Random July Goodness

Wow! It's been a minute since my last post but I'm gonna post anyways. Has anyone seen the new blogger posting view? It's pretty cool. Although I do miss the old layout.
Summer is almost over, at least for me. I have to register the gal for school next week. Then school will be starting mid August. It's hard to believe. It feels like yesterday she was just getting out for summer.
Also have to bring back a little miss to her mom although I wish she'd hang with us for this school year.
There's been a bunch of things going on but I don't know where to begin.
I know! I'll make a list.
1. We went to the lake with my sister Pam and her family. We towed my grandfather's pontoon boat with us. Then on the last day the motor fell off so we have to go back to the lake and get the motor off so we can tow it back across town. But buddy we all had a blast!!! I caught a 4 lb cat fish. ;-) It's hanging in the freezer and we totally need to fry Bertha up and eat her. Yeah I named her Bertha.

2. Johnny's birthday was yesterday. He worked all day came home and we surprised him with a streamered condo, daughter created cake, custom gift cards and a fishing shirt. He was tired from working all day and didn't want us to make a big deal of his birthday so we just made a mini party at home. It was great!! The girls did a pretty good job on the cake too. 
3. Knitting: Still pickin on the mystery hat by Leethal Lee, finished the baby booties. Crocheting: I started another Threads of Love blanket. Painting: I attempted Stary Night and I've yet to finish it.
4. Adventures of Cats v Dog Update: I think they are getting along pretty well now. Darky occasionally will stay back when she sees Katie and then her hairs stand on end and tail fluffs then she realizes that the dog is not paying any attention to her and she just goes on about her business. Izzy is actually sniffing Katie's butt and she lets him. However if any dog comes around katie she immediately starts snapping and barking. go figure
Here's Katie and the Girls

It's been a minute

Hey all! I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to blog. I've been a little busy livin life. Let's just hit the highlights
1. We have had my 2 step daughters with us the past couple of weeks. That's been fun especially for Sym. She loves having Van & Chy here. I do too. Although It's been hard to cook for 5 instead of 3 like I've grown accustomed to. Funny, I used to cook for 5 all the time growing up but when 2 out of 5 are the most picky eaters in the world, well it can throw you off. Oh well.
2. When J & Me had a night to ourselves just before we picked the girls up. We hung out in Vicksburg and I hit a 1500 jackpot on a slot machine! Let's just say that that money was put to good use, bills.
3. I won a quick knits kit from Leethal Lee and received it Saturday. I was stoked!!! I've already knit several wrist bands. The girls LOVE Them!!! I didn't have a whole lot of scrap yarn so I used some sugar n cream cotton yarn
I have found that it stretches on Sym. She doesn't use the buttons to remove and put on. Sighs

4. Also working on a hat for my ya baby Gatsby.
It's still in progress. Sorry folks.
5. I'm on a booty kick. or is it spelled Bootie? I've got 3-4 folks havin babies and I'm trying to knit up a whole bunch to have ready for showers.
6. I just received Little Red In the City by Ysolda Teague. So hopefully I'll get my sweater groove on. It's a great book. I find it easy to read and very informative. The patterns are awesome too! Go buy you one on Ravelry. You can get it in electronic & book format or both like I did. Ravelry rules!!
7. I haven't tatted much since the wedding. If you saw the last post and look very closely, you can see how I did a little tat for all the My Man, the father/grandfathers and moms/grandmoms. It was fun. They were simple but still a bit time consuming since I had to tat up a bunch. I have a bunch of family folks.
8. Right after the wedding, my work decided to close the office and let everyone there work from home. Me included. So I've been busy moving stuff and setting up home office. I do enjoy hanging with my girls all day instead of having Chy watch them while I'm at the office. I like the entertainment. When Sym and Van get together you never know what they are going to destroy do.
9. Van has a yorkie named Katie. Let's just say the cats are slowly getting used to her..
Alrighty I guess I better get back to work. Thanks for reading!!


 

Ok now I have a little time

Sorry it has been a while. Let's just say that I can't seem to get in a moment to blog. I'm weird when it comes to blogging. The words come into my head but to actually typing them here, well I prefer not to have folks watching over me.
So here be the latest news.

Summer 2010 socks - 55% completed. I whole sock has been knit. Just finished the top ribbing of the sock second sock and about 20 rounds into the stockinette. Here's the sock when I was almost done with the first one. Will get a current one later.



Crochet Baby Blanket for Threads of Love- Just started this bad boy. I'm making it with "I Love this Yarn" Pink with a size H hook. I know the yarn suggests I but I'm using H. I like H. It's cool.



100% Completed Projects
Blanket for Threads of love crochet 100% Complete My first Crochet project ever completed.


Leaf-ish Sleep Mask-I've been subscribing to Leethal's Quick Knits Club
This knit was from the June one. I totally loved making it on the way to Orlando. Here's Van sporting it for me. It was quick seriously quick. Think it took an hour or less. Mostly due to my dumb ass gettin lost. Sometimes you just have to frog and start over. It was great though.

Can't wait till the August kit!!!

Ok that's all for now. Ya'll enjoy. I've got a pattern to write up.

As Promised Finally!!

Yes! Pictures!!! Yay!!!

Tatting works that I'm piddling around with
I did this one as a throw together from some other patterns I've piddled with.


This one is a shuttle pattern from The www.theanticraft.com It's called Midnight violets. I was able to convert it somewhat to needle tatting instead of the ol shuttle which I do not know how to work yet. I'm not finished with it yet. I'm still considering this a piddle because I'm trying to figure out how to do the drop in the lower middle point. As you can see these two do not match. But I'm trying. See! I have to do trial and error too. All you needle tatters out there feel free to give a gal some hints/suggestions.


