Adventures of the Domestically Disabled

As time flys by...

2010-03-01T21:58:00.002-05:00

So, I realized I haven't used this blog in more than a year. Well, needless to say, my son, Finnegan, was born ;-) As I write this, I'm in the same position as I was before: eagerly awaiting the arrival of a little one. This baby should make an apperance in late April, early May (we all know how that is...)

For those who glance at this and would still like to keep up to date on the ins and outs of my life, I have 2 diffrent blogs. Firstly, I went back to my old livejournal. Mostly because I missed the hell out of it. It is friends only however. Feel free to add me and drop me a line so I can add you back (scary stalkers need not apply!). I also have another blogger which I'm starting out this year. It's more of what this one is: domestic projects, homesteading and unschooling. I just felt the need for something fresh. Not much on there so far, mostly because of the lack of time having almost 3 children gives you :-)

Are we there yet?

2008-09-29T08:28:00.003-05:00

2 more weeks until Finn is born. Any day now, right?? I'm as big as house and uncomfortable as such. I'm trying to stay moving, it's tireing. My fuse is a tad bit shorter than normal, poor Abby gets frustrated with me as I with her. We can only listen to bagpipes so much :-P I feel mostly prepared for the birth, have 90% of the things I need all ready. I need to go to the Coop to get a slue of herbs for group b strep. Ugh. At least I won't have to take them for *that* long.

On a side note, a letter:
Dear baggers at Hannaford,
I know reuseable bags are spiffy and shiny and, OMG, you can hold so much more in them than plastic. But, please, dont. If you put all of the groceries in one bag, not only is it too heavy for the wicked pregnant lady, but it makes it harder to carry them up the 3 flights of stairs to my apartment. Not that you'd know that fact. I'd rather make a few trips with lighter bags, than one with wicked heavy bags.
Kthxbai

And also,
Dear Family,
Let's use paper plates. I'm sick of washing dishes.
Kthxbai

Happiness is a good thrifting sort of day.

2008-09-23T16:07:00.002-05:00

Happiness is going to the second hand children's clothing store that you've been meaning to for 9 months and seeing their windows plastered with "GOING OUT OF BUSINESS!" signs. Seriously; socks, some sleepers, a couple of shirts, some hats and receiving blankets and I didn't spend more than $10 and nothing cost more than $1.50! SCORE!

And now, for a snark post...

2008-09-22T14:35:00.002-05:00

So I *think* I'm approved for food stamps. After talking to one person, another, and another I think it's been approved.

But first they had to call to tell me they received the letter from my boss that I'm not working. Great I tell them. We need a letter from your doctor saying you're pregnant they tell me. It's already been sent I tell them. No it hasn't they tell me. Ummm. Then, they ask what the practice is called. After I told them, they suddenly realize they've seen a letter from that practice! ...but they didn't know it was for me O_o

Then, on the phone, the lady starts to look for it, "Oh! I'm sure it's here some where! *rustles papers* Gee, you wouldn't believe the amount of mail we get here! No, you really wouldn't. Humph. You know, I'm all flustered because I just got into work and I was late because I had an eye doctor appointment...Hmmm. I'm sure it's here. I know I saw it...."

We part and she tells me that we're all good. But not before asking me, "Wait. You haven't had any income since July?!? How have you been making due?". I told her, I haven't. THAT'S WHY I'M APPLYING FOR HELP!!!! (and have been calling once a week to annoy) o_0

And, on another note, I was told by my bank that they don't accept unrolled change. I understand the hassle, but it wasn't like I have $2390 in pennies. It was more like $17 in unrolled nickels, dimes and quarters. And they were unrolled because they were odd amounts that wouldn't have fit into rolls. "You'll just have to save it up until it make a roll" Um no. She told me she'd do it just this once. I'm sorry, you're a bank! You're probably going to go through my $17 of change in an hour or so! Suck it up, take it. I swear my mattress is looking like a better and better place to keep my money.

On a more baby sort of note, 3 more weeks until Finnegan's estimated due date! Which means I could pop any time between now and a month from now :-P I'm feeling slightly more prepared. Slightly. Still need to set up the tub and wash clothes and blankets for him. I also want to scrub the house down, but my energy levels bounce back and forth so much that it's hard to keep up :-/ Still need to learn how to fold a prefold and also how to use a wrap. Yesterday, Kim and Abby helped me make a belly cast. I can't wait to finish it up! it needs some strengthening and some painting.

In November, there's a doula workshop that I'm thinking of attending. They already said I could bring Finn (!!), so right now money is the only issue. I want to attend, it'll be step one on becoming a midwife. I'm just still not 100% sure if I want to. I do, but I don't, but I do, but I don't. So frustrating. Anyways, $300 is a lot. We'll see.

All a Baby Really Needs is a Clean Diaper and a Boob

2008-09-14T10:16:00.002-05:00

Still don't have a diaper, but I have the boobs!!

I'm going into super nesting mode now. 4 weeks until I'm due. Today, I'm taking count of old clothes' of Abigail's. Thank god, I dressed Abby very gender neutral when she was a newborn! The good news is I have a TON of onesies. The bad news is not many are long sleeves, so I'm going to need to get some of those. I also have a nice pile of long sleeve sleepers, so that makes me happy. I have a few "baby bags" which is also good. Add that too a few shirts, and a few pants. So, right now, I'm thinking I'm needing long sleeved onesies, pants and socks. I've also found just a few receiving blankets, so those will be needed to buy.

Now, I just have to launder all the clothes. I'm broke so my bathtub has turned into my washing machine. 'Cept it's been wet lately, so it's filled with bed sheets that are soaking.

I hate Government Assistance.

2008-09-09T08:54:00.003-05:00

It shouldn't be so hard to get food stamps. I should be able to go and say, "Hey. I'm broke. I have no füds. Can I get some helps?" And then, I shouldn't have to wait 2 months in order to get said help.

I'm sorry for sounding so pessimistic. I swear, the days I'm not all the phone all day with social services trying to convince them that really, I have no income and do in fact need their help are the days where I find it hardest to breathe and resist the urge to crawl up in a ball and cry.

THWACK THWACK THWACK

2008-09-08T09:04:00.003-05:00

Dear Idiotic Policemen,
I understand the need for putting traffic cones on the sidewalk for the upcoming renovations. I also understand that I live on Main Street in a mixed use area. So, I can understand that you don't think people live here. HOWEVER, I'm still pissed off with you thwacking down each cone as loud as you could at 1 o'clock in the morning! Seriously there's what? 15? 20? Each going down with a loud "THWACK!" And then, you had to put the posts in them, which you did, while chatting happily and loudly. at 1 o'clock in the morning. Did I mention I got little sleep last night because of being 8 months and extremely uncomfortably pregnant?

I really should take Kim's advice and call the station to complain....I'm getting more apprehensive about this project. I'm all for redoing sidewalks and planting trees, but only if it's after the hour of 8 am and not after the hour of 9 pm.

