Serinekat's Daily Drama v3.0

Falling Back into Blogging

2010-10-08T07:13:00.003-06:00

Yeah, we're all slacking on blogs these days. I'm guilty as the next blogger. I've been sucked into Facebook, parenting, remodling and Netflixing new shows. So, for those who traditionally follow my blog here's a bit of an update on all that is SerineKat:

* Hunter: My daily dose of sunshine mixed with tazmanian devil. He's 2.5 years now and showing no sign of slowing down. If you like to invest please put healthy doses of your money in Johnson and Johnson... Hunter lives and breaths Band-Aids. Honestly I'm not beating him... he's beating himself and he loves it. He is now in daycare 5 days a week. It's proven to be a genius move. He's learning so much and having lots of fun. He's at a 80% potty training compliance rate. He's also into a fairly drama free night time routine. His loves right now are Thomas Train and Where's Waldo. He also likes Diego. For Halloween I am going to dress him as Diego - it's a fairly easy costume and can be used again and again.

* House Drama: Good God, homeownership... I should have known better. We had a mold alert which turned out to be nothing serious. We also had a few plumbing issues which I think have turned out ok. Now we are just saving up for a new water heater. The current one works but is in a dumb location and looks as if it might go at any second. I'm currently weighing the options on going tankless or going back to the old tank.

* Knitting: I'm still a machine. Baby blankets, booties, wedding shawls, hats, and so on. I'm now contemplating some embroidery but we'll see. I'm the member of two great knitting groups in the San Antonio area. There's the SNB Group on Meetup.com and then there's the Tuesday Maverick Knitting Group. Both are a great group of ladies and have really helped me feel at home here in Texas. They've both been a true blessing for me.

* Sleep Apnea: Yeah, I gots it. While getting tested for another possible surgery they discovered that I have a severe case of sleep apnea and I am now using a CPAP each night. The progress has been slow but it's starting to pay off.

* Travel: We be going back to Idaho soon! It's not a long trip but it's enough to have some serious fun.

That's pretty much it. I'll be back with more deep thoughts... possibily.

Finally a Knitting Post

2010-05-12T08:49:00.004-06:00

So I've been very busy this year with knitting. I'm averaging about 2 projects a month. My main deal is getting all my Christmas knitting done before the fall and sprinkling a few personal projects inbetween.
Right now I am pretty excited to start some baby projects. No, I am not sperminated. Thank God. I have a friend and sister-in-law who are knocked up at present. Both are due at the end of the fall. So I wanted to get the arrival and Christmas gifts for the babies done now. I am also working on a wedding present for another friend. She's doing a civil service in January and then having the big top wedding in the summer. I wanted her to have something nice for the civil service so I am making her a shawl. All these projects and lead to a fairly rare occurance in my knitting - I had to buy a couple of patterns. Usually with Ravelry there are so many free patterns that you can easily find one that fits the bill. This time I stumbled upon two patterns that were not free. The first is a Jared Flood pattern for the Tweed Baby Blanket. Sure, it's pretty simple and I probably could've come up with it on my own but damn, it's a nice pattern and it was only $5.50. I like Jared Flood's patterns and choice of colors. It's very masculine but still pretty. I know that my friend will appreciate this for her baby stuff. I also like the idea of using grey in a baby item... it's never really done and will make the item really stand out. Of course for both women laundry friendliness is a big issue so I had to break down and buy some acrylic stuff. I went with some Baby Bee from Hobby Lobby and Naturally Caron.com Country.
For the wedding shawl I picked the #22 Lace Shawl from an old issue of Knit.1 magazine. Of course it's a Knit.1 that I do not own so for $8.99 I was able to order a back issue. It's very traditional but looks like a fairly simple project, just time consuming, hence the early start date. I found this soft and juicy yarn from Blue Sky Alpacas which is a mix of alpaca and silk. Ugh, it's to DIE for. I think I might just get naked and roll around in it before I start knitting, don't tell my friend.
Here are a few photos of other items I've knit up lately...

Heat Wave

2010-05-07T16:30:00.002-06:00

Today it hit over 100 degrees in San Antonio. The morning was quite humid, even this afternoon was humid. When I got into my car to pick up my son at daycare my glasses fogged up because of the humidity. Still, at 102 it doesn't seem too bad to be outside.
Hunter and I sat out back while The Husband cooked up some dinner on the grill. We only lasted 10 minutes and then came in. It wasn't the heat that sent us packing but the mosquitos. I swear, they've drained a good 10 pounds of blood from me in the last week and I'm NEVER outside... quick little bugs.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

2010-04-02T07:45:00.002-06:00

New Homeowner Tax Credit - I love you. I was a little nervous that you took so long to find your way to our checking account but this morning you were there. I had to take a double look because, as you know it's April Fools Day. Still, I took caution to the wind a paid off two credit cards in under 3 minutes. MuuhAHAHHAHAAHHAHAHAHA! Then I called the painters to schedule them to paint our staircase walls and guest bathroom. Of course this means that the lions share of you refund joy is now gone but ahhhhhhh it feels so nice. I even was able to pay one month ahead on our mortgage and a month ahead on our daycare. Finally a little financial breathing room for our little family.
The yard is another monster. I think The Husband and I are going to tackle the beast ourselves over the next few weekends. Sure it's going to be ugly, sweaty, and dirty but at least we won't go back into debt.
It's been a good month here in Texas. Weather is running in the 70s and 80s. Hunter is growing fast and talking more. The sad news is that he isn't taking his afternoon naps like he used to. I honestly need a 2 hour chill time in the afternoon when I am with him all day. So I end up putting him in his room for about that long. He spends half the time crying and yelling. I feel like the worst mom in the world but what else am I to do? I assume this is a phase and eventually he'll understand that it's time to be off alone for awhile. He has plenty of toys and books in his room so I hope he starts to delve into those instead of having a holy breakdown for 45 minutes.
Potty training is also just around the bend. We want to wait a month or two until things calm down with family visiting and The Husband going in and out of town for business. I'm so worried about getting this right that I got The Idiot's Guide to Potty Training. Yeah, I'm THAT mother. Wish me luck!

Where Have All The Bloggers Gone?

2010-03-09T13:10:00.003-07:00

Seems that 2010 has ushered in a new season of bloggless living. Most blogs I follow are very scarce with posts this year. I assume it is because most of my blogging buddies are now busy moms. Others are entering into new changes in their lives. Still I wonder if this is a sign of a bigger drop in internet blogging in general. Every movement must peak and then wane. MySpace was all the rage a few years back but is now considered the Maury Povich of social networking while Facebook is now on top... which I predict it will pop sometime very very soon. What will the next tech venture be? Is Twitter still growing? I don't know I never got into that one.

Anyhow, kids and family are what keep me busy. That and a house. We are currently trying to spruce up our yard. The previous owners left it to die in the dry summers over the past two years. There's nothing left for grass. We've even lost a few large bushes to the drought. Now we have a yard full of weeds, dead bushes and Texas oaks that need trimming. For just the basic overhaul it's $2000. I know, I obviously need to be a landscaper. The good news is that we just figured out our taxes and are getting some money back... lots of money. That First Time Homebuyers Credit never felt so good. After paying off a few things we should have the money to do the project with a few upgrades but still... damn that's a lot of money!

As for my knitting and the Ravelry Olympics I did fairly well. I finished 4 cowls out of the 7. Some took more time and concentration than I had. Right now I am working on a project that my parent's dog tried to eat just before Christmas. I have brought it back from the knitting dead and have been able to salvage just enough yarn to finish it off. Damn that Bart! I am also still working on the Beep Beep Blanket for Hunter. He just turned two yesterday. Crazy how in two years they can be so grown up. He's talking up a storm and saying different phrases. He runs like the wind and finally learned to hop with both feet in the air. This week he started to live life pacifier free and he's also working on his second week in a big boy bed with no side rail! Next month I swear the man will be driving. Out next big task is potty training. Like any good nerd I refuse to start in on the process until I've read a book on the subject. So this might not start until the summer.
The painting of the house continues, although depending on what is left over from the refund we might just break and hire out the rest of the job. I can only do so much painting before I go crazy. We really only need someone to do the hall/staircase and the guest bathroom. Everything else is fine or can wait.
Ugh. That's it for now... just wanted to check in and let you all know that we are here just busy living life. I promise to check in again soon.

Walking in a Spiderweb... Leave a Message and I'll Call You Back

2010-02-11T09:05:00.012-07:00

Long time, no post. The Husband was away for two weeks and during that time Hunter got sick and I painted the trim of our first floor. It was grueling. But I just have the kitchen, office and the 1/2 bath to do and then I can take my painting supplies upstairs. We got a quote on some of the left over painting projects in the house and the bill came to $1200. We just can't afford that right now and would rather put that money to other items or projects. So I am taking on the remainder of the painting and slowly plugging along for the next month or so until the weather changes and I can move on to re-landscaping our yard. Never a dull moment as a homeowner.
Starting Friday night - February 12th are the Winter Olympics. On my favorite social knitting site - Ravelry - they are doing the Ravelry Olympics. They have events similar to the winter olympics but with a fiber twist. I've submitted myself into seven categories... here are the categories and patterns:

Free Dance
Burberry Inspired Cowl

Holiday Jump-Start Skiing
Victorian Neck Cozy

Lace Luge
Vent d'est Vent d'ouest

Scarf Super G
Good Luck Cowl

Single Skein Speed Skate
Abstract Leave Cowl

State Complusory Dance
Wavy Fathers Wimple

WIPs - Dancing
Peruvian Cat Scarf

So as you can see I will be busy trying to get these all done between the 12th and 28th. It's insanity!

Finally I have decided to look into going back to school to get my graduate degree in Accounting. The university here in San Antonio has a good program. I need to take the GMat and GRE to apply. I'm going to start a prep course for the GRE in teh next week that will last most of the spring semester. Wish me luck with all this crap. If I complain that I'm bored just refer me back to this post!

Knitting and Such

2010-01-14T10:23:00.002-07:00

Life gets back to normal around SerineKat's homestead but there are some new developments. The Husband leaves soon for work. We will miss him while he is away. I am exercising and taking better care of myself... even wearing makeup everyday! Finally, Olivia the cat says that you all 'suck'. So much has changed and Olivia never changes.

Above is a new scarf I'm working on. I started it back in 2008 but then got my carpal tunnel really bad and had to stop. I wanted to finish this before Christmas this year but it just didn't happen. Since Christmas I've knitted a good three to four feet on this baby. It's a way easy knit. I've memorized the pattern. Just time consuming because it's lace weight yarn.

This photo is of the infamous Beep! Beep! Blanket. I wanted to get it done this month but that's just not going to happen. I think this is a two month project. This is my first truely intricate multicolored project. I find myself having to go back to books often to get the technique right. Very time consuming but looking good.
I need to get another easier project on the needles before I go crazy. I need something quick and simple. I'm looking at maybe trying another Mitered Towel or dishcloth.

Home Sweet Home and My New Obsession

2010-01-02T10:37:00.004-07:00

It's been a busy holiday season for us. Starting Monday everything goes onto the New Year Schedule. Hunter will start daycare three days a week, The Husband goes back to work full time and I get into a regular routine with the home. I need a regular routine. It's just my nature to work better until a daily plan and schedule. I'm so looking forward to Monday for this reason.
I finally took some photos of the house today. No it's not all picked up but you get the idea. We still have some painting, unpacking and general organizing to do but for the most part the living room, dinning, kitchen, my office, the master bedroom and Hunter's room are all done. Today I plan on doing some picking up and more organizing in my office.
It has been declared that today is Sara day and I can do and go where I please. So I went to The Container Store again. That place is like a shot of really good liquor. OCDer's: run to The Container Store! I've also taken photos of that lovely place so go to Flickr and enjoy. For the rest of the day I am just going to shuffle around the house. I am just a real home body. I like my house and frankly if I'm paying that much on my mortgage I better be enjoying it!

"Twas the Day After Christmas...

2009-12-26T08:13:00.004-07:00

... And all through our home, every creature was stirring except for The Husband...
Men, they will sleep through anything without the slightest hint of guilt. God bless them. Hunter and I were up early and he is busy with his 100 new matchbox cars and trucks. He really made out good on Christmas. Heck, we all made out well for Christmas. We have a new Wii, 5 new ducks for the dog, a new knitting purse, a knitting kit, lots of new knitting books, yarn, a Slap Chop, a handmade Bunad for Hunter, and so much more! It was a good day. We had a turkey dinner and just kept a low profile.
Today I don't know what is in store. Probably more laziness. I've never been a fan of the after Christmas sales. I really don't like crowds of bargain shoppers. So, we may just stay close to home.
I"ve noticed I can't just relax. I always have to be doing something. I can't just sit and watch TV without eating, knitting, or working on something. I am a true multitasker. This is a blessing and a curse. I need to learn how to just be sometimes. Maybe I'll work on that today... HA, who am I kidding. Off to clean the bathrooms now!

Christmas Eve Pack-In

2009-12-24T08:22:00.002-07:00

Yes, our last load of household goods arrived on Christmas Eve morning. Yippee! It only took 30 minutes for all the items to be loaded into our home. About a quarter of our Christmas gifts were in this pack-in. Thank God they arrived in time! Now I have all my yarn - at least what I could find - and am about to unpack it in my office... this might take a few hours...

2009-12-23T14:42:00.003-07:00

Krumkake is a Norwegian thing... it's flour, butter, eggs, sugar and vanilla all thrown together and then ironed to crisp perfection and rolled into ice cream cone shapes. It can filled with cream, ice cream, fruits or nothing. It's yummy. I make Krumkake every Christmas now. It's become tradition ever since my mother bought me my first krumkake iron a couple years back. Well, The Husband I decided to make the Krumkake and other goodies for a neighborhood Christmas gathering tonight. Only we made the Krumkake early so we wouldn't have to rush today. Dumb. The massive shift of humidity onto San Antonio the last 48 hours coupled with a dryer line that isn't quite clamped down has turned crispy pastries into moldable weridness. They still taste great but I can't in good conscious serve this to my new Texas neighbors. Oh well, guess there's more Krumkake for me...

