$$$

Tons to write, but all I'll say for now is that having high speed internet at home is dangerous. I just spent over three hours tonight and over $300. Good news is it made a dent on the Christmas list.



P.S. I'm happy to announce I'm a proud god-mother to this little fellow. He's so wonderful.

Smackdowns

As I think I've mentioned before, I like to do smackdowns at work. These have traditionally been Spelling Smackdowns but due to popular demand I had put together a Smart Smack as well which is like a trivia game, but based on what I was interested in. The following are the write ups for potentiall the last of both of the games ever.



From an email sent 11/10/08, RE: Smart Smack Results



I know you’ve been dying to find out the results of the 1st Annual So you think you’re smart Smackdown from last week.



Since it was the first Smart Smack, the first round was of medium difficulty to allow the contests to get their feet warm in our time of global warming. We had a good showing and from right to left we had:

- Brian: one of the brian interns, not to be confused with “not brian” intern david, actually no one knows his real name, I just made up the david part.

- Siobhan: for those of you still not in the know, it’s pronounced “sh von”. I’m petitioning the high court to get the spelling changed. She engaged in a quiet game of smack talk.

- Marie: it was evident by some of the other contestants that they weren’t aware of the level of smack Marie brought to the game. Be for warned future contestants, Marie is all about the smack portion of Smart Smack (not that I’m saying she doesn’t bring the smart portion either, just more smack).

- Andrea: again, if you’re not in the know, Andrea’s secret passion is to play trivia games like these as a full time job. Until there is such a profession, she concedes to playing a role, like the rest of us, in saving the earth.

- Dawn: calm and quiet, not swayed by the smack, Dawn and Annie were the anti-smack twins choosing to focus on the Smart component of the Smart Smack.
- Annie: calm and quiet, the smack being thrown from the other side of the room fell by the wayside as the Dawn and Annie force held their own.

- Danielle: new to the smackdowns of GRT, Danielle was a welcome addition, proving that youth still had a firm hold on the smart component of the Smart Smack.



Round one (5 questions): Composed of standard issue questions based around energy and the environment, people felt fairly comfortable. The multiple choice format allowed individuals to fly through the questions quickly. Everyone knew that Mexico City is considered the most polluted city in the world. While only Andrea knew which country produced the most energy in the world. And Marie and Danielle were the only ones who knew what the leading source of energy is in the US. By the end of the first round, it was still anyone’s game, with no one taking a serious lead.



Round two (8 questions): Lulled into a false sense of feeling pretty smart, round two brought the random questions as promised by the genius moderator. Composed of a mix of multiple choice and fill in the blank questions, it was surprising to find that no one knew what a “perfect” number as defined mathematically was from the multiple choice list. However, Brian proved a strength in science that no one else had, correctly identifying what Europa was. Dawn and Annie were the only ones to correctly identify the correct city for the birthplace of the American stoplight. Apparently no one knows cockney rhyming slang. And Siobhan was the only one to know how many Platinum NC buildings there are in MA. (Marie!!! You could have had it.)



Round three (11 questions): Entering into the arena of current events, questions were structured around key issues in the recent election: war, energy, prop 1, and Sara Pallin. Contestants were all over the place in identifying where Iraq and Pakistan were located geographically in the middle east. Most people knew at least one or two states of the 9 that don’t have personal income tax (answers that included states that taxed dividend and interest income were counted). No one knew Tina Fey’s birth name. And in the end, the winner was determined by their ability to correctly match up the green building rating system and the relevant country (BREEAM, GREEN STAR, HKBEAM, HQE, PROMISE, GBAS, AQUA).



During the entire Smart Smack, score was kept on the white board. At certain periods, bonus questions were thrown out. These questions were not rewarded with points, but instead the recipient was awarded a “tie breaking” advantage. In the final round, it was pointed out by Andrea, that one of her correct answers was not recorded. The comment was noted by the moderator who stated that it would be addressed at the end of the game if needed.



By the end of round three and the end of the game, everyone’s score was close, but it was Andrea and Marie tied for first place, with Marie having a “tie breaking” card. Therefore, after the game, the moderator and the two contestants in question went through all the answers to verify the accuracy of the score. In the end, it proved that indeed a point was missing from Andrea’s tally and instead of Marie breaking the tie and winning, it was Andrea who came through victorious.



Congratulations to Andrea for being the first official Smart Smack champion. She proved that she had some smarts and some smack to beat out everyone else. Thanks to all that participated and may we all be just that little bit smarter.



And by the way. I believe I only received one correct answer to the qualifying question (which I luckily forgot about or else there would have been no one to compete). The correct answer is War Time, which only Dee responded with (I think).



What was Daylight Saving Time originally called when it was first instituted year-round?

A. Sunlight Time

B. Summer Time

C. War Time

D. Conservation Time

Best of luck and see you in November!







From an email sent 11/14/08, RE: 4th Periodic Spelling Smackdown Results



The fourth periodic Spelling Smackdown was just completed and in record time (I think in just a half hour). And this time around there were a lot of patterns. Well at least one big one. There were six contestants this time round, with one observer/smack talker/back-up pronouncer (Colleen). In order, we had:

- Aaron: This marked his inaugural Spelling Smackdown and he chose inadvertently the first chair which allowed him to kick off each round.

- Dee: A past participant who showed potential, often making it into the near final rounds in past games and known for her wordsmything (yes, I apparently made the word up as Outlook won’t tell me the correct spelling).

- Annie: The defending champion and Birthday girl. It was agreed by all that instead of giving her some sort of pity win through second chances, that whoever won would owe her a gift. With the understanding, of course, that if Annie was able to retain the championship title, she’d owe something to herself.

- Dawn: One of the original participants, and I believe a spelling bee champion from grade school.

- Britt: The only individual who has participated in all four of the GRT Spelling Smackdowns located at Nexus. A diehard contestant.

- Jacob: The newest hire of GRT. This marked his inaugural Spelling Smackdown.



The first round went fairly quickly, knocking Dawn out of play early in the game with one of the few official spelling words that is an acronym: laser. For all those interested, according to our trusted source Wikipedia, the word laser originated as an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.



Second round, at the medium level, showed everyone strong and able to move onto the third and final level with no sweat (showing). This strength was short lived by everyone but two individuals at the third level, hard. The letter ‘i’ proved a stumbling block for all in some form or other. Once the dust settled, Aaron and Jacob were left standing (well sitting and on opposite sides of the table – the first and last contestants of each round) to duke it out. It was Nexus versus TA. Who would come through victoriously? Would Aaron do Nexus proud and maintain dominance on the Spelling Smackdown’s for Nexus (Game 1 & 2 winner: Paul, Game 3 winner: Annie)? Or would newbie to the company, Jacob, prove a force to be reckoned with and break out his, until now, unknown spelling prowess.



First pass, both correctly spelled very challenging words. Second and third pass proved rewarding for both as well on slightly easier words. Fourth pass proved too challenging. Aaron misspelled his word putting the pressure on Jacob to correctly spell the final word. It proved to be too much and Jacob misspelled his word as well which allowed Aaron to reenter the game and have another chance. It was still anyone’s game. Again, Aaron misspells his word leaving it all up to Jacob to determine the fate of the game. And this time, after collecting himself (and having a bite of his salad), he came through and correctly spelled the final word.



The torch, well rather the hand, has officially been transferred. Jacob is our latest champion and indefinite holder of the hand. After great sportsmanship showed by all (lot’s of handshaking and congratulations and very little smack, Marie would have been disappointed) folks started breaking down the game and the largest pattern was found. It appears, although it has not been validated, that every winner of all four Spelling Smackdowns have been the newest hire of GRT. Paul, we believe was the latest addition to the team and perhaps this was why he was able to win two games – we hadn’t hired anyone new (that was participating). Annie goes down in history for participating in the largest recorded GRT Spelling Smackdown on her very first day. And now Jacob, has won. Will the pattern continue? Only time will tell. Cheers from your wonderfully poor speller and Spelling Smackdown moderator!

