Have a fun, safe night out there!
What are you (or your kids?) dressing up as?
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Swelling with Pride, Filled with Envy
I remember how I prodded my totally awesome sister into starting up a blog. She now has three blogs and has recently received some blog accolades. The best one (and the one least like a meme) was The Rising Blogger's Post of the Day for the beautiful and poignant post she wrote about Autumn. (Go read it, if you haven't already, it's really quite lovely.) I am so proud of her.
Also, her authority on Technorati is now greater than mine.
Also, her authority on Technorati is now greater than mine.
Friday, October 26, 2007
It's Official
Doozer is toilet-trained.
Last night, I removed the remains of the CitiKitty litter tray and sprinkled just a few grains of litter on the toilet seat (you know, as a hint). I admit, I was nervous. That tray was all that stood between me and shoveling cat litter every day. This morning, I woke to a cheerful "Mommy, Doozer made a poop in the potty!" sung out by my soon-to-be-six-year-old. Later, I caught the cat making number one in the potty, as well.
I am beyond thrilled. Now, if only potty training a two-year old were as effortless!
Last night, I removed the remains of the CitiKitty litter tray and sprinkled just a few grains of litter on the toilet seat (you know, as a hint). I admit, I was nervous. That tray was all that stood between me and shoveling cat litter every day. This morning, I woke to a cheerful "Mommy, Doozer made a poop in the potty!" sung out by my soon-to-be-six-year-old. Later, I caught the cat making number one in the potty, as well.
I am beyond thrilled. Now, if only potty training a two-year old were as effortless!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
The View From Here
This* is what my Wednesday nights look like. I play with the local community orchestra, and we are rehearsing for our upcoming November concert.
Can you tell what instrument I play by where I sit in the orchestra?
*Sorry for the crappy Photoshop panoramic. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to Kinnear an entire orchestra when you are supposed to be counting measures? (click the image for a larger view)
Monday, October 22, 2007
Happy Birthday!
Look Out!
EZ-E turned two today. Don't let that beguiling smile beguile you. That one is trouble with a capital T.
EZ-E turned two today. Don't let that beguiling smile beguile you. That one is trouble with a capital T.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Rhinebeck sucked.
...or Thoughts from a Rhinebeck Newbie
I wanted to love it the way everyone else does. I wanted to have a great time and make knitterly/bloggerly connections. I was so excited to see the sheep and the yarn and the spinners. I thought it would be great, and there were a few things that were good. But mostly, it was bad.
Good things:
1. Meeting Casey, the Father of Ravelry, at the Ravelry gathering (Mama Rav was too busy). I thanked him for all his hard work. Secretly, I wanted to kiss him. Ravelry is awesome and I love love love it.
2. The sheep auction. Usually when you see a sheep out in the pasture, their wool is all matted and covered in shit and dirt and they are smell-y! Or, they've just been shorn and they are stressed and naked and looking as they've just been violated. The sheep at the auction had been primped and cleaned and fluffed and perfumed. They were beautiful and it made we want to bring one home and let it sleep in my bed. Except, sheep aren't cheap!
3. The drive up there. It was beautiful. I love this time of year.
Bad things:
1. The crowds. Were. Enormous. I wanted to show my kids the animals in the 4-H pens, but you had to wade through crowds two deep just to get to the railing. I wanted to admire all the beautiful, locally grown and processed yarns (and maybe even squish a few), but people were packed in, elbow to elbow in every single booth. On one hand, I am thrilled and awed by the sheer number of enthusiasts that exist for things having to do with sheep and wool. On the other hand, the vast crowds were noisy and rude and I find it incredibly difficult to shop for yarn when I am getting dirty looks for having a stroller. Oh yes, there was a definite anti-child vibe in the place. People, it's a family event, you need to expect there to be children in attendance. I might add that the numerous children there were all exceedingly well behaved, including my own.
2. The food--not that good and very pricey.
3. No yarn deals--no show specials. The few booths I managed to squeeze myself into offered nothing I couldn't get at my LYS (or online) for the same price (or less). A huge disappointment. I don't think I'll go back next year. Or next year. Or ever. I found the whole affair to be a stressful, money-sucking waste of gasoline.
Did you go to Rhinebeck? What, if anything, did you see or buy or learn? Is there any reason I should try and go back? If you loved it, tell me why.