September is kicking my ass

2008-09-05T14:18:00.004-05:00

Ten minuets ago, Kim suddenly realized I haven't knitted in days. "Why?!?", he says, "What's wrong?"

What's wrong? It's already the 5th and I'm ready to go to bed and not wake up until September is over.

Going on month 3 of no income. Sure, Kim has a job, but his first pay check won't come until almost the end of the month.
- Can't pay the phone bill (terribly petrified about that since it involves Kim's parents)
- Can't pay other bills.
- Can't afford gas, food, etc.
- Still can't afford baby things.
- Food stamps? Still haven't heard back from them...
Lost my mucus plug, which reminds me how close I am to giving birth. And how unprepared I am...
Trying to get another job for myself which is stressful because I'm 8 months pregnant. Been promising people I'll be back *right* after the baby is born. Trying not to think about things like breastfeeding and childcare and bonding.
Abby has been doing that new baby's coming regression thing. However, unlike what I was promised, it's been 100% behavioral. EVERYONE told me she'd go back to diapers. Damn it! I could deal with that. Instead, I get the world's worst, most obnoxious child to deal with.
Kim and I are hitting a stressful, rough patch. That's all I'll really say. It'll get better. But, when you're pregnant and feeling alone, it doesn't help.
I don't think a ~~day~~ hour hasn't gone by where I haven't felt so stressed that I couldn't breathe or just broke down crying.

I really am done with this. I'm ready to just throw in the towel. I'm done. I really dont know what to do, or what would even make a diffrence anymore. I can barely keep my head above water on a good day.

Hello September

2008-09-01T13:01:00.002-05:00

Hello September.
Hello about a month until the baby is born.
Hello crunch time.

Alessandra, my pregnant friend from the Read (we became pregnant right around the same time), had her baby a week ago. She had a little girl, named Lilly. When she was pregnant, she told me she was going to put Tiger Lilly on the birth certificate. I have no clue if she has, but Lilly will always be named as Tiger Lilly to me. I'm very happy for Alessandra and Tom.

Good news coming from the home front: Kim is now employed. He's working at a little gourmet food store down the street. While the pay is nothing like he was getting, it's still a job and relieves soooo much stress right now!

Finn has been really bursting at the seams. I can tell my belly is getting too small for him. He hasn't been as bouncy and active, but has had wicked bad hiccups lately. I feel so huge! I can't bend over, can't sit for long periods of time, can't stand for long periods of time...I have the world's worst heart burn. I cannot wait until I get this little guy out of me, but I want him to stay in as long as possible :-P Hopefully, this week, I'll be able to go to a craft store to get some plaster of paris to do a belly cast. After that, he can come out :-P I swear, my stomach is a thousand times bigger than with Abigail!

Some time in the next couple of days, I'm going to post what I need for Finn. And post my baby registry. Right now, I'm almost done with his baby sweater. Then, I want to finish his blanket and make some soakers (sewn). Ahhh! Too much to do!

Please Excuse This Inturruption for a Momentary Squee

2008-08-21T16:10:00.002-05:00

Kim just went to the library and picked up _The Opinionated Knitter_ for me! Now, I have the pattern for the Baby Surprise Jacket!! I cannot wait to knit it!!! *dances*

Life will only get better if I could convince Kim to drive me to Augusta for Arby's (weird pregnancy cravings)

Mission Today: Clean off Desk

2008-08-21T14:11:00.002-05:00

Today, I cleaned off my desk. Really, this is a "Go Me" sort of thing. Just because it always get stuff. I have an extreme lack of drawers and desk space. So, anytime I put my sketch book or book or even a cup there, it takes up most of my available space. It feels so much better when it's less cluttered! Though, I still want to get a bigger desk.

The tiling of stickies I have on my wall is my to do list. I really like this method of G.T.D that Kim taught me. The stickies make it so I can easily prioritize between projects (important on the top!). And they're easy to take off the wall. The left hand side is for Büjü Design things. Yes, I still have hopes of launching it :-P And the right hand part is for normal things that I have to do. Just took off "CLEAN OFF DESK" ^-^

That alone is something to make me feel accomplished, but I also did dishes, cooked breakfast and applied for a couple of jobs. My energy is coming back, and I really want to get a job to help out (since Kim is still unemployed). I also did a bunch of emailing, and freecycling (there is too much crap on my deck!). I haven't decided if I'm going to just call it a quits and read for a bit or if I'm going to do something REALLY productive :-P

For now, my clean desk is worth it!

Small update

2008-08-07T14:02:00.003-05:00

Just a quick drop in while Abby plays with her doll house and I cook lunch (Kim's been out on consulting gigs all day long).

Yesterday, I had an appointment with my midwives. I really do love them. Anyways, on the agenda for the appointment was the list of things I should be gathering for the birth. Which send me into shock because, really, the baby is almost here! I'm going into panic mode; cleaning the apartment, knitting, getting baby stuff together and worring about the moneies. Yup, still no job. August just started and I already feel like it's almost gone!

Meghan, Abby's best friend's mommy, had her baby a little while ago. I found out yesterday that one of my midwives married her during the birth! While she was 9 cm dilated and in the birthing tub, her and her now husband recited vows and were married. It's so increadably awesome. Baby followed shortly after ^-^

Ravelymics start tomorrow. I'm working on Abby's Reid for team Overly Ambitious Yet Plausibly Possible. My goal is to just get it started really, I don't expect to finish much, but I'm hoping to get something done. Also, I don't have the buttons I want, nor the crochet skills to finish it. But, that's ok. Finn's blanket is slowly getting closer to being finished. I really am trying to knit him a hat (from old noro I found in my stash) but I'm lacking the DPNs for them :-( I really need to before he comes!!

I'm going to make myself some tea to go with lunch. I'm starting to lose my wind. All I want to do is settle down with a blankie (August feels like fall!) and just knit for my little one. I've already washed a ton of dishes, vaccuumed and cooked. I can't wait until Kim gets home and I can just lay around and slack off

Baby ate my brain

2008-07-31T16:53:00.003-05:00

Alright. I'm flat ass broke. I'm having a baby and my natural instinct is to...buy stuff. So, here's a very materialistic "I WANT THIS!!" sort of post.

Baby Rocker Tee (even if I had money, it's still a *bit* too expensive for a baby tee shirt)
Happy Hippo Onesie (Hippos are funny)
Really cute one peice
I'm the Little Brother Onesie
Baby Blanket (though, I cannot justify spending $45 on a blanket that I could sew for $10 tops)
Kimono Set (kinda diggin the kimono look, plus I think Kim would like it too)
Robot Pants *dances the robot*
Chicken pants with matching Onesie.
Giraffe pants! And shirt!
Argyle love! (but not for $150!!!)
Organic baby shirts
I really like the colors in this outfit set by Gymboree, but not the airplane. I may be able to deal though :-)
And, finally, MONKIES!! and matching Onesies!

Alright. Perhaps that's enough for right now. I need to take all of this consumer energy and put it into the needles and make my son some clothes to keep him warm.