Ahhhhhh

2009-12-22T13:25:00.003-07:00

Yeap, it's pretty much done. We're moved in. At least me, the kid and the animals. The Husband likes to unpack his stuff at his own leisure... which is usually three to four months behind mine. The main living areas are done, the bedroom is done and Hunter's room is done. Just the guest bedroom and The Husband's office need to be unpacked and organized. It feels good.
The photo is taken from my office looking towards the kitchen and then the dinning room beyond. We don't have a camera right now because the charger is in the shipment from Idaho that is due in on Christmas Eve. I know, dumb. Anyhow, once I get the camera I will post a few photos to entertain you all with.
Today I went to a learning center to scope out care for Hunter. I like to have him in daycare three days a week... it gives him a chance to have fun and get some energy out and socialize and it gives me a break to get things done and have me time. I think I've found a place that covers all my bases. It's only a mile and a half from the house and Hunter loves it. I took him with me for the interview and tour and he ran into the play room and took out all the cars and trucks to play with and was hyper focused on nothing but those for the rest of the time. When we had to leave he screamed and cried and kicked. He did NOT want to go. Further proof that getting him out a few times a week is vital, he loves it.
I have to take a moment now and talk about a total indulgence. It's called The Container Store. I often see items from this store in magazines like Real Simple and Martha Stewart Living. It's a store dedicated to organizing stuff. It's a OCD dream! I really had to hold myself back there. It's similar to IKEA in that it's simple design and sleek. The prices are a little over the norm but the products are fantastic. I ended up getting a few Stockholm Office Storage Boxes, a couple of Stockholm Desktop File Boxes, a Page'Up, a Bulletin & Magnetic Strip, a Pull Out Basket for the kitchen, and an Aluminum Can Crusher just to name a few. The whole shopping experience was orgasmic. Can't wait to go back again someday soon!
I hear the whining of my little man. Nap time must be over now... back to my life.

Progress

2009-12-15T09:56:00.004-07:00

Today I can report that I feel that progress has finally been made in our house. I have cleared enough boxes and developed enough living space free of moving debris that I feel we are finally getting somewhere! I know that my view of progress is skewed. I spent many good years a money in therapy learning and acknowledging this... still it remains... at least I am aware.
The living room is looking good, only 6 boxes remain on the first floor... most have enormous rugs that need to be hung and laid on the dinning room floor -- which needs to be steam cleaned... that's today's chore. Upstairs I was able to empty and put away 10 boxes in the master closet in just one hour this morning. Now I just want to sit for awhile while my little man takes a morning nap.
Now for a cultural lesson: I got my local channels on my Directv today. Over half are spanish speaking channels. Wow. Maybe now is the time to really learn spanish. I took three years in high school and never really got great at speaking the language. I can say a few things and I am learning more through hours of 'Handy Manny' on the Disney channels. Living in a place like San Antonio it's very obvious that white english speaking natives are rare. In order to have a thorough and diverse experience here I think it is time to bite the bullet and actually learn a language inside and out. So, do I watch 'Judge Mathis' today or "Necesito una Amiga'? Choices.

Ugh...

2009-12-14T13:09:00.002-07:00

Still unpacking... still hating it! I think I've finally reached a point where I don't care if the closets or trim are painted... I just want to unpack already! Today has been more of the same.. unpacking the first floor. I could move to the second but my energy is on the fritz and the security installation people are here hogging up much of my time. I think it's time for a nice cold Dt. Pepsi and a TV break... to be continued...

Day Two In San Antonio

2009-12-11T07:33:00.004-07:00

It's still quite early here in Texas. I'm waiting for my meds to kick in and wake me up. Again I am dreading the day ahead of me with unpacking. Hunter is a 'pistol' today - that's what my mother called it on the phone. He's up and into everything and talking up a storm about all he's doing. I am like a limping old dog. My body is very sore and my focus is very .... oh look a squirrel! Well, you get the idea.
Good news about the weekend is that The Husband has hired a friend to come out and help again with painting. They will both be working on rooms that I haven't unpacked yet... so I'm off for the weekend. If I can just get the first floor done today then there's little if anything for me to do on Saturday and Sunday. I'm thinking of going to Austin to IKEA. Of course I'll be doing this with Hunter... a bit tricky but doable.
Ugggggggh... ok back to going through boxes. Right now I'm working on the office boxes which are all mixed up. The Husband and I shared an office back in WV but now are on different floors here in TX. Lots of carrying boxes up and down the stairs... my poor back!

Sunrise in San Antonio

2009-12-10T19:44:00.002-07:00

Today was my first day in San Antonio. It was a beautiful morning. The sunshine coming in our living room was perfect. Our old place in West Virginia didn't have as many windows... I love my windows here. I got off to a slow start unpacking but after taking my ritalin I was a woman possessed. Hunter kept himself busy with whatever he'd find. I got most of the kitchen unpacked and am working on the dinning and living rooms. Tomorrow I plan on getting those done and at least half of my office area.
I haven't made it out to town yet. I will hopefully get to do that this weekend.
Ahhhhh... I think my ibrophren is kicking in... relaxing.

LOSER

2009-12-07T15:27:00.001-07:00

.... Now back to your regularly scheduled blogging.

All is Good

2009-12-05T16:04:00.004-07:00

So it all worked out. The house is bought, the rennovations are underway thanks to the Husband. Hunter and I will join him this week. I am taking a Saturday night and enjoying a Boise favorite... Chicago Connection pizza. Yum. You can't find this anywhere else but here in the Treasure Valley. It's a cheese lovers dream. Everytime I come back to Boise I have to have Chicago Connection pizza and pork tacos at Cafe Ole. Mission accomplished.
Poor Hunter has come down with a double ear infection and is quite sick. Yesterday he was running a temperature of 103. Today he is better. His tylenol and antibiotics have all kicked in and he's pretty active and sassy. I hope I can get him better by Tuesday so I can get him one last day in daycare before we leave but it's pretty touch and go. I can't believe how bad he got before he started showing symptoms of his infection. Oh well, you live and you learn.

HOLDING OUR BREATH

2009-12-01T09:06:00.002-07:00

Today is 'C' day. That's Closing Day. At sundown we should be the proud owners of a new home. Of course anything can happen between now and then. It's rare here in the US for problems to pop up in the house buying process. Initially you get an inspector to check out the basics of the home and tell you what is good, bad and ugly. Then who ever decides to front you the money to buy the home has an appraiser come in and do the same. We are getting a VA loan which is one of the strictest ones out there. Stains on carpets must be cleaned and or replaced, screens missing from windows must reappear and so forth. Our biggest road bump has been with this appraiser but I think he'll be happy now and give us the money to buy the home. If not, it's back to square one and living in a van down by the river. But let's be positive.
My time in Boise is coming to an end. Very soon I will be down in Texas (house or not). Again I feel strange about my relationship with this community. I really think I've just finally 'grown out of' Boise. It's no longer home. Leaving B-town is ok and although I will miss my friends here I am really happy to be reunited with my husband, dog and cat... and to have us all together again like a home.

2009-11-16T14:44:00.002-07:00

The moving process continues. Today I spent a few hours on the phone transferring utilities into our names, setting internet at our new house and arranging the move for me from Idaho to Texas. Now I am sick. No, really, I think I have the hamtrhax, or as it's officially known as SWINE FLU. Oh this mo'fo' hit me around noon like a ton of bricks. Achiness, exhuastion and a fever of over a 100 degrees. Swell. I just want to sleep or die but can't seem to do either. Thank god I got done all that I did this morning... I don't know if I"ll be able to do much for the next few days. Pray for me.

Pending

2009-11-10T19:37:00.004-07:00

We got ourselves a homestead, sort of. Our offer for a home has been accepted. We had an inspection today and had to ask for a few concessions that add up to a couple thousand dollars. Hopefully this will not blow the deal. The home is nice. You can check out photos here. The closing for the home will happen on November 30th. So plenty of time for the other shoe to drop but I don't think that will happen.
While some people get uber elated when they buy a home I seem to have fallen into coma. I like the home I just think the whole process has just taken the enthusiasm out of me. It is kindof like the mild depression you get after having a baby. It's finally there but ugh. I'm sure I'll perk up after the 30th.

You're My Obsession

2009-11-03T09:20:00.003-07:00

I'm knitting some gloves on size 0 needles right now. I know, I think I was drunk when I picked out this pattern. Anyhow, I decided to spoil myself and bought some Blue Sky Alpaca knitting needles. They were quite an investment ($28, 17 GBP, 160 NOK). Still they did fairly well at first but the yarn I was using and my tension made the going quite slow. To add to the frustration I am using a very dark yarn and very dark needles. Dumb.
Meanwhile on another project I was using some new square circulars by Kollage. The cable on the circulars was nothing special and infact caught the yarn on the joint with the needles. Frustrating. Otherwise I loved the needles, they had nice sharp points and the grip was really nice.
So yesterday I finally put the two together and got some size 0 double pointed square needles. Ahhhhhhhhh... that's better. It's like cutting into warm butter. I wish the circulars were better made but I know for future investment purposes I will get the Kollage square needles. They were cheaper than the uber expensive ones (only $14, 8.50 GBP, 80 NOK).
That's it for now...

Nomads

2009-10-28T19:30:00.004-06:00

Our life as nomads will soon be ending. San Antonio, Texas is where we will be settling. It's a great relief to have a final destination. Unfortunately we can't just stay on the military base there... we have to buy a house. This is a mixture of excitement and dread. So far The Husband and I are shopping homes online with a realtor based in San Antonio. There's a great inventory of homes in the price range we are pre-qualified for and comfortable with. In a little over a week we will meet in San Antonio and hopefully sign a contact for a new home!
As expected the house hunt has send my current lifestyle into a tail spin. Knitting is still going but has slowed some. I doubt I will get all my projects done but I am still aiming to get close. My health is finally on the mend and I am feeling quite well.
I doubt you'll hear much from me this month as I search for a home and prepare for a new life in San Antonio but once things are finalized I will post it all here.

Son of a B*(&^

2009-10-20T13:50:00.002-06:00

Just as I finish addressing all my Christmas envelopes my husband calls with news on where we will move next and that it will likely happen soon, very soon... Where's the white out?!
More to come when we get the actual orders in our hands...

HINT ONE: They make salsa there and no, it's not NEW YORK CITY!

It's That Time Again

2009-10-20T12:36:00.003-06:00

Christmas Cards. Yeah. I went by the old Target yesterday and bought a load of Christmas cards for this year. Currently we are up to sending out around 100 cards each Christmas. I know, we are masochists. My father stared in shocked silence as I set up my processing line on the coffee table while watching House last night. He asked why I sent out so many damn cards. Well, there are several reasons. The most selfish is that it's a way to network and keep people in our lives who might be able to help us out. As a military family we are always welcoming new people into our lives and we relay on those friends to help us navigate through the military system. I may not talk to some of them very often anymore but someday they might be able to help us adjust to a new base, discover a new government program that will help us or just be there as a shoulder to cry on when things get tough. In addition to being a military family I am blessed with close ties to extended family around the world. Nobody I know keeps in touch with 4th or 5th cousins in Norway or England. We do. These ties are wonderful for learning new cultures, family history and always having a place to stay when you are far from home. Some of the best cards come from overseas and I honestly don't want to miss out on those so I HAVE to send a letter and card every year. On a selfless level I know that some of the recipients, usually the older ones, really appreciate a letter and card, even from people they don't know well. Also there's something nice about receiving a lengthy letter and card instead of an email memo. Sure you save money with email but it's not alive and it isn't in your hands with your name handwritten.
That was another thing my father didn't understand. Why in the world would I handwrite all the addresses, return addresses and then two or three lines in each card. Because it's personal and intimate. Because of the mass of cards we do now I can't do anymore than that but we do enclose a typed memo as well. Still I need to write a few more personal lines in some cards to show more of a connection and personality.
Do people really appreciate it? I think more than half really enjoy it. And no, I don't get the same amount back... but maybe I'm showing my generation a new way of communicating... or old way. It's an art that is going away and really needs to stay with us. When I get a card with a personal message in it that is hand written I feel like someone cared. So here I am, caring for about 40 to 60 hours over the next month to get all these cards, memos, messages and addresses done. I care a lot.

FYI - If you usually get a card from us and have moved EMAIL your NEW ADDRESS to me! I hate getting these things back!

A Couple Videos

2009-10-17T14:14:00.002-06:00

Here are a couple new videos of Hunter. He wanted to talk on the mobile phone like his Grandpa Rick one night...

Death and Education

2009-10-08T08:47:00.002-06:00

So The Beast v2.0 has died a premature death. After looking at the pattern and asking around for more information I finally got a good look at what the finished item should be... not really what I wanted. Plus I think the person I'm knitting it for wouldn't like it as much as what I am now going knit. So I frogged it and am starting in on a new project for her.
My knitting has shifted down gear over the past two weeks. I'm still putting in time every day but more like 4 hours instead of the 6 to 8 I was doing. I feel sort of guilty but I am getting more done and spending more time with my son.
Another project I'm working on is a trade of trades. My massage lady is giving me some free massages in exchange for computer lessons. I think it's going great. She's a Mac person like me and has just enough skills to be deadly. I'm helping her sharpen those skills and possibly put her sculpting and puppet making businesses up on the internet. The lessons so far have shown how much I don't understand about certain things... her questions are great and often are my questions so we research it together. Today I've really opened up so much new stuff with my Gmail account. I was just doing the bare basics for years there but now I'm syncing my contacts with my Mac Address Book and my iCal with my Google Calendar. Next up I'll be getting more into Blogger and seeing what can be done there that I haven't explored.
It's been awhile since I really learned something new and exciting on the computer. After college I just slid by but it's so refreshing to try out new stuff and make new connections with programs I thought I knew. This type of learning has been sorely missed the past few years. I didn't know it until now. I'm glad to find a new outlet for my creativity and learning.
In addition to trading trades with one person I'm also about to embark on doing it with another. More computer stuff so this is great. I missed working. Even though actual money is not moving around at least I'm getting a break on services and getting my skills sharpened again. I feel productive, wanted, and inspired. Not bad for a Thursday.