See you later

And perhaps never again. Last week was my first week working both jobs. In theory it should have worked. I had already started wrapping things up at the old job so there really didn't seem like that much more to do. And new jobs always have a warming up period, especially when you're working part time. The other strange thing is that the two offices are one block apart. I had scheduled two and a half days at each place. It was all nice and organized. In theory.



I ended up working on things for both jobs every day and running back and forth between the two offices most days. Thursday night I got hardly any sleep as my mind just would not turn off. Remembering to do this little thing or that little thing for the old job and whirling with new ideas for the new job. I just couldn't get to sleep. And then once I did, I had to get up really really early for a training the next day that I was doing. By friday afternoon I was spent. And I still had too much to do left. But the weekend had arrived. And I slept and slept.



Saturday night a friend had a lovely party to celebrate the elections. A friend had brought their little baby who had the cutest onsie. It had "I'm ready for a change" on the front. And the next day I went down to New Bedford with friends to see the Phantom Tollbooth. It was a children's production so there were little kids everywhere. I was able to get some knitting done in the dark and am using the age old approach that a mistake is no longer a mistake if you repeat it. So am copying what I did on the first sleeve with the second. No one will be able to tell the difference. I'm working on another Peapod sweater for another baby born this fall.



By the time we got back Sunday night I was tired enough to go home, but too hungry to make it. My blood sugar had dropped. So in the end we had a girls night at A's where she taught me some make up tricks as she gave me a make over.



Which brings me to Monday morning when I had to enter back into the world of work. I realized, it was just too difficult so I got on the phone and ordered internet (and cable while I was at it). The cable guy just came yesterday afternoon to do the hook up and here I am with all these new toys.



There are so many channels. And so many shows I had no clue about. I watched a few Top Chefs that a friend loves. I think my favorite discovery from last night was Whatever Martha. It's this brilliant show where these two women just sit and watch old Martha Stewart shows and just tear them apart. It turns out one of them is Martha's daughter who comes across like a Carrie Fisher. Kind of tough and sarcastic. Not what you'd expect. It's the only way to watch Martha Stewart.



Well, I just wanted to say farewell as I don't think I'll ever see anyone again. I'll work remotely at home watching the endless entertainment I now have. Cheers!

Time: Daylight and Zones

Two posts that I wanted to write I realize have a common thread - the elusive subject of time. Today is my second day at my new job. It was strange this morning as it was the first time where I went directly to the new office (yesterday I put in an hour at the old office first). So I get up like usual. I get ready like usual. I wait for the bus and transfer to the subway as usual. I even get off at the regular stop and use the same escalator as usual. Except now I turn left instead of right. The two offices are just one block apart (their backs abutt each other). It was so familiar and yet so different.





Now I am facing the wonderful task of getting up to speed while still juggling the old job. It's keeping me busy which is good. But you know how new jobs go, no matter how easy or difficult, you just have a mild headache at the end of the day from absorbing so much new information, no matter how mundane or complex. Today I'm finding my head swimming with the simple task of time zones. My big project I'm working on first is in Abu Dhabi. Except the current team is in the UK. Coordinating meetings and figuring out when to email and talk is crazy. Plus there are some folks I need to engage that are on the west coast as well. So I'm desparately trying to remember 3, 4, and 5. Five hour difference between UK and here. Three hour difference between SF and here. And four hour difference between UK and UAE. Then there's all the math. Needless to say, I've been using the good old stand by of counting on my fingers. Plus on top of all that, my office computer was set up in military time.

Benefits of Being Bored

It's crazy! My search may almost be over. I stress the word almost as nothing has happened yet. Let me back up. The scene is me, at work, bored. It's really hard to keep going on stuff you're not interested in and are no longer really responsible for. I've begun to disengage a bit, to move on. Understandable. To deal with this, I work for a little and then reward myself with a break. But I was running out of ideas for my breaks. Until I remembered I hadn't done a search lately on ravelry (awesome place) and low and behold, someone updated their stash and their was the yarn I needed. Di.ve Cotone Egitto, colorway 815! Two balls.

Wait, I skipped some parts. Let me back up. The scene is me, matching some yarn in the stash to a new pattern. I begin to knit, one my few cotton sweaters. And I'm loving it. The yarn is the perfect weight for the cables. And the color is wonderful. It's grey, but yes, it's wonderful. It has a nice sheen to it and with the cables, it just plays with the light. As you can see, I'm falling in love with the pairing. And, as with all great love stories, there is the obstacle to overcome, to test the love and dedication. The yarn in the stash was bought at one of my very first forrays to Webs in Northampton. I bought a bag of 10 balls probably about 5 years ago. They were on sale, and I knew I'd find some pattern eventually. Of course, the yarn was on sale because it was discontinued.

Fastforward to this year. I've now learned that, yes, quite often, I can knit a sweater for myself using 10 balls of yarn, sometimes even less. However, this is not always the case as certain parameters need to be taken into account. Is it thick yarn or thin yarn? It makes a difference. Is the sweater pattern long and bulky or a turtle neck? And I'm starting to think color might even play a role.

So about half way through, not even, I realized, doing the math on this cardigan, that at the rate I was using up the balls, I just might not make it. Of course this made me knit really fast at times and at other times just completely abandon the project (if you don't finish it, you don't have to face reality). Some of my friends have named it the "doomed" sweater. And yet I keep knitting. The back is done, one front side panel is done. Even both the sleeves are done (and no, I will not make this a 3/4 sleeve sweater - it needs to be extra long sleeves, that's just the way it goes). But still, I have the other front side panel and the collar. I keep wavering on whether I'll make it or not. I think I only really need one ball, but then again, I'm really bad at estimating. I hope it's not something ridiculous like 4 balls.

Now comes the tricky part. I've scoured the internet for one ball of the same yarn. And nothing. I thought I found one stash at the very beginning of the search on ravelry but it disappeared before I could make note of it (which makes me question my sanity - did it even exist or was I making it up?). I've checked all the stores, even the ones that specialize in discontinued yarn. I've carried the yarn label with me in my wallet for 9 months now. I even brought it with me on my trip to europe - just in case. I've given the label to friends in case they come across a potential match. And nothing. Absolutely nothing.

I feel like I've been searching for an elusive, rare, endangered animal. And now, in my stroll in the forest of ravelry, I've caught a glimpse of it. It's there, just yards away, almost within my reach. And yet completely out of reach. How do I proceed? How do I make contact but not scare away this rare beast that I need to exist. (Yes I'm determined I need this sweater now and my life won't be complete without it. Below is a picture of it, although it's supposed to have a zipper.)

I figured if I thought about it too long, I'd make a horrible mess of it all - the ask. So I just went for it and below is the message I sent. Fingers crossed.

Hello stranger,
I just found that you have in your stash two glorious balls of Di.ve Cotone Egitto colorway 815. I have been looking for this colorway for some time and was wondering if it's part of your permanent stash or something you'd be interested in swapping/selling? My sad sorry, of my own doing of course, is that I have been working on a wonderful sweater that just won't make it on the amount of balls I have. My friends have named it the "doomed" sweater, and are in awe of my stubborness to not adjust it to 3/4 sleeves or use the yarn for something else. But the yarn and the pattern were made for each other and I know it'll be my favorite sweater once done. It's just a matter of finding the additional balls needed. I can ramble on, but rest assurred I've started seeing someone about my reoccuring problem of not buying enough yarn for projects, especially for discontinued yarn. And this is my problem, not yours, so no worries if you weren't planning on parting with the yarn. I'm convinced there are several extra balls out there somewhere for me. We'll be united eventually. Thanks for your time!
Sukeyknits

Moving on!

It's official. I just got done giving my notice at work, although I realize as I write this I still need to put it in writing for them to make it official and everything.



That last sentence was written 4 hours ago. Crazy how busy things can get. I had the normal friday lunch at work. Even smaller then normal as everyone is in and out this week with things. Last summer I started friday salads at work mainly as I was getting way too much lettuce from my food share. It's a great way to bring folks together - everyone just brings a minor something and in the end you have a rich and bountiful lunch. The other thing I'm a big advocate of is the wonderful game of Pounce. So this afternoon I took a bit longer lunch and taught some new interns lunch while playing with some veterns. And, of course, it doesn't hurt that I won 5 of the 6 games. I had to loose one, you know :) So nice and warm fuzzies which is why I think I'm not super excited about the new job.