Also: Can you beleive it's August already!?! I'm going to start freaking out now. Still have some cleaning/remodling stuff to do, we're having friends over at the end of the month. Still no source of income (though, Kim's working his butt off right now, gotta love him). I want ot get Buju Designs off the ground this month. Mom wants to come up sometime soon. I have baby knitting that needs to get done. Ravelymics is...NEXT WEEK!
...But today, it's go to the farm day. We get to pick up our CSA share and Abby gets to play on a tire swing. I'm going to get a Coolata. I've had wicked cravings for a frappuchino, and Dunkin Dounuts is not only closer, but it's not starbucks.

THAT'S IT!!!

2008-07-22T16:02:00.002-05:00

That's it! Last straw! From this day forward, I'm running a dry household! That's right, NO MORE CANDY, CHOCOLATE OR SWEETS IN MY HOUSEHOLD!

Seriously, I'm done. We've always had a few sweets here and there in our house, mostly for Kim or I. Despite giving her candy or chocolaet sparingly, not a day goes by where Abby doesn't ask for chocolate before breakfast. This morning, she insisted she'd finish all her eggs if she had some Swedish Fish to go along with them. A half hour ago, she threw a 20 minuet tantrum because I wouldn't give her any sweets! She should know screaming is not the way to get anything!

Tonight, perhaps tomorrow due to an insaine headache (go figure), all candies, chocolate and the like will be composted. No more candy when she visits Grandma downstairs. Sweets are going to be a special occasion sort of thing (like I've been trying to do!). I'm putting down an iron fist!

...now, how do I explain this to well meaning relitives who, while meaning well, tend to get offended when I hope them to respect my boundries, despite the fact it's not the norm in the family?

OMG! To Do!

2008-07-21T16:46:00.003-05:00

Today is July 21. Before October 1, the following needs to get done:

Apartment should be de-cluttered and organized just a bit better.
Get back into FLYlady.
Baby stuffs need to be bought!
1. Wrap
2. DIAPERS!!!
3. Long sleve onesies and sleepers
4. Baby bunting bags
5. Carseat - make sure we don't need a new one!
Buju needs to either be up and running or ready to run.
Birth plan needs to be made. (Not that big of a deal since I'm having a home birth).
Abby's big sister party needs to happen.
Fish blanket OMFG needs to be done!!!!
A washer/dryer in our apartment needs to be evaluated and either done or not (prefably done).
Closet needs to be rebuilt.

For right now, I think that's it. And, I think having it all wrote down will help a bit.

Baby Update!

2008-07-20T07:00:00.002-05:00

Right now, I'm heading into the last trimester of my pregnancy. This is around the point where I complain things are going waaaaaay too quickly! Very soon, my appointments to see my midwives are getting closer, as well as a home visit. I had an ultrasound, and among things, it told me that my "expected due date" is at the end of September. While I don't believe it, it's weird to think that next month may be the last baby free month o-O I have SO much to do in the next months! And, of course, no energy to do it.

I feel fat, swollen and winded. My midwives have told me that that's perfectly normal to feel and rather healthy as well. Well, great. I tend to wake up with lots of coffee ...I mean energy, but am out by noon. *grumbles* I've been taking many naps lately.

We are having a boy! I'm not quite sure what to do with a boy (I come from a matriarchal family) but I'm sure I'll figure it out. My aunt has a couple of boys. They're unruly little things that pee on things. Yeah... Abby's unhappy with the idea she's going to have a little brother. I think she's warmed up to it somewhat. Right now, our name for him is Finnegan, or Finn for short. It may change when we see him (Noah perhaps). Before the ultrasound, we only had girl names picked out (Grace was our favorite). Finnegan was a name we really liked, but stayed away from because we know another Finnegan who's going to be born in October. Our other names just don't sound as good though. I'm looking forward to having a boy. A bit worried about him getting Autism (runs in the family), but we're not going to vaccinate him so that should help. I'm looking forward to having a little guy running around in a kilt and stompin' boots. And knitting him a willy warmer for when he runs around the house naked. It will be a change of pace, but any baby would have provided that.

I'm officially out of work. Well, sorta. I keep getting called back in to work a couple hours here and there. I'm not sure what that means. I consider it a tithe for my employee discount ^-^ I'm sorta freaking out about not having an income, but at the same time not. I remember someone telling me that the only things babies REALLY need are clean diapers and a boob. That's been my mantra. And I've been able to knit things to make up for frivolous spending.

Right now, I'm still drudging along on my baby blanket. Ugh. I'm trying to knit 2-3 fish a day. It still feels like it will never get done. After, I plan on knitting Finn a hat, some socks and I want to learn how to crochet so I can make the only pair of baby booties that I've seen that doesn't look like a giant sock, or a pair of mary janes. I also want to knit a baby surprise jacket, but that can wait until after he's born. As well as the Lobster Claw Mittens. I want to knit a bunch of those for babies being born this year.

Is it time yet?

2008-07-10T08:36:00.001-05:00

Dear Baby,
I can't wait until you're born.

Love,
Mom

Most of the time, it seems like time speeds by too quickly. However, right now, it feels like it's going by too slowly.

Cloth Diapers Are Like Espresso

2008-07-09T06:58:00.002-05:00

Last night, I was trying to explain the different types of cloth diapers to Kim. Perhaps, due to sleep deprivation, I compared them to espresso machines.

There are 4 different types of Espresso Machines

Manual
Semi-Automatic
Automatic
Super Automatic

Now, there are (as I understand) 4 types of cloth diapers:

Flats
Prefolds
Pocket Diapers
All-in-Ones

Flat style cloth diapers are like the manual espresso machine, because you have to do it all. You have to fold, stuff and cover the diaper just like you have to grind, tamp and pull the lever to extract the espresso. They both work very well you just have to do all the work.

Prefolds are like the Semi-Automatic machine, in which you do most of the work, but the annoying bit is taken out. In this case, you don't have to fold the diaper or manually extract the water. Still good poop coverage, good espresso, less work.

Pocket diapers are like automatic espresso machines because you don't have to do much at all. Everything is measured for you, if you want you can just stick some extra padding in the pocket or run it a bit longer. All the work is done for you.

All-In-One diapers are like Super Automatic machines because you don't have to do anything. Everything is stuffed, folded and ready for baby. And, coffee wise, all you have to do is put it on and go.

2008-06-21T09:23:00.002-05:00

Today, I am uncomfortably pregnant. Last night, I couldn't get comfortable because where ever I'd lay, I'd lay on baby parts. My back hurts. I can't see my toes anymore. I could last week if I remember correctly. I think I'm just really huge right now. AND! I can't eat enough. AND! My boobs are leaking so damn much. Granted, I kinda missed it when they leaked, so that makes me happy.

