks and with their super short coats makes the spots you apply it to along their spine all greasy and gross. Maybe I'll forgo it this time and try that natural one I have a recipe for. Hm. Do I want to kill the fleas or do I want them to go hide out elsewhere. Greasy doggies here we come! Tonight's the Staff Party night. I have no idea what to wear. I didn't get a rapper hat for the Big B. Had been thinking I could have whipped him up a Bucket-o-Chic but no, I'm a complete idiot. I did find a hat that the guy ripped the hat band out of to make it bigger but kinda wrecked it. He never asked me to fix it so I'm going to fix it and give it to my B. That reminds me I have to wrap his bling too. I better go get on that and try to finish my laundry. It's finally sunny here too, so that means a w-a-l-k. Never, ever, speak the word aloud around here. It causes absolute chaos.

I want it. Diane von Furstenberg. The classic wrap dress. Only $298 US. Hm. How much yarn could I buy with that much money?

Why Me? I got to work yesterday and found that someone decided to rip open our steel overnight drop box like a can of tuna. I know that a van is missing for sure and 9 out of 10 that there's a One Ton Cube Van gone as well. I'm happy they didn't take the high end SUV's that were there as well but, sheesh, that makes 4 vehicles this month! The hardest part of all this is I have no idea who decided to drop off their vehicle that night. I'll have to go through and call every single person who has a car or truck to find out. Fuck. Someone was diligent because they used a grinder and ground through a 1/8" thick steel plate and then crowbarred the hole to get it large enough for a hand. Our lot is in an industrial area that sees almost no traffic at night. I hope they try again because we had a 1/4" steel plate welded on top of the other one to fix it. Try that! Shitheads. Not a lot of knitting going on as you can imagine. I'm going to try to get the picture thing to work on my Palm. I'll be back in a sec. Okay, I'm back. Here's my cable scarf. The camera works best in natural light as there's no flash or anything. As I said in an earlier post I'm about a foot farther along. I'll get a pic and post the progress on Monday. Here's something that had me puzzled. I was having Pho at my little place at the Asian shopping centre. I was watching out the window and reading this sign. I couldn't figure out what was wrong at first. Then I started to laugh. Funny, funny. Tomorrow is our Staff Party for the whole company. The guy and his band are going to be the entertainment. It'll be weird but I know it'll be a lot of fun. I'm going to present Big B his bling-bling rapmaster necklace with his furry Kangol hat. Just so he knows that he's still the Notorious B.E.N. to us. It'll be a riot! I'm craving steamed artichokes with mayo. I better go do something about that.

Hey! I'm still around! Just distracted by my job a bit. And my Palm. Let's see if it works. Uh...nope. For some reason the pictures downloaded as .bmp files instead of .jpg files. Hmm that's weird. Well at least I'll have something to do tomorrow! First day of real rain today. I mean real west coast rainforest rain today. I had my rain parka on and I still managed to get wet! Drops so fat they splashed back up at ya and so much rain sloughing off your parka that it was a waterfall on the thighs! And starting to get cold. I really admire my car wash guys for their hard work in the crappy weather. I'll have to get them something to thank them. I'll have to think of something good. Speaking of good. One of my girls asked about the trip to Disneyland. What did it include? I told her that it would be the flight, the hotel and a 3 day pass to the park...for two. Well she just about died! 3 day pass included?! Duh, the trip is to Disneyland, not Anaheim! And then she was saying that if she didn't win she was going to be a sore loser! I was laughing because I sold more than anyone today! Do I get to send myself to Disneyland? Cable Scarf is about a foot long and looking gorgeous. My mom was impressed and asked for it as her Christmas gift. We shall see...

Happy Thanksgiving! I have a lot to give thanks for. It's a nice day for reflection. When I got to work today I found out I had scheduled w-a-a-a-y-y-y too many people. So I sent one home and then I left at lunch after we had our little holiday staff BBQ. Turning into a nice tradition that is. Then I found out I have another fraudulent rental. Mustang GT this time. Dammit people, just steal it outright! Stop trying to make it legit! You're not! You suck! As you can guess I'm moving around a little faster. My back and neck is still stiff but at least I can knit now. And that's really all that's important. When I got home from work yesterday and got out of the car all I could smell was roasted turkey! All of our neighbours were having family over and it smelled g-o-o-d! Tonight it's our turn. The guy's got the night off! First one in weeks! So we got a movie, The Italian Job. Looks like it could be fun. We were going to go see School of Rock with Jack Black whom I adore but I think my back's not up to movie theatre seats yet. Oh yeah. No KnitPics. I can't figure out how to make my Palm set those little jpegs free. Lil sis is in tomorrow. I hope she can make it work. And show me how! So give thanks everybody. And love life.

Argh! Help me! I seem to have pinched a nerve in my back shoulder area. I was happily knitting when stabbing, shooting pain went down my left arm and chest. Brought tears to my eyes. I wondered briefly if I was having a stroke but ruled that out as I was neither clammy, woozy or cold. Now I'm hobbling around like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. I can't put my head back or turn it without intense pain. I took a hot tub soak, rubbed some analgesic gel on the spot and took a couple of anti-inflammitories. Now I'm working on warming the spot from the inside with some hot tea. I tried a couple of yoga postures to stretch out the area but I'm sorry the pain was too much. Does anyone have any suggestions? Nothing seems to be helping.

I'm finding it really strange that my weekends are now Friday and Saturday. I can't seem to relax as it's unsettling. I guess I'm a creature of habit and I just have to find a few new ones. It's just plain weird. You will never believe this! I started a new knitting project! Without a pattern! I'm using some of my Rowan Kid Silk and making a scarf. Hmph! A scarf you say?! Well, let me tell you...it's got cables! And various other types of stitches! I've got about 4 inches done and pictures are in my Palm just waiting to be downloaded. That's not the only bad part about the whole Mac/Microsoft computer differences but the most annoying right now. I'm worried that I won't have enough yarn. I had 3 and about 3/4 balls but they only have 67 metres on each. It may end up looking like a placemat. There is no frogging this project. Too Fuzzy! I am very happy with the way it looks. I know it will make a great present for someone. Maybe I'll donate it as my item for the Food Bank Auction. Hm. We'll see. I can't stand telemarketers calls that ring and then when you answer say that we're too busy to talk to you so hang up and we'll call back later. Ya-hoo, looking forward to that! I'm a little bummed out that I'm not going to get to Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday. The guy and I will have our own little thing but I'm gonna miss dad's special Flaming Yams. It's a tradition that he puts the yams topped with marshmallows under the broiler and forgets them. It's always entertaining. I'm off to see if I can get my scarf a little bigger!

One of my girls suggested that I go into the office a little later this morning since I had to work late today. Those girls are so smart! An extra hour of cuddle time! Woo Hoo! Then when I got to work the guy had sent me an email that was so sweet it made me cry! He is such a keeper! Survivor Night! I was reading in the paper that Rupert is favoured to win. Hm. Extreme Makeover! Why am I so attracted to this show? I am sick, sick, sick, Must go. It's doggy dinnertime and everyone knows how hard it is to type with someone staring over your elbow! Could you resist this look?

Hump Day. Quiet day in the office today. Which was good. I needed a little time to rework the schedule. I think by tomorrow I should have most of the bugs worked out and figure out what we're going to do over the winter and into February. Tomorrow I get to offer my best girl a raise and a new job description. Best part is that it also includes a trip somewhere every year. Nice Perk huh?! Even better is that it's all the stuff she does already! Now she's going to get paid for it! Yahoo! I'm so happy for her. I also learned that I have a lot to re-learn at the office level. I'm a rookie all over again. It sucks because I think how can I ask someone to do something right when I can't even do it right?! Must learn more. Before there's a mutiny. I plan to work on my Black Acres some more tonight. I finally got the decrease right and am into the armhole decreases! Then it'll be divide the front and the hood. Then the sleeves, then the blocking, then the seaming. I'm a long way from finished aren't I?

Blogger Bumpiness. It seems to have a case of the hiccups. I love my job. I was all stressed out about the owner coming in today but what was I worried about? He's pleased that my new guy resigned because he knew it wasn't working out. Yipee! I also was telling him that I was thinking of setting aside some of my commissions (?) and maybe giving the staff member with the highest sales for the year a little trip somewhere. Like Disneyland! He was all like, go ahead but keep your commissions. Expense it! Woo Hoo! I ran the idea past the girls as a little suggestion. A little "What would you think if the person with the highest sales for the year got a trip?" They were laughing and saying things like 'A trip around the block?' I said Disneyland and got told to 'Shut Up!' Ha! Let's see what happens! It's going to be so much fun! I may never watch Fear Factor again. They had the 'previously on Fear Factor' clips and I almost screamed out loud! Did you see it? They had to eat these live Giant African Cave Dwelling spiders that looked to be the size of at least an American silver dollar with long, spindly legs and pinchers like a little lobster! I'm freaking out just thinking about it again! It was horrific! I'd have walked. No, RAN! I looked at my schedule and I think I managed to schedule myself out of a weekend again. Okay I'll admit there are moments where I miss my resigned new guy. Must knit, must knit, must knit. Ciao,ciao.

I just want to go back and do this. Hard work but much more fun than work. It's just a little bumpy right now. I know it will smooth out. Just gotta have faith. And a good sense of humour. Doesn't this make you smile? It's my Funky Monkey shower curtain! Makes me smile in the dark morning when I have to get into the shower. Sets a nice spin on my day. Beware! Knitting Content! I'm halfway through the front of the guy's Black Acres. I'd like to remind you of what it looks like but it seems I have misplaced the link. Oh well, I'm sure mine will look completely different from the original anyway. Don't you hate it when the pattern tells you to decrease 22 stiches evenly across leaving 127 stitches but the decreases fall at every 6.7 stitches? I think as I get older I want balance in my life. Or at least tell me when and where to decrease. Next week I'm sure I'll abandon all patterns again! So I watched Trading Spaces 100 Grand. It was fine but I wonder if Laurie could have fit anything else in that room?! It was so cluttered! I'd be banging a shin or two on the coffee table. Planning to have a quiet night. Knitting and Fear Factor.

I had a giant post done last night but there was a malfunction and the whole thing went *poof*! I was too tired to do it all over again. Work is good. My new guy issues have solved themselves. Bye-bye new guy! Good luck in the future. He decided that monkeys flying out of butts were not his idea of a good time. So he quit. I'm on my own now but I have a great team and I know we can get it all done. Boss said he'd buy me a handheld organizer. So I got this. Man is it ever cool! I don't know if I'll ever get to know everything it does but am I gonna try! I love the camera. It's damn neat. Next is my new cell phone. Yipee! So we got a ton done on our vacation. I mean, look! This was what we started with. So we decided to do this. I have cupboards in my cabin! Is that not the coolest! We also made our bed. And did a little landscaping. Ella, it seems was not so impressed.

I'm back. What fabulous weather we've had on every trip. All sun and no rain. The day we arrived it was overcast and a little cool. Nice to travel in with dogs. Then we had sun and fun for the next 4 days! We got a ton of stuff done. I think one more trip where we stay in Mom and Dad's place then we're back to our quiet grotto. I can see it coming together. Hell, I could be there next week! Poor Ella, it's a really windy road in the middle of our trip. The guy was winding around a bit hard making me a bit sick to my stomach. Granted we ate no dinner the night before. We just drank and watched to moon go down while we sat on a log on the beach laughing our asses off at stupid stuff that we say to each other. Poor pup was getting restless in the back of the car and when I looked back she gave me that watery, fish eyed look and I told the guy to pull over NOW! Pupchuck. Eeeeewwww. And we had no paper towels to clean up. Thank doG! I keep that roll of toilet paper in the console. The guy always thought it was for a roadside pee. Not so! Amazing the uses for TP. I finally told him that the lil sis works for me. He is not impressed that I kept it from him. He was hurt but I think I'm forgiven. I know I'll spend a few extra months in purgatory for that but that's what it's there for, right?

Holy Hectic, Batman! I really hate leaving the office when there are these issues but I know if I don't go to the island now that I'll never get there again until next summer. I'm sure the office won't explode. Wait a minute...we've got gas pumps there...Aaaaarrrrggghhh! You know, I haven't told the guy yet that lil sis is working with me. The funniest is that he calls and gets her on the phone and doesn't recognize her voice! So last night he says "Who's D------e? I've called and got someone new a couple of times" I just said that she was Big B's new Admin Assistant. I'm going to burn in hell aren't I? I really can't wait to get out of here and sleep a whole night through. I wake up at night thinking of the turmoil in the office then I can't get back to sleep. Hopefully after all the construction I'll just pass out from exhaustion. You never know. I'll see you all in a week with some new pics and stories galore!

