Oh Katt!

Here is a different link to help you out! It worked for me originally, but I think it was moved later on.

Here's the story on Barbaro

Road trip anyone???

Ok, so I'm feeling a little energized today. Not really sure why. Maybe because I was able to get everything out of my system.

I'm thinking that I need to take a trip. Mr. Outdoors goes to Canada every year to go fishing for 10 days. He is going to Mexico in a few weeks to go fishing and he goes hunting/fishing...something all of the time. Now I'm not compeltely innocent. I have a scrapbooking crop group that I go to twice a month (usually I knit and not crop, but they don't care) and once a month I play cards with the girls. But I need a trip. A trip to re-energize, a trip to make me feel more like a human being and less like everyone's maid. Now, this is a big step because I have NEVER been on a trip without my family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, or husband). So I'm thinking and I'm cruising Orbitz and I started thinking. ANy of you Oklahoma knitters want to go to Maryland Sheep and Wool? I found a deal for $414 to fly out of Tulsa on Friday evening (5:45), into Baltimore. It's a nice hotel, complete with a car. Then the flight leaves back out Sunday evening (around 6pmEST). The hotel is a suite, complete with a kitchen. I was looking if we had 4 the price would go down below $375 a person, which means we could spend more on wool! LOL. ANyway, email me (theprocrastiknitter at yahoo dot com) if you are interested. Penny I'm thinking of you and Missy and whoever else. We would be tired, because it's such a quick trip, but then there would be very little of missing work too!

Funk Potion #2...

While stressing, freaking out, and just plain being sad, Mr. Outdoors came home from my friend L's house (he was working on some cabinets for her and her hubby) with a bag of 26 knitting mags. They are mostly Vogue Knitting, some Fashion knitting, and Knitting Elegance from 1983 - 1996 and they are Grrrrrreat! Thanks so much L. You are a doll.

I apologize in advance for the crappy photo. But I'm working on some mitered squares for Nan's newly requested item. She wants a "blankee" So I'm working on it.

I have also worked on and just finished mailing two scarves for the Red Scarf Project

nothing like waiting until the last minute. I just forgot to take pictures of them. I've been blinded by a few things recently and I've just not been myself.

Anyway, I also finished another hat for Kate's Caps , So I'm up to 3 now. The last one was very special. It was out of these really cute red soft furry yarn that I got a little over a year ago to make some fuzzy socks for my great aunt Joyce. She told us 12/26/05 that she had cancer. She got out of the hospital and went to a nursing home(in the hospital) on 1/3/06. She had Stage 3 lung cancer. It was devastating that she even got sick. This woman was so special to me and still is. Anyway, I got 1/2 of one of the socks done and then she died. I tore out the sock, but couldn't bare to use the yarn for anything else. Last week I picked up the yarn without thinking about it and started working on the hat. When I was about 80% finished I thought about what the yarn was orginally for. I thought, "How perfect!" I know that Joyce was watching over me.

Last week Nan (4 y/o) started having problems at daycare and just in general with her behavior and anxiety. Anyway, it was hideous, but it's coming along better, at least today. Yesterday she was sick with a weird virus. My grandfather who raised me and in every sense of the word is my "Daddy". He's been having prostate problems. We found out today that his problems are NOT cancer (YEE HAW), but still he will have to have surgery, hopefully at the end of the week.

Also tomorrow, well I guess today (it is after midnight) is the one year anniversary of Joyce's death.

Tomorrow is a better day....HAS to be!

Good bye valiant steed.

After such a hard hard fight. Barbaro lost his fight and was euthanized today. My daughters sent this beautiful horse a "get well card" a few months ago. They will be so sad. I know I am.

OOOOOh!

The new issue of Interweave Knits is out February 20th. I took a sneak peek and it looks to be a good one!

Puppies and Gifts...

My furry babies having a nap in the backyard in the sun yesterday. They did not want to come in they were too busy snuggling.
Casting on for a 3rd cap for Kate's Caps



Baby gift set for shower today. Said MTB (mother-to-be) rifled through all the gifts to get to mine first! WOO HOO! She even cried!