It's a great opportunity and I'm pretty much at my last straw here. The compensation is in a whole other league (yay), the technical work is more challenging and cutting edge, and the scope of the projects I'll be working on a much larger scale (bigger environmental impact) and international. I get to do as much or little travel as I want. There's a bunch of projects over in the middle east as that area is booming like nothing else. Apparently the new place did/does work on the new Doha airport - visiting opportunities maybe! I can even live oversees for a period of time if I want to (several weeks to years). Not sure that I do, but nice to have the opportunity.



I got to meet some of the staff for the new job last night for drinks and I was disappointed. I think it's unfair as most of my good friends in Boston are through work. Work is like a second family which is very rare, so hard for a new firm to compete. To put a spin on it, I've been trying to be good at seperating work and social life, and this will allow it to be easier.



So I'm happy. The change will be really good and reinvigorate me. I don't really look forward to going into work much anymore which means it's time for a change. I'm just a little apprehensive but I think that's due to all the other things that's been going on around me. It seems like the proverbal rug has been pulled out quite a bit lately. Which just means some good times are around the corner. I'll miss the old place but look forward to all the wonderful opportunities of the new place. And as a reminder, I was a little apprehensive when starting here, so it's normal.

I've got news - for tomorrow

I'm trying to be good and do things in the right order, but am itching to tell people. If you know what I'm talking about then the news for tomorrow won't be that big.

(Crazy) Autumn Rush

I'm not referencing the movie - just the craziness of being back. I have to say that the trip to Madrid was amazing, but it's wonderful to come back and enjoy the warmth and comfort of friends and family (family only via phone at this point). I've been fairly busy - work of course, but more importantly on the social front. The week back I ended up getting drinks several nights to catch up with friends. I realized, since I was enjoying the customs of Spain/Portugal, that I ended up drinking for two weeks straight. Crazy considering I don't drink that much. However, it's the good drink - with friends and over good food and in moderation. I'm officially 5 days dry now. The day after I got back, I took off work since I didn't get in until close to midnight, but still managed my way into the city to have some drinks with some close girlfriends. It was great to catch up and share all the wonderful crazy times of the trip while still fresh.

So last week was a bit hazy, stradling the two worlds and juggling many changes. Saturday, I had plans to visit a friend/coworker who lives in NH. I tried to sleep in as much as I could. I had been planning on chilling the whole weekend to recover from the trip but had forgotten about the plans. I was glad to have them as this is the time to enjoy the outdoors. Which I discovered while trapped on I-93 heading north that everyone else thought the same. The traffic was so bad, worse then normal rush hour during the week. But the trees were so vibrant. I haven't seen this bright in years, which I hope is a good sign.

I met Dawn and we went to a highschool football game, well part of one. The main attraction was to see her little sister perform at half time in the band. She's one of the drummers on the left. I was impressed as they were a lot more choregraphed than what I remember my highschool band being. They played several pieces and had all these neat configurations. I don't know how you do it: Be able to play, then carry the instrument at the same time (I was a piano gal) and on top of all that remember all the choreographed steps.

After the performance we headed over to Robert Frost's farm. They had a festival going as the beautiful old tree, that one of his poems is written about, had finally fallen in a storm. They had live music and we got a tour from a guide who really loved her job. Her favorite phrase was, "Oh, and one more thing". She was just so happy to share the stories. I view Robert in a completely different light now. That and I feel closer as I sat in the one seat they can guarantee he sat in - the good old crapper (I kept my jeans on). I was getting a little hungry so got the most wonderful skewer. It was fresh scallops wrapped in bacon, grilled with real maple syrup poured over it. It was so marvelous - everything so fresh and good. I still have fond memories of that food. Well, then we headed off to a local orchid with a beautiful view. It was a day that makes you appreciate being in New England. Having lived in a few places in our fine country, I have to say New England rules - nothing compares. Kids giggling on hayrides and the smell of fresh apple cider while devouring hot out of the oil donuts that melt in your mouth. Glorious!

That evening I enjoyed more band performances. Over 20 schools performed on the football field and it was quite impressive. Some were small and good. Some were small and needed more practice. Some were big and good. And one was gigantic. Most schools had probably around 80 kids except for Londenery, they have some requirement and had 350 kids. They filled the whole football field. I guess the joke is that half the kids don't actually play the instruments but fake it, and yet you can't tell. I think the secret is in the size, after a certain size, it's harder to suck. I didn't quite make it through all of it as I was really getting tired and still had to drive home. Speaking of which, on my way home, I'm in the far left lane, when I realize there's an ambulance two vehicles back, so I switch lanes and keep an eye on things. It's strange because there's this SUV in front of the ambulance who isn't moving over, and then suddenly does and nearly clips me. I think she was honestly an inch away from hitting me. She must have suddenly realized and just instictively swerved not realizing I was in the way. Needless to say, I was more then wide awake the rest of hte way home.

Sunday I had the benefit of being able to hang out with some close friends while they went through a horrible medical tragedy. I was really happy I could be there for them and do something. These things are always so horrible and you hate it when it happens to such good people. It's of course made me reevaluate the crazy little stuff I focus on instead of hte big important stuff. It was a long day, and I couldn't work on my knitting project as it was a gift for their baby due in Friday - still trying to keep it a surprise. Luckily though I had a tangled ball of yarn that she had given me. I had started detangling the ball before my trip but this one is a doozy. Finger weight, cream and super tangled. On the ride home I had to rush, but I got it done, at least one thing accomplished that day.

Wonderful weekend, but not much catch up on sleep, chores, unpacking, etc. And then Monday. I had put in place a practical joke before I left for vacation. I hand selected about a third of the staff and sent them "the memo". You know how sometimes you and someone show up in similar outfits and someone else says they didn't get the memo about the new dress code or whatever. Well, since we have staff meeting Monday mornings, I thought it'd be a hoot if a bunch of us showed up in similar outfits. We finally agreed on a red top/black bottom combo. I was giddy with excitement. And, long story short, it completely bombed - noone noticed. The following is an excerpt of the email I sent staff afterwards:

I would just like to thank all those who participated in the practical joke today – both the ones who got it and the ones who didn’t and the ones who accidently participated. For those of you who are still unclear on the joke, here it is. Today at the staff meeting, if you looked around at your fellow colleagues you would have noticed that every third person was wearing something similar – red top/black pants. And yet, other than those actually in on the joke, I don’t think anyone noticed. Which leads us to a larger question at hand:

1. Is 10 am in the morning still a little too early and was not enough coffee ingested yet?

2. Are we made up of a group that are so focused on brilliant things like the big picture, we miss the little details?

3. Is Monday just not a day for practical jokes? Would people have noticed sooner on, say a Friday?

4. Is it possible that the there is a large population of color blind people in the environmental sector?

5. Why is it people will notice two people with similar outfits, but not 5 people? Is there some inverse relationship going on?



All good questions that I would like you to ponder as I hatch my next brilliant practical joke. Attached is a picture of those involved, plus Aaron who accidently wore red (and can I point out there was a high percentage of black pants today). Thanks to everyone again for being good sports.

And finally, since I have one more picture, I'll make this post really long. I've been enjoying lunch in the park a bunch since I've been back. Perfect weather for it - crisp fall with the sound of rustling leaves, clear skies, bright colors and eveyone out and about. Yesterday, three of us escaped work and made it to the beautiful Boston Gardens (just west of hte Common). And today, Noah (old coworker) and I hung out and I debriefed him on what to see in Madrid when he visits next month. I tried so hard to find a hiding place for a little gift I had for him, but you try finding a place in public to hide something that will survive the elements, maitenance staff and the general public. I failed. I feel bad. But it was a good idea.

Madrid pics

Just seeing how to fix the errors I made earlier, more to come.

We flew back into Madrid Tuesday and we met up with Encar on her lunch break (around 2 pm - crazy spanish schedule) who showed us our new digs.