I wanted to love it the way everyone else does. I wanted to have a great time and make knitterly/bloggerly connections. I was so excited to see the sheep and the yarn and the spinners. I thought it would be great, and there were a few things that were good. But mostly, it was bad.
Good things:
1. Meeting Casey, the Father of Ravelry, at the Ravelry gathering (Mama Rav was too busy). I thanked him for all his hard work. Secretly, I wanted to kiss him. Ravelry is awesome and I love love love it.
2. The sheep auction. Usually when you see a sheep out in the pasture, their wool is all matted and covered in shit and dirt and they are smell-y! Or, they've just been shorn and they are stressed and naked and looking as they've just been violated. The sheep at the auction had been primped and cleaned and fluffed and perfumed. They were beautiful and it made we want to bring one home and let it sleep in my bed. Except, sheep aren't cheap!
3. The drive up there. It was beautiful. I love this time of year.
Bad things:
1. The crowds. Were. Enormous. I wanted to show my kids the animals in the 4-H pens, but you had to wade through crowds two deep just to get to the railing. I wanted to admire all the beautiful, locally grown and processed yarns (and maybe even squish a few), but people were packed in, elbow to elbow in every single booth. On one hand, I am thrilled and awed by the sheer number of enthusiasts that exist for things having to do with sheep and wool. On the other hand, the vast crowds were noisy and rude and I find it incredibly difficult to shop for yarn when I am getting dirty looks for having a stroller. Oh yes, there was a definite anti-child vibe in the place. People, it's a family event, you need to expect there to be children in attendance. I might add that the numerous children there were all exceedingly well behaved, including my own.
2. The food--not that good and very pricey.
3. No yarn deals--no show specials. The few booths I managed to squeeze myself into offered nothing I couldn't get at my LYS (or online) for the same price (or less). A huge disappointment. I don't think I'll go back next year. Or next year. Or ever. I found the whole affair to be a stressful, money-sucking waste of gasoline.
Did you go to Rhinebeck? What, if anything, did you see or buy or learn? Is there any reason I should try and go back? If you loved it, tell me why.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Booty Club photos!
I just nipped out to the mailbox, and much to my surprise and delight, found that Booty Club yarn has arrived. Let me tell you, this club continues to kick serious ass. Look, needles! I didn't even order needles. And, in 2 different sizes. Yarn Pirate, you rock!
This is not a colorway I would have picked out on my own at a yarn shop, but seriously, isn't it awesome?!
Also, as an added bonus, I have the joy of hearing my two-year-old say, upon spying the yarn pirate logo, "Pirate, arrr!" Cute!
This is not a colorway I would have picked out on my own at a yarn shop, but seriously, isn't it awesome?!
Also, as an added bonus, I have the joy of hearing my two-year-old say, upon spying the yarn pirate logo, "Pirate, arrr!" Cute!
A Shopping List of Sorts
This weekend is Rhinebeck. I am very excited as this is my first year attending. The boys are looking forward to seeing all the fiber bearing creatures and I will bring the Turkish Spindle I picked up at the CT Sheep and Wool festival to see if someone will volunteer to give me an impromptu lesson. (Hey spinners! If you see me, HELP!)
Also, I am looking forward to the shopping. I don't have anything in particular I am shopping for, but I won't pass up the opportunity to purchase Cat Bordhi's book should it arise. Also, if I spy some Socks that Rock or Fleece Artist, it'll probably find its way home with me. (Yes, I am aware that I could get this stuff online, but what's the fun in that?)
Are you going to be a Rhinebeck this year? What are you planning to buy?
Also, I am looking forward to the shopping. I don't have anything in particular I am shopping for, but I won't pass up the opportunity to purchase Cat Bordhi's book should it arise. Also, if I spy some Socks that Rock or Fleece Artist, it'll probably find its way home with me. (Yes, I am aware that I could get this stuff online, but what's the fun in that?)
Are you going to be a Rhinebeck this year? What are you planning to buy?
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Newsday Tuesday 5
And now, the news.
Ohio School shooting --well, duh.
Marilyn Monroe pictures--who owns your image after you die?
House of Representatives' resolution on Armenian Genocide--anyone remember the CURRENT WAR IN IRAQ?
Al Gore wins Nobel Prize, media wonders aloud if this means he will run for president--Al shares the prize with 2000 others, btw.
