Purlin' Pug

Knitting

2008-01-23T19:28:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I actually have some knitting content!

This is the Diamond Wristwarmer made with Bernat Natural Blends Cashmere in Coal in US#7. I love this yarn, it is very squooshy :o) I'm hoping to make these into mittens.

This is a vest from Knit Simple Fall 2007. Yes, it is covered in dog hair :o) It is made with some 1lb bulky yarn of unknown origin on US#10. I have since completed the back.

So if all goes well I may actually have some FO's in the near future (I really hope I did not just jinx it).

Does this mean we have to move Mom???

Wow or WoW

2008-01-20T08:38:00.000-05:00

What happened?

Well, much has happened. I won't go into it all but suffice it to say, this was a big part of it.

Yes, I am now a Mrs. We got married on our 9th anniversary and it was wonderful.

In other news, Phoebe is growing....

and she is definately contributing to my hands being tied 24-7.

Also there has been a lot of this

which has been a major time drain. I have not even been knitting! Actually I did do another Baby Kimono but I was unable to take pics. I was very pleased with it though.

So here's hoping I'll get my act together and stop wasting so much time on the computer.

Pics coming soon

2007-10-09T09:33:00.000-04:00

I do have some pictures that I need to take so that I can post them. It is on my list of things to do....along with all the last minute wedding stuff. We are working on 19 days...I can't wait to relax!

You Are a Centaur

In general, you are a very cautious and reserved person.
However, you are also warm hearted, and you enjoy helping others in practical ways.
You are a great teacher, and you are really good at helping people get their lives in order.
You are very intuitive, and you go with your gut. You make good decisions easily.

My Girls

2007-10-05T14:47:00.000-04:00

"What should we get Mommy for her birthday?" - Phoebe
"Milkbones?" - Zoe
"I'm sure we can lend her one of the Nylabones for a little while" - Phoebe
"mmmm.....How 'bout we sleep on it. " - Zoe

hmmmm

2007-09-07T08:28:00.000-04:00

You're Prufrock and Other Observations!

by T.S. Eliot

Though you are very short and often overshadowed, your voice is poetic
and lyrical. Dark and brooding, you see the world as a hopeless effort of people trying
to impress other people. Though you make reference to almost everything, you've really
heard enough about Michelangelo. You measure out your life with coffee spoons.

Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

Additions

2007-07-10T14:11:00.000-04:00

Many changes are afoot here at the PugHut.

G has started the process of redoing the upstairs by gutting my walk-in closet. It now has no shelves or flooring. But the holes have been patched and sanded and I thought I heard him say he was picking up some paint tonight. (I must remember to take a pic tonight. There will be no before pic, but I could get a mid-process shot). Once the closet is painted and my new shelving installed (built by G), we are laying down some laminate flooring. And it will continue throughout the bedroom. This means no more yucky green carpet with Puggy pee stains.

Why the big push? Well...on the 18th we will be bringing home Zoe's little sister. Meet Phoebe...

I'm not sure if I mentioned it or not, but Phoebe is actually Zoe's younger sister. Zoe is from Spike & Zoey's first litter and Phoebe is from their third (and probably final). I don't even think I can convey how excited I am. I even have 7 days off from work to ensure that the girls adjust properly. I even move two vacation days from my wedding to accomidate this! So, anyhow, the carpet is going so that Lil' Miss Phoebe does not automatically think our bedroom is a Puggy loo. I realize it'll still happen, but the hope is that the scent from Zoe's mishaps do not encourage her to piddle in our bedroom.

And yes there has been knitting, but woefully little to show for it. I have started 2 blankies for the girls. One in a purple/mauve and one in a pink/orange. Zoe's collar/harness/leash set is purple and we have started to buy pink for Phoebe. I love shopping for pups!!

Damn

2007-06-05T13:56:00.000-04:00

It sure is going to be hard for the boys to win 3-in-a-row. Our city is going completey nuts (in a polite, Canadian kind of way) and we'd all really love to see them do the impossible. But guess what boys, you really will need to be a little more consistent in your efforts against a team like Anaheim.
Oh well, here's hoping....

Well Hello There

2007-06-04T21:04:00.000-04:00

Talk about a hiatus.

Been trying to plan the wedding. Trying to get healthy...go to the gym, eat better, etc. My gown is in, 1 size smaller than the one I originally tried on, and it fits! I haven't really lost any weight, but I have firmed up quite a bit and I'm much stronger. As of Wednesday, I'm joining Weight Watchers to hopefully start losing the weight. The dress looks beautiful and I feel like a Princess, but, if I'm going to implement changes, now is the time to do it. The girls at work are starting a pool at work to see how long it takes me to get pregnant now that the wedding is quickly approaching and my Best Friend is due right around Remembrance Day (she will be beautifully pregnant at our wedding!). I'm still about 60 lbs. overweight (according to BMI index), so I'd love to start tackling that now, before we try and have kids.
Speaking of kids....

One of these little ones will be coming home with us at the end of July. Zoe is getting a little sister, literally. This litter is a product of her parents, Zoey and Spike. Our Zoe is from their first litter and our newest addition is from their third and probably final litter. It is a little sooner than G and I expected, but we (G especially) really wanted another pup from this breeder. When she emailed us last Tuesday saying Zoey and Spike had a litter of 5 the day before, she mentioned that this was more than likely their final litter. After a brief discussion (finances have not been very good lately), we decided to fuck the debt and complete the PugHut like we've been longing to do. So this can only mean one thing. Puppy Shopping!!! I seriously can't wait.

On the knitting front...hasn't been happening. But, with our new addition it'll start up again. I am also awaiting word from my BF as to the gender of her wee one (should find out around the 14th), so knitting will definately commence soon.

More updates to follow....

Spring

2007-03-15T12:35:00.000-04:00

Hurry up would ya?

Book Meme

2007-03-07T08:39:00.000-05:00

I yoinked this baby from Stitch 'n Sue.

In the list of books below, bold the ones you’ve read, italicize the ones you want to read, cross out the ones you won’t touch with a ten-foot pole, put a cross (+) in front of the ones on your book shelf, and asterisk (*) the ones you’ve never heard of.