Finally Knitting:
I call it green bag. However the pattern is called "Going Green Shopping Bag". Plus I'm using mostly green yarn so there. :-P



Ya'll enjoy! Feel Free to comment on my piddles. :-)

Friday couldn't have come sooner.....

"Burning Down the Hut"

What a week! I'm still getting over being sick. I have yet to block Icing only because of my crazy cats. I fear they will annihilate that poor scarf that has taken me a month to knit. I'm not about to let that happen. J is hooking me up with some styrofoam to block it on. I figure I'll get it totally blocked at some point on sunday. (J = my awesome man that's almost too good to be true but all in all I know it is meant to be)

In the mean time I'm knitting on a grey hat for J. I know there's that Curse of knitting for a boyfriend but this time, i think it will be worth the risk. He's awesome and not going anywhere. Which is a first in a long time for Sym and Me. It's a mindless hat just a simple 1in rib of 1x1 then stockingette all the way to the top. Blah boring. I'll knit better later. After the Yo's and the SSK's of my first lace accomplishment, I needed boring and easy instant grat. I'm actually in the decrease for crown stage so I'll probably finish it on the way to our weekend destination. Which I intend to take many pics and post about...well maybe not all of it. ;-)

Friday Fill-ins Yeah it's a the source.

1. Why are you making _a hat?____Because it's faster for me to make than socks.___
2. I want you to take __me away from this town!_Even for a little while.__
3. __Fine________ then it will be on my terms.
4. __Just knit the damn sweater_______ and see what happens.
5. I could use a _weekend full of wine, hot tub and relaxin____.
6. _Just do what you have to do_______ and then __freak out about it later__.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _leaving the Ham hock for a getaway with my man J___, tomorrow my plans include _Wine, exploring, hot tub and relaxation____ and Sunday, I want to _never come home but know I have to get ready for a new week of the everyday actions just to look forward to another weekend of fun_!
Yeah I'm a busy lady. ;-)

Quite concerned indeed....

With the impendent doom of the blobfish, a fish that appears to be somehow morphing into a human before our very eyes, I finally give you knitting before the damn blobfish gets us all!!!

I've been doing some test knitting for Sam Roshak. As I was knitting happily along, I dropped a stitch and it along with several others ended up dropping all the way down to the bottom. Oh did I mention that I was half way through the pattern? Yeah. So What's a gal to do who isn't too keen on picking up stitches in lace weight yarn? You start over of course! Here's the latest progress. I'm through the half way mark and have started knitting the decreasing. Woot!! I hope it block right. Nail biting experiance.
The pattern is called Icing and she should have it available in her ravelry as soon as all of us test knitters are finished.


The yarn is Kaalund yarns classic two 100% Australian Wool. I bought it at in the making along with the huge needle you see in the pic.
Knitting on with haste and hoping to be finished by Saturday including the blocking.

Beware of the blobfish!

Pain can be annoying but all is well

I'm feeling a bit sore in my back. This weeked was a fun but that whole aging thing is getting to me. Ibuprophen is my new best friend as well as ice and heating pad.

Ok knitting. I've finished another calorimetry, that baby sweater for charity, and now I think it is time for a sweater for me. That way it will be ready in the fall OR I finish/restart a pair of socks I've been sitting on.

Ya'll should go check out Allyb's blog. She's doing a giveaway celebrating her 200th post! Tofootsies and a sweet little notions bag!! Tell her LesleyD the birmingham knitting ho sent ya. ;-)

I'm reading on the Sookie Stackhouse book Definitely Dead now. Book crack I tell ya book crack!!! gotta love it though to have an escape that doesn't require you to experiance a world of vampires without have to actually be there. Good stuff. Ya'd like it!


Back to work!
XOXO

Maybe you should sleep

Welcome one and all to the ever impressive life of one LesleyD. Watch in amazement while LesleyD not only attempts to knit (2 sweaters, and a scarf), play with her daughter, clean her apartment, work 2 jobs, begin to build a new business, make stuff and sell it on Etsy, all the while pulling her hair out over her current full time job during one of the busiest times of the year! Look out world! NO ONE can Stop this freak of nature as she boldly attempts to keep it all together all the while remembering to go to the bathroom at regular intervals!
What will happen?
Quite honestly it isn't all that bad. My family keeps asking me when I ask one of them to watch Sym for me, if I have a hot date. My response, "Dating? What's that?"
Seriously! I wonder how that would affect one of the already MANY things I have on my to do list each day.
I just finished a little knit hat I made for a friend's birthday. They seem to be avoiding one LesleyD lately though. They are in town for a visit yet they seem to not understand that this lady has a bazilion things to do daily (even though I've told them such) and she just can't drop EVERYTHING to go visit them a billion miles away when gas is horribly scarce here.. See Here's the equation right now, Me + Man = Neglected man. I only have time for one person daily. Her name is the invincible Symi-D who flies in with her magical ability to get her mommy laughing when she is at her pentacle breaking point. I love that kid.
We went to Burger King the other day and she got a weird Neo Pet Toy. I asked her what the name of the pet was. Expecting the actual name of the NeoPet, she instead said "Jub-Jub". I then busted out laughing in the middle of BK. It was the way the kid said it so matter of fact and serious that just threw me off. Damn I needed that laugh. I hadn't laughed like that in a week. Heres' the Grundo named Jub-Jub.