Arturo's brother Enrique was very generous and gave us his bedroom, opting to sleep in the living room. Which is crazy considering we were there for 6 nights. Wicked generous. It was a great location and the apartment was composed of four 20 somethinger bachelors. Check out the animal print, guitar and bike wheels. The view out the room into the back was really neat - seeing all the life that is hidden away in the city blocks. We were only the third floor, but I think that's really the fourth floor and the floors are really tall, so we had some nice views. That afternoon we wandered around some, and made our way to some modern sculpture tucked away under a highway over pass. On our way there, I snagged this sweet picture.

This isn't my favorite sculpture from the park but it's my favorite picture. I was taking some pictures of myself and this guy (you know with the outstreched arm) and one fellow who was hurrying pass on his way home asked if I wanted a photo. I was a little embarrased and said no, no worries, but he insisted, so here's me and my new buddy.While I'm thinking of it, the weather was absolutely amazing the entire time - no rain or overcast days at all, which I was worried about. I'm glad I pulled my rain jacket and umbrella out at the end. You couldn't ask for nicer weather - not too hot and it cooled down nicely in the evening.

I'm Back!! Porto Pics

I still feel like I'm in limbo - between two worlds. Traveling always does that to me, where I get fully emersed and my normal life seems like a book I read or a movie I saw. But then I return to it and it seems strangely familiar yet still foreign. When we were stuck in Atlanta for a layover it was really strange interacting with people as they all spoke American, although it was still somewhat difficult to understand them sometimes with the accent.

I don't know where to begin. The trip was amazing and I had a wonderful time, which sounds so boring which the trip was anything but. It was a roller coaster of craziness so I will just post some pictures for now. Unfortunately I don't have them all yet as we ended up taking turns having dead cameras so still need to swap digital photos. And of course, it turns out I have a prediliction to take blurry photos, even with point and shoot cameras. But here is a little taste from my collection:

We missed our flight to Porto so stayed the first night in Madrid and our hotel was located near Don Quixote's statue which welcomed us to the country - quitessential Spain.

We met up with Arturo and Encar - the couple who were getting married the following weekend. We went to this really hip restaurant in the gay neighborhood of Madrid. The decor was very modern (as evidence by the birches)
Afterwards they gave us a tour of the city in their convertible - it was crazy cool. This is the place that they had their reception - very very fancy and hard to get into - private gentleman's club. And I realize we never made it out onto the balcony which would have been nice.
We finally made it to Porto the next day and so began my self-taking photo shoots which drove Dave a little crazy. This was us on the subway on our way into the city of Porto. I think it was then that it finally sunk in that I was abroad. Up until then it was just crazy travel, rushing around trying to get places and see people.

We wandered around the city - quite lovely and very european. We took it easy at first, chilling at cafes and enjoying the food and drinks.

We found one place where it wasn't touristy even though it was on the strip and we could watch the traffic go by. It was the "man" place - all these rough older local men hanging out. This was the only place where we had a darker beer which was quite good. And the wonderful cured ham sandwhiches - my favorite. In the end, even though I don't drink, I had a drink every day of the trip - they drink lite beer like water.

The next day we made our way outside of the old town center and got to see Rem Koolhaas's Music Hall in the outskirts of town and the contemporary art museum. I'm not a huge Rem fan but this was quite impressive. Very angular.

And inside, there were all these interesting, unique rooms. By this point, like all travel, we were a bit on the rocks and trying to figure out how to coexist together. Needless to say the whole relationship idea died before it even began. In the end it all worked out, but this definately added some craziness to the trip.

The next day we rented some scooters. I had never driven anything like this before so it took me a little while to get the hang of having the gas and brake in the handles. In the end, Dave taught me how to use the brake and gas together to accelerate smoothly which made a world of difference. I was still sore the next day though.

With the scooter's we were able to make it out to the coast and spend the day at the beach chilling. It was a little cold and windy and I got a bit of sun. Since I've gotten back everyone has been telling me how tan I look - something I never hear.Near by was an old fort that we could only walk around. I knocked, but noone answered.Out behind the fort were tons of rocks to climb around until you realized this was the local pee hole. THere were probably a handful of guys taking a leak. Really funny, but not somewhere you want to climb around anymore.By the end of hte day we made it up to the top of the town and had some wonderful views at sunset. It was a really beautiful city, and not too overrun by tourists (although alot of the tourists seemed german).

We had a wonderful meal up at one of the Port cellars, a great way to cap our trip in Portugal before we headed back to Madrid the next day.

Later, Madrid where it gets even more crazy, but less pictures.

One more day!

The list of things to do is dwindling, still long, but at least starting to shrink. After a short hiatus, I'm wearing the shoes that I'm bringing that give me blisters. I think it worked! (said in a loud whisper). I'm not totally convinced but I think my feet are ready to take on the shoes. We'll see.



Last night I got home late from a meeting, and woke up early this morning - only 6.5 hours of sleep (not good). Also, I was going to pack last night and that didn't work out. So it all comes down to today. Must get everything done. I'm at the point where I'm trying to figure out what's important and what can just wait.



The hotel is booked in Porto so we have a nice end destination we can just collapse into when we finally are done with traveling (I realized it's 24 hours of traveling - time zones are included in there, so maybe not literally 24 hours). I've been keeping an eye on the weather it's at least 80% rain every day so far (if not more).



Change in news, I checked the weather less then 12 hours later and we're now down to 5% chance of rain for most of days and mid-70s. That's pretty nice, so think that's the forecast I'm going to go with. Well, this is the last post for awhile as I finally hunker down and just crank away. I can't wait to leave dodge for a bit - take care.

Yikes!

Be forewarned that this is a bit of a rant.



I feel just a tad bit overwhelmed right now. I'm running out of time on all fronts. I leave in 2 days (yea!) but am pretty much booked between now and then. So there goes my wonderful plan of being very well rested to deal with our red eye and crazy connections that we'll be facing over two days of traveling. I can't wait until I'm finally at our gate, made it through security and can just breath.



I had packed a week ago, but then unpacked as I realized the clothes would get wrinkly and not be super fresh all cooped up in the suitcase. So need to repack and hopefully not miss anything. I have a few things I need to return so I can get full credit (not store credit) back - I got a little excited about the trip and wanting to find just the right shoes and bags and everything. Need to reign things back in.



And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Things on the work front are c-r-a-z-y in a completly different way. Can't say much, but let's just say I was starting to explore different options and all of a sudden I find myself being courted left and right. It's both wonderful and overwhelming at the same time. I just need to step back and take a break from things for a little while instead of being pulled like a rag doll back and forth. Maybe leave the country. Amazing how the timing of things all work out.



Knitting is going no where fast. I'm in a stalemate with one huge project which is time sensitve. This has created a domino effect in that I feel like I shouldn't be working on other projects until I wrap this one up, but also have other time sensitve baby sweaters. There's just too many babies. Last night I was trying to figure it all out and finally just gave up and decided to go back to the good old tried and true Pea Pod baby sweater. I'm working on #4, #5, and #6 right now (not qutie #6, but the yarn is getting packed). The one thing that is nice about this pattern, besides how it looks and the fact it works for both boy and girls and isn't too fussy, is that the sizes are great. They offer up 3 months and 9 months, which if you're knitting for babies, having just 6, 12, 18 months doesn't always cut it.



But on the up side, I've downloaded my podcasts and music mixes for my MP3 player. I've prepped my camera. I've bought all the last minute things like batteries and gum and reading books. I've arranged a cat sitter who seems like a much better fit then the last one. I've cleaned most of the house (although, yesterday, after cleaning the previous day, I come home to cat throw up on the rug in my bedroom - it never ends). So if I can just survive the next two days, I'm golden.

Trip Preparation - the good and the bad

I'm planning on using the ATM card while traveling as my source of cash. But that means I really don't want too much extra in the account just in case. So this afternoon I figured I'd just quickly move the extra into my money market account (that's nicely insured considering all that's going down recently). Well, I don't have the link set up apparently. And it'll take about 5 business days or so. Which means it would be tight. And I want to cross this off the long list of things left to do before I leave. Normally, I'd be stuck. But guess what, this isn't the "bad" referred to in the title. I came up with the brilliant idea of another way to dispose of the cash.