I'm still working, which doesn't make me happy. Frankly, I love my job but it's just so tiring. It's hot, it's being on my feet for 7-9 hours a day. It's a lot of damn work. All I want to do is sit around, and knit. Clean occasionally. Cook dinners and huge breakfasts. And knit. OMG knit. I'll be off of the schedule hopefully July 3rd. But, I really sincerely doubt that. They need all the already trained help they can get, since the majority of the crew is needing training. Still, I'm looking forward to the day where I can just hang out with my family, spend time with Abby, knit, work on scrap books and not have to worry about needing to be at work. Or, needing to preserve my energy so I can have some when I get there. I'm very much not looking forward to all the stress I'll have when both Kim and I are unemployed.

Very, very soon Kim and I will be having guests up. First, Casey is arriving Monday. Then, on the 4th, Meg and James will be here for a week or so. My mom says she wants to come up around July/August. And, in the end of August, Jenn and Trevor I think are still planning on visiting. It's going to be a very crazy summer!!

As far as knitting goes, I've definitely made time for it ^-^ I finished my calorimetry. I added another button since it's pretty long, but I'm very happy with it. And it's *really* warm. Which, isn't good in the summer, or at work. It'll be lovely in the winter. My fishy baby blanket is drudging along. I just want to get it done, but I haven't really had the desire to just sit and knit through. Also on the needles is f.p pea's organic guernsey. For some odd reason, I'm getting wicked ladders where my stitch markers are. I'm *almost ready to frog, I'm just hoping I can pull it tight enough and make them go away :-P I also cast-on for Norberta. It's proving to be a fun and quick knit. I feel bad knitting soooo much for the baby that I feel like I should be knitting something for Abby. I plan on casting on for Swing Thing, Reid and perhaps a stuffed bunny. :-) That's after I knit my Mommy Snug sweater (which I'm afraid I'll never get around to and wont be able to wear it until NEXT pregnancy!)

I've been on my computer so much this morning because I have an auction on Ebay that's ending at noon. I'm really hoping I'm the winning bid. *crosses fingers* I think I may pause from hitting the reload button and work on my baby sweater...

Just Breathe

2008-05-30T10:38:00.003-05:00

This morning I woke up and I was stressed. Kim wanted me to go to Belfast with him to do some work with the midwives and go to the farmers marker as well. I declined because my energy isn't what it used to be and I have a hard closing shift this evening. I thought about how much I hate only being able to work and sleep. Working at the Read tires me out so much! And my maternity leave can't come quick enough (if it even comes at all).

Then, I started to stress about dishes and the state of the apartment (which is constantly a sty in my eyes). I did a load of dishes, took out the compost and the trash (er, got Kim to) and then decided to go to the Read for some coffee (and perhaps catch up with some friends that may have wondered in).

On the way, I started to stress about money. And started to wonder when I'm going to be able to take maternity and (in my eyes) finally be able to nest, gestate and prepare for #2. "Will I be able to take it when I want to?" That will be next month and it doesn't look like it, and in my eyes, it seemed as if I'm going to be working until my water brakes.

So, I was sitting at the Read and mulling things over in my head with a nice cup of coffee in my hand. I ran into some parents of my neighbor's boyfriend. They're good friend's with Kim's family, lovely and sweet people whom are helping up build a garden. When I talked to them, they told me that my neighbor's boyfriend tried to commit suicide last night. His mom told me that, holding back tears. Today is his 24th birthday. He's alright, thankfully.

Suddenly, my problems didn't seem so important. I still have a sink full of dishes, clothes to be put away and god only knows how many dust bunnies need to be slaughtered. But you know what? Right now, all I want to do is sit and breathe. Sometimes you forget how precious life is.

"Is it time yet?" .... "How about now?"

2008-05-25T18:47:00.002-05:00

So, the little baby inside my belly has mastered the art of kicking, punching and poking. S/he's been doing something very weird lately, which can only be described as s/he jumping on my cervic as if to say "Is it time yet?" And once exit is denied, s/he kicks me a couple of times and is content. Weirdest feeling though. I can feel it inside of me, not on the side of my belly or anything like that.

BTW, running names right now are: Milo Colby and Olivia Autumn. Also, I've come to the conclusion it is very likely to have this one on Halloween (like Kim wants) because it'll be a couple weeks past my due date. 42 weeks is not very unlikely to give birth at.

Happy Birthday To Me!

2008-05-01T18:00:00.002-05:00

So, tomorrow is my birthday. 24. I feel simultaneously old and young. I guess you get that when you're a young mommy. I still don't know what I'm going to do to celebrate. Kim won't take staying home as an option. I'll probably go down to Portland. Perhaps go shopping. Who knows? My coworkers say I should get a massage, I think that would hurt too much (damn fibro). Ideally, I'd love to wake up early and go to a coffee shop right when it opens. I'd have yarn, needles and everything that I'd need for a small project (probably socks). I'd stay all day and probably until they closed and knit. And, hopefully, I'd walk out with said finished object. I'd love to do that tomorrow, however, I don't want to ignore my family. I think it will have to wait for another day.

"Gee. Thanks Maw."

2008-04-23T19:37:00.001-05:00

Tell me this is not the snarkiest baby onesie ever.

Calendar

2008-04-18T18:14:00.003-05:00

May
10-13 Jesse's step-daughter's Bat Mitzas. (note to self: Make bracelets)
13 Casey's birthday
River's anticipated birth month
Bill & John's expected birth month

June
River's expected birth month

July
7 Meg and James come up for a week
13 Mom's birthday, my expected maternity leave date *wishes for sooner*

August
29-September 1 Meg, James, Jenn & Trevor come up for Labor day
Maria B.'s expected birth month
Sara B.'s expected birth month

September
13 Abigail's Big Sister party
Alessandra's expected birth month
Sammie's expected birth month

October
My expected birth month

Goodwill Finds

2008-04-15T16:51:00.002-05:00

Today, I was off of work on a glorious (though a tad chilly) spring day. Being tax day, I of course did my (forced) civic dutie and filed taxes. It's going to take every fiber in my being NOT to spend all of my (and Kim's) tax refund money on gourmet marshmallows and a new washer and dryer. Anyways, after a stop at Shaws for fixin's for dinner (mmmm garlic pizza), I headed over to Goodwill for some new pants that won't be as tight on my growing belly.

What I bought:

A brand new, in the box K-Cup Machine for $25!!! (Epic score right there. I already bought a reuseable cup thingy so I won't have to kill the environment AND I can use Rock City Coffee)
Big, purple stompin' boots for Abigail. Really, they are amazingly cool.
One of those knitting mushrooms thingies. It'll be great for teaching Abby how to make wormies, and if I ever need an I-cord....
Books. Lots of books. I bought Baby Wise (a terrible parenting book, which I've been dying to read!) and I also found an amazing amount of anti-vax books.
One baggy pair of maternity pants. Not the greatest looking, but they were comfie.

A lot can happen in 4 months...