Go Check it out on Burgerking.com. They are pretty groovie toys if you ask me.
I love free gifts with purchase; a funky toy and a nice outburst of loud laughter in a restaurant with only 5 other people in there.
See! Who needs to date when they can have a kids' meal with their angel? Now if I could only get that kid to massage school early, I could really have it all. My back has been killing me!

Cheers ya'll!!

Ps just found this. I definitely wouldn't want my name on this.

My Weekend

Hey everyone! Did LesleyD knit much this weekend? Yes!! She knit on Sym's Sweater, Swatched for Cherrie Amour and started a hat only to frog it. Yes lots of knittin.
I took Sym out to a Chinese Restaurant too, Golden City. They are the coolest! They are one of the oldest in Birmingham and they have the groovie decor of a Chinese Restaurant too. IF you are ever in the Ham, go swing by there! Just love their many dragons.


Also I went out solo Saturday night! woo hoo!! For the first time in a bit I went out solo Saturday night. I haven't been anywhere where solo in quite a while. Why you ask?
5 Reasons Not to go to a bar solo..
5. You have to buy your own drinks - Can cost you big time but not always!
4. You have to pay the cover charge - Which can be half your drinkin money!
3. You get lots of funny looks from other women. (aw poor you all alone or look at my man and I'll gouge your eyes out.)
2. Men presume you are there to get laid. - Can't woo them too much with your charm. (Least I choose not to.)
1. NO DD! (Which can really end up saving you money cause you drink less)

I decided not to let any of the above reasons bother me. For the first time in quite a bit, I really didn't want to go out alone Saturday night. Weird. Very Weird. Could it be maturity? Used to, I'd do it! Loved the opportunity to be able to meet whomever and strike up a conversation. But with reason number 2 looming, I didn't want to deal with that. It always looms. Men Love ya but sometimes a lady just wants to go out and NOT get laid.
Well Saturday night I was glad I went out! I paid a cover charge, bought 2 Jack and cokes, 2 beers, 3 hours of good music and nice people for a grand total of $22.
The band was Mellowship. They are a cover band, but really good. They even got me off my bar stool when they sang Shimmer by Fuel and it was all down hill from there. I totally enjoyed their lead singer Lane. He came up to the bar for another shot and some water. He was very nice and we chatted a bit. The Lead Guitarist was playing with them or the first time, William. He is a natural big time!! He was wailing on your familiar songs, (normal cover band lineup STP, Pearl Jam, Fuel, 3 Doors Down) but then they did some Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Clapton to show off what Willie can do. Quite impressive that Mr Willie was. Overall a damn good cover band with very sweet guys willing to talk to a lovely lady who was out for some good live music and a few drinks!
Thanks Guys! Here's their pic. I'm quite impressed with my camera phone. It took a good pic despite the cig smoke and funky bar lighting.



That's about my weekend. I did have a talk with a gentleman about a business proposition that will get me on my way to living a more fulfilling life. Send good strengthening thoughts my way if ya'll don't mind.


Take care! Time for me to get the youngin up. ;-)

I leave you with the bathroom door of Pizza Hut. It has been covered with stickers to create a groovie piece of art. Just love my boys at the hut.

So how about some knitting? Isn't this supposed to be a knitting blog?

Yeah knitting. ;-)
Typically on Monday's I hang out with the wild and crazy women at the church knitting on baby things while Sym either makes something with foam and manages to get marker on EVERYTHING. I love Monday nights! But not tonight. Mom came back from a 2 month work trip in California. Boy I missed that lady!!! She had a blast and is coming over tomorrow to see our new place. Clean clean clean.... Wait already done! I"ve been doing that clean as you go thing. Smart aren't I?

Well ON to knitting!!!!
I have a few pics. I'm trying to load them to flickr but sighs the ole mozzilla is giving me grief. So here they are here on the blog.

Baby blanket in progress:

We have Preemie hat & Booties!!


We have beret for miss P in progress. I really need to finish that. Kids are so freakin impatient! I should make her wait till Christmas cause I'm mean like that. ;-)


I'm trying to decide how to make a groovie DS carrier for a friend of mine but I'm stumped. I want to give him a pizza slut groove to it but I'm having a creative block. ;-( I'm still thinkin. I may do something transformery he likes those.

Also going to finish Grey sock 2 of 2 eventually. Maybe I'll get the second finished this month. That's if the kids don't tie me down and make me make them stuff the rest of the summer. Oh boy!
Well ladies and Gents that's it for tonight. Sorry the pics suck but I am still not ready to buy a really really good cam.


peace love and sharp sticks to gouge the eyes of the infidel! (he he)
XOXOXO

Post 200!!

Ha ha!!! Sym and I had some lego fun last night.

Yay!! 200 Blogspot posts!! Some published, others not! ;-P

Yay!! Check out the Quit Smoking Ticker! Yay!! I've only stumbled 2 times during my quit for a total of 2 cigs smoked in over 30 days!!!! Not bad for an EX 25 cigs a day smoker of 14 years?
Also note the Chorewars/Knitwars badge. Yeppers I'm sooo diggin on getting the XP for knitting. I'm kicking butt and taking names and I have the badge to prove it! blah ha ha!!! Thanks Lime & Violet!! I'm loving it!!!

Knitting Update:
Grey Sock 1 of 2 has been completed!! Yay!!! I've also cast on Grey sock 2 of 2. The method is 2 circs if you recall. I may actually finish this one up this week. All I have to do is dedicate an hour or 2 a night that is if I can get to it.
Here's the Finished Grey Sock 1 of 2. You may find more images on ravelry. ;o)


Also attempting 2 socks on one Circ simultaneously: Sym's socks. Yeah she's been bugging me to knit her a pair even though her foot won't stop growing and she already has a million + socks (mostly singles). She likes my gray sock and wants one. I don't blame her they are very nice to have!!!