Ooooohhhh! I'm all tingly!

Ok, so I finally finished some projects that have been gnawing at me to finish. I only have one left which is the Irish Hiking Scarf for Norma. I completed the baby gift (1 hat, 1 kimono, and 2 pairs of bootees) for my friend's shower today (I have pictures just need to upload them when I get home). I also organized my stash and laid out what I need to do next (not necessarily in order).

• fingerless gloves for homeless family member (by request)
• start afghan for cousin and fiancee.
• mittens for Nan
• as many hats as I can possibly knit for Kate's Caps.

THen my list got a little shorter even when the Divine Miss Em came home from 2nd grade yesterday. She was smiling a HUGE smile and was waving a green flyer at me! She hopped in the van and said, "Guess what mom? We are having a science fair here in town and it's in March and I want to do it and it's going to be awesome and I love science, can we do it, huh? huh? Huh? HUH?" Mind you that was all said at an incredibly high rate of speed. As soon as I saw teh flyer though I was SO excited. I LOVE SCIENCE FAIRS! I know I know, HUGE geek, but then again I am a science teacher. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not going to do the entire thing for her or really even help much, but I will make it a learning experience. We will find a topic that will interest her AND help her learn something. My job is to help her with the scientific method part of thigns and reporting data, controlling the experiement, Making sure that she has a hypothesis going into it, those kinds of things.

Bad news: We have to have it ready for March 2nd! Is that not crazy????

Ok, I think I'll stop now, because I am sounding WAY too much like her now! LOL Have a great day! Oh, and thanks for all the suggestions for the project. Now I think we are on hold until at least March2!

Slip slidin' away...

No, not the song, and no not the ice. Apparently, even though I thought the space/time continum stopped while we were out of school, it did not. Tomorrow is my friend's baby shower at work! YIKES! I finished the baby booties, but need to block the kimono and finish up a few things. When did the time sneak up on me? I had it in my mind that the shower wasn't until next week! Still have to go shopping too! EECKS!

Well my game did turn out well even though I wasn't watching it (working on my laptop and listening).

I HAVE to get back to my knitting for Kate's Caps and soon! I only have 2 finished. YIKES!

Beyond my charity knitting, I'm trying to plan something for the spring that would be inspiring to make for someone, maybe myself, my children, someone. But something small, but challenging. Any ideas?

And we're back!

We are back in school today! Part of me is very happy to be back in the routine, the other part of me wants to stay in my PJ's and housecoat all day today! LOL. Of course I couldn't have a cold while we were out of school, I had to get one now that we are back.

Knitting took a backseat over the weekend. I had a lot of organizing of the house and paperwork for school to do. Also, I have realized that it is NOT a good idea to watch a sporting event that I care about while trying to knit. Said, knitting will have to be frogged every time!

I was extremely happy with the outcome of the football games yesterday! The only way it could have been better was for my KC Chiefs to be there, but this is great too. I'm also hoping that my Cowboys can overcome this, and have a big win tonight.

I know I know, is this is knitting blog or is it a sports blog. Well both are near and dear to my heart!

Btw, I love comments. When anyone gives me a comment I'm so happy, however, when you do it solely to promote yourself and your....poetry (see comments below the last entry) then it pisses me off!

Have a great Monday!

Purchases...

Well it looks like the "Next big storm" didn't amount to didly here and we just go a little rain. That's fine with me. Looks like we are going back to normal tomorrow. I'm ready to go back to work, but when I think about it I get a little sad that I won't be able to schlep around in my housecoat until um....3:18in the afternoon. LOL. I am ready to be able to get out so that I can start working out again, the girls have basketball and dance tomorrow. Once I get back into our routine I'm sure it will be fine. Although I'm milking today for all that it is worth! My friend Tessa and I were at the mall Thursday night and the little shop in the middle of the mall had all of their calendars for $3 so I found this and HAD to have it!
I finally cashed in some gift certificates from Christmas to get this book. I've been wanted to read this every since it came out. I've read Dreams From My Father it was great. I'm not sure what his chances are for winning the presidency, but I don't really care, I just love what he has to say.

