diary of a knitaholic

Bad Things (and good things too)

2006-10-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

I've been away for some time, due to various different reasons. I haven't been keeping up with anyone's blogs... Yes I know, I'm a dreadful bloggy friend.
When I returned I discovered I have missed SO much.
Bugsy, I'm so sorry I wasnt there for you. You must think I am dreadful. Know this, I would have been if I could have been. Why is it that bad things always tend to happen to the best people (and usually the ones who least deserve it). Bugs I don't know what to say to you other than I'm here if you need anything... and I'm sorry I wasn't when you did.
Katt, Another case of the worst things happening to the best people. How someone (f%ck$ng @ssholes that they are) could just leave your little man is beyond me. I know how much your furry baby meant to you and all I can say is I am so sorry. I'm thinking of you and adam and the girls.

I moved out of the place in Chelsea Heights and back in with the ex. Yes, that will probably come as a shock to most of you. It was due to a few things...
finances, hanging around with the wrong crowd, needing to get my shit together and basically realising that it's not so easy to just walk away from almost 10 years.
Things are okay here... fingers crossed they stay that way.
More tomorrow nows not really the time to share my happy news and NO I AM NOT PREGNANT LOL!
will close by saying it's great but weird to be back :)

Peace and Quiet

2006-07-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

That's what I have had since Thursday. No horrible text messages from the ex, no phone calls, no excuses to pop in, no bullshit phone calls saying he's going to give me money and then doesn't. It has been pure utter bliss. That's the only way I can think of to describe it.
Leonie baby, I sooo miss our chats too but have been soooo busy lately, with work, the kids, Steve etc. I just haven't seemed to find the time to call but you know we all love ya still. I know it's a terrible excuse but a real one.
Now as for the Steve thing, things couldn't be better. Friday afternoon stupid me went to pick the kids up from school and forgot to take my house keys with me so as a result we found ourselves locked out in the pouring rain (fun!). I popped next door to Vee's to use their phone and who did I call? My "knight in shining armour" of course.
He managed to squeeze through Christie's bedroom window and fix Christie's bedroom door handle (which had been broken for a few days and I hadn't gotten around to calling the real estate agent) and unlock the front door for us.
He went home, changed and then came back. Brought me udls (and woodstocks) bought us pizza for dinner (and cigarettes for me) and we settled in for a comfie night in. Although there was one drawback, he had to work Saturday so left at 10 pm.... no mattress dancing for me (kids were still up watching a movie).
When I spoke to him tonight I told him I had had the nicest weekend, just pottering around at home (knitting) watching dvds, and destressing as a result of the last week. We've organised dinner for tomorrow night (gotta catch up on my quality time *grin*) and I'm going to attempt to make beef and guiness stew. I say attempt rather than make because I've never made it before.
Knitting news: This weekend I plowed through a few UFO's Christie's pink socks are now finished and she is at this moment wearing them and keeping her toes toasty.I started a pair of socks for me in Zhivago (an aqua'y sort of colour) and have finished one and almost a half. Hopefully tomorrow night I'll have some piccies for you. Steve has agreed to pose for a snapshot (well he will have by the time I have finished talking him into it)
All in all, life's pretty good at the moment.

Blah bit-tee Blah

2006-07-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

Just a quick blog to let you all know that I am okay. Having huge problems with the ASSHOLE ex at the moment. I found out the last time he was at my house he freakin! well read my diary!! And then had the nerve to question me about things I had written in there!!!!! Things with Steve are still going smoothly. 5 weeks this Friday (must be some kind of record somewhere lol) I've been knitting quite a bit and picked up the latest Creative Knitting mag yesterday (we sold out at work) and plan to make the fitted cardi for me whenever i can find the time. Dinner with my sis and her other half and Steve Saturday night.... reeks of almost meet the parents to me lol

Finally some knitting news

2006-06-22T01:04:00.000-07:00

I bet you were all dying to hear that. I'm currently working on a felted satchel type bag made according to my own pattern. Which I haven't properly written yet. I'm sort of just winging it as I go along. If it turns out okay then the Boss is planning on having me make them for the shop. I'm also working on a surprise itty bitty gift for a certain someone who we all know and love. Sorry I haven't commented or emailed darling but know you are in my thoughts and I'm sending all the good vibes I can muster your way. Also working on a knitted bear from "panda lashes" (that horrible patons feather yarn knock off). We just got in kits at work that come with all the hideous yarn and pattern so am knitting one for display. As I was knitting away last night I had a few thoughts coming into my head... when I first started this blog all I was knitting were cushions and scarves UGH then we progressed to hats and then the baby cardigan disaster courtesy of several scotch and cokes or was it vodka udls? I can't quite remember... now it's socks, dog jumpers, shawls and a bag that I actually am writing the pattern for! How far I've come in a relatively short time. Off to knit a bit and hopefully get the body of the bag done by morning. Piccies next entry am still yet to find the usb cord for my recently found long lost digi... ah but that's a story for another day.
PS. Steve scored more brownie points last night by turning up to dinner at my place with guava cruisers for me and a pressie for the munchkins.

S is for .....

2006-06-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

STUPID : re. Shell in regard to Simon. I should have realised we were never meant to be anything more than friends

SIMON: the guy you have all come to know and hate thru my posts, the one who let Shell down one too many times...

SHELL: who on Simon's birthday (June 9) ditched the bday plans and went out with the "gals" and met....

STEVE: a blonde haired blue eyed handsome hottie who told Shell she was "ravishing" (that sooooo earned him brownie points) and asked for her number.

SILLY: which is what Shell was when she thought Steve wouldn't call

SATURDAY: which was Shell and Steve's first "date". He was a total gentleman, opened car door, pulled chair out for me, bought me dinner and several alcoholic bevvies and wouldnt hear of me paying and at the end of a fabulous night walked me to the door and actually asked if he could kiss me!

SNUGGLES: Let's just say we're doing lots of that *huge wink*

What's a Gal To Do?

2006-06-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

When the man she's lusting after is remaning aloof? We're back to me being miserable and him just not getting it. After Saturday night I thought, "FINALLY!" but I guess we just aren't meant to be. Have been brushed off for the next two weekends, never mind the fact that next Friday is his birthday. I guess I'm just not good enough to be seen out in public with, never mind he wanted to ring his mates on Saturday night and drag them down to the pub so that next time they went out I could come too because they'd all know me. WTF am I supposed to think? If he wasn't so gorgeous and when we see each other if we didn't get along so well I would have f#$@&d him off ages ago. Excuse me while I go and crawl back in my hole.

"Can I buy you a drink Babe?"

2006-05-30T01:11:00.000-07:00

That, coming from a fat, balding, 50ish something man when sex on legs has disappeared to the bathroom aint' exactly a turn on (if you catch my drift?). Saturday night went off with a bang (several to be exact :P) Apologies go out to the following people: Anne-Marie; for being the most awake recepient of a transcontinental drunken phone call ever. Thanks for being such a good sport hon, and doesn't he just sound SCRUMMY? Nette; for putting up with drunken text messages most of the night such as : "I have the hugest kmdno'ckfrs etqua plz typt him that plz" and "Virgin pfftt. I gonna go tale him gome show himwhat0i can dn. Wish me lvck. im spaz hd keeps Buoin me drinks" I knew we stayed mates for a reason... how many people would put up with that and still be talking to you in the morning?
And last but not least; Jofess (my little sis) apologies for the 10 plus missed calls between the two of us in synch (one dialling home one dialling mobile) to try and drag you and Joel out to the pub.
The band was great (when I had a few under my belt) The company was awesome, the case of the mistaken ass grab will be one to tell the grandkids.... I must elaborate on that I suppose gotta keep the readers happy : Finally worked up the courage to make my move, so to speak so decide I would grab sex on legs' ass when he returned from the bathroom... in my drunken haze grabbed a handful of what I assumed to be the Man's ass which actually turned out to be the security guards LOL. Explaining away the red face was just too difficult when my man returned so I just spit it out. The JD and coke that went everywhere said it all.
Knitting waffle next time promise....
Spose I should change my profile to TAKEN now YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

Crashed and Burned

2006-05-21T01:17:00.000-07:00

Friday night's dinner was a flop. He didn't show up. Granted I'll give him a bit of leeway he worked close the previous night so didnt finish work till 5:00am Friday morning and slept in Friday night. Woke up at 6 pm. So missed dinner. Was supposed to come out after dinner for drinks and spend the night at mine. That didn't happen. He ditched me to go out for drinks with workmates who he usually complains about. It was just one thing after another. Sister's idiot fiance tried to feel me up under table, Dad got drunk and told me I was turning into asshole ex husband, Simon ditched me (no apology!) V bumped into old school friend who wanted to punch my lights out in members bar. Left pub in tears, walked halfway home then walked back to get my car. Is there something wrong with me? There must be, even Jack said he's surprised I don't have a complex. Now as result of me sending Simon an SMS saying "this obviously isnt a good idea, maybe you should forget we ever caught up" he is now not speaking to me at all. Only so many emails, sms's etc a girl can send before she gives up although I don't know what the fudge IM apologising for??

Happy Birthday Baby

2006-05-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

As of 3 minutes ago, today my baby turns SIX! Now I'm really beginning to feel old. Although did get paid a very nice compliment today from guy at car yard, said I didn't look old enough to have a seven yo (hes 8 in september!) and jaw dropped to the floor when I said I had two. Today I pick up my new car. Long story but got rid of my Ignis and got a smaller "round town runabout" Having a bit of a birthday "do" at our local R.S.L. Christie chose where she wanted to go. Man's coming... nervous and excited at the same time at the whole "dinner with folks thing". Am looking forward to seeing her open her pressies, had so much fun buying them. Bought her butterfly earrings to go in her newly (a few months back) pierced ears, a new jewellery box, a glass unicorn that is hand painted, 3 new books, a pair of Little Miss Sunshine socks (she adores the Little Miss books) and a set of 40 Derwent Pencils as she is REALLY into drawing at the moment. Now I have to just say I adore my little sister.... who has invited the kids for a special birthday sleepover at her house (they dont know yet) so Mummy can go party after the party ;) Subtle huh? If I'm off for more than a few days, you'll know where to find me, I'll be the one up there (still!) on cloud nine.

Will Never Be Said

2006-05-16T02:17:00.000-07:00

You've probably all guessed why i've been away. We're at that, jump each other's bones spend every minute of every day together stage. Knitting has reluctantly taken a back seat. Got a job working at my LYS! and selling knitted items people order there.... will see how it pans out. My boss is a great chick but not really a knitter, and if any of you I was a total coffeeaholic, you should meet J. Day off tomorrow, man and I off to Borders to browse... look out dark corners we're on our way

Can We Say Wow?

2006-04-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

I've been on a high since last Saturday night and it is definitely not planning on going away any time soon. The more I see this guy, the more I like him. I'm trying to distance myself from him a little but honestly, he doesn't seem to want that and I am just finding him so easy to be with. The kids adore him which is always a positive in my book. When we're all sitting at the table getting ready to eat dinner and the kids start fighting over who gets to sit next to him, you gotta love it. Today I have the first dress fitting for my little sis's wedding in an hour, yet here I am still sitting blogging pyjama clad. Can anyone spell late? Last night's priceless moment... my five year old daughter sitting on S's lap going "Mummy guess who's sexy?" with a completely straight face. Back row of Southland cinemas 11;50 session of V for Vendetta tonight, here we come... thanks to Nan and Pop the babysitting brigade :) Hope you all have as much fun this weekend as I intend to.