Also we have a new addition to our little home. His name is George. George decided to come home with us on Saturday. His last home was Walgreens and he got tired of hanging there. He has a little bit of an attitude and like to cause trouble for me and Sym but he has his sweet side. He has taken care of us for a few days now while we both have had Strep throat simultaneously. He made us soup when no one would come near us. He's magical and doesn't get sick. IF he was taller, well hung and more lively, he'd make the perfect man. Here he is playing with the lego creatures.



Thanks for readin!! Ya'll check me out on Ravelry and note the progress bar on the gray sock. Although that seems to be the ONLY project I have going at the moment. Oops. I don't want to talk about it. Now where did I leave my beer or did George grab it?

<3 Ya'll!!
XOXOXO
Lesley

Alot in 8 Days.....No smoking, No nose, the Dresden Dolls and snow? What?

Yep! 8 whole days since I've had a cigarette! Go me huh? I'm proud. Thank you so much for the encouraging words ya'll!!! You guys are so special to me!! Thank you!!! I'm not worthy!! **bowing I'm not worthy! <3 ya'll!!!

I'm starting to get a bit of a cough and my nose is trying to run away but Kleenex keeps catching it for me. I just hope my nose doesn't run off to Aruba. They are still looking for that girl there and I really don't want my nose to go missing that long! My sense of smell is getting better and I just don't think I could handle losing it permanently. Not to mention that would really be attractive wouldn't it? Yes, I can see the personal ads now!
"Hi, I'm LesleyD. I'm a recent non-smoker, single mom, and I don't have a nose. Why are you running away? Please come back!!" ;-)
Aren't I the sexiest without a nose? ;-) I really wanted to see how I would look without a nose so through the miracle that is photo editin software and my gusto for non-smokin I bring you.....


Sorry I've been away for a bit ya'll. I hope you noticed my new blog post that blogger decided to post before my letter to Camel Lights. Oh well. If you do the myspace thing why haven't you befriended me already? hmm? Well my myspace friends can see the rest of the pictures here. ;o) If you want to see them and you aren't my friend already, just click here. Ask nicely and I'll make you my friend then check out the pics! Here's a highlight...Me and the Dresden Dolls!! yeah I'm cool now. ;-)



I've been knitting religiously since my last cigarette on Jan 14 at 8:30ish pm. Can't you tell?








I've completed the following:
1. Calorimetry . I knitted it in Caron's Simply Soft from my stash. Yes Cole I STILL have more of the Caron Simply Soft left over too!! Frankly I can't believe it either. ;-) I began knitting it on Day one of No Smokin and finished it by bed time day 2. My beautiful sis Natalie hasn't posted the pic of it yet. It even has some snow in it. Oh yeah I didn't mention that did I? Oops! I'll get to that.. Natalie is knitting it too bless her heart. Ya'll send good knitting wishes her way! She's GoddessKnitz (with a Z) on Ravelry too!! Tell her I sent ya! ;-)

2. Swatch for SOTSii - Not pictured due to unraveling. :-) Knitting it in Knit Picks Shadow on size 4 KP Option needles. Yes I am a knit picker. ;-) YEs it is the yarn I was going to use for SOTS 1. Oh well. I'll get over it later.

3. A black hat for Miss Symi-D Complete with matching Pom-Pom from the glamorous Pom-Pom maker by Clover. (I love my toys!) The yarn, Lion Brand I think, some Soft Acrylic stuff that had a baby on the band(can't remember the exact name and think I may have lost the band). Yeah stash yarn again!! (Do you see a trend?)

4. Wove in All Yarn ends on EVERY washcloth I knit since November (10 total)

We totally interrupt knitting news and take you now to this week's spotlight.... Milk Disappearance = Snow in Birmingham AL? You are kidding right?
Last Friday, the weather guys predicted 1-2 inches of Snow for Saturday and said the temp for Friday night would be around 19. Sym and I stayed at Natalie & Mikey's place on account that I have a heat pump that really doesn't heat my place very well when it is 19 degrees outside.
It's weird how snow makes the milk and bread disappear from every grocery store in Birmingham or is it that if every gallon has disappeared from the shelves it will snow? Hmmm. I actually saw a lady at Publix Friday night with, seriously 6 freakin gallons of milk in her buggy just for the POSSIBLE 1-2 inches!! I could understand 3 gallons but 6? (really I can't understand 3 either). Sym actually pointed the lady out to me too. She grabbed me by the hair and pulled my ear to her and asked, "Momma, why does that lady have 6 gallons of milk in her buggy?" Honestly ya'll, I've asked myself that question every time the weather guys mention snow in my 29 years in Birmingham. I whispered back to Sym "People buy out the milk in the grocery stores when the weather guys say it is going to snow." She gave me a look like I was crazy then I just shook my head and said, "I know doll, people around here go crazy and do things that don't make much sense, when they say it is going to snow."
Since ALL of the milk left the shelves of EVERY grocery store in the ENTIRE Birmingham Metropolitan area, the little guy that turns the snow switch on in the clouds, listened to the groans of people who really needed milk and couldn't find any. He decided that we earned the right to snow in 2008! It snowed in The Magic City Saturday 1/19/08 at around 9:00 AM CST, and didn't stop until about 10:30-11ish in the AM. Accumulation was about 1-2 inches in some areas. The car had about 1 1/2 inches or so. Just enough to make snow balls and throw them at Sym! We did take pics and I will share as soon as Nat uploads them. We didn't get any of the snowball fight though. Sorry.
The snow melted promptly at 1:00 PM CST. Yes, here and gone within 4 hours. Envious? I hope not, you'd miss the snow trust me. Most of ya'll that read my blog get more snow in 10 minutes than we get in 10 years. Really! But if ya'll want to move down here I would welcome you with open arms. Just remember, if you want it to snow in Birmingham, all you have to do is have everyone in town buy out all the milk. We get at least dandruff every time. ;-)