2008-04-12T09:21:00.003-05:00

I've given up my livejournal (which I had for about 8 years) due to many reasons (time, the new Russian Overlords, Drama llamas etc). I've tried very hard to use a paper journal. I've learned I've grown VERY accustomed to typing. Ahh the lost art of handwriting. Anyways, I've also learned I need to have some sort of a blog (just for fun ^-^), so here I am. On my neglected blogger blog.

A lot has happened since the last time I updated. Some good, some bad, some mixed. Really, all having it's positive points and it's negative points. Everything has made us realize how precious life is and our relationships with family (both near AND far).

Most notably, Kim and I conceived #2. We're on an exciting roller coaster of preparing for the birth of our new son/daughter. It's very exciting because everyone is expecting this year. We're also planing our first home birth, which is exciting and also a tad bit scary.

Just to add a crafty bit to this post, here's a current WIP:

This is a fishy blankie for baby #2. I'm basing it off of Millie's fish pattern and also "a recipe for fish". I like how Millie's fish run in strips, but I couldn't read the charts. I combined the best of both of them, and am really loving how they come out. I plan on knitting a lot for this baby. Since right now, I'm broke but have a ton of Stash! I'm also hoping to match one for one things for him/her and Abigail. I don't want her to feel left out.

2008

2008-01-01T13:09:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!!

I have great plans for this year. I love the new year, as it feels like a nice, easy, clean start. It's very motivating. This year, I plan to have a creative year, and one where I'm close with my family (which makes me happy, as my mother and I have made great strides in the past few weeks)

I plan on making this a creative year. I want to launch Buju Designs and Warm Yarns. Along with, of course, Slawman.org. I'm hoping to build up an inventory of stuff to start selling . I also want to get a portfolio up and running so I can do some contracting jobs on the side. My goal is to make 12 knitted objects, one of which being a sweater for myself. I also plan on knitting mostly from my stash. Since it's starting to take up most of the apartment....

Kim and I have decided we're going to work out our 5 year plan. And budget. And work really fucking hard. This is going to be a blood, sweat and tears year. Which will be good. We're going to work hard and go far in 2008. I can feel it.

Other things:
I want to read 12 books
I want to make Abby's baby book
I want to finish the Apartment (an annual goal!)
I want to get a tattoo
I want to visit friends in other states
I'd like to learn how to clean with baking soda and vinegar
I want to go back to school

FO!

2007-12-11T18:26:00.000-05:00

With my dreads, I've noticed most of my skull caps/beanies/ski hats no longer fit over my big hair. So, it was time for a dread hat. The pattern is Spin Me Right Round and the yarn is Utah by Interlacements. I loved both. The pattern was wonderfully easy, and the yarn was really nice to work with. Very lovely. Caused much yarn envy when I was KIP. :-)

I finished this hat while at work. I brought it in the last time I opened. I suddenly decided I wanted it to be done before the store opened, so I could wear it from the git go. I quickly did my opening tasks (that's supposed to take an hour or so) in about 45 minuets, so I could finish it. I had about an hour and a half extra to knit. So, I was at the Read, knitting and drinking coffee, happily before it opened. I finished it, rejoiced and wore it all day proudly. :-D

So...What next? I'm thinking I'm going to finish Abby's felted slippers and then finishing swatching my sweater. Should I cast on for something small as well? I'm really not sure...

Merry Christmas Grammie Mills!

2007-12-09T20:20:00.001-05:00

Earlier today, someone told me I make the best foam when I steam milk. I was flattered as I made her drink and thought that was a great way to make a barista happy - to complement their product.

Later on that day, I found out I was wrong.

There's an old woman who comes in to the Read every day. She walks from her house a couple blocks away. She's pushing 90. Every day, she orders a cinnamon roll, a cup of coffee and stands at the end of our counter to give us a hug before she leaves. She is the sweetest old lady in the world. You have to yell real loud to her, and get up very close, but she's wonderful and a joy to see in the mornings.

A couple weeks ago, everyone at Rock City received a hand written card. Written inside, in very shaky handwriting, was an invitation to a holiday party, which Grammie had invited us to. Everyone was honored at the idea. Grammie was very excited about it. Whenever she'd ask us if we'd come, she'd vibrate and exclaim "OH GOODIE!!" whenever we'd tell her we'd make it.

The party was this afternoon. Words cannot explain how humbling it was. Her house was decked out. Every shelf was and crevice was decorated in garland and statues of snowmen, santas and reindeers in only a fashion that a grandma could pull off. The turn out was pretty good, Susanne and Yvvonne came, as did Erica, Sues, KT, Jessie, and I. When everyone was present, Grammie spoke up. She told us the reason why she had the party was to show her appreciation to us. She said she was so appreciative to us for serving her every day with a smile and creating such a wonderful environment for everyone to enjoy. She told us she was throwing us a party so she could serve us and show us how much we ment to her.

I have never been so moved to tears. I have never had a customer go so far out of their way to say thanks. Grammie welcomed us into her home, threw us a party and made us all feel really great about ourselves and the job we do. She went so far out of her way. It really was amazing. No compliment, no tip could ever make me feel the same way Mrs. Mills made me feel earlier this afternoon....

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T13:18:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I hope everyone is able to take time to be thankful. Because, really, we all have atleast one thing to be thankful for. Of course, I have to say I'm thankful for my family. Yes, even my mother :-P On the completely superficial level, I'm thankful for my stash. Which is never ending. Or, so it seems.

So, at the Slawman household, we had Thanksgiving breakfast. Since we'll be elsewhere for dinner. I finally got up the courage to make pancakes. Honestly, they seem scarier than they really were. I used my nice, new, cast iron skillet too. I think that's why they were so easy to make. We also had sausage (or Abby wouldn't have been near the breakfast table), bacon and hasbrowns. It was a feast! I also managed to obtain some freshly roasted Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee. By freshly roasted, I mean it was roasted Tuesday. Gotta love working at a roastery. I have connections. It was wicked expensive too!! $52.78 a pound! And I only bought a quarter of one too!! It was worth it though. Wonderfully smooth and clean. Now, the only really expensive coffee I have to try is Luwak.

Look! A Knitting Meme!

2007-11-19T12:53:00.000-05:00

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting and do it all the time. While finishing a piece is the plan, you still love the process, and can't imagine a day going by without giving some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation involves leaving ample space for the stash and supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn ends and you begin.http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!

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Happy Mail!!

2007-11-15T20:16:00.000-05:00

I received package 1 of 2 from my Ravelry Coffee and Yarn Swap. It's gorgeous! Handmade. I really think it would be perfect for cappuccinos. I'd keep it at work for that purpose, if I didn't think it would get ruined.

I can't wait for the second pacakge!!

Can you smell it?

2007-11-13T14:23:00.000-05:00

It's coming! The holiday season is getting closer and closer. Ok, so if you include Thanksgiving it's already here. This is the first pile of wrapped presents, waiting to go under the Christmas tree. Crazy isn't it? But there's so much to do and so much to prepare for, it seems almost crazy not to get a head start!

