Wednesday December 31, 2008

I have one more FO for the year- The Frenchie Scarf. This was a one afternoon, use up some leftovers project. I finally got my scarf with Dingleberries! Of course, it's warmed up so much the last few days, I don't know if I will get to wear it. (Just kidding Mother Nature- I know we'll have more cold weather!)

Anyway, since it is the last day of the year I thought I would do a year of projects in review.......
January

February

March











May

June









July











August

















September

October

November

December






That's 45 FO's total for the year.
9 pair of socks
3 mini sweater ornaments
5 shrugs
5 hats
4 market bags
an MP3 cozy
15 scarves
2 sweaters
and one tank
Not too shabby.

Here's wishing you all a wonderful New Year! (and lots of knitting!)

Tuesday December 30, 2009

Last night, I was at Target doing some "grocery shopping". (I love that I can spend an hour trying on clothes, pick up a pound of sugar and call it "grocery shopping". God Bless Super Target!) I brought a ton of clothes into the dressing room to try on- all in smaller sizes than I am currently wearing. I needed some re-affirmation that my body is, indeed, changing. Anyway, most of it fit- or I should say that I could get most of it on, but I wouldn't wear it in public that tight. I did find one shirt that I decided to buy. It's just a plain polo shirt in a nice bright green. It fits me well, and if we have a warm day I will have something to wear. It's a size that I haven't worn since my 12 year old was born, and boy did that surprise me.

Later at home, I decided to try my wedding ring on. I haven't worn it since I was pregnant with The Boy Wonder. My fingers never did shrink back down, if I remember correctly. Anyway, I can get that on now, and also my engagement ring. They are still a little snug, so I may wait a while before switching over. I'm currently wearing a ring that was Rusty's grandmother's, and it's getting really loose. I also noticed that my shoes are getting a little loose. I really hope that my feet shrink- at least in width. It would be so nice to be able to walk into a shoe store and find shoes that fit.

Monday December 29, 2008

I know that I sound like a Scrooge, but boy am I glad the holidays are nearly over! I wanted to take down the decorations Saturday, but The Rusty Knight wanted to enjoy them a few more days. I'm ready to move on and get back to "normal" life. My weight is up a pound this week- thank you, Mother Nature. It will go back down after my cycle, I'm sure.

I've been going through a knitting slump. I'm knitting a lot, but most of it isn't turning out. I've started a bunch of projects, and some of them I've even started multiple times. I've finished a few simple ones as well. I even pulled out a sock that I was working on, just to have some simple knitting to work on. I'm cold all of the time, now. I hear that from people who have had a weight loss, so I guess that's what it is. Yesterday, I whipped up an Armando Hat for myself out of some leftover yarn, and I discovered the secret to keeping warm. It's wearing a hat! (you can see the degtails of the knit here)I think that I am now going to knit myself a bunch of hats to wear all the time. Seriously, I have not been as cozy as I was last night since winter hit- even with blankets and scarves, and multiple layers, hot water bottles and Sherpa shoes. The hat made a big difference. I am working on Jared Flood's beautiful Relm cabled beret from the new Knit.1 right now, but having to rip back a bit. Somehow, I messed up the increases.

I also finished up a brioche stitch scarf. I wanted to make pom-poms for the fringe, and halfway through them I lost half of my pom-pom maker. If I can't find it, I will just have to go buy another one, but I'm still looking. It's been drying for two days now, and it's still not dry.

I have not been tracking my food very well lately, so I am trying to really get back on track with that this week. I do ok when I don't track, but I slip more and more over time. It's time to get back to seeing the numbers. I also haven't been getting my workouts in, but I think that will have to wait until Rusty goes back to work next week. It's always a little like a circus when he's home, and I just can't concentrate even if I lock the door. I have to go to the grocery store and pick up better food options for myself. Last week, Rusty did the shopping. It was nice that he did it, but then I had to eat what he bought all week.

