More than I can chew?

So, maybe I've bitten off more than I can chew. I stopped by the library to pick up some books I had on hold. Perhaps there are too many...

The Princess Bride - William Goldman
Velocity - Dean Koontz
Eat This Not That - David Zinczenko
I Can Make You Thin - Paul McKenna

In addition, I have already checked out...

Alice In Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
Knitting Noro - Jane Ellison

PLUS the number of knitting projects I have on the needles and trying to get the socks done for my mom.

What do you think? Too much?

What to do when you lock yourself out of the house...

Step 1: Stare in the window at the keys sitting on the bench.

Step 2: Wonder how the f*$% you were stupid enough to lock yourself out.

Step 3: Attempt break into your house using a credit card.

Step 4: Swear a lot because you've now ruined two cards and the door still isn't open.

Step 5: Curse the fact that you recently changed the door knob to one that is apparently much more secure than previously.

Step 6: Pull some random wire out of your purse and attempt to pick the lock, even though you have no idea how.

Step 7: Call the hubby to come and let you in and proceed to get laughed at.

Step 8: Curse at the fact that you haven't yet given out the new keys to friends who would not laugh at you for locking yourself out.

Step 9: Sit down on the housing for the hose and turn the heel of your current sock project.

Step 10: Freeze your ass off.

Step 11: Greet the husband, who again laughs at you, but lets you in the house.

Step 12: Finish turning the heel and head off to work, with keys in hand this time!

Tickle Me Sheep

A friend of mine sent me this video called Extreme Sheep LED Art. Go on, watch it, you know you can't resist. Absolutely, hysterical....

Maybe I'm just a little crazy.

Can it Be?

Can it be that I have.....dare I say it....motivation?! Due to the "Bittersweet Cruise of 2009" I am attempting to exercise frequently (get up my stamina) and eat somewhat healthy. It's impossible that I could lose large quantities by the time the cruise rolls around, but I can at least get a start. I'm hoping this start is a way to keep going.

This morning I woke, and after not exercising yesterday, I thought maybe I'd take a walk at lunch. However, knowing myself, I didn't really think that would happen. I debated in my head about what to do and then I felt guilty. I finally got myself to decide and I rode the bike! I overcame inertia. It's an every day battle, I won this one. Working towards the war...

And Then Disaster Struck!

I wish I had a camera. I do feel that a least a few knitters would have gasped to see it....

I've been working on my Going Out Shrug, like a mad woman. I made it to the edging piece which was awesome! Thursday night I spent a long time picking up stitches....I was only able to pick up about 1/2 the stitches before my eyes started to drop. I picked up the rest in the morning before work and carted the whole mess to the office.

Maybe I should've taken the hint? I noticed there was a problem with my circulars. Then the size 7 needle went missing. But I thought it was ok when I found the needle.

I looked at my knitting at work and showed someone how I had picked up 375 stitches, yes, 375. It was the most stitches I had EVER picked up (and really ever knit in one round). I showed a co-worked (not a knitter, but did other crafts) and complained a little.

Friends and I were going to lunch and as I was getting ready, I saw it. I totally froze! I didn't know what to do. My circular needle cable had freed itself from the needle! There a quarter of my 375 stitches sat, looking at me confused trying to decide if they should pull out or just stick around.

I almost cried. I realized that I had made an idiot move, being over confident and thinking I didn't need my knitting pouch (which contained any number of things that could have saved the day). I tried a few first aid moves (paper clip and yarn), then I tried calling every knitter in my building. Nothing! I told my boss I was leaving this blob on the table in our office and threatened bodily harm to anyone who touched it.

Then I went to lunch. Yeah, you wonder how I went to lunch with all the stitches hanging out with no support? I had a plan! First, I went to lunch at a Thai restaurant (Little Spice, which was AWESOME!) with two new knitters. I explained my predicament, which didn't have as much impact on them.....however, I was able to persuade the one driving me around to take me to Michael's!

Success! I bought another size 7 circular needle (I may be done with interchangeables for a bit...) and a few tapestry needles, just in case. After I returned to work I spent a crazy amount of time picking up the lost stitches and moving the rest onto the new needles.

Unfortunately, after the betrayal by my needles, and I can't help think my shrug had some role in it, I lost all motivation to work on it. I look at it now, feel down that I won't finish it in time for the wedding we're going to. It would've been perfect.

I hate when things go awry.

Anyone seen a size 7 needle for a Knit Picks Options Interchangable Circular Set? I unfortunately seem to have lost one. I'll have to search tomorrow.

Quick update, I completed the body of my shrug! I HATE the bind off, I'm just not sure how to make them look the same. :o( Hopefully no one will notice that terrible bit. So tomorrow is seaming, then I pick up to do the edging. It seems that I will have enough yarn too (hopefully)!

Just a Shrug

I've made significant progress on the Going Out Shrug (yes Mom, your socks are still in the works). Despite it being HEAVILY modified from the original pattern it appears to be turning out ok. I'm aiming to have it finished by Saturday. I still have a bit to go and I'm kind of nervous. Keep your fingers crossed for me, that I finish it (I can't really knit with crossed fingers). Also, I think the side I'm currently working on (the right side in the picture) might be slightly tighter knit. It's been a while since I worked on the first side, I can't recall now if I intentionally relaxed for it or not. Oh well, we'll see, hopefully it's not obscenely different.

Here's a pic:


Ignore the mess behind the shrug....