1. +The Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
4. Gone With The Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
5. +The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (Tolkien)
6. +The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring (Tolkien)
7. +The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (Tolkien)
8. ~~Anne of Green Gables (L. M. Montgomery)~~
9. Outlander (Diana Gabaldon)
10. *A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry)
11. +Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Rowling)
12. Angels and Demons (Dan Brown)
13. +Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Rowling)
14. +A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
15. Memoirs of a Geisha (Arthur Golden)
16. +Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Rowling)
17. Fall on Your Knees (Ann-Marie MacDonald)
18. The Stand (Stephen King)
19. +Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(Rowling)
20. +Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte)
21. +The Hobbit (Tolkien)
22. The Catcher in the Rye (J. D. Salinger)
23. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
24. The Lovely Bones (Alice Sebold)
25. Life of Pi (Yann Martel)
26. The Hitch hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams)
27. +Wuthering Heights (Emily Bronte)
28. +The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (C. S. Lewis)
29. East of Eden (John Steinbeck)
30. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom)
31. Dune (Frank Herbert)
32. ~~The Notebook (Nicholas Sparks)~~
33. *Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
34. 1984 (Orwell)
35. +The Mists of Avalon (Marion Zimmer Bradley)
36. The Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett)
37. *The Power of One (Bryce Courtenay)
38. *I Know This Much is True (Wally Lamb)
39. +The Red Tent (Anita Diamant)
40. The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
41. The Clan of the Cave Bear (Jean M. Auel)
42. The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)
43. Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella)
44. The Five People You Meet In Heaven (Mitch Albom)
45. +Bible
46. Anna Karenina (Tolstoy)
47. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas)
48. The Grapes of Wrath (John Steinbeck)
49. Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt)
50. She’s Come Undone (Wally Lamb)
51. The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver)
52. A Tale of Two Cities (Dickens)
53. Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)
54. Great Expectations (Dickens)
55. +The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
56. The Stone Angel (Margaret Laurence)
57. +Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Rowling)
58. *The Thorn Birds (Colleen McCullough)
59. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood)
60. The Time Traveler’s Wife (Audrey Niffenegger)
61. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky)
62. *The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
63. War and Peace (Tolstoy)
64. +Interview with the Vampire (Anne Rice)
65. *Fifth Business (Robertson Davis)
66. One Hundred Years Of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)
67. The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (Ann Brashares)
68. Catch-22 (Joseph Heller)
69. Les Miserables (Hugo)
70. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupery)
71. +Bridget Jones’ Diary (Fielding)
72. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez)
73. Shogun (James Clavell)
74. The English Patient (Michael Ondaatje)
75. +The Secret Garden (Frances Hodgson Burnett)
76. *The Summer Tree (Guy Gavriel Kay)
77. *A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith)
78. The World According To Garp (John Irving)
79. *The Diviners (Margaret Laurence)
80. Charlotte’s Web (E.B. White)
81. *Not Wanted On the Voyage (Timothy Findley)
82. Of Mice And Men (Steinbeck)
83. +Rebecca (Daphne DuMaurier)
84. Wizard’s First Rule (Terry Goodkind)
85. Emma (Jane Austen)
86. Watership Down (Richard Adams)
87. +Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
88. The Stone Diaries (Carol Shields)
89. *Blindness (Jose Saramago)
90. Kane and Abel (Jeffrey Archer)
91. *In The Skin Of A Lion (Ondaatje)
92. Lord of the Flies (William Golding)
93. *The Good Earth (Pearl S. Buck)
94. The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)
95. +The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)
96. The Outsiders (S. E. Hinton)
97. White Oleander (Janet Fitch)
98. *Woman of Substance (Barbara Taylor Bradford)
99. The Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield)
100. Ulysses (James Joyce)

Two days in a row!!

2007-03-03T10:01:00.000-05:00

Hot Damn!!
As promised, I have pics.
First up. I have proof of bandwagon jumping.

Jaywalkers. In Bernat Sox #40713 - Hot Tamale on US size 1 needles. By far the smallest needles I have ever used.
Next.

My attempt at a sweater. The Amelia Corset from Big Girl Knits to be exact. This puppy is done in Patons Canadiana #023 - Lilac. I am planning on this being a solid coloured sweater. The ribbing is done on US size 6 but I'm not sure which size to use for the upper portion. The pattern calls for size 10s but I'm not too sure that'll work with this yarn. We will see.
Hope everyone enjoys their weekend.

Well Hello There

2007-03-02T19:29:00.000-05:00

Well I guess it is obvious from the previous post that there are not many movies viewed here at the PugHut. Even though G had invested in a toy a few years ago (52" DLP), you are likely to find a sport on its' screen. Take this week for example. Monday - Toronto @ Montreal. Tuesday - Ottawa @ Carolina. Wednesday - Carolina @ Ottawa. Thursday - Supposed to be CSI but it was a repeat :oP so we watched "So you think your Smarter than a 5th Grader" (pretty fun). Tonight - Ottawa @ Atlanta. Saturday - I think there may be a Busch race on (no Nextel this week). Sunday - Ottawa @ Chicago. So there you go...do ya think I get to watch much? I can't really complain because this does give me ample time to knit (and go to the gym).
Speaking of the gym...yes I am still going. No, I haven't dropped a size yet. But I'd better because I purchased this 2 weeks ago...

in one size smaller than I am currently wearing. I'm pretty confident that it'll fit. I have done a few tests recently and although I have not physically seen a difference yet, there definately have been some changes. I have more energy, I am stronger (actually I have gained 20 pounds of muscle according to one test), and my trainer and I have noticed huge improvements at the gym. So I have to try and stay positive. I just keep saying that the weight will start to move soon. And really, when I started this journey, it was for my health, not my dress size. I've just noticed that since a lot of my time has been taken up by this wedding, I easily forget the original goal. (The planning of the wedding also explains why the blog has been pretty lean as of late).

I had made some progress on the Skully sweater, but it has since been ripped. Why? Well, it was my first colour work project and I carried the colours a little too tightly behind the image. There was some puckering. So I decided that wasn't good enough for the little Princess.

Last week we had a nice evening. Dinner and a...Dog show. Westminster was on. Here is how Zoe spent her evening.

"What? I just wanna a taste."

"Where is the handsome boy Mom? Man, he only came in third! He's soooo hotter than the Miniature Poodle."

The following day comprised of...

"Well he was good looking. I'm going to day-dream now."

Don't worry SweetP. We will get you a little friend soon. A little sister. After the wedding :o)

Up next time. Hopefully some progress pics of my new projects. I've finally jumped on the bandwagon.

Found on the internets

2007-02-27T13:08:00.001-05:00

It’s been said that allegedly if you’ve seen over 85 movies you have no life. Mark the ones you’ve seen. There are 239 films on this list. Copy this list, go to your own blog, paste it in and put x’s by the ones that you have seen. Add them up, change the header adding your number, and post it.

(X) Rocky Horror Picture Show
(X) Grease
( ) Pirates of the Caribbean
( ) Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest
( ) Boondock Saints
( ) Fight Club
( ) Starsky and Hutch
(X) Neverending Story
( ) Blazing Saddles
( ) Airplane
(X) The Princess Bride
(X) AnchorMan
( ) Napoleon Dynamite
(X) Labyrinth
( ) Saw
( ) Saw II
( ) White Noise
( ) White Oleander
( ) Anger Management
( ) 50 First Dates
( ) The Princess Diaries
( ) The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

Total so far: 6 out of 22.

( ) Scream
( ) Scream 2
( ) Scream 3
( ) Scary Movie
( ) Scary Movie 2
( ) Scary Movie 3
( ) Scary Movie 4
(X) American Pie
( ) American Pie 2
( ) American Wedding
( ) American Pie Band Camp
(X) Harry Potter 1
(X) Harry Potter 2
( ) Harry Potter 3
( ) Harry Potter 4
( ) Resident Evil 1
( ) Resident Evil 2
(X) The Wedding Singer
( ) Little Black Book
( ) The Village
( ) Lilo & Stitch

Total so far: 10 out of 43.

(X) Finding Nemo
( ) Finding Neverland
( ) Signs
( ) The Grinch
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre
( ) Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning
( ) White Chicks
( ) Butterfly Effect
( ) 13 Going on 30
( ) I, Robot
( ) Robots
( ) Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
( ) Universal Soldier
( ) Lemony Snicket: A Series Of Unfortunate Events
( ) Along Came Polly
( ) Deep Impact
(X) KingPin
( ) Never Been Kissed
( ) Meet The Parents
( ) Meet the Fockers
( ) Eight Crazy Nights
( ) Joe Dirt
( ) King Kong

Total so far: 12 out of 66.

