Friday, December 30, 2005

bandwagon-ho!

Yup, doing the ABC-along. Funness.

Oh, you want content? Hmm, best get moving to another blog, then, eh? Scuttle along. I'll talk about Knit Wit and the 5 new skeins to be adopted to my stash (mmm, Lorna's Laces) and my mother's almost-finished blanket when this computer STOPS BEING SO BUGGY! It pauses every second and I can't tell what I'm typing! V. annoying.

Bye now!

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Merry Christmas!

I thought this was more appropriate. Merry Christmas, my friends.

I heard the bells on Christmas day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail
With peace on earth, good will to men.”

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Lousy song title.

I finished Christmas knitting in October. I have nothing I need to frantically knit. I'm casual and catching up on the teevee. Alton Brown is my darling, as are any and all home improvement shows and What Not To Wear (orange actually works with blonde hair and blue eyes? I gotta try this). I also have lost any desire to even LOOK at the knitting I brought with me, other than the occasional work on mom's Noro scarf.

Instead I've been spinning. That pound of roving is no longer a pound and I think I'm getting the hang of it. It's pretty even, but I think I mentioned all this. So let's head over to the Yarn Barn. Pretty nifty place and oh wow, the stuff they have there! I only criticize them for the lack of Mountain Colors but otherwise, very cool. I managed to come away clutching some merino/tercel in Dragonfly colors. Once the practice roving is gone, I'm going to spin up some of this really shiny stuff. I just have to consider what to make of it.

Ohhh, I hate not having a camera! I would love to show you this bit of loveliness (because it looks nothing like the picture on the website).

My heart goes out to those of you who decided that it wasn't enough to just buy gifts but to make them. You are some dedicated (read: "freakin' off your rocker, what were you thinking?") people. Please do consider that if your wrists/shoulders/back/neck hurt, to take a break, stretch, use the opportunity to use the restroom, walk around a bit and give your joints a moment to reconfigure.

And in the meantime, I have my own project brewing in my head. It comes to me while I'm trying to get to sleep, but I'll work hard to get it out before I nod off. It'll be awesome, interesting, and inspired a bit by some reading I did before I came here.

Saturday, December 17, 2005

I'm here

Not much to really say. It's been snowing all day today, but that didn't stop us* at all from going out to see Narnia at 4. I love that movie. I look forward to them doing the rest of the books.

It was snowing all day but it's so dry and cold that you don't get the packing snow. I call it Legend Snow because it reminds me of the super sparkly 80s snow featured in the movie Legend, starring a very young Tom Cruise and two horses with horns badly attached to their heads (notice that Narnia!Peter's unicorn did not have a bouncy horn). You could see the crystalline structures so clearly. It was perfect and beautiful.

My mom and I set up the Christmas tree tonight, too. The tree came with lights attached and so all we did was put the ornaments on ribbons and hang them on the tree with some beads and some ribbon. It's not the most decorated tree, but sometimes less is more.

I think I'll take apart the noro hat and re-knit it using Susan's method**. I'm also making my mother's share of the Noro love into the Mohair Shale scarf**. It's the easiest pattern so I'm able to watch the teevee or bring it to the movies and work on it.

Spinning has been fun, I made yarn out the the smaller of two balls of roving and towards the end, it was even getting puh-retty even. I'm so glad I got so much roving from WEBS**, it was so generous. My biggest problem with spinning is drafting to the point that the roving goes FOOF! and I end up having pulled it apart. Bah! So annoying, but I'm learning that a gentle but firm touch and a large helping of patience makes it go much easier. Sounds like parenting, really.

On personal matters: I feel a bit lost right now. Perhaps empty. I think it has to do with coming here and as much as my parents love me so and my friends are thrilled to see me, I feel out of place. I think I've put down my roots, finally. My roots never go deep, but they do hurt to rip out. I also don't have a car here, so I feel the loss of freedom and the old reliance of the generosity of others to get around. I'm just chafing at the bit, I suppose.

Anyways, there is knitting, I brought as much as I could and as soon as I get my camera to work, this will actually be a blog worth following again.

Love, Kit.

*us = parents + me
**will link to it later

Thursday, December 15, 2005

This is not a subject line

I don't know what to write as a subject line, but I think that it would be a very bad idea to write the lyrics to The Widow by the Poozies. Naughty naughty song. But most amusing.

Speaking of most amusing, I think I have found a new love. This love is Noro Kureyon. I adore the smooth transition of colors, how it's scratchy but doesn't itch my neck, how it goes from thick to thin and back again. I'm addicted. I need more. Look, I'm getting a twitch! My hands, they shake! I have the worst munchies! I just can't stop. I need to go into a NA program (Noro Anonymous of course!). But how can I give it up? Argh! The deeper I go, the worse the yarn addiction gets.

Anyways, I knitted my Noro on the plane from SLC to Kansas City in the evening. I disappointed the stewardesses by not finishing the whole thing in 2 hours, but c'mon, I'm not an AMAZING knitter, I'm just a knitter. Anyways, flying at night is awesome. Denver is a big sprawling mass (at least, I think it was Denver) which was the neatest thing in the world. It looked like melted ice cream.

I did have a wonderful time at the SLC S'n'B! I think I got a little overly excited and managed to make a damn fool of myself. But all the same, it was great. Susan was so nice as to get me started with my spinning (I'd tried a little earlier but I do not win on the spinning-on-my-own thing). Yes, my WEBS roving has a very long staple. It's kind of nice for first learning except I pull too much and it comes apart. Beginner's clumsiness, I suppose.

And Johanna (who might have a blog but I'm not sure) was visiting from Japan (which makes her extra rawkin' cool) and we made our trade. For some Interweave Knits and Vogue Knit magazines, I got the coolest bits of cute things from Japan! It's all so very cute, but then again, Japanese is all about adorableness. Someday, I WILL go. So, anyways, thank you, Johanna! You win at coolness! Love you!

And in conclusion, I am very tired and Kansas is gorgeous as it always is.

What?

You want to know a little piece of the Poozie's Widow song? Wicked children, you know better than to ask that (because you know I can't say no, you're so spoiled). Oh very well:

And when they came to number 9, the widow cried out 'More!'
And when they came to number 12, again she cried for more.

There, you go, make what you will of it.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

A request

For Christmas, I have a small request. Well, maybe it's a really big request, it's all on how you look at it. But...could you all please sign your organ donor cards? I'm not saying you have to, but I think it would be really good Karma to do it.

Sunday, December 11, 2005

some whine and cheese

I'm not handling this well. I never realized what a camera addict I've become. I can't take pictures of my dying fish. I can't take pictures of mountains covered in snow. I can't take pictures of my whole living area being an absolute disaster (ha, I'm such a hypocrit, calling my uncle and his family messy when I'm no better when I'm trying to study or get something organized). But at least there's still the scanner. I love the scanner. It allows me to show off my sock. So, look at the sock, it's one repeat chart away from heel time.



I can hear it laugh at me. The camera sits on my nightstand and sniggers. WELL KEEP SNIGGERING! I'll get you. I know where you sleep.

Saturday, December 10, 2005

Alas

Ladies and Gentlemen (do I get Gentlemen here? Oh well),

A moment's silence. My Olympus camera has passed away (I think) and refuses to turn on with either fresh batteries or gentle psychotic pleading. I wonder if it somehow got a little too cozy with the hot beverages I keep at the desk (I don't see any sort of stain or anything where it was so I don't think that's the case) or it hit its warranty. This has me more than a little irritated because I got:

Maureen's final Secret Pal Package! It was so wonderful, I wish I could have taken a picture of it all. But it included a gorgeous cashmere keyhole scarf, wonderful cards (I've had so much fun with the knitting cards you've sent!), awesome patterns, and sock yarn...and finally, the Socks, Socks, Socks! book! You know how much I've wanted that book? Apparently you do! *grins* It made me squeal. Did I mention I also squealed with the Yarn Harlot book I got with the previous package that I forgot to mention (because I'm really rather absent-minded like that)? Because I did. It made my day, thank you SO much, Maureen! I can't wait to finish the Pomatomus and get cracking on some of the knitted socks in that book!