So, holiday plans. I really wanted to stay home for Thanksgiving with Kim and Abby. However, Audrey, Kim's long time childhood neighbor invited us for dinner. In the course of 6 months, she lost her husband, her cat and her dog. So, as much as I really want to have Thanksgiving at home, I just can't say no. I will be bringing stuffing though :-P So, we'll be heading over to Waldoboro for supper. I'm planning on making a HUGE breakfast. I just can't decide between dim sum or a traditional, hearty breakfast. I need to plan a menu, as Thanksgiving is in about 9 days. Eep!

Christmas, of course, involves more plans. My mom is coming up to spend it with us. Which, despite it all, should be a lot of fun. I've decided Santa will being one or two really nice gifts this year. (and all following years) This year, I think it will be a dress up chest and a tea set. Granted, Abby will get more than just that, but I want to work on the quality of the gifts, not the quantity. Kim's going to buy her a toy piano too. My goal this year is to sew stockings for me, Kim, Abby, my mom and Kim's parents. And to fill them. There's a few traditions here and there I'd like to start too. I haven't decided what I'm going to do on the Orthodox celebration of Christmas. If anything. It will probably be something small. Also, I do plan on putting Abby's shoes outside for St. Nicholas Day. And lighting candles for the Advent.

We're going to celebrate Hanukkah also this year. I need to find a Menorah. Last year, we just lit tea lights but I'd like to do something special this year. Again, nothing special. Just a nice dinner, time with family and maybe a game of dreidel.

December 31 is Kim's birthday. I have a nice present planned, but no real plans. I have to ask him what he'd like to do. He's turning 30, so I think he wants it to be low key :-)

I think the only thing I haven't planned is Yule. Hmmm....

I would love to say I have the best Secret Pal Ever....

2007-10-26T09:31:00.001-05:00

But I don't want to hurt the feelings of all my other spoilers who were totally awesome too.

Today I received an email asking if I received my package yet. Sadly, I didn't so I responded with a sad smiley and a no. Well! The Post Office Struck! And wow, my pal rocks. First off, the yarn: Really wonderful yummy, naturally died Scottish Wool. Perhaps to be made into a sweater for Abby? My pal sent me 3 sets of needles: bamboo sock sticks, size 11 straights with a pretty blue swirly center and size 8 straights with glitter. I received a memo book and notebook made from recycled plastic boxes. Also in the package was some really pretty tea light candles that look like flowers, lip balm, a shirt for abby, and of course, chocolate. Which Abby help me eat :-) I think the best part of the package was a little bracelet that says "busy mommy". It's row counter bracelet!!! How amazingly perfect?!?!? Especially with NaKniSweMo just days away! I need to learn how to make one so I can make it with all the pretty beads I'm learning how to make out of glass.

Dear Secret Pal,
You rock! Thanks so much for the amazing package!! I love it!

I love Kitsch!

2007-10-19T17:09:00.000-05:00

Alright. I have to admit. As much as I love hip, modern things, I LOVE KITSCH I have the hugest weakness for kitschy things. Today at Big Al's, I found this guy. He's a toilet paper holder who now resides in my kitchen, holding paper towels. I love him. Kim and I stopped in mid tract. We feel in love with him, and paid way too much for him ($12.88!). But that's ok. Now, he needs a name.

This, however, is my Big Al's Find. They're salt and peper shakers. Notice how one is a toilet? Yup. That's the only reason why I bought the set. I'm hoping someone will trade me something for the motel sign one. I don't care, at $2.88, it's a great deal. And, I have since come to the conclusion, that I collect salt shakers. I have quite the collection going - a pair of sheep, dog heads, pigs in tutus, and cows. My toilet adds so much to my kitchen ^-^

And, the real reason I went to Big Al's? Well, one is to buy a bit more yarn for a baby sweater I'm knitting. And, the other was to buy some stuff for my Secret Pal. To be honest, I bought her nothing. Lol. But, I bought her son a bunch of stuff. I plan on sending him a halloween Package.

One Slipper Down...

2007-10-14T18:10:00.000-05:00

And one more to go. This is half a pair of Fuzzy Feet, which I'm making for Abby. And, despite the fact that they fit me, I've been assured that they shall fit her once they felt. It's going along pretty well. It's a fast knit, with soft yarn that goes quickly. I'm hoping to purge the needles before NaKniSweMo.

Minor Ventage

2007-10-08T12:01:00.000-05:00

So, since I'm on a fiber diet (damn NaKniSweMo), I decided to really bust my stash. Which is a lot of fun, since I have a lot of nice yarn stashed. *grins* Anyways, I'm using some lovely hemp yarn, Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy. It's super soft, really nice and in a very mellow, natural looking color. So, I decided to make the Pea Pod Sweater Set from Kate Gilbert and Interweave Knits. It's a really fun pattern, at least what I've done. It's very easy and a simple knit. In theory at least. However, I've cast on and froged 2 times. I'm going on my third. I think my issues is with the gauge. Of course, I didn't do a gauge swatch (dumb ass), but there was someone who used the same yarn, with the same pattern and it worked for them. I started on size 5, then moved to 4s. Now, I'm going to try one last time with 3s. If that doesn't work, I'll forget about it. It's just marginally irritating.

SQUEEEE!!!

2007-10-04T09:25:00.000-05:00

The yarn for my NaKniSweMo sweater came today! The color is perfect. I'm so excited to swatch. And, now that I know what exact color it is, I can think about making some buttons. This makes my day!

ETA: Yes, I am a huge dork since the first thing I do is fondle the yarn, take pictures of it and post it here and on Ravelry.

Fo? WIP?

2007-09-28T09:20:00.000-05:00

I live in an artsy, fartsy sort of apartment building. I'm one of the only doors that doesn't have an apartment number on it. Today, I got an urge to bust some stash. I used some size 10 needles and Lion Brand Jiffy yarn. It's very simple, the edges of the six puckered a bit, but I'm very happy with it. It looks good and it shows what kind of an artist I am.

My Fiber Diet and NaKniSweMo

2007-09-22T08:12:00.000-05:00

This year, Knit Grrl is hosting the 2nd Annual NaKniSweMo. I must be crazy, because I decided to join. NaKniSweMo is the knitter's NaNoWriMo. In the month of November, you knit a sweater. 50,000 stitches. For the past week or so, I have been obsessed with it. OBSESSED!

I plan on knitting the Mommy Snug from the fall Interweave '06. It calls for an aran/worsted sorta yarn. I've decided on Cascade 220. Mainly, because they have this one color, "Summer Sky Heather", which is a blue/green sorta color that is exactly what I want. The only problem is the sweater will be hand wash only. *shrug* I'm willing to deal with that. Plus, Cascade 200 is at $7 a ball. The Superwash of that is $9 a ball! Dramatic price difference, another reason I went with 220. There are buttons along the side of the sweater, so I havn't picked those out. In an ideal world, I'd learn how to do some torch working, and make said buttons out of glass. I do have a month to prepare, so who knows.