The Beast v2.0

2009-10-04T16:57:00.001-06:00

Yeah, I have a new most hated project. We will call it The Beast v2.0. Really it's a Civil War shawl for my Aunt Janet. I found it in a series of books: Knitting a La Mode, Knit Two a La Mode and Tunisian Crochet a La Mode. The pattern is an original from a French publication in 1863. The modern day book authors have translated the pattern to English and edited the directions for modern knitters. Still, it reads like a novel. Most patterns keep it simple and use knitter code without any fluffy language. These ladies use words and not the code to knit up their items. This leads to lots of assumptions and confusion. So I am moving along like a slug. I don't know when or if this will get done by Christmas. I've decided this is my project to work on when I am sick of working on anything else. I am also taking this exclusively to my knitting group on Mondays to get help and support. The damn pattern starts off with you casting on 292 stitches. Ugh. Dumb move Serinekat.
Other than the shawl I have my father's Christmas gloves on the needles and an ice mitt on the needles. The ice mitt is a quick knit which I altered a bit from the original pattern. If all goes to plan I should finish three projects this week and have three on the needles at all times.
You can say it - I know I'm crazy.

Burnout

2009-10-01T07:30:00.000-06:00

You knew it was a matter of time. I've been knitting, dieting and generally keeping uber busy for the past month. I finished 14 knitting projects in the month of September. I've been at least 80% compliant with my diet. I've seen all my doctors. I'm tired.
Yesterday I put down my needles for most of the day to get some paperwork done and do little jobs around the house. Today I feel much the same. I hope this passes fast. I don't like feeling like this.

Chuggin'

2009-09-23T14:39:00.000-06:00

I'm still just 'chugging' along here in Boise. My knitting hit an all time high over the past few weeks. I've taken about 20 hours off, finally. I know, I'm such a rebel. Starting up again tonight making a quick project and then onto the infamous Fish Hats. Here are a few items that I've knit up:

Felted Yoda Hat: Still felting it but it's all knitted up. It's for Hunter for Halloween. We've found instructions on sewing up a Jedi Robe online. This should prove too cute to handle. Pattern can be found on Ravelry, if you are a member (come on, it's FREE people!).

The Crazy Drops Hat: I've knit this up for two people. One is for a teen and the other is for a small kid. The photo if from the kid one. Unfortunately I didn't have my cat to model it. Bummer.

Market Bag: Another great gift knit. Only took my 2.5 days. Really nice. I am in love the cotton I used. It's recycled cotton from remnents. I love the idea of recycled fibers! The color and yarn worked great for this project. Mercanized cotton would also be great or hemp.

Pantas: Yeah, sounds weird but they are cool. They're just knitted headbands. Really neat design. They can be knitted in different widths. I've been knitted a few and tried several different widths to find the right one for me and my friends. I've done four of these this month. Takes a day to do.

So those are the finished projects... Here's what's on the agenda:

Fish Hats:

Qiviut Neck Muff:

I've got a million more where those came from. Let's just day those two projects at two a piece will keep me busy until mid-October. Wish me luck.

Oh, and on a totally different note I am now on a diet. I'm doing SlimFast. I was told my my diabetes nutrionist that it's the same as MediFast only cheaper. So far it's a struggle. I'm not phsycially hungry but emotionally. They have me down to 1500 calories a day. I'm two days in and it's tough. I've found sucking on a hard candy now and then helps satisfy my sweet tooth. More on the diet once I'm fully engaged for awhile. For now I will keep myself busy with knitting.

Under the Gun

2009-09-14T10:48:00.000-06:00

What is it about procrastination that makes us really efficent in the end? You'd think most people would just give up and plan to start early again next time... no, not me. I was going to start my Christmas knitting over the summer but as life would have it I never did. Now I am 'under the gun' to get everything done. I have project charts on my computer about how to accomplish this on time. I knit a minimum of 4 hours a day but an average of 6. My butt hurts like hell from sitting all day indian style and knitting. So now I am experimenting with different sitting and knitting positions and chairs.
I think my sudden productivity has to do with living with my parents. I have nothing better to really do around here. Also after my summer incident I need some feel good accomplishments and knitting does that for me. Still, each week I am surprised to see my progress and that I'm still sticking to it. In three weeks I had one day of NO KNITTING. That's crazy! I've never worked this hard for this long. As of this posting I have about 10 projects done, 3 on the needles, and 25 left to do.
In addition to living with my parents as a help... I have to thank Ravelry too. That site keeps me on track and gives me great ideas for all my projects. I'm so into that I run the computer to update each projects several times a day. I'm such a nerd. Sorry.
I've had a few friends ask about my progress with the infamous appeal. It's just sitting right now. I'm obviously avoiding the emotional baggage attached to it. Today while my mother is away I will attack it full on for a few hours. I'm still probably a month or two away from actually talking to a lawyer. Anyhow, I need to get back to knitting... only another hour then it's on to the appeal crap.

Losing It

2009-09-10T12:33:00.000-06:00

Was it Freudian or not? Probably was. I've been working on this scarf for my husband for two years. I know, I kept going all ADD on it and forgetting to work or finish it. Well, for the Labor day weekend I spent hours getting 25 inches done on the scarf. I was finally closing in on the last 15 inches when I lost it. Yeah, LOST IT. I took it to a doctor's appointment and forgot it. Luckily today they found it and I can go pick it up. Still, I might wait until tomorrow. I know, ADD strikes again!
Right now I'm working on a panta... it's a cool looking headband that lots of knitters have been knitting. This one is for a friend as a Thank You gift. So far it's been less than 24 hours and I'm half done. I needed a short project to work on after that beast of a scarf.

Idaho Falls

2009-09-06T10:03:00.000-06:00

The Husband's family currently lives in Idaho Falls. The time has come to give them a visit this weekend. It's about a four hour drive from Boise. Most of the drive is high desert. We will only be there for a couple days.
As for stuff going on back here in Boise I am keeping busy with doctor appointments and knitting. Yeah, you heard it, I'm still knitting up a storm! I have several Christmas gifts done and more in varying levels of completion. I feel really empowered by this progress. It's hard for me to stick with things for too long. These knitting projects are all things that were supposed to be done a year or two ago. When ever I do stick with projects it's a good sign that my stress level is down and that I'm in a good place emotionally.
On a different note my appeal (don't worry I haven't talked about this before and I am not comfortable giving details of this on my blog so just hang in there) is lagging. Going back to and time lining all that happened to me is just so emotionally draining. For most of this week I'm been practicing avoidance when it comes to this project. I know I need to stand up for myself and quit being a victim. This might me one opportunity to really represent my inner victim and find some justice. Despite this I think I'm trying to sabatoge myself by delaying my work on this appeal. Ugh. I plan to get off my ass next week and on Thursday lock myself in a library somewhere and get my timeline done and more research. That's all I have to say about that.

The Advanced Trainning of Young Bart

2009-09-01T18:59:00.000-06:00

My parents new black lab, Bart is quite the handful. My mother and father have both fallen ill with what we suspect is H1N1. So our Bart is finding himself lonely and bored. This isolation leads to spells of chewing destruction in the back yarn and barking fits at all hours. We've tried everything except spending time with him. I know, dumb. So here I am tonight, spending time with Bart. Pray for us.

Oh, and FYI... this is what Bart did to my knitting the other day... yes, PRAY FOR US.

Finally, a Moment

2009-08-31T12:31:00.000-06:00

Living with family and having a 1.5 year old around all the time makes blogging a luxury. I feel like a loser when I can't blog. So I have found a little pocket of time to type out my feelings and activities... finally.
Still knitting up a storm. I made a market bag and finished up several cat hats and wristers. I will have the third hat and set of wristers done tonight and then it's back to the beast of all projects. It's not hard and not big but just seems to never get done. It's a scarf that I started making my husband right around the time I got pregnant. Yeah, that's over 2 years ago. It's half done and I am determined to finish it THIS WEEK.
I got Hunter signed up for daycare today at the facility where my friend works. Seems like a nice enough place. The price is annoying but I might be able to get some government money to help out with the cost.
That's it for here... just another busy week of knitting, appointments and paperwork.

Knit Through It

2009-08-28T21:48:00.000-06:00

I am off and running here in Boise. Doctor appointments and knitting seem to keep me very busy these days. I'm getting all caught up from about 1.5 years of medical neglect. I'm also getting caught up with my knitting.
Right now I'm feeling more focused than I have in a long time. This is funny because although home things are still stressful around me. Maybe it's just being in a more familiar environment.
I found myself in a few moments where I've been overwhelmed by what is going on in and around me. The escape this I take time to knit, in the quite. Today it was especially theraputic for me. Thank god for knitting.

All That You Can't Leave Behind

2009-08-24T23:27:00.000-06:00

I am home. I am back to my birthplace, my childhood haunts and the place which has been the backdrop for most of my life. With each trip back I find the ties a little looser. Don't get me wrong, I love Boise but as the years away from Boise start to add up I find that maybe Boise ISN'T all that I need and where I belong. It's a subtle feeling that I never really entertained too much until now. Although I will always love it here I don't know if it is where we will retire or where I will make a home again. Strange. I guess this is just one of those 'crap, I'm getting old' moments.
I'm still settling into this latest long term stay with my family here in Idaho. I've tried to make things as cozy as possible by packing two large suitcases full of yarn and knitting projects. Yeah - it's my Christmas knitting. Hopefully I can get most of it used up and done with. Today I started on one project which finds itself now a quarter done. I hope this kind of progress just keeps rolling.
I have no clue how long I will be in Idaho this time around. I'm hesitant to sign up for new knitting classes or even try to find a sitter for Hunter. Still, I know I need to. So, shall I go for Crochet for Beginners and/or Magic Loop Sock Knitting?

Extra Baggage

2009-08-18T06:23:00.001-06:00

My dog, The Cheat likes to come inside at night with more cargo onboard than when she left the house earlier. This isn't new but lately is increasing in volume. Here's a brief list of items that she blesses us with in our bed or office every night.

Wood Roach
We were blessed with this one on our son's bedroom door a few months back. Nice.

Slugs
This is a hold over from the UK. Her long fur tends to pick up gangs of little and large slugs when she sleeps in moist areas of the garden. This often leads to 'slug picking' in bed at midnight by The Husband and I.

Carpenter Ants
This was a new one last night. Had a carpenter ant the size of our cat crawling on my shoulder in the office. I can only attribute his presence to The Cheat.

Crazy - Like a Fox!

2009-08-17T05:49:00.000-06:00

The Husband's extended business trip has been canceled. It's a long complicated tale that really involves me, the Pendleton County police, the West Virginia mental health system, the Navy and my neighbors. Piece it together and I'm sure you'll figure the story out. Ugh. Embarrassing.
Anyhow The Husband is here to stay but I am set to leave. I've been banned from West Virginia - not that I mind that. I'll be moving home to Idaho soon. I'll be staying with my parents until The Husband gets a new job assignment at a more appropriate place... Timbuktu would be more welcoming than here... hell Kabul would be more welcoming. Infact, I've been missing England of late... not that England was bad but we were very isolated there too. Luckily I did find that fabulous knitting group in Lincoln which when I look back - I believe saved my sanity.
I have dropped everything which I had been previously involved with here on base. I did it because I'm leaving, I did it because I'm embarrassed, I did it because they were indeed unorganized and catty at times and my fragile mind was about to implode several times at the last meeting. I have no ill will towards those still involved around here. I think the system is challenging and I think the atmosphere is thick with resignation and laziness. I am not one to lay down quietly - as those who work for the West Virginia state mental health system know well - I am a fighter and cannot allow something to be broke in my presence. I know I need to chill. I know I need to find outside interests. I am now going to a place where that will be possible.
I will keep posting during the moving process. Wish me luck and pray that the people on base quit giving me the stink eye. Booger heads.

Day २७: Lady Day

2009-08-07T08:44:00.000-06:00

When Hunter goes to the sitter for the day it is officially 'Lady Day' at the house. It's just me, The Cheat (my dog) and Olivia (the cat). We all enjoy doing one thing - sleeping. Really, it's getting old but that seems to be all I can do when Hunter is not around. I sleep like the dead. It doesn't help that I've been an insomniac lately. Still, I have all these visions of cleaning, knitting, and getting stuff done. Most days I end up taking Hunter to the sitter at 8am and then coming home and sleeping until 10am. Then I dick around on the computer until 11am and then eat lunch. Usually after lunch I get a few things done on my list but not much. I have to go get Hunter at 3pm.
I feel like I am now in a pattern that works. Well, somewhat works. It's restricting but all our needs are met. I think my overall dissatifaction with life stems from motherhood. I love my son but I miss my single life. I miss being able to what I want when I want. On some levels I'm still pissy about losing that life. Still, I know that if I could magically go back there I'd still be depressed and struggling. No matter where you are and what your life circumstances are the grass will always be greener somewhere else. Maybe the trick to life is to somehow develop tunnel vision and only focus and see your current situation and how to improve it and then just enjoy.
Both of my neighbors currently have beautiful front lawns and porches full of flowers and other potted plans. Jealous! Five years ago I would have blown both out of the water with my lawn work and green thumb. These days I'm lucky to get the lawn mowed once a week. This bothered me for awhile this summer. I beat myself up about not having a cleanup porch and pretty plants in the garden. Slowly I've done a few minor things but really - it isn't even close to my best work in the past. Truth is I just don't have the time to be perfect at everything anymore. I further prove this statement you should look at my toilets... I clean them once a week but they still get scary -- I just don't have the time to clean like I used to! Our main living spaces tend to be a 'B' on the cleaning scale. I keep those areas up because I'm there all the time and others can see it. The second floor is another story...
Kids really do change you and your life. Oh well... I guess today I'll just focus again on the main living areas and maybe do my neighbors a favor by sweeping off the front porch and carport. Too bad my 'lady' assistants don't clean... they're so darn lazy!