Looking Up

2006-04-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Things are definitely looking up. I'm seeing someone. When I say seeing someone I'm referring to the fact that this guy is my "bonk buddy" not that any bonking has gone on.... yet. Give me time, give me time. He's to die for! Early days yet. We were friends before we were anything else. He's to die for. Even my neighbour was drooling when she met him. Not that looks are everything, but hey, they don't hurt none. He's not old, not bald, not greying, not impotent, not into dope smoking, not a male chauvanist... what more could a gal ask for? And considering the fact that he's 6 foot 7 and a half I definitely do have to look up. Will keep you all posted.

The Last Word

2006-04-01T21:16:00.000-08:00

Okay first of all I must apologise for my drunken post on Friday night. I am so over the Bill thing it is not funny. My vodka glasses were out in full force. I won't let myself be anyone's doormat ever again and when I am straight to the point with a guy and I say hey "Dont F$#K me around, if you aren't interested just say the word" right from the start and then I still get F'd around it aint' gonna happen. He was a LOT older than me like 25 years + so I really dont want to go there. Not when there are plenty more younger hotter available fish in the sea. And Lesley, AM and Katt nope he's not even hot if you chopped off his head and just had the body minus the grey do downstairs (ewww such a turn off!) then maybe he would be. He's definitely not rich either.... He smokes LOTS of pot (yet maintains he does it not often HAH), can't keep it up and uses his "nervousness" as an excuse... We don't need to go any further do we. So if you ever hear me lusting after Bill again then please pull me up on the fact that it's NOT a good idea... okay?
Knitting news: even feeling as seedy as I have been this weekend (no I don't want sympathy it was all self-inflicted) I managed to finish and gift Vee with her socks! She thought they rocked. Michael has promised to email me pics today. Sorry for the lack of photographic evidence of late... my camera still remains LOST (unlike my car keys which I found this morning... oh well I now have a spare set and at least I know I am definitely not nutty they WERE here somewhere!)

Billy Boo

2006-03-31T01:43:00.000-08:00

Okay y'all will have to excuse me tonight okay, i've had so many drinks and im getting michael to interpret my babble for me. you see i can talk b ut i cant type. bill, bill, bill is on my mind. i cant get him out of my head. i feel so much better that i wrote him a letter telling him exactly how i feel because i know he has read it so the ball is in his court if you know what i mean. He is a LOT older than me but i honestly don't give a crap. I could so fall in love with him with just a click of my fingers. He picked me up labour day weekend when i went out with vee and deb (yes you fruitloop i do actually have friends and come to think of it you nutso i would not waste my time or money calling you and furthermore i dont even have your numbers anymore and nor do i want them so go get fucked you sad case bitch!) and he came over to vees tonight while i was here drinking voodka skyy blues no anne marie darlin wine is not really my thang and he said he was coming back so im sitting here drunkenly typing and waiting for him. i soooo want him more tomorrow hopefully with some juicy goss excuse the vulgar language prior y'all still luv me doncha?

Letting Go

2006-03-29T00:53:00.000-08:00

Why is it so hard to let go of someone when they clearly don't want you anymore. When they ignore you for days on end, they ignore your text messages and your phone calls, they basically do everything but tell you face to face F@#K OFF? What would make a person dream about the one who doesn't want them anymore, constantly have this person on their mind? What on earth would possess said person to write the wanted one a letter letting everything out and then actually knocking on said person's door when their car is in the driveway, and when they won't answer the door what on earth would make them stick it in the security door in the hopes that the wanted one will actually take the time and make the effort to read it? Is it closure or infatuation?? You tell me cause I sure as HELL don't know!!!!!

Bimboitis and Other Stories

2006-03-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

Who wins the prize for being the world's biggest bimbo? I DO! Why? One month after getting a brand-new (to me) car I lose the key and have to fork out $375 for a new one just so I can drive the bloody thing which I swear is sitting in the driveway (unlocked) laughing at me!
I let a new "friend" walk all over me, put up with his shit, and basically just let myself become the doormat that I used to be all over again. Following a phone call to said @ss last night, immediately went running over to V's house and burst into tears over the whole situation. So not a good look for new independent, I am woman, hear me roar personality which I was trying to pull off! (stop laughing! you all know I can hear you!)
Having a few drinks, something I swore I would never do again after the Sunday night before labour day when I found myself lusting after a MUCH older man (gotta love those beer goggles dontcha?) Doing the standard I'm drunk, need some lovin' thing and ringing the ex.... you so don't even want me to go there.
On the upside I'm still able to laugh about it the morning after. Washing's done, knitting awaits and it's such a nice day I just might take it outside to play... I'll be driving again by 7 pm WOO HOO!
P.S. Only a bimbo would tell the emergency locksmith who finds time to come and cut a new key for unusable car that she's in love with him before actually seeing said emergency locksmith. (He did SOUND hot hehe)

Life Changing

2006-03-19T04:14:00.000-08:00

I finally have the internet at home, granted it's only dial up but it's still me online. Have I bothered to blog since I got connected? Nope... Why not? I've been to hell and back. I'm still here and I'm still standing tall. He tried to break me but only succeeded in making me stronger. Who? I hear you asking? The asshole I would have been married to for 8 years next month. What will I be doing next month instead of celebrating my wedding anniversary? I'll be out celebrating the fact that I'm not married anymore of course. With the help of some very new but very close friends I finally feel like I have made it. I've got up from the fire and crawled from the ashes and my life will NEVER be the way that it was before ever again. I'm 26 but feel 106 but you know what? I have the rest of my life to look forward to and I intend to make the most of it. I promise to return as soon as possible to update but if I disappear you'll know it's due to some new matters of the heart if you catch my drift ? Guess what Asshole? I'll never believe that I'm fat or ugly again. Some people out there know how to treat us females right and appreciate us the way that they are. Look what you lost and will NEVER have back again..... This time the joke's on you!

WSB

2006-02-06T01:06:00.000-08:00

What does that stand for I hear you askin' ? World's Slackest Blogger - AKA Shell. Yeah, I know, I've been a terrible bloggy friend, not keeping up with anyone's blogs and not even updating my own but I have an excuse and it's a good one, I promise. For the last week or so I have been away with the fairies a bit. Pam (my doc) took me off 300mg and put me back on 150mg and it's taking my body a while to get with the program (if you know what I mean). I have been making knitty progress, what with having so much spare time that I don't know what to do with it all. My baby isn't a baby anymore. I shed a few tears (just between you and me) on her first day of school. She's having a ball and I do have a picture that was taken on her first day but I need to scan it in and I'm too slack to do that. I knitted a sock (almost complete) while watching one of the most fantastic movies I have ever seen "Walk the Line" last night. Run, don't walk, to your nearest theatre to see it, even if you are not a Johnny Cash fan. More tomorrow, a proper blog entry..... until then

Meet the Zoo

2006-01-30T00:29:00.001-08:00

Okay guys and gals, here is what I have been promising. Although it's not exactly the entire zoo today this one is mainly for Carrie and Anne-Marie. Here's our new schmoo... appropriately named Bella (no Carrie I didn't really rip off your schmoo's name) Aaron's affectionately nicknamed Arabella, hence Bella. Ross took Jack back to his house and bought Bella for the kids for Christmas. Why did Ross take Jack back to his house I hear you askin? Mainly because of his major obsession with all things remotely resembling tennis balls (or balls of any sort for that matter) to the point where, while the kids were bouncing on their Christmas present from Nan and Pop (a new "jumpaline") he would drop the ball smack bang in the middle of it and they would nearly break their necks. Annoyment plus, huh?
Tomorrow is going to be one heck of a big day, my little munchkin starts school. I'll definitely be popping on at some point tomorrow or Wednesday with the "first day of school" snaps. Armed with her Bratz backpack and her newly contacted umpteen books, pink lunchbox and new Barbie sunglasses, she's raring to go. It's making me feel old almost being able to say that they are both at school but also guilty for the more advanced projects which require my UNDIVIDED attention that I just can't stop myself from planning. Well I'm going to skeedaddle now as the kids both need an early night and I have to get home cause' I have a zoo to feed. Soon; catch up blog entry, piccies of the rest of the zoo and KNITTING (I hope)

2006-01-30T00:29:00.000-08:00

2006-01-30T00:28:00.000-08:00

Love Thy Neighbour

2006-01-27T19:52:00.000-08:00

I know I certainly do since thanks to mine I am back online YAY! This is just a quick entry today to let you all know I am doing fabulously, have moved into my own place with the kids, am all settled, am (almost) totally unpacked (just between you and I the stash in the cupboard seems to want to stay in the millions of boxes it was carted to our new digs in). Not much knitting been done lately although I am determined to get a pair of socks finished in time for my Dad's birthday which is coming up (Feb 5th). I am amazed at all the emails, texts and postcards and comments I have received from you all making sure I am okay. If you want my new unbouncy email address message me with yours and I'll pass it along. In case you can't tell I'm being very selective about who has my contact details. Piccies to come soon Lesley and Bugsy ... you'll appreciate some of them and Anne-Marie and Carrie and High-Energy-Jenny so will you :) I have missed everyone so much and can't wait to get back into bloggy land and catch up with everything that has been happening while I have been away. A longer more chatty bloggy entry coming soon I promise till then remember "She's BACK! With a BaNG!"

Brought to you by... Kings Entertainment

2005-09-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

Here I am sitting blogging at a 24/7 internet cafe on a Saturday morning when everyone else here in Melbourne is gearing themselves up for the AFL grand final between the Sydney Swans and the West Coast Eagles to be played later today. Why? I'm desperately missing all my bloggy friends. I've moved in with my Mum and Dad and the kidlets till I get myself together. I've enrolled Aaron at a new school just around the corner and Christie at a kinder walking distance from Aaron's new school. My life is a mess at the moment and I don't really know whether I am Arthur or Martha. Ross and I are trying to work through things and maybe we will get there some day but who knows? It's like asking that age old question how long is a piece of string? So much knitty stuff has been happening and I've missed it all. Since I have moved into Mum and Dad's I've been knitting up a storm in less than 2 weeks I have completed a rainbow cushion (in that rainbow sparkly stuff I sent you Katt) and a cushion for Mum and Dad's new couch in this gorgeous green "Patons Velveteen". Mum adores it and Dad pretty much never worries about that sort of stuff. Sox is with us too and has made herself quite at home. She's discovered the fishies in the pond and daily attempts to catch herself one, Nan's chooks... she had two bailed up the sideway until Mum rescued them and she really does like Rosie (but maybe not as much as Rosie likes her) sidenote: Rosie is Mum and Dad's schmoo. I'm so glad Anne Marie received her VERY VERY LATE birthday pressie in one piece. Do you all want to know what I did for my 26th birthday? Went to Bingo with my Gran (can you stand the excitement?) The kids and Ross bought me a bra and undies set that I adore they are so comfie you almost forget you are wearing them and a pair of pyjamas which had to be returned twice because the drawstring kept fallling out so then I scored 3 new pairs of pyjamas and 2 more bra and undies sets. Mum and Dad gave me money which I promptly blew half of at this knitting shop I discovered ten minutes down the road... I got 2 skeins of sock wool in a varigated purple/blue/white colour which I am currently turning into a pair of socks for my little sister Jo and Vogue Knitting Socks Two! Well that's about it from me I really just wanted to let everyone know I was okay and let you all know I'm thinking of you and missing you. Till the next net urge strikes me or I get off my ass and buy a modem... Shell

moving out

2005-09-11T14:29:00.000-07:00

im taking a leave of absence for a while. I'm moving out into my own place to sort myself out. If you don't hear from me for a while you will know why. Susan, I'm sorry but I have to drop out of the secret pal exchange. Money is going to be very tight for the next few months. I'll pop in and out. Love you all thank you so much for your support. Anne Marie, you have my number.