So, because I'm about to shell out almost $100 on yarn. I'm going on a fiber diet. Unless it's for Secret Pal or a swap, I'm going to knit out of my stash. Though, I won't discourage any yarn or fiber gifts :-P If I do finish my sweater in time, I plan on rewarding myself with this bracelet (the one that says "...as soon as I finish this row")

I Went To The Common Ground Fair

2007-09-22T08:01:00.000-05:00

And fell in love.

He's an German angora bunny. It was love at first sight. Sadly, Kim wouldn't let me buy him. I think he was jealous.

Also, being on a fiber diet (because of NaKniSweMo) and being surrounded by hand spun and hand died merino, cashmir and angora is downright torture. Torture!! Not only did I almost buy an angora bunny (I sware I was *this* close to buying him) I had briefly considered buying a cashmir goat. $100 for a kid, can you imagine what that would save me on yarn? What was worse, was the goat harder (another knitter) said cashmir goats are the easiest of all goat breeds to raise and make great pets.

All in all, I had lots of self restraint. I didn't know I had it in me. The Common Ground was lots of fun, maybe I'll go back tomorrow after we go sailing. Maybe, if my bunny isn't sold by then, I'll take it as a sign and make him mine :-)

SP11!

2007-08-13T18:55:00.001-05:00

Hello Secret Pal! How are you? ^-^

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I like to knit with things that are soft, and knit easily. I like things that are soft. Natural fibers are a plus too.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Right now, they're in nalgine on my desk. Eventually, I'm going to sew a needle case up for them.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting for maybe 4 years now. I'm not quite a beginner, somewhere in between. And I'm not really afraid of learning something new :-)

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes I do.

5. What's your favorite scent? I love cocoa.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Yes, I love chocolate.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I'd love to learn how to spin, but I don't have the time!!! I do like scrapbooking and sewing though.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like a wide range of music ranging from angry techno and industrial, to ambiant music and world music (like celtic or drumming)

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I'm pretty sure I can stand most colors. I love browns, purples, blues and pinks.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I live with my husband, Kim, and my daughter, Abigail. We have two cats, Sidney and Speedwell. Abby has a fish, Heybach (she named him herself).

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Sometimes, often, yes and no.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Socks and mittens.

13. What are you knitting right now? On the needles is a pair of socks, a pair of fingerless gloves for me and Abby, and a scarf.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I wouldn't complain :-)

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I'm weird and love knitting on DPNs. I like aluminum, hate plastic and never really worked with bamboo.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No, but I'm begging my husband for one for my birthday.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? I purge my needles often, so I'd have to say atleast 6 months.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Ummm...Probably whatever I'm celebrating at the time. I have a 2 y/o, so it's always fun and exciting.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Probably. Just nothing off the top of my head.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I have a lot of books on my wishlist that I love. And, there's a few patterns floating around in cyber space that I have my eyes on. The Seaweed Stole and The Anemoi Mittens are what first pop into my head.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Simply anything that I don't know already.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes and I am about a size 9 in Women's.

23. When is your birthday? May 2.

Also, my ravelry id is busym0mmy. And yes, I joined the SP11 group on there ^-^

Casting On!

2007-07-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking this week, I'm going to cast on for Mrs. Beetons. Yes. I think I will.

I think I have a problem

2007-07-10T13:25:00.000-05:00

My stash is taking over the house. No, really. Between fabric stash and yarn stash, I have more that I'll probably ever need. Eventually, I'll post how much I have. But, that's when I find it all. I feel like a pack rat. Seriously, I have yarn and fabric stashed away in every nook and cranny of this apartment. I found some 10 balls of various self striping sock yarn the other day. Plus, if memory serves me correctly, I have maybe 4 other balls? I don't even know. I really think in order to save my house (and sanity) I need to go on a diet and work to bust my stashes.

That would be oh, so terrible too.

In other news, I bought the Fiber Trends Felted Clogs pattern today. I went out to find some last minute things for my SP10 (sending the package out later than I'd like, sadly).

And, in much cooler news, I'm on ravelry!!!!!! *dances* And, it's much cooler than I could have ever had hoped. Seriously, if you're not on the waiting list, get on it now!!! I'm busym0mmy there, add me since I seriously need friends ^-^

Tomatoes!

2007-05-23T16:54:00.000-05:00

Best use of old tomatoes EVER. You know, like, the ones that are starting to get a little squishy but aren't inedible yet.

Hamann Eggs For Breakfast

2007-05-20T17:49:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to drop a note, saying my radio show, Hamann Eggs For Breakfast, will air TOMORROW from 7 am to 8 am. If you're in the Mid Coast area tune into 93.3 (Rockland) or 99.3 (Camden). If you're not, go to wrfr.org and click where it says "live streaming" and listen anywhere, online. It''ll air weekdays from 7 to 8.

And what about your life you say? Well, Kim has done his best to spoil me. For my birthday, he bought me beautiful yarns and lanternmoon needles. He also bought me a rainbow unbrella. I have a new iMac, which is a glorified desk warmer right now, as it's suffering from a freak out invloving an ipod and kernal panic. *rolls eyes* My trip to Rochester was hectic, but fun. Abby loved the zoo and the beach. And she loved meeting her cousains. Aly, her oldest, is now taller than me. She's 13! I remember when she was born! My bestest friend, Casey came up for a visit a week or so ago. It was jsut a couple of days but it was sooo nice to be around her. I miss her so much! We've been friends for almost 10 years. Kim treated us to a mother's day/casey's birthday brunch at the Samoset Resort. It was amazinly expensive but very, very tasty.

I'm drudging along on a pair of socks. I mastered the art of turning heels (waaay easier than I ever thought) and now I'm trying to pick up the stitches along the heel flaps. I'm also decided that I'm going to make oodles of knitted washclothes. They're so soft! I cant' go back to terry cloth :-P

Ah, well, I shoudl go back to working on my radio show. First one airs tomorrow! Eep!

ZOMG! SECRET PAL!!!

2007-04-26T11:14:00.000-05:00

Hi. I totally forgot to mention I received your package a week ago! Don't hate me! I absolutly love the yarn. Hemp is wonderful! And Abby couldn't wait to use the garden tools you sent her, she now rakes her bubbles in the bath. You rock so much and I suck so much for not thanking you soon enough!

<3 Robin

P.S. Do they still make Aero bars in Canada? I used to love them when was younger and visited family in Toronto.

Tastes Like...

2007-04-05T09:28:00.000-05:00

Lately, every night, Kim and I have shared a beer. It's a fun little, relaxing thing we like to do. Yesterday, we tried Smutty Nose Brewery's Imperial Stout. Normally, I like dark beers. This one, however, had a finish that was exactly how I envision laundry detergent would taste.

Road Trip!

2007-04-02T14:08:00.000-05:00

So, I'm going to Rochester from April 27 to May 5. I am so looking forward to going back home. I'll get to hit up all my old favorite spots: Tahous, Simply Crepes, Spot. We may even get a chance to go to Vertex (!) and we'll probably hit up a diner or two. It seems like every time we go back to Rochester, it's a food tour. Lol. I'm also *really* looking forward to taking Abby to the Strong Museum of Play and the Zoo.