Day २५: The Highs and Lows

2009-08-05T20:42:00.000-06:00

This week is going along fairly well. No big sickness to endure. I've taken my mission to find some sort of military program that I can sign up for down a notch. I'm putting more time and effort into helping our FRG (that's Family Readiness Group) plan an upcoming 'Summer Bash' party in a couple weeks.
My biggest issue this week is my diabetes. What the hell is going on?! I've been fine during the days and then every night at like 9pm my sugars tank and I eat - a lot and then shoot up a little and then tank again. This cycle continues for a few hours. So, I'm not sleeping much. I know what I need to do... take my blood sugars regularly and after a week possibly adjust my basal rates. Still, this is a long term solution and my ADD self finds it boring. Maybe I need more ADD meds? Hmmmmmm.
I found this little photo on the web today:

Sometimes I feel like my type I burdens those around me. I don't often ask for help when I need it. I feel judged when I can't seem to get my bloodsugars in check. Just the other day my father was perplexed as to why I needed to put my son into daycare part-time. When I tried to explain that one reason was to give me time to relax and refocus on my diabetes --- I could hear the annoyance in his breathing. I know he doesn't know what he doesn't know... still it's always tough to have a chronic disease that everyone thinks they know how to manage... but really have NO CLUE.

Day २२: Bridezillas

2009-08-02T19:09:00.000-06:00

Another lazy weekend day. Hunter and I stayed in our jammies for the day and played around the house. I think my cold is gone... or at least gone into hiding.
I've spent the day knitting and watching some TV. Tonight it is more of the same. Right now I'm catching up on my Bridezillas. Really, how many women truely freak out over Bachelor parties?! This is just dumb. Honestly, who cares if there is a stripper - as long as they look and do not touch. All these Bridezillas freak out over strippers and Bachelor parties... my goodness! If you don't trust your man then why are you marrying him?! I could care less about my husband in a strip club. I know he's faithful and I know he really never goes to places like that unless it's someone's bachelor party. Anyhow, that's my Bridezilla gripe of the day. Crazy Bitches!
Now that I'm up and knitting again I am organizing it all on Ravelry and trying to plan out my Christmas knitting projects. What a beast of an idea! I'm nuts to tackle as many projects as I have slated. Still, I am a woman possessed... I will try, even if it kills me.
Oh man, moment of truth flash! Bridezillas who over plan weddings and me who over plans Christmas! Man oh man... I'm not better than a Bridezilla! Crap! I hope I never get as evil about my knitting as these ladies are about their weddings! Yikes!

Day २१: Mr. Fix It

2009-08-01T09:08:00.000-06:00

We're still alive over here. Just chugging along. Never a dull moment.
This week we got back to daycare. It was pure bliss. Hunter loves his sitter, Darla. She has two girls who also seem to enjoy Hunter. Getting him out of the house three full days a week is so helpful. It refreshes me, gives him something new to explore, and of course keeps the economy going -- yea, the checkbook is smokin'. Still, it's worth every penny.
I am still sick. I think I have the plague. This head cold just will NOT go away. Hunter has made a full recovery. I still have days of pure hell. I spent two of my three days off in bed. My mother wants me to go get some antibiotics on Monday. Probably worth it... I hate going to the doctor but two weeks is enough. If this isn't better by Monday then yeah, bring on the drugs.
The day care situation here on base isn't improving much. We had a child care town hall -- only the usual suspects showed. Really, the only reason the military does child care is to help dual military families and families in which both parents work full time. So we're screwed out here. I'm sure many mothers out here would love to work full time outside the home but we are 45 minutes from the nearest town and jobs... also that's a 45 minutes drive over a really high mountain and windy road. Just isn't worth it. There's just no relief for the moms here... we have no coffee shop, no community center (yeah, we have a 'community center' but it has a bar in it and pool tables... it's more of 'club' than anything else). Anyhow, it's a conundrum.
Today Hunter and I are watching home improvement shows...

Day १७: Yo Gabba Gabba!

2009-07-28T09:09:00.000-06:00

I can't decide if Yo Gabba Gabba! is great child programming or an acid trip. Hunter and I are currently watching the program and it seems to really hold his attention. I think he's interested and disturbed by what he sees. My previous exposure to Yo Gabba Gabba! was through clips that The Soup featured making fun of the show... yeah, it's strange.

I know, you have to watch those clips several times. Strange and funny stuff.
Anyhow, we are on day 17 of life without daddy. Hunter started in with his daycare this week. Monday was his first full day and he did great. He is over his cold for the most part. His daycare is with three other girls all around his age. He's a lucky boy. While he was in daycare yesterday I got a lot done around the house. Today is sort of a wash for the most part.
I'm trying to figure out our base FRG and participation problem. It seems we are a people of indifference. We hate the system and love to complain but action is not something anyone is willing to take. How does a group of people come so jaded?
* Lack of Information: What you don't know will drive you crazy. Because of our size and isolation we are far from the usual avenues for advice, tools and general information. Sure the internet is helpful but it has taken me a month to research several topics pertaining to our branch of service and our base. I have but one child at home... most ladies here have several ankle biters. Information needs to be better available for us here.
* Exhaustion: As you can see self help is a full time job out here. As I've learned with my diabetes and insurance nothing comes for free and you must fight for everything. The same is very true when it comes to 'benefits' and 'services' that could be available to people here. If just one person goes about the task of finding this information without support it gets rough. Last week that was my issue. Not only was I doing my research alone but when I went to get base support I was at first dismissed. That has to change. There needs to be more encouragement from all base personnel when it comes to those who seek out self help or help in general.
* Isolation: Again, this one comes up a lot. If we were living say in the San Diego or Norfork area there are plenty of other services and military people around that information and help are available almost everywhere. Here we are alone and hours from the next military installation. If we get a person on this base unwilling to help us do or find this or that then we are stuck we have no other options. Again, the internet is helpful but blunt information is hard to come by.
Mix any of these things together and you get a group of people who just give up and count the days to PSCing. People here are checked out emotionally. I don't blame them, I have to check out on occasion myself.
Through my research I've found that although the isolation is rare that the exhaustion and lack of information is also found in varying degrees at all bases. It all stems from a breakdown in volunteers and participants. Although meetings and socials were the thing to do in the 1990s the new military families like to stay home and focus inward. They want it spoon fed to them on their timetable. I can't blame them either. When you have to find childcare for 4 kids for a meeting where NOTHING really gets accomplished... I'd avoid any FRG function! So the new emphasis on FRGs, Ombudsmen and so forth is the use of the internet. I've long thought that this was an important and under used tool in our group. Now I know it is vital that we pour more time and resources into it. I've already seen a jump in activity and communication on our website since I started revamping it last week.
There's more to be said on this topic. I could write a 50 page document on all my findings and possible solutions to our issues here. It's all floating in my head and marinating. I'll be journaling more about this process... for now I am out of battery power.

Day १३: Honeymoon Phase is Over

2009-07-24T12:52:00.000-06:00

The summer head cold trauma of 2009 is slowly coming to a close. I now have guck draining in the back of my throat which leads to the most ever so sexy sounds of deep nasal/throat sniffling and coughing. Thank God The Husband is away... this amount of sexiness might kill him. Hunter is also getting better. He's still grumpy today and clingy. He's working on a repeat of yesterday's 7 hour nap... just 10 more minutes and he might exceed that.
My energy is back to normal levels today and this afternoon I finally got out of bed and started working on my daily chores which have been neglected. I think I'll get it all back together this weekend. I also got confirmation today that my sitter is still going to take my son three full days a week starting Monday. I need to bake her a cake or something! Thank God.
I am thinking I'm going to sign up for one of those prepackaged meal weight loss plans. I've often thought that they were stupid because once you lose the weight then you start making your own food and just get fat again. That's probably the case for many people. Right now though, I really only have to cook for myself. Hunter eats what I eat or I totally fix him up something else. I am finding that I don't want to cook jack. Really, even Mac n' Cheese looks like too much work. I don't see this changing much in the future so why not have prepackaged meals that take 10 minutes to reheat?! At least they will be better balanced nutritionally than anything I am currently eating and I don't have to put too much guess work into it. I'm going to research the programs out there this weekend and hopefully get it going by mid-week. I've noticed my skin getting really pale and other signs of malnutrion.

Day १२: Leave it to Family

2009-07-23T15:52:00.000-06:00

So... yeah... I'm not leaving... at least not now. This isn't fully my choice. See the title for further clues as to why I'm still here. Yeah. Ugh.
As for the little man and I we are sick. So sick. There's a heck of a head cold going around and we both have been suffering with it all week long. Hunter had a bad runny nose all week and today the soar throat has hit him hard. I've had to medicate him and due to that he's slept most of the day. Poor man. Right now he's eating well and seems to have his energy back. Still, it will likely be an early night for him.
My head cold has been consistant crappy all week. I ran out of meds yesterday but I think I'm on the downside of this virus. I've taken the opportunity to sleep today as well and it's really helping. I'm hoping tomorrow we can both be on the mend.
Someone on my current base stopped by today and gave me a little pep talk and emotional support. It was needed and his timing couldn't be more perfect. I know I complain a lot about this place. There is A LOT wrong with how things are run and how people interact here but it's not necessarily the people. I think we are all wrung out and exhausted with the system. Many have given up. I don't blame them. Since my blow out a few days ago and new philosophy of 'screw them' I've felt better than I have in a LONG time. Although it was helpful in the short run I can't keep that attitude. I'm stuck, I have to make lemonade here. So, within the next week I will re-enter base life and put my gloves back on.
Twelve days... who knew it would be so hard? My sadness over the absence of my husband is less now. I still miss someone to talk to and bug in the middle of the night. I also miss torturing him over not allowing the dog into bed at night... she gets in all the time now but even she finds this new freedom disturbing. The cat has suffered the most with his absence. Her most favorite bitch is gone and she has taken to shadowing me most evening and hitting me at random out of frustration. I can take beatings... poor evil cat.
So I guess it's status quo here. Crazy as hell. Pray for us.

Day १०: That's It!

2009-07-21T13:36:00.000-06:00

Man, you can't say I didn't really try here! The past 48 hours have not played out well for me. I got some dreaded summer head cold and then my push for a government subsidy to help pay for childcare while my husband was away was stonewalled. A girl can only take so much drama and rejection before she cracks. I have cracked, big time. After a long talk to a new friend to be further known as SeaQueen and a counselor on base I know that going back west is my best option for survival. I think my situtation is best described in part of an email I just sent to family and friends... and yes it is edited to omit the names of the guilty....

As many of you know my time here at XXXXXXXXXX is similar to time spent in a federal supermax correctional facility. I have finally gotten over my bout of stockholm syndrome and now realize that my captors are bad naughty people. Much like battered wives about leave I feel as though I must make a fast, clean and efficient getaway... preferably under the dark of night. I have started the ball rolling and I plan to be back in Idaho for much of the next year starting in a few weeks. I have not shared this information with anyone on this base. I just need to leave. Things do not change here and I am not getting any support. I have met some nice people here but it's time to feed myself and my soul. I am looking forward to being with friends and family, to live near shopping and daycare and I embrace all that is dry heat.

So that's that. It was a tough decision because I didn't want to look weak and I didn't was to seem like I was 'running home' to my parents. In reality I used all the tools given to me to try to make this work. I attended all functions, I researched and tried to apply to programs that are meant to help people like me, I attempted to help others through on base groups. All these efforts were in vain. I went in with a positive attitude but really, people don't change. In the future with dealing with the military on any level I now have my eyes WIDE OPEN. As a type I diabetic I've learned that insurance will never tell or give you what you are truely entitled to... you have to fight... same goes for the military and government in general. I don't think either entity wants to be cruel but that's just the nature of the beast.
I will continue my quest in Idaho for better information and care while my husband is away. I expect and hope that the base back home will be more forthcoming and helpful. Maybe this whole thing too is a new inspiration... becoming an advocate for military families and spouses.
I'm feeling better with my decision with every minute that passes. It's a relief to see light and think about seeing family and friends and knowing that there's help around every corner.

Sumptin' Special

2009-07-19T19:33:00.001-06:00

Ok, I've updated my playlist on the side... the first few songs are favorites right now... the rest are from Flight of the Conchords. I love those guys.
Track #4 - Dedicated to the military... nuff said.
Track #5 - To my bitches.
Track #6 - To my husband because you can't rap either.