( ) A Cinderella Story
( ) The Terminal
( ) The Lizzie McGuire Movie
( ) Passport to Paris
(X) Dumb & Dumber
( ) Dumber & Dumberer
( ) Final Destination
( ) Final Destination 2
( ) Final Destination 3
( ) Halloween
( ) The Ring
( ) The Ring 2
( ) Surviving Christmas
(X) Flubber
( ) Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle
(X) Practical Magic
( ) Chicago
( ) Ghost Ship
( ) From Hell
( ) Hellboy
( ) Secret Window
( ) I Am Sam
( ) The Whole Nine Yards
( ) The Whole Ten Yards

Total so far: 15 out of 90.

( ) The Day After Tomorrow
( ) Child’s Play
( ) Seed of Chucky
( ) Bride of Chucky
( ) Ten Things I Hate About You
( ) Just Married
( ) Gothika
( ) Nightmare on Elm Street
( ) Sixteen Candles
( ) Remember the Titans
( ) Coach Carter
( ) The Grudge
( ) The Grudge 2
(X) The Mask
( ) Son Of The Mask
(X) Bad Boys
( ) Bad Boys 2
( ) Joy Ride
( ) Lucky Number Sleven
( ) Ocean’s Eleven
( ) Ocean’s Twelve
(X) Bourne Identity
( ) Bourne Supremecy
( ) Lone Star
( ) Bedazzled
(X) Predator I
( ) Predator II
( ) The Fog
( ) Ice Age
( ) Ice Age 2: The Meltdown
( ) Curious George

Total so far: 19 out of 121.

(X) Independence Day
( ) Cujo
( ) A Bronx Tale
( ) Darkness Falls
( ) Christine
( ) E.T.
( ) Children of the Corn
( ) My Bosses Daughter
( ) Maid in Manhattan
( ) War of the Worlds
(X) Rush Hour
( ) Rush Hour 2
( ) Best Bet
( ) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
( ) She’s All That
( ) Calendar Girls
( ) Sideways
( ) Mars Attacks
( ) Event Horizon
( ) Ever After
(X) Wizard of Oz
(X) Forrest Gump
( ) Big Trouble in Little China
( ) The Terminator
( ) The Terminator 2
( ) The Terminator 3

Total so far: 23 out of 147.

(X) X-Men
(X) X-2
(X) X3
(X) Spider-Man
( ) Spider-Man 2
( ) Sky High
( ) Jeepers Creepers
( ) Jeepers Creepers 2
(X) Catch Me If You Can
(X) The Little Mermaid
( ) Freaky Friday
( ) Reign of Fire
( ) The Skulls
(X) Cruel Intentions
( ) Cruel Intentions 2
( ) The Hot Chick
(X) Shrek
(X) Shrek 2

Total so far: 32 out of 165.

( ) Swimfan
( ) Miracle on 34th street
( ) Old School
( ) The Notebook
( ) K-Pax
( ) Krippendorf’s Tribe
( ) A Walk to Remember
( ) Ice Castles
( ) Boogeyman
( ) The 40-year-old Virgin
(X) Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
(X) Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
(X) Lord of the Rings: Return Of the King
(X) Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
(X) Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
(X) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Total so far: 38 out of 181.

( ) Base-ketball
( ) Hostel
( ) Waiting for Guffman
( ) House of 1000 Corpses
( ) Devils Rejects
( ) Elf
( ) Highlander
( ) Mothman Prophecies
( ) American History X
( ) Three
( ) The Jacket
(X) Kung Fu Hustle
( ) Shaolin Soccer
( ) Night Watch
(X) Monsters Inc.
(X) Titanic
(X) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
( ) Shaun Of the Dead
( ) Willard

Total so far: 42 out of 200.

( ) High Tension
( ) Club Dread
(X) Hulk
( ) Dawn Of the Dead
(X) Hook
( ) Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
( ) 28 days later
( ) Orgazmo
( ) Phantasm
(X) Waterworld
( ) Kill Bill Vol. 1
( ) Kill Bill Vol. 2
(X) Mortal Kombat
( ) Wolf Creek
( ) Kingdom of Heaven
( ) the Hills Have Eyes
( ) I Spit on Your Grave
( ) The Last House on the Left
( ) Re-Animator
( ) Army of Darkness

Total so far: 46 out of 220.

(X) Star Wars Ep. I The Phantom Menace
(X) Star Wars Ep. II Attack of the Clones
( ) Star Wars Ep. III Revenge of the Sith
(X) Star Wars Ep. IV A New Hope
(X) Star Wars Ep. V The Empire Strikes Back
(X) Star Wars Ep. VI Return of the Jedi
( ) Ewoks: Caravan Of Courage
(X) Ewoks: The Battle For Endor
(X) The Matrix
( ) The Matrix: Reloaded
( ) The Matrix: Revolutions
( ) Animatrix
( ) Evil Dead
( ) Evil Dead 2
(X) Team America: World Police
( ) Red Dragon
( ) Silence of the Lambs
( ) Hannibal

Total: 54 of 239

A-Z

2007-02-21T07:41:00.000-05:00

A- Available or Single? Nope.
B- Best Friend? Gene, Christina & my Mom.
C- Cake or Pie? Cake.
D- Drink of Choice? I've always loved water, even as a kid.
E- Essential Item? Deodorant.
F- Favorite Color? Orange.
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? Worms.
H- Hometown? Marathon Village, ON.
I- Indulgence? Dark Chocolate.
J- January or February? Hmmm...February, it's shorter.
K- Kids and names? Does Zoe count? She IS my baby...
L- Life is incomplete without…? Love. It does come in many forms....
M- Marriage Date? October 27, 2007...it's coming up!
N- Number of Siblings? Scooty Scoot. My younger bro, Scott.
O- Oranges or Apples? Apples.
P- Phobias/Fears? Spiders.
Q- Favorite Quote?
R- Reasons to smile? Puggies, Gene, my family...
S- Season? Autumn.
T- Tag 3 people?
U- Unknown Fact About Me? I am really not enjoying the planning of our wedding. If I could just pick a dress and show up, I'd be really happy.
V- Vegetable You Hate? Brussel Sprouts and Fiddleheads.
W- Worst Habit? Clutterbug.
X- Xrays You’ve Had? Recently...my hips.
Y- Your Favorite Foods? Chocolate, pasta, fresh veggies with dip.
Z- Zodiac? Libra.

Skull Puppy

2007-01-07T12:20:00.000-05:00

Well I have reached the colour portion of my first project using colourwork.

I have yet to attempt Fair Isle or Intarsia...until now. I just love the idea of a Skull Sweater for my little girl. And I figure it may be a good practice piece because it is smaller.
While G was reading the paper this morning, he stumbled across this article, http://www.ottawasun.com/Lifestyle/2007/01/07/3215620-sun.html. Interesting find where you least expect it.
Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

Knitting

2007-01-06T12:34:00.000-05:00

Yup, there has been some knitting here at the Pug Hut. See...

These are the Lace-Up Fingerless Gloves from Leigh Radford's Alterknits. I used a leftover ball of Red Heart's Super Saver in Pale Plum and some thin Chocolate Brown ribbon. Knit on US 8. I added some stitches to the forearm and knit the hand in small, but I honestly think I will just knit them in the large next time. Oh yes, there will be a nest time. I really like them, another pair in something softer and darker will be a project for later.
Right now I have started this...well, no pic, but trust me, it's just a few rows of 1x1 ribbing in TLC's # 5012 black. Here is the website. Street Legal Designs.
If the weather continues to stay this mild, I may have to think of something else to work on. The Cable Sweater from an earlier post is definately on a hiatus for now. Ah well, can't really complain, it has been rather comfortable lately. It is kinda weird to have green lawns though, after all, this is Ottawa. I guess W!nterlude* may be a dud this year.

* Big-time winter festival here in Ottawa, I'm just trying to avoid a ton of hits.

Happy New Year

2007-01-01T13:24:00.000-05:00

As the final day of Holidays is upon us, Zoe and I have talked about our Resolutions for this coming year.

- To get more cuddles in (Z & K)

- Spend a little more time reading (K)

- To stop eating poop (Z)

- To be honest in my efforts for weight loss (K)

- To take Mommy for more walks (Z)

- To knit and actually finish some projects (K)

- To get more playtime (Z)

- To get more naps (Z)

I should probably attempt to keep a cleaner Pug Hut too. What do you think Zoe?

Happy New Year to everyone and may 2007 be even better than 2006.

Rest

2006-12-30T11:57:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoyong their holidays. G and I are sick :o( But I guess that is to be expected when you are around so many people in such a condensed period of time.
Mother Nature has shown that she has not forgotten us, so it is finally snowing. December 30th...hell of a lot better than some years. I remember being a kid and having snow at Hallowe'en. So we really cannot complain.

Things have been nice and slow the last few days because we are all under the weather. There has been much cuddling,

and knitting,

and ripping*,

and general enjoyment.

G went out and purchased this game after having played it with his nephew the other day. G is a guitarist and he gives this game a couple of thumbs up. It is actually pretty neat. So I have had quite a bit of knitting time while he fools around with his Christmas Bonus purchase and watches the hockey games.

Well I'm going to go make myself another pot of tea, sit on the couch with my Snug-Pug and start this sweater over...in a larger size. Man I wish I could do this everyday, minus the sickies.

*However, I do get to start over because of the glaringly obvious mistake on the cable. But, hey, it is my first cable...This has given me a chance to check the size and guess what? Too small. I did go down a size because of the amount of time I have been spending at the gym, but this is still a wee bit too small. So the whole thing is visiting the frog pond right now. I really do not mind though, it is such a quick knit. The pattern is from a Lion Brand booklet and I am using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in Colour #135 - Spice.

48...

2006-12-27T09:22:00.000-05:00

48 Things You Could Care Less About
1. FIRST NAME? Keri
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? I cry alot, so....I'm sure it was recently.
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? No. Never have, probably never will.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Ummm....yuck.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Probably.
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Nah.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I'd like to think I'd try it.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I don't eat cereal.
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes, except my 8 hole Docs.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Physically I'm working on it.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Mint Chocolate Chip or Chocolate Cherry.
14. SHOE SIZE? 9-10.
5. RED OR PINK? Red.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Where do I start? Lack of confidence.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Grandmama (Mom's Mom) and my Grandpa (Dad's Dad).
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? No.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Navy knitted sweater that was my Mom's, red Tee, Navy Comfy pants and socks, with a Pug on my lap. She is napping, keeping me toasty.
20. LAST THING YOU ATE? 2 cookies..shhhh.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Puggy snoars.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Orange.
23. FAVORITE SMELL? Oranges.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My brother.
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Hair, eyes, shoulders.
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? Yep.
27. FAVORITE DRINK? Water.
28. FAVORITE SPORT? Horseback riding. It's been awhile.
29. EYE COLOR? Dark Brown with black flecks. They look black sometimes.
30. HAT SIZE? Medium.
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope.
32. FAVORITE FOOD? Cheese, Fruit.
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings.
35. SUMMER OR WINTER?Winter.
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Both.
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Ice Cream. Tiramisu.
38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No one.
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? See above.
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? In between.
41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?Nothing, it is black.
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? Nothing. I don't watch much TV. Bugs G since we have a 52".
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Puggy plays and sleeps.
44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles.
45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Vermont.
46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? My inability to make a decision...
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Ottawa, ON.
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Copied and pasted various blogs.

Fixed It

2006-12-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Time for a nap....

Working on it

2006-12-27T08:39:00.000-05:00

I am a
Sunflower

What Flower
Are You?

I'm still trying to figure out the damn font colours....

Viva....

2006-12-22T18:49:00.000-05:00

Yeppers, thanks to Lissa I do not have to go hunting for the label. As soon as I read her comment I had a duh! moment. I do remember it being called Viva. Thank you Lissa :o)
I did finish the sleeves last night but I have no visual evidence (yet). We will be wrapping pressies here at the Pug Hut tonight and then heading out to my folks place tomorrow for the weekend. But we will be back on THE DAY to spend time with G's family, so I will be updating later in the week.
BTW, I have no idea why you cannot read my blog without "highlighting" it. Does anyone else have this problem? *sigh*
I hope everyone enjoys their holidays and has lots of time with their loved ones, loved wools and their beverage of choice.
Merry Christmas and be sure to cuddle with your furry friend(s).

Uhhh....Hi!

2006-12-21T08:46:00.000-05:00

Long time no blog, eh?

Well lots has been happening here at the Pug Hut. I've invested in a personal trainer which is the number one reason why I have not been blooging lately...no time, at gym. It's a commitment no doubt about it. I'm liking it though. I notice differences everyday in the way my body moves, but so far I have yet to see a difference, on the scale or in the clothes. I'm not upset though, I feel so much better and I still beleive that once the weight starts coming off, it'll just go. It just needs to get past that wall first, then look out.
I did take a break from knitting for awhile (I know, I know), but I find breaks are good. I am someone who can go full throttle on something and then burn out just as quickly. So I have started up again and I have a FO.

Yes, another sweater for Zoe. Actually the wee army camo sweater from last season does not fit her anymore, so I needed to whip up another. This is a prototype. It is a little snug in the chest and long in the back, and I haven't finished the sleeves, but I took notes and I feel that I can really improve upon this one. BTW, for any that may be curious it is knit in Red Heart uhhh... not sure, I'll get back to you about the colour, I can't even find it online. Anyhow, it was knit on US 8s.
Here is a parting shot of someone who is really not happy with her Mommy this morning.

....

2006-10-27T15:34:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to say Happy 8th Anniversary to my original little puppy....

Bleh

2006-10-07T11:41:00.000-04:00

I've got a cold...just in time for the long weekend (Canadian Thanksgiving). To top it all off, I still have not got my folks an Anniversary gift. Ahhh well, I'll figure it out. Tomorrow I need to bake a Pumpkin Cheesecake and a Maple Pecan Pie. I just hope I can taste 'em.

Seen this around the blogs

2006-10-03T18:38:00.000-04:00

Bold = experiences I've had

1. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
2. Swam with wild dolphins
3. Climbed a mountain
4. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
5. Been inside the Great Pyramid
6. Held a tarantula
7. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
8. Said 'I love you' and meant it
9. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run - It was not outta the park though....
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 10 provinces
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married - almost there....
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch - always
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror.
96. Raised children.
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Created and named your own constellation of stars
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over - want to
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an illness that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - fish
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146: Dyed your hair
147: Been a DJ
148: Shaved your head
149: Caused a car accident
150: Saved someone's life

It's Finally Set

2006-10-02T21:09:00.000-04:00

October 27, 2007...we are finally getting married.
This happens to be the day of our 9th year Anniversary.
Today is also my Parents' 30th Wedding Anniverary.
And Thursday, well that's my 26th birthday.
Busy week.

Summer's Gone

2006-09-30T10:59:00.000-04:00

Well it had to happen sooner or later. (Sooner...this is Canada).
Had a very busy summer which did not include the computer or any knitting (!!) Yes, I can be fickle sometimes, and I have been known to burn out on activities, but it never lasts long. I just needed to feel a cool breeze and to pack away my sandals for another 9 months (so sad), and now I'm feeling the knit vibe again. This means that;

- I have finished one Thuja sock which was started in the spring. (Yes I have the other started, it is my at work project).

- I have decided to finally try a poncho. Now I realize that I am forever early or late when it comes to trends, but I am content with this part of my personality. What happened was one of my co-workers (who sews, a lot, and she's good) brought a poncho in one day this week. She is keeping it at work for those inevitable cold/bad/gloomy/crappy days. And she sort of had that kind of day on Thurs. So she put on her poncho and curled up at her desk. Damn did she look cozy...like she was wrapped in a blanket...at work. Hence, I must follow suit. A Very Harlot Poncho may just be the ticket.

- I'm going to have to clean out "the room" to get at the stash...one of these days.

- I'm going to cut back on my reading. (Everyone has some cycles. I happen to follow the seasons. Summer = Reading; Spring/Autumn/Winter = Knitting.

-More knitting should mean more blogging. Here's hoping the plan works.

2006-06-12T15:18:00.000-04:00

You Are A: Bear Cub!

Bears are strong and independent creatures who roam in the forest in search of food. Bears are usually gentle, but anger one and be prepared for their full fury! You're tough, you won't back down from a fight, you have a bit of a temper -- classic attributes of a bear. Intelligent and resourceful, though lazy at times, you are a fascinating creature of the wild.

You were almost a: Duck or a Duckling
You are least like a: Squirrel or a Mouse href="http://www.cuteducky.com/cute_animal_quiz.html">What Cute Animal Are You?

Wow (Image heavy)

2006-06-09T17:03:00.000-04:00

How time flies. And how Blogger craps out!
This will not be an excuse filled post (really, does anyone even read this?). I have been busy, and Blooger has sucked ass, but all's well now.
We did attend the Ottawa Pugnic a few weekends ago...

Here we are sitting pretty for treats (she is in the purple harness).

Here she is with her Daddy.

This little girl is Roxie. What a cutie. I would have brought her home!
It was a fun time. I really am anticipating that G and I will expand our family and get Zoe a little sister in a few years. How could you not with a face like this?

She is on my lap at the computer looking up at me. (Yes the "girls" are frequently used as pillows in ths house, she gets that from her Daddy too!).
I tried to start my PS socks, but...

Someone beat me to it and now I'm still trying to untangle the mess.
I also have a new purchase which has been taking some time away from knitting, but I'll save that for another post.

Bleh!

2006-05-26T19:25:00.000-04:00

I think I have hit a knitting funk. Nothing project seems right for my state of being right now. I have startitis like crazy, then I get bitchy and rip everything. In the past 2 week I have started/work on and abandoned:
-Simple socks in Renegade camouflage
-Cowl from Stitch n' Bitch in Carnival
-Beginners Triangle from A Gathering of Lace in Sultana (several times)
-Diamond Shawl from Lion Brands website in Lavender
-Upbeat Top from Creative Knitting, May 2005 in Black/Red

The only thing really surviving right now is my "At Work" project which is Thuja. I am almost at the toe for the first sock.

Part of my problem is my size/weight. I'm not happy with where I am physically. And I am working on getting into shape. So I have a hard time committing to a large, involved project like a sweater. What size do I knit? I like to think that I am a process knitter, but I still have a hard time putting in all that work and not being able to wear it. G suggests I knit a smaller size as an incentive. This does not bother me so much in theory, but I have no way of knowing where I'll end up and what my measurements will be.
I think I've decided that I'll just knit what will make me happy right now and use it as practice. I have never actually completed a sweater, so before I get too bent-out-of-shape, I'll just knit what I like today and enjoy the process.

I hate it when I think too much.

May 2-4

2006-05-22T13:42:00.000-04:00

Here in Canada we are celebrating the May 2-4 weekend. Which means no work today. Well no job today, but there has been work...

G painting over our hidious Pepto-Pink walls. Now called Chili Pepper. (Disclaimer - I cannot paint. Really, I have tried and tried, but it always ends up with my Dad saying "Keri do not be afraid to put some fucking paint on your brush". Then it gets messy, there is a big sigh and then, "Here, gimme that brush." In my defence, Dad introduced me to the Bill Cosby school of thought; "If I screw up big enough, I won't be asked to do it again". And really, with both Dad and G being Aries, little Libra me just needs to actually make a decision and they are happy.

Camo PS sock (sorry for the crappy shot), it's further along now.
Well, some of us were working!

Mom...the flash woke me up! Don't you have a house to clean?
She did help me post this entry.

You move too much when you type!

Down to the Wire

2006-05-11T17:21:00.000-04:00

No, not me, the Sens. Potential knock out this evening, so I'll be glued to the TV. Knitting on what I'm not sure. I did finish these

and I have not yet started another pair, though I do have the colour picked out. The same that I used to make Zoe's first sweater

Same yarn that I used for my first pair of socks, but this time in the "Renegade" colourway. An army green camo which falls nicely into PS group for May.
I would also like to try the Beginner's Triangle from "A Gathering of Lace". Actually I have tried, several times. And each time I get 20-40 rows in and then something goes wrong and I let 'er rip. I've seriously tried 4-5 times. Can't seem to get passed this spot. I will try again, but not while I'm watcjing TV. So socks it is...
In other news, Zoe seems to think she is a Mountain Goat

Any idea how hard it is to take a picture over your shoulder with an 18lb pug on your back? This seems to be a new favourite position while I'm on the computer. It's hilarious, but probably not best for my back...
So here's hoping the Sens stay alive tonight and maybe I'll get started on those socks.
And something I saw over at Wombatty...

May Day

2006-05-01T19:27:00.000-04:00

I managed to finish one of the Viva socks this weekend.

And I started its mate.

My green sock bag/purse.
The Supervisor...

More green pics later on...Happy May Day!

Orange & Yellow

2006-04-26T19:06:00.000-04:00

I did complete my first pair of socks...

Completed Socks On feet

Orange Nail Polish (one of many shades) Orange bag and belt

Orange Wallet , Tape Measure Orange Needle Vase, (M&M's)

Orange Mugs (Dodge Hemi & Zoe-black) Zoe and some toys

And for the record, I have started another pair. Same needles, same wool, different colour. This is called "Viva Print".

What can I say...I love orange. The Girls at work are forever pointing out orange garments etc. Do Doc Martens come in Orange? Our friend M has an Orange Jeep (bastard, I so want it). I'm surprised that I do not have more yellow...I do like the colour. Obviously PS does not extend to my wardrobe, I'd have to take too many pics.
*The guest room is a vibrate yellow (which I love), but it is a bitch to photograph really well. So let's just say it is vibrate, sunshine, bright, etc...

It's Been Awhile

2006-04-22T15:14:00.000-04:00

Yes it has. Things have been busy here at the PugHut. Monday nights we have obidence classes where G and Zoe learn to behave like a good handler/puggie. Easter weekend was busy (G's birthday) as was the weekend before (my Dad's birthday). So needless to say I'm a bit behind the times. You should see my bloglines list...that'll be a lot of reading. I also noticed that our camera is damaged :o( So...I realize I owe pics for PS April, and I fully intend on delievering them...soon. And I finished the second sock, so I have my first ever completed pair of socks to photograph. And Zoe of course, there will hopefully be a Puggie pic or two in there as well. So I am off to ghetto-ize the camera and see if I can get it working. Here's hoping because I really don't want to dish out that kind of $$ right now.

Calling all Canadians

2006-04-06T16:13:00.000-04:00

After reading one of my favourite blogs (A Day in the Life of Our Pugs), I came across their post regarding this cause. Coming from the background that I do (horses, dogs, Cops in the family) I feel this is something that needs to be addressed.

Ha!!

2006-04-02T15:50:00.000-04:00

Again, can I just say that this is the coolest effing thing. I'm still amazed that a) It worked and b) I was able to do it rather painlessly. The stitching on the toe could use some practice as could the heel and toe shaping but hey...IT'S MY FIRST SOCK!! And I did all by myself. Sorry 'bout that. But this project signals so mant firsts for me. First shaped project. First project on dpns. First sock. I do not have an abundance of confidence in anything that I do (which annoys everyone, including myself sometimes). So to say that this is a bit of and achievement would be appropriate. And it has some orange (which is my favourite colour). And, hot damn, it fits well, but I did mess up a bit in the ribbing.

And yes, I did cast on for the second one.

Mmmm...smells like a knitted toy...You need some sun Mom, time for a walk.

Lookie what I did (or am doing)

2006-04-01T11:23:00.000-05:00

My first sock. Can I just say that I'm loving this. I was worried, it look so complicated. But I gamely cast on and started the 2x2 rib on size 8 dpns (this is my first project on dpns). When I got to the heel, I just followed the directions. 3 rows in and I started to worry. The garter stich was on the outside and most socks that I have see show stockinette...hmm. So last night, I'm sitting at the dining room table wondering what I should do when G said "Maybe you are working it inside out and it'll flip at the toe, like when you sew". Hot damn, he was on to something. Now I knew the pattern did not call for any flipping, but, what if I'm just working this thing inside-out? So I flipped 'er inside-out and sure enough, looks great. Hell-of-a-lot-better than ripping the heel back (which I was starting to consider). After that was all straightened out, I turned my first heel. And proceed to show G. Then I did the gusset, and was going to show G but he had fallen asleep on the couch with Zoe. So I woke them up and we went up to bed...where I tried on my sock for the first time, and showed G. I'm so fucking excited about this, it seems silly. Now if only I can manage the toe...

Pinchin' Monkey Toes

2006-03-28T18:19:00.000-05:00

Yeah....I've no idea where the title came from, but it's staying.
I attempted something new on Sunday thanks to all the lovely J's I've seen around blogland lately (well forever...). And because of her comment the other day. See....

The pink/orange has already been introduced. It is the "Cowl". Now the Orange/Brown on the right...well, that is the very beginnings of this,

That is my first ever attempt at a sock. The pattern is a "Basic Sock" from the Knitting for Dummies book. Size 8 dpn (Boye) and Red Heart SuperSaver in Tiger Camouflage. Please excuse the quality of the pic. This picture was another first, taken by this,

The sock is seen languishing on my desk at work. This is 3 days of knitting, but it stays at work as my lunchtime knitting. And can I tell ya...also the first real attempt on dpns. Man, I'm full of firsts.
Also on Sunday there was some progress on the Cowl,

Someone helped supervise.

I guess both projects will carry over nicely into March as they do include Orange and/or Yellow Gold.

Not Much New

2006-03-22T12:43:00.000-05:00

I have not had to many opportunities to knit lately, but I'm hoping that this trend will not continue. G has to work the HomeShow this weekend (well today through Sunday) so that means lots of time to myself because he will be there until 9pm or so. This sucks but I hope that they generate more business by being at this show. I think I get a Vendors pass so that I can come and go....maybe I should bring my knitting and work in the booth?

Some Red and Pink for Project Spectrum.

Red & Pink

2006-03-17T17:59:00.000-05:00

Project Spectrum shots...

Red Peppers, Pink Toys

Red Gumball Machine, Purses

G's Painting, Our Truck

Our Bedroom (currently being redone,previous owners pink pick), My Gloves,

Bath Products, My Homemade Soap

Nail Polish

Happy St. Patty's Day

2006-03-17T09:15:00.000-05:00

Why yes I am wearing green. No, it is not knitted. Ah well.
I noticed a meme floating around and I thought I might join in.

A-Age: 25
B-Bed size: Queen
C-Chore you hate: Cleaning the bathrooms
D-Dessert you love: What dessert do I not love?
E-Essential start your day item: A glass of water
F-Favorite actor: Hugh Jackman
G-Gold or Silver: Yes
H-Height: 5'7
I-Instruments you play: Alto Sax
J-Job title: Law Clerk
K-Keeping track of your day: Daytimer with lists
L-Living arrangements: G, Zoe and I
M-Mom's name: Paulette
N-Not liking right now: Winter...I am ready for it to leave (but I AM in Canada)
O-Overnight hospital stay other than birth: nope
P-Place you were born: Ottawa, Ontario
Q-Quote you like: "This body is under new management" not sure where I heard that first.
R-Right or left handed: Right
S-Siblings: 1 younger brother who had a birthday on the 12th
T-Time you woke up today: 5:20 am
U-Unique habit: I must always have a book in progress. As soon as I finish a book, I must start another right away, even if it is only reading the back cover, I have to be committed to another book. I also reread books. If I liked it, I will return to it time and again. I cannot get rid of books.

V-Vegetable you hate: Fiddleheads
W-Worst habit: Pack-rat
X-X-rays you've had: dental, knee, chest...I'm sure there are more
Y-Yummy food you can make: Spaghetti, desserts
Z-Zodiac sign: Libra

Green Baby Blanket done for one of the girls at work (completed last August).

Sick Day

2006-03-13T09:42:00.000-05:00

Yup...I still got it. My illness that is. It feels like a mix of a cold and a flu. I have the body aches and temp changes of a flu and the dry throat, runny nose, head stuffies of a cold. So I called in sick today. I did not even pick up the needles this weekend, let alone finish the back of the Cowl. Maybe this afternoon if Zoe is napping. I have a few episodes of Bones and CSI on the PVR...

I get the whole day with my Mommy....time for cuddles.

Blech

2006-03-10T10:51:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I think I'm getting sick. The only good news is that means I may be able to knit this weekend. I hope to have a back completed and a front started by the end of this weekend. We shall see....

Pink!

2006-03-03T15:09:00.000-05:00

So, in the spirit of Project Spectrum, may I present...

The "Cowl" portion of the Cowl and Howl Set from Debbie Stoller's Stitch n' Bitch. This is being knit in Bernat's Softee Chunky #40729 Carnival on US size 11 Boye needles. So far it is a quick knitand I am enjoying it. I am knitting this sweater mainly for practice. I have never done a sweater and I would like to see what is involved in the process. I know it will not fit...I didn't even check the gauge but the pattern's X-Large has a bust measurement of 37.5". *sigh* Anyone with that measurement is not a X-Large. Ah well...this is definately a process knit. I'm not sure I would wear it even if it did fit (well I would, but, you know, it's gonna be too small). I love the pinks and oranges together and I think G's oldest niece may fit into it shortly. We shall see.