The Boy Wonder has been in all out Jedi mode since Christmas. He got Star Wars: The Force Unleashed for his Nintendo DS, got a new bathrobe (which is a Jedi robe in his mind- he loves that the sleeves are a bit too long, because he can use them to conceal his light saber; just like a real Jedi), and he made light sabers out of Lego's. He's already played the whole game through, and chosen to be on the Dark Side. Of course, I knew he would. That boy loves to play the villain. He does have a sweet side, too, though. He gave me a book for Christmas- wrapped it up and everything. He gave it to me in secret- didn't want anyone else to see it. He's funny that way.

Friday December 26, 2008

I hope that everyone had a wonderful, restful, and joyous holiday.

I did, and I even got some knitting time in. (I found a beautiful skein of Wolmeise in my stocking!) I picked up the Fall/Winter 2008 edition of Knit.1 magazine a few days ago, and I have been loving this issue ever since. Thanks so much to Faith and Tanis for including me in their piece on Indie yarns- what an honor! (But that's not really the reason that I have loved this issue so much) There are a ton of patterns that I really like (besides the Chunky Cabled Tam that I already knit up yesterday, the Rainy Day Fingerless Gloves, Relm, Rapunzel Stockings, the Lace Scarf, and Brioche Rib Pullover), plus some really interesting articles. In my book, this issue rivals the Winter Knitty, which is also packed with good stuff.

I wasn't planning on doing any post-holiday shopping, but then I noticed that Kohl's had boys Levi's in the Skinny fit on sale for $21.99. The Boy Wonder is quickly outgrowing his current jeans; and the Skinny fit is hard to find so I decided that it would be worth it to go out. I'm glad that I did. We managed to get the last three pair of those Skinny jeans at Kohl's, the kids used up their Toys R Us and Target gift cards that they had gotten as gifts, and I snagged the garlands that I have been wanting (at half price). We were home by 10:30 am, and really didn't hit any crowds. The mall parking lot was sure filling up as we drove by, though.

I am planning on resting and relaxing the rest of the day. I am working on the Lace Scarf from the Knit.1 in some beautiful Koigu sockyarn, but I am having trouble with the decreases. It's times like these that I am very thankful to have the internet to look things up on.

Tuesday December 23, 2008

I finally got pictures of my Clapotis taken. I can't wait to wear this with my blue coat- probably tonight as I am running around doing last minute errands. I can't believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve (and I still need to go grocery shopping!) .

Being stuck at home has given me lots of time to knit, though. I whipped up a hand-dandy MP3 holder to use on the elliptical trainer. That will make it so much more enjoyable than having to hold it. I don't really enjoy knitting with those stretchy yarns, but this is a good use for them.

I have also been working on felted clogs. I finished a pair for the Rusty Knight. They are just drying now. I have most of one clog finished for Princess Stomping Foot, but I am going to have to run out and get more yarn to finish it. I also need yarn for the Boy Wonder, but I think that I have enough for a pair for myself. I started those to make sure that I do have enough before I go to the store tonight. If I really push it, I may get them all done for Christmas LOL

Monday December 22, 2008

I finished my Clapotis scarf (and haven't had a chance to get pictures yet), and I haven't really started a new project. I am working on an MP3 holder to wear when I use the elliptical trainer, and also those felted clogs that won't all be done by Christmas. I'm not really enjoying either of those projects, though, and what I really want is to start a big chunky scarf, but I don't have yarn for it.

I ended up catching what the kids had, so I stayed home from the family gathering at my SIL's. The kids were well enough to go, and they had a great time. I spent the day wrapped up in blankets and scarves, watching a British TV series called Hotel Babylon. It's sort of like a modern day Love Boat.

It's weigh in day, again- I am down another 4 pounds this morning (for a total of 22 pounds). I guess that makes up for not loosing the last two weeks. I have a new pair of flannel pajamas that I can finally get into, and I am seeing a difference in my current wardrobe. I'll probably have to go through and get rid of a few more things soon.

(I am an admitted Target Junkie, so if you don't love Target this may not interest you)
I was at Super Target tonight doing a little Retail Therapy. The store is crazy- much of the winter/Christmas is already on clearance and picked over. I went to get some Eggnog for The Rusty Knight, and they didn't have any at all. What's worse, is that they already have a bunch of Valentine's Day stuff in stock. Of course, the one holiday item that I do want is not yet marked down.

Friday December 18, 2008

My Clapotis scarf is almost finished. It looks really skinny and long in the picture, but it really isn't. I'm just finishing up the end, and I hope to block it tonight. I think that I am going to start a pair of socks next. I've just been so cold the last couple of days.

The roads are clear, but we still have quite a bit of snow in our front yard. All of the leaves from our trees fell off yesterday- they were still green. Last night was really cold- much colder than the night before. When I got up this morning, the computer said it was 19 degrees. Brrrrr! It was so cold, that the cat's water bowl froze over. Poor guy was thirsty.

The kids are both running fevers now, but I made the food to take tomorrow anyway. Even if I stay home with two sicks kids, I told The Rusty knight to go and get it over with. If we try to re-schedule it will be February before we can get together. I made my macaroni and cheese a little differently this time, but it looks good. I also made a Gingerbread Bundt cake. We'll see how that turns out. I accidentally put too much water in it, then I had to add solids to counter balance. That's why it ended up in a bundt pan- it was just too much batter for the pan that I originally intended to use. I also added chocolate chips to it. I've been craving chocolate chips lately- I don't know why. But, since I am probably the only one who will eat it; I put them in.

The Rusty Knight is on my Naughty List, so I won't mind if he has to go alone. Last week, The Boy Wonder told me that one of his teeth was bothering him. He hasn't been to the dentist in two years because they keep changing our dental plan. Anyway, I told Rusty that I was delegating that problem to him. He needed to find a dentist and make an appointment at a time that he could take The Boy. I pretty much do everything for the holidays by myself, so I figured that he could do this one thing. He wasn't happy, he put it off, and when he finally did find a dentist; he made check up appointments for the kids in January. He did put The Boy on their cancellation list in case there was an opening, but we figured we would just have to wait until his check up. Now, I didn't even say anything about the fact that he made an appointment that he is expecting me to take the kids to without asking me about it. I just let that go. When he called this morning (as I was in the midst of baking for his family's holiday get together, which I probably won't even be going to) and told me that they had an opening for The Boy on Monday, and he expected me to take him; I almost lost it. I reminded him that I had asked him to make an appointment that he could take The Boy to. He said that he didn't choose this time, it was just what they had open. With steam coming from my ears, I told him that he would need to find a way to take care of it because I could not fit one more thing into the week of Christmas. I think that he heard in my tone of voice how very serious I was. It's funny how when there's a will, there's a way. He is going to take a long lunch to take The Boy to his appointment.

Thursday December 18, 2008

I heard that we got 6 inches of snow total, but it was piled up twice that high. We're all staying in by the fire today as the snow melts to slippery slush. The Rusty Knight is working from home, and The Boy Wonder is nursing a fever.

It took The Rusty Knight 4 hours to get home from work yesterday, and he had to dig the car out to get it moving. There was a big pile up, and several fatal accidents. Schools are closed today, and one of the neighboring cities is asking people not to drive. It's just safer that way.

This snowfall doesn't even break any records for us, but we're just not used to or prepared for snow like this.

I'm glad that The Rusty Knight stopped at the grocery on the way home last night. What he bought will see us through until this all melts away. There is still quite a bit of snow piled up in the yard, but the streets are melting.

I've gotten quite a lot done on my Clapotis. I really want to knit another scarf when I am done, but I don't have the yarn for it. (OK, I have lots of yarn, just not what I want) I may have to stop at the yarn shop by my SIL's house when we go Saturday and pick some up. If the Boy Wonder isn't better by then, I will have to stay home with him. I wonder if The Rusty Knight loves me enough to stop at the yarn shop for me?

Snow Update

It's still snowing pretty hard. I'm going to go out and take some more pictures in a while. Now the streets are all covered in snow, as well as everything else. The kids had a great time playing in it, and they made a snowman. We're supposed to continue getting snow through tonight, but tomorrow is supposed to be sunny. We'll see!

Wednesday December 17, 2008

It's finally snowing. It's coming down pretty good, but once it hits the ground it's just wet mush. By the time that the kids get up, it will probably all have turned to rain. George (our outside cat) is convinced that he is not a Snow Cat, and he is very upset with me right now. He's actually safe and dry in the enclosed patio with warm blankets to sleep on, but he still doesn't like it.

My Clapotis is coming along nicely. I need to wind a second ball of yarn so that I can continue. I love dropping those stitches down and seeing the result. Today will probably be another sitting around and knitting day, so I will probably finish it soon. If we make it to park tomorrow, I will get to try out my new coat. (and long underwear, hat, scarf, etc)

Yesterday, Princess Stomping Foot helped me wrap the nephews Christmas gifts. She did a good job, and the tree looks really pretty with all the gifts under it. My Sciatica is feeling much better today. Of course, I slept with my wrist in a funny position last night and that was hurting when I woke up. I'm falling apart! LOL

Tuesday December 16, 2008

Back to Basics

My weight has been fluctuating wildly the last couple of weeks, and I am trying to get back on track. I'm not drinking enough water, and I have not been eating my snacks. So, it's back to the basics this week. I'm not going to do any exercise because my leg is still bothering me. I think that I've figured out what it is though- Sciatica. Last night I took a double dose of Ibuprofen, and was able to sleep well. This morning, I felt 90% better, but I can already feel it coming back. So, I'm just taking it easy. The kids are still really tired and we have another busy weekend, so we can all use the rest.

We haven't gotten any snow that I've seen, but the weather is predicting snow for tomorrow. The Rusty knight has been driving the car instead of his bike, and he will probably take it again tomorrow. I think that we will just skip dance tomorrow night. That alleviates the need for us to get up early and take him to work, then pick him up later.

I finished blocking my Shower Scarf. Boy, is it long. I keep wishing that I had some thicker yarns for scarf knitting. I may have to break down and buy some. Right now, I'm knitting a Clapotis, but that's in sport weight.

Monday December 14, 2008

We made it through the Winter Concert for dance. It really wasn't too bad, except that I was waiting for parents to come pick up the girls afterward, and the parents were waiting out front. At the other studio, the parents all rushed into the Greenroom as soon as the show was over. I have no idea how the girls did. I only saw their ballet dance, and I couldn't see Princess Stomping Foot at all from where I was. The Rusty Knight said that people were video taping, so maybe I will get a chance to see it.

One more week of Pre-Christmas events to go. I have one last round of gifts to wrap, cards to sign, and food to make. The Rusty Knight took the car to work today. The weather report says it is snowing here right now. We don't have snow, but it's pretty cold and raining. We are having to dry the animals as they come in from outside. I bet that parts of the city are getting snow. The forecast shows snow for Wednesday, too.

Yesterday morning, I woke up with a hitch in my giddy-up. My left thigh- high up near the hip, was sore. I figured that I had just slept funny, and that it would stretch out as the day wore on. Well, by the time that the show was over (what with all of the bending over, standing around, and chasing girls down the hallway) it had gotten much worse. We had some errands to run, which didn't help at all, and I was in a lot of pain through most of the night. I think that I found the position that originally hurt my leg, and this morning it feels much better. It's still sore, but now I think that it will just get better on it's own with a couple days of resting. So, we are just taking it easy.
no car+injury=knitting and watching movies

I finished my Shower Scarf yesterday, and I am blocking it today. It's plenty long, but I am going to try and widen it a bit. I started a Clapotis wrap. Actually, I re-started one that I had started a while back. Maybe I can finish it now. I'm craving nice warm things to wrap around myself. Of course, now I am wishing that I had knit myself some nice warm sweaters for the winter. Maybe I can find some at after Christmas sales.

Saturday December 13, 2008

Calgon- take me away!
Hello? Calgon- where did you go?!?

I am ready to run away from home and not come back for a very long time. The Boy Wonder will not stop talking, Princess Stomping Foot is starving, but can't find anything to eat, and The Rusty Knight is too busy working on computer models to actually "be home" when he's home.
Some horrible person from our therapy group got everyone a box of Russell Stover chocolates. I finally told the kids to just eat the rest, so they will be gone.

I really don't know what it is, but I am really annoyed with the world and also very hungry right now. I think it's just stress. Tomorrow is Her Ladyship's winter concert for dance, Wed at dance they are having a party, and Saturday we are getting together with The Rusty Knight's side of the family to celebrate Christmas. I have stopped even tracking my foot at this point in the day. I was so good at the potluck this morning. Everything looked and smelled so good. I had Rusty just bring me some fruit salad and a muffin, and I was fine. He brought a plate home, though, and I could not resist the sandwich. Then the chocolates got opened, and it was all downhill from there. The horrible part is that I still feel hungry- like I could eat a whole meal.

Tomorrow is a new day, and I will have to start fresh. We are eating dinner out, but I don't know where. I have most of our stuff packed for tomorrow- water, snacks and a blanket. When I told Her Ladyship that she was wearing stage make up for the show, she seemed almost happy. She usually hates make up, but I notice those things changing as she gets older. She didn't even complain about having to do her hair.

I have to go get the laundry put away- I was getting caught up on it today, and I have about four loads waiting to be sorted/folded.

Friday December 12, 2008

My Shower Scarf is growing. It's a good take along project, and it will probably get me through the busy weekend. I'm having a bad case of the DonWannas lately. Last night, I didn't want to cook dinner. When I finally got dinner cooked, I didn't want to eat it. Today I have to get Princess Stomping Foot's pants hemmed for dance, and I don't want to do that, either. I don't want to exercise (which is what I should be doing now), and I don't want to stop at the store to get fruit to make a fruit salad. I don't want to bake muffins for tomorrow, and I really don't want Her Ladyship to get sick. Last night she was coughing a lot. I had her take an Airborn, and I hope that stopped her from coming down with something. She's still asleep, so I don't know yet.

Tuesday December 9, 2008

I finally got around to doing the FO report on my Caprese scarf, as well as the Omo scarf. I am trying to wrap gifts and get things ready for the weekend before we hit our busy days. Now, I can wrap up the Omo scarf for the Boy Wonder's teacher. I think that I am just going to stick the gifts in the trunk of the car now, so I don't forget them. I still have to get a gift for the therapy center, and bake muffins and make a fruit salad for the potluck. I also have Christmas cards to finish up, but I am doing those a few at a time each day. Now if I can just get the laundry caught up, and Her Ladyship's pants hemmed I will be in good shape!

The kids are growing like crazy right now. The Boy Wonder has grown two inches since summer, and is now a mere 2 inches shorter than his parents. He needs a new pair of shoes, but that will have to wait until after the holidays. I got out an old pair of Doc Martins that were mine in high school, and they fit him. Princess Stomping Foot just came in wearing pants that had been a couple of inches too long when we bought them a couple months ago. Now they fit perfectly. I had ordered some new shoes online, and when they came last week they were too big. I was going to return them and get a size smaller, but now I am going to keep them because they almost fit her. I keep telling them to stop growing, but they don't listen!

I finished the criss-cross cable scarf last night. I will block that today, and I am making some pom-poms (or as The Rusty Knight calls them "dingleberries") to go on the ends of it. That one is for our Parents Group leader at therapy. I still have some super secret knitting that I am trying to accomplish for Christmas. I can do it if I concentrate, but it's not pleasure knitting. I need to start a new scarf to take with me.

I was reading Size 10 Chronicles this morning (which is the blog of a lady who is trying to go from a size 20 to a size 10, and get the physique of a body builder). She has now hit her 50 pound mark, and I am so proud of her. It's really inspiring to read the story of someone else with a long term weight loss goal. It's funny- she's lost 50 pounds (which is amazing!), but she still gets frustrated and down on herself. I can totally relate. It seems that every couple of weeks, I hit a mental slump. I know that I just need to keep doing what I am doing, take one day at a time, and be patient. It's still hard, though. This morning, I hit a loss of 20 pounds. Now, why that happened today, and not yesterday- my weigh in day, I don't know. I don't know if it will still be there next Monday, either- but right now it is, and I am going to revel in it. Even though I've lost 20 pounds, and I've had huge changes in my body and my abilities, that's not what I see and feel every day. I am now exactly the weight that I was when I became pregnant with my first child...... and I feel fat. I look at my body in the mirror, and I don't like what I see. I don't see the loss, but what I want to still come off. I know that I will get there. I have made permanent changes to my lifestyle so that I can keep it off as well. I am concentrating on taking care of my total person, and doing as much as I can to make myself feel good, but it just barely compensates some days. It's funny how the mind plays tricks on you.

Monday December 8, 2008

I finished my Ono scarf. Obviously, it needs the ends woven in and a good block. I am planning on doing that today. After I do that, and get photos I will write up the FO report. I still have to do the FO report on the green scarf, too. It's good that this is done, because I want to give this as a gift and it has to be given Saturday. I started doing my Christmas cards last night, and now I am going to wrap up some things that are being delivered this weekend. I'm still not sure exactly what is going to whom, and I may have to whip up other scarves if I decide that I can't part with some that I've made. I'm still working on one scarf. I bought this yarn that is supposed to have a sort of transition in the color, but it's very subtle. Too subtle! The scarf is turning out ok, and the recipient will appreciate it anyway.

Last night when the kids got home from their Aunt's house, they were exhausted. They looked terrible. They were dirty (she had them over 24 hours, and didn't have them shower), tired (she let them put on The Incredible Hulk at 10 pm the night before), and hungry (she hadn't fed them dinner the night before, and they didn't get lunch that day until The Rusty Knight got there to pick them up at 3pm). They also really missed me. They took turns crawling up into my lap and having a snuggle. I don't know what my SIL is thinking- and she has own kid! I know that she does things differently with her son than we do, but I expected their basic physical needs to be met. I'm sure that today will be a slow and quiet day as they recover. We need to put the house back together from the weekend chaos, and I think that I am going to go grocery shopping alone tonight.

This coming weekend will be busy, again. Friday night is rehearsal for Princess Stomping Foot's Winter Concert for dance, Saturday we are having holiday parties for our therapy group, and Sunday is the concert. I'm going to have to plan ahead, and make better food choices than I did this weekend. I hadn't lost any weight today at my weigh in, and it's all from the weekend. I already decided that I will bring some of my healthy muffins and fruit salad to the potluck Saturday, just so that I have something that I can eat and feel good about it. We're just going to try and have a relaxed week, and get extra sleep to make up for the busy weekend.

Lego Club is just a group that I started for The Boy Wonder. It's basicly a revolving playdate (we each take turns hosting, and bring food for lunch to share) with some other homeschooling friends. Sometimes the kids still play Lego's, sometimes not. They just enjoy hanging out together.

Sunday December 7, 2008

That's one less weekend in December that I have to make it through now.

The holiday party for Rusty's work was not quite as festive as last year. They had changed venues, and I hope they change it back. Last year, the food was delicious. This year- the food was terrible. I didn't think that you could ruin Filet Mignon, but it turns out that you can! All it takes is burning the edges, and serving it lukewarm. I didn't ask Rusty how his halibut was, but the lady next to me had the chicken fettuccine and she was rather unhappy with it. People started leaving right after dinner, and I couldn't blame them. There was a teeny tiny dance floor, and the DJ took up most of it. Maybe next year they won't even have a party.

Before the party, we stopped at the mall. I had to get a new pair of pants, and we had been wanting to go perfume shopping together without the kids. I had been wanting some perfume, but I know that my taste in scents is very different than Rusty's. There's no point in wearing a perfume that your significant other dislikes, so I wanted to find something that we both liked.
It wasn't easy.
I felt sorry for the lady in the perfume store. I explained our dilemma when we first went in, and told her what we both tend to like (Orientals for me, and florals for him). We must have smelled 20 different perfumes. The ones that I liked, he hated- and vice versa. Finally, we found two that we both liked. Ironically, they were both Calvin Klein; Obsession 2008 and Euphoria. I tried them both on, and we decided on the Euphoria. Obsession was too heavy for me, and I liked the unexpectedness of Euphoria. I did open it up and wear some to the party, but it will get wrapped and put under the tree for Christmas. We both really like the scent, and I'm glad to have something to wear when I want to now. Here is the description of Euphoria........

EUPHORIA is about sexiness, fantasy, and being captivating. Sexy and sensual, Euphoria speaks to the woman who has the urge to break free from everyday life - to provocatively be part of an exciting world filled with pleasure, surprise, and temptation. Her fragrance is a contrast between exotic fruits and seductive florals, for a rich creamy, seductive signature. This scent possesses a blend of Pomegranate, Persimmon, Green Notes, Black Orchid, Lotus Blossom, Champacca Flower, Liquid Amber, Mahogany Wood, Black Violet, Cream Accord.

Friday December 5, 2008

I'm really glad that this week is coming to a close. Tomorrow will be really busy, and then I can count that one event as over. Today is Lego Club, and I don't know if we are going to make it. The kids have been fighting all week, and I really have other things to do.

Last night I went to the mall, which was not such a good idea (but I'm still not sure about what I am wearing tomorrow). I got the book for The Boy Wonder's stocking, and that is almost the last thing that I have to get. They were having a special event for one of the private schools at the book store. I saw a family whose son used to dance with Princess Stomping Foot. I didn't say hi, because the mom was always a really nasty person. I went to a million stores, and didn't really find anything that I wanted. I did get a couple of things at Susie's Deals yesterday- a paisley button down (I have a long-standing love for paisley patterns) from New York & Co, and a nice fitted black sweater. After the mall, I went to Target. The corduroy trench that I have been pawing for months was on the clearance rack, so I snapped that up (in a jaunty blue color), along with a little gray cap. If I don't find anything else to wear, I may show up to the party in just a trench and hat LOL

Wednesday December 3, 2008

I've been fooling myself.

I was trying on some of my clothes today. Some of what I thought was going to last me through the winter, is just too big to wear already. I really hate to see some of those pieces go, too. My favorite jean jacket, all of my button down shirts, my favorite pajamas- all gone. It's a good thing, and I look forward to loosing more pieces; but I do need to face the reality that I need to buy a few warm pieces on the cheap so that I don't freeze this winter. I'm going to hit Suzie's Deals tomorrow and see if I can find anything warm.

I was also trying on the special outfit that I got for the holiday party Saturday. I can get it on, but the pants just don't fit right. The waist and thighs are tight. Eventually, they will fit me and I will wear them. But for Saturday, I need to face the reality that if I wore them; I would not be able to sit comfortably or eat anything (which is bad at a dinner). I have a pair of nice dark jeans, and I think that will work fine. The blouse is ok, and the bag and jewelery will dress it up. I am going to try and find a little sweater to throw over it, I think. Tomorrow, the Beedle the Bard book comes out, so I was planning on going shopping to get it, anyway.

The Rusty Knight just told me that he is going out...... to get stuff.....from the gettin place....LOL

Tuesday December 2, 2008

I took some pictures of holiday decorations this morning. I got this wreath at Pier One last year after Christmas. It was only $7, and I wasn't sure if I liked it, but I wanted a wreath. I slapped a 99 cent bow on it, and now I love it. It's funny how the color stories for Christmas change from year to year. Pier One has the same wreath in a different color this year- they are marked down to $35 right now. Last year, I found things in a lighter green, dark green, a bright red and dark burgundy, and I loved them. I'm glad that I got the wreath and a tree skirt when I did, because these colors do not seem popular for Christmas this year. I wish that I had gotten stockings last year when I saw them. I want new ones, and I may have to make them.

We got a fiber optic tree last year. It's smaller than the pre-lit tree that we had before, but it doesn't have the bulbs that our sweet darling cat likes to chew on; so he can't destroy it. (The cat is now finished with his antibiotics, and feeling as irascible as ever, but still has a bald ear) I also found a set of small balls in the colors that I liked last year. The smaller ornaments really look good on the small tree. The star topper is really neat- it's a frame made of grape vines, and then filled with all sorts of natural materials (nuts, seed pods, pine cones, etc.), and misted gold. I also love the straw snowflake ornaments- but so does the cat.

Christmas at our house means lots and lots of Nutcrackers. Yeah, I go a little nutty for nutcrackers. (Have you seen the Christmas stamps this year? Yep- Nutcrackers!) I guess it's my German heritage, because Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas for me without Nutcrackers and Marzipan. Of course, The Rusty Knight's family thinks it isn't Christmas without Key Lime Pie, (blech!) so we all have our traditions.

Monday December 1, 2008

Is it December already!?!

This weekend went by so fast. I guess that's because we did so much. The Christmas decorations are up, all but a few gifts are bought, and the leftovers are just about gone. We didn't do any of that crazy crack-of-dawn Black Friday shopping, but we did take advantage of a few 2-day sales, as well as some of the new sales Sunday. We got games for the nephews, and bikes for our kids, and I did some Christmas shopping for myself. We needed to see what size bikes the kids needed, so they know what they are getting already; but they can't have them until Christmas. I also got some yarn from Michaels. I had been looking at this yarn for a scarf, but didn't want to pay $6 a skein for it. When I saw that it was on sale for $1.99, I couldn't resist. I popped into Pier One, and I found some great stocking stuffers for myself- a hot water bottle (complete with knitted cozy), and nylon shopping bags. These shopping bags are so cool- they are pretty big, with two handles, and they fold up into a little case that has a clip on it. I think that I am going to go back and get a couple more, and get a cheap make up bag and keep them all together in the bag in my purse. I have other shopping bags, but I always forget and leave them in the trunk. I got some of Target's sale panties- some of my old ones were kind of falling off. It's exciting to be able to buy regular old undies (not "special sizes"), and have them fit. I also went to Cost Plus this weekend. They were having their jewelery buy one, get one free. Now how could I resist that? I ended up with two great necklaces. They may make it into my stocking, if I am not struck by a desire to wear them before Christmas, but I doubt it.

Today is weigh in day, and (despite Thanksgiving leftovers and my period) I am down another pound (bringing my total to 18 so far). I also took my monthly measurements, and I have lost another inch from both my bust and my hips. I keep looking at warm winter wear and wanting to buy things, but then I remind myself that I will need a whole new wardrobe come spring. Now that I am fitting into almost all of my "motivation clothes" (YES, I will be wearing that great outfit that I bought to the holiday party this weekend), I ordered two pair of pants two sizes down from what I am currently wearing. I was getting shoes for Her Ladyship, and I found these really cheap in the outlet section. I can't resist a good bargain, and I really think that having something too small to be able to try on once a week as motivation helps me.

I'm still knitting scarves like crazy. I don't know what will be for who at this point, but some will end up as holiday gifts I think.