Tomorrow, a thank you speech. Have a great day, everyone!
Ohio School shooting --well, duh.
Marilyn Monroe pictures--who owns your image after you die?
House of Representatives' resolution on Armenian Genocide--anyone remember the CURRENT WAR IN IRAQ?
Al Gore wins Nobel Prize, media wonders aloud if this means he will run for president--Al shares the prize with 2000 others, btw.
Tomorrow, a thank you speech. Have a great day, everyone!
Monday, October 15, 2007
TV
I spent the weekend catching up on the TV shows I have TiVo'd.
1. Boston Legal--James Spader is totally on my list of celebs I get to shag senseless if given the chance, even though I'm married. Who am I kidding? It's a list of one. Moving on...
2. Carpoolers--this show has a lot of potential to be the new Friends, only it's better than Friends.
3. Cavemen--It's OK, but the show is not going in the direction I thought it would. I'll give it a few more episodes before I decide if I'll continue watching it.
4. Pushing Daisies--I cannot say enough about how great this show is. If you haven't seen it yet, run over to ABC and watch the 2 episodes on your computer. You won't be disappointed.
5. Desperate Housewives--only a shadow of what it was the first season, but still a good show.
6. The Venture Brothers--one of my very favorite shows. It's been on a while but I've only recently discovered it. It's twisted and funny and most of the time very strange. Go Team Venture!
Heroes is on tonight (yay!). Doctor Who is in reruns until Christmas, and Battlestar Galactica returns in January.
What's on your TiVo? Anybody else watch The Venture Brothers?
1. Boston Legal--James Spader is totally on my list of celebs I get to shag senseless if given the chance, even though I'm married. Who am I kidding? It's a list of one. Moving on...
2. Carpoolers--this show has a lot of potential to be the new Friends, only it's better than Friends.
3. Cavemen--It's OK, but the show is not going in the direction I thought it would. I'll give it a few more episodes before I decide if I'll continue watching it.
4. Pushing Daisies--I cannot say enough about how great this show is. If you haven't seen it yet, run over to ABC and watch the 2 episodes on your computer. You won't be disappointed.
5. Desperate Housewives--only a shadow of what it was the first season, but still a good show.
6. The Venture Brothers--one of my very favorite shows. It's been on a while but I've only recently discovered it. It's twisted and funny and most of the time very strange. Go Team Venture!
Heroes is on tonight (yay!). Doctor Who is in reruns until Christmas, and Battlestar Galactica returns in January.
What's on your TiVo? Anybody else watch The Venture Brothers?
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Turns out...
I'm not just a geek. According to this (long-but-fun) test, I'm a Major Geek.
Where do you fall on the geek scale? Take the test and let me know how you do in your comments!
Where do you fall on the geek scale? Take the test and let me know how you do in your comments!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Pumpkin Picking
Last weekend we went to pick out pumpkins for Halloween. We actually weren't going to do pumpkins this year--our condo is small, so there really isn't the space for carving, and the kids here do not seem to go trick-or-treating. I think we are planning on getting our tricks-and-treats in my friend Sage's neighborhood. Anyway, my friend Dawn offered to keep the pumpkins at her house and to host the carving as well. So off we went, in the blazing October sun (90° that day!), to pick out pumpkins.
A grand time was had by all.
And now for some kitty cat humiliation.
Which costume should Doozer "wear" for Halloween?
A grand time was had by all.
And now for some kitty cat humiliation.
Which costume should Doozer "wear" for Halloween?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
An Open Letter
To the person driving the white sedan:
I understand that you must have been in a tremendous hurry. Perhaps you were late for a dental appointment, or to pick someone up at the bus station. Perhaps your alarm clock didn't go off and you were late for work. Believe me, I understand what it's like to be in the car, late for something. It's annoying. Or, maybe you were just having a bad day. I understand that, too. However, I would just like to politely remind you that pedestrians in the crosswalk always have the right-of-way. The next time you have to make a left turn and a mother with her two small children are crossing the street in front of you, DO NOT TO HONK AT THEM!!!
Safe travels!