Cute Quiz...

You Are Rowlf the Dog

Mellow and serious, you enjoy time alone cultivating your talents.
You're a cool dog, and you always present a relaxed vibe.
A talented pianist, you can play almost anything - especially songs by Beethoven.
"My bark is worse than my bite, and my piano playing beats 'em both."

The Muppet Personality Test

Behold

2006-02-28T19:36:00.000-05:00

I got it!!

Even after injury an a potential yarn shortage, I managed to finish a blanket for my little one in 8 days. While I am disappointed that I could not compete as I had originally planned, I am happy that I was able to come up with a Plan B and still participate and finish.
Congrats to all Knitters who participated in focused, Olympic knitting.

The Beginning of a New Phase

2006-02-27T20:34:00.000-05:00

So what will everyone do now that the Olympics are over? (As an aside, can I just say that I was really confused with the whole Ricky Martin thing. Why was he there? Why did they let him lip synch? I just don't get it. Anyhow...). Well there is Project Spectrum on the horizon...Red and/or Pink huh? Hmmmm....I'm thinking of some Gauntlets. I have 2 balls of Red Heart Soft Touch in a Rose colour which I think might go well. I'm just not sure how far 2 balls will go. Eh...I may give'r a whirl anyhow.

Puppy shot....

I make this futon look good.

It's Finished!!

2006-02-26T11:30:00.000-05:00

Observe...

This is the "Simply Ridges" pattern from Leisure Arts "Our Best Knit Baby Afghans". I used 2 balls of Red Heart Casual Cot'n Blend in Colour 3937 Grand Canyon. It is not as big as the original design but I only had 2 balls and it is big enough for my baby.

I am quite pleased with the finished project, and Zoe loves nothing more than to drag blankies and pillows around the house. Actually her real favourites are a Sens toque and one of G's old Hot Paws gloves. She freaks when she comes across them.
Now I get to start thinking about my next project which will take the colours Red (again) and Pink in mind because I am involved in Project Spectrum. I'm thinking pink...maybe my first pair of socks, or a pillow for Zoe (I have the pillow form), or a Doggie sweater...hmmm. I'll have to browse and see what I have in the stash so that I can continue to use up my acrylics :o)

Changes

2006-02-25T11:18:00.000-05:00

Well I tried to change the layout a little. Actually I did change the layout, but I lost most of my sidebar, so...it's a work in progress. To be tweaked after the Olympics. Yes, it's coming along. No, no pics yet. But I have passed the half-way mark so I am still hopeful. I only have 2 balls of yarn for this blanket so it will be a little smaller than I orignally thought, but I knit the first ball increasing the whole way and now that I'm on the second ball, I'm decreasing. Pretty straight forward, the yarn will tell me when to stop. I hope it is soon.

I'm here to distract you from your knitting....why won't you play with me??

*Edited at 8:16pm. This is where I am...

Olympic Knitting

2006-02-19T13:15:00.000-05:00

Alright, there is finally some knitting getting done around here. I had attempted to start the Basket Weave Baby Afghan late last week, but it really wasn't turning out too well. My switch between the knit and purl stitches is really loose right now, so it just looked terrible. So I changed the pattern. It is still a Baby Afghan, but it is a Simple Ridge Baby Afghan. I figured if I wanted to do any knitting during the Olympics, I'd need to pick a simpler pattern in order to have any hopes of finishing with my thumb still working. So I'm not sure if changing projects is allowed in the Olympics, but in light of my "injury" it was either change the project or pull out and go home with an injury (like Hasek). I'm not willing to admit defeat, yet. And the blankie is needed for someone so I started it last night while we were watching the Blue Collar Comedy Tour Movie...hilarious. This is where I ended up.

I'm using 6mm circular needles (Unique from the H.A. Kidd Company...purchased from Zellers) and some Red Heart Casual Cot'n Blend in colour #3937 - Grand Canyon. Hey, I'm using the stash. G has promised me a trip to the LYS once I use up some of the stash. So we shall see if I can manage to knit this wee blankie in the span of a *gulp* week. The good news is that Daytona is on today which means the start of the new Nascar season, which means prime knitting time. Here's crossing my fingers and hoping that my thumb stays limber.

It Gets Better

2006-02-08T18:38:00.000-05:00

Not.
After my visit to the Doctor's, I received a prescription for some anti-inflammatories along with strict instructions not to knit for 4-10 days. I arrived home a placed the prescription sheet and my lipstick on the nightstand. Can you see where this is going? I went downstairs to xheck for messages (G was in the shower) and by time I came back up, said items were no more. Someone decided she liked the taste of paper. And lipstick. So now I'm taking Advil because I don't really want to show up at the Doctor's saying my dog ate my homework/prescription. He's gonna think I'm a Druggie or something. BTW I'm still a little bitter about the lipstick too. I was a discountinued shade. *sigh*

Not Good

2006-02-06T12:22:00.000-05:00

I have just returned from the Doctor's Office with strict instructions not to knit for 4 to 10 days. It seems as though I have tendonitis. Damn it. Just in time for the Olympics. So I will be on a strict diet of anti-inflammatories and no knitting until Friday. Then I guess I will just have to play it by ear. But unfortunately this means that the Canadian bench has one "athlete" nursing injuries, and the Games haven't even begun.

Since there will be no knitting content until Friday I'll leave you with this:

WHITES are motivated by PEACE, seek independence
and require kindness. They resist
confrontation at all costs. (Feeling good is
more important than being good.) They are
typically quiet by nature, they process
things very deeply and objectively, and they
are by far the best listeners of all the
colors. They respect people who are kind, but
recoil from perceived hostility or verbal
battle.
WHITES need their quiet independence and refuse to
be controlled by others. WHITES want to do
things their own way, in their own time. They
ask little of others, and resent others
demanding much of them. WHITES are much
stronger than people think because they dont
reveal their feelings. WHITES are kind,
non-discriminate, patient and can be
indecisive, timid, and silently stubborn.
When you deal with a WHITE, be kind, accept
(and support) their individuality, and look
for nonverbal clues to their feelings.

What Color Are You?
brought to you by
Quizilla

Sigh...lost post

2006-02-02T10:35:00.000-05:00

Ggrrrrrrrrr...

Just lost my post. Thankfully it was not overly long.

As I tried to say, Clappy is looking similar to her last pic with a few extra repeats. I am hoping to get to Section 4 soon as I am starting to tire of her mid-section. I have my fingers crossed that this may be accomplished today because I am at home sick *cough*.

And now for a puggie pic....

Pouncing for snow cookies....