Day ८: Cat Love is in the Air

2009-07-19T18:48:00.000-06:00

Today is Olivia's day to express her sadness over the absence of her daddy. She's been crazy and lovey all day. It's getting a little creepy.
Anyhow, today went well. The little man and I went into H'burg to do some shopping at the Wal-Mart and Target. Once home we both napped for a couple hours then played until dinner and played some more until bath and bed time. I think the key for us to have a good day is to follow some strict rules in the morning. We must get up at the same time, both eat breakfast and then I have to be ruthless about getting my blood sugar accounted for and my medications on board for the day. Without these steps being accomplished by 9am things tend to go downhill fast for me.
Lucky for me my neighbor has volunteered to watch Hunter for three hours on Monday and Friday this week... ahhhhhh... one less thing to worry about. After this week my daycare should be back on board and coping should get a little easier.
I've been alone for a week now and although I've gone longer with the baby while The Husband was away this is different. The light at the end of the tunnel is VERY far away. One week, one month... those are one thing... more than that gets daunting. It's insane to think about it in one whole chunk. Maybe weekly bites are easier. A neighbor and I were talking the other day and she reported that the last couple to live in my home also endured a long separation. She said that the wife immediately redid the bedroom and put away most of her husband's stuff. Strange but I can understand it. Out of sight, out of mind. I have been tempted to do the same but I think it only makes the homecoming harder. I have changed a few things that know The Husband was not keen on but it was for my own comfort and sanity. I still keep his clothes in the same spot and his pile o' junk on his side of the office. I removed his electric razor off the bathroom sink (our bathroom there is limited counter space and that clunker takes up 1/3) and I've put alway all his coats into the closet. That's about all of my husband that I've 'erased' from the house. I think that is all I need... and it's not because I don't want reminders but that I'm just too anal and efficient. I imagine I'll also get around to cleaning his side of the office. It's tradition now. Whenever he leaves me for more than a month... his office gets a makeover. I know it drives him nuts but I really do try my damnedest to stay away.
So tomorrow... well I have several things that are on my list but I feel the need to spoil myself a bit. I think yoga and then working on cleaning up the office are my two projects while Hunter is at the neighbors. I also have to take a package to the post office to mail to The Husband. Ugh... my work is never done.

Day ७: Week One Down

2009-07-18T12:50:00.000-06:00

My cat is busy right now sitting on my lap as I type and biting me whenever she deems necessary. The dog is sleeping on my bed and Hunter is away and playing in his crib. I still haven't showered and it's almost 3pm on a Saturday.
My problem is how to proceed with my day. I could get the little man up and go outside and mow the lawn while he plays on the porch... or I could shower and take him to the park. I'm thinking lawn, then shower and then park. This should take most of the night up to his bedtime at 8pm. Yeah, I like that plan.
I am doing ok today. Not motivated to do much but if I took my pills like a good girl I bet I'd perk up. So let's see, the plan is as follows: Pills, lawn, shower then park. I really do suck at getting anything done this past week. I decided early on that I was just going to 'get through' my first week and not try to do anything too ambitious. This coming week will be a different story.
Week Two Goals
* Start food journal, along with BS level journal
* Develop a weekly cleaning schedule
* One full base walk a day
* Finish two important knitting projects
That's a decent start. Now i have to go rescue the baby from crib boredom. The lawn has been in a start of free growth for three weeks now. The neighbors are talking.

I WANT MY PILLS MAN

2009-07-17T20:53:00.000-06:00

This is a cut and paste from a military spouse forum I am a member of... I left this post there a few hours ago...

Dear Bethesda Navel Hospital Pharmacy,
I put in my order for my Ritalin three weeks ago. I did this because typically you always miss/forget/have a senior moment when it comes to putting it on the van down to my base each week. I put the order in early this time to allow for such mistakes. Now I have three pills left… and you still missed my Ritalin on Thursday. In short - you suck. This isn’t the first time this has happened. I have used all the tools I have to help myself in this situation. I have called the base clinic, I have called the Bethesda Pharmacy manager, I have told the base CO of my troubles and then of course, after weeks of no Ritalin I went off my rocker and found myself suicidal and led to security and whole base discovering my issue with you. Still, you forget. I’d love to get my Ritalin at an off-base pharmacy but they (medical clinic on base) tell me that isn’t possible unless I see a certified psychologist (closest one is Bethesda, go figure) and they write me a prescription. Since that requires me to travel north 4 hours and then spend the night I must ask who will pay for all this? Oh right… that would be ME.

Serinekat

Day 6

2009-07-17T07:57:00.000-06:00

It's all about vocabulary. Last night while in the bath, Hunter and I worked on vocab together. After pointing to my nose and his nose and saying 'nose' a few times he finally pointed, then stuck his finger as deep in his nose as it would go and said, "ose". Then he kept playing with his... penis. He's such a boy. Anyhow I kept telling him that it was his 'pe-pe'. Finally he point at it said "p-a p-a'. I said, "good boy!" and Hunter raised his hand for a high five. Now he says p-a p-a constantly. I've created a monster.
Today is refreshing. We have just started in on a big thunder and rain storm here. It was needed. The grass was starting to turn yellow. Olivia is taken to hiding under the futon in Hunter's room. She is NOT a big fan of rain or storms. Hunter and The Cheat are downstairs playing and watching the Disney channel. I just got out of the shower and am trying to come up with my plan for the day. I must work on getting a package ready to send The Husband. I was going to do that last night but couldn't summon the strength after Hunter went to bed. We also have a carnival on base today... although in this weather who knows where or if it will be up and running.

Day 5.5

2009-07-16T16:30:00.000-06:00

So it was another emotional day for me. It started out ok then went south fast and now is recovering. I have to say thanks to family and friends who call me up for a few minutes here and there. Those calls have gotten me out of my funk today. Even when you didn't think I was in a funk... I was and just listening to you or answering your questions really helped.
NEWS FLASH

Let there be light. I got my fancy bulbs today for my IKEA lamp. I had to buy them in a box of 10... since the last one lasted a year I should be good to go until Hunter enters middle school. Olivia seems unimpressed with my purchase.
Tonight's agenda... not sure. I am cooking dinner... yes you heard me... cooking. No this is not a box dinner tonight, I am making my Indian Food dinner. Hunter is downstairs playing. He was a cranky little guy when he got home from the sitter's today. I think he was hungry because he ate all his dinner in under 15 minutes. Now he's just as happy as a clam playing with his cars. Ok, I must go check on dinner.

Day 5

2009-07-16T09:09:00.000-06:00

Baby boy is off to the sitter today until 4pm. It's relief and sad not to have him around. I celebrated by going back to bed for two hours this morning. Wooo hooo! Now I am up and messing around in the office. The office is a slippery slope of procrastination and time suckage. I must be cautious in this place. My cat, Olivia stands watch next too me... she knows about the office curse and wants me to stay on task... otherwise I will sit here and do nothing in HER room.
I have to go down to the base clinic today. All my perscriptions were outdated and I need to see the doctor for more refills. Blah. I hate this crap. I also have to get him to write up a slew of referrals so I can take my son to the pediatrician and get a phsycial. It's ridiculous that I need these referrals to go do simple things like this... oh and a teeth cleaning... gotta get one for that too! Without one of these referrals I'd have to pay full price up front. With the referral it's 100% free.
Crap, Olivia has deemed office time over. It's now LOVE TIME. Gotta Go.

Day 4

2009-07-15T14:02:00.000-06:00

Each day on my own gets a little better and exposes new cracks in my routine. Blah. Yesterday ran rather well. The baby and I took a walk with neighbors in the late afternoon... bad idea... forgot to wear sunscreen. Then Hunter had a big dinner of dinosaur pasta and meat balls. He really liked it. Once in bed I went about cleaning out the pit which is my bedroom. Ugh, it got really cluttered with all the packing and unpacking of the last month. It took a good 3 hours to get it back together again. I was too pooped to noticed that I never had dinner last night, nor lunch today. That's the crazy thing about having a husband 'away for work'. I have totally lost my appetite. I know this isn't all good but it isn't all bad either... I'm a binge eater so this lack of hunger is impressive for me. I wonder how long it will stay with me. In any case I'm re-stocking the house with more healthy foods for when I do remember to eat.
Today was the big FRG meeting. We had it at the park on base. Not a great idea but there was little to talk about and cover so it went quickly. My involvement is much less than last year. This partly due to choice and partly due to some strange phenomenon that I can't put my finger on. Everytime they ask for volunteers for something I raise my hand... but they never call and invite me to meetings... It's like they don't want me to get my hands too far into the group. Strange. I want to say something but after my experience last fall I've learned that officer wives just need to stay on the sidelines and try not to rock the boat. So I'm standing on the side, very still.
My social life is a work in progress. Many nights I prowl the streets of the base and corner people out for walks or on their porches and talk to them. I don't care if I know them or not. I just talk to them. I take my son and dog as social lubricants. They can always help move a conversation and keep things interesting. Some people are catching onto my game and I can see them rolling my eyes when I come towards them with my stroller and dog attached to my hip. I don't care. I need to talk.
I am lining up some more babysitting days for Hunter. Today I got the morning off and tomorrow I get a whole day! This is long over due but worth the wait. I still have lots to do around the house and when I clean bathrooms and use chemicals it's best not to have him around at all.
Speaking of cleaning. I've gone broke with a new cleaning purchase... the Haan steam cleaner. It's for hard floor surfaces and more. I've been using a Swiffer for sometime and the residue from the pads is gross and never quite goes away and the money put into buying new pads sucks. With our entire first floor made of a pergo like material I figured a steam cleaner that uses only water might be the best. I went midrange with this Haan package. Hopefully I will be impressed. I'll keep you all updated.

Day Three

2009-07-14T12:54:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a wash. The babysitter never showed nor called. My depression was at a high. I must say thank you to all my friends and family who talked to me on the phone, skype and on facebook. That all really helped. Today I awoke in a much better mood. Hunter and I drove into town and went shopping at Wal-Mart. We got a great deal of stuff and treated ourselves to McD's on our way home. Hunter fell asleep with a McNugget in his mouth. It felt out at one point and then just minutes from home he awoke and looked down and grabbed it and continued to eat like nothing happened. Boys.
I just read that a distant relative of mine has passed on. He was older and suffering from cancer. My family is very sad to hear of his passing even though we had only met him once. He made quite an impression. Helge was by all accounts a great husband and father and grandfather. Him and his family made our trip to Norway and to the family's farm a joy and pleasure. His legacy is beautiful - a wonderful brood of kids and grandkids and a close relationship with extended family around the world. When my son is older and asks what makes and man a man I will point to men like Helge and his family. They are devoted to family and friends and always leave the world a little better. Thanks for the wonderful time in Norway Helge... God bless you and your family. You will be missed more than you know!

Day 2

2009-07-13T06:33:00.000-06:00

We're off to a craptastic start today. Found out my babysitting for the week is no longer. I have found some replacement sitters but already one is proving to be less than reliable. It's 8:30am... she was supposed to report to duty at 8:00am. She's 13 so I'm really not surprised by this, just disappointed and annoyed.
I stayed up late last night and worked on paperwork. Crap like that never is totally done. Right when I think I've cleared my desk I come back the next day to find even more work to do.
I'm still working slowly on all my big projects. I was going to go to the gym today but I think that might have to wait another two weeks until I have reliable child care. For now I am starting to eat a healthy breakfast each morning and will take the kid out for a long walk in an hour.
I'd honestly love to go back to bed and just lounge this morning... that was the plan but I don't think I'll hound the babysitter to get up. I will just buck up and try to get on with the day.
Oh, and another disappointing deal... last night I went to the base chapel to enjoy Ladies Game Night only to find that NO ONE was there... this is the second time this has happened in as many weeks. Why post events on base when there will be no one there? It's very deflating to gear up to go do something only to find that it's no longer happening and no one decided to share that information with you. Typical.
I really am trying to stay focused and get involved but the system on this base is really trying to bring me down. Damn the system! Anarchy! I hope security isn't reading this.

Day 1

2009-07-12T12:55:00.000-06:00

This is the first day of my single mom life. The Husband has departed for parts we speak not of for a time we do not tell. That's all I have to say about that so don't ask any more questions.
I am exhausted from the build up of the last month and really just in need of a few lazy days. So far today I've done well... at not doing much. I did finally break down and clean the 1st floor. It was icky and I'm OCD. I also finally took a shower at 2pm. The little man is asleep right now and I'm just burning up time until he wakes.
I know I have been neglectful of my blogging for a couple months. That will change drastically now. This blog, my Flickr account and my YouTube account will all be very busy for much of the foreseeable future. We are using all internet tools to communicate and keep The Husband updated on the family.
So, you might wonder if I have any plans. Not really. Just trying to maintain and knit more. Hunter will start again with daycare in a couple weeks. We are using temp sitters until then. I have toyed with the idea of totally redoing the interior of the house... just to mess with The Husband's mind but that might be too cruel.
Here's your first glimpse into my new temporary world... enjoy my more frequent updates and random rants....

DAY ONE

* Woke up to find a single cat poop in the entryway by the utility room. This is a common sign that Olivia, the cat, is unhappy about something. She likes to put the poop in a very public and annoying place. Score one for Olivia today.
* Was in IKEA in Maryland over the weekend and got what I thought were the right replacement bulbs for my office lamp. WRONG. I need something like a G9 120V, 40W halopin bulb. So I looked it up online. Of course IKEA doesn't sell those over the internet and other places do but at $6 a bulb. Ugh. I'll break down and order some tonight or tomorrow. For now I plan to piss and moan a little more.
* Got home yesterday from DC and was loading everything back into the house when I found that Hunter somehow got the documents (see below) I'd been working on off the kitchen counter and into the dog water. Thanks Hunter.
* The Military... Grrrrr. So I've been told from various sources not on my current base that I am entitled to 16 free hours of child care per month while The Husband is away. Great deal! Only no one here has heard of this. It's taken me one month to track it down HERE. So I've printed out all the information and am getting all the right documents in order to get these hours. It's all about the language with these things. This program called Operation: Military Child Care is not a benefit nor is it an entitlement. It's a subsidy that you must apply for. Also the details of the program are vague on the actual program website but the Army likes to give you all kinds of information about it. Thanks Army! The program is for all military with deployed spouses. It kills me that spouses on this base who have had deployed partners didn't know about this program and did without it. It's my new mission to become military educated to help others... it's crazy that we don't get told about these things. Grrrrr.

Reality's a B*tch

2009-05-14T11:12:00.000-06:00

I've been a big fan of the show 'Jon and Kate Plus 8' which airs on TLC. The idea of two parents with two sets of multiples was too tempting NOT to watch. At first I really liked the family and loved to watch how they coped. Now it's like nails on a chalkboard. Over the past season the love is no longer there between Jon and Kate and the heart of the show is just dead. Many articles and websites are now talking about how the kids are being used to make money and so forth.
While I think the idea of making kids work to pay for your life is wrong I don't see a legal issue with watching the Gosselin kids grow up - that's if it's done right and everyone agrees it's ok. While for awhile it seemed like the family and show were doing fine living side by side that is no longer the story.
The media now reports that Jon is having and affair and then Kate is having one too. Kate is doing all sorts of promotion for a new book while Jon hides out at their home. This isn't a family I'd like to know and/or watch. I don't care how cute those kids are - this drama is going to make them crazy in no time flat. What really kills me is that Jon, on the show, has been trying back away from the series and asked for a break. Kate flat out denied Jon, on the show, that luxury. What the heck? Why would anyone want to air their dirty laundry in public? Granted that is the new trend but these two seemed so normal and non-celebrity... until recently when Kate started the last season all decked out in Ann Taylor and high heel boots to check out puppies on a farm.
I'm now joining in the increasing chorus of viewers who think TLC needs to pull the plug on this one. They are promoting a new season but at the same time media outlets are reporting that two are about to divorce. This is just one instance where I think the parents and media have gone too far - stop doing the show - stop airing the show and give these kids some stability and privacy. Also, get Kate to therapy - the woman is off her rocker to pressure everyone to continue and to keep doing a book tour in the middle this. Are you serious Kate?! Your marriage is on the rocks and you leave your 8 kids to go on a book tour?!

As a sidebar: I can say that one thing this show has done is improve my relationship with my husband. Seeing how rude and disrespectful Kate is to her husband on the show really opened my eyes. She rarely praises him and constantly interrupts him. The poor guy doesn't stand a chance when she's in the room. That's no way to treat someone you love. She yells at him on camera and always on him for this or that. Really, Kate?! Come on, he's an adult now girl, let him figure it out!

I'm a Nerd

2009-05-13T10:23:00.000-06:00

Over the past week or so I've really upped my knitting game. Various reasons are behind it: Too much yarn, gifting and now better time management. I've also been using all the tools offered on Ravelry to organize and plan all my projects. It's a blessing and a curse. I'm getting lots of help by looking at all the other finished objects of patterns I plan to use. I can see what worked and what sucked, as well as what yarn looks best. I'm really starting to put a dent in my cotton yarn since I've started making dish cloths and I'm starting to dig into the rest of my yarn too. One pattern has got me in a bind though. It calls to knit up the garment with two threads of fingering weight held together. Well, I don't have that much fingering weight but I have plenty of 6 or 8 ply which is double one thread of fingering. So what's the difference? I have no clue. I've posted my question on Ravelry and will soon find out. If there's no big problem then I see my stash of yarn sinking lower... if I have to get the fingering weight I might try another pattern.
The weather is getting better but still remains fairly cloudy most of the day. The dog is spending more time out and the cat is perched next the window all day. What a bunch of babies.
Off to knit some more - little man just went down for a nap!

Dumps

2009-05-06T14:03:00.000-06:00

That's it! This rainy weather has finally gotten me into a hole. My bloodsugars are crap and my attitude is worse. My poor son is spending some quality time in his crib this afternoon while I try to sugar detox. In addition we have another insane down pour outside. Poor kid is just talking in his crib right now. Ugh...

When it Rains...

2009-05-05T13:06:00.000-06:00

I should really think about building an Ark... except the storm is already here. It's been raining in West Virginia for about a week... right now it's down pouring and has been most of the day. Miserable. Bleh.
Today was Hunter's day at the sitter's. He did great again. Didn't nap much but went straight to bed when we got home. I had to make his bed (washed it today) and while I was working on that he would walk around his room then lay down on the rug and pretend to sleep. I think that was his way of being subtle.
I've gotten the Mother's Day cards and a gifts ready. I really need to think ahead on this stuff. Tonight I think I'll sit down and map out my summer and gift plans. I really want to go all knitting for the rest of the year when it comes to gifts. Honestly I have way to much yarn and little money in the bank. I'm finding that my ADD is causing some interruptions in this plan. For the past week I get so far in a project, like 75% and then quit and can't pick it up for several days. I have two current projects on the needles that just sat there for three days. I finally got one finished this afternoon and am thinking about finishing the other right after I blog.
That's it for now, sorry I have nothing more interesting to add. Blame it on the rain.

Cestari Yarn

2009-04-27T14:58:00.001-06:00

Ok, so you know I went to that Wool Festival over the weekend. Yeah, it sucked. I should have known something was up when I found little if any information locally about the event and my favorite local yarn shops were not participating.
So we get there and there's no petting zoo! There's like 5 vendors and there's a sheep go round with two sheep tied up who would rather be elsewhere - and did I mention that it's 88 degrees and muggy as hell?!
We headed for the shop on site to see what yarn deals they had - ugh, it was bad. The shop was too dark to really see the colors. The worsted weight wool felt like my husband's cheeks are a few days of not shaving. The merino wool was better but was dirty and smelly. Prices were decent but no big sales unless I bought like 20 skeins.
I did buy some cotton and some discounted remnents but overall --- I'd say skip this yarn and this festival.

Late FYI - After doing a search on Ravelry I discovered that I'm not the only one with stinky yarn from Cestari. They put on some de-mothing guck that makes it smell like moth balls. It was advised on Ravelry to put all the stinky skeins of yarn outside for a day or two to air out. I will check mine today and see if still stinks.

Now I've Seen Everything

2009-04-23T13:00:00.000-06:00

As a knitter with too much yarn I am always looking for projects to get rid of my stash and be helpful around the house. On Ravelry there is no end to the items you can knit. On my list are the following:

Swiffer Pads

Dish Soap Bottle Dress

And now here's one I'll never try but am amazed that someone has....

Crocheted Tampons

The tampon instructions are on online here... if you're curious.

Finding My Groove

2009-04-23T09:35:00.000-06:00

I'm finally getting a little better at blogging again. Man, I was a lazy bum this past winter. Parenting really does change everything. Still, I am slowly working towards a balance in my life with all my daily activities, responsibilities, and rest. Starting next week I will have Hunter in daycare all day, twice a week. This was a mixed deal for me. On one hand it's really needed so I can take some time each week to really focus on my bloodsugars and health as well as indulge in some of my hobbies to fend off stress. I love my little man, he's a funny guy to be around but he is a lot of work and often his needs get put before my own. I also take the stay at home mom thing pretty seriously. There are too many well documented benefits to moms who stay home with their kids until 5 or 6. While I totally agree with that I think that kids also need time to socialize with others when they are ready. Hunter is definately ready. He's never one to shy away from new people and seems to get really bored hanging around the house lately. While I am always going to be here for him I think it's time for him to take an independent step forward and have a couple days out of the house and with other kids to learn some new social skills. He's definately got some interesting social skills from the dog but I think human interaction would be more of a benefit for him right now.

Once I get the little man out of the house I want to start really attacking my scrapbooks. Ugh, how the years get away from you! I have pictures everywhere and no final resting home! I remember growing up how my mother never finished my baby book and had a coffin box full of 30 years of family photos that would hide in the closet. I dread that outcome. Although my box is not coffin sized it is dog sized and really must stop now, so my goal for the summer, before we move is to get totally caught up with my scrapbooking. Afterwards I am really thinking about going to digital scrapbooking. I have a friend on base who does it and have found other bogs where the bloggers are raving about it. I did sign up for Inkubook and like the service. I'm hoping to have all photos from 2009 on forward done digitally so I don't have to deal with the box guilt.

I'm also becoming more and more active with my knitting. This is great because I own a semi-truck full of yarn. I've been blasting through my Peaches & Cream cotton yarn these past few weeks. I joined a weekly knit along group on Ravelry that does just dish cloths. God bless them! They have an archive of free patterns that go back several years. I've been able to try a few and really master some. Right now I'm building up my supply of cloths for baby births, welcome baskets and emergency whatever gifts. I've gotten up to doing two a day! It's tough with Hunter around and the dog laying on my lap but I'm getting faster and I think everyone is more tolerant now of my knitting -- at first Hunter would throw fits if I sat and didn't pay attention to him but now he can play alone with little direct attention from me for an hour or so.

For the rest of this month the family will keep it chilled. We were going to try to go to an air show at Langley AFB this weekend but the 4 hour drive up there and another 4 hours back was a little too much for us at this time. Luckily I just found out about a wool fair this weekend at Cestari Farms -- they make several forms of yarn are fairly popular around the US. They are also just over the mountain from us near Staunton -- about an hour drive one way. The fair will have a petting zoo, pony rides, and tractor rides just to name a few. We're thinking this would be right up Hunter's alley... and mine because they have a mill shop on site.... MORE YARN!

That's it for now, it's almost time to feed the man and then put him down for an afternoon nap.

Disease and Knitting

2009-04-19T14:05:00.000-06:00

If you read my other blog, Motherz 'n Da Hood then you know that we are under an assault from Fifth Disease. It's not as scary as it sounds, think cold with a rash. Hunter broke out in the rash last week and was diagnosed on Friday. Other than the rash he's been a little cranky.

I have been getting back to my knitting, finally. The carpal tunnel is all gone and the pain from the surgery is minimal if at all. I started work on the Big Bad Baby Blanket in March and got it all done a couple weeks back. I used an especially yummy yarn from Alpaca with a Twist. It was heavenly. Since then I've been working on just small projects to burn up some of my insane yarn stash and build some knitting confidence. All the details are on Ravelry and photos are also up on Flickr.

I think I have finally come over to the Addi side. I've knit with dozens of different types of knitting needles and I have to say - Addi metal turbos are my favorite. I've been working with Peaches & Creme cotton on some wood Art Viva needles and my fingers just blister! I know part of it is from the yarn - Peaches & Creme is cheap and comes in great colors but is hell on the hands... but because I knit tighter than most the yarn gets stuck and caught on wood needles. As for circular verses straight needles I like both for different reasons.

With this new revelation I now have a list of mother's day wants:
Addi Turbo Circular Needles
US 0, 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 - 24"
Yeah, that's going to be an expensive order but really, I'd use them like crazy.

Other than the knitting not much is happening around our house. We're enjoying nicer weather and just being together. We're looking forward to a nice summer and news on where we are going next.

April Showers

2009-04-16T09:30:00.001-06:00

It's been miserable here in West Virginia. Rain, and nothing but rain. Today we were fogged in in the morning and now the sun is finally out. Hunter, The Cheat and I are all outside enjoying the weather.
I finally got my hair done. It's been a year. The dog has been to the groomer three times already this year! I finally told The Husband that dog grooming is on hold until mom gets a grooming. I kept the length in my hair and had my blonde heavy highlights redone. The only drastic change I made was that I went back to my whispy bangs. I haven't had bangs since college. I grew them out for my wedding thinking that I'd look better. I never did. Infact I think it make me look older and more tired. Since my hairdo on Tuesday I've been happier with the person I see in the mirror. She looks 5 years younger and happier. Crazy how a hairdo can really make you feel and look better.
My trip home was a bittersweet one. So much to do and so little time. Everyone wanted to see us, which was so nice. It's been a struggle to be away from my family and friends and in an environment where making new friends is challenging.
Most of you know by now that while I was home I got to see my black lab Hillary one last time. She was 16 and really not able to walk well anymore. She still had that wicked twinkle in her eyes. The moment I saw her I knew we'd be putting her down while I was home. We always wish that our animals will pass in their sleep but they never do. While I was in Oregon mom and dad put Hillary down. I am sad that I couldn't be there with her to make her comfortable but I am happy to know that she had an amazing life for a dog. She got to watch movies in a movie theater I used to manage, she spent the night several times in the residence halls at the University of Idaho, she traveled throughout the Northwest, she had a great career as a Rick's assistant at the engineering firm every weekend, she was a regular on my mother's latte runs every morning... a human would me so lucky to have such a life.
I sure do miss her. She was my partner in crime when I was in high school and she never judged me when I went through trouble. All she asked for was some petting and food, any food. With Hillary gone there are now no animals left alive from my childhood. I really do feel like an adult now.
Speaking of kids - I think Hunter is starting to melt down. It is time for lunch and then a nap.

No Really, I am Alive

2009-04-08T13:53:00.000-06:00

It's been a busy spring here. Things really get away from you once you have kids. Hunter is now 13 months old! He's walking (40% of the time) and talking (it's still jibberish). We're looking to move again in the early fall. To where we are not sure yet... stay tuned.
My current news is that we are trying to get Hunter into part-time child care during the week. I need a couple days off to focus on my health. It's difficult to balance everything with a crazy kid running around. I also think it's time for Hunter to mix it up with other kids. He's very social and independent. I am hoping once this child care is in place I can get back to blogging, knitting, and other creative past times.

Spring Fling

2009-02-11T13:20:00.001-07:00

It's close to 70 degrees here in the mountains of West Virginia. I know, we are truely spoiled. Our doors and windows are all open and the dog, baby and I have gone for walks for three days in a row now. The nice weather is giving me energy to get more done... but that's not always a good thing. Today I've done 5 loads of laundry, vaccumed the first floor of the house, and various other home activities. In the middle of all this I fell over a child gate and stopped my fall with hands, taking the brunt of the impact on my wrists. I know, great job! Ugh. Now I am great pain and still wanting to get more done. I think I need to rope myself in a go lie down with the evil kitty cat.