Perhaps what I'm looking forward to the most is my knitting project. Come on, every knitting looks forward to long car rides! The longer the better! Uninterputed knitting time!!! I'm just not sure what to cast on for. I want something simple, but not mind numblingly boring. I don't want to have to do a lot of math on the road. I'd like to finish it in a week, not including blocking. And, I'd like to keep it to what I have in my stash...but that's not written in stone ;-)

I'd like something portable, though there's a part of me that kinda wants to start an afghan and have it grow over my lap as we drive. I was thinking Knucks, but since I have to make all the fingers seperatly, it doesn't seem like a very good car project. I might make a pair of socks, I can do that in about a week, right? The gloves I'm working on for Abby and me I'll probably have done before we leave, and I don't think I want to make another pair. Though, if I did, I'd make the Body Count mittens. I was comtemplating toteing some scrap yarn and making a pannel for an afghan, but I'd like to have an entire project done, not a part. Sweaters would be out of the questions. Maybe Java Jackets? Those are fun and cute. And, I'd like to make a bunch. Also considering making some eggs. Those are fun and simple and nice for Abby. I kinda want to be selfish and make something for myself ^-^ Maybe simple lace might be fun. Then I'd deffinatly have to make a trip to my LYS. Oh noes. Another idea would be those spiffy fiber trends felted clogs....

I need to decide soon!!! And, I need to purge needles. Amazingly, I don't have *that* much on the needles right now.

Oh, did I menchon I'll be there for my birthday? Yea! Now, if all of my friends hadn't moved away...

Laundry Should Not Make Me This Excited.

2007-03-16T10:24:00.000-05:00

I am so excited! I just bought a mesh bag for when I wash my socks! My master plan goes as follows: I'm going to go through the apartment, top and bottom and stick EVERY sock I can find in it. THen, I will wash them. And, since they are contained, the neither the washer or dryer can eat them. And, afterwards, I can take my 2197843874343 socks and pair them up! And, hopefully, do away with my bag of random non matched socks. I can make sock monkeys out of them!

It's that time again!

2007-03-13T12:34:00.000-05:00

Secret Pal 10 is starting up! I'd like to say hello to my spoiler :-)

Here's my survey:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I like to knit with things that are soft, and knit easily. I like things that are soft. Natural fibers are a plus too.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Right now, they're in nalgine on my desk. Eventually, I'm going to sew a needle case up for them.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting for maybe 4 years now. I'm not quite a beginner, somewhere in between. And I'm not really afraid of learning something new :-)

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes I do.

5. What's your favorite scent? I love cocoa.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Yes, I love chocolate.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I'd love to learn how to spin, but I don't have the time!!! I do like scrapbooking and sewing though.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like a wide range of music ranging from angry techno and industrial, to ambiant music and world music (like celtic or drumming)

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I'm pretty sure I can stand most colors. I love browns, purples, blues and pinks.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I live with my husband, Kim, and my daughter, Abigail. We have two cats, Sidney and Speedwell. Abby has a fish, Heybach (she named him herself).

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Sometimes, often, yes and no.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Socks and mittens.

13. What are you knitting right now? On the needles is a pair of socks, a pair of fingerless gloves for me and Abby, and a scarf.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I wouldn't complain :-)

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I'm weird and love knitting on DPNs. I like aluminum, hate plastic and never really worked with bamboo.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No, but I'm begging my husband for one for my birthday.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? I purge my needles often, so I'd have to say atleast 6 months.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Ummm...Probably whatever I'm celebrating at the time. I have a 2 y/o, so it's always fun and exciting.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Probably. Just nothing off the top of my head.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I have a lot of books on my wishlist that I love. And, there's a few patterns floating around in cyber space that I have my eyes on. The Seaweed Stole and The Anemoi Mittens are what first pop into my head.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Simply anything that I don't know already.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes and I am about a size 9 in Women's.

23. When is your birthday? May 2. I'll be 23.

P.S. I promise I'll make an actual knitting post within a few days, week max.

Abby's 2nd Birthday!

2007-03-11T18:16:00.000-05:00

So! Abby's Birthday! I think it went awesome! Abby had a great day, and she's still playing with her doll house.

I guess, her birthday started on thursday, when she had a small party at PeoplePlace. All of the kids baked a birthday cake. It was really cute. It made Abby shy when they sang to her. The kids enjoyed the carrot cake. We didn't have a party at Ashwood, since they don't celebrate young kid's birthdays before their birthdate. No worries, she had a bunch of fun there with out a party.

Also, on Thrusday (and friday), she received some packages in the mail from Mutter and Nana. She was very excited to get them. Her teacher, Miss Cherry, also sent her a card.

Friday night, Kim and I stayed up after Abby went to sleep to wrap presents and decorate. I hung up streamers, blew up balloons and wraped presents. Kim built her doll house. Amazingly, we wern't up *that* late.

Abby woke up and was very excited about all of the balloons that were in the living room. She played with them for a few minutes and then noticed the big stack of presents under the palm tree. She spent all day opening presents. We didn't want her to get overwhelmed, so we were happy when she would open one and then play with it. She got sooo much! We bought her a doll house, which she loves. I sware, she'd play with it nonstop if we didn't make her eat or sleep. I'm glad she enjoys it. We also bought her a kitchen set. She received soooo many books! That I'm really happy about. Also: some stuffed animals, puppets, furinture for her doll house, some markers, a pair of little kid roller blades and I'm sure I'm forgetting a bunch of things. Kim's parents built her an Abby size table and chair. We'll put it in her room so she can have a place to draw or maybe do crafts later. Or, just read at.

During the day, we drove to Augusta to buy Abby a fish. When we arrived at Petco, she was sooo into all of the rats and mice and small animals that they have upfront. She ran around the cages squeeling until we dragged her away to the fish. She picked out a small beta. We bought some plants to put in the bowl too. I didn't know betas like to hide. Abby named him "Heybach". I feel pretty secure in thinking he may life for a couple of months. He's swimming around, all happy. Much happier than in that little tupperware bowl.

After buying Heybach, we came home and hung out for a little bit. Abby happily played with her doll house, sang songs and put her dolls to sleep in the doll house. I frosted her cakes. Yeah. They look very silly and horrible, but they tasted good ^-^ Abby wanted an Elmo cake, but none of the supermarkets had elmo cakes. They did say teh could take a round cake, paint it red, put some eyes on it and call it elmo. I said, "fuck that, I can do that myself!" And I did. It didn't look that great, but tasted ok. I also made a cookie monster one. Elmo was gluten free, vanilla with a butter cream frosting and cookie monster was chocolate with a butter cream frosting. For dinner, we tried to go to Cody's Roadhouse Grill. It *just* opened. But, it was so busy! There wasn't even a parking spot. So, we tried Applebee's. Again, just opened and wicked busy. So, we went to Tