This morning my sweetie surprised me with a proposal!!
We weren't really doing gifts this year but last night he started saying, "I've got a present for you." Oh great. The beanie I'd been knitting for him was cast aside; I just didn't think it was good enough. There was no way it was going to be done. I'm just too tired, no focus. Then it was Christmas morning, "I've got a present for you." No... he's just putting me on. Making breakfast, "I've got a present for you." "Nooo," I whined. (Yes, I whine sometimes but I was getting desperate. I didn't have a gift to give!) That's when he proposed! I was teary and happy and excited - overcome. And I said yes :)
No date yet, no need to get ahead of ourselves. However we have talked about the ceremony - very small. Thank goodness! I'm uncomfortable as the center of attention and that's pretty much what a wedding is all about.
So here's the contest...
For a copy of the 2007 Interweave Knits Holiday issue and 2 skeins of Patons SWS in Natural Geranium, leave me a message with how your sweetie proposed. Or you can leave me a note that you've linked this contest on your blog for another entry.
I'll pick the lucky winner out of a hat on Dec. 31st!
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Red to the Rescue
Well, I finally feel better. It's with the assistance of a Rx which under normal circumstances I adamantly oppose. But today I wasn't reminded of my random pains every few minutes or more. I could just barely tell that they were still there but thankfully very dull. Fatigue and fog were lifted. My bf even commented that I was more jovial, upbeat and had a sense of humor. A trip to the gym even crossed my mind. In time I'll get there but for now I'm enjoying the success.
So in celebration I put up my little tree. I love Christmas. I love the color red. Less than a week before Christmas. One strand of lights, most of the oddball decorations and a tree skirt. That's it and I'm happy.
Tall, thin and slightly crooked. And blurry.
But there's more to putting up my tree than just feeling better. Claudia's post yesterday mimicked pretty much how I felt about this season, or this year even. I didn't really care to pull out the bins, "fluff" the fake tree or look forward to putting it all away in a week. She reminded me that Christmas makes me feel cozy inside; that it helps make things seem normal. I've been sick and it's really sucked. The pain wasn't going away and after 4 months that just gets depressing. I haven't been myself for what seems like forever.
The topper was going to see my family in Seattle last weekend. I was tired the whole time and in just enough pain for it to be annoying. The other thing: Whenever they asked if I was okay or how I was doing, I couldn't look them in the eyes. I'm not ashamed of what this illness is doing or how I feel but it hurts that they care. I can see it in their eyes. They're as helpless as I am. I've gotten used to it but they haven't been around to see so it's pretty new to them. I'm sure they researched FM. I know they did. My mom's a nurse, my sister's in the field and my other sister brought an article. They love me. They care. But they didn't see the regular Ursy that visits - chipper, bubbly and ready to SHOP. It's hard to see someone you care about when they're sick. I know. I don't like to see it either. This is a chronic thing so it'll just take time for everyone around me to get used to it. Thankfully now though I've found something to help me. Definitely something to be thankful for and a great way to end a year that brought way too many challenges... But I'll save those morsels for the end of the year post.
I think it's time to do a little baking :)
And I can't forget.... A big thank you to Claudia! *HUGS*
So in celebration I put up my little tree. I love Christmas. I love the color red. Less than a week before Christmas. One strand of lights, most of the oddball decorations and a tree skirt. That's it and I'm happy.
Tall, thin and slightly crooked. And blurry.But there's more to putting up my tree than just feeling better. Claudia's post yesterday mimicked pretty much how I felt about this season, or this year even. I didn't really care to pull out the bins, "fluff" the fake tree or look forward to putting it all away in a week. She reminded me that Christmas makes me feel cozy inside; that it helps make things seem normal. I've been sick and it's really sucked. The pain wasn't going away and after 4 months that just gets depressing. I haven't been myself for what seems like forever.
The topper was going to see my family in Seattle last weekend. I was tired the whole time and in just enough pain for it to be annoying. The other thing: Whenever they asked if I was okay or how I was doing, I couldn't look them in the eyes. I'm not ashamed of what this illness is doing or how I feel but it hurts that they care. I can see it in their eyes. They're as helpless as I am. I've gotten used to it but they haven't been around to see so it's pretty new to them. I'm sure they researched FM. I know they did. My mom's a nurse, my sister's in the field and my other sister brought an article. They love me. They care. But they didn't see the regular Ursy that visits - chipper, bubbly and ready to SHOP. It's hard to see someone you care about when they're sick. I know. I don't like to see it either. This is a chronic thing so it'll just take time for everyone around me to get used to it. Thankfully now though I've found something to help me. Definitely something to be thankful for and a great way to end a year that brought way too many challenges... But I'll save those morsels for the end of the year post.
I think it's time to do a little baking :)
And I can't forget.... A big thank you to Claudia! *HUGS*
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Oh No. I've Found Etsy.
I must thank every one of you knit bloggers for subtly referencing Etsy, showing off hand-made stitch markers and row counters from swaps, needle cases and just the cutest stuff ever. Chan's gift from Mary's shop put me over the edge. I'm in and I'm in trouble! Is there a support group? This internet thing is seriously getting in the way of my knitting - if I'm not on Ravelry I'm reading knitting blogs or searching for patterns or chasing down yarn sales and now Etsy.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Doc Says
Well, just one day shy of four months and I have a preliminary diagnosis - Fibromyalgia. Yep, four months of wondering, reading, documenting, knitting and resting. Doesn't sound so bad except sometimes my hands hurt too much to knit. A few other complaints but really I feel a lot better with a diagnosis. Rather than poking around aimlessly, I now have a path to follow. Two weeks more and we'll see if the blood tests find anything else.
Speaking of poking - Damn! The Rheumatologist went through the pressure point exam, got to my hips and asked if it hurt. No? I couldn't tell. Two hours later I was almost crying. That's one of the things with fibro. You hurt where you get touched... and not right away and not every time. Without rhyme or reason. That was an eye opener! Or rather, wincer. Yikes! Still hurts today even :s
And special thanks are long overdue. Gianni has been wonderful through all of this stuff. I don't know how I'd do it without him. He goes to all the appointments with me. Reminds me to rest. Makes sure I eat when I'm so tired I can't think to do it myself. Turns on the little space heater every morning so I get an extra 2 hours of sleep. Seriously, so many little things that it's hard to keep up with it all and thank him. And yes, he makes me laugh so I can forget about hurting or laugh about being sick. I'm incredibly lucky he's in my life and I've never been happier. I'd do the same for him in a heartbeat but pray that we're never faced with that.
Speaking of poking - Damn! The Rheumatologist went through the pressure point exam, got to my hips and asked if it hurt. No? I couldn't tell. Two hours later I was almost crying. That's one of the things with fibro. You hurt where you get touched... and not right away and not every time. Without rhyme or reason. That was an eye opener! Or rather, wincer. Yikes! Still hurts today even :s
And special thanks are long overdue. Gianni has been wonderful through all of this stuff. I don't know how I'd do it without him. He goes to all the appointments with me. Reminds me to rest. Makes sure I eat when I'm so tired I can't think to do it myself. Turns on the little space heater every morning so I get an extra 2 hours of sleep. Seriously, so many little things that it's hard to keep up with it all and thank him. And yes, he makes me laugh so I can forget about hurting or laugh about being sick. I'm incredibly lucky he's in my life and I've never been happier. I'd do the same for him in a heartbeat but pray that we're never faced with that.
I love you, Gianni!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Slow Knitting Track Day
Yesterday was the last track day before the end of the season race. Cold. Cold. Cold. Thankfully the rain had stopped in time for the track to dry out. Good day - only one crash to speak of but it was two riders. One was knocked out and broke her arm, the other broke his collar bone. They always brought in the helicopter for knockouts because of potential head injuries. Healing wishes go out to her.
Knitting. Early in the morning I casted off the beanie at the size of a headband. (No pic, not worth it.) This was my first shot at a beanie and my first project substituting 2 circs for DPNs. I really like the 2 needle method although I wish they were shorter (24 and 36 inches is overkill). Next I'll see about magic loop. My headband is reminiscent of my first projects - laddering, weird looking purls, wavy ribbing. Not sure what my problem is but that project/swatch is in the books!! I'll cast on again tonight for a beanie this time :) Why so slow? I just couldn't keep my eyes open. I fell asleep twice in fold-up camping chairs. The first nap was early in the morning with the heater blazing under thecircus tent awning with zip up sides. Just me and the bikes sleeping away. My second nap was in the chair circle with everybody sitting around! I'm not really a day sleeper and that is sooo out of character for me. The rest of the day I just wasn't motivated to move. (Going to the rheumatologist this week.)
The guys are getting ready for the Zuma race next weekend. Getting anxious actually. Over the course of the day we bumped tires with other Zumas, exchanged threatening grimaces, etc. and as this all got more aggressive, my front fender became a casualty. This fun little race has been dubbed "Zumassacre." Get the picture now? No points, no contingency money, possiblity of injury BEFORE the day is done. BEFORE the points race is over. Racers are a unique bunch.
Knitting. Early in the morning I casted off the beanie at the size of a headband. (No pic, not worth it.) This was my first shot at a beanie and my first project substituting 2 circs for DPNs. I really like the 2 needle method although I wish they were shorter (24 and 36 inches is overkill). Next I'll see about magic loop. My headband is reminiscent of my first projects - laddering, weird looking purls, wavy ribbing. Not sure what my problem is but that project/swatch is in the books!! I'll cast on again tonight for a beanie this time :) Why so slow? I just couldn't keep my eyes open. I fell asleep twice in fold-up camping chairs. The first nap was early in the morning with the heater blazing under the
The guys are getting ready for the Zuma race next weekend. Getting anxious actually. Over the course of the day we bumped tires with other Zumas, exchanged threatening grimaces, etc. and as this all got more aggressive, my front fender became a casualty. This fun little race has been dubbed "Zumassacre." Get the picture now? No points, no contingency money, possiblity of injury BEFORE the day is done. BEFORE the points race is over. Racers are a unique bunch.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Gianni, You Don't Want to Read This
Whelp. This post is going around my knitting/blogging friends so here goes:
Post 8 gross things about yourself.