I, like many, have some student loans from my most recent escapades in higher education. I consolidated my loans right when the rates were at an all time low and locked in a marvelous 2.625% interest rate - sweet right? Even with today's economy, that's still pretty good. Except there was one small loan I couldn't. It was through the university directly and not the federal government. I just checked and the rate was 5% - yikes. And paying $50 a month really wasn't doing much. So I just paid it all off. It was about the amount I wanted to transfer anyways, so seemed like it was meant to be. And I feel a big relief. I hadn't realized that this had been weighing me down, but I had been meaning to take stock of my student loans and figure out the best course of action now that I was back in the black after the whole house fiasco. It's paid and done and I'm that much freer.



Granted I still have the big student loan left. But good news is that since I hadn't checked for quite awhile, the remaining amount was 10 grand less then what I had in my head. Still not chump change and will take awhile to pay off, but not as bad as I had remembered. I hate debt. I like to live within my means, and with a nice rainy day buffer. It makes me nervous when people use their credit cards like they do. It just doesn't make any financial sense, and there's no reason most of the times. Just wait until you have the money. But now I'm starting to rant.



So that was the "good" that came out of the whole trip preparations. The "bad" is that I came up with another marvelously brilliant idea. Since I had nailed down what I was bringing - outfits and everything, that I would just wear the shoes I was bringing all this week and next. Well, I'm on Friday and my feet really, really hurt. The fabulous heels are giving me a killer blister. Just one, on the heel, but it's so raw. I now walk with a slight limp regardless of the shoe and bandaids applied. Yet, I still have hope. It's a good plan, just need to wear the feet down (no pun intended). Luckily, I shouldn't really be wearing the heels too much over there.



Only an hour left of work and then I'm picking up a little gag gift for a friend. He is going to be in Madrid about a month after I'm there. I'm going to hide the gift with a note somewhere and then send him a postcard with clues on finding it (kind of like letter boxing if you're familiar with that). He's really excited, so now the pressure is on to make it good. But what do you leave for a month in a public place that someone might find and is potentially exposed to the elements? I need to get it today so this weekend I can package it all up so that it's waterproof and everything.



This weekend I'm trying to balance rest with chores. I need to wrap up the trip plans and clean the house as I have a friend staying over Monday, but will also go apple picking with some friends. Should be a good balance. Next week is fairly busy and then I'm outta here on Thursday - less than a week!

Porto!!!

Last night I was up until 1 AM packing. Now if you know me, I'm usually in bed by 10 kind of girl. I like me my 8+ hours of sleep each night. However, this weekend, I basically just slept tons, which meant by Sunday evening I was very well rested (maybe, you could say a bit too well rested), especially if you consider I took Friday off from work. So after a nice 2 hour conversation Sunday night with my traveling partner figuring out more details, I just went crazy and packed everything. We're trying to travel without checking bags. We have some crazy transfers (ie. short) and the airports are cracking down on bag dimensions. And I just wasn't sure. The thing that's killing me is the heals for the wedding. But I don't think I can let them go. I have to have them to make the dress dressy. So I made final decisions, realized it's a country where, worse come to worse, I can always buy things. Good news, everything fits, with room to spare. Don't quite have everything packed, but anything that isn't is on a list. I think I'm good to go. With 10 days to spare. Can you tell I'm excited to skip town?



We nailed down where we're going to travel. Basically, since it's a short trip, we're splitting our time between Madrid and Porto which is a short flight to Portugal, and yet in a different time zone, so exciting. I've been trying to learn spanish, but that's gone by the wayside.

And forget Portuguese. I'll just bring language books and learn on the spot when needed.

I have tons more I want to share, I'm just giddy with excitement, but really want to leave work right now. I'm finding it's more and more draining and really not healthy. Case in point this weekend. I spent three days resting up and rejuvinating from being drained at work. Fully rested this morning I found an hour into our staff meeting I was tired again. Originally I thought it was my iron levels, but it seems like it's environmental. Things need to change, but I'm working on that (she said cryptically).

The good news is that I had thought if it was iron it would effect my trip, but if it's situational, I'll be good to go. And from the conversations, I'm all Pollyanna. It's going to be wonderful!

Timesheets

This morning I came in and was frustrated to find that all the blogs I check of friends had no new postings. And then I realized, who am I to complain - I never have postings. I was trying to put off for a few minutes the inevitable timesheets. It got me thinking. I work in the building profession - always have, even though I've changed careers and jumped back into school a couple of times. The problem is that you're a consultant and have to account for your time. And unlike some consultants, I generally work on multiple projects. Especially now. The benefit of my job now is that I just jump in during the parts of the project that have to do with sustainability. I don't have to deal with all the rest of the regular mumbo jumbo. But this means that I work on many many projects. Over the last several years I've moved up (in job description if not in title) so that I now manage multiple people managing multiple projects. My point is, that if I fall off the wagon, which I always do, trying to fill out my timesheets is a bear. I hate it. I just finished. It has been three years since I became an environmental consultant which is about my maximum stay and then I move onto another career. I'm not saying that I'm switching careers, but having just dealt with the bloody timesheets again, I thinking of all the jobs I might want that have no timesheets whatsoever associated with them. I wonder, will I ever have a point in my life where timesheets don't exist? (besides retirement of course). Well, the best way to escape timesheets is vacation - only three more weeks until Madrid and the exclusion of all timesheets.

Spain!!!

Today has been hard as I didn't get a lot of sleep last night which always throws me more then most people. I had a big meeting this morning with a bunch of big-wigs in suits which is draining, fun, but draining. It's Friday and I've been suffering from a mild case of burn-out at work. So coming back to the office later this morning, and being tired, I was all for winding down for a relaxing weekend. And then.... I bought tickets to go to Madrid for a week and a half. Crazy!



This afternoon, I've been checking out where to travel and get the good deals. I think perhaps Portugal might be part of the visit. I'm all excited and giddy. I think half the fun of trips is the planning and figuring out where to go.

It's a last minute thing. A friend is going to a wedding in Madrid at the end of next month. I happened to mention I've had the itch to travel recently (it's been over a year and a half since I've last left the country). The friend wanted company traveling. I wanted to travel. I was hoping to do something last minute like this last year with another friend. It seemed like it all fell into place. So I did it. Not really part of the financial tract I had budgeted for myself. But these opportunities don't come around often. Hopefully we'll be able to stay with friends to help defray some of the costs. But regardless, I love traveling to a place where you know the people who live there. You get to really visit the place. Not as a tourist but as someone who lives there.



So, in exactly four weeks from yesterday, I'm going to be on a red-eye heading to Madrid. The tickets are bought and I'm locked in. I feel all cosmopolitan - getting to just up and leave town. I'm really excited. I didn't realize how much I needed something like this. Don't get me wrong, I've really enjoyed my summer, hanging out with family and friends. But sometimes you just need to get out, get away from it all for awhile. Plus the person I'm traveling with, although similar in some ways, is very different then me. And although we've technically known each other for over a year (we have a mutual friend that goes back 10+ years), we've only started to hang out recently. It should yield to some interesting travel. Best case scenario, it's amazing. Worst case, it's horrible, which frankly makes some of the best tales to tell over a glass of wine with friends (Dublin is an example, although not miserable, some good tales in how it wasn't such a great trip from the college days).



In my search for what we could possible do when we're not in Madrid, I've been finding it's actually cheaper to stay up in the glacier mountains of Portugal then on the beach towns. The downside is that you need a car to get there which can be pricy. The upside, driving in another country is always super fun (I wish I got a chance to drive when I was in India. I was just itching to join in with folks who were more intune with my preferences for driving then back here in the states, so rule abiding. I have a hard time with stop signs and speed limits. They're not always properly allocated.) Frankly I'm up for anywhere. We've been kicking around Portugal, northern Morrocco, some islands in the Mediterranian, southern France, maybe even Cairo - although I think that's too far, and that's all within the last day. I think it'll be Portugal in the end. But you never know.