New Video

2009-02-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is about time! I have finally downloaded and uploaded my new videos of Hunter onto my YouTube account. I also have some new photos up on Flickr. Enjoy!

Stuffing the Stash

2009-02-06T06:25:00.000-07:00

As a knitter I suffer from a well known affliction: Stash Building. Like a quilter or a scrapbooker I get obsessed with collecting tools of the trade without really having room or a project to apply them too. It's pure gluttony. As of now I am trying to enter in all my yarn on Ravelry. I have 48 skeins listed, and probably about 50 or so more to enter. Looking at much of it I see that 30% is about 2 years old, 50% is a year old and the remaining 20% is fairly new. Obviously I have a problem.
Now that my wrists are starting to heal I am pledging to use up what I have. I'd like to get my stash down by 50% this year. This is a bold statement. Can I really do it?
I look at this challenge like weight loss. I've failed so many times before but it's truely necessary for my sanity to get knitting again and to use what I have and quit carrying dead weight from house to house. So what's the key to accomplishing my goals here? I'm not quite sure. I think I need to be sane about my goals but push myself each week to recommit whether or not I need it. It's so easy to let motherhood and household work get in the way of my hobbies and health... I understand that if I'm not healthy and have an outlet then my family will suffer.
Ok, so this rant is turning from yarn into weight loss... sorry. I didn't want to talk about my struggle with weight with anyone this year - my plan was just to hit the ground running and be accountable to only myself. I've lost weight before and did it without any external discussion. That was the only time I was successful. No talk, just action. I think that's how I work best. If I want something I just do it. This is now being applied to my knitting and my weight. Wish me luck. I hope to end the year healthier, happier and with less yarn.

Getting It Together

2009-02-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Today was a snow day for the base. The Husband stayed home all day. Nice. I got to sleep a lot. I think I'm coming down with mad cow or something. Last night I developed a sexy case of pink eye. After looking around online I determined through self diagnosis that I had a case of viral and/or allergic pink eye, so there was nothing to do but wait it out. This morning is disappeared, so whatever.
Tonight I am more active and am in the office cleaning through all the piles on the desk. I am all done for now, I just have some deep cleaning in the drawers which I will save for another day. It always feels so good to get my office desk cleared. Ahhhh.
Today I got like $20 worth of coupons in the mail! All that joining and signing up on websites paid off. I have $12 of Iams coupons for Petco. The great news is that they are good through June. I also got some great Gerber coupons. Finally I got my order from The Coupon Clippers. All in all it was a super day.
I doubt if The Husband gets the day off tomorrow. Although the snow is still here the roads are clear. My appointment to get the stitches removed from my wrists was rescheduled for tomorrow.

Groundhog Day

2009-02-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

I don't know if this counts as more or less winter as of today. But here's what's happening in West Virginia this afternoon - SNOW. We're getting so much so quickly that my husband was being told not to leave work until it was safe to drive home - he's like 2 minutes down the road. Crazy. I think we have about 1-2 inches right now. I don't see any chance of it slowing down or stopping soon. It's kindof nice considering how warm it's been here. FYI - the photo was taken from my desk in the office.
Late Addition: The Husband got home a little while ago. He was inside for like 30 minutes when he looked out and noticed that his truck had slide backwards down the driveway and into the street... about 5 feet from another hill that goes down and ends at the playground. Damn snow!

All Alone

2009-02-01T20:22:00.001-07:00

My mother in law has flown the coup back to potato land. Today was my first day alone in two weeks. I got about 6 hours of good cleaning and baby wrangling in before me and wrists were fried. Granted, I pushed pretty hard on the cleaning but I just wanted some stuff done. Tonight The Husband and I went to a co-worker's house for the Super Bowl.
I realized this afternoon I've been reluctant to go to his work functions for a long while. At first it was because of the baby or my diabetes. True, these things do take their toll but to keep me from going to like 80% of the social functions we are invited to is just silly. In truth I admit I've been a recluse. I have varied reasons and none justifiable. I almost put the kilbosh on tonight's affair and sent my husband and son without me, but I finally realized that I was not doing myself, husband or family any good by staying home. Sure I need rest but I also need to socialize more. Since getting married and moving like nomads I've really lacked local friends. Tonight was a total success. Sure I was hurting but I finally just dumped the baby on my husband with the other men in the TV room and went with the ladies to play games in the back. It was nice to talk to them and laugh and it was good to support my husband and his interests (beer and football).
I vow to be more social in the future.

What the Hell have I gotten myself into?

2009-01-30T08:46:00.001-07:00

So today is my last full day at home with my mother in law in charge of Hunter. I feel I must be as elusive to those two as possible and do everything I've ever wanted to do with my little man. I finally got some sleep last night... not until 5am did that happen but I slept ok until 10am so I will claim some success. Now I am playing on the computer and just realized that I never fully engaged my Ravelry account back in the fall of 2007.
What's Ravelry? It's a social networking and personal organizational tool for rabid knitters. You post all your yarn on there, your needles, your patterns, pictures of your finished objects, your knitting blog, and so forth. It's quite addicting. Most big time knitters I know are on there. It's a great place to find new patterns and knitting co-horts.
So considering my enormous yarn stash and crazy pile of needles, books and other knitting accessories I would naturally like to make sense of it all. Of course this also appeals to the OCD freak within.
I just got back onto the site and started updating my profile. Then I went to an area known as 'Notebook'. This is where all those great organizational tools are hidden. Then it hits me - This will take all freakin' day!
So, do you think I will do it?
Does a bear shit in the woods?
I'll see you all tomorrow!

FYI - As you guessed my ID on Ravelry is SerineKat!

Stoned

2009-01-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

I ran out of my vicodin 550s. No biggie, I thought. So I poured through my old bottles and came across some vicodin from when I had my c-section. Only it was the 750s and not the 550s. I only had three so I've been on those for the past day - holy crap that stuff is intense! I was totally stoned and talking werid stuff all day. My final pill got me to sleep 6 hours this afternoon. i don't think i will need anymore vicodin for my wrists. Right now there's still pain but nothing horrible. It's just very tight. I'm trying to keep the braces off and let my wrists be 'normal'. I still get some sharp pains when I try stupid things like lifting pots of hot water or stirring something thick.
In totally different news it finally snowed today! The base was even CLOSED! The Husband stayed home with us and shoveled snow and The Cheat was doing puppy crazies all day outside. Our home is at the top of a hill on base and all the kids were out front today sledding down the hill. Tonight it all turned into freezing rain and we have like an inch of ice on everything... so hopefully tomorrow will be another CLOSED base day.

Freedom!

2009-01-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

I let my wrists free last night. I couldn't take those darn guaze clubs anymore. I'm now wearing a band-aid on my wrists covering the incision and wearing the wrist braces that I bought at Wal-Mart ages ago. This gives my fingers more mobility and doesn't make my hands sweat as much. I'm also letting my wrists be free more often when I'm doing light work or tasks like typing or watching TV. The scar tissue is starting to build up in both wrists now. A neighbor encouraged me to start doing deep tissue massage on the wrists, which really does help. Overall I think my hands are happier today than they've been in awhile. I'm even cutting back on my medications a little.
In even more encouraging news I was able to cheat the DRY CLEAN ONLY label on my favorite bedding. My parents bought me the Anna Paisley Bedding from Anthropologie a few years back. I love it and it's $50 to dry clean. I know, disgusting. So I've only cleaned it twice. Over the past month the dog now sleeps on the bed more often and the quilt is looking like it might get up and walk out. So I had to make my move. I put it in our huge washer with like a 1/2 cup of vinegar, and 1/4 of the soap recommended for that size load. I also washed it in cold on the gentlest cycle known to man. As for the dryer I again used the delicate cycle and low heat and after 90 minutes, clean and perfect! I feel like I've cheated death! The darn quilt is like $300! I'm so cool!
No knitting yet. My hands are good but I'm not going to tempt fate just now. My mother in law is here for just one more week so I am setting up daily goals so that I can handle my 11 month old when she's gone. Right now I can pick him up in a bear hug sort of way. I can make and give him his bottles too. That's it. Tomorrow I am going to work on feeding him his solids again, Tuesday will be bath night, Wednesday we will dress him and finally on Thursday I must tackle the diaper debacale.
That's it for now. My wrists have had enough of this typing crap.

Franken Mommy

2009-01-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

Carpal Tunnel surgery has still got me down. I was able to take off my guaze and bandage the other day. Doesn't look too bad. Lots of bruising but the incision site looks clean. I'm still on the vicodin every 6 hours, sometimes I take two. I also take ibprofren too. I'm getting lots of sharp pain today. I think it is all normal for this type of surgery. I have been pretty good about lifting things. Starting monday I no longer need to wear the guaze and bandage. This will give me a little more range of motion with everything.

Pain and Progress

2009-01-20T17:11:00.001-07:00

I spent my day in bed recovering from my wrist surgery. It went well. I'm on some heavy drugs to deal with the pain. I can't lift anything more than 2 pounds and I can't drive for 4 weeks. I can still do plenty of other things like wipe my own butt. Typing is ok for me to do but doing anything for too long does cause some pain.
I haven't had much of a chance to spend time with my little man. I think he's just about had it with me tonight. He cries whenever I walk by. My mother in law is doing a great job watching Hunter and keeping house.
Because of my condition I was able to watch some of the ignaguration. It was all well done and quite historic. I'm too stoned to take it all in. Forgive me. It's now time for more vicodin. Happiness.

Happy Hot New Years!

2008-12-30T23:03:00.000-07:00

While the rest of the US is under like three feet of snow, we are in a heat wave here in the mountains of West Virginia. Today I had all the windows and doors open. It's nuts! I took the baby and dog for a walk on base and we played fetch at the baseball field and I let Hunter swing on the toddler play ground. Then we came home and I opened mail on the front porch and flipped through a magazine. Meanwhile family in Idaho and Washington continue to live under an assault of snow. They keep reporting numbers like 16 inches in a day, 4 inches in an hour, cars completely covered... not here, no here we are sitting on our front porch, watching kids run around on the playground and sunbathing.

FYI - If you are still waiting for your Christmas cards guess what... I'M STILL WORKING ON THEM! I know, I'm so slow! I blame my poor wrists, they are acting up and are very painful these days. I will get the cards out, eventually. Please be patient with me!

It's Official, I'm Old.

2008-12-27T16:04:00.000-07:00

So the 28th is my 30th birthday. I am old. Not scary old but just old. I think The Husband and I will go into town and see and movie and go out to dinner at Red Lobster. Hunter is going to get babysat by our neighbors. It should be a nice break. I'm hoping that in January before my wrist surgery we can go into DC for a night and hang out but it depends. I guess the inauguration is going be a zoo around the capitol. We don't want to go down there then... it would be neat to go to but we've heard that they are not allowing strollers on the mall... which is just plain crazy! We don't leave the house without a well stocked stroller! So, we will watch the festivities on TV.
Anyhow, that's the latest update from West Virginia where it was 70 degrees today... I know, it's like Christmas in Hawaii.

Packages? Anyone?

2008-12-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

It seems the US Postal Service is having a tough season. I sent out my packages to family and friends on the West Coast from the East Coast on December 15th. All were shipping Priority, which meant all would arrive in time for Christmas. Whatever. A couple did but the big ones to my parents did not arrive until today (the 26th) and my husband's family is still waiting for theirs.
I understand that 90% of the country is covered in snow. That will definately slow down some packages but priority packages usually arrive within 3 days... it's been like 2 weeks! Come on! I'm shocked that the news hasn't picked up on this story. I've seen stories about FedEx having some issues but not much on the USPS. My aunt sent me a package from the west coast around the same time... I still haven't seen that either!
A news organization in Arizona has this little article about the troubles.
Enough of my whining. I'm cool. I'll chill.
I was surfing through my daily news sites and came across this little story out of the pacific northwest -

BOZEMAN - A researcher at Montana State University says Jell-O, ultrasound, microwaves and electroshocking are among the possible solutions to eliminate lake trout in Yellowstone National Park.
Lake trout were introduced illegally into the park and threaten native cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake. To find the best way to destroy lake trout eggs, Al Zale received a grant from the National Park Service. Zale heads the Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit at MSU.
He and his collaborators will analyze several potential solutions and recommend the best.
If Jell-O is chosen, Zale says it would probably be unflavored. He says workers could spread it over the fish eggs to smother them.
Zale adds that it would seem efficient to get rid of the eggs during spawning season, which occurs primarily during late fall.

So if you know anything about Idaho and Utah and Mormons and Jello then you know the punch line to this story!
That's it for now... The husband has cooked me dinner. I must eat!

Christmas Videos

2008-12-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

And another late addition...

Cookies and Cards

2008-12-21T14:03:00.001-07:00

Seems like these are the only two items I can never get done one time. Most of my cards are done and will be out by tomorrow. The cookie thing has been a month long project. I keep making a batch here or there and then eating half and then making more. I wanted to have some cookie plates to give to neighbors for Christmas but at this point who knows. I've got two batches of sugar cookie dough chillin' in the fridge... now that it's time to bake them I'd rather go back to bed. Grrrr. Must... get... cookies... done.
The Cheat doesn't make cookies nor does she get to consume them but that doesn't stop her from smelling like vanilla. We took her to Petco on Friday and she got the Christmas Spa package. This included the shampoo, cut, dry and teeth cleaning. They used special soap to make her smell festive. She also got lots of treats and a Christmas bandanna to wear around her neck. She's been prancing around the house and base all weekend long showing off her new look. I haven't even gotten my hair cut since July! The Cheat is one spoiled little lady.