Funerals and Families

2005-09-06T03:27:00.000-07:00

I went to my Aunty June's funeral today in Burwood. It was a beautiful service. Not too religious but very sentimental. I think she would have been pleased. They played her and her husband's favourite song at the end "The Last Waltz" which I had never heard before. I could just picture them dancing around the kitchen. Not really in the mood to talk much today. It's been a bad few since Friday. Hopefully I can get everything sorted out. I know with the love and support of my family and friends I will get there. A bit of good news.. Gran sold her unit today, before auction and for the price she wanted so her and Mum, and Aunty Di went out to dinner to celebrate. I'm trying to get organised for Aaron's birthday on Sunday. He's taking 6 friends from school to the movies to see Charlie and the Chocolate factory. He should have a ball, after all it's not every day you turn 7. It's making me feel old almost being able to say that I have a 7 year old and a 5 year old and I turn 26 Monday week.

Above and Beyond

2005-08-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

The call of friendship To each and every one of you, you all know who you are; who has emailed, called or left messages on my blog because I hadn't blogged for so long I thank you from the bottom of my (yes I'm gonna get all mushy on ya!). It means so much to me to know that people out there do care and are concerned about me. Your love and support means the world and I promise to be a better blogger from now on even if it is just an entry saying I feel shit and can't be bothered blogging ok?

Secret Paliness AKSP2005 whoever you are darlin' you are amazing I'm sorry it's taken me so long to thank you. The box we received made me cry rivers. The knitting journal is awesome. The kids were thrilled to receive something "just for them". They loved the Harry Potter jelly beans. They even managed to trick Ross into eating all the disgusting flavoured ones. The jelly beans are all gone we shared the first three bags and the last bag I took to the trivia night for Aaron's football club. Everyone on our team hoed into them. They were a hit! The book was perfect just the kind of trashy stuff I love to read. I finished it in two afternoons while laying in the couch when I wasn't feeling too crash hot. The yarn is heavenly I have plans to turn it into either a poncho or a shrug for Christie. Aaron has driven everyone nuts asking them to play Uno with him and he even took it to school for show and tell and took great delight in telling his entire class that they came from the other side of the world. He's amazed :) The way he talks you'd think they came from another planet! Christie adores "LambAlong" who she drags everywhere with her and sleeps with every night since she got it. Ross has claimed the champagne strawberry jam for his own. He's a jam freak. The magnet has pride of place on my fridge and the pins were gorgeous. I especially love the one with the yarn and needles and have had soooo many people ask me where I got it from. The other pin matches perfectly with the shawl I finished knitting with the yarn you first sent me and totally forgot to blog about. Thank you darlin' you definitely didn't have to do that. We loved it all. I can't believe I am soooooo spoilt!

High Energy-ness High Energy Jenny.. you knocked my socks off! The koigu is delicious and I can't wait to get started on some scrummy socks just for me. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! And i'll treasure the beautiful knitting card :)

Whatever have I done to deserve such beautiful friends? As for knitting, it's been non-existent. I'm off the Luvox as of last Thursday. Let's just say it was two weeks almost of hell that I would never wish upon anyone, not even my worst enemy. I'm on new tablets now and so far everything is hunky-dory no vomiting, no frequent trips to the bathroom, no migraines, no feeling doped up to the gills all the time... so touch wood I will see how we go. If I'm still feeling this good tomorrow night I'm off to bingo to try and win either the bingo link jackpot or the regular jackpot of $3000. Tonight I'm off to see Aaron in his school concert... his class is doing the "Limbo Rock"... piccies aplenty.

Lucky Week?

2005-08-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

Here we have my (not so) current progress on the novelty ghan. I have done another two squares since I took this shot. That's what happens when I sit down to watch Alias. Something about the show just makes me knit faster. I'm lovin' it.
This week must be my lucky week. I just received an email yesterday from High Energy Jenny to say that I had won second prize in her contest. Yippee! I won two balls of Koigu I can feel a marathon sock knitting session coming on. I just need to get the other sock on the needles finished first. Must.Not.Start.More.Projects.
I'm just hoping my luck will continue tonight when Ann and I are at bingo. I'm thinking it is just about Ann's turn to win though considering I won 2 games last week. Don't want to be greedy or anything.

It's all your Fault

2005-08-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, Jess... I'm blaming you. Once I started reading her books I haven't been able to stop. I have finished Salem Falls and am now on Keeping Faith. I'm saving My Sister's Keeper to read till last. After all that was the book that got this new obsession started. And that was because Frecklegirl Jess has a pic of the front cover on her blog. I can't blame my lack of current knitting progress on Frecklegirl though. I blame that on the evil Luvox tablets I have to take. Within an hour of taking yesterday's one I had taken out a mortgage on our bathroom. I ended having to ring hubby to get him to come home and mind Christie while I went to bed. I have just taken this morning's dose not ten minutes ago but I am hoping today will be different and I will have no side effects. If this keeps up I will be going back to the doctor's and demanding to be put on something else. I am plodding along on the novelty-ghan and am currently up to 10 complete squares with the 11th on the needles. I had plans yesterday to watch a few Alias episodes while knitting but in case you couldn't tell, that didn't happen. Ah well, maybe today. I also have the band of a sock to frog and do over... what fun!

Bad Bad Blogger

2005-08-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. I've been a terrible blogger lately. I had 2 fabulous posts planned; one showing you my latest knitting progress an FO and how far the novelty ghan has come along but the camera has run out of batteries and I have been too lazy to go out and buy new ones. The second post was about my current addiction I am blaming on Frecklegirl Jess (you're safe this time Carrie hehe!) I have been plodding along with my knitting and not really doing too much of anything. I desperately need to get rid of some stash but just haven't really been in the mood to knit.
I started taking Luvox yesterday so hopefully that will help me get a bit more motivated and also help with the concentration levels. I went over to Ann's yesterday afternoon for an hour or so for a cuppa and a chatter. I took my knitting with me of course. She was doing the neck of Sean's bulldogs jumper.
For a minute there, sitting at her table I felt a bit spacey and had to put my knitting down. Once I got some coffee into me I was fine. But, I am just wondering if this is going to happen all the time or whether it will only happen during the first two weeks of taking this medication (the adjustment period)?
Watched Bad Girls with Hubby on Friday night and fell asleep before the end (so did he) Watched Big Brother last night and was very disappointed that Vesna was evicted. She made it interesting. I'm thinking Tim will win but am hoping it will be Logan Greg. Well must be off now to sort out two kids before they kill each other... just what I want to be doing at 6:50 am on a Monday morning.

Gone Potty

2005-08-14T00:34:00.000-07:00

GRYFFINDOR!
You scored 12% Slytherin, 28% Ravenclaw, 64% Gryffindor, and 44% Hufflepuff!

You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve, and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart.

Gryffindors are known for their courage, audacity, and devotion to what is good and honest.

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 11% on Slytherin

You scored higher than 46% on Ravenclaw

You scored higher than 81% on Gryffindor

You scored higher than 90% on Hufflepuff

Link: The Sorting Hat Test written by leeannslytherin on Ok Cupid

Strange Things

2005-08-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

I haven't been on much lately. Too much has been going on. I have a million and one things to post about but never seem to find the time to post about them. Poor old Leonie and Brian lost one of their "babies" on Friday :( Do me a favour will you? Go and give her a little shout on her brand new blog... but not you. Now why the strange title for this post? Well, I have this friend, Annette. She happens to be a lesbian which totally doesn't bother me. Each to their own. She split up with her partner not last Sunday the Sunday before. All of the sudden its like she's my BEST friend and rings and texts me all the time. Then I went over to her house on Saturday night, had a few drinks, one thing led to another and next thing I know... she's telling me she's in love with me, trying to kiss me and asking me to stay the night ... totally out of the blue. Now apparently she has been feeling this way towards me ever since a short while after she met me (she's the mother of one of Aaron's friends from school). I tried to be polite about it on Sunday when I went around there to pick up my car (I taxied it home) and I told her that I don't have a problem with her being a lesbian, but don't try and force yourself on me I'm not THAT way at all. I told her I would still be friends with her but if she ever tried anything like that again that would be the end of our friendship.
Ross bought me new pants (among other things) yesterday and I wore them to school to go and pick up Aaron and I'm coming across the crossing when I hear a wolf whistle. I automatically thought it was Ann as we often do that to each other (just for a laugh). Lo and behold, who do you think it was? Annette... who then went on to say "I'm just admiring the view from back here".
How the hell am I supposed to take that?

Knitting news: piccies tomorrow Christie's cardi sleeve done... just needs to be seamed and 2 more squares of the novelty ghan done. 2nd sock here I come!

PS. Go and give HEJ some belated birthday cheer for Saturday. It was her birthday and she was celebrating in style in... HAWAII!! Roll on my birthday... will someone please let Ross know? hehe

TA DA! (insert drumroll and fanfare here)

2005-08-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

Excuse the terrible photo taken outside but I was in a rush to go and do supermarket shopping this morning. I cannot believe I actually made this! And it's ribbed! And they are knee high and they FIT! I conquered my sock demon! Now I am ready to face anything. I used the beautiful yarn Jenny and Anne Marie sent me and also 100% pure wool (the black bits) as I ran out of yarn but I think they look awesome. They are going to be soooo warm. I can't wait to get started on the next one. Yippee!! ME!

Just call me Sydney

2005-08-03T16:15:00.000-07:00

Excuse the acne. It is one of the many side effects of the medication I am on (yeah Leonie, it's official, I'm as loony as you hun!) It wasn't quite the colour I was hoping for but close enough. What do you all think is it ALIAS worthy? I was going for that bright red colour that Sydney sported in the episode where she finds Danny murdered by SD6 and rushes into the CIA... you all know the one don't you? I wonder if you can dye eyebrows too? Am going with Ann to have a look at this new factory direct place that sells clothes, socks, undies, pjs etc supposedly at really cheap prices. It's only 5 mins around the corner then we are off to a cafe for lunch (I can't remember the last time I did that.) Stay tuned tonight (my time) for piccies of my recent FO's. I did it!!!

Belated Birthday Kisses

2005-08-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

Ain't he cute? He's all puckered up to give Anne-Marie a birthday smooch and being the bimbo that I am (especially lately) I forgot to post it on Anne-Marie's birthday. I have had so many emails from people (you all know who you are) wishing me well, just checking in, or telling me to just forget the housework, just KNIT. I have hardly touched my computer lately (not even to watch Alias - up to S4 ep 4!) so I decided to take the lazy way out and just post a little message on here, rather than replying to each and every one of them individually. Anne-Marie : You can just call me Sydney or is it Sidney? I'm having problems with my pc recognising my camera which is why I haven't posted a piccie yet. I'm lovin' the new colour, just wish I had a body on par with Jennifer G's :) Ann's taking me to bingo today.. I can't tackle the three flights of stairs today so I'll have to go up in the lift. So, yes everyone, I'm still here :) Piccies of the socks and more knitting stuff as soon as I get this camera issue sorted. Looks like it will be Andrew to the rescue again hehe!

Socks Take Two

2005-07-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

I've abandoned my first attempt at socks entirely. I've cast on for a new pair of socks using the scrummy yarn Anne-Marie and High Energy Jenny sent me as a get well gift. I'm up to row 12 so far, and I must say they are turning out quite nicely *knocks on wood* (don't want to jinx myself). The kitchen is finished FINALLY. No more freakin' hole in the wall, new marble-lookalike benchtops, new cupboards.. I'm just not allowed to use it... yet. All good things come to those that wait though.
Yesterday I finally got to talk to the gorgeous Anne(withanE)-Marie on the phone. She's just as lovely to talk to in real life as she is on her blog and in her emails. Christie also enjoyed a chat... she's already asking when we can call again hehe. She must be inheriting her mother's stalking tendencies *huge grin*. It's nice to be able to put a voice (complete with the cutest.accent.EVER to the pictures and the person who I have come to know and love through the magic of the net.
Carrie and HEJ; you each have a little surprise on it's way to you in Anne-Marie's birthday parcel. Anne-Marie knows what it is... but she won't tell... will she?

Sleeping In

2005-07-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

This is a boring no-photos post. I can barely keep my eyes open today. Last night was a rough night. I spent half the night in the bathroom, trying to keep quiet and not wake anyone. As a result, I slept in till 8:10 this morning and had to run around like a mad thing to get Aaron showered, dressed and fed for school by 9am. I am so having an early night tonight.
Last night's knitting progress turned into a disaster this morning. I had to frog my entire sock. I'm thinking now I am maybe not cut out to knit socks. I don't even have the energy or the paitence today to begin again.
Here I am whinging about being tired, sitting at the computer when I should be up doing something so I don't have as much to do when I cant. Tomorrow morning I must NOT sleep in! The kitchen people arrive at 8:30 to demolish my kitchen and install a brand spanking new one. The timing couldn't be worse but we have waited since January so who am I to complain? At least I won't have to cook.
I'm all over the place at the moment. I start something, get sidetracked, start something else. On and on it goes. Don't mind me... now you know what no sleep does to me. Not even coffee (which I am supposed to have cut way down on) is working today. Decaf here I come!
I should probably be off now to at least attempt to do something even remotely resembling cleaning.

Hat-Tastic

2005-07-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

Excuse the double chin I get when I'm grinning. I wanted to show off my new hat the kids bought me with their pocket money. It's for when I get sick and my hair all falls out. You can't see in this picture but it has a picture of Winnie the Pooh and Tigger on it. I'm lovin' it, even if it makes me look like a dork. The hair colour you see in the pic is about to be changed. I figure before it all falls out I'm going to change it to something I normally wouldn't sport... bright pink? dark purple? fire engine red? suggestions anyone?. My knitting is thanking me for yesterday's marathon session. I now have an almost sock I'm a few rows off the heel... I'm lovin' knitting this little number.. I feel a new obsession coming on. Bugsy and Katt : I love ya both. I really appreciate the emails, comments, links on your blogs. You're both darlin's and I don't know what I'd do without you. It means so much.

De-Ja-WOO!

2005-07-23T23:36:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember this yarnly goodness in a previous blog entry sent to me by the lovely Yvonne from And all that stash . It's none other than the hank of cherry tree hill sock yarn. Ross (hubby) spent 3 (yes, 3!) hours last night winding it into a ball for me. He didn't get finished till just before midnight. Now why did he spend all that time winding it into a ball? So I could start making my very first pair of socks of course! Pics when I have made a little more progress. Let's just call me "The Little Engine That Could" today. It's no longer "I think I can, I think I can" It's "I KNOW I can, I KNOW I can". Frankly, I have surprised myself!

Is it your birthday?

2005-07-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

I really don't know. But a little birdie told me it's the Queen of Schmoos herself' big day today. So "Anne-Marie" have a VERY VERY Happy Birthday. Right now I'm wishing I was halfway across the world to give you your birthday gift, a big ole' hug and off out for some drunken out of key singing (which I have no doubt is on the cards). Everyone stop by and wish one of my favourite bloggers in the whole wide world many happy returns please.

B is for Books

2005-07-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

These just got added to my knitting book collection (which is starting to look like it needs its own bookcase) by none other than Gran (my mum's mum). She went shopping at Southland and popped into Angus and Robertson for a stickybeak and spotted these both on special for $10! The Teddy Bears book is usually $37.95 and the Knitting Heartland book is usually $27.95. BARGAINS! She gave them to me on Sunday and said they hoped to keep my mind off things when I am not feeling so well. Thanks Gran! You're a darlin' I love ya! Aaron has already put in his order for the aviator bear and Christie hers for the ballerina bear. As soon as I finish Christie's cardi I'll make a start on one of them (yes I'm STILL knitting the cardi). Now Bugsy and Katt : I have a confession to make.... I broke my yarn diet. It was for a purpose though. I needed more novelty yarn to keep going on the novelty-ghan and I also needed blue baby wool to make something for 3 boy babies that are due very soon. I bought 14 balls so I am going to add another 14 projects to the "to be completed list" so I now have to finish 64 before I buy anymore. OK?

Novelty-Ghan

2005-07-19T23:18:00.000-07:00

Here it is Katt and anyone else who asked, my progress so far on the afghan (for me!) made from the umpteen balls of novelty yarn I had kicking around. As you can see I have a LONG way to go. As for yesterday's promise that I was going to post some good news and some bad I think I will go with the bad today and save the good for tomorrow.
Following another iron injection and iron test on Monday I have discovered that my iron levels have dropped even further. My doctor says it is far too dangerous to go ahead with the hysterectomy so instead Monday at 10:30 I will be receiving my first dose of chemotherapy. I'm trying to stay positive so I'm thinking of all the knitting I'm going to be able to do whilst sitting hooked up to the drip. I'm trying not to dwell on how ill I may be afterwards otherwise I will just fall in a heap and not be able to get back up and we can't have that now can we? Now, back onto knitting news; I finally finished Warwicks hat today and will post a pic and the full details of "The Warwick Project" either tonight, or if I am too tired tomorrow.

One VERY happy little man

2005-07-19T04:30:00.000-07:00

Here's my little man Aaron with his pressie from Bugsy. He LURRVES it Bugs! He spent almost 2 hours sticking stickers, drawing and colouring in. How did you know he loved Batman? Christie loved her Winnie the Pooh pack too she was especially thrilled with the paint. If your ears are burning tomorrow darlin' it's me cursing you because it's all over the table or some such similar place hehe. And the book! It couldn't have come at a better time. I have just be comissioned by Jo (my baby sister who is 22) to knit baby things to send to Cambodia for "The Warwick Project" (yeah I totally ripped off Dulaan) and her friend Jane (whom I also know) is having a bub due next month so I intend to try out some of the patterns ASAP. I'm planning to try the blanket with the stars and stripes on it. I adore it! And it will definitely use up a huge chunk of stash. Tomorrow some good news, some bad news and more more piccies :) Thank you L. You've made my week! *huge hugs*

I've been Dumped

2005-07-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

Isn't it sad when your stalker dumps you for an older, sexier, blonder model?
Isn't it sad when you have no friends left and you have to revert to being all buddy buddy to your "enemies"?
Isn't it sad when you do things like send "concerned" text messages to someone when you know they are going to be at your MIL's house... just so you can make yourself look good?
Isn't it sad when you act all concerned when you find out someone else has cancer for exactly the same reason?
Isn't it sad when you pretend you want to make amends only to start another wave of nasty emails and text messages?
Isn't it sad when you turn blue at the mailbox holding your breath waiting for the get well soon card that never arrives?
Isn't it sad when you are so pathetic that you have to read someone's blog to find out what is happening in their life because they won't speak to you anymore?
Isn't it sad that you just don't seem to GET IT when someone says that they want NOTHING to do with you? (for the umpteenth time)
Isn't it sad when you find out everyone thinks you are an immature, pathetic, lying, 40 something year old piece of SLIME with nothing better to do with their time than make drama?

AM, Carrie and HEJ this one's for you grin

2005-07-16T00:47:00.000-07:00

You Know You're Addicted to Alias When...

At every fast food joint you go to, you order "the special, no pickles" regardless of the fact that you LIKE pickles.

You believe wearing a colorful wig and tight clothing can help you get away with anything.

You check the sides of old book pages for Russian characters.

Every time you see a black Mercedes, it reminds you of Sark.

You notice every Ford Focus on the road.

You use the phrase "There are just so many problems with this..." at every possible opportunity.

You have suspicions that your spouse may actually be a double.

Your non- Alias obsessed friends (like you have any of those left! Hah!) refuse to talk to you about Italians, prophecies, pickles, wigs, parent/daughter relationships, spies or anything else that might lead to a discussion about Alias.

You actually BUY a blue Ford Focus. (With gold rims, of course)

You wonder if Sark actually could be Irina's son.

You develop opinions and theories about this and other unanswered facets of the show, and spend a large amount of time formulating arguments for both sides of the debate...

The main question you ask yourself shopping is "Would Sydney wear something like this?"

You have seen every episode. Ever. More than 5 times a piece.

You went to see Daredevil just for Jennifer Garner.

You flip out when you see Michael Vartan in One Hour Photo married to someone else.

The mention of weddings, rings, or two years just gets you incredibly ticked off.

After getting a bad grade on a paper you tell your friend about your professor saying "legally he's right, ethically he's an ass."

If the topic of TV shows comes up, you automatically ask the person "Do you watch Alias?" and if they say they've never heard of it... you immediately end the conversation.

You hear the songs played in the show.. and you instinctively listen for the lines of the characters.. and know precisely when their lines occurred in the song.

Your history teacher mentions something about the KGB.. and you suddenly think "Irina?"

You have a codename that people actually call you by.

You think having no first name is a perfectly acceptable thing.

Old Asian men in wheelchairs creep you out.

You will never view epoxy in the same way again.

You find yourself trying to find good, compelling reasons to sway your significant other that your next child/pet should be named "Irina" or "Sydney."

You feel aggravated and insulted when you watch the episode of "Frasier" where Victor Garber plays Dr. Crane's British butler. ("Years of agent training and experience, wasted...")

You feel a strange urge to bite Mike Tyson's ear off every time you think of "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

Whenever you hear a truly interesting song, you immediately think of how that song would fit into a scene from Alias.

You find yourself criticizing the REAL CIA based solely on your knowledge of Alias.

You think Jerry Springer's guests have boring, uncomplicated family/friend relationships and easy, simple-to-fix personal problems.

You become incredibly irritated when people say, "That girl Sydney, doesn't she really report to someone else?" and can tell them exactly how many episodes behind the times they are.

You begin fantasizing about planting listening devices on your significant other's work clothes, just to see if you can find anything exciting/spy-worthy.

You know what J/I, S/V, S/W, Sarkney, Slark, slash, and shipper are, and have opinions on all of them.

Every time you hear the Nokia ringtone, you get excited even though there's no way it could be Vaughn.

You look for air vents you could crawl into incase of an emergency.

On Monday morning instead of saying "hello" to your friend you just say "Did you SEE VAUGHN'S BOXERS???"

The only people you have on your AIM buddy list are people you've met through Alias

When you begin to doze off in history class and only snap back to attention when the teacher uses the words "Alliance" or "Covenant."

You record every episode, then go out and buy the DVDs as well.

You dream about Irina Derevko at least once a week.

Sweiss does not sound like a candy bar to you

You assume that anyone who wears dark eyeliner is evil.

You meet a nice person and immediately become suspicious of their motives.

You constantly try to figure out ways to get Jack and Irina back together.

You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends who are addicted to Alias.

Get Your Own Addicted Meme Here

More cool things for your blog at
Blogthings

link

2005-07-15T23:07:00.000-07:00

Okay sorry everyone. Katt reminded me that I had forgotten the link for the animal dishcloths I have been obsessively knitting of late so here it is:
http://www.knittingknonsense.com/index2.html
I am about to start the dolphin landlubbers version while watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with Christie. Aaron has ordered a Gryffindor (hope I spelt it right) scarf and Christie wants a jumper like Mrs. Weaslesy made Harry except she wants a C instead of an H. Obsessed much?

Knitting BEWARE

2005-07-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

I got this today. I was worrying that I wouldn't be able to lay my hands on a copy anywhere, having not pre-ordered one. I drove down to Target with the kids in tow, walked in, spotted the MASSIVE display near the door, grabbed a copy, lined up at the checkout and paid for it. SIMPLE! So, knitting beware, you are about to be severely neglected while I proceed to plow my way through this. In other news, I have finished the 4th square of the novelty afghan (made from the novelty yarn not the animal one) while watching the first two episodes of Alias Season 4. No spoiling.. but I will say this... I ADORE.Michael.Vaughn.

Meet Kate (5 down, 45 to go!)

2005-07-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

Here she is in all her glory (or not so glory?). I'm not as happy with they way she turned out as I am with all the others. I think it was the self-striping yarn I used. The stitch definition is just not the same as it is on Ellie or Doug for that matter. Now ... Project count.... 5 Down, 45 to go! I'm getting there slowly. What's on the needles now? I am currently using up some novelty yarn and knitting it up into squares for a very stylish yet snuggly afghan. I really need to be working on Christie's cardigan and Cleo (the cat's) blanket but when you are the Queen of Startitis what can ya do?

You don't seam drunk....

2005-07-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

Or this is what happens! You have seams that are supposed to be on the inside on the outside, you have neckbands that have turned into bands where buttons were about to sewn onto. In my defense, I was VERY under the weather. I blame Ann hehe It's all her fault for telling me Johnnie Walker was on special at Safeway... That is normally not my drink of choice I am normally a vodka gal but when I drink with Ann I tend to lean towards the scotch and coke. Now in other knitting news I am about to do another post showing the cat cloth that I finished some time ago but disapperared... It was in Christie's toy box. (you know, the place where I usually store my FOs lol) I will also give the link to where I found the patterns. Get ready for another long winded post at some point in the next day or two (I don't have the energy today) about the Warwick project in Cambodia. Bring tissues! You'll need em' (if you are anything like me).

Random Ramblings

2005-07-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

I am currently deciding what to make with this ball of tweedy goodness sent to me by the angel I call Ann(with an E) Marie.(I have 2! 50g balls) It's from the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. I'm thinking mittens for myself and maybe a hat if I have enough yarn. My hands freeze when I got outside for a smoke in the cold weather. In other news, there will be NO more blurry crappy quality pictures. I finally sat down and read the instruction manual that came with my digital camera and figured out the whole time I had been using it I had been taking inside photos with it on the outside setting and vice versa. Went to bingo with Ann yesterday but we ended up going to Altona RSL instead of where we usually play on a Tuesday because there was a bomb threat at Werribee Plaza so they evacuated everything at 8:30 am yesterday morning. We won $60!! Katt, I still haven't had a chance to get to the bank yet. Would it be okay if I just did it over the net? I was planning to do it yesterday but everything was shut and I didn't make it there Monday because I forgot to take your details with me (I know... I'm a bimbo) A huge thank you to Bugsy for getting me the pattern book from Clints she pictured on her blog. I wasn't able to get one at my Clints. I have been doing a little bit of knitting. I am planning a huge post tomorrow with details of the baby jacket/cardi saga... put your laughing hats on ... you will need em'. I have finished the cat dishcloth, the dog dishcloth, the turtle dishcloth and the elephant dishcloth. Yes, for everyone who asked they are free patterns that I found online and they are soooo simple! If I can knit them anyone can! I will post the link in my next entry. What am I planning to do with them all? Well they are a work in progress I like to call "Animal Afghan" Get it? ciao for now

Meet Ellie or 2 down.... 48 to go!

2005-07-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

Finally! A Finished Object to show :) I have also made the Kate the cat cloth too. This one is Eleanor the Elephant cloth. I used 8ply Sullivans grey yarn with 4mm needles. I wanted to make sure I COULD knit one according to the pattern and it would look at least half decent. I promise a pic of Kate as soon as she comes out of hiding somewhere in the black hole that Christie calls her room. Aaron's room is not much better today either. Today is for cleaning, sorting, Alias watching and KNITTING! Last night i was "meant" to be working on the second sleeve of the baby jacket but instead I cast on for Doug the dog and went over to Ann's for a bevvie, to give her some more wool and discuss Sean's (her son) Christmas present from us. So far I have offloaded 12 balls of 8 ply and 2 balls of cotton to her. I am not going to count that on my yarn diet though. Yes Katt, I am in it with you but I have a feeling my stash is a lot more yarn heavy than yours. So, I am setting myself a ridiculous goal... I am going to complete 50 (yes 50) projects before I even THINK about buying any more yarn. Yes they can be little projects, but no, they won't all be. SO.... 2 down, 48 to go :) Only when I have completed 50 will I have MAYBE made a dent in my stash. The pic of my stash flash I showed the other day was not even a quarter of my stash (see I really do have a problem!) Hope everyone has a great weekend and no doubt I'll be seeing you again before Monday. I managed to download the first 3 episodes of Alias Season 4 so have a guess what I will be watching while I am knitting over the next few days (I'm in queue for the other 19 episodes) I think I'll just move into the study where the computer is... what do you reckon? (hubby would LOVE that NOT!)

Squiggle

2005-07-04T02:57:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the Squiggle scarf. The yarn was so delicious to knit with. I have never knitted with anything as soft before. Thank you again Cindy, you ROCK! And this one's for me. It matches perfectly with my faux fur jacket :) I'm gonna look VERY swanky *grin* Please excuse the crappy picture. My model is in bed for the night. She's plum tuckered out from kinder today. They had a teddy bears picnic. She took "Sophie". They made teddy bear masks :) Piccies of her wearing it tomorrow I promise. Now... Katt since you are on this yarn diet does that mean you are not allowed to accept gifts of yarn? If so, hang off till the parcel I have sent arrives. There are 8 balls in all 4 to make something for Rachelle and 4 to make something for Harley. I was think hat and scarf combo or mittens? But you make whatever you want. What am I knitting now? I'm finishing the second sleeve of the baby cardigan and am about to start a dishcloth for a swap I joined. It's going to be a kitty (I hope)

I got Koigu... do you?

2005-07-01T04:20:00.000-07:00

Guess what this is? And guess what it's going to be.... Cindy will know. She can read me like a book. I will close tonight by saying thank you Cindy for making me the happiest gal in the world today when I come down from cloud 9 I can't wait to sink my teeth into everything properly. HUGZ

Stash Flash

2005-07-01T04:17:00.000-07:00

Okay I did it. I flashed (some of) my stash. Each of those red storage containers is full to the brim of yarn. They are now all sorted into types of yarn eg. 8ply acrylic, novely, feathers, "special yarn" (mainly gifted to me by many fabulous people you all know who you are). But... that aint' even the tip of the iceberg.... Now you kinda get the idea why hubby says I have TOO much. Anyone want any? I'll take orders

2005-07-01T04:15:00.000-07:00

The adorable pouch that Cindy made for me. Like I said before it is soooo coming to bingo with me. Isn't it cute. I love the colours (they match the needle roll and the inside is signed! I have a genuine Cindy original (may be worth millions some day!)

2005-07-01T04:12:00.000-07:00

And this which is both the weirdest but the prettiest yarn I have EVER seen in my life. Now this is definitely going to be turned into a scarf for me.. unless anyone has any better ideas? It's called Squiggle and it is just so soft and squishy. I adore it! Thank you again Cindy. You really know how to make a gal feel special.

2005-07-01T04:07:00.000-07:00

2 balls of Debbie Bliss cotton angora!!!! Thank you thank you thank you Cindy! I could fill the whole screen with thank yous but that would get kinda boring wouldnt it? I couldn't do that anyway there are still more piccies to see :) Now thinking caps on again... I have 2 balls of this... what to make? It is definitely waaaay too nice for dishclothes (only thing I have ever seen cotton used for) so don't even go there darlins'

Back Tack BAYBEE!!

2005-07-01T04:05:00.000-07:00

Lookie how spoilt I was by Cindy today. Cindy was my back-tack pal. And look at all the things she made and gifted me with!! Aren't I spoilt? Apologies for the very blurry pictures. As soon as I got near the stuff I got excited all over again. I can't believe all this crafty booty is mine!!! And I now have a knitting needle roll - the funkiest one I have ever seen and a little notions pouch (I am so taking that to bingo to make all the other ladies drool hehe) and if all those things weren't enough... I got yarn too!!!!!!!!! I'm in yarn heaven this week. I have been spoilt from so many beautiful people. Now for the yarn.. enough gushing.

Can I do this yarnly goodness justice I ask you?

2005-07-01T03:57:00.000-07:00

This is the yarn I am way too frightened to knit anything with. Words just cannot express how divine I think this stuff is. It was sent to me by two of my fave bloggers in the whole wide world Anne Marie and High Energy Jenny. I have been told by the lovely Knittish Rosanna that it must be pronounced HEJ "hedge". Now ladies I need you to all put your thinking caps on and give me some ideas as to what to make with this yarnly goodness (is yarnly a word?) It is Manos del Uruguay - Handcrafted Kettle Dyed Pure Wool. I have 2 100gm balls at 126m each. Any ideas? I definitely need something that will do it justice (there goes me knitting anything with it)

My Buttonhole went to B-I-N-G-O

2005-06-30T05:45:00.000-07:00

Yes that's right, the buttonhole bag that is now mine (because Anne Marie sent it to me) came to bingo with Ann and I tonight. We decided to splurge and go tonight as it was the big $3000 jackpot night tonight. Was it lucky? I think so. Did we win? Nope but the buttonhole bag must have been lucky because the lady sitting at the end of our table won the big one. Her bingo call went a little something like this "BINGO!!!!!! Woo Hoo!" Everyone was in fits of laughter.
Tomorrow is flash your stash day considering I spent four hours sorting and cleaning out the wardrobe (aka. where my stash lives). Ross has now decided he needs to build me some shelves to hold the storage containers that hold all my yarn. I have taken piccies I just havent been bothered to upload them yet.
A more exciting entry tomorrow.

It must be Parcel day today

2005-06-28T03:48:00.000-07:00

A few of you may have been wondering why I have been so rude and not thanked you for the parcels you have all sent me. My neighbour came over today to let me know that she has had 2 parcels at her house for over a freakin' week!

Katt - You're an absolute treasure! I adore the yarn and am currently in the process of making it into a blanket/afghan throw thing for when I'm snuggled on the couch. I was so touched by the beautiful card and it is now sitting on top of my tv :) Thank you soooo much.

AKSP - With each parcel I love ya more! Not only did you send me sock.wool.!!!! and the most divine stitch markers ever... you made (yes MADE) me a scarf!!!!! Nobody (apart from AM) has ever knitted me something before. I adore it but have to fight Christie for it... her logic... "you can just knit yourself another one Mummy". And if all that wasn't enough I got THE book!book!book! The Yarn Harlot's book!!!!!!!!! (I'm just a tad excited... could you tell?) AND Vogue socks books.... is that a hint I need to knit some socks? Aaron has ordered a pair of socks for himself from the yarn ... I just hope I can manage them.

Now last but definitely not least.. to two of the most caring, kind, thoughtful, sweet chickadees ever, yes Anne Marie and High Energy Jenny I'm talking to you two!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the most thoughtful get well gifts ever. Now here are two other gals who I suspect are trying to give me a kick in the @ss to knit some socks.... I got ; the.yummiest.yarn.ever! It's so beautiful I'm almost frightened to knit with it. I have absolutely no idea what to make because I'm thinking whatever I knit with it just won't do it justice. Some candy all the way from the USA (how'd you know I totally have a sweet tooth?) The cutest card with an angel on the front (Jenny, ask anne Marie about the last email i sent her with reference to angels) A little butterfly photo clip for Christie (which she adores). She practically squealed the house down she was so excited. She wanted to know did Petey go to the shops and buy it for her? (she lurrrrrves Petey with a passion) and a big ol' mess of knitty goodies ; lion brand set of 3 pom pom makers (woo hoo! my hats are gonna be so stylish now!) point protectors shaped like socks! a row counter which I desperately needed as I was using tattslotto tickets lol, clover point protectors and some locking stitch markers. Spoilt much?

Thank you all of you. I honestly don't know what i have done to deserve all of you. If anyone knows, please feel free to fill me in :)

Mums, yarn and other ramblings

2005-06-19T06:29:00.000-07:00

Now I know my Mum doesn't read this blog... how?
1. My sister took the computer when she moved out with Joel
2. She barely knows how to type an email (even if she is fluent in txting)
3. My mum gets to hear all of this from me anyway (minus half the knitting stuff)

But I REALLY need to say the HUGEST thank you ever to my Mum. Ann affectionately calls her "Krissy" (her name's Kristine - Kris for short). My Mum came over on Saturday minus my Dad this weekend, whom Leonie affectionately calls Sexy Steve (now that's a whole other story). She spent the ENTIRE day cleaning my house while I was laid up on the couch. You name it, she did it. Dishes, laundry, vaccuming, mopping, cleaning the kids rooms (they helped) cooking, changing beds, window cleaning... THE LOT. So, thank you Mum from the bottom of my heart, I don't know what I would have done without you.

As for Friday, that didn't go so well. I will say this... Dr. O is a genius. There was one cyst left to remove (the smallest one as it happens). He had pre-warned me that this time I would feel worse afterwards because I hadn't healed properly when he had to go back in. 3 injections and 7 internal stitches later I no longer have any golf balls, but.... instead of only being a week recovery it will be 2. I have been in absolute agony all weekend because stupid me forgot to ask for another script for painkillers. Hey, I was a bit fuzzy from the local okay? My Dr. wasn't on this weekend and I didn't fancy going to see any of the other ones just in case they wanted to have a poke around.

So I've been veging, sleeping, knitting (a little bit). Someone very special I know is expecting a little Tukka sometime soon (8 months or so give or take). Yes BUGSY I'm talking about you darlin'. Got a little something flying on the needles right now. Am just hoping you don't think the colours are too girlie if you end up having a boy.

Am almost finished watching Alias Season 3. High Energy Jenny I need to seriously have an email discussion with you about this. I am intriguied as to what happens in season 4. Must.Know.NOW. :)

I have the sweetest person ever allocated to me as the person I gift for the AKSP (yes, you know who you are). She was so concerned that she emailed the co-ordinators and asked if I they would contact me to find out if I wanted an "out" due to my current health situation. You're an angel. I'm so touched by your kind thoughts and well wishes. I wouldn't trade you for the world. Huge *gentle* hugs to you.

Christie is sporting a new "do". Must be a time for new things. Either that or it's to match her funky new black suede boots with pink butteflies on them that Daddy bought her today.

I promise, promise, promise to post piccies ASAP.

Takin' It easy

2005-06-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

I have, I swear. Just did the dishes this morning and folded up some washing, threw some more in the machine and turned it on. Left em' for Ross to hang out when he gets home. Ann came over for a cuppa which turned into a 2 hour chat session in which she continually told me off for getting up to "tidy" things while we were talking. *whispering* Drove (shhhh) round the corner to the video store to take back Christie's dvd of Stuart Little 2 which was around 2 weeks overdue. Amanda must have felt sorry for me hobbling in there and only charged me 5 bucks. I desperately wanted to see Elektra after my current Alias obsession and Ross and I tried to watch our copy that we had bought from the market (can anyone spell P-I-R-A-T-E?) and it was so blurry and out of focus that we couldnt watch it. Christie got some Lizzie McGuire dvd and also A simple wish with the little girl out of Matilda in it.I bought her the dvd of Matilda with my winnings and we must have watched it at least a dozen times since. She freaked out when she saw "Matilda" on the cover and goes "Look Mummy Manda's got a new Matilda!!!". I also rented Son of the Mask for Aaron and Ross to watch at some point after school. Annette is picking Aaron up from school for me today since I am stuck with Ross's ute. He's taken my car up to Warrnambool to return the keys to the Cheese and Butter Factory. At this point in time he's talking having the rest of this week and next week off too, depending how I feel.
Highlight of my day: I received an email from THE harlot this morning. How can I be blue after that? *grin*

The Results are In

2005-06-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

Lunchtime today I received a phone call from Doctor O to say that the biopsy results were back. Not good news. All 4 cysts including the smaller one are malignant. 2 pm Friday I am scheduled to have laser surgery to remove the last one. I am booked in for July 23 for the hysterectomy. MRI to follow in between. Hopefully no chemo or radiation therapy will be needed. Forgive me if I am not myself today. It is still sinking in. Hubby home for the rest of the week. He finally rang today and told his boss what was going on who kindly said take as much time as you need off mate (love ya graham). Thank you everyone for your emails, prayers, finger crossing, notes to make me smile. I'm still hangin' in there although barely by a thread at this point.
The highlight of my day: When christie offered to kiss all my "owies" away. If only it were that easy.

Still Kickin'

2005-06-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

I'm still here, I'm still kickin'. So I have two things to smile about. At the moment am kid free. Leonie has taken Christie over to Lorraine's for the weekend (love ya mum!) Aaron is at school and has a birthday party at Kidz Digz and dinner at Mcdonalds straight after. Ross is due home around 4 so I'm just planning on taking it easy. Leonie nearly had a coronary this morning when she caught me outside at the washing line taking the clothes off. I promised I would only "tidy" not actually CLEAN for the rest of today. The procedure went okay and apart from being very uncomfortable I am okay. Hey, I'm still here aren't I? Will do a little tidy up then kick back on the couch with my knitting and my Alias dvds and have me a little knitty party. I promise when I am feeling better I will post pics.
smilin' a bit wider
shell
ps. back tack pal I received the parcel of fabrics etc yesterday. Thank you so much they are gorgeous and I can't wait to start working with them. And the chocolates have all been demolished I needed them yesterday, total comfort food.

Malignant

2005-06-08T21:22:00.000-07:00

Dr O. phoned today while I was out shopping and left a message saying I needed to contact his office URGENTLY. I phoned back when I got home only to be told that I need to have laser to remove 3 of the cysts as he is 99% certain they are malignant. Just the word i DIDNT want to hear. So at 3:30 today I am scheduled to have them lasered. Keep your fingers and toes crossed for me. Leonie is on her way from Trafalgar as I type, Ann is minding the kids after school for me so I should be fine. Apparently it is a fairly straightforward procedure and I will be in and out in around 2 hours and will be able to drive home. Dr O also said he can squeeze me in for the hysterectomy at the end of July and he is quite happy to leave it till then provided I have the laser done today.
Smilin' through the tears
shell

Down in the DUMPS

2005-06-08T03:18:00.000-07:00

No posting since my last post. Have been trying to stay positive and not feel sorry for myself. I've been trying to see the positives in my current situation. No more AF, no more pain, no more PMS but at the same time it is also hard not to find the negatives too. Had an appointment with Dr O. today who backed what my Doc said 110% If I go private it is going to cost us $8800 (there go my winnings) If I go public then I will have to wait until August (not so bad) 4-5 days in hospital with a 6 week recovery time. OUCH! On a brighter note; the angel I call Ann Marie sent me a parcel chock full of gifties! Some lucious TWEED (yeah I said tweed!) yarn from Maryland Sheep and Wool, a dinosaur puzzle for Christie's birthday, a CHIBI!!, a divine felted bag she made for me!!!! chocolates! (lindor no less! they're extinct right now i ate em') A beautiful card. I am so spoilt and I almost forgot a cd for me and one for Christie of tunes she put together which I adore. Now I have knittin' music. Thank you Anne Marie, your blood's worth bottling baby. My postman thought I was nuts as I burst into tears at the letterbox (must be those hormones).
Thank you to each and every one of you who left me well wishes and kind thoughts on my last post.
No piccies today as I still havent emptied the camera.
tryin to stay strong
shell

PMS no more aka. buh bye Aunty Flo

2005-06-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

If I go AWOL over the next few weeks you will all know why. Today after a trip to the doc's and subsequent trip to have an internal ultrasound, it was discovered that I have 4 golf ball sized cysts residing on my ovaries. Further tests are needed but my doctor would prefer to take the aggresive approach and recommends I have a hysterectomy. This would mean no more Aunty Flo, a lifetime of HRT and 4-6 weeks being out of action. You know you really do have a problem when all you can think about is the knitting you will be able to do while basically being couch bound. More news soon appoint. with gyno and follow up with Doc on Wednesday. For now I will knit to keep my mind off dwelling on it. Sis-in law Leonie tried to see the funny side (if there is one, but knowing Leonie she'll always find one) So...
Hi I'm Shell, I have golf balls and I don't even play golf.
*still smilin'*

Rules of Engagement

2005-06-05T03:44:00.000-07:00

My little sister Jo (22) just called to tell me that her boyfriend Joel proposed to her tonight and she said yes! They are currently out celebrating in style on Lygon Street in Carlton. Congrats to them both.

In knitting news; started and finished a shawl with the delicious yarn my AKSP sent me. Yes you read that right. One afternoon in front of Alias = one completed shawl. Pics tomorrow when I empty the digital camera.
Also made huge progress on the baby jacket. Got the back and left front done. Would have had the right front done too only had to frog it as I was concentrating too much on what was happening in Alias and not enough on the pattern with not-so clear instructions. Christie's cardi has stalled. More to be done on that tomorrow while the munchkins are at school.

AKSP - both kids are HUGE Harry Potter fans. They would both get a MAJOR kick out of Harry Potter jellybeans. We don't have ANYTHING like that over here :( Aaron even has a Harry Potter costume complete with cape, glasses and wand.

Ain't it nice when

2005-06-03T04:47:00.000-07:00

You receive a phone call from your sis-in-law who is at your other sis-in-law's place where said sis-in-law is hosting a nutramedics party and wants to ask you knitting questions. Some of you may remember the throw rug I made for my sister in law Kathryn for Christmas? You know, the one I was STILL knitting in February! Well Leonie rang me tonight because a lady who was attending Kathryn's party wanted to know where she got her gorgeous throw rug from. She was astounded when Leonie told her that I had knitted it. (I have never met this lady who was asking about the throw). So she asks Leonie to phone me up and find out what size needles did I use, how many stitches, how many balls of yarn etc etc. I could hear her gushing in the background about how gorgeous it is. I got off the phone with a huge smile on my dial. Can this week get any better I ask you?
Started the shawl from the yummy yarn pictured yesterday from my AKSP and am STILL knitting away on the baby jacket and Christie's cardi. Pics tomorrow. The hubby is home for the night but has to work tomorrow in Clayton so will sneak in a bit more knitting.
PS. AKSP hubby says a huge thank you for the delicious coffee! And I didn't realise there was a book all about coffee too! I was so excited to receive everything I didnt see it!
PP.S Yup they were American ones (the jelly beans) There were even Dr. Pepper flavoured ones. The kids were most upset that I didn't share. I couldn't help it though, once I started eating them I just couldn't stop! When I looked down, they were all gone. Can't think how that happened *rolling eyes*

SP I lurve ya!

2005-06-02T00:51:00.000-07:00

Now you can all see why I said earlier today that I was the spoiltest girlie in the world. The jellybean tin/can/jar is totally empty. I devoured those today while reading the new Creative Knitting magazine I bought yesterday at Stitchery Blue. Planning on trying out the bath crystals and the bombs tonight when the kids are tucked up in bed. I'm reading a fantabulous book by Jeffery Archer at the moment and want to get a chunk more read. Yes I'm an in the bath reader. I relax totally in there and find I can concentrate better on whatever I am reading without distractions.

2005-06-02T00:44:00.000-07:00

Yummmmmy! Now to get myself geared up for socks *grin* As soon as I finish Christie's cardi, the baby jacket and Cleo (the cat's) blanket I intend to try my hand at sock knitting.

2005-06-02T00:43:00.000-07:00

This is the final parcel I received from the fabulous Yvonne who was my first AKSP. Close up of the yummy cherry tree hill yarn to follow. Now y'all stop drooling cause it's MINE! hehe

2005-06-02T00:37:00.000-07:00

Delicious yarn received today from my Ample Knitters Secret Pal. I have 3 skeins of it. I am thinking shawl? Something to throw over my shoulders on cold chilly nights when I am curled up knitting on the couch. I wonder if I will have enough? What does everyone think?

Grump bleh!

2005-06-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note. I had ordered a copy of the Harlot's book:
At Knit's End from my local Collins Bookstore. They just phoned to say that they will be unable to supply me with the book I ordered. Grrrrr! I know one thing I will never shop there again. No apology, no explanation no nothing! Their customer service stinks. Now will be scouring the local knit shops to see if I can get my hands on a copy. Knitting away on the sleeves of Christie's cardi. It's been quiet here today even with Aaron home from school sick. He has camped on the couch in front of the TV. Also been working on the baby jacket for Ann's sister. Am determined to have that one finished by the end of the weekend.

Oh.My.Goodness!!

2005-06-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

To my WONDERFUL Ample Knitters Secret Pal,

I don't know what to say other than a MILLION thank yous!
After being up all night with one sick little boy and having virtually no sleep, being woken at 9:15 am by the postman was an absolute delight. Why? Your parcel arrived this morning!! I.am.the.SPOILTEST.girl.in.the.world.
The most beautiful card ever (which my daughter wants to steal), bath salts and bath bombs, 3 skeins of the yummiest yarn I have ever seen, Jelly belly jellybeans (YUM!), "real" coffee (I so need to go make some), and as if all that wasnt enough a coffee making set!!
Thank you thank you thank you! You have made my day. If anyone's looking for me for the rest of the day (probably the week for that matter) I'll be the one up there on cloud nine *huge grin*
Pics to follow when I have had some of that yumalicious coffee *even huger grin*

I must be ill ??

2005-06-01T02:50:00.000-07:00

You would think so after what I did today. I went into the wickedest yarn store EVER. It's called Stitchery Blue and it's in Williamstown. Ann came with Christie and I for a drive. They had the.most.divine.yarn.ever. and I didn't buy a single skein... not even half of one. Why? I restrained myself and decided I did not NEED anymore. When I finish Christie's cardi, the baby jacket I am knitting for Ann's sister who is due in August (hurry up Shell) then finish Cleo's (my sis's cat) blanket and sort out my stash... then and only then will I buy more yarn. I am sooooo on a yarn diet right now. I really really want to make a shawl/wrap type thing after I get all the other projects I have on the go done. I did buy that turtle tapestry that I have been talking about for over 12 months though. I'm intending to do it for Lorraine's christmas pressie or Mothers Day next year. Yeah I've totally got the planning ahead thing down pat. If the hubby helps and does bits here and there then I will maybe get it done for Christmas. This sucker is HUGE! For those of you who don't read regularly.. Lorraine is my mother-in-law the one with the HUGE turtle OBSESSION goin' on. She's going to flip out when she sees this baby all done and framed *grins* Side note to my new AKSP no parcel yet. Did you send it via sea mail? Maybe it has gotten lost?
Another side note... no more anon comments allowed on here so if you want to leave one and dont want to let me know who you are you'll have to make up a name for yourself. Pics later tonight. I have been such a slack blogger lately

Yvonne You Rock!!

2005-05-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

Arrived home from grocery shopping (yippidee doo!) to discover a parcel from my previous AKSP. She revealed herself in this parcel. She is none other than the lovely Yvonne over at "And all that stash" She could not recall her blog address off the top of her head but she is hosted by Polly "All Tangled Up" so I will have to do some googling. Inside the parcel the most divine yarn on the face of the planet "Cherry Tree Hill - Fall foliage", Cherry tree hill bobbles and beads sock pattern (WooHOO!) And Knitter's Magazine Spring 2005. Thank you soooo soooo much Yvonne you've been an awesome secret pal! And now I know your address I can send you parcels *grin*. My stash is definitely thanking you for all the patterns. I just can't wait to get knitting
HUGS
Shell
ps. pics to follow at some point today need new batteries in the digi

Closer?

2005-05-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

Jumped straight onto the computer after I have just finished watching the movie "Closer" with Julia Roberts (lurve her!) and Jude Law in it. Has anybody else seen this movie? and if so, are you as baffled as I was at the end of it? Who was Alice? Why would she want to do that to Dan or anyone? How could Anna want Dan over Larry (drooling he was so HOT)? Does Alice have some sort of hidden agenda and she moves through her life creating Bermuda triangles (with 4 sides lol) of love everywhere she goes?
On the knitting front, made huge progress on Christie's cardigan it should definitely be photoworthy tomorrow. Honestly, I am too tired to be bothered taking pictures tonight so you will get two lots tomorrow. Also have to show off my recent stash acquisitions care of my winnings. I actually spent less than I thought I would on yarn but hey, everything was dirt cheap because "Sean Sheep" is closing down already so I got huge bargains!
Am off to throw on "National Treasure" mmmm Nicholas Cage (luuuurve him) and keep knitting till I drop.
Just Keep Knitting
Shell

Drinks are DEFINITELY on me!!!!!!

2005-05-25T00:43:00.000-07:00

You're all invited to my place tonight where I am planning to get considerably pissed (excuse language) considering the fact that today I won a jackpot at the racecourse hotel of $15, 987. 38 !!!! So drinks are definitely on me :)

Dear Everything I am Knitting,

2005-05-24T05:19:00.000-07:00

You may have been feeling neglected as of late. I'm here to tell you why... I have discovered that there is more to life than knitting. Don't worry I'm still in love with ya, you're just taking a backseat to the rest of my life at the moment. "Daddy" is kindly making your very own room to keep you in so "Mummy" has to help out or Daddy will crack the sh#ts and you won't get your room. You definitely need it as our family just doesn't stop growing and I'm sure you'll agree that it's getting a wee bit too crowded in the wardrobe where you are currently residing right now. So, if you are feeling neglected over the next week or so, remember, Mummy just wants what is best for you *grin*

Don't let a pigeon drive the bus!

2005-05-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

Me: "Which book did you read today at kinder, blossom?"

Christie: "Don't let a pigeon drive the bus Mummy"
"Do you let a pigeon drive your bus?"

Me: "No darling, I don't have a bus. If I did have a bus though, I certainly wouldn't be letting a pigeon drive it"

Christie: *giggling* "Mummy, you're SILLY!"

Nope, I'm not trying to hide the fact that I don't have any pictures for you today. I do have knitting news though. In regards to the super swanky project I HAD on the needles.... It's DONE! Will be on it's way in the morning to a certain someone. I started a cardigan last night for Christie. It's in paton's 8ply fireside in this gorgeous salmon colour. Pics when it is a bit more photo worthy. I am about halfway done with the back. It's great tv. knitting.
What have you all been up to?
Just keep knitting
Shell

"Perfick!"

2005-05-22T00:37:00.000-07:00

That about sums up how my weekend has been. How was yours? Last night was a blast 20+ people over for dinner. We all had a ball. Too tired to go into too many details but will say blondes flirting with pensioners occurred (you know who you are), discipline involving giant plastic spiders, lots of ELEfun, invitations to the aquarium, and alcohol, lots and lots of alcohol. Just ask dad who managed to down 22 beers and STLL KEEP STANDING! Planning on watching some ALIAS tonight have neglected it these past few days and working on something for a certain someone (she knows who she is) which should hopefully be on its way to her in the next day or two. Pics to follow.
Just keep Knitting
Shell

I regret to inform

2005-05-19T04:57:00.000-07:00

the certain person who will not cease to try and contact me ie; emails, comments "anonomously" on my blog, text messages and snide remarks to other people who I will not name here... that unless you stay the h#ll away from me and my family and stop stalking us.. I will have no choice but to resort to two words for you:
RESTRAINING ORDER
Consider yourself warned
By the way, anon comments are not so anon when I know your ip. address.

Happy Birthday Mum!

2005-05-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

It's my Mum's birthday tomorrow. I'm in the process of making her a quilt for her birthday. In case you can't tell she has a bit of an obession with chooks going on. Hence the chickens, chicks and roosters on all the material. What do you all think? This is my first ever attempt at quilting and I have not sewn the squares together yet, just laid it all out on the table to see what it's going to look like. Shock horror, I'm going to have to drag out my iron! I DO NOT usually iron. If something needs ironing, I throw it in the dryer for a few minutes, or I wear something else. Told you all I DONT DO housework lol. Will be sure to post pics of it done am planning to sew it up tonight when the kids go to bed so you'll be getting two entries today. Side note to the person (you know who you are) that I have previously informed to get the f@%! out of my life, to not send me text messages and not send me emails, yet who persistently continues to do so in the hope that I will one day forgive her .... Grow Up! Get A Life! Get Over it! It Aint' gonna happen! *end rant*

2005-05-18T04:22:00.000-07:00

We (yes, that's me on the left with the loooong red hair) *note* it's not red anymore and it's not long either. omg y'all know what I look like lol. Anyway back to the story On this day, 5 years ago tomorrow we (both of us together uhhuh) made this

2005-05-18T04:19:00.001-07:00

Whom you all know as my blog-model. Tomorrow she turns five and is absolutely pleased as punch. She's a cutie (I know, I'm biased) and among other gifties (I totally spoilt her rotten) she will be receiving this

2005-05-18T04:19:00.000-07:00

polly pocket hangin' out house. I would have loved one of those things when I turned 5. I know she's going to love it since she has NAGGED constantly for one since she first saw the ad on tv. The elevator really works! How cool is that? and she'll also be getting these and I am kicking myself I didn't buy two sets when you see you'll know why hehe

Happy Birthday Munchkin!

2005-05-18T04:18:00.000-07:00

The stamps are the shoes! Need I say more? These are just about the coolest things I have ever seen. And you use your fingers to stamp with them!!!! I'll take orders if anyone wants some.

Survey Schmurvey ;)

2005-05-17T05:14:00.000-07:00

*TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF - The Survey*
Name:	Michelle
Birthday:	19th of September
Birthplace:	Sandringham
Current Location:	Melbourne, Australia
Eye Color:	green
Hair Color:	brown/blonde
Height:	165cm
Right Handed or Left Handed:	left
Your Heritage:	scottish (dads side)
The Shoes You Wore Today:	white converse with black stripes
Your Weakness:	yarn!
Your Fears:	dying before i get to see my kids grow up
Your Perfect Pizza:	any that i dont have to cook
Goal You Would Like To Achieve This Year:	knit a sweater
Your Most Overused Phrase On an instant messenger:	roflmfa
Thoughts First Waking Up:	COFFEE CIGARETTE
Your Best Physical Feature:	my dimples
Your Bedtime:	whenever i drop
Your Most Missed Memory:	my pop's bacon and eggs
Pepsi or Coke:	either
MacDonalds or Burger King:	YUK
Single or Group Dates:	dates? what are they? hehe
Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea:	TEA BLEH
Chocolate or Vanilla:	chocolate mmmm chocolate
Cappuccino or Coffee:	coffee cappuccino it's all good
Do you Smoke:	yup
Do you Swear:	yes too much
Do you Sing:	yes not too well though
Do you Shower Daily:	yup sometimes twice
Have you Been in Love:	yes
Do you want to go to College:	want to but won't ever get there
Do you want to get Married:	yeah that's why i did
Do you belive in yourself:	definitely
Do you get Motion Sickness:	no
Do you think you are Attractive:	ask me tomorrow
Are you a Health Freak:	NO
Do you get along with your Parents:	most of the time
Do you like Thunderstorms:	yup
Do you play an Instrument:	yup sorta
In the past month have you Drank Alcohol:	yes
In the past month have you Smoked:	yes
In the past month have you been on Drugs:	nicotine and caffeine?
In the past month have you gone on a Date:	does going to a funeral with hubby but without kids count?
In the past month have you gone to a Mall:	yes
In the past month have you eaten a box of Oreos:	no
In the past month have you eaten Sushi:	NO
In the past month have you been on Stage:	no
In the past month have you been Dumped:	no
In the past month have you gone Skinny Dipping:	not a bad idea
In the past month have you Stolen Anything:	no
Ever been Drunk:	yes
Ever been called a Tease:	yes
Ever been Beaten up:	yes
Ever Shoplifted:	yes (when i was 16)
How do you want to Die:	old, content with lots of grandkids, happy
What do you want to be when you Grow Up:	will i ever grow up?
What country would you most like to Visit:	USA
*In a Boy/Girl..*
Favourite Eye Color:	brown
Favourite Hair Color:	brown
Short or Long Hair:	short
Height:	tall very tall
Weight:	cuddly
Best Clothing Style:	individuality
Number of Drugs I have taken:	say what?
Number of CDs I own:	lots
Number of Piercings:	7
Number of Tattoos:	3
Number of things in my Past I Regret:	a few
CREATE YOUR OWN! - or - GET PAID TO TAKE SURVEYS!

2005-05-16T04:06:00.000-07:00

Another Jack picture. He has an absolute obsession with balls. He even had his own basketball (mini one) until Daddy ran it over with the bobcat. Mind you, Daddy promptly went out and bought his boy another one the next day which Jack turns his nose up at and won't play with. Why? It's too pumped up! Notice the ball in his mouth? He has been known to carry two at once and drop both of them at your feet and not chase either until you have thrown both. He ain't no dummy :D

I have a schmoo... do you?

2005-05-16T04:02:00.000-07:00

Here's my schmoo giving his daddy some lovin' He's not a dingo AM he's a rottweiler. He'll be 6 in June even though he is starting to look a lot older than that, especially around the mouth he's getting grey hairs. But I suppose putting up with my two munchkins who wouldn't??

Knitted With Love

2005-05-12T03:08:00.000-07:00

I was reading one of my favourite magazines today, That's Life, when I came across an article requesting knitted squares measuring 40cmx40cm. What for? I hear you asking... Well, I'll tell you. They are to be made into blankets for animal shelters all across Australia. More info is at www.knittedwithlove.org. They need to be knitted or crocheted with acrylic wool due to the mistreatment of some of Australia's sheep. I don't know about you but I feel another charity knitting obsession coming on.... Stay tuned tomorrow for a glimpse at my very first felted project. In the words of Dory "Just keep Knitting, Just keep knitting"
shell

Brain Strain

2005-05-10T03:38:00.000-07:00

What should I make with this? I picked it up on sale at Spotlight for $1.99 a ball (it's been discontinued, that's why). Am umhing and aahing what to make with it. I only have the 2 50g balls that's all that was left... so any ideas?

Startitis

2005-05-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right... I have a SERIOUS case of startitis. I am onto the second ball of yarn for this bag. The yarn and the pattern were sent to me by my previous AKSP Nonni who due to a mix up has resigned as my secret pal and I now have another one. Anyway, I just cant seem to finish this bag and by the way, its in MOSS STITCH! Apologies for the terrible photo but at least it's better than none I guess. Again I can't seem to finish this and keep casting on for other procrastination projects instead... I think i have been reading carrioke's blog too much lol. Maybe that's where I get my alias obsession from? Corina's mum's funeral is tomorrow at 4 so will have to go digging through my wardrobe and find something suitable to wear... ughh i don't like funerals. :(

Mother's Day

2005-05-07T23:20:00.000-07:00

Lookee what I got from Aaron and Christie for Mother's Day. Aren't I spoilt? It's the complete second season of Alias! And a new novel called "knitting". My two know me too well I am beginning to suspect. I also got a beautiful handmade card from Aaron no pic as the camera is full (no not flat batteries this time). A sleep in till 9:30am (can't remember the last time I had one of those!) and lots of kisses and cuddles from Christie. In not so nice news my mother-in-law Fay phoned this morning to say Corina's (my sis in law) mum had passed away yesterday morning. She had been sick for a few months but we thought she was going to make it. The funeral details will be in the paper on Tuesday and the funeral is going to be in Taralgon (think I spelled that right). I phoned Corina around an hour ago just to let her know we were thinking of her and that if she needed or wanted anything to just give us a call. Nobody else had called her! That got me thinking on what is the "right" thing to do or say when someone you know and are close to loses a loved one? I debated for a few hours on whether to phone or whether to send a text message. It was only till I consulted with Leonie (my other sis in law) that I decided to call because as she said, what if everyone just sent a text message and nobody bothered to call? How would Corina be feeling? That is a question I definitely can't answer as I am lucky enough to still have my Mum with me. So what do you all think what is the "right" thing to do? And before I go HAPPY MOTHERS DAY MUM! love you heaps!
Shell

Super Quick One

2005-05-04T02:44:00.000-07:00

LoL.. thanks to Bugsy and Ann (with an E) Marie (sorry AM i am NEVER going to get tired of saying that) for their comments on yesterdays post. AM, you could never be a shopping trolley lady with heaps of kitties... schmoos, yes... kitties, no lol. Tonight on the agenda is an Alias marathon session coupled with some dulaan blanket knitting (yes I said blanket, not HAT!) and some more knitting on the knitting bag hopefully will get that almost done tonight. Depends how late I stay up till. Received my back-tack match up today so some shopping is in order i think or will have to raid my material stash (yes I have one of those too though it is nowhere near as big as my yarn stash *grin*) Keep on Knittin'
Shell

2005-05-03T03:27:00.000-07:00

You know a blogger is getting desperate when they revert to kitty photos.. but look how gorgeous my fur baby looks being Christie's "baby" for a little while. This is actually Christie's cabbage patch doll's pusher (stroller/pram) and Sox climbs into it willingly all the time.

2005-05-03T03:25:00.000-07:00

Aaron on top of the "mountain". When they weren't begging to drive Scoop, he and Christie spent the rest of the day climbing the "mountain" and being Dora the Explorer and Captain Hook together. Don't ask me why Captain Hook would be climbing a mountain alright... I'm not 6 lol

2005-05-03T03:23:00.000-07:00

Christie absolutely filthy after a day of helping Daddy and "Pop" (my dad). She and her older brother spent the entire day begging to have a drive of "Scoop" (he's a machine from the show Bob the Builder for those of you without kidlets)

Look What Happened at My house.. NKR (not knitting related)

2005-05-03T03:22:00.000-07:00

Here is my spunky hubby gettin' busy this weekend. What on earth is he doing? I can hear you all asking... Why, he's digging a hole for our new swimming ool of course! And that's right, you did read OOL.. we don't want no pee in ours *giggle*