Popping in...what day is it?

I'm at a total lost as to what day it is! We've been so off this week. No school at all this week. Below is a picture of the pine trees that someone took that lives in the same town as my grandparents. They got power this morning so we are very happy! Thanks for all the thoughts, we were really worried for awhile.

This is what it looks like outside my house. doesn't look like much right? A few inches of snow? Nope, that is 4 inches of sleet pellets.
One baby bootee! I have another one done. I'll post the entire set once I take a picture.
TADA! Here are the Fetching fingerless mittens which are my VERY FIRST cabled item! I'm so proud. I knit them out of Blue Sky Cotton. They are so luscious! I had JUST casted off of those and couldn't wait to take a picture of them. Also I HAVE to say that "You were right!" Who? All of you! Everyone told me that cables were just intimidating, but very very easy! ABSOLUTELY! Now I'm on a cable kick!
Now on for another suprise! Another storm is coming in tomorrow early morning. They are saying that here in Bville we will get anywhere from 8-12 inches of snow. I wonder if we will EVER go back to school!

I've been trying to hard to keep the kids busy. My friend T came over yesterday with her kids and we had playdates. I also had to go to Tulsa yesterday so I HAD to stop by my LYS . I didn't buy much only spend $19.95!!! That must be a record! Last night I went out with my friend T. It was kind of funny when Mr. Outdoors asked, "Why are you going on in the ice to go out!" I told him that we were going to run and grab a bite to eat, run to the mall quickly and then go to Wal-Mart to stack up on supplies for the newest storm. So my girls night out ended up consisting of sharing an appetizer at a restaurant, a margarita, and a trip to the bookstore and then standing in line for over an hour at Wal=Mart with out basket of milk, eggs and bread. However, we thought it might be fun to do it like that from now on. We stood in line FOREVER but it was fun because I had my friend and we just laughed and talked.

I feel so out of whack though. I don't feel depressed, just out of my normal loop. Hopefully sometime next week we will be back to normal!

Blogger is being a Beotch!

I had a huge post with pictures (knitting content, lots of it) and Blogger ate it. We are doing ok. We are still out of school and tomorrow I don't have school either (not sure about the girls). We went to Grove yesterday to take my grandparents a generator, firewood and groceries. It was one of the most horirble natural sights I have ever seen. Looks like a war zone. Anyway, we are safe and warm and finally going to venture out today to try to go to the post office to mail off prizes from the Soaring Eagles Project, and then we have a playdate with some friends with a nice warm hot tub! More later.

The very LAST Meme...

I received a tag from Stephanie for this meme. I'm not going to tag anyone else because this is the VERY LAST Meme that I'll do. I'm kind of a party pooper when it comes to these as I like to read the responses of others, but I don't like to do them! LOL.

6 Weird Things About Me

1. I HATE underwear! Don't get me wrong, I wear it to work and such because of my job and all, but otherwise I won't wear underwear. It makes my skin crawl.

2. I can't watch American Idol or any other show that involves singing. Off key singing or music makes my ears hurt, it's not a mental thing, it's actually a physical pain.

3. My favorite condiment is Mustard and I put it on almost everything. Not just burgers and such, but baked potatoes, pizza, green beans, corn, etc.

4. Closet doors MUST be closed. I'm not sure if this is a thing from my childhood or what, but all closet doors must be closed day or night. Especially at night.

5. I do not eat anything that has ever been in water. I don't eat fish, shrimp, clams, crab, lobster, nothing that every lived in the water.

6. ANother food thing is that I will wash ALL food, including meat, fruits, vegetables, even frozen.

Update....

Well we are on Day 2 of being house-bound due to the storm. I was excused early from school on Friday morning because of the weather. We ended up so far with about 2-3 inches of sleet. We are supposed to get 2 or 3 more tomorrow. We have been lucky. Other parts of the area have freezing rain/sleet mix and are without power. My grandparents in Grove are some of them. If they don't get power back by tomorrow Mr. Outdoors is going to go try and get them and bring them here.

There was a lot of TV watching, board game playing and knitting going on today, I'm teaching myself cables. It's coming along ok. I had to stop to help Em with her newest knitting project and to make Mr. Outdoors another stocking cap. His other one was knit by me after a little less than 2 months of knitting. Needless to say it didn't last long.

If you are in this storm, stay safe. If not, pray for those who are in this storm without power, water, etc.

Decided....

Well I found the pattern for my cousin's wedding. I admit that I did go ahead and pay for this, but I think it will be great. I'm going to substitute the yarn, but I'm not sure with what yet. I got it over at Lion Brand here .
Now, another question.... I ask about the colors and everytime I hear the comment, "oh you know, Meditteranean colors". But what colors are those? I'd like to make it in a white/cream/bisque color, but not sure what constitutes a Meditteranean color? Any ideas?

Batten down the hatches....

Well I've taken a few hits recently.

See here and here.... but I'm still going along. However, with 2 hats completed for Kate's Caps, a hat, and kimono for my friends birthday. I am about 1/2 way done with the first bootee to complete the layatte set. Tonight will be spent getting ready. For what? A cabin fever weekend!

From the weather man on Channel 6:

A WINTER STORM WATCH will be issued for portions of NE OK mainly north of a line from McAlester to Fayetteville inlcuding the Tulsa area. This watch will begin Friday at NOON and continue through 6 PM SUNDAY. Winter Storm or Ice Storm Warnings may be needed during this time period. Windy and Warm today across most of the area with a slight chance of scattered showers this afternoon and evening. A major arctic air mass will invade the area early Friday morning and conditions appear favorable for a Significant Ice Storm for portions of the area this weekend. Rain changing to freezing rain and sleet will be possible as early as Friday evening over NE OK with the freezing precip. spreading southeastward with time Saturday.

According to Mr. Outdoors, he will be chopping wood this afternoon, when I get home I'll be cleaning out the fireplace, bringing the existing firewood from the rack to the back porch (out of the rain and moisture). Going grocery shopping, going to my local craft store, and the library (activities for the girls). It looks like we are going to be house bound for at least Friday evening through Monday. Hopefully I'll be able to get LOTS of knitting time. Although Mr. Outdoors has also informed me that I will also be having to finish up a little painting!

HELP!

Ok, calling all pattern gurus!

I need help! I'm looking for a pattern (bought or free) for an afghan, large throw or blanket to make for my dear cousin Todd's wedding. He is getting married in July and he and I are like brother and sister. Any ideas? I'm not too worried about difficulty, just no cables. I hate cables!

Better.....

One and 3/4's of hats for Kate's Caps. These are fun and really quick! You should check it out!
The beginnings of my stash project. A felted laptop bag.... for me!
Baby Kimono and baby hat for my teaching friend R. I need to make some bootees to match.

As far as how I'm doing...much better! Thanks for all the comments. I wasn't looking for sympathy, just an outlet. But I appreciate the kind words. If you haven't read, How Full is Your Bucket? it really is a must read! It's fabulous. You can apply it in your personal and professional lives. I have just decided to make a conscious effort to be proactive and not reactive. Now, if I culd just get Mr. Outdoor's to understand, but that's highly unlikely. He's a great husband and father, but he's still very very clueless!

Melancholy...

Ok, I rarely get into the funk, but I'm there. I try my hardest to be the happiest, most flexible and cheerful person that I can be. But lately it's been hard and it's actually getting harder. I'm not sure if it is the letdown of the Holidays, or now that the Soaring Eagles Project is in its completion phase or what. I just feel like my bucket is empty . In my personal life is where I'm being hit the hardest. I do and do and do for my family without anything in return. I used to get the hugs and thank yous all of the time, now I don't even get a smile. I've been reduced to nothing but a servant in my own house. I know a lot of that is my own fault, but now I'm trying to undo it and it's making everything that much harder. My children are always fighting, my husband is always gone and I am just there to pick up the messes, pay the bills, run to lessons, and try to referee. I am also extremely preoccupied with my weight. I'm trying desperately, but in the beginning, until I start to see some loss, it's disheartening.

So what am I going to do about it? Well for starters I'm working like a maniac to do some charity knitting. The first foray is for Kate's Caps. It's a great hat project for fun fur caps for children who are cancer patients in Boston. I cast on for one last night and was done within an hour. I've started another one today. I still have a few gifts and such looming overhead, but I'm not too worried about it right now.

Also I'm going to work on the following principles:

1. Prevent bucket dipping - ask yourself whether you are adding to or taking from another bucket.
2. Shine a light on what is right - don't focus on the negative, spend time, energy and attention of what is right.
3. Make best friends - great relationships lead to increased satisfaction
4. Give unexpectedly - the gifts can be material, trust or respect, but given unexpectedly increases their bucket filling power
5. Reverse the Golden rule - "Do unto others as they would have you do unto them".

To do list by February 15th,

• fingerless mittens for my mother's birthday.
• finish up Lucie's crochet edging
• fingerless mittens for another relative.
• hats for Kate
• 2 more red scarfs for Norma.
• My stashbusting project of a Laptop bag (my first creation for ME!)

Sorry that you had to listen to the whining. Today is full of teaching, meetings, running around to dance and basketball practices, etc. I needed to get it out or it was going to poision my day.

Is this cute or what???

You can find the pattern here. I thought this would be a great idea for my grandmother's birthday in April. She's quite the bird lover and has abotu 13 different little bird houses out and about around her house! Too cute!

Ahhh, the joys of motherhood!

I'm trying to savor my last Saturday for the next few months in which I won't have to get up early and take my children somewhere. The Divine Miss Em starts basketball games next Saturday for the next 8 weeks, then starts Outdoor Soccer in March with Saturday morning games as well. So like I said, I'm trying to savor my last Saturday. Thankfully, amidst all the fighting between the girls and housework to be done my day will actually start at 3pm.

Kansas City vs. Indianapolis (Go Chiefs!) starts at 3:00

Oklahoma State (my boys!) vs. Baylor at 5:00

Dallas Cowboys ( go Blue) vs. Seattle Seahawks at 7:00

The only thing that might make this day better is a marathon of Knitty Gritty or a NASCAR race! But it's a pretty good day.

Hopefully there will be lots of knitting. I just finished a baby kimono as well as a matching hat for my friend Renee that is expecting a baby in February. And now I'm working on a mystery project that is requiring mass stash busting! WOO HOO! I have pictures, just haven't uploaded them yet. Have a Happy Saturday!

I'm so there!

What's new in 2007...

First of all, the winners of the prizes are up over at The Soaring Eagles Project blog. Now, onto the knitting. I'm working on the Baby Kimono from Mason Dixon. It's for a friend of mine who's baby is due in February. I will follow it up with a matching hat and booties of course. I was out at H*bby L*bby today to get some things and I FINALLY found the new Knit Simple. It has a few cute things, but Next up is something for me. I'm goin to follow the pattern for my laptop, HOWEVER, I've got a little secret as to how it's going to look. I'm going to be working on some Stashbusting.

Happy New Year a day late...

Blogging in bullets seems to be the best thing until I get my pictures uploaded.

• I didn't get to blog on New Year's Day because my phone and DSL were not working.
• I finished Lucie a day early and gave it to my grandmother, but without the crochet edging because I just couldn't conquer it, she likes to crochet so she decided to do it herself and was very pleased with her sweater.
• It's 11:23 am and I'm still in my PJ's.
• I have to go back to work tomorrow.
• I knit two beanies for my nephews yesterday but did not have time to get a picture because they took off with them and went home.
• Today starts knitting because I WANT to not because I HAVE to.
• I'm FINALLY knitting the Mason Dixon Baby Kimono.
• I watched the entire President Ford funeral and procession. In my PJ's eating Cheetos
• More pictures later.