Jen in CT
I understand that you must have been in a tremendous hurry. Perhaps you were late for a dental appointment, or to pick someone up at the bus station. Perhaps your alarm clock didn't go off and you were late for work. Believe me, I understand what it's like to be in the car, late for something. It's annoying. Or, maybe you were just having a bad day. I understand that, too. However, I would just like to politely remind you that pedestrians in the crosswalk always have the right-of-way. The next time you have to make a left turn and a mother with her two small children are crossing the street in front of you, DO NOT TO HONK AT THEM!!!
Safe travels!
Jen in CT
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Anniversary
Today was our 8th wedding anniversary.
I can hardly believe it's been that long.
Our marriage has weathered its share of storms, but my life is better with him in it.
We celebrated
with balloons on the ceiling
and chocolate chip cookies.
I can hardly believe it's been that long.
Our marriage has weathered its share of storms, but my life is better with him in it.
We celebrated
with balloons on the ceiling
and chocolate chip cookies.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Photo Finish
The first of my secret knitting projects is done, but you have to be on Ravelry to see it (sorry!). My Ravelry name is CTJen if you want to check it out. I even had some yarn to spare--about a yard.
Talk about a photo finish! I've started the next secret project (photos next time) and am already almost finished. Which is great because, in anticipation of cooler weather (we'll get that eventually, right?), I've been anxious to cast on a sweater for Isaac. It'll be the same as the one I knitted for Ezra back in March, only bigger. I plan on finishing that in the month of October because I may be too busy in November for knitting. Still no guesses as to what I'll be doing?
Also, I forgot to post photos of my Pirate Club booty! Isn't it pretty?
It's the Merino/Tencel blend, so it's all soft and squishy. I love the colors--very apropos for fall.
Finally, here's the progress I've made on the Charade sock in the Yarn Pirate's Rum Runner colorway. As you can see, it's coming along nicely. :-)
Talk about a photo finish! I've started the next secret project (photos next time) and am already almost finished. Which is great because, in anticipation of cooler weather (we'll get that eventually, right?), I've been anxious to cast on a sweater for Isaac. It'll be the same as the one I knitted for Ezra back in March, only bigger. I plan on finishing that in the month of October because I may be too busy in November for knitting. Still no guesses as to what I'll be doing?
Also, I forgot to post photos of my Pirate Club booty! Isn't it pretty?
It's the Merino/Tencel blend, so it's all soft and squishy. I love the colors--very apropos for fall.
Finally, here's the progress I've made on the Charade sock in the Yarn Pirate's Rum Runner colorway. As you can see, it's coming along nicely. :-)
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Busy!
So, here's the thing. I have a couple of huge posts I want to share. But the house is trashed. And I need to install a sink sprayer. And fix a bathtub drain. And do 500 other things today. Including stop at Trader Joe's on the way to a play date. And again on the way back. Please hang in there with me--better posts are on the way. I promise.
In the mean time, please enjoy this YouTube video. (Thanks, Jess!)
PS--> I finished knitting the secret project last night, with yarn to spare (whoo-hoo!). Now I just need to steam and seam!
In the mean time, please enjoy this YouTube video. (Thanks, Jess!)
PS--> I finished knitting the secret project last night, with yarn to spare (whoo-hoo!). Now I just need to steam and seam!
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Before & After
Isaac had two baby teeth extracted today, to make way for the adult tooth which has been waiting to descend.
Afterward we got him this:
Best reward ever!
Afterward we got him this:
Best reward ever!
Newsday Tuesday 4
Massive political protests in Myanmar become massive human tragedy.
50 years since Sputnik!
Apple turns its favorite new gadget into an expensive brick.
Poor Brittany! Now she's lost custody of her kids. I'm sad. :-(
50 years since Sputnik!
Apple turns its favorite new gadget into an expensive brick.
Poor Brittany! Now she's lost custody of her kids. I'm sad. :-(
Monday, October 01, 2007
A Faster Way
Over at theanticraft.com, they have posted a video of Stephanie Pearl-McPhee knitting. Anyone who has seen her knit knows she is very fast; this video shows how she does it.
Thanks for the link, Topaz at Ravelry!
(I am going to try this method to see if I can beat the yardage of my secret project to the finish.)
PS--> Yarn Harlot books are great to read, but they make crap mouse pads.
Thanks for the link, Topaz at Ravelry!
(I am going to try this method to see if I can beat the yardage of my secret project to the finish.)
PS--> Yarn Harlot books are great to read, but they make crap mouse pads.
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