Back to knitting news...
January On the Needles:
1. Secret of the Stole Hint 1 of many - Progress = 10% (I've cast on!)
2. Grey Sock Resurrected!- 80% on sock 1 of 2. Yo! I could get used to this again!! It has been awoken from hibernation!! It is amazing what lack of nicotine can do to a knitter. This is a Ravelry project. I have yet to update the pic. I know I'm horrible at this pic thing huh?
3. Willy Warmer #2 for the hell of it. (Yeah I knit one for the first time back in DEC as a gag gift for a friend's hubby. It was interesting nonetheless and he did get a kick out of it. After all, what's the use in living 50 years if you have a cold willy? He was the first guy that actually asked me to knit one for him. I wish I would have taken a pic of it. Ew! Not him modeling it though. That's just sick! He is my friend's hubby! If she has pics of him modeling I hope she'll keep them to herself. Please God may she not be reading this and try to post a pic!)

Hey look! Lesley only has 3 projects going on right now? What gives?
It is tough takin pics!! That's why! Nah, I'm just trying to keep things simple.
Yep. That's a goal! Not too many going on at once for me anymore! It's time to finish at least one project I've kept putting off, socks mainly.

Speaking of OFF, I'm taking Friday & Monday off. You know why? Because I'm turning 30 on Sunday the 27. That's why. ;-) Advice please!!! I'm not ready to turn 30!!! Make it go away!!!
Nah, I'm actually alot more mellow than I thought I'd be especially since I'm not smoking!! I thought I would have killed someone by now but no, just knitting away on my sock or whatever else I have near by. I find security in carrying sharp sticks though. ;-)
It has occurred to me that there needs to be a list of things to have at all times when you are Quitting cancer sticks. I think I shall add these to the end of my blog. Kind of like how my dear knitting friend Cole includes 3 things she is thankful for that day. I like that too Cole! Keep at it!!!

3 things a Non-Smoker carries with them (and is thankful for!!):
1. A knitting UFO to occupy her time
2. GUM!!!
3. Twizzlers

Love, Good Knitting Vibes and a Good night to all of you!!!
XOXO
Lesley

Today's Horoscope

Aquarius Horoscope
(Jan 20 - Feb 18)

You may get bored with yourself these days because it can seem like everything is about work. Of course there's more going on in your life, but just keeping up with your responsibilities can take a lot out of you now. Don't try to make any big changes; for now, keeping up with your daily routine is enough.


With this in mind along with yesterday's blog, LOL
I read these things for fun. I don't usually take them to heart too much. The topic of my routine, habits, etc has been plaguing me lately. Mostly I ask myself "Is my routine healthy for me? What about Sym? Is our home routine enriching her life and teaching her?" I answer these questions as yes and no. With work, my routine is stressful but good and busy. However I do need to develop more healthy ways to handle the stress. Same with creating things to sell at this craft fair in Dec.
The home routine, it changes but we do have a pretty set routine. We go over homework, practice violin and then chill and watch tv. I'm actually thinking about getting rid of the TV in my bedroom when we move. After all I think I will do better without it. It has become my crutch. I watch TV to help me sleep. It would keep the bad thoughts of the Ex, marriage, and the self doubting thoughts from troubling my mind (scapegoat tv). Since then I've conquered these thoughts and have taken control back of my mind. The insignificant doubts and fears are fading. Yay!!! No the TV didn't do it. It has been my spirit coming back to take control again! Yay!!! Ya'll be proud, this lady is growing!
And I'm knitting an ever growing stash of washcloths for this craft fair! Next up Beanie hats!!! I plan to make quite a few this weekend and next.
I have failed to take pics though. My batteries ran out so I have to go pick up more for the digi cam!
Thank you for your comments!!!
Big Hugs ya'll!!!
XOXOXO

Yes I'm still alive and I'm selling out!!!

Hey all!!
Yes I know I've been gone a while. I've missed reading your blogs! I've been hittin myspace a bit this week. Mostly because I can leave it open on a spare machine and still work on the other as well as my email. Work's kickin my butt!!! That's my reason for my absence. I have neglected your blogs mostly because of work kickin my butt! I'm sorry!!! I've causght up on my reading though! Ya'll all seem to be doing pretty damn good too! Love your projects and PRGE gifts!!! I hate that I'm missing out on the exchange this time around. I'll be back after christmas!!!

I've added a new project to my ravelry. It is a nice cascade baby alpaca hat for my dear friend that is moving to of all places Iowa. Yeah Iowa! No offence to my dear knitting Iowaians (Iowa-ites?) but he's moving from Atlanta (aka little new york of the south) for a job up there in Iowa. The plus side is that I will know someone in Iowa and I could stay with them when I finally can afford a Green Bay Game ticket. LOL The hat is coming along nicely. I'm almost finished with it. I'm working the decreases for the top of it. The yarn ya'll is soft as rollin around neked in satin sheets!! I love this yarn I almost hate that I'm knittin it for someone else. He just better wear it or I'll have to be branded an indian giver. ;-)

My STR sock 1 is going slow. I haven't finished the heel flap yet though. I know I'm slacking. The size 1 needles have been slightly cramping my hands so I'm only knitting a few rows then movin back to the hat. I still love that yarn.