1. My mom was giving my sister and me a bath and she pooped in the bathtub.
2. The sound of puking or even talking about it almost makes me puke. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Last year at Christmas dinner we used the new gravy boat - a chicken with a hole in its mouth for the gravy to come out. The family thought it was HILARIOUS to pour gravy on their turkey while making puking noises. I came very close to puking that day.
3. I was driving to work one day, stopped to pay my pager bill (loong time ago) and didn't feel so good. I had been taking vitamins that made me a bit nauseous and thought I had eaten enough. Well, no. I opened the car door and puked. But it doesn't stop there. The vitamins also had an unpleasant intestinal effect... For every action there is an equal but opposite reaction.
4. I can and will put my foot in my mouth. Literally.
5. I am a reformed picker and loved to analyze the catch. (Now my complexion is clearer. That was a long lesson to learn.) There are still classic, memorable moments that bring back a sense of achievement.
6. The smell of cows takes me back home. We didn't have cows but we drove through the Snohomish Valley nearly every day when I was little. Filled with cows and fertilizing sprays - "poop sprayers" as my dad called them.
7. I kiss my dog and well, every now and then she licks the back of my teeth. Horrible.
8. I slept in the lower bunk of the trundle bed my sister and I shared. One night she puked over the side of her bed which was directly on me. Mom came in and cleaned everything up, took care of my sister and I didn't even wake up! Next day at school I rubbed the back of my neck and couldn't figure out why it was kind of slick.
Who I tag: If you're reading this and any of the other gross posts and haven't been tagged, consider this your tag! Come out of lurkdom and share!
Post 8 gross things about yourself.
1. My mom was giving my sister and me a bath and she pooped in the bathtub.
2. The sound of puking or even talking about it almost makes me puke. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Last year at Christmas dinner we used the new gravy boat - a chicken with a hole in its mouth for the gravy to come out. The family thought it was HILARIOUS to pour gravy on their turkey while making puking noises. I came very close to puking that day.
3. I was driving to work one day, stopped to pay my pager bill (loong time ago) and didn't feel so good. I had been taking vitamins that made me a bit nauseous and thought I had eaten enough. Well, no. I opened the car door and puked. But it doesn't stop there. The vitamins also had an unpleasant intestinal effect... For every action there is an equal but opposite reaction.
4. I can and will put my foot in my mouth. Literally.
5. I am a reformed picker and loved to analyze the catch. (Now my complexion is clearer. That was a long lesson to learn.) There are still classic, memorable moments that bring back a sense of achievement.
6. The smell of cows takes me back home. We didn't have cows but we drove through the Snohomish Valley nearly every day when I was little. Filled with cows and fertilizing sprays - "poop sprayers" as my dad called them.
7. I kiss my dog and well, every now and then she licks the back of my teeth. Horrible.
8. I slept in the lower bunk of the trundle bed my sister and I shared. One night she puked over the side of her bed which was directly on me. Mom came in and cleaned everything up, took care of my sister and I didn't even wake up! Next day at school I rubbed the back of my neck and couldn't figure out why it was kind of slick.
Who I tag: If you're reading this and any of the other gross posts and haven't been tagged, consider this your tag! Come out of lurkdom and share!
Contest Alert / Rainy Weekend
I was reading Knit'inCrazee's blog this afternoon and she sent me over here for a little contest. The Lady Knits is celebrating her 1 year knitting anniversary. Send her congrats on some great projects and take a look at the prizes and yarn - Yummy!
Finally letting up but it's been rain, rain, rain for two days straight here. A lot like Seattle. I think the gray skies are making me sleepy. I almost fell asleep in the car on the way back from getting one of G's tires swapped for tomorrow's track day. Last track day before next weekend's race.
Project for this weekend is a beanie which about an hour ago became a swatch/headband. My purls are laddering on the right-hand side. So while I continue to knit and figure out the purl problem, I'll cast off when it reaches headband size. I'll also be able to check gauge/sizing to see whose big head it will fit. Back up project: Caleb's baby bell bottoms.
Finally letting up but it's been rain, rain, rain for two days straight here. A lot like Seattle. I think the gray skies are making me sleepy. I almost fell asleep in the car on the way back from getting one of G's tires swapped for tomorrow's track day. Last track day before next weekend's race.
Project for this weekend is a beanie which about an hour ago became a swatch/headband. My purls are laddering on the right-hand side. So while I continue to knit and figure out the purl problem, I'll cast off when it reaches headband size. I'll also be able to check gauge/sizing to see whose big head it will fit. Back up project: Caleb's baby bell bottoms.
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