And now I'm thinking of stuff to bring with me to my escape to Kansas. Obviously the Pomatomus socks (the pattern is so much fun) and my corset (can't only work on one project at a time, the very idea!) and...my homework. *grunt* This thing is a bigger monkey on my back than anything. I can't wait until it's OVER.

But yeah, hi, Merry Christmas, may it be special.

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

foiled!

Made sure I had the evening free to go to S'n'B in SLC and what happens? Slick as snot snow. *shakes fist*

And then my camera refused to ever turn on again. I'll figure THAT one out soon.

Saturday, December 03, 2005

Thanks to Miriam, I have 13 subscribers. *blush*

edit: Crazy ol' Kit, she's the only one who subscribes to the wrong blogline thinger. Oh, yes, I do subscribe to my own journal. How else do I make sure it works right? And I'm also terribly narcisstic. But you knew that, right?

Tagged by Crazy Aunt Purl who tagged EVERYONE IN THE WORLD! and I guess that means me, too, then.

10 Random Things About Me

  • I have recently developed a nasty hatred for cardboard/wood rubbing against other wood/cardboard, the same I have for squeaking balloons and nails on chalkboard. Ugh ugh!
  • I suffer from bouts of insanity and mania. That's when things actually get clean around here.
  • I'm in the best of moods except when I'm tired or PMSing. Then I cry.
  • I really want a bird instead of a dog or a cat.
  • I wonder if my fish will outlive me. Sturdiest little betta I've ever known.
  • I'm getting to like hiphop.
  • I have some awesome calves because I try to walk 2 miles every day and push off hard with my foot with every step.
  • This hasn't been happening lately because my left ankle has been loudly and painfully protesting the weather change. Owww.
  • I have a story and I wanna publish it! Right after I finish with my RN.
  • I think I'm going to totally shock my dad and take classes on drawing naked people. Like it's something new for me, a nurse, right?


9 Places I've Been

  • Germany
  • The Netherlands
  • France and some of Paris in 7th grade. Paris is its own little island of desperate rudeness and snobbery in an otherwise lovely country.
  • Italy
  • Austria
  • Kansas
  • Missouri = all the Joseph Smith type spots and the RLDS temple, which looks very weird, but the people were nice.
  • Utah (doy)
  • Various airports


8 Ways To Win My Heart

  • Don't ignore me.
  • Random little things to make my day...they really do.
  • Knit with me.
  • Notice things.
  • Be open-minded.
  • Smile
  • Be patient
  • Remember me.


7 Things To Do Before I Die

  • Skydive. I'm serious.
  • Cure cancer. (aim high!)
  • Receive a standing ovation.
  • Visit Japan, Ireland, Venice.
  • Fall in love with someone who reciprocates.
  • Publish.
  • Find somewhere I fit.


6 Things I'm Afraid Of

  • Scary movies.
  • Dogs off leash (c'mon, people, tie up your dogs because so help me, I am not afraid to Tae-Kwon-Do kick your monster into a coma!)
  • Outliving my parents.
  • Being unready to face the world when I finally do step out on my own.
  • Losing Briana as a friend because I can't keep myself together.
  • Going insane and not realizing it.