Yeah and Sym's Sweat rag, didn't get finished. I fell asleep after knitting 4 rows the other night and haven't picked it up since.

As always I'm still trying to find that lovely medium in life between knittin, work, Sym and sanity. So part of my plan is to have a mega super get rid of all the crafty stuff I don't have time for anymore SALE!!!
Yep you heard it right! I'm having an online sale! I'll be putting together a blog/post for it tonight.

Here's what I'm selling:
Yards of various cool fabrics
Knittin/cool cans (Ya'll have heard me mention them before)
Crafted by me items
Knitting needles
Sewing Notions
Books (fiction and non)

If any of these things interest you, please come by sometime tomorrow when I will have the blog up for it.

XOXOXO
Lesley

Wow! 5 whole days without a blog! Whoa!

I'm sorry I've been out for a while. I have been reading some blogs via reader and bloglines but I have barely had time to comment! Things have been VERY busy for this lady lately. Lots of work at work which is something I'm still getting used to! I've been doing what used to be 2 people's jobs for the past 2 months now. It's kept my mind off of the whole divorce thing but you know how it goes. Stress causes problems and buddy they keep laying it on me! Thank God I knit otherwise I'd be a basket case!
The sock is coming along nicely. I'm halfway through the heel flap of the first sock. The colors are falling into a nice place too! I just hope I keep an identical tension and yarn placement for the second one otherwise it won't match! Now we can't have a pair of non matching socks. That would be a fate worse than death.
This sock has been going with me everywhere too. Work (like I've had time to knit there!), Sym's soccer practice, Sym's violin lessons, doctor visits, restaurants you name it, it has been there! It is almost as famous as the Yarn Harlot's traveling sock. I've even been toting it to a friend's house. Yep that's me. I have grown attached to this one. Sym and I went to my BFF Robbie's place Sunday. She had a little party and it was fun! Sym swam, Robbie crocheted and I (you guessed it) knitted on my basic sock. Robbie and I were so into the yarn that we just had to finish our rows before we went kayaking accross the lake to see her new log cabin in the works. I wish I took pics but I was scared I'd drop my camera phone. I can risk my primary communication tool to be lost in the bottom of their lake. They didn't have any diving gear either so, and the fish would have ran out all of my minutes. You know how fish get, very mouthy. Her cabin is awesome! She's got a basement, upstairs vaulted ceilings and it is so close to being finished if the builders keep working right.
Sym's sweat rag has been neglected. Poor rag! Poor Sym's just had to drip dry without it. Oops I think I'll finish it tonight.
Well that is all ya'll! I am going to do my best to catch up on my blog reading in the morning. I'm about exhausted from work at home tonight. Yeah I have to do documentation for work at home and get comp time for it. Too bad it isn't overtime.
Although I know she won't ever read this, my sister Pam turned 28 today. I love that lady! Happy Birthday Pam!!!

XOXOX
Lesley

Go Green Bay!!!

I'm feeling alot better ya'll! Thank you for your Get wells!!!
Bet you'd never see that one as a title huh? Yes folks I am a Packers fan and damn proud of it! I never talk much about football on my knitting blog. I try to keep most of my knitting maddness here but you know, there are so many things that I like and don't like that make up make up the Crazy lady that you read here.
Today, I was hell bent on watching the Packers game. I searched the net trying to find out what channel it would come on only to find out that I couldn't watch it in the privacy of my own home. Usually that's the best place for me to watch it because there aren't many Packers fans in Birmingham. Hi my name is Symone I am 8 years old what is your name and howold are you?
(Ya'll say hey to Sym! She had to add her piece to the blog today. ;-) LOL)
Being what seems to be the only Packer fan in Alabama, I sucked it up and went to the Fox and Hound to watch the game. Great place! Thank goodness they had the game!! I hate how they regionally decide which games to play where! Grr
Of course when you are solo going to a bar & grill and the only fan in the place you must bring your knitting! It's like a rule!
Luckily I wasn't too solo. My long time ago friend Adam was working behind the bar so it wasn't too lonely. I warned him immediately. I told him that I am usually in the privacy of my home or other football fans when I watch football. It doesn't matter the team! Reason being, I'm loud, and I cuss like a sailor. I didn't have Sym with me for that reason. The last time she had watched me watch football she cried because I was yelling at the Tv and she was afraid the Tv would stop working. ;-)
Anyways, Here I was watching the game. Green bay Scored and what did you hear? Why this lady Whootin and Hollarin for a team that NO ONE in the ENTIRE PLACE Cared about! That's what! LOL I tentatively watched the game talkin only during commercial breaks and knitting neck level! LOL Luckily I didn't cuss like a sailor! LOL In the forth quarter the Packers took the ball running 72 yards down the field, my butt came off the stool, and there I was jumpin up and down saying "go go go!!", I threw my arms in the air and yelled "Touch Down Green Bay! WOOO Hell Yeah!!!"
The Basic Sock and I had a great time watching the game even though I was the only fan!! The sock rooted for Green Bay too and the won!! 35-13 and Farve Broke John Elway's record for starting Quarterback with the most winning games 179! Go Bret!! Muwah!!

Here's the Basic Sock Progress..I knit about 7-10 rounds during the game (started getting fuzzy) ha ha Get it?


XOXO
Lesley

Strep Queen That's me!