Recycle, Reuse, and Keep it Cheap

2008-12-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

About a year ago I talked to some girlfriends about starting up a joint blog about how to save money, organize and reuse items. We are all new mothers and all touched by the economy in one way or another. Talking to one another we found that we all had some nifty ideas and wanted to share them. We also wanted a record of the ideas to fall back to in case we forget. So I started to construct a blog here on Blogger. I never got too far because of life events. Now that things have calmed I am feeling it is time to restart this venture. I will keep you all updated as to when the site is ready and get my lady friends to sign up as co-bloggers. I want it to be a joint venture. If you are still interested then drop me an email or comment here.

Almost Success!

2008-12-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

I almost got all my Christmas cards done... almost. Now all I have are like 20 overseas ones. Since I'm paying a buck to send each one I feel the need to write a little more in these ones. So I think I should have them all out on Monday.
This morning we had a little miricle - Hunter slept in until 7:30! I was floored! Then he was ready for his morning nap at 8:30... and it's almost 11:30 and he's still asleep! Thank God for growing spurts!
As soon as he wakes up I am going to feed him a bottle and drag him over the mountains to Harrisonburg. We have a little last minute shopping for The Husband to do. Hopefully this perfect baby groove keeps. Until he wakes up I don't know what to do with myself. I've showered, started a load of laundry, cleaning the kitchen and packed his bag for the afternoon. Maybe I'll go nap a little longer too.

Cards

2008-12-18T12:17:00.001-07:00

Dang! I'm still working on those pesky cards! So what is the hold up? Try my wrists. The carpal tunnel has taken a nasty turn for the worst the past couple weeks. I have to wear my braces at night now and during parts of the day. Seems all I can do are like 10 cards a day... and I have 100 or so to do total. So some of you might see a card by Christmas and others will have a longer wait. Be assured that there are PLENTLY of Hunter photos coming your way with the cards, so the wait is worth it.
As for everything else here it is all normal. Andy is gone a lot this week at night going to base functions and bowling - he's on a league. I am busy staring at cards, mailing out packages and picking up packages from the nearby town. Infact, as soon as I get off this computer that's what I am going to go do.

New Hunter Video!

2008-12-13T05:27:00.000-07:00

I've finally uploaded some video of Hunter! I now have a YouTube account and will upload video to it on a semi regular basis for family and friends to see. Look forward to lots of Hunter stuff, some animal hijinks and more!

Just Like Sand in an Hourglass...

2008-12-12T04:52:00.000-07:00

Holy crapola! Where has all the time gone! Christmas is just sneaking up on me. I finally got my Amazon.com gift box but I still have so many more presents to buy/make and to send off! We are also behind in sending out the Christmas cards! I'm starting to freak out. Hopefully I can get the rest of my gifts this weekend and get those cards finished by Monday. Ugh, I just want to get this all done!
Anyhow, on a totally different note - my wrist surgery is scheduled for mid-January. I've opted to get both wrists done at once. My mother in law is coming out to help with Hunter. I'm looking forward to getting this over with as well... the surgery not the mother in law visiting. My hands have reminded very numb this month. I had planned on doing more knitting for christmas presents but the pain and numbness in my hands is just too much.
Finally, I have major laundry to do today. The Husband was out of town overnight so The Cheat got to sleep in bed with me. Of course The Husband is allergic to the dog so I have to wash all the bedding before he comes home this afternoon. The Cheat is still upstairs all curled up on his side of the bed. What a big baby.

Totally Cryptic Post

2008-12-08T20:38:00.000-07:00

I've had a strange night. The past merges with the present and the emotions are strange to deal with. Ghosts appear. Should I acknowledge or simply ignore? Shall I engage or run? I engaged the dialogue. It wasn't the earth shattering information I thought it would be. It was bland. It was unsatisfying. So, do I keep company with the ghost or do I let it fade back into the haunted past from where it came?
I feel no intense connection to this memory. I feel disappointment and loss. I feel that having it around will never make up for the damage it has done. I am no longer the child that played there with those toys and those people.
Adulthood is hitting me again.
I can never go back - and why would I want to?
Quit being a masochist SerineKat.

Too Productive

2008-12-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am too productive. I don't know what to do with myself now that I am ahead of my weekly schedule... I am tempted to do all tomorrow and Wednesday's chores. I think the cause is my new Animal Dyson. Yea, you heard me - DC17 Animal Dyson in all it's purple beauty. It arrived this afternoon, it is a gift from my parents for Christmas. As you know we have our little short hair calico cat and a long hair golden retriever. I just finished with the staircase and the bin is already full. Now I just want to vacumm the whole house!
Tonight The Husband is on baby duty while I try to catch up with some office work and get Christmas presents ready. I'm still waiting on Amazon to deliver most of the gift goods. I'm also being a total loser with Christmas cards. I need to get some photos done tonight of Hunter to send out.
That's it here... just doing too much.

SerineKat

Amsterdam

2008-12-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

Oh sweet Amsterdam. The Husband and I visited there two years ago. Such potential and such a disappointment. The legalization of drugs and sex there have really trashed the old city center. We were approached often with offers for stronger harder drugs like crack and cocaine. The hash and maryjane were sold openly in coffee shops and even had their own menus. The sex district was dirty (literally and otherwise) and full of drug dealers.
The museums, canals, bikes, and architecture were awesome. It was just such a disappointment to see so much vandalism and so many vagrants obviously drugged out on the streets. It's definately not a family friendly city... more like spring break gone terribly wrong.
Today on CNN.com was this article. It's about the government of the Netherlands clamping down on the sex shops and drugs. I think it's finally gotten back to the economy that drugged out tourists don't spend as much money as families on vacation. I hope the government and city succeed in cleaning up Amsterdam and it's image. There's so much more to the city than drugs and ugly hookers. There's the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and the Cat Museum (I know, it's a hidden gem). The Anne Frank House is so powerful... you get to see where a family hid out for years in close quarters. Van Gogh I could care less about but I went to see the artwork anyhow... it blew me away. I have a whole new appriciation for his work now that I've seen the originals in person. I also went to a coffee house... come on.... when in Amsterdam... but it wasn't the highlight the city. As for the sex district, it's a good reminder as to what happens when you are hooking in your 40s after having 6 kids.... scary.

Surviving Motherhood

2008-11-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

How the heck did our mothers do it? For than matter how did our grandmothers and great grandmothers do it? Raising kids is insane. It's like being caught in a warzone of cuddly creatures. They are so cute and loveable but never let you sleep, eat, pee or shower. If it weren't for my Diet Pepsi addiction I would be dead. I need the caffine to keep me awake.
Today dear Hunter was sitting in our living room, which is all corralled for his safety. He likes to crawl around and get into toys. I was in the kitchen, out of sight trying to wash his 12 bottles that somehow got forgotten yesterday. It was pretty quiet then I hear a little smack. I assumed it was Hunter hitting one of his toys on the wood floor, a new past time. I go in to investigate and our floor lamp is laying on the floor next to Hunter and he is pulling the on/off cord and smiling. Nice.
Then after a couple of hours I'm sitting in the corral with him watching TV and eating brunch. I have a full can of Diet Pepsi or as we call here 'Crack' on the table next to my chair. CRASH! Hunter pulls on the table cloth and soda is everywhere!
I'm exhausted.
I've noticed today that he's also trying to stand up by climbing furniture and legs. He's almost figured it out too... I predict walking by Friday. God help me.

Side Bar १.०: Big Kitties

2008-11-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

So my mother goes out and buys me a Cat Fancy magazine the other day. This month's issue is all about the Norwegian Forest cat. My mother's gay cat Ozzie looks just like one of these things.
Anyhow, that's not the kicker here. While looking through the magazine I come across this picture:

My first thought is, "What the HELL!?"
They are real cats called Savannahs. I show The Husband and he is hooked. "Oh we have GOT to get one of those things!" I tell him I'm sure the cost is over a $1000 but he keeps pressuring me so we look up the link online...
http://www.a1savannahs.com/
To get the highest quality cat for breeding purposes the cost is a mere $22,000 USD, 14,000 GBP and 154,300 NKr. I know, crazy. Still, the pictures are pretty amazing.

Black Friday

2008-11-28T22:45:00.000-07:00

The sales this year suck. It might have something to do with the products sucking as well. I didn't get up at the crack of dawn but I did get into Harrisonburg at 10am on Friday morning.
Walmart was my first stop, the parking lot was not full but the hitching posts for the Mennonite horse and buggies were all taken. Inside the deals were many but all one items I'd rather pass on or things I already had. I did find deals still available on Thanksgiving food staples like stuffing and baking supplies.
I then had to take a time out, due to disappointment and get some lunch. I hit the local hotspot - Taste of India. Yummy. After several servings of masala, paneer and other strange things I was ready to take on Black Friday shopping.
So I drove up the road to Target. Boring. It was packed but again, boring. No big sales on Christmas decorations, no sales on kid toys that I was interested in. Blah.
Kmart was next and again, it was disappointing. I will say that they did have a decent mark down on the Martha Stewart Christmas stuff that i took advantage of.
Finally I thought that Kohl's would be a sure bet. The mark downs were great but the line to check out was an hour long. I think not.
My decision for shopping this year is to take to the internet. After all that driving I think I only spent $200 not counting groceries. It just wasn't worth the hassle. I compared prices at Amazon to those at all the stores I shopped at today and there was little to no savings. So, tomorrow it's off to my office and to Amazon to get these gifts bought and done.
I'm pooped now. I must get some sleep!

Too Much TV

2008-11-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

We are a family of couch potatoes. I admit I watch way too much TV. It's always on. Because our viewing is continuous you could say that we've developed some strong relationships with some of our favorite personalities.
Vince:
Wow, or shall I say Shamwow. This guy is annoying but somehow makes me want to dial them up and order those dumb towels. The Husband and I are now always quoting Vince.
"You know the Germans make great stuff."
"You following me camera guy?"
Out of pure boredom yesterday I Googled our buddy Vince and found that he's quite popular on the internet.

Flo:
Oh Flo, you are so loved. Our son is totally in love with the lady who plays 'Flo' on the Progressive insurance commercials. He stops what ever he is doing and stares at the TV when ever the commercials come on. He smiles very big when Flo is on screen. She's his first big crush.

Bringing Sexy Back

2008-11-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

Not. This week has been an exercise in growing old gracefully. First, I finally found out about what was wrong with my wrists then I got a yeast skin infection. Trust me that's all the information you want to know about the latter. Luckily I have an appointment with my doctor next week to resolve the infection and get me more drugs (DRUGS!). I still don't have a consult with the surgeon who will do my wrist surgeries.
Other than my aging body I am gearing up for the holidays. The Husband is planning to host his single co-workers at our house on Thanksgiving. Since we've never cooked a Thanksgiving dinner before this ought to be memorable. This week I will gather all the necessary ingredients. I'm also hoping to get my hands on a free range turkey.

Speaking of turkey - Hunter finally ate a meat he liked tonight - turkey! I had to mix it with apricots but he ate it all. We got three solid meals down him today... which is hard to do with our schedules and laziness. Hunter just eats them up now within 10 to 15 minutes.
We still haven't decided on Christmas cards yet... gotta get on top of that. We also still have masses of Christmas shopping to do. Thank god for the internet!
That's it for now.... remember to keep wearing your WRIST STRONG BRACELETS!

Blue Jays & Overcast Days

2008-11-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

We've got some colorful neighbors here in West Virginia. I first noticed them a few weeks back but today they are going crazy nuts in the bushes behind my house. Olivia Kitty is very excited by their presence. They are Blue Jays. They're very pretty but look like trouble makers. I watch them as I work in my office. Olivia has a little bed on my desk where she too spies on the birdies and salivates.
After weeks of temperatures in the 70s we are finally deep into fall weather here. It's 40 something and overcast. It's one of those days best spent in bed. Unfortunately I can't do that. I have Mr. Man to take care of. Speaking of Hunter he is getting his first tooth. It's coming in on his bottom left side. He's been pretty fussy the past few days - doesn't want to sleep and is never satisfied. I've tried doping him with Tylenol but he stays awake. Even Olivia is concerned about him. After an hour of screaming yesterday she came in my room and meowed until I picked him up. She thinks the cry out method is too cruel and too annoying. The Cheat can sleep through anything.
I'm on a mission today and tomorrow to get our house and routine back to normal. The Husband's father was in town over the weekend and we all got a little off. Unfortunately I'm still not on task myself. I wanted to do a cleaning spree this morning but really didn't get far at all. Hunter is down for a nap and I might join him. Hopefully this afternoon I'll get some motivation and energy to get going.
Ok, I'm too tired to type anymore... must go take my meds and lay down.

Wrist Strong

2008-11-11T22:47:00.001-07:00

Like Stephen Colbert I now realize the importance of the wrist. It's a nifty little joint that when working is like a ballerina, so swift, graceful and talented. When something goes wrong with the wrist life loses it's gracefulness and beauty.
i have struggled with my wrists for about a year now. It became noticeable during my pregnancy and then raged last month. I had numbness and pain. The numbness consumed my hands and the pain shot up through my elbows and into my shoulders.
I finally saw the neurologist today and the diagnosis was confirmed - carpal tunnel in both wrists. The condition is common in my family and isn't totally surprising. For many years now I've been typing up a storm on computers, doing downward dog during yoga and knitting. All these activities have slowly become more taxing on my wrists and hands. I knew in college that I was on the road to this condition... I'm just surprised that it happened at 29!
I'm now waiting to see a surgeon about a proceedure for both wrists. I'm also going to buy myself a WRIST STRONG bracelet. We must protect our wrists!