Natalie Dee is the sh!$

At least I think so...
And how can you not? Look here for more http://www.nataliedee.com/. Her husband, Drew is the dude who does Toothpaste for Dinner, which, in my opinion is also totally hilarious. They live in Columbus, which also gains points, since we all know I'm obsessed with Columbus for no good reason.

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nataliedee.com

I've had my cell phone for two years.

For some, that's just a normal statement. For you all, I would like you to pause for a moment and congratulate me. I repeat.... I've had my cell phone for two years! Okay, that said. Its sort of like not having a cell phone right now, because the battery is lasting about 5 minutes before it starts to beep at me. Meaning, I'm starting to carry my charger with me everywhere as well. The keys only work sometimes. Voicemails show up days later. It goes to vibrate on its own (or worse, comes off of silent or vibrate on its own). But, it STILL works. Kind of.

Okay, I know I need a new phone. The pink razr is done. My best friend is telling me she's buying me a gift card to Verizon for Christmas (which I think is hilarious) I'm trying to make it through Christmas though and I'm still debating whether I want Verizon another two years. There's no reason not to have them, but that Iphone is so cute! Okay, I'll have Verizon another two years. I mean, it only makes sense. My cell-phone-talking-world consists of either Verizon customers or Sprint customers and I'm not going back to Sprint. Why is this so hard? Cell phone companies are the pits, I think. So, let's see if the little pink phone and I can make it to December 26. My Dad seems to think there will be sales after Christmas. In the meantime, don't take it personally if I'm not talking on the phone that much, its just been a bit of a challenge lately.

And, onto knitting news. I cast on for the Yarn Harlot's unoriginal hat last night in this sweet baby alpaca from Cascade. (Colour 562) Because I'm using a smaller needle size, I think I'm going to pull the whole thing out and add a cable repeat. It's another holiday gift, surprise surprise:) It appears right now like it would fit an 8yr old and I don't know any 8yr old's that I'm knitting for!

The sweater is all cast off and the pocket needs to be tacked on. I think, however that I'm going to undo the bind off at the bottom and knit a few more rounds...its the sweater, people, that will not end.

The Tall Guy said the other night that my hands must be really strong now, and I hadn't really thought about it, but I wonder if knitters hands are physically stronger then your average person?

And there you have it

For those who only read to see the knitting, today's your day.
First up.. A mohair scarf that really is a lovely shade of HOT pink . The pattern is from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, but I made mine a bit longer.

And in a different light...

Now, the beginning of this guy may look familar... yes, same pattern as above, but a different color. This is one of those projects that looks much harder then it is. Therefore, its a great gift-giving item.

This is a 75% complete sock. Its on pause at the moment, but will pick back up soon. I love love love this yarn. Its Socks that Rock, Silkie. And its YUMMY to knit. So yummy...sigh.

And finally. Last night, I had some time to kill when I was at the Yoga studio, so I wandered into the used book store that's right next door. I picked up a copy of Knitting in Plain English for 5 bucks! Yay for Used Book Stores!!!!

There. Are you happy? No sweater yet, but its coming. I swear.

Tegan and Sara part deux

In case you weren't convinced...here's a video...and, for the record, while the Tall Guy doesn't necessarily agree...for a second, just a second I did consider a new hair style. I guess I'm just not that punk rock anymore... sigh.

Another Sid post

A lot of my close friends knew Sid pretty well. When we lost the last pet in Casa De Pia, My Worst Enemy (also known as MK at times) wrote a haiku in Myron Beta Fish's honor. This time he took it up a notch. I give you MK's tribute to Sid.

Post Thanksgiving Let-Down

Whew. I spent most of yesterday sitting on the couch, napping and feeling so-so. What a nice, long weekend!

On Saturday night, the Tall Guy and I decided to venture out to a last minute show on the GW campus. Neither of us had actually been to a concert in forever... we thought the show was sold out, but when we got to the venue, I walked in to make sure there were no tickets left and what-do-you-know! We scored 9th row, center seats to Tegan and Sara ! So, 5 minutes before the show started, we were hooked up with face-value tickets.

Now, I'm not sure if you know these girls, but I personally...LOVE THEM. I've listened to them for ages and didn't even know they were in town until the Tall Guy told me! How can you not love cute identical twins from Canada who write and sing all their own music? The fan base appeared to be predominately female of an Ani-like disposition, so it made for some excellent people watching. We did leave the show a bit early (during the encore) which I felt a bit lame about, but for whatever reason, I started to get incredibly light headed and I feared passing out right in the auditorium. What can I say, sometimes I'm a wuss..

Knitting also happened this weekend and I'll post pics quick as can be... some is still being held back for gift-giving, but I hope to have a sweater to show soon!
Happy Monday!

so close, yet so far away

I'm nearing completion on my very first sweater. Yes, I've been knitting for years, but have never actually knit a sweater. It was very intimidating, for some reason. So, I'm SO close, I can taste it. One sleeve, some finishing, block it, and its done! Yet, it just seems so far away with so much other knitting that should be happening right now. Sigh. Today, as a by-product of the holiday, I got to spend the day w/my step sis. We spent the majority of it sitting on the couch watching Laguna Beach and knitting. It was awesome. Of course, I should have been taking sister all over to see cool things, hang out in a city etc, but its not often we get to knit together. So, we did. And one of the sleeves got done on the sweater.
Lord willing' I'll have it done in the next week or so and then I'll show you pictures. Until that time, I'll keep you in suspense, I want to show off the finished product instead of you seeing a lumpy, one armed sweater that needs to have things sewn in and a bath.
Oh, and happy holidays to all, it was, as always a crazy turkey day here, with the normal family excitement and drama. I love my family.

Brush with celebrity?

There's a question mark at the end of the title for a reason. See. We've talked about this before, but I'll say it again. I am a big fat knitting dork. I learned ages ago, but its probably been the past three or four that my crush and I have been steady. That said, I'm also an internet geek. Combine the two, and like a lot of knitters out there, I know who the knitting celebrities are, I read thier blogs, I read their books and I forget they're like the rest of us who knit and blog and have lives.
So, I was reading the Harlot's blog the other day (really. folks. if you're not a knitter, she's funny as hell anyway, and you can call her The Yarn Harlot) and found an interesting point of note (our two yarns were the same colourway, but didn't look anything alike.) So, I posted a comment. The Harlot gets lots and lots of comments, so I thought nothing of it. Well. What do you know. Less then a hour later, I had an email sitting in my inbox from the Harlot herself giving me her thoughts on why our yarns were different. Okay, maybe this isn't a big deal. I realize that. Just think of your hobby. And then think of one of the coolest people you know who do that hobby (you know...like um... Lance Armstrong or Jonny Mosly). Now, think about them just emailing you about something totally mundane! Crazy, huh?
Well, its not that big of deal, but I was having a sad Friday with Sid's passing, so it was cool to see Stephanie takes the time to respond sometimes.
That said, the yarn being discussed is called Rocktober and I got it while at Stitches earlier this fall. It can be viewed here. Basically, what I noticed was that mine is very rusty/red and Stephanie's was much more purple/plum. She said that it was most likely my monitor as her's is a red too. Totally uncool, I realize but, I thought it was neat all the same.

In Memoriam- Sid Vicious

Yesterday, I came home from work to find my sweet little beardie was no longer with us.
Sid showed no signs of illness, and he was only 4. I'll miss the little guy, he was an incredibly tame and well behaved Bearded Dragon.
A few pictures for you..

The week I got him..
Still getting used to holding him... (above)

I was pretty sure he understood English.


though..he wasn't the best at posing for pictures...


He wasn't a big fan of taking a bath, but was a good sport about it

I'll miss you, buddy.

she's a man-eater

I always thought that song was funny. I supose I'm not so much a man eater as I am an ipod eater.

This past month I realized my pretty red ipod

was only working in mono, not stereo (aka, only out of one ear bud). If you squeezed it or pushed it just right it would work, but only if it felt like it.

Last night, the Tall Guy and I took a field trip to the Apple Store and what-do-you-know, because this ipod is within its first year of life, they are replacing it, no questions asked. That's what I call a pretty good deal.

That said, the new Ipod coming to me today or Monday (they were out of stock of my particular model) will be my Fifth ipod in three years. (though only two were actually purchased). The Tall Guy had managed to break the Shuffle I got him last year for Christmas, so he also go his replaced last night and that makes the new shuffle his fourth in as many years.

Kind of crazy, if you ask me.

Just when you thought

My camera returning would mean a good picture! I wanted to show you what I cast on last night and alas, only have my camera phone to use here... Its part of Amy's Christmas gift. She already knows about it and the deal is, I'll start it, and she'll finish it. She's a knitter, not quite as obsessed as I may be, but you know, it doesn't hurt to tempt her with alpaca fiber and nice new bamboo needles which she'll get to keep.

Its another chevron scarf, but I figured it looks cool and is sort of close to UNH colors, where she is presently a freshman. Speaking of Amy (oh she's my step-sister, ps), I'm getting psyched for next week! Her and my Grandfather are flying down for Thanksgiving, which is always a great time at my Aunt and Uncle's house. I hope to have at least a foot (I'm multi tasking people!) of the scarf done before she gets here, so I can just hand off to her the whole kit and ka-boodle.
We'll see.

I went to a new LYS this past weekend for the grand opening. Nature's Yarn, in Fairfax was pretty nice. Its basically at the intersection of 29 and 50 (just south on the right) and for some reason I can't find the web site, which is pretty bare anyway. The exciting part, was that right next door was Tippy's Taco. The Tall Guy and I had a tasty lunch (and I don't really like Mexican, its true) before venturing into the Yarn store. The store itself was stocked with basics, had a great needle selection and had a ton of SWTC yarns in addition to a lot of Jitterbug, which I am a bit hesitant to buy now-a-days.

In the meantime, I have other FO's to show, but I'm going to hold on at least one until the recipient gets it. Though I know they aren't a reader, others are, which would then get a little confusing. My stepmom's Monkey's are on the heel flap now! I hope to get that done and blocked this weekend at well! Yay for actually finishing things!

I'm hoping the next week or so will lend itself to hanging out time with knitting. Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Eureka!

The camera has been located!
Apparently, all I had to do was unpack my suitcase!

Now... this is Erica's pirate. Last I checked, it didn't have a name yet, but I continue to call it Jack. Not sure why.Yes, he does have a "peg leg" and yes, I did embroider tattoos on both of his arms. There were no details left undone for this pirate, it was going to my bestest friend!

The Tall Guy assisted with the finishing/stuffing and adding on hair on Jack. Our friend Tom stopped by and lended moral support (no photo of Tom)

and, here's San Diego (Carlsbad, actually) where we spent last weekend at a wedding.
More stuff to follow now that I have the digital image recorder back in my hot little hands!

well, this is cute!

I normally try to not exploit small adorable children for the sake of my blog. Today, however I'm desperate. My camera is entering its first full week of M.I.A. status and I figure a whole lot of you will stop reading once I stop showing you funny or colourful things.
That said, I sent a box over to Israel after one of my very good friends from High School had a baby. Here's Ben modeling the socks I sent, which are a modified jaywalker.
People, meet Ben. Obviously, I already think he's awesome, even though we haven't met yet. I can't wait for the holidays, when Ben (oh yeah, and his parents...) come back to the states for a visit. And, fine, I know, I know I'm getting close to 30, but I'm still getting used to the idea that my friends are having babies. It's weird, okay?

it gets a little better

Pizza and beer fix a lot of things... and that's what i had for dinner tonight. It was a long day in HR girl world... boring meetings across town in a room that was (there was a thermostat) 60 degrees. Having to do HR girl stuff that sucks and I can't talk about. And then having to give my boss a hug goodbye. Bummers. The end of the day picked up, however, as I received unexpected good work-news that I can't talk about yet, Alyssa asked me to go to the knitting store with her (oh, dear, pull my arm) and then I had a hilarious conversation with my dad on the phone.
Now, I sit on my couch, quietly.
I still don't know where my camera is. I checked the bags. I'm thinking its either in my desk at work OR at the Tall Guy's house.
I have to go back to that cold meeting room tomorrow, but at least now I'm prepared.
And, tomorrow, in case you aren't aware, is FRIDAY. And yes, my Uncle is making dinner on Saturday, which is pretty rad.
One day, I'll show you pictures, I promise.

Pause for a little whining.

Okay. I really try to be the one that isn't always complaining. You never want to be "that person" because people don't want to be around you and well. Well, that just stinks now, doesn't it?

That said, I guess I don't have that much to complain about today, but I will do a little bit of bitching and moaning.

First. My direct supervisor is leaving my Agency as of tomorrow. This means, that as of tomorrow, my little branch of people within a greater organization will have lost 3 full time employees, leaving four of us to do 7 people's jobs. Two other groups I work with daily are also down staff, so its only compounding the situation. Only one, my supervisor is slated to be back filled, meaning that we're still down two people. This sucks for a variety of obvious reasons, but the worst in my mind is how much I feel like I'm apologizing to my customers. I only have so many hours to do so much and more and more of that is becoming the minimum by which we can continue to get by. I'm sure this will pass and we're certainly keeping things moving and people are getting paid, but it still gives me an upset stomach.

Second. I can't find my camera to post some photos of my newest projects and Erica's pirate. I know the camera is in one of three bags, I just haven't had the time to pull the bags apart, pull out the camera, upload etc. I'll get to it. Also, along this thread is that I haven't had the time to sit down and figure out what my new internet service should be. Anyone in the DC area reading, if you have a suggestion that isn't Suckcast (Comcast), I'm open. (On a side note, Suckcast did just send me a check for $30.00 for the days I had no internet though I had paid for it!)

Third. Hmm. I can't remember what was third. Oh! Yoga. Sigh. Life has been so chaotic that I had quit the working part and was just "work-trading" one night a week at the studio. Lately, though, its been that I'm only having time to work and not trade. I'm hoping this gets better and I was considering leaving the studio so I could get back on the mat, but the studio is short staffed at the moment, and I really feel bad about that. We'll see. I've been with them for so long, I feel bad just leaving all together.

Fourth. I need to book a plane ticket home. Every time I go to do it, the prices change again. I can't decide when I should suck it up and book. Also, if you're someone I may see while I'm home, can you give me a window of when you're home? I'm trying to make it the most bang for my buck, so-to-speak.

And finally. Well. I'm not sure what else I have to bitch about. I think I'm done. That said, this weekend is looking like three days of chillin', knittin', going to NoVa to see my family w/the Tall Guy for dinner and umm. A whole lot of house cleaning, not stressing and the like. Let's see if that will put me in better spirits.

EDIT: How could I forget? The reason why I was posting this to complain in the first place! Yesterday, while I was moving my RPM socks from one bag to another, I discovered one of the needles had snapped. I'm only using four out of five for this pattern, but will obviously need the 5th at some point. Anyway. They're size 1.5, I think ebony (maybe rosewood, but I think ebony) and I bought them in Ohio. I thought they were Latern Moon, but when I talked to the girl there (she was super super nice via email) she told me that they don't make 1.5's. So, I've emailed the store in Ohio to see if they can tell me what needles I bought (because I'm dumb and can't remember) in hopes that I can get a new one sent to me. Keep your fingers crossed, these little guys are not cheap!

and.... I'm back!

Good lord. What a weekend. I'm back in one piece. and SO tired. The Tall Guy and I were discussing last night while on the final leg of our adventure from Dallas to DC that normally one looks forward to Daylight Savings. An extra hour of sleep! When I was a young chick some bars actually stayed open an extra hour as the clocks changed! Yesterday, however just threw my internal clock that much further off on its schedule. So, now, I'm at work staring into space.
Now. The couple got married. She looked amazing, he looked handsome in his dress blues (He's a Marine, fresh back from Iraq) and all the bridesmaids somehow ended up in the same style dress even though it was not required. We lost the music to get up the aisle and the bride was over 30 minutes late. Otherwise, well. I think it was weekend of total and complete chaos, but the job got done, there are rings on the hands, everyone got tipsy, I got to see Erica, got to meet one of the Tall Guy's good friends from home and overall, it was a success. I'll post a picture or two when I get them, as I once again, took like...one picture.
Erica got her gift, so I'll post a picture of that shortly as well. It was my first venture into knit creatures and she appears to like it a lot.
In the knitting world, I didn't end up doing that much while gone. The heel on one new sock is turned (for me....) and I worked on a quickie scarf as well. I need to review my holiday knitting plan, but I still think I'm okay.
I'll be back with more when I'm more coherent!