Ya'll I'm out sick. I have caught the evil sinister Strep throat bug that has be plaguing the Birmingham area lately! Wouldn't you know it? The doc's nurse called me "Strep Queen" yesterday when she got the quick test results. WTH? I think I know why too. I haven't burned the Bad Ju-Ju yet. Sym has been sleeping with me and not giving me a minute to myself the past few nights.
Okay that's it! I'm burning it during business hours!
It is 100% Acrylic with acrylic stuffing too. What do you think? I think it is going to burn into a plastic ball. Kind of funny how that will work isn't it? No ashes just a ball o plastic to bury. What's crazier is the fact that that is really suiting, you know? The X will never really go away, but hopefully my bad feelings will!

In other news, I'm planning a road trip in October to go visit my knitting bff Shadkitty! Sym is going to have fall break in Oct so why not? Mr Shad is shipping out for 6 months and even if we just lock ourselves up in a room away from the kids to knit, I know we'll have a blast! I've been dying to meet her because she is a freaking rock knitting bad a$$ and just totally freaking cool!!

Knitting update:
Currently On the needles!

Sym's Soccer Sweat Rag: Using the lovely Sugar 'n Cream Cotton in an impromptu pattern just based off whatever basic knitting patterns I've come across. It is lime green and magenta pink (IMO)and so far so good. I'd say I'm about 75% Complete on it. Let's just hope I can make the other end match or at least come close since I forgot to write it down back when I started it! Silly Lazy Lesley. :-)



STR Basic Sock: 5% I'm on row 8 of the 3x1 ribbing on the first sock. I'm knitting it from the top down. I really wanted to do toe up but I just didn't. I just wanted to start these socks and not start a practice one first. I know silly Lesley, that's how you learn! But I just wasn't in the mood ya'll!! I know at least one of you have been there before! The Yarn Harlot has so :-P! Here's a pic of the center pull ball as it has been used. I think I need to find a bigger brush or not wind it so tightly.














New Loves!
Okay so here are some new things that I absolutely LOVE!!!
1. scrub pants! - I've always loved scrub pants, but my mom just gave me 2 pairs of drawstring scrub pants! Ya'll these are the most comfortable articles of clothing that you can ever imagine!!! They are soft, loose and perfect for lounging around the house especially when you are sick. She even gave me a scrub top! It is okay but the pants OMG!!! LOVE THEM!!!!!! I'm thinking about becoming a nurse just so I could wear these things ALL THE TIME!!!

2. Kittie (the band)- My co-worker Brian and I were chatting about music and MP3's and he asked me if I had any Kittie. Well, I didn't. Months went by since this conversation. I was looking through my CD's the other day and low and behold (amoungst the dust because I only do Mp3's)I stumbled upon a Kittie CD. "Where the hell did this come from?" I thought. Well I suddenly remembered the conversation Brian and I had. It is one of his fave bands. I popped that CD into my computer as I've been blogging this entry and I totally dig it! Go Chick singer! She freakin rocks! Unfortunately I only found the CD itself and no CD case. I wonder if this belonged to the X? Oh well! Mine now dear! Sorry. I just have to remember to bring the CD to work so Brian can enjoy the coolness too. Hmmm I wonder where my Smears CD is? I'm now in a chick punk mood!! LOL

What? Did you think I'm actually going to post about guys? Yeah right! My "Love Life" as of lately consists of my daughter, my hobbies and my friends. That's been enough for me. I kind of like it this way....for now. :-) I think I'll wait before I even start thinking about the opposite sex.

Okay well I think I'm going to lay down for a bit. My head is starting to hurt again. GRR just when I thought I was getting better my body starts reminding me that it isn't over yet.

XOXOXO
Lesley

Weekend of Fun

As some of ya'll know it is hard to get out on your own if you have a little one (or 2 or more) so what does a momma do when she needs a little adult time mixed in with motherhood?

Go to another momma's house of course!!! Sym and I went to my BFFAA Tara's. Sym, me, Tara, Gator (Tara's BF) and his BFF Earl all hung out and played a Kareokee game on the PS2. Sym at first didn't want to. She was hiding in my armpit as we sat on the couch. She was so scared to hop up there in front of everyone and sing. Then all of a sudden she saw a song she absolutely knew, Material Girl by Madonna! LOL That child took the mic and stood up in front of us and sang that song! Then we couldn't take the mic away from her! LOL
It was so cute ya'll!!! That's something I'll never forget. Seeing my daughter drop her fear of shyness in a small setting! I'm so proud of her!!!

Saturday was Diva day!!! We woke up and got our hair cut!!! Not too short though. We both cut our hair to just below the shoulders. (Pictures when I get batteries)
She loves her hair just a bit shorter like this! It helps her be able to brush her hair herself instead of relying on others to do it for her. It enables her personal hygiene independence. LOL Me? My ends look SOOO much better!!!
Later on, we went clothes and shoes shopping with my mom! My goodness this child has WAY too many clothes now!! LOL
Sunday: We went to Church (wow! 2 sundays in a row!!)and then we went to meet her daddy. It was a pretty good visit. It was weird. I didn't really want to be there but I was. He didn't pay the amount he promised me that he'd pay last week which throws my budget a bit. He's officially behind 2 weeks in Child support. He said he'd pay me the balance after the weekend. I just hope my checking account stays cool and I don't have to write any more checks to the school for any reason. Sym was so happy to see him though. She knows that it was tough for me to see him. He looked like he always does, smell and all.

I didn't knit much this weekend. I did however do a little on the petal washcloth again. blah boring I know. I finished it up today, except for some seaming. I may actually knock out the little doll I am knitting tonight. Not much more is lacking just one leg and 2 arms.
he he

Thanks for your feedback on the knitting mags!! I'm thinking Interweave because of the socks. I've been getting their newsletters with free patterns not to mention their pattern database! woo hoo!! We'll see!