I really don't like getting up so early in the morning for work. I love the smell of the cooler weather as soon as I step out the door at six in the morning. I guess that makes up for the hell of having to get out of bed! Work is Hell. I'm still having new guy issues so I sent an email off to the owner. Today new guy was much better. Hmmmm. Does he think I don't know the owner told him to get it together or we were going 'to vote him off the island'? Also found out the Little Miss Lazy Ass went crying to him about my other staff picking on her. She even had her husband come in to tell him about how she comes home crying sometimes. Sheeeiiit. She just doesn't like the fact that we're a Dr. Phil office. We tell it like it is. If you screw up, we're gonna tell you. Learn from your mistake and move on. Follow through on your work and do your job right, there's no problem. I understand her mother is going to call the owner and tell him to do something about it. Whatever. If you have a problem with a co-worker figure it out or go to the manager to mediate it. Or just grow up and deal with it like an adult. Work is Good. Got a call from the girl in the office who has the crush on the customer who always flirts with her. It's all good. She called to thank me for giving them both the 'push' they needed. They've had a couple dates and really like each other! Aaaawwww, isn't that sweet. But guess who's going to get blamed if they break up? We're off to the island again for 6 days! Woo Hoo! We'll finish up the cabin and close it up for the winter. I hope that we will go up for Christmas but it may be really cold. Thank god we have dogs for extra warmth! Sarah loves to snuggle.

Ahhh...'All Things Ande' comes to a close. Boy was it fun. I am missing my guy though! My mom never came to visit so I went a little crazy and cleaned. Like CLEANED! I did all the blinds, the kitchen, vacuumed all the dust bunnies, tossed out all the back issues of Victoria's Secret (someone's going to be upset about that) went through the front closet and tossed anything I hadn't worn in a year. Good Lord I had dresses in there from HIGH SCHOOL! WTF is up with that? I also went through my dresser and closet. I don't have a lot of clothes anymore. I was brutal. Anything that was frayed or didn't fit well, gone! The Developmental Diabetes Association or the Big Brothers/ Big Sisters Charities are going to be very happy. Even though I got so much done I couldn't part with my shoes. I love them all. Dearly. I found the puppers toybox at the bottom of a closet and there really was no point to cleaning up. There are toys everywhere! I've been so busy I haven't knit a stitch. I did pick up a copy of the latest Knitter's. The one with all the cables. Looks interesting! I'm making the guy homemade pasta sauce for dinner. Just because he's the best.

Ahh, I love these times. The guy is away for the weekend and that means it's 'All Things Ande' time. I eat what I want to eat. Stinky cheese, Artichokes, Pickles, Boconccini and tomatoes, KD and whatever else tickles my fancy! I do what I want to do. So far I've used the dehydrator and took care of those plums on our tree. I also picked up some apples and some basil to do as well. Currently in the oven is an attempt at raspberry fruit leather. Also set aside are some lemons, rosemary and sea salt for a special seasoning salt. I've got The Blind Boys of Alabama cranked on the stereo and I'm still in my PJ's. Life is good. You know what? If I feel like a beer before noon. I'm going to indulge! I'm thinking of rearranging the bedroom. If my mom comes over. She wanted me to come out but I asked if she would come out here. I got things to do and today's my last day to put the finishing touches on someone's birthday present and to send my mousies to Wendy. Most of all though I have to do laundry and do some knitting on something. I may start something new. All those cool patterns in the fall Knitty. What's a girl to do? I know what to do. I'm going for a tub soak. Here's to a guilty pleasure overload!

What is going on? I think I'm over 30 with an opinion! I'm turning into my older sister. We have a regular customer who comes in and flirts like crazy with one of the girls. She flirts right back and swears to all of us he's the cutest thing ever. Quote "If he asked me out, I'd be there in a second!" I will admit he is cute and his ears turn red when he talks to her. So he was in yesterday and I just blurted out "When are you gonna ask her out to dinner? C'mon man, you can't be that dense. She likes you!" He turned beet red and I felt a little bad for embarrasing him. Not really though. He's even cuter when he blushes. So today I had to tell the girl in our office what I did. It was one of those things that was going to be really good or really bad. It was fine. She was mortified that I had said anything but I just explained that I was over 30 and couldn't stand to see two good people wasting their time dancing around and not getting anything done. Sheesh. I gotta shut my mouth sometimes. Lil' sis is probably as tired as I am right now. At least she'll sleep well. As will I. After "Survivor" that is! I'm sooooo excited. And the guy has the night off so we get to share it! WooHoo! Hey, the guy got his web site up. You can go see him here. I hope you have speakers! I'm so proud. 3 weeks ago he decided that he wanted to do it. He did it all himself and prior to this had no idea what to do. Look what he did! The guy's a keeper. My Ella-poo is hopping around on 3 legs again. I think the change in the weather makes the leg that she broke stiff. I'll have to massage it later for her.

Rental Tip #3-Never,ever, ever put your credit card down for someone else's rental car. No matter who! All these years I always see the same thing. It just goes bad. Today a mom called, she rented for her daughter to come visit her in Alberta. It was supposed to be a weeks rental. Daughter hasn't returned the car. We're heading into week 4. We're talking a cool grand. Nice kid. Am I a hard person to work for? Most of my staff, past and present, say I'm the best boss they've ever had and that they learned a lot from me. I think what I expect most is enthusiasm. So when the monkeys don't fly out your butt, I get worried. And I ain't talking the little sister. Lil' sis is sticking to the game plan. I've made her work the same hours as me. Read 'slave hours' and she's sucked it up and been good. I do have to work on her expression when she's confused. It's a little Gomer Pyle. I like having her there. I also have to get her to stop saying 'Mom' and start saying 'Diane'. Everyone knows she's my sister but...I'd rather she not beat it over people's heads. I want them to forget she's my sister and respect her for her work ethic and her ENTHUSIAM! I had the nicest comment from a customer today. He said "I was treated so well here last time I rented that I had to come here again!" How nice was it to hear that?! Made my day. Here's two other things that make my day. Sarah and Ella.

So far the little sister thing is going strangely well. I told her today if she hated the job it was no big deal to say 'Hey, this ain't for me'. Nope. So far she thinks it's pretty neat. Hey, Look at this! My eBay yarn that took a month to get here. A little stringy but I did a swatch and it is going to be the perfect gauge for the '59 Cardi. It'll only take 3 years to knit it because the needles don't get any bigger than 2.75mm. As you can see the yarn's pretty rinky dinky too. Big B was in the office for about 10 minutes today. And he wasn't answering his phone. Which in turn makes it 3x as crazy in our office. My head's splitting. I think I'm going to go lie down in a quiet place after I make some din-din. Ciao

Well, today was the first day of work with the wacky little sister. I still haven't told the guy. It went really well! She was opening and closing rentals and surfing the system by the days end. I think she may work. She's kinda looking for the way in though. She surfed the net and downloaded a bunch of pics of Halle Berry for the Big B and posted them on his computer so they change every 2 minutes or something. I guess she knows who matters around the office. Hah! No biggie. She will be his assistant after all and if she makes him happy, all the power to her. I really dislike this whole working Sunday thing. It sucks. I'm having a couple other new guy issues again. I don't think you can tell a 'bad' rental from another office not to worrry and that he'll take care of it. Who the hell are you and what gives you the power to comment or control an issue at a different location? It's none of your business! You should be refering the renter to contact the location they rented from. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. We also collected enough pop bottles left in rentals to have a BBQ today! With all the fixings! It was really great and it went over really well. I love my guys at the office. They really are going to be a great team. We have a couple of adjustments to make in the line up but...we may go all the way this year! Weirdo customer today, or maybe it's just me. If they come in with a portable tape recorder and tell you they've taped everything anyone from Budget has told them, are they weird? I'll let you be the judge. I think it's too much Judge Judy! I may knit, I may go to bed. I can't decide. Yawn. Maybe I could knock off another one of these for the Christmas pile.

Manager Appreciation Night was a success! I had a good time and I felt appreciated. That was the point wasn't it? I could get used to the whole limosine thing. They pick you up, they drop you off, they're polite and well groomed, they know where you're going and don't get lost. The dinner was excellent. It was catered by the Four Seasons Hotel. I did think it was weird that they were serving Rack of Lamb with no listed alternate choice. I like lamb but...I know not everyone does. It was nice to get together and dance a little to the big swing band they had. We decided that we're going to Disneyland or New Orleans next year. Right On! And the guy got a gig! All in all it was an enjoyable night. It was so nice to sleep in today. We both woke up really early but then fell back asleep. I always find that that second sleep shift is the best. It's like you hibernated or something. It's heavy and solid. Hey! My eBay yarn finally arrived! I thought for sure it would take over a month but after an email it was on it's way. Only 27 days! Such a stellar vendor! Sheesh. It's a navy blue poly/cotton blend that I think will be perfect for the '59 Cardi. I'm going to swatch today. Yes, I said SWATCH! No milk for coffee today. Thank goodness for French Vanilla ice cream!

I'm having new guy issues today. Okay, okay, okay...I know that you have a lot of experience but you know nothing about how 'our' computer system works. So instead of showing me all your letters of recognition, how about you show me how much recognition you want by learning the system. Instead of sitting in the office. Just a question. I realize I have totally gone mad. I hired my wacky little sister today. Can you believe it? I ran it by the girls and basically said either she cuts it or she doesn't. If she doesn't she's gone. There are no sisterly bonds here. I haven't told the guy yet. I ran it by him once and he thought I was having delusions. Humph...only child syndrome. Tonight we're off to buy the new shawl. I'm wearing my Hippy out on the town! What a great day. TGIF for me. Woo Hoo!

I think I may have to be committed. What was I thinking?! I know what I was thinking. I was thinking 'Queen B'! Even though it's hard work I can see a change in my staff already. Subtle but they seem to be so happy. I'm very proud of them. I have not knitted a stitch. Exhaustion. Today it really rained for the first time in months. It was fabulous. We all got soaked at work but no one gave a damn. It was so wonderful. Not all the accidents it's caused but ...it's still wonderful. Tomorrow's my Friday! Then the big Appreciation Thingy on the real Friday. Rumour has it we're being sent a limo! That should get the neighbours talking. I took out my velvet and satin shawl I had made last year to wear with my simple ankle length dress and found that somehow it had gotten something spilled on it. No wearing that now. The velvet is all discoloured. I may be able to salvage it by doing a funky tie-dye on it but I won't be able to accomplish that by Friday. The guy just shrugged off that I was mad about the shawl. He just thought I should go without it and be happy. At the black tie event with my shoulders exposed and the air conditioning on high. I could catch my death! He went to work and when he came home he said that he was an idiot and he wasn't thinking about how I'd look at all. He said that he saw a girl in a shawl at his gig and it clicked. So I get to go get a new shawl and he pays! I love my boyfriend. He's the best boyfriend ever. New pic. Uh...no pic as it seems there are more Blogger issues today. Hm.

If you order something on eBay and they're supposed to ship out via UPS, should it take 30 days? Well actually it's day 22 but I'm doubting it will get here before the weekend. I almost missed work today. I was supposed to be there for 6:30am but I somehow managed to turn the volume down on my alarm in my sleep. Is my body trying to tell me something? So I woke up at 6:30 and managed to make it to the office, showered, made up, dressed, coiffed and coffeed by 7:00. I daresay that's a new record. I'm amazed at the sucking up that's going on. It's still me! Why are you sucking up? Is it because you know I'm pissed at your work ethic? Too little, too late. I'm going to miss my coffee brought to me in the AM. No knitting because I watched 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' last night. I loved it! The choreography was stupendous! The ballet of the martial arts! Wow. I was enthralled. Not even the cutie carpenter, Carter over on TLC could drag me away. The girls called tonight wondering if I've fallen off the face of the earth. I've been so busy all summer and now with this Queen B thing they're wondering if I'm deranged. To a certain extent, yes...but I get together with them in the beginning of October. Can you believe it? October. Where is the time going? Lastly...who do you think is responsible for this? This is my knitting pattern binder. All my patterns are nicely filed in protective sheets. Not so nice anymore are they? Thanks Monk!

Guess what? I had to work today. Yuck! It was okay though. Nice and quiet, I did get 8, count 'em, EIGHT accident files off my desk!! WooHoo! I also had forgotten all the other things that there are to be done in an office. It's been a lot of years but I think we managed okay. Little Miss Lazy was on her best behaviour today. We'll see how long it will last. She and I are on the same shifts so I expect it to last for a while. Now if I could get her husband down to 2 calls a day. Granted he's cut back from 15 but still... I do have a headache but I think that's lack of sleep. The guy had the night off so we rented a movie. 'Identity' with John Cusak. I don't like suspense movies. Once the music stops I hide my face and try to plug my ears at the same time. A challenge can't you see?! I remember my father taking me to scary movies when I was a kid and I'd usually end up in the lobby or under his coat, cringing in my seat. My guy held my hand and put a protective arm around me as we watched. Yes, I am no dummy, I know why he got a scary movie. It was a good film. I enjoyed the twists and turns and often we were asking each other 'What the hell?' but the end was great. Never trust the quiet ones. Tired as I've been I've managed to develop new excitement for the guy's Black Acres. It's kinda neat to restart a sweater in the middle. I only have 1/2 a front and the sleeves to finish! Late night. 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' is on tonight but I honestly don't think I'm going to make it. I must go feed my 'goils' and eat something. I'm starved!

Okay...taking over and being Queen of my rental car universe may have been a bit overzealous of me. Argh..my feet hurt, my back aches, going from a 9 to a 12 hour day...I'm tired. You know what? I really love it. I know that once I get into the swing of things it'll rock. I plan to have a teflon desk. As in, Delegation Rules! No knitting as I'm too tired at the end of the day. It's all I can do to get my feet up! But I will leave you with this.

Busy, busy, busy! I've accepted a new position at work. I will now manage the front office AND do what I have to do to get all those movie moguls hither and yon. It will pay a bit more and it is only temporary. Like a couple years. Maybe less if my new manager in training works well. He's a giant 6'4" guy. I'll call him T. So I say to T yesterday that as it will be his first day in the office he must be early. Not roll in right at 7am. So who rolls in at 7:15? T. Granted he took the wrong exit and got lost but...dammit. The girls were not impressed. Another thing. How often does your husband (boyfriend, partner) call you at work? Mine..once, maybe, if ever. He rarely calls. We have one who calls at least 7 times a day but often it's more than 10. I think that borders on harrassment. Granted you love her her but c'mon! She's been hired to do a job and can't do it if you keep calling and jawing in her ear all the time! Our phones are busy enough. I swear that the other day I took a call from him and said that she was busy with a customer and I'd have her call him back. I just hung up and another line rang. J picked it up and it was him again! Sheesh. My guy is having a bad day. He pulled an 'Ande'. That where you're behind someone who's turning right and you see them go, then you do your left shoulder check and let off the brake. Then you realize he's stopped when you bump into him. Crap. Poor guy. He drives a behemouth of an old truck and there's not a scratch on his truck. He says he destroyed the little hatchback he hit. Granted it was at less than 1 mile per hour but it blew out the hatchback glass and pushed in the bumper and ripped the bumper cover where the hitch hooks are on his truck. I hope whoever he hit doesn't claim grievous bodily harm. Hey, here's some of the stuff I accomplished this weekend! My first mousie! And my first cable! WooHoo! Here's what happened. Sorry, Wendy I don't think you'll get that one. Monk ain't letting it go! Also... These...became... Happy, happy feet! Lastly a pooper pic..I'd love if any readers out there would come up with a caption for this one.

Help me! I'm being overrun with mousies! They're addictive little buggers! So far I've made four. Yup, FOUR! The first one was confiscated as soon as it was stuffed. I used the catnip from the garden that I sundried. Monk is a very happy, munchie hungry kitty. I still have to sew and stuff two more. The third (or second, if you're keeping track) is stuffed away in my knitting bin under the coffee table. Monk keeps attacking the bin trying to get in and eat the yummy mousie! I watched O Brother, Where Art Thou? last night. Ha! It made me laugh out loud! I love the Coen brothers. They make such crazy, quirky films. What was the name of the one with John Goodman and John Tuturro where they were at the hotel and Turturro is the writer with writers block? That was my first Coen experience. God, I hope it was Coen! Been hooked ever since. Anywho, the music in O, Brother is great. The most wonderful thing is it's simplicity. Not like now where everything has to be over produced and overwrought. Where the singers have to run their vocals through an autotuner so it will be absolutely perfect. Sometimes the great moments in music happen because it's not perfect. I have to meet with the owner of the company today to go over some of the things that are in the pipe for the fall. Mainly me taking over and running it and getting rid of the dead hamster. Yipee! Do you think I could knock off another mousie before I go? Hey, you got anything to eat? I got the munchies.

Fuzzy Feet felted. I did a Cabled Mousie for Wendy! I can't thank her enough for giving me something small to start on. I was so petrified of cabling! Now, no sweat! I may take the yarn I won from her in the spring out and start an Irish Celtic Cabled sweater. I guess I'll do another Mousie. You see, I've been stood up. I was supposed to go to the Patio Party with Big B but he's bailed and I have no car. I gave the guy the car to go to the Patio Party telling him I would be down later. I didn't want to spend ALL day there. So now I will spend no time there. I could take a cab but I'm broke. Actually it's better I don't go. If I did I'd want to drink at least a bucket of beer. Granted they're on sale but then that's still more money I won't have to pay my rent. So it looks like more mousies for me!

Doesn't he look great in that shirt? It's my guy at a gig. He wears this crazy shirt at least once a week. Makes me think I should have bought two. Well, Christmas is coming. I'm off to the office today to show support for year end. Just a stop by to say Hi! kinda thing but they may need a hand. After that it's Patio Party time! The guy's been playing at the Granville Island Backstage Lounge's Patio Opening and Patio Closing Party for the last 13 years. It's a riot. I asked Big B to come with me this year. The guy will need the car and I don't really want to spend all 12 hours there. So hopefully the Big B won't bail and I'll head down. If not I may just drop the guy off and go down for the last couple hours. Fuzzy Foot 2 is at the toe decreases. Yesterday I thought I may have been too hasty to name where I got bounced off the Knitting Bloggers Web Ring. I figured it may have been my fault somehow to get bounced. Maybe I double clicked or something. So this morning I decided to try again from the same spot. Looks like I won't be surfing the ring for another day. Damn. Now I think that this is funny. I'm such a bad girl getting banned off the Internet! Does well for my rep! Thanks! Off to work. Craaap.

Lookit...I'm not a web-dummy after all. I'm just web-challenged. I did a button AND a counter. And I'm almost done my other Fuzzy Foot.

WTF? So I decide today that I'm gonna surf the Knitting Bloggers Webring. Something I've never done before. I'm having a good time. Finding some cool sites but then...I click for the next site from somewhere and get banned! Something about unauthorized use or using a 'web spider'. What the hell is that? I can't even get a freakin' button on my page without it screwing up. Sheeeiiit. I was having fun. One Fuzzy Foot down. One to go.

He loved it! Granted he's cursing me for making him learn yet another new thing but I'm happy he's pleased with it. I took several calls at work from him telling me all the neat stuff his Palm Pilot could do. Nothing like boys and new toys. If you noticed your car was broken into and your wallet was missing at midnight, would you call your credit card companies ASAP and let them know? I would. Someone didn't and now I'm missing a $65,000 SUV. Dammit. Started my fuzzy feet. Rocking along. Watched 'Bringin' down the House' last night. It was cute. I love Steve Martin. He was great and Queen Latifah was really good too. She comes across as so comfortable and believeable. I'm tired today because we were up late out to dinner and watching movies. Yawn.

Truck Rental Tip #5 - If you put GAS into your DIESEL truck, do not start it! STOP! Call your rental office and they will be pleased to help you and get another truck for you. If you drive it on the highway like that until it goes BOOM! Do not complain when you get the repair bill of $10,000 for a whole new engine and all moving parts. My eBay yarn hasn't arrived yet. They did say 8-10 days. I think we're on day 7. I'm getting anxious! I also noticed today that when I pull down my favourites list on the computer it says 'eBay Canada-Your Pe..nal Trading Community' Bwaaaaa! Gosh, I hope I'm not buying 'hot' yarn! It's the guys birthday tomorrow. I got him his present andthisbut I'm not sure if they'll go over as good as this,which I got at the beginning of birthday month. I mentioned that I thought he could use a new orgainizer and he was all blase about the idea. (How the heck do you make the computer do 'l'accent'?) Maybe I'll stop by the book store and get him an autographed hardcover by one of his favourite authors. That's gonna cost more than the Palm! Naw. I'll just get him his card and be happy with it. I did save the receipt just in case. Nicest part is that he's got the night off! WooHoo! We'll go out for dinner and pick up a video and spend a nice evening together. Haven't done that for a while! Bummer it's a work night for me. Still no knitting. I'm tempted to knock off a pair of Fuzzy Feet for myself. The weather here is changing. It's getting decidedly cooler at night and my tootsies could use a new set of slippers. Also keep your eyes to the sky tonight and look for Mars! Supposed to be the closest it's been in 60,000 years! How do they figure that out? We weren't around 60,000 years ago and I'm pretty sure the humanoids that were here didn't have a written language. I guess it's all mathematics. That would be why I choose not to understand it. Whatever. It's going to be cool! I seem to have a lot of pics of this kid. What can I say? He's the youngest and gets all the attention. Pain in the butt Monk.

It's our year end at work on Sunday. Big B wants me to get all those accident files on my desk billed out and cleared off by then. Yeah, right. I could if he actually showed up at the office and put in a little time. Then I could go lock myself away with no phones or customers and complete what I started in a timely fashion. Not 4 months later. I know I'm not going to be able to collect on some of the damages but I know I billed out all the big ones already. Phew. Car Rental Tip #257-Should you accidentally put diesel fuel in your gasoline powered rental van, STOP! Do not pass go, do not even start the vehicle! Call us and we'll get it taken care of. If you drive like that and then wonder why there's black smoke pouring out of the tailpipe for the next 30 kms and still don't call I feel you deserve the $400.00 bill to repair it. Staff Appreciation Night for work is on a bad day. Mom and I usually head to the PetFest every year with the furkids. We soak up all the greyhound goodies. Buy lots of stuff and oooh and aaah at all the hounds that are there available for adoption. This year it's on the same day. Now, I know that you're thinking I could do the greyhound thing in the day and then hit the party at night. True...true....but Petfest is in Munroe, Washington approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours of driving time away. I don't think I'll be able to make it this year. Too bad. So sad. I found out today that my dear friend Am-ers is headed back to Korea on Thursday! Where the hell did the time go? She got here at the end of June and I think I've seen her twice. I'm a crappy friend. Granted she had lots of other stuff to do but I really should have made more time for her. I'm feeling like a major loser. I hope I can make it up to her. Maybe I need to go to Korea. Then again... I made Indian Chicken Soup from the leftovers of my roast chicken. Yum! Flavoured with all things Indian. Like coriander, cumin, clove, fenugreek, mustard seed, ginger, galanga, red chile, tumeric, lime leaves. It's a melting pot for sure but it's so wonderful and fragrant and delicious.

Are you ready for a trip back in time. A trip to the prehistoric era where we may run into wild and wooly creatures? Please don't laugh too hard. You might embarass him. Or me. He was a blast to make and I'll definitley do another one. But I will use a bulky weight yarn as my base yarn. Maybe he'll gain a little weight that way. But how could you not love a face like this? By the way he did have a Saber Tooth trimming. At least he won't poke my eye out now.

Today I realized that I still love my ex-husband. Sounds crazy doesn't it? He really has become a wonderful man. I always knew that about him and am so happy that he seems to have found himself and be comfortable with himself. Don't get any ideas...I love my guy and I ain't giving him up. Being married taught me so much about myself and my ideals and how to compromise over trivial things. I think that when I was married I thought only of myself and the hardships I was going through. Now I realize that it's two people working together and loving each other, regardless of fault, that makes a relationship deep and strong.

I think I've been around greyhounds too much. My Vegan Fox is awfully skinny. Skinny head, skinny body, skinny legs...makes me think that one of the yarns recommended for use in this pattern was quite a bit more substantial than my substitution of the DK wool. Oh well, it still looks great to me. I have to sew on his skinny little legs and attach his GIANT fangs. I think he may be a throwback to prehistoric times. The Skinny Saber Tooth Fox! Now I'm back to the same dilemma though. What the heck am I gonna do next? I have some Tibet wool and I think I may make up the Quick and Easy Cable Sweater from the latest Knit It! The yarn I have is black and I feel the cables may be lost. Maybe I'll do a cardi. Maybe I should just jump in and do a Philosophers Kit. This one or this one? Descisions, descisions. Last night when I went to make roast chicken I found out that the fuse for the bottom element in the oven has gone out. Craaaaaap. I don't think the oven temp ever got over 325 degrees. How the hell am I going to get roasting like that? All in all the chicken came out well. Not as brown as I'd like but safely cooked. Two best things I got for the kitchen. A meat thermometer and an oven thermometer. Since the chicken did actually did get cooked the guy is thinking my thermometer is wrong. Men! Off to drill holes in my hair clip I got for the Skinny Saber Tooth Fox!

Yipee for the weekend! What a wonderful sleep-in. Boy, I needed that. I'm feeling much more pleasant now. Not that I wasn't pleasant before it's just that now I don't have to try so hard. You know what I mean? I was so jealous of Terri and her Vegan Fox that I had to start one myself. I've gone for more of the red and orange tones. I think that being a Leo subconciously draws me to those shades. I'm using one strand of Rowan DK wool in a browny-red. One of Bernat Boa 'Salsa' colour and one of Lewiscraft Libra eyelash in a scarlet tone. I had trouble at the beginning of the pattern with all the increasing. That's a lot of fur to be digging through to find 3 tiny strands! I took it apart 3 times because I wasn't happy. I am now! I'm almost done the tail. I think I'm going to give it to the guy's mom. Maybe she can wear it down to the legion. Monk is tearing around the house and crashing into walls and doors. I don't understand the motivation. I can see how it would be to fun to run and jump on the rag rug in the hall and see how far you can slide but when you're that fat the momentum carries you all the way down into the door jamb! There's alot of crashing around here. Well, as long as he's having fun and not hurting anything. Including himself, he can have at it. I hear coffee calling. Mmmmmmmmm.

Phew. I'm worn out. The PNE took alot out of me. It was a lot of walking and alot of eating. Yummy! I also found a Christmas present for the Big B. It's a bit of a gag but I'm going to get a real present to go with it. I found a huge gangsta rapper pendant with a giant 'B'! It is a riot. The girls still cannot believe that I got it. It's gonna be great. I wonder if I could find a baby blue velour track suit in his size? Hmmmm. I haven't decided what to knit next. I'm waiting for the latest yarn I got on eBay to come in and see if it's the right guage to knit my Vouge 1959 cardi. I promise to do a swatch! Maybe I'll do a couple of mousies for Wendy. Ha! The guy just came in with an empty bowl and asked if I ate all the popcorn. Nope, not me! All of a sudden Sarah is very thirsty. Now she's moping in the bedroom because she was called a bad dog. Granted not very harshly because we were laughing too much at her expression. All the guy did was show her that bowl and ask if she ate it. Her ears went down, she looked away and dropped her head. Then s-l-o-w-l-y walked to the bedroom. I guess she thought if she didn't move fast we wouldn't notice she was gone and wouldn't be in trouble. She's so sensitive to that sort of thing.

I think the reason the guy and I have such a great relationship is that I do all my arguing at work. With the love of my work life, my Big B. He drives me crazy! He doesn't listen! Is contrary just to be contrary, ignores me when I talk to him! AAAAARRRRGGGGHGHHHH! But I love him. Yep, I really, really, do. He's one of my dearest friends. The BlobbyCami needs bigger boobs to fill it out and make it shine like the work of art it shoulld be. Therefore I'm not going to attempt to shrink it again. I'm going to give it to my wonderful friend E who will love and actually wear it. Off to the PNE tonight with the girls from work. Should be a great time. I've been going since I was a kid. Can't wait to eat my way through it! Maybe I should put in a call and have them up the mini donut production. You think?

What time is it? Why am I just getting home now? Why did Big B not get to the office till 3 AGAIN?! Grrrrrrrrrr... Big B's reason was that it wasn't busy today. Um...hellloooo? I just lived a super busy day! He doesn't seem to realize that when he's not at the office the phone really rings 3x as much. Today while I ate lunch at my desk and refused to answer the phone I watched and listened as my line would light up and ring then go to voicemail. 2 seconds later Big B's line would light up and ring and go to voicemail. Then 2 seconds later my line would light up again. I wondered why I had a headache! Now I know! Car rental tip #4731- If you are in an accident with a cyclist and the cyclist gets taken to the hospital, you should let the rental car company know the particulars of the incident by calling and/or stopping by to fill out a report. I was a little embarrased about not having a clue to what happened when the insurance agent called up inquiring about why we hadn't made a claim and the serious injuries our renter had caused. Sheesh. I haven't tossed the BlobbyCami into the wash yet. I have a few more ends to weave in and then I'll do it. I think I'm stalling. I have no idea what to do next. I can't quite figure out how they sleep like this and stay balanced.

Monk does his impersonation of Mommy on the inside at work. clap-clap-clap I get tired and I get cranky. Keep it simple is my motto. Very busy today in the office and I was just to tired to deal. I tried to put on my happy face but I could feel it sliding off onto the floor. I will go to bed early tonight and catch up. Look! And yes it's too big. So I'm going to risk it all and chuck it into a hot wash. After I get the straps on. I-cord may be called Idiot cord for a reason. Only idiots can do it! I'm having a little difficulty. I will practice some more tonight. Also can I change this? Look how lovely the left side where I did K2TOG. Gorgeous! On the right side where I did SSK it looks like shit. Is it just me? Is there a way to get beautiful matching decreases on either side? Would someone care to share this valuable information? I've read over my Montse Stanley bible several times and it says I'm doing it right. Is she lying? Ciao, ciao.

Now I remember why I went to bed at 8pm when I ran an office. Exhaustion! I'm home after a 12 hour day and nodding off at the computer. The guy took one look at me as I walked through the door and bolted to get me a glass of wine. He's the best. I forgot how much running I used to do. Run for the truck, run to the wash bay, run to get keys for the car parked in front. I was in much better shape back then. I was also 6 years younger. My legs and veins are aching from being on my feet all day. I'm going to go put my feet up. And I plan to finish my BlobbyCami tomorrow. I brought the digicam home in anticipation! I'll take lots of pics of the kids so Terri doesn't suffer from puppy picture withdrawl again. It wasn't pretty. Here's one to tide you over.

I got to come home at lunch yesterday and spend the first 'real' day off with the guy in 2 months. I hit a lawn chair and fell asleep. I'm a heck of a date aren't I? I did get to the armholes of my BlobbyCami but had to rip back a row because I didn't do the split right. I should have had 82 stitches to each side but ended up all wonky. Like 92/88. Very weird. We were watching 'About Shmidt' and I was a little distracted. I really enjoyed it. I thought Jack Nicholson was great. There was a bit of the leering and simpering Jack in there but I thought that his expressions and mannerisms were perfect for the part. AND we watched 'The Amazing Race'. Tough to watch when you have to explain everything to someone who has never seen the show. The guy's virgin voyage. He caught on quick and was the first to notice that Kelly had forgotten the camera. I was not shouting at the TV for her to go back and get it. No-ho! The guy summed her up as 'a little high strung' Really? I can't wait till next week! I have to work tomorrow. And it's not the usual go in and slack off for a couple hours Saturday. It's a full day of 'on the counter' retail action. And I get to open the office. Sheeeit. I haven't done that in 4 years. I had to practice my safe opening skills today. It took me a half an hour to get it right! Lord help me. I'm sure we'll be fine. I do have to work with lazy ass/hamster down. I may address that before the day is through. She can be so great and then so lame. I'd be very happy with even all the time. We'll see. I have to go rest. I have to be at the office by 6:30AM! I got home an hour and a half late tonight too. At least someone brought me a Slurpee as a small appreciation of me staying. And a Thank You. Who could ask for anything more?

Jeeezuz, hep me. Goodness, I'm tired today. Big B had a couple meetings and things and didn't get to the office till 3. The phone rings 3x as much when he's not there. I have a headache. And a truck broke down in the interior and had to hit the runaway lane. Now I bet that was exciting. No one was hurt. And they're going to have a good story to tell. "Dude, we totally launched that 1 Ton up the runaway lane! Sweet!" I knit on my BlobbyCami last night. I'm almost at the armhole decreases. I have to work this Saturday on the counter so I don't think I'm going to get it done this weekend. We shall see. I see a couch and a beer in my future.

Things I don't believe: 1. There is no other life form out there besides us. 2. That I can stop myself from buying more yarn. 3. That Terri finished her Vegan Fox so quickly! There's only one thing to say. BEATCH! And I mean that in the kindest, gentlest way, re-he-heaalllly. The guy went on a house cleaning tear today. It looks so pretty and I didn't have to lift a finger. Lord, I love that man of mine. He also dealt with the remains of upset dog tummy. Eeeewwwww. Yup, I state again, he's a keeper. I have knitted not a stitch this week. I shall punish myself accordingly. Fine Catholic kid I am I'm sure I'll be able to come up with something. I bought FCEK today and I see maybe 2 sweaters I wish to make. Also is there a fashion movement I'm unaware of that says cropped, boxy, striped sweaters make you look thin? Hello? Let's make our asses look like oversize loads! I am thin but I honestly have a 40 hip. Actually a set of saddlebags that sit another 4 inches below my hip. Either way it's a large, wide, flat part of my body. I have nary a whisper of an ass. I'm a big pear. So if I put that little cropped boxy thing on I'm gonna look alot bigger than I am. So will any woman! So don't go there! My little sister never ceases to amaze me. I'm sure she's just trying to find her way in life. She's moving into New West and taking an apartment with a friend. Said friend is going to get her a job working for his restoration company. As in manual labour, construction, heavy lifting, demolition, all that stuff. The kid has never exercised a day in her life! She says she realizes that it's going to be really hard work. I say she washes after 2 weeks. Nah, 1 week if the friend doesn't give her the cushy jobs. If she does manage to last I will have more respect for her for sticking it out. I'll keep you updated. Don't get me wrong, I love her and I want her to do the best she can and be happy. If she needs to do this on the road to happiness, go girl! Alright, I'm off my soapbox. G'night.

Okay, I think we've solved the Manager's Appreciation and our vacation trip to the Island. We'll be postponing our trip or going the week before the 'do'. I decided that it was in my best interest to go. A lot of new opportunities are being presented to me and if I didn't go it might look like I don't appreciate them. Then again if I don't go the boss won't have the opportunity to show me how much I'm appreciated! I got to talk to this cutie on the phone. It's kinda weird talking to a movie star you were hot for back in high school. He is polite and pleasant as he comes across on screen. It was funny. He was looking for Big B but he wasn't around yet. So I got to say "Was there something I can help you with?" He says this is so and so. To which I said "Yes, We delivered a vehicle for you to the hotel on Saturday, it's license # blah, blah blah, black SUV. Correct?" I think I freaked him out a bit. Stalker! Cute, but nope. Sorry Andrew. ChicKami plods along. I was just reading that Terri is almost finished her Vegan Fox! Cripes woman! You're making us all look bad. Nowhere near as bad as Wendy does but she's getting there. I have to thank SweaterGirl for adding me as a link. You gals are the best. A quiet bunch when it comes to the comments and all but it's nice to know you are out there and have an interest in my little blobby blog. I don't think I can sit here and not comment on a recent knitting mag covergirl who can only knit. Not purl. If it's your 'favorite hobby' why have you chosen not to learn any more about it? There's a fine example of someone who has a "Hamster Down!" I keep forgetting the digicam. I gotta buy one of those. We'll see if there's any bonus left over after I buy the property. Let me go dig in the archives of photos. Ah, here he is. My dearest, and crustiest kitty ever. We called him Rooster Cogburn with fur. Happy times at the Rainbow Bridge, my dear, sweet Rainman.

I wore my Hippy out and about today. I got wolf whistled at when I passed the Italian Coffee Shop! Either I'm looking hot or you just can't miss me in the bright orange sweater. Even the guy says it's a great sweater. He'a a keeper. Have I said before that people who don't pick up their dogs' poop really piss me off? Well they do. Would you let your kid shit on the street and not do something about it? I usually really aware of poop. I guess I have a sixth poo sense. Maybe the sense is fading as I get older but I came close twice today to getting poop on my flip flops. Dammit, people. Pick up your poop! It's not like I'm walking through the woods or something! I'm on the freaking sidewalk! Grrrrr. Slept in till noon today. Fahbulous! Musta needed it. My mom was supposed to go to Savary yesterday but got confused when she looked at the BC Ferries website to make a reservation and saw they were fully booked. She didn't read the finer print that says they only reserve 15% of the boats capacity. So she won't leave until tomorrow. Too bad. She's lost 2 days in paradise! Starting the increases on my ChicKami and i'm very pleased. The guy got me the new Fall Vouge Knitting. There's a sweater in there I'd like to try with the yarn I won from Wendy. Do you think Wendy will mind when I dye the sweater after I'm done? It's the brightest Kelly Green! Ya think I turn heads in the orange sweater?! Look Out! Ah Saturday, laundry, knitting, napping, knitting. I love it.

Weather shift. There's strange things a happenin' here. Today was cloudy and HUMID but quite nice temperature wise. Much cooler than it's been the last month. But still a bit sticky. I'm hoping for rain. I'm sure the firefighters in the Interior region could use it. Major forest fires. Largest in 50 years. Some started just by flicking that cigarette butt out the window. Now it's the guys birthday month. Crap. He's so hard to surprise or get stuff for! I can't buy him anything musical and surprise him. I always want to consult him to make sure I get the right thing and the best thing. I was going to buy him the book he wanted but he already bought it on the 31st! The day before birthday month. Now that's just not fair, is it? What to do? What to do? My mom is off to her cabin on Savary Island. Where we were staying while we rebuilt our cabin. I'm so jealous. She's going for 2 weeks! And no slave labour. Just sun and fun. Man. Also found out that there's a manager appreciation thing for work coming up. I didn't find out about it till today. And it's right when we planned to go back to Savary! Now what am I going to do? I can't exactly tell the owner 'Thanks for inviting me to the Charity Ball and spending $4000 for our table, but I just can't make it.' Crap. Crap. Crap. We're going to have to reschedule. Argh. Quiet day at work. How nice. I should go work on my Chickami. Couldn't last night because Amazing Race was on. I'm bummed about the clowns. They did look like they really were trying to enjoy every minute of their race through the entire thing. Sure that doesn't make for good reality TV a la Kelly and John but I kinda liked them. I'm glad Chip and Reichen didn't get booted. I thought for sure they could hear me yelling at them to get out of the car! Walk! Walk!! John was such a jeark with his comments during the face first rapell (?). Chip is right. 'John, you are such an ass****!' Idiot. Once again I state that Kelly picked a fine man.

Okay, is it just me or is this normal and I'm missing something? A customer was in today and was snorting and horking. I thought he was going to hock a giant lugie out onto the counter. Yep, I hope you got a visual because that's how gross it was! It got to the point where one of the girls asked him if he'd like a Kleenex. Needless to say his credit card had no available credit and we were treated to that sound over and over for about 45 minutes. Eeeeewwwwwww. On to happier thoughts. My Chickami is going to be so cool if I ever finish it. I was reading over at Alison's about her craving to start some yummy fall projects. I think I've been having those too. Even though it's still butt sweat hot here I can feel a change in the weather. Makes me kinda blue to have to turn on some lights at 9pm. Like Ferris Beuller said "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you might miss it." I think that movie still makes it into my Top Ten list. Also the species thing's happening again. Baby Bud took the dog bed, Sarah crawled into our bed, Monkey slept next to Sarah and Ella managed to lay a claim to her bed. Those varmints sure put off alot of heat. Now I know the meaning of Three Dog Night. Or at least The Guy, The Dog and The Cat Night. This is one of my favourite pics of Ella.

I should have taken a 'recovery' day. I'm still tired from our trip. We got up early to catch the ferry on Friday morning. Like 4:30 am early! Packed up the car and the girls and blasted to the ferry. To get in line with 5 million other folks! Every year we swear we won't travel on a long weekend. Maybe this year will be the last. We managed to get on the 7 am ferry and made all of our connecting ferries. Only problem was the last connection. The water taxi to the island. We booked our trip 2 days in advance but couldn't get a reservation until 4pm. So we ended up waiting around for 3 hours in Lund! Boring. All in all after a 12 hour journey we arrived. I was not feeling well. I had managed to kink a muscle in my shoulder and I think my body has decided to age. I have never experienced such PMS in my life. I felt like I was having labour pains! Cramps so bad they had me doubled over. Nice, huh? After we arrived and unpacked I went straight to bed and woke up 14 hours later. Kinda ate into the vacation time. But what a great time it was. We relaxed and finished the roof on the cabin. We also made some progress on the inside. We were given a butcher block counter top by one of the other folks on the island that were redoing their kitchen. It fits perfectly! It's going to be so nice when we get it all together. The guy had an altercation with a lady who had backed her car up to the beach and was removing buckets of sand and driftwood. He asked her what she was doing and she said she was taking sand to make a sandbox for her kids. The guy told her he disagreed with what she was doing and that it was a delicate ecosystem on the island and it wasn't right for her to take it. She got all up in arms and was all 'It's a public beach! I'm just taking a bucket of sand for the sandbox!' We had seen this lady for the last 3 days back her car up to the beach and load stuff off it. The guy says'How much sand did you take yesterday? Or the day before? Or the day before last!' The lady's mom said that she would ask her husband what the laws were because he was a lawyer. Well, that was it. My guy lost it. He managed not to swear but he told her in no uncertain terms that he knew it was illegal to remove stuff from the beach. The guy went and got a neighbour who calmly told the woman that this was true and gave her the telephone number to call. The lady kept protesting that it was just a bucket of sand! Everybody told us to come down here! The guy says to her 'I bet if you go to Main and Hastings they'll tell you crack's good too!' She said that was a great story that she'd tell her kids! And then she called him a gumpy. old man and got her bucket into the car and got the hell out of there. I hope she got the message. If everyone on the island decided to take, take , take there would be no island left. I was apalled at her 'sense of entitlement'. Just because you own property doesn't mean you can take anything you want. Savay Island is only about 16 kms square and was over subdivided in the early 1900's. There are about 1500 lots on such a tiny space. A lot of folks have bought multiple lots and donated them to the Savary Island Land Trust. A giant piece of propety in the middle of the island was bought and donated as well for a park. I have the hope that we will be able to buy the lots on either side of us and keep them as green spaces. My hope is there are more folks like us who love the island and will do everything they can to keep it such a beautiful haven. Sorry, got off track there. Look what's gone on. Isn't the blobby yarn great. Granted the picture isn't. I'm about 6 inches further along and I'm enjoying the process. Maybe I'll get it done before the next trip. Lastly. We really just go up so Ella can do this in the car.

We're back! And I'm tired. Finished Harry Potter. Really swell! Loved it. Managed to get my titties tanned. You can take that however you wish. I kept my top on! Pics and sordid details tomorrow. Missed the internet.

If your neighbours are splitting up and they sold their house, why is the husband over asking me to loan him $40? My neighbourhood is going to hell in a handcart. It's gotta be the heat. Do I feel older today? Not really, I actually feel like I'm a boring, lame ass person. I should have gotten together with someone on my birthday. But if I had I would've missed a call from one of my dear friends. And it was worth being a homebody just to be there when he called. Hi, Bratty! I do feel a little left out. Neither of my dads called. And my 'real' brother didn't call either. I've had a little pity party and I feel better now. My 'real' stupid brother called today. He wonders why I have his number tagged on my cell to play 'The Buffoon". Helllooooo?! Oh-My-God. I got a Patternworks catalouge today. If anyone out there is responsible for that. Thank You! The guy quipped that he actually has to go out to get his fix of music gear or books, whereas my dealer delivers...yeeesssss! I'm really liking the Handicrafter Cami. Sure it's like knitting with string but that's what I did when I was a kid so it's like a trip back in time. Who am I kidding. In this heat it sticks to my hands like crazy! But I am really thinking it's gonna be cool. We'll be off again tomorrow to the island to finish the roof and build a bed. That's all we have planned this trip. Hell, I could finish that in less than a day! As long as the guy doesn't get in the way. Bwaaaa! I packed the digicam! Thank you, boss! We'll be back Tuesday night and as long as there are no more Blogger breakdowns we should be in good form! Amazing Race tonight. Can't wait! I've also gotten hooked on Paradise Hotel. Good Lord it's trashy! But I love it and loathe it at the same time. I think I'm hooked because no one has any idea what they're playing for! Million Bucks? Permanent free hotel room? STD? Sorry, that was going too far. New trick. Sarah gets up at 5am. Does her little song and dance and woof to go out. The guy gets up and goes to let her out. But Sarah has just deaked him out and stolen his spot on the bed. I'd never do something like that!

Happy Birthday to me! And for all of you wishing to leave birthday wishes on my comments link, we are experiencing technical difficulties, please resend your goodwill telepathically! Thanks! Started my ChicKami. I like the beige Handicrafter I'm using. It has blobs of colour along the yarn. Rather than getting the stripeyness of some of the variegated yarns I just get a dot here and there of colour. Pretty cool. Have to have more than 2 rows done before I take a pic. I love my job and I love my clients. Today I got to wear a tiara all day! No diamonds, just plastic rubies. Funny thing was that no one really questioned or commented on it. I must have worn it well. Har har. I also received a bottle of 1995 Dom Perignon! Can you believe it? What am I gonna do with that? I'm afraid to drink it! And we got cheesecake! Life is sooo good. My favourite thing today was the card I got from one of my co-workers. It says "I love working with you" and inside "Sometimes I forget I'm in Hell!" It sums up the frustrations we've all been having with those missing hamsters! Laughed my heinie off. Well, not quite off as it was so hot today I was experiencing butt sweat. Eeeeewwww. Yup, you heard it here. I just complained about the hot weather. I need to go get a cool beverage and flake out. No big birthday night for me. The guy's working. Awwwwwww. Here's me having some time in the yard. Please ignore the morning glory that's overtaking everything. Anyone got any suggestions for getting rid of it? Chemical Free? I'm sure my dogs get enough of a high from huffing butt, I don't think they need anything stronger!

Look! I did a button! Now if I could get the comment thingy to work. Hm. Scorcher today! Faaaaahbulous! I'm starting my ChicKami without a swatch. Please remind me at the end of my project when I bitch that it's not quite right. I have nothing else to say. Well I do, I just seem to be distracted by setting up the comments. 'Mothership, I hear you loud and clear. Starting hypnosis in 3...2...1...now!'

This deserves more applause than me completing my Hippy. This is the yarn I received in the mail from Terri as a GIANT surprise and just in time for my birthday. Which is Wednesday the 30th, should anyone else be curious. I'll be 34. I really liked 33. Symetrical, strange as I feel I'm an asymetrical personality. Maybe it's because all the time I was in elementary school I never knew how old my mother was. I always told everyone that she was 33. Now I'm going to pass my mommy. Hm. God Bless Bob Hope. I've always loved the musicals of the 40's and 50's. I do believe that I must be somehow reincarnated or some life connection something as I feel so strongly towards the fashion, architecture and the films of these times. If I was there as myself now I'd probably be regarded as the well-dressed town freak. I don't think I'd fit into the housewife thing. But then again...I'd have a lot of time to knit! Call up the Doc! I need to get Back to the Future! Lovely day at work today. Even with Big B being contrary to anything and everything I said or did. I think he was just doing it to make me crazy. He was doing a very good job. But it was fun crazy. Does that make sense to anyone? Okay, okay, enough with the waiting. This is before I wove in the ends and added my cording. I took up the neckline 3 inches as it was right at nip level. Sure, if I had my Victoria's Secret Miracle Bra on I'd be stopping traffic. But then again, I'd never be let out of the bedroom. Bwaaa! Since I did raglan sleeves it totally changed the look of the top of the sweater. I tried to get pics after I was done but self portraits really suck. I'm very happy with how it turned out and I love the colour. I think I have just enough yarn left to squeeze out a ChicKami. We shall see. I start the first ChicKami in the Handicrafter Cotton tonight. I treated myself to the appropriate sized circular needles. And I didn't splurge for Addi Turbos. After all I want to buy property. I can't be throwing money away on needles. Mind you, halfway through this next project I'll be cursing myself for not spending the extra money. Oh yes, you want to see this? My hair diva is sooo faboo! I'm gonna go start my next project! WooHoo!

I FINISHED MY HIPPY!!!!!!!!! By my self imposed deadline. Hot Damn. am I good or what?! Photos tomorrow. I made drunken chicken tonight on the BBQ. That's where you impale the whole chicken on a half full can or beer. Then massage the outside with olive oil and pat on your favourite seasoning. Toss on the BBQ and roast till done. Oh-My-God...it was pure culinary heaven. You gotta try it! That's all that's new. Sad life I lead.

I FINISHED MY HIPPY!!!!!!!!!

I FINISHED MY HIPPY!!!!!!!!!

Isn't Saturday supposed to be a sleep in day? Not for this chick. It was new hair day. Usually my faboo hair diva books me for noon but for some reason this time it was 8:45AM! Remember I have to drive 30 kms to get there! So it was kinda up at the usual time today. I tried to have a nap in the afternoon but it wasn't working. So I... FINISHED THE SLEEVES OF MY HIPPY! Gobsmacked. I think it's an appropriate use of the word. It explains how I feel. A good ol' Homie 'WooHoo' would work well in this situation also. Now I'm trying to master I-cord. It's a little wavy but as I go along it's getting more even. Remember to pull that stitch taut! Another super score from the Women In Need store beside the hairdresser. 12 balls of super fat Purple bumpy yarn with threads of orange, yellow and blue and green through it. And a set of 7.5 mm dpn's, 7.5 mm regular needles and a set of 6.5 mm needles. I got out of there for under $20! I think I'll use it to make a sweater for my friend's girl for Christmas who LOVES purple. Another beautiful day here in the city. Starting to get a little hazy with no rain or wind to move it around. I love it. And it's Indy weekend. I can hear the race cars from my house, whining and buzzing. It's pretty neat to think there are cars zipping along at 180 kph. Then again with all the steet racing here it probably happens everyday. No one hears about it until someone kills some one else. Confirmed 'hamster down' at work today. I can't tell if she's just stupid or smokes too much dope or is just a lazy ass. What to do, what to do? I'm going to work on my I-cord. That's what I'm going to do. How do they sleep like that?

I knit during the Amazing Race last night. I purled a knit row. Craaaaap. No more knitting during suspenseful shows! I can't believe we have another week of Kelly and John. If my guy spoke to me like that I'd probably punch him in the mouth. Nice choice there, honey! So that means that yes, I did a few more rows on the infamous Hippy. I hope this ends soon! So I can start on a tank top before the summer's over. Then I'll have to make scarves and such for the silent auction for the food bank. And then it'll be Christmas! And then my brother's 40th! I may never get to knit for myself again! Freaky Friday at work. Hot and sticky weather. Slight ugh. Could have been hotter and not so humid. (Oh my gosh, did I just complain about the weather?) Very busy and we ran out of trucks this morning. If you need a rental longer than you originally planned, please let the rental company know. Then we can make alternate plans for the next days customers. Otherwise they get all snotty and yell. It kinda sucks. Only one person yelled and we were really only short for about 15 minutes. I found some trucks. I'm pretty handy that way. I try not to get all worked up. I also noticed today that the usual missing hamster is behaving strangely. It's almost like he packed a hamster this week. Is it because the other 'hamster down' is distracting me? I think not because someone else has noticed too. Very, very unusual. My Mai Tai isn't doing well. We sent him home today because he's still a wreck. Actually he went to the emergency room because he was having difficulty breathing. Doctor says it's just an anxiety attack. Poor kid. He doesn't want anyone at work to know what he's going through so I can't be very demonstrative towards him. Tai, Tai, Tai. Chin up! I gotta find him a supermodel. That will make him feel better. At least short term. Pizza tonight. Yum. I remember when I was in college my mom gave me $20 because I was broke. The next day she was at my apartment and opened my fridge. All that was in there were 2 pizzas. She was mad! "I gave you $20 and you bought pizza?!" Couldn't stay mad when I explained that pizza would feed me with the 4 major food groups for 4 days! New hair tomorrow....

I recieved a special package today in the mail. In time for my birthday! I feel it needs a full coverage entry with pics so you'll just have to wait. Thank you Terri! I may have been one of these in a previous life. Well, not so stoned looking but...I came home from work this afternoon. Moved the reclining lawn chair to the sunny spot in the yard and promptly fell asleep. I love the sun! Terri will be the first to tell you that. I have to admit if I didn't have a/c at work I'd probably be pretty cranky. But I used to be a California Girl and I love to be toasty! All's calm at work today. Crazy calm, if that makes any sense. Everyone brought their hamster today. Even me. And not too much ribbing about the wrong fuel thingy I did. Phew. One of my young 'uns 'Mai Tai' had his longtime girlfriend pop the 'I think we need a break' talk. Now she doesn't even want to talk it through. He's a mess. He can't sleep. He feels nauseaous all the time. He can't think of anything else. Why does the guy never see it coming? I have to admit I may have to bitch slap this girl if I ever meet her. Mai Tai is adorable and kind and sweet and if I wasn't otherwise commited I may have a go at him myself! Forget the 14 year age difference! I'm progressing along nicely on the Hippy top. Ready and willing to finish it! I'll do a few more rows tonight but I'll have to put it down for the Amazing Race. Please boot John and Kelly, please boot John and Kelly, please boot John and Kelly. I have trouble remembering my increases and decreases when I'm watching something intently. Hell, I can't even remember to mark my rows! Love life. Peace out. See what a Will Smith Biography does to your life?

I want to buy a piece of recreational property. I know that my student loan is going to come back to haunt me. It has since been paid off but the bank likes to go back 9 years and look at those things. Those things being I was a student and had no money to pay the loan. I'm kicking myself now. I have to see the loan officer tomorrow. Wish me luck and strength to battle the system. My father had knee replacement surgery last week. I bet my brother 5 bucks he'd chicken out. He's been talking for years about having his knees done. Lo and behold the old man actually did it! I called him after the surgery and found out that a drugged out dad, who has to pee, and no nurse will respond to his call button, is damn funny! He somehow went down 2 pints of blood after the surgery and they couldn't find a leak anywhere. So I quipped that it must have gone to his head to fill the empty spot between his ears. He told me that was impossible that they had checked his head and there were no leaks. I asked if he was sure they had checked. He was very serious in telling me that they had (in a sing-songy kinda voice) and that he didn't understand my insisting that it had gone to his brain. It really sucks when you have to explain your jokes. But man did I giggle at him lamenting about the nurses not responding to his call button. I could hear him clicking it and clicking it. Cussing and such. He makes me laugh. I totally messed up and embarrassed myself at work today. I expect excellence of myself and those who work for me. I want people who will strive to be the best they can be and move on in life a better person. So today I checked in a crew cab pick up. The customer had dropped it off right in front of the pumps so all I had to do was check the mileage before I fueled it. So I punched in my fuel access code and all the other info and began to fuel it. It was taking a lot of fuel so I decided to take a walk around it and check for any damage while I was waiting for the fuel. As I was walking around it I was admiring it. Saying to myself that this was a nice looking truck. What is this one again? Duramax DIESEL! Ack! I'm putting unleaded into it!.. So 51 litres of unleaded went into it. I can't start it or I risk killing it. And it's parked right in front of the pumps in the middle of everything. I had to call a tow truck. And push it back 10 feet so it wasn't blocking the bay doors. I was so mad at myself. All of our trucks are supposed to have a big sticker right on the gas cap cover that says DIESEL FUEL ONLY in giant letters. This truck did not. It does now! My only defense is that I never started it in the first place. If I had I would have heard the engine and gone 'Diesel!' Cripes. I'm going to be ridiculed for weeks. Sometimes our house isn't big enough for all of us. The couch definitely isn't.

Confirmed that there's a 'Hamster Down!' at work. How lazy can you be? You would be amazed. Makes me speechless! I swear that all of our customers meet at the Starbucks and then head down to the Budget together. We were nice and quiet getting stuff done when BAM! Slammed with customers in 5 ton trucks. We've been really busy so the lot's been empty. Now it is all full. Thank you nice customers! Appreciate you waiting in the line that stretched out onto the road! And creepy dude was in today. Doesn't come in often but, excuse me, don't you have a bathroom to poop in at home? Everytime you come to the office do you have to 'drop the kids off at the pool' and make the place reek of your nasty ass? Ugh, just freaking gross. Don't call me 'sweetie' on top of that. EEEWWW! Other than that it was a nice day. I'm setting a knitting goal. I may just finish my Hippy by the end of the week. As in Sunday night end of the week. I'll let you know how it goes. Way hot again today. Love it and I'm feeling slightly wilted. Hardest is at night when it's still hot. The heat seems to be affecting the neighbours. There's one family 2 doors up across the street that the Mom just screams at the kids. We call it the "Mad House" Yelling at the older kid to hold the younger brothers hand crossing the street and such. Um, the younger kid's got to be at least 10! They're an interesting bunch. Now, the neighbours directly across the street seem to have been affected (or infected) by the Mad People. They have 3 kids so far. Very close in age. Looking like 4,3 and 2. Seriously. I heard her this last week of heat, swearing and cussing out her kids at the top of her lungs! I don't see her very often but I caught a glimpse of her yesterday and it looks like #4 kid is almost here. I've never heard her yell at them before and I've never been so apalled at the language. Don't get me wrong, I can cuss like a sailor when appropriate and even at times that are inappropriate! Sheeesh! Parents wonder where their kids learned to talk like that. Granted I don't have kids but I am aware of the frustration they can create. I'm hoping my neighbour will take a 'time out'. How about a pic from the weekend. Hot Dog! It's either 'My name is Bond, Ella Bond." or "Ooo baby baby, b-baby baby!"

Holy Hot, Batman! And I love it. Sure, I lost about 5 pounds in sweat today and burnt my heinie on the leather car seats at work, but I'll take this over anything. Stopped by the office on Sunday and we have a confirmed 'hamster down!' I put out an APB and I hope that we can talk this one away from the edge. I'm feeling like it's gonna jump if it already hasn't. After all, if you have all the info right there to close a contract correctly, why do you not use it? I feel like a 3 year old. Why? Why? Why? 'nuff said. I taped Trading Spaces Family last night because I had a work shmoozy thingy to go to. It was okay. The shmoozy thingy, that is, but I got through the whole show to the reveal and shhhhhhhhhh....snow. I didn't tape long enough. Cripes! Anyone know if they liked it? It was Vern so I don't think they hated it. I was so choked at myself. Sheesh. I'm up to the sleeve decreases on my Hippy. I always think I'll get so much more done than I do. Life just gets in the way of my knitting. Hey, maybe I won the lottery and I'll never want for knitting time or supplies again! Ahhh, what a dream. Dishes, yet another part of life, are calling me.

Another possible 'hamster down' at work. Not the usual one. Hmmm...this could be bad to worse. I better nip this one in the bud. I was supposed to go out with the girls last night. I got home late from work and totally forgot. I remembered around 8pm. I was supposed to meet them at 4:30. Ooops. I hope they'll forgive me. Today was a lovely day. Kinda cloudy and muggy but nice. The guy and I ended up heading down to English Bay. We had lunch at Pepita's and watched the world go by. Then we drove over to Robson street for some shopping! My guy is the best guy. It's not just your birthday, he believes in birthday month! That means all month you get spoiled rotten. I love that man of mine. He bought me a white linen shirt and a couple pairs of khaki shorts. The guy bought me the shorts because he killed my work shorts last week when he did the laundry. I thought he would know about the whole light coloured load, dark coloured load thing. He knows now! It's been such a great lazy day. The guy is on the couch having a snooze and watching football. He swears he can do both. Strange species goings on around here. Buddy, our 7 year old kitty has started to sleep on the dogs' beds. She usually steers clear of them and will have nothing to do with the dogs except the occasional ear lick. She's been hogging a bed a couple nights a week! Which means that one dog is in bed with us hogging the duvet. It's kinda cute to see Bud all curled up right in the middle of a giant bed. I'll see if I can catch her at it and get a pic. I have to say thanks to Terri and to Sandy for adding lil ol' me as links on their blogs! I am very flattered that you read. Now I have 3 people that I know read my blog. WooHoo! I tried to explain to the guy today how Blogger works and what it does. He's very confused now. As am I. I have actually been knitting! I probably have ove half the sleeves done. I read a good idea over at Another Knitting Blog a while ago and tried it on this project. I'm knitting both sleeves at the same time! As I've gone along I've safety pinned them together in the middle. That doesn't make sense without a picture, does it? I'll post a pic of that on Monday too. Too much content, too much content, I know. Hope you had a nice read.

Good Lord, now I can't make all the uploads I tried go away. Just read the following post. Go no further! Or suffer repetitive blogger hell!

July 18th, 2003 Blogger Control Queen Christine is on the case again! There were some conflicts with my BlogBack stuff. No one ever comments so I think it's not a giant loss. I'll try again with another comment thingy. Any suggestions? Freaky Friday at work today. Are we sure it's not the 13th? 3 Jettas broke down today. And , of course, they all want their Jettas back. So I have a little rule at the office. If you don't take care of your Jetta and you break it, you get a Hyundai instead. No Jetta for you! So far I've dinged 3 people with "Jetta Neglect". Tee Hee! Ah...the power. I'm going to pose a question. If your credit card is maxed out, and you have no credit available, should you still be able to rent a car? Can I pose a couple 'what if's'? How will we collect for your parking ticket that comes in the mail a month later? How will we pay for the repair if your car is vandalized and all the windows are smashed out? How will we get reimbursed if you forgot to fill up the tank before you returned? Am I supposed to give you a $50,000 truck because you look like a nice person? Just because you couldn't resist that new pair of shoes and maxed out your card do not call every person in the office a f**cking bitch and scream and swear at us while we try to explain patiently why we need credit. If we tell you the manager isn't in the office and will be back in the afternoon, please do not accuse us of lying. I think if he was there we'd rather have you cuss him out. Really. I'm sorry you're embarrased that you've been exposed. Get a grip, woman. And grow up. I was totally choked that Kelly and John didn't get booted off Amazing Race. What? Non-elimination round? Give me a break. There's always next week! My stupid cold is still hanging on. Stuffy head, foggy brain, sniffles and a nice cough. I'm resting all weekend. The Vancouver Folk Festival is in town and Ani DiFranco is playing Sunday night. I have backstage passes. I may see how I feel on Sunday. Let's see if this will publish. July 17th, 2003 Got another message from BloggerControl. My dear friend Christine has looked into it again. WooHoo if it works! I kees you! Mwaa! Mwaa! Mwaa! Big boss meeting went very well. And very late. Very tired today but I did manage to drag my heinie out of bed. Car stolen from work. Right in front of the doors. Granted the guy left the keys in it but it's pretty ballsy. I'm sure it will be used for a couple B&E's then dumped somewhere. Add another hour to my pile of crap. Sigh. My cold still hasn't gone away. I'm still stuffed up and I have a terrible, deep, chesty cough. Niiiice. This weekend I'm going to rest up and do nothing but knit. And go to a big, shmoozy, work thing. Well, I'm dying to see if this works July 16th, 2003 What's this now? Like day 6 or 8? Jeezus! Meeting with the big boss tonight. The owner. I have a list and I shall stick to it. And my dearest CW will be joining us. CW has been in the company almost as long as the big boss. She'a a riot. We think along very similar lines and often finish each others sentences. That can freak people out but we make the best of it. Should be an enjoyable evening. The guy is bugging me about blogging. 'Honey, no one's going to read that today.' I had to tell him that if I didn't write about today it would get lost in the jumble that are my brain cells. 'Oh, pity.' He's a laugh a minute. I have to hop in the shower. I realize that the reason why I got those cool shoes so cheap is that they're all man made. Quite an accomplishment! But now my feet smell. Ewwww. They call them stinky feet! July 15th, 2003 UPDATE Well, that was a bit premature. Always check that it works before you blab about it in your blog. C'mon Christine! Don't let me down! July 15th, 2003 UPDATE Christine @ Blogger is my newest, bestest friend. They do employ folks to look at problems! And you heard it from me, Ande. Not some friend's, brother's, sister's, boyfriend's, cousin on his mothers side. Cheers for Christine! July 15th, 2003 Give me a freakin' break. I've changed all my passwords but it still won't publish. I'm giving it till Wednesday then I'm going to ask for a refund. It was a wonderful day at work today! Seriously. Everyone there had a hamster on board and there were NO NEW ACCIDENTS! WTF? Happy, happy day! I'm about 1/2 way through my Hippy sleeves! I was thinking of taking a little break today and doing some French knitting for the cords that I have to attach. I'll do a sample and try some I-cord too. I also actually bought yarn for my ChicKami and I'm itching to get on it. I cheaped out and got some Handicrafter cotton in beige with the multi colour splotches on it. The guage is a little different so it will force me to do a swatch. Yeah, right. July 14th, 2003 Good Lord, this is quite a fiasco. I've tried everything. As I lamented to Terri I'm not a computer whiz but I don't think I'm that dumb either. I wonder if they'll give me my $50 US back? Since I can't get this to go I'll just keep posting here and then have a MONSTER blog to post if it ever works again. Keee-rist. I've decided I need to hire a part time admin person at the office. There is no way I can do all those accident files as well as all the other fabulous things I'm supposed to do. Like take reservations, check advance bookings. make sure the staff are happy, get out of the office to the movie sets, call coordinators to make sure we have the right product, lunch with stars, you know, those important things! Now I understand the owner wants me to take over the whole office. Uh, no...I signed on to be the next movie mogul, not the next office manager. I don't want to babysit. If I take over be prepared for an awakening. I expect everyone to be accountable. No lame ass excuses from the young 'uns! I run a tight ship! I expect to be called 'Mistress'..oh..wait..ahem..excuse me..I got a little carried away there. I am going to ask for a raise. I believe I'll get it. Gotta stay confident! Should I wear the low cut blouse and the Victoria's Secret? Too Much? Bwaa! Our friends from Taiwan were visiting earlier in the year and they made a little video. I must get the upload thing to work. It's so cute to see my pooper Sarah going bonkers on the bed. It's a goal. If I get it up there will be a GRAND announcement. I've managed to catch a bit of a cold from my vacation. I think I just worked myself too hard and couldn't get a good night's sleep on my parents air matress. I think the matress works for them because there's only about 30 pounds difference between the two. (Please, no one tell Mom I said that!) The guy and I have about 100 pounds difference. So when he gets in bed it's like sleeping on a beach ball! You have to keep in the middle otherwise you'll roll off the edge. It's a challenge. If he moves you have to hang on or else he'll bounce you out. Kinda like the double bounce on the trampoline. He's definitley worth hanging on to. Snicker snicker. I hope this is fixed soon. July 13th, 2003 Day Five, denying my login at publish. Uh....I got this far didn't I? I'm trying to get Blogger Support help but...do they really employ people to look at that stuff? July 12th, 2003 Day Four, still no luck. July 11th, 2003 I've been trying to get this to upload for 3 days. What the heck is goin' on! July 9th, 2003 I'm baaaaacck! Didja miss me? Another exhausting 'holiday'. But we're so far along on the cabin! First day we loaded in 2100 feet of lumber from the road into the lot. About 60 feet. Then we made a proper wood pile and spaced out all the freshly milled wood so it would dry out and stay nice and straight. That only took about 7 hours! I calculate that we loaded just under 2 TONS of lumber! Two freaking tons! No board was less than 18 feet. That's what you get out of a 200 year old cedar that squashed your cookhouse. After we finished there we hit the beach and I promptly fell asleep. The guy was kind enough to poke me to roll over before I burnt to a crisp. Awwww. Also got the side porch roof on and the driftwood log posts up. It looks really cool! Also got half the cabin shingled. I'm a handy girl. Are you wondering why there are no pictures of all this great accomplishment? I forgot the digicam at work. By the time I realized I forgot the office was closed. We left too early in the morning for me to zip down and get it. So I figured I'd just buy some film and batteries for my regular camera. So far I'm in for $35. By the time I get through the 3 rolls of film and develop those pics it should be somewhere around $70-$75! Sigh. I will not do that again! I got a couple rows of my Hippy done on the ferry but no real knitting. I bought the ChicKami pattern today and we'll see if it inspires me to finish my Hippy so I can start the cami. Could happen. Work was mental when I got back. Wait a minute. It's almost always mental! So I guess it was really normal. 8 more accident files but just small stuff. Scrape here, scrape there and a totalled Suburban that was used in a stunt that went terribly awry. No one seriously injured. Just a couple bruises and a broken ankle. I don't think that stunt man is still employed. Just a small $53,000 mistake. Here's a pic! Wooden thongs. Five bucks. Leuk, hoor?

Whew, what a day! So busy! I felt like one of those runners at the Stock Exchange. My brother emailed me today to say he was going to visit the twins. My older sister's children that she gave up for adoption 16 plus years ago. My sister has since passed away and I've only seen the twins twice. Once, when they were babies and then again at my sister's funeral. The adoption was supposed to be an open one. Everyone was to get to know everyone. Not so. We were asked not to write or call. We respected their descision. Now that the children have reached the age of majority they've expressed an interest in meeting the 'other' family. My brother's nervous. So am I. I'm wondering what questions they may ask about their mom and how I should answer. My sister was an addict. Alcohol, drugs, you name it. She managed to cope for several years relatively clean and sober. It caught up with her at the end. She commited suicide. I was shocked when I heard the news but not surprised. I'd been expecting a call like that for a long time. Enough about that. I'll tell them the truth. That their Auntie Ande is crazy fun and that their mom loved them so very much. Getting ready to go away again. All the bags have to be packed and I have to adjust my swimsuit straps a bit. I ordered a 36 B but it's a little roomy. Why don't they sell a Baby B size? I'm not an A, more like an A+. Fitting would be so much better. Just a thought. My mind is scattered today. I won't bounce around here anymore. I'll see you next week Wednesday!

I hold my breath if I'm watching the lottery numbers come on the news and I haven't bought a ticket. So far, so good. Not making much of a difference when I have a ticket though. Hm. Work was super busy and insane again. More folks wrecking their rentals. I'm sensing a trend. As I was leaving work today I saw the customers that had just been in the office come squealing around the corner in their newly rented car. Pedal to the metal they zoomed off up the street. Sigh. Please don't wreck it. I have enough work to do. Really. Getting ready to get outta here! I have to go get puppy food tomorrow or the dogs will have to hunt their own food while we're away. Snort. Have you ever done the freeze the chicken breast in a Ziploc bag with salad dressing? Tried it last time we went to the island. Holy Yum! We never do it at home because we live a block from the butchers and I don't have time or a microwave to defrost. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Last folks on earth to have a microwave or watch Titanic, that's us! How great was it to win the bid to host the Olympics in 2010? So great it brought tears to my eyes. Or maybe it was the realization that I'd have to hear the sappy Bryan Adams song from the bid video for 7 more years! Bryan! Stop with the shlock! Ack, ack, blech, cough...ack. Lame-o. I didn't take enough pics over the weekend so I'm going to search the vault. Ella. Having a ball. 2000.

Never send a man alone to the home improvement store. He went for nails and 10 more pieces of cedar decking. Came home with a new patio umbrella (for the cabin deck because it's so sunny there now without all the trees) 34 pieces of decking and 10 boxes of nails. That's all he's telling me about. I'm sure there's more around here somewhere. I'll find out when he tries to fit it in the car on Friday morning. I can't wait to go away again. We have to get the main cabin up and running because by the time we get there again my folks will be up and we'll have nowhere to stay. So this trip we are going to get the chimney in, replace the crappy 1/2" plywood on the roof with 5/8", roof as much as we have shingles for, build an extension on the one side of the roof to cover the deck to the shower, load all our newly milled wood further into the lot, build a new bed and maybe a woodshed. Hmmmmm, now that it's in black and white I'm skeptical. We shall see. I helped out on the front counter at work today. Dealing with a lot of retail customers. I enjoy it a lot. I think I must be good at it because when a customer brought back his Jetta with the bumper out of whack. I got him to fill out his incident report and he didn't blow a hairy fit at all when I asked him about it. Most folks accuse the staff of lying about new damage. Nice, huh? Excuse me, I have better things to do than stand here and have you call me a liar. It hurts my feelings. I have a pretty thick skin on the outside but I do feel it when I'm accused of something like that. We really have way too much to do already without cooking up scams. Sarah's ankle seems to be fine now. All that ice and rest did her some good. I'm still keeping her from running around the yard like a looney. She has no sense. Tomorrow we find out if Vancouver gets the Olympics! I hope we do. Yes, I'm backing the bid. Call me what you will but I feel it's an honour to even be considered. Is there any TV I should be watching tonight? I'll have to ask Terri. She's a bit of a TV Queen. I hope she's not offended and removes my link from her blog! Har har har. I truly believe I have the best boyfriend ever. He just made popcorn and brought me my own bowl and is leaving me alone with the computer. Aaaawwwww.

Just so you know I actually did finish the front of my Hippy. And here's the proof Pretty spiffy, huh? Still working on those sleeves. I should get a little further along tonight. Look at this Mama told me there'd be days like this.What a great kitty. I got to see my dear Am-ers yesterday! Funny how time flies, but hanging with her was just like being back at the apartment all those years ago. We wandered out onto Commercial Drive and had lunch and saw some bad fashion sense. I have to give a little leeway in the fashion senseI mean, after all, it was Sunday. Am was not so forgiving. It was a blast and I got to hear all about her new dating adventures on the Internet. And her adventures living in Korea. We'll be taking off to have a girls weekend up on the island soon. No work that trip. Just plenty of beach time. Sarah's ankle seems to be doing better. Still a little limp but she's putting most of her weight on it now. Yesterday she wouldn't. She put up with our RICE method and laid still for all the Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Superstar puppy. Check out this funny comic. I know a couple puppers like that!

If you use butter as your tanning medium, will you get that beatiful roast chicken golden brown colour? Just wondering. Sorry, the brain is a little addled today from lack of sleep. The young 'un's with the hot cars next door decided to have a party after the bars closed. I woke up at about 3am to the stinky, sicky smell of pot filling the bedroom from the open window. The guy said when he came home from work he started to smell it a block away! I'm not sure if they were all having a joint at the same time or they just put a bale on the BBQ and stood around breathing deeply. Beside the stinkyness there was the revving of car engines, yelling, slamming of doors, tire squealing as the peeled out and left. Finally. Sheesh. Sarah has managed to twist her ankle running about in the back yard today. She's hobbling around. I'll have to close the gate to the yard and keep both of them on the patio for the rest of the week. Greyhounds are so stoic. I never heard a peep out of her when she did it or a whimper when I was inspecting her ankle and bending it this way and that looking for any scrapes. I'm gonna try to get her to lie down so I can ice it. I'll have to go get a bag of frozen peas later. I'll use cubes for now. Am-ers is coming over today! I think I'm supposed to go to work. I'll call my boss and ask if I really have to. I hope he says stay home. I think he will but you never know. As long as I get home by one it's okay. I did absolutely notheing yesterday except make an appearance at work and then baked in the sun. Last I checked the thermometer read 92 degrees! I don't see that I got any colour but maybe it takes a day or two to develop. I'm gonna go take care of my pooper. Wish her well.

I have the best boyfriend in the world. Yesterday he ordered me this a month before my birthday AND rush delivery so I would have it for our vacation next Friday! Yup, Back up to 'Slavery Island' for another 5 days of work, work, work. At least I'll look good in that bikini. Only I'm the one that will know it because it will be hidden under my coveralls! In anticipation of my new bathing suit I decided to go to the Spa and have a 'tidy up' down below. Holy Crap does bikini waxing hurt! Yikes! Thank the Lord, God above that I said no to the Brazilian! June seems to be the busiest moving month end out of the whole year. I think all the families wait until the kids are out of school before they move somewhere. That way the kids have the whole summer to get to know the neighbourhood and make new friends before school starts. That's the theory anyway. Today I had a customer ask me if I really liked my job. I deadpanned that I hated every moment of it. I think it's obvious that I love my job and the people I work with. I'm almost always smiling and making fun. Why do people ask me if I work for Budget when I'm standing in line somewhere, wearing my uniform, with my gas card around my neck, and my name tag on? My usual answer is "No, but I could see how you might think I do. I thought the outfit was cool." or "At this moment, no. I'm off for lunch." Then I laugh and laugh and laugh at the surprised faces. Still no knitting. It's supposed to get up to 37 degrees tomorrow. How hot does it have to be to fry an egg on the sidewalk? I may try that tomorrow. I'm a little bummed out that the BFG's got eliminated from the Amazing Race last night. I thought they were nice. Sad to say the stupid models are still there. I thought for sure one was going to swim in a dutch canal for sure! I don't really care who is who between the two. Bitch and Bitchy. Now I have to pick a new favourite team. Hm...I think I'll weigh my descision a bit more. I have to go to work tomorrow and Sunday . Eweweweweweee! All so I can have more of this.

Hoo-wee! Even my fingers are sweaty. Another hot one here in the city. Thank goodness we live on the Coast, otherwise I may melt! Almost lost a large account today. Seems that a production wanted an Escalade for their film to be used as a picture car. The main character has it as his car in the film. Our car sales guy said he could get one for sure by last Friday. Never showed up. Eeek. The owner of our franchise has one of these in the colour they want. So we borrow it from the boss thinking that we'll be able to get one exactly like it in a few days. So we get it in today and it's not the same. New one has a sunroof and brushed aluminium tires! And they used the boss' truck in close up shots already for 3 days! Director was very unhappy but I think we may have salvaged it. Who knew that every other Escalade out there has a sunroof except my boss'? That must be why he got a deal on it. Hmmm. Did you see the price on that stupid thing? US dollars too! I'll stick with my Honda. I heard a rumour that Terri might be back from her vacation. I hope she lets you know what she brought back as a souveneir (?) otherwise I may have to tell you all! And! She's probably going to blog about the Amazing Race! I've missed her rants! I can not wait to see what she has to say about the models tonight! I saw the preview and I think they toss each other out of the car!..I can dream, can't I? Stay cool.

Summer is such a busy time! It seems I have no time to knit or do anything! But I seem to get alot accomplished. Funny story at work. I was helping on the counter. Yes, a brief respite from the phone at my desk. I was helping a nice, elderly man who had had his car stolen and was renting an insurance replacement. His car was a convertible Mustang, He quipped that with the sunny weather he hoped they were enjoying it! Ha! After I completed the transaction and as the man left, one of the other staff commented that I had made her teeth hurt from all my sweetness! 'Could you have been any nicer?' was her comment. Probably, but not much. I really like helping people out to the best of my ability! Hamster Alert! Hamster Alert! We still to seem to have a hamster down! Call someone! Ella lost her collar sometime yesterday. I noticed it was missing when I left in the morning. I searched under the bed a bit but it wasn't there. The guy called later in the day to tell me that her collar was missing. I asked if he had looked around and he told me he had looked everywhere. Even under the huge cedars in the back yard where the girls have dug a hole halfway to China! Still no collar by the time I got home. I was thinking I was going to have to make her a new one. Get a new name tag. Report her greyhound ID tag lost to GPI and order a replacement as well as her license. I decided I would crawl under those cedars myself and take a look. Including the hole to China there's also all the grass clippings under there. Ewwww. Kinda stinky. Lo and Behold, I found her collar buried in the oldest and most decaying pile of grass clippings! Yuck. The funniest part was that the guy came home while I was rooting around. I crawled out from under the trees just like one of the dogs and gave a giant 'Woof!'. Well, we thought it was funny! No knitting. It's been a million degrees here today! I love it! Am-ers arrives tomorrow. I can't wait to see my long, lost roomie! And one of my dearest friends. Safe flight from Asia, girlfriend! What do I have in my pic file today. Me and a couple of my furkids hanging out.

How do I manage to get more bug bites in one night in my own home than a week away camping? Another mystery of the universe that needs to be solved! Computer crash at work today. That means everything gets done by hand. It usually takes about double the time but still can get done in a timely fashion for most of the staff. Most, not all. Adding machines can be intimidating, dontcha know! I zoomed through another 10 rows on the sleeves on my Hippy last night. The guy had a night off finally. First since we came back from vacation. We just laid around and watched the movie "Blow" with Johnny Depp (yum, even with the 80's hair) and Penelope Cruz. I enjoyed it. A well told story. In bed by 10 and asleep by 10:30. Gosh, are we a stereotypical rock star and the groupie? Sad, sad, sad. The weather was ab fab today! Sunny and hot! I remembered today that hot vinyl or leather car seats will fry the bare skin that hangs out of your shorts! Yeowwww! After all that frying I get to come home to this. Pets really do make your life more bearable.

Monday's make me feel like this. Just a little snarly. I always hope that when I leave on the weekend something amazing will happen and someone will grow a hamster. Nope, always dissapointed on Monday morning. Sigh. Aside from that work is darn fine. Lots of productions and lots of cars on rent. More accidents, more money. It all works out in the end. My boss has agreed that if I come in on Saturday and we get all our month end stuff finished I can take more holidays in July. I'll hate it but I'll do it. I managed to get the front of my Hippy done! And I started the sleeves. Yes, I said sleeves. I cast on for both (two separate balls of yarn, of course) and it's so neat. No real counting. Just do both the same. I have found that safety pinning them together helps to keep track of where you are. Sometimes they like to migrate to the ends of the circulars if you set them down. That's where it can be a bit messy. I noticed Sandy in the knit blog world blogging about how they keep track of their rows and increases and decreases. So far I've been happy with using the recipe card and the hash mark method. On an increase row I just put a little arrow cap on the hash mark, on a decrease it goes on the bottom. Hard to describe but really simple. I'll try to get a pic. I have found that now I do larger projects and all the rows won't fit on one recipe card. So I started a little wire bound notebook. I'm sure that once I start to do cables and fair isle that I will find flaws in my system. But it's so simple it'll be easy to adapt. I hope. I realized that when I was talking to Terri she got the pronunciation of my name right. It's Ahn-dee. I was impressed. Most folks see the way it's spelled and can't get it out of their heads. I'm Andy forever to some folks. It's just short for Andrea. Once again pronounced with the Ahn sound. Whoa, is the new Trading Spaces carpenter Carter hot or what?! YUMMY! And does that Laurie annoy me to death? That seems to be the only TV moment of merit I remember from over the weekend. I know I watched a lot of cooking and gardening and such but...nope, there's nothing else there. Hope you all had a good week! Is this the cutest, fattest kitten or what?

Have you missed me? I think not. I don't know if anyone reads. I'd be nice to have some validation but I think I write for sanity reasons. Not that I am insane. I mean, unless you ask my brother. He may tell you otherwise. I got to talk to Terri on Wednesday night! She was on her way back from the Island and while waiting for the ferry decided to give me a call. How nice was that!? She's as funny and witty as she comes across in her blog. I really enjoyed our chat. Wait till she tells about what she did on her summer vacation! I don't think anyone can really top it but I won't spoil it....i promise. Let's see if Blogger will autoload pics. Yipee! This is Bailey. Our friends new pup. What a gorgeous dog. We fell in love about 10 seconds after we walked in the door. Such beautiful brown eyes! Work is going along. We are sooo busy! But the phone has quieted down. Most productions are up and running so they really have all the vehicles they need. We do get the panic calls like "Oh My God! My tire is flat! What do I do?" Um hello, there's another tire in your trunk. Shit, if I can change a tire anyone can. Still having issues with missing hamsters. I realize I'm being too optimistic (?) in believing that one will sprout and grow. Now what do I do? My hands have finally stopped aching from the Construct...I mean, vacation. I've knitted about 6 rows this week and I still haven't finished the front. At least orange will still be in when I finish in the fall! Har har har. My friend will be here in a week from Korea! Yahoo. Am-ers I can't wait! Here's my Ella-poo doing her favourite thing in the car. I thought it was a cool pic.

Holy MoFo. Man, I've had such a busy weekend that this is the first real moment I've had to sit down! Saturday I took my parents and my sister down to Tacoma, Wash. for my Uncle's 75th bash at the river. Fun, fun, fun but driving 700kms in one day really sucks. I finally relented at about km 600 and let mom drive. She's the only one I trust to drive my baby car. I got home around midnight. Very tired. Then when the dogs started pacing around at about 9am on Sunday, the guy asked me if I was going to get up. Why? Because I always get up around that time on the weekend! I told him I was sleeping in and he better get his butt out of bed or he'd have more to deal with than just opening the door! Yup, I'm very cranky when I'm tired. Sunday was the best. We went over to our friends to see their new kitchen. And they made homemade Eggs Benedict! Yummy! Then we all went for a walk on the waters edge with their new lovely pupper Bailey! As soon as I figure out how to code the pictures I'll post them. I'm on one of those old browsers, don't you know. Therefore I cannot reap the full benefits of Blogger. Whatever. Sunday night Emma was on and I stayed up way too late and was a little grouchy when I had to get out of bed this morning. Work today was nice. It was nice to ease back into it. While I was on vacation I really wanted to be back at my desk where only the phone rang. Not pounding nails till it was so dark we couldn't see the nails anymore. Looking on going back on the 4th of July. There's a scheduling conflict at work and I'll find out on Wednesday if we're a go. Yes! I have been knitting! I've got most of the front done. I think I'm down to the last 10 rows. That means I could finish up tonight! Sleeves started tomorrow! I love orange. The only thing that you can't take a vacation from are your bills. I have to go pay them all now. Sigh.

Man, I don't think I've ever worked so hard for something in my life. Check out our vacation on 'Slavery Island' here. Blogger isn't letting me upload pics. Twelve hour days of construction and a whole 15 minutes on the beach. I am not joking! I am so proud of how much we got done! I figure by the end of the summer we'll be back at the stage where we just pack a couple coolers and run up for the weekend. I can't wait. I got a whole 10 rows done on my Hippy. I know, I know. I couldn't knit a bit when I got up to the cabin. By the end of the day it was dark and my fingers and hands ached. I actually woke up in the morning and felt pain in my baby toes! Sigh. I'm back on it this weekend. I've decided that my little sister has a little brain. She's almost 26 and she has a boy (all of 19) over to see her overnight. Fine and dandy, right? I mean, she's old enough. Not when you still live at home with your mom and dad! And they're home! Mom busted her and she starts telling mom about the boys I had over when I lived at home! Too late, I told her already! And I waited till the folks went away. At least till their car got around the corner before I made that boo-tay call! Sheesh. I wonder if those crystals she wears around her neck are affecting her brain. I can't believe the stupid models on Amazing Race are still in it. That pisses me off. I really hope that they get their fat asses eliminated. I can't stand their sneering at everyone. I really don't mind when they're sneering at each other. Kinda like looking in a mirror I hope. The morning glory has overtaken the yard while we've been away and the young kids next door have been having all their friends over. Taking up all the parking on the street. And how does a 17-20 year old kid afford a $40,000 car? How can all his friends afford the same thing? I mean, I'm 33 and I just got out of the Hyundai! I've worked hard. I've saved my money. Hm. Nope, I'm not having any kids. I think there's enough of them out there.

Aaargh! Pushed one too many keys and my whole post went tits up. Sheesh. We're all packed. The new (old) car is all insured and loaded up. I'm so excited! Have a great week everyone and I'll laud you with tales and photos upon my return!

Today I found it difficult to go from this: To this: I did the opposite 3 months ago but now I need a special form. I'll conquer that tomorrow while I do my running around for this! Ah life is rough. I'm on vacation, I'm on vacation, lalalalaa la, la la la laaaa la! I promise to post tomorrow night before we go. Don't you want to know what I'm gonna knit when I'm away?!

Somedays I'm glad I'm not the one in charge. Bad renter day. Dad rented for his kid and then the kid kept it for 3 months, damaged it and now Dad doesn't want to pay. Dad and the kid showed up just as I was leaving. When I called back to check up the cops had arrived. Never a dull day in the rental car business. Got a nice email from Terri today. I knew she wouldn't be able to stay away from technology for a whole month. Hee hee! Sounds like her and the big fella are just sinking into some vacation heaven. Sweet! I myself cannot wait for my vacation to start! One more day to work! I won't be able to do any computer stuff because there's no power where we're goin'. So if anyone reads this don't be worried I'll be back! But how hard will it be to return from this? The weather has been spectacular this week and it's supposed to stick around. Yipee! Knitting stuff. Can you tell the difference between these two edges? One is the left side and the other is the right side of the back decreases. I followed the instructions in the knit bible and I believe I'm doing it right. I have to remember that people will be at least 3 feet away when I have it on. Goodness I hope no one pulls out a microscope! I think they look totally different but when I look at the picture of the back I'm not so worried. Alas, dogs get no respect in this house.

Today we almost lost this. Now wouldn't that have been exciting! The guy had left the gate open when he put the lawnmower away. He just happened to grab some weed killer and head back out front. He saw a cute black dog loose down the block. Hey...wait a minute...that looks like...AAARRRGGGHH! So he followed her down the block, calling her name but she wasn't listening. Selective dog hearing. That is until she heard the word she wanted to hear 'Cookie!' She is home safe and the guy has made a renewed commitment to keep the gate closed. This is the first time since we got the girls that anyone has gotten out. I think 3 years is a good record! Only one new accident file over the weekend. Phew. AND I get my old CRV back! The one with all those yummy options! Like the bum warmers, the sunroof, the leather, the 6 CD stacker. Yipee! Seems like my boss hasn't been able to sell it for the price he wanted. So I get to have it back and the blue baby will go into the rental fleet. Maybe when my second lease is up on the CRV I'll buy it out. We shall see. Second work thing. How long should we have to wait for someone to grow a hamster to spin that wheel upstairs? How many times do I have to tell someone how to do something correctly before it sinks in? How many more customers have to bitch before something is done? I think I'm sending an email to the owner. Last one I sent about the same thing turned into a multi-page rant. Granted, it was in point form but there were alot of points! Got some pics on the weekend. New hair. I love it! I love the colour. This is much more me than the blonde it had been. The guy calls it 'Goth Hair' because of the dark ends. He's a funny, funny man. Also got a pic of my Hippy. Working my way through the front. I'm about halfway and almost ready to join the second ball of yarn to make the v-neck. Lastly is me and a very bad Monk-ey butt. He was wandering out of the yard straight for the street. He's not all that bright. Fat, yes. Street smart, no.

I think my karma is moving in a better direction. Today there were only 2 more new accident files to hit my desk and I managed to clear 5 of them off of it. Things are looking up! And it was yummy chicken souvlaki at Uncle Nick's today. Life is goooooood. I plowed through a couple rows of my Hippy last night. I did bring the digicam home so I hope to have pics up of WIP by Monday. Or sooner if I have to go into the office this weekend. I'm avoiding that because it's a weekend and it's a monthend. Super, super busy and I feel I should just stay outta there! I'll just get in the way, right? Tomorrow is new hair day! Yipee! I'll stop by the Women In Need mission store and see if there are any new things there that need a home. I did manage to score last time. I may get lucky twice. Also the neighbours are getting together for a yard sale on Sunday. I'm gonna go check it out. We got some cool neighbours and I bet they got some cool stuff! I was hoping to hear from Terri today. As she should be driving by on the way to her fab-o vacation. But if it was me I think I might be so anxious to get there that I'd forgo the visit and stop by on the way back. I miss her blogging. Especially after I tuned into Amazing Race last night! So far the only annoying ones are the models. Can you say "Beatch"? I myself cannot wait to go on our little vay-cay. See why?

Did I do something wrong in my previous life? 3 more accident files hit my desk today. I've lost all motivation. Seriously sucks. On a good note, W was by today. He's a big, ol' red faced Newfie, with the accent and a riot! All the girls admitted today that they have a little crush. Including myself. Good thing he came by otherwise I may have just laid myself under a truck and given up! Just kidding! No knitting news! It was kinda date night here. The guy brought home a movie, some wine and made me dinner. He's the best! He was well rewarded for such due care and attention. Snicker Snicker. I talked to my mom yesterday and we'll be staying at her cabin when we go on vacation. That way we can slave away at our place and not have to clean up to make dinner. Now we can leave it and come back to it later. Mom's property is waterfront and they've raised their bed so it looks out the window onto the water. Sweet! Kinda like a B&B with a ton of work thrown in! I still can't wait! Me and the girls go beaching it.