Pics

2006-01-28T09:41:00.000-05:00

Okay...so here are the promised Clapotis pics. I have the daylight, but I'm still figuring out this camera, so...excuses.
Anyhow, I continue to be pleasantly surprised by this pattern. It knits up fairly quickly and dropping those stitches is actually quite fun. I did have an "aww sh!t" moment Thursday night while watching the Sens beat the Habs. Zoe was in my lap while I was holding my circs, and bright ol' me decided to throw a ball for her. So she took off, and so did one end of the circs. I ended up dropping 20 some odd stitches. And let me just confess that I have ripped more projects because of dropped stitches than I care to admit. Why? Because I do not pick up stitches well. I am certainly getting practice though!
So after my nausea left I got to work and tried to salvage poor Clappy. G just kept looking at me out of the corner of his eye, trying not to miss the game, but fearful of the trip to the frog pond. I am proud to say I managed. There was the initial pick-up and realization that some fell further than one row (this is where I have the problems. I can do the 1 row drop, but if it goes further, not so much luck).
So I thought I got it and continued knitting. Then I saw it. The missed stitch. So close to the ladder of the pattern, I thought I may get away with it. Ummm...no. It was one over, the twisted stitch. Damn it! So in essence I guess I created a new stitch while I was picking them up, because my number was right. I knit on, thinking all the while of how to fix it once I get there. And I did. I dropped the created stitch and somehow (incorrectly) picked-up the live stitch. It wasn't pretty, and G was worried, but held on to Zoe and I mustered my way through it and I think all is a-ok.
It still has the mistake but I'm going to leave it. I'll probably regret this when I drop the stitch in that area, but for now I remain blissfully unaware. After all, I am still a relatively new knitter. This is quite the adventurous pattern for cautious me.
Knock on wood.
Louder.
Thank you.

No pics

2006-01-25T08:13:00.000-05:00

Well things have been coasting. We had some wicked weather on Saturaday and of course, I had quite the drive to do. And someone attempted to steal our truck (or its contents). Sigh...not what I wanted to deal with. Well, for G to deal with. Oh well, nothing was taken, they didn't even get in, but I think it may have happened in our driveway. Grrr.
There was much sport watching the last few days (Football, Hockey, Election), and I'm glad to see that our Sens keep beating the Leafs :o) Consiquently, this means there was knitting time infront of the TV, so Clappy is moving right along. I do not have any pics yet because the lighting was so poor, but I hope to rectify that soon.
I also did some training for the Olympics so I think I'll be good to go. I am getting kinda excited which is probably why Clappy is growing at a fast (for me) rate. Hmmm...maybe I need some pressure in order to get certain projects out the door. I guess I would consider myself a process knitter because, clearly, I'm not in any kind of a hurry to finish most projects.
I guess I should wrap it up. I am at work but I have f*ck all to do, AGAIN! This is getting to be ridiculous. I need a vacation.

Causing problems

2006-01-21T10:03:00.000-05:00

Here is Zoe, using Daddy's beer to help train for the Olympics.

So once again my Libra tendancies have reared their head. I have just left the poor Harlot a comment asking her to update my Olympic project to a Baby Afghan. While I would like to jump on the bandwagon and knit a Clapotis (finally), I think that this project should be next in line. The added bonus: I may actually finish it in time for the baby shower as opposed to after the wee one is born. So I think I will attempt a Basket Weave Afghan. The real challenge in this will be actually finishing it, not necessarily the pattern itself (I hope). In the few years the I have been knitting (off and on) I have really only started to seriously knit since we bought our first house. Even then, my projects have predominantly been scarves. I have done one baby afghan (It took forever. I was able to give it as a gift when the Mother came in to work to show him off for the first time). I have attempted my one sweater, but it has been languishing for years. The only real shaping I have done was for Zoe's first sweater. It flares a bit where I picked up the stitches, but Camo tutus are in right? Right?

Mixed Bag

2006-01-16T11:02:00.000-05:00

So yes, I am kicking around. Once again I've been busy or without a camera. I'm still getting used to the idea of blogging (and frequently), so you'll (I'll?) have to forgive me for the infrequent updates.

I have been knitting. This is a blanket I made for Zoe...probably the quickest knit I've ever done. It's made from LB Jiffy Thick & Quick in Catskills on US 17 needles. Just a basic Garter stitch border and stockinette. As you can see, she loves to chew on it...maybe I should add some fringe..lol.
I've also been working quite a bit on the burgundy afghan I've had as a WIP for 3 years or so...I'll post a pic of that next time.
And I've finally decided to see what all the fuss was about. This may become a Clapotis. Now I've yet to invest in a good quality fibre for it....yet. I'm going to call this a dry run since it involves some stitches I have not done before. But so far I think I'll be able to manage, and then I'll invest in the real stuff. I just think that once I knit with "good stuff" I'll become spoiled, and I am looking forward to it, but I'd like to use up some of my stash first. Here is a view of last night's progress...the third time 'round.

Below is a meme I've seen floating around the blogs which I thought I'd fill out, just to see where I'm at right now.

Four Jobs You Have Had In Your Life:
1. Ranch Hand 2. Burger King Assitant Manager 3. Chapters Gift Merchandiser 4. Maintenance Fee Clerk at a Patent & Trademark Firm (current)
Four Movies You Could Watch Over and Over:
1. X-Men (1 & 2) 2. Lord of the Rings (all) 3. Star Wars (all) 4. Sabrina
Four Places You Have Lived:
1. Marathon Village, ON 2. Kanata, ON 3. Downtown Ottawa, ON 4. Kanata, ON (again)
Four TV Shows You Love To Watch:
1. Bones 2. Survivorman 3. Family Guy 4. CSI: Las Vegas
Four Places You Have Been On Vacation:
1. PEI 2. Toronto, ON 3. Jaypeak, VT 4. Montreal, QC
4 Websites You Visit Daily:
1. CIPO 2. Bloglines 3. FitDay 4. MSN.ca
Four Of Your Favorite Foods:
1. Chocolate 2. Poutine 3. Spaghetti 4. Ice Cream
Four Places You Would Rather Be Right Now:
1. Home 2. An Island (South) 3. With my folks 4. Actually...I'm okay

Well okay is all relative, but hey...for once I'm not complaining.

***New comment (January 18, 2006). The above Clapotis has become a swatch...I just did something very brave/stupid. I signed up for the Olympics!!!! Canadian Clapotis team, here I come. What have I done??

Happy New Year

2006-01-03T14:55:00.000-05:00

So I survived the holidays...thank goodness. I imposed a knitting deadline upon myself and I actually managed to make it with 24 hours to spare. Of course I did not manage to take any pictures, but they were 3 scarves. 3 skeins in Bernat Boa (Peacock), 2 skeins in Bernat Boa (Blue Jay) and 2 skeins of Bernat Eyelash (Funky). These were for the BF's SIL and 2 nieces. I know it doesn't seem like a lot, but I started them at the beginning of December. So I am very happy they are finished, because the last few weeks I had taken to calling them the "damn scarf" etc.
I became very sick January 1, way to start the year. So I did not manage to start anything new. I did rip a half finished sweater in LB Thick & Quick which I am planning on starting over in a different size. I also started cleaning the "guest" room. I organized half the closet as my yarn closet with mags, yarn, etc. I'm very impressed. I absolutely HATE to clean, so this is a big deal, because I'm extremely lazy. But G and I have talked, and I have a vision for that room, so I'm plugging away at it (it is all my shit after all).I hoping to finish it soon so that we can get a comfy chair and I'll have a reading/knitting/craft room. Very Excited. Who needs an extra bed? That implies that we want company/guests...
I'll leave now with a pic of my wee one being kind to my yarn.
(hmmm...can't seem to put the pic anywhere but the beginning...I'll have to work on it).
Ooohh...think I got it ;o)

New...

2005-12-11T13:49:00.000-05:00

Yuppers....new blog. Like there isn't enough knitting blogs out there. But this is basically a spot for me to write, vent, think, show off my Puggy and document any knitting that I actually accomplish. So we will see how long this last...
So I will just throw in a fairly recent pic of my baby. I think she is 17 weeks here.