Ya'll rock as always!!!
I promise pics soon! And they won't be the camera phone either!!
XOXOXO
Lesley

Accomplished and feeling good!

Knitting Update first~
On the needles: Bad Ju-Ju is still there. I've knitted it a little. I've frogged it after about 40 rounds and started over.

Also...
I'm making more head wraps. I'm stocking them up for next year

Coachella I haven't even cast it on yet. I'm thinking of taking my dear friend ShadKitty's advice and knit Tank Girl again. I do believe I have a better yarn for it than the old cheap stuff. :-)

Life update:
It has been a very draining weekend. I've had alot go on. I did get some things accomplished around the house. I found where the Ex parks his car (and sort of where he hangs his hat) and dropped off the last of his things. He refused to tell me anything. Where he is living, when he was coming to get his things, after countless number of messages with his GF and with his work. I said F*** it and finally got it all together I went on a search for his car. My mom helped me tremendously. I love her so much. It isn't hard to miss. In fact is stands out like a sore thumb. I had to give him his things. It was the only way I could move forward. Even if I was to just throw it in my shed and let it rot, that's all it would do. Rot there because I knew he would never pick it up and emotionally it stood as me hanging on to him. Also he is not allowed here without my presence again.
As I was unloading his things he was walking her dog and saw me unloading all of his things on to his car. He glared at me then walked away. The little dog following too.
I still have some anger. But it is almost gone. The f-ed up thing is that I accepted the fact that he was moving in with a different girl earlier. I knew that the guy absolutely couldn't go without female help. That's just him.
But that's okay. I forgive him for being himself.
I still won't let him take sym around this little girl. The last thing Sym needs to see is daddy all over a girl that could be her big sister.
That's just gross and sets a bad example for her.
I got a new desk for my computer since Mom & I returned his to him. Sym & I put the new one up together. She misses her daddy but I'm not caving. He can just suck it up. WE made an agreement. I'm sticking to that. He can have supervised visits at our convenience.

We went to church this morning. In Sunday school they were talking about the things that make us angry and what God can do to help you control that. I've realized that I've allowed my anger at him to distract me from what is most important, Sym & me. I'm not a bible beater by any means but I was one once in a distant past. I remembered the decisions I made, the good things, good things that were going on inside of me. I remember the positive impact it had on my life during that time. I'm tempted to go back to my home church next Sunday. But I already have received ALOT today from the church down the road! I'm actually about to go grab the old Bible and look up the verses that were quoted today. It has helped. This whole weekend has helped me. I'm still sad a little about the whole thing, but the distance is actually helping me out tremendously.

I have felt so many things during this time, pride in myself (even if it was only for a moment), extreme loneliness, extreme sadness, anger, yet also happiness in my decision, and also Sym and I have gotten even closer than before. I love that child dearly. I can't stop looking at her and think of all the good things from him and me.

I'm grateful for this angel in my life! Thank you God for intervening so long ago! Thank you for this incredible child!

XOXOXO
Thank you all for your comments!! You do mean so much to me!
Big hugs to you all!!!


Here's my new desk!

Thank you!! Ya'll are the bomb!!! and an update!

Thank you for all the compliments on my blog. The color change was SOOO necessary. I figure that the change on my knitting blog would do me good. I'm trying to find a 3 column blog template. I want to put my blogs/thoughts/writings in the middle and then all my groovie side bar stuff around it. I wonder if I'll have to go to word press for that. Grr. I don't want to have to move!

Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts too through this VERY difficult time in my life. Whenever I've felt down I've been going back to your comments to help me feel better. It has been a rough week and I can't wait till the weekend!!!

I've discovered this week that my soon to be X has been dating an 18 year old. He's 34. Yeah, that one stings. But I know I shouldn't even be concerned with it but that 10 year emo tie is still tryin to hang on inside. Where are my anti-Emo scissors when I need them? Damn the little trolls for hiding my shit when I need it most!!!
We haven't spoken since I found out from the little girl. God she's an idiot. So is he. Talking about this is sooo making me sick!

That's another thing too. I've not been able to eat like I normally do since this discovery 2 days ago. Everytime I put food to my mouth my stomach turns and twists a little and I feel like I am going to throw up. I'm fighting it, but I've cut back on food ALOT.

Also I'm smoking alot more than I used to. Bad bad bad. I know. But I did however write out a list of things I can change and what I can't change. These lists are growing every hour. It is still tough to focus. As you can tell, I'm at work and blogging about my sorrows instead of writing down my processes. Focus focus focus on work Damn it Lesley!!

I'm thinking about starting up Stitches & Brews again. But instead of Brews just stitching. I think maybe hitting a coffee shop again. I miss seeing Brook & Robbie. I feel so down I need to get out again! I've been getting out though. My AC broke and I've been staying with my buddy Tara. Including Tuesday when everything went down. I miss my home though. There's so much I need to change and rearrange there. I've got so much work to do and not enough time to do it!!!

All I have been wanting to do is knit little things, but I'm swatching for Coachella now! Yay!!! I started it last night at Tara's. I'm hoping the AC guy gets out there and can fix it!!! It is terribly hot there! I miss my home. I want to make it our home again. A place where I can feel good, look at it and feel relaxed. I've got to get rid of the rest of his shit. Anybody need some useless junk?

I hope to get some pics of my knitting tonight. I'm pretty proud of it all!
XOXOXO
Love ya'll!!!!
Lesley



***Update: I think a Bad Ju-Ju is a necessity. Yeah I've got enough black yarn I think. Maybe some brown & peach color for the face too. blahh ha ha !!****