Knitting Styles

I don't know about you, but I'm a proud knitter. The only places I feel reserved about my knitting are in meetings with clients and on first dates (sometimes second and third dates too, depends on the boy). Otherwise, I'll pull out the knitting. I knit on the bus, on the subway, outside waiting for someone, inside waiting for someone, in staff meetings, anytime I have time to kill. I generally always carry knitting with me. You never know when the elevator will break down and you'll get trapped (which makes me think I should start carrying around some food too, just in case, maybe some water as well).



Now, I know I'm not that unusual. Knitting in public has become a lot more acceptable these days. I come across someone else knitting out in public about once a month. It helps that I use public transportation so am exposed to alot more knitters. Well, yesterday, my bus arrives, I board and sit down behind this lady who is knitting two socks at the same time, toe up. It was interesting to watch as this is something I've been wanting to try, using the magic loop approach. She made it look quite simple. I pull out my knitting, something basic that I've got completely memorzied and am even starting to get bored with. Well, I start to knit, while watching the woman in front of me knit.



Long story short, this doesn't really work well for me. The whole time, I don't think the lady knew there was someone knitting behind her. My problem was that she knit at a completely different pace which threw my plodding knitting style off kilter. What I realized is that I really do have a slow knitting style. I know I do. But I'm most often aware of my actual knitting when I'm teaching it to friends who are learning, and are much much slower. They're beginners after all. Thinking of my more experience knitting friends, they use a similar style. You see, I use my right hand to knit. This person (and others), use their right finger. Sometimes the pointer. This lady was using her middle finger to move the yarn. I've tried doing this before, but it's really hard to break old habits and I never really got the hang of it.



Which leaves me with the question? Should I spend more time and really commit to learning the more professional, efficient style of knitting? Or I'm just find with the style I'm using now? I'm more a process knitter than a product knitter. But it'd be great to whip things out faster. More knitting can be done. And sometimes, if I knit for really long stretches, my hand cramps up (although usually my left), would this help? I don't know, will have to sleep on it.

Ebay and Yarn

I have to preface this post that I've been unundated with friends having babies this year (or will be). I just made the list and well, it's daunting, especially as I want to knit something for all of them. And when I say knit, I don't necessarily mean everyone is getting a sweater (the Pea Pod pattern is my fall back). But still, it's a lot to do. The list is interesting as everyone seems to have their own month (I'm not 100% sure on some of the dates, so am keeping it vague):

• February: Olive (Matt and Kirsten)
• May: Duncan (Emilia and Fred)
• June: Stella (John and Kara)
• July: Manny (Sam and Rebecca)
• August: Olea (Jake and Kate)
• October: TBD (Kevin and Susanna)
• December: Hulk (Cece and Aaron)

In case you're counting, that's seven! babies. Crazy!! I'm happy for everyone, but it's been quite a year (or I guess last year was quite the year if you know what I mean).



So that being said, looking at my yarn stash, I started to get a little worried. I've realized I really shouldn't be knitting with 100% wool as most parents I can imagine don't want garments that need to be hand washed. Well, long story short, I've turned to ebay. I've not had success in the past of finding good deals on line there. You do initially, but then the market place brings the price up to the going rates - no deals to be had once shippng factors in. Well, this time, I'm looking at cotton/cotton blends which aren't quite as popular. And success! I just successfully purchased the following. On a sad note I lost out on some really nice blue yarn, but no worries. Blue is so over rated. Initially, I was attracted to the green cone yarn, but then from the same seller, I found the other yarn two bags of yarn. Below are about 24.5 balls of Brown Sheep Cotton Fine yarn in a beautiful Salmon Red, Oriental Jade and Lime Green. The nice thing is I previewed the colors at my local store and they're all good.



And the nice thing is she combined shipping so the total came to, drumroll please, $35.77. That works out to $1.46 a ball (in the store they go for $4.50). Pretty good deal. I'm excited. It's my first yarn purchase on ebay. I have several patterns in mind to get started on once it arrives. The yarn is sport weight I think, which means for some patterns I'll double the yarn. But it looks like it will all work out. Which is good as I have seven babies to knit for and I have only 1/4 of a project done. (Not a 1/4 of all the projects. No, I only have just started one. I might be doomed). So wish me well as I knit and knit and knit. The only consolidating thing I have are that babies are small and their garmets are therefore small as well. The trick will be if I can make 7 garmets out of the yarn above. Fingers crossed, and I'll report later (perhaps).

Pounce Smackdown

Because I'm such a "fungi", I sometimes organize fun events at lunch for work. Today we just finished our first Pounce Smackdown that resulted when people kept inquiring about a game some of us play here. I figured it would be easier to teach en masse. I realized that since I taught the game to some of my loyal readers, they might enjoy recap I just sent out. Plus it lets me remember the event. Enjoy!



Added later: I've been getting responses from the recap, but one in particular I wanted to share. Someone said that they were really happy they got to work with me. How sweet!




The first GRT Pounce Smackdown proved very eventful! Returning to the arena were two veterans, Suzanne and Dawn. (On a side note, Dawn is the GRTer who brought the wonderful game east). They were joined by five up and coming pouncers: Siobhan, Chris, Susan, Aaron and Annie. The new comers took to the game like fish in water and were up and running by the end of the first trial game. After breaking for a bountiful salad, the group of seven rejoined with Paul looking on and providing distracting questions to all during the various rounds.



Chris started strong, proving young blood (and coming from the generation of computer games) an advantage. He called pounce on the first two games but had the first one stolen by veteran Suzanne – showing that experience sometimes (but not always) trumps youth. It was suggested that pounce become one means of interviewing potential interns to test their ability at multi-tasking and being able to bear stressful events. The various game playing personalities began to emerge as people warmed to the game. All picked up the game really quickly. Swearing was kept to a minimum. Only three level two words were noted. Although at a heated point in one of the rounds, Aaron did lose his chair from underneath him. The pounce regulatory committee is looking into the matter. They will be ruling on the inclusion or ban of wheelie chairs for future games. It was noted that certain individuals resembled the unique playing style of retired veteran pounce player, Noah. His unique thud will live eternally in pounce history.



With seven players, the games were quick paced and many piles were in play. Most often there were over a dozen piles on the table at a time. It was noted in the later games that not all piles were being cleared in a timely manner. At this time, this matter is being investigated by the pounce disciplinary committee. They will be reviewing tapes to identify the individual or individuals that were negligent in the matter and action will be taken accordingly.



By the third game, Siobhan, Annie and Susan had warmed up (although their heart beats were still above average), but they were no match for veteran Dawn. She went on to call pounce and win the third and fourth rounds. The fourth round proved to be a record breaking round for a table of seven ending in under two minutes*. Dawn pealed through her pounce pile, playing a total of 13 cards in a flurry of motion and catching all off guard, resulting in many with negative scores.



All in all, a great first game of the GRT Pounce Smackdown. It was noted that several GRTers were absent from the rounds but want to participate in future games. It is anticipated that the numbers will grow with the potential of an additional five or so individuals joining the ranks of the pouncers. The pounce organizing committee is meeting about expanding the quantity of decks and seating arrangements available as the current resources have been stretched to the limit. They are looking into arrangements for the potential of an unprecedented, record breaking 12 person pounce game!



Practice sessions will be occurring throughout the next several weeks at lunch and all are welcome to join. The communal cards are stored in the black storage cabinet by the copy machine. If you just learned the game, feel free to teach it to those who don’t know it. If you don’t know the game yet but are interested in playing, please feel free to join any game.



Thanks to all who participated, watched and supported the game with clean-up (especially whoever cleaned up my plate :). Please forward this message to interns who were not in recipient of this email. Until next time!

Happy Birthday to me.... kind of

So today is my half birthday. I know I'm in the age range where one doesn't generally celebrate such events and usually want to do the opposite and start skipping birthday's in an attempt to slow down time. But today I got a present.... kind of. I was in a car accident awhile back, Sunday 7/20 (that's not the present, I'm getting to it). Yet again my car was the only one damaged. (The first time was back in 1999 in SF - 6 car pile up. Barely a scratch on the other cars and mine looked like an accordian). And may I state for the record, I was not at fault, either time.

Well, this time I thought it might be the end for my little buddy. My little ol' red saturn has been with me for over 11 years, and I've known it for 14 years, since it's inception. The cost to fix it was potentially more then the car was worth which insurance companies don't like. Luckily, it all worked out and after a bit of delay, I was finally able to pick the car up this morning, on my half birthday (that was my present).

I don't know what I was expecting. Perhaps the trunk would still be leaky. Maybe they might have put the interior trunk lights back in this time, so you can see in the trunk when it's dark. I think I got the first. I didn't get the second. And I got something completely unexpected. Now, unfortunately I don't have any pictures so had to search the internet. Below is a picture of a car very similar to mine, before any body work.

One of the best parts of the car, the reason I was wanting to hold on to it (besides the gas milage - a wonderful mid-30s), was the bumbers. They just don't make them like that anymore. Good old rubber (maybe with a little plastic) bumpers. In my opinion bumpers are meant for bumping - hence the name. We all learned this at a young age at the local amusement park playing with bumper cars before we even had our liscences. Now a days, the car's look great, but not very functional. You graze another vehicle and you have damage that costs an arm (if not a leg) to bring back to pristine condition. My car, same grazing and nothing to show for it - it's rubber. It doesn't really scratch, not for the little day to day events.

So the surprise I had today upon being reunited this morning. I have to say it sill hasn't quite sunk in. But the bumper, the wonderful bumper... Well it's still rubber (with a little plastic), but it's not black anymore. It's grey. I'm not even sure it's dark grey. So my front looks like the picture above, and the back, well, it's grey. I'm thinking this is how they might have been able to work out not totaling the car. But still, it's grey. It doesn't really match. I mean the interior is grey so it matches that. But you can't see the interior when the car drives by. It looks like I have mismatched socks on. Needless to say, I'll never confuse which car is mine. You could say it looks quirky now. And really, the color doesn't effect the performance. But it's grey.

And the clincher. I was searching the internet for images to show the grey bumper on another version of the car (like a grey or teal version), and nothing. All the 1994 Saturn's were made with black bumpers from what I can tell in two minutes of searching. So I don't even know where they got the bumper. I guess it was special ordered. For me. On my half birthday.

Weekend Results

This weekend was a nice break from the normal grind of the summer social life. I ended up doing chores, cleaning, getting my hair cut (just a little), and knitting. Unfortunately, I can't stop knitting on the doomed cotton cardigan. I just know I'll run out of yarn, although I still keep tinkering on exactly how much. The latest conclusion is that it will be close and I'll only need less than one extra ball - which is frankly too frustrating to contemplate (that had I only plunked down another $2.50 or whatever it was, I'd have a finished sweater and no grey hairs). I now carry the yarn label in my small wallet, just in case I happen into a yarn store and can search in the back. Did I mention this is a discontinued yarn from years ago and no longer exists anywhere - not even on Ravelry(in my color).





However, this meant that I did very little in regards to my targets. I just kept knitting that sleeve, and in my normal way to achieve calmness in chaos, I organized. This time it was the yarn. You see I have all this yarn and all these patterns and have been having trouble matching them up - partly because I forget what is in my stash that I have enough of to make a sweater. So this weekend, I reorganized and cataloged only the sweater quantity of the stash. Counting yarn for making tank tops, I have enough I believe for 42 sweaters! At a minimum (I have cones which I swear just never run out - 2, 3, 10 sweaters and there still will be yarn).





So the next step is to sort the yarn by gauge and sort the patterns by gauge and see who gets matched up with whom. On the plus side I did actually touch the target projects, moving them to a brand new basket for UFOs that fit into my yarn storage. Baby steps, baby.



I have to add, that like Emily, I really have to "feel" that the yarn and pattern are meant to be. I've been known to rip out a sweater because they don't match up well.

Knitting Targets

I know it's only Thursday, but the weekend will be here in no time. I actually have very little planned. I'm trying out a new salon (or is it saloon, I think the first) on Saturday. I've scheduled a much needed hair cut after my yoga workout in the morning (there by ensuring I don't skip out in going on Saturday). I might even indulge myself in my annual pedicure. I hadn't gotten one yet this summer because of all the horrible health and environmental news I've been reading around the asian places. This place seems like they provide better services for both the customers and workers.

So, I am writing it here and hopefully delivering next week. I will work on the unfinished projects I keep taking out of the knitting basket and putting back untouched. At this time, this includes (sorry, names are made up at this time):

• Children's roll-neck sweater - seaming



• Moss stitch grape cardigan - seaming, collar?



• Drops plum cardigan - rip back and increase arm hole size

I was going to list more, but these are the big three that are so close to being finished - or else I can't wait until they are finished. Now my whole motivation for finishing these this weekend is that I just got the preview pictures of the upcoming Interweaves magazine. Usually I like the patterns alright but love that Ravelry exists now, there by providing me exposure to much better patterns. However, check out the Pea Coat they have:

The detailed picture makes me love the pattern even more. Now, I need to just see if I can find some yarn in the stash that will match the pattern.

Zen and Blind People

Summers are always so crazy I find and can't quite identify why. I guess people are more out and about so there are more social events. Anyways, I've been trying to keep work overload at bay and stay balanced there. I think I still am, but am teetering. Must be strong.



This last weekend, I participated in an intensive weekend long bootcamp with my yoga center. It was really good, but crazy. Less about physcially working out and more about finding your true-self and working through the behaviors, emotions, preconceptions and thoughts that we layer on everything. On my way to the second all day session on Sunday, I got rear-ended. No one hurt except for my little old plastic Saturn. I was good and didn't really think about it until I had to later in the day. Just put it away to address later. Of course later is now and I'm dealing with the possibility that the damage done exceeds the value of the car and that the folks who hit me would rather not go through the insurance company. No decisions made yet until I get hte final price quote - their ripping her open today to see the full extent of the damage. So now, I am feeling the pangs of being carless. On a technical note, in MA, I'm allowed a rental car, but frankly, I don't really need a car, I just like the idea of knowing that there is one there in case I need it.



Speaking of needing a car, take last night. I finally wrap things up at work - busy day, and I don't leave until 7 pm (however, I came in late since I was dealing with car stuff). Which means I don't get home until about 8 pm. Which means that I won't be picking up my food share of vegetables by 7 pm. I put the call in and there is no problem (it's at someones house, so hate to disturb them). I get home, and realize, I can't hop into the car. I finally am forced to bike to get the veggies. However, this summer, I haven't been as good and there's one reason or another that I've had to drive the past several weeks to pick up the produce. This time, there's no way around it unless I just forgo the pick up - which I did consider as I had barely touched the veggies from last week - they're running me over.



So I change, run downstairs to the basement and grab the bike. But I need to pump up the tires from half a year of not riding the thing. And then find the bike lamp I got for Christmas as by now it's almost dark. And then the stupid kick stand wouldn't go up and I couldn't remember the trick. I kick and kick and nothing. So end up taking it off by unscrewing parts - who really needs a kickstand anyways. I find out hte bike lamp has dead batteries and all my chargable batteries are uncharged so scrounge for 4 AAs. I finally get outside and am on the road when I realize that night has come, the temperatures have dropped and with the breeze I'm actually quite cold in a t-shirt. And of course it's started raining. And it's way after 8 now when I said I would pick up the veggies. That's when I just let it all go. It's amazing how those little things out of your control can spiral and cause me way more frustration then they should. It's all because I forgot I didn't have the car access anymore and hadn't planned on biking. The great part of the whole story was that the bike ride was a breeze (well almost) which was amazing as it's usually a chore going up the hills. The yoga really pays off - I must have some muscle and endurance built up. Not that you can actually see any.



So I found my zen. I keep trying to reconnect to that when I find I'm feeling overwhelmed. My biggest obsticle is time - it turns a normal situation into a stressful situation and really shouldn't. Speaking of which, I keep seeing the budhist monks walking down my street every now and then. It turns out there is a little temple (or what not) one block over. So that explains that. Now the only other thing that I've finally noticed is that there seems to be a lot of blind people around too. I would have to say that I've seen at least 10 different folks over the past year - both with the canes and the dogs. I've always noticed them but thought nothing of it and it hit me today when I saw two blind people on my bus today (who didn't know each other I dont' think) and realized the density numbers are a bit high. So that's a mystery.

It all works out

I've been enjoying the freedom and liberation summer time brings with it (especially when it's not too opressively hot and humid). There's something about the pleasent breezes and the longer days that gives one the feeling of something different. (Don't get me wrong though, all this waxing prophetic about summer time does not change the fact that I'm a winter baby through in and through - nothing beats a really good winter).



That being said, two general things to report. First, today I was itching to do something social this week, but most of my nights are already booked with prior commitments, which just left tonight, and there was nothing come to mind (I realize I"m not hte planner - it's my friends that come up with the great ideas for jaunts). All of a suddent, I get a call this afternoon from Nima - old highschool friend, and long story short, four of us from P-town are getting together for dinner tonight. Sara is in town from DC and Maggie is coming up from RI. I'm excited - it's just what I wanted to do, but didn't know how to plan. FUnny how it all falls into place.



The second thing to report is a wonderful little website, Postsecret. People mail in postcards they've created with their own secrets. Some are really serious others are funny. I felt an affinity towards this one:

There was a comment that "I'm the kind of person who can't separate a bunch of bananas in the store because they'll miss each other. I have to buy the whole bunch, or none at all." I've done that before - tomatoes, bananas, they've had a long trip together, it just seems wrong.

In general news on adventures, I've been trying to keep a balance of summer fun and summer down time. I had a great time visiting with friends over the 4th of July weekend (reminder that parents can be kooky, not just your own). I made it up to Ipswich and kayaked on a private estuary. Noah, an ex-colleague was housesitting a marvelous house in a wonderful setting that you don't come across often - overlooking beautiful park land of wetlands. Unfortunately, I woke up the next morning and found a tick in the bed with me (not on me and no sign of bites, but we did spend the night together I think).

This weekend I'm doing a Yoga retreat workshop both days which I'm looking forward. Specifically in getting more grounded on where and what I want to be. In preparation I'm doing some unusual exercises, but think that I might have some awesome abs by the end of it all. Maybe not a 6-pack but perhaps a 2-pack. One can hope. It sure feels like I should.

The food share this year has been good, although it seems like the novalty has worn off or else we're getting less variety. I'm starting to have to get creative with how I eat some of the food. My latest brilliant idea after I realized I just couldn't eay any more swiss chard, was the creation of panini sandwiches for lunch. Basically just a glorified grilled chees sandwich with some precooked chard and koharbi and other goodies. Heated up in the microwave at work it's not half bad (the trick is really good rustic bread and good irish shannon cheese). The downside is that I have yet to bike to the pick up due to one issue (read excuse here) or another. I'm hoping tomorrow I might actually be able to bike (although now that I've written this, it's not likely).

Oh, also, I almost forgot, Netflix has been great at discovering tv shows I never knew existed (downside is that they're sometimes just one season -but that's just like a movie then). As somethign light and quirky, my latest find is Wonderfalls. I just signed up for Mad Men but Netflix has the first DVD listed as a "very long wait" so even though everyone raves, I might have to put that on hold for now. All in all not a bad summer so far. I'm enjoying it as it unfolds and not stressing the little stuff. Now if only I could remember to bring my camera with me some of these times.

Milestones

The biggest milestone in my life is that my knitting books arrived when I returned from visiting friends in upstate NY (if you can call the area BELOW Albany upstate). I spent a lot of time figuring out what yarns do NOT go with which patterns. Many swatches later and I still don't have a project for the 4th of July vacation. I'll perserve again tonight.

The milestones I speak of are those that I have pictures of. First, my old college friend Joanne tied the knot on the exotic island of Bermuda. They are standing in front of the moongate which brings good luck to the marriage. Although she's got her self a wonderful man in Kevin, even if he has no shoes.

The other milestone was the birth of Duncan that I mentioned in an earlier post. I made it to NY to visit Emilia and her family and got to spend some time with the wee one. He's just five weeks old, but I really took a hankering to him. Usually I don't spend much time with newborns as they aren't awake much, are fussy, or the mom is attached to them. In this case, I got to help out and keep him happy. He was so fun to just stare at I started wanting one (he's an exceptionally easy going guy). Geoff, another friend of Emilia's and I would just find ourselves staring at him as our conversation dragged to a stop.

It was great just to hang out and chill (this is Fred and Duncan on the left, me and Griet and Geoff watching some Curious George). They were surprised that I was versed on my Curious George but you gotta love the cartoons. They had rearranged their house for the newest addition and it is such a good use of space.









In the interest of time, I'm posting the remaining pictures with less commentary.


Me, Emilia and Jess. It was great having the old gange back although missed Andrea - our tea party fourth. We only look like we do because it was balmy and hot. As proof, check out Solly.


Jess's two year old son who was also very hot and sweaty. He was adorable and so well behaved and quiet (although I'm sure that's not always the case).

And of course, we can't forget the most important, Griet, the eldest born of Emilia (here as a dog or perhaps a cat with Jess).


And finally the last milestone, is my friend Cece (click her name to link to her blog with the picture) is starting to show. She's due early December. I get to hang out with her this weekend in the Berkshires with some other friends. It should be a great time - as long as the mugginess goes away!

Darn books

I've started my operation Mondays. Basically, I don't go into work on mondays. It's amazing what a week is like where it's more balanced between work and play. Starting to revive a bit although I have to admit my Tuesdays are now crap. Next weekend I'll be visiting friends in NY, but this last weekend, I hunkered down and watched movies, knit and cleaned. Saturday was glorious and I had a nice bbq for a friend who is leaving this coast for the other coast. And sunday and monday were wonderfully tumutulous with the storms passing through.



Unfortunately my movie watching knitting revealed my latest pattern of errors. Just a reminder my previous pattern was knitting torsos too short and having to rip out quite a bit to rectify the sweaters. This time, my pattern is a little harder to fix and most likely a little bit more expensive. It is simply that I do not always buy enough balls of yarn. For some reason I think I'm a 10 ball a sweater kind of gal - regardless of yarn type. Recently I've amended it so that I purchase 12 balls - the usual 10, plus 2 in case. However, the two sweaters I'm working on are going to be grossly inadequate even with this revision. I'm knitting a simple pullover with a bit of a neck and my initial brilliant remedy was to knit 3/4 sleeves. This is a sweater I pulled out of hte basket that's been there since I moved to the east coast (over two years). The other bad news is that I buy most of my yarn from Webs, their clearence discontinued section.



I had knit the front, I was knitting the back. I realized the yarn wasn't going to make it. I thought of the 3/4 sleeves solution and kept going. I kept eating up yarn at an alarming rate, but kept on trudging along. I decided to forgo the sleeves for right now, sew the shoulders and knit the neck up. I've just finished the neck, fell in love with the sweater and realize I only have one ball left. One ball left for two sleeves and seams. That basically means cap sleeves which just don't cut it as this is supposed to be that cuddly warm sweater your snuggle up in come the cool fall days. I can't believe it's only one ball left. I haven't the heart yet to search the web for matching balls of a yarn that was disontinued over 4 years ago.



And my other project, hopefully my first successful cotton yarn project. (I've knit in cotton before but have had to rip it out due to not fitting right). I'm totally in love with the pattern and yarn combination and can't imagine it any other way. I'm knitting up a sleeve and am just ignoring that I'm going to have to buy more yarn. The good news is that even though it is a Webs discontinued sale, I found a distributor on ebay. Of course they want full price so am starting to think I might end up spending the same amount on the few additional balls then the original purchase. Oh well, it still sits in my bag for commuting and I keep knitting away.



In regards to the books, knitpicks is having a big book clearance sale. Usually I don't give any regards to these sales as they include the books from a few decades ago. But this time, all four books that were on my amazon wish list were on sale, and cheaper than the discounted amazon price. Plus free shipping. And apparently no tax. I just put my order in. I thought this weekend I was good, holing up and not going out which sometimes leads to buying stuff. It's my low tech budget approach to life. Well, enough complaining about all the good stuff in life. I need to stop procrastinating and start cranking on a report I just don't want to do. (It has nothing to do with knitting).