5 Things I Don't Like

  • Politics. Red or Blue, Left or Right, I just don't want to hear it.
  • Various agendas that I don't see the logic in fighting for. I won't list any because I will invariably be flamed for my opinion because I KNOW I'll be trodding toes.
  • News Media. They don't bother to tell the truth, why should I bother to care?
  • Lack of Respect. Be it trashing the environment, making fun of your wife, beating the dog, swearing, whatever. I hate it. Everyone deserves respect.
  • Apple Crisp Yoplait Yogurt. A crime against the palate if I ever tasted one.


4 Ways To Turn Me Off

  • I could be cheap and say 'See Previous', but I can come up with more venom. So, #1: Tell me how to eat. Dude, nurse. I got it. I just don't always do it. Just like how some nurses know aaaalll about the evils of smoking and still light up with every break.
  • Speak ill about someone. Even if it's someone I really don't like, it still makes me feel ick inside.
  • Diss yarn and knitting. I have sharp pointy things in my hands, you know better.
  • Give me STUPID unwarranted advice. I love knowing if I've got a booger hanging out my nose, but I don't need someone telling me "Maaan, you really ought to hurry up and finish your RN and get out of your uncle's basement". Like I live here for fun?


3 Things I Do Every Day

  • Shower (I'm sure that makes you so much more relieved, right?)
  • Pray. Nothing more effective and more uplifting.
  • Listen to music. Get the new Enya CD, I'm not kidding.


2 Things That Make Me Happy

  • Making Heavenly Father proud (doesn't happen all the time, but I do know when I've done a good job).
  • Making other people happy.


1 Thing On My Mind Right Now

  • Wow, it's 10:46 am, I haven't even put in my contacts or finished breakfast or talked to my friend with the birthday yesterday so that we can get together and hit up Unraveled Sheep for my birthday present to her.


*goes to do #1*

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Blah Humbug

I am not a fan of Christmas. Or rather, I'm not a fan of the American Christmas. In Germany, Christmas lasted for days and it was about family and friends and relaxing and eating things. A time to rejoice in the miracle of the Savior's birth, a time to realize and be grateful for all we have.

In America, it's about presents. It's about the most expensive. It's about Santa and What Will Santa Bring??? There are no Three Wise Men to mark on your door with chalk (regardless of religions practiced, there was always a trio of kids or adults to mark on the door). It's like people are scared to celebrate Christ. Or to celebrate Christmas as I feel it should be celebrated. That's why I like Thanksgiving so much better.

Being half Dutch, there are some practices I hope we keep up when I go home. For one thing, I hope we use the good china and plates for breakfast and have hot muffins and tea. I would like to put out shoes instead of stockings. And have a Family Home Evening of some sort. As much as I wish, I can't have lots of family over, but I hope my parents and I do something really fun and visit friends and such. I hope we go for a walk around Westridge or Clinton Lake. I hope to have some of mom's Dutch Apple Pie because maaan, I missed out for Thanksgiving!

And I hope mom and I can visit some knitting shops (maybe Dad won't mind coming with if we promise to swing by Cabella's on the way home).

What practices do you guys like to keep for Christmas?





On a knitting note, I am currently highly fond of WEBS. I just got four skeins of Noro in the mail and then! I ordered their Beginner's Spinning Kit. It was $25 and I got half a pound of roving, a Louette drop spindle (SHEEPIES!) and a book that would tell me how to spin. That's so exciting to me. :D And then, when I went to pay, they only charged me $13.25! I find that mighty strange when the email said $25 and the website said $25. So I've since contacted them to let them know about the inconsistency.

I hope they don't want me to pay the rest, let me just pay the $13.25, but I shouldn't expect it. I mean, they're a business and a good one, too. $25 is already pretty reasonable to me. Anyways, just my thoughts.

I leave for Kansas on the 14th. I'm so excited!

P.S. Dear SLC S'n'B...I am so sorry I've been such a slacker of late. I keep ending up having to work on Tuesdays! This week I could only fit in 2 days before the pay period was over so I had to work last night. Trust me, I really and most sincerely wished I could have made it because the crazy people, they were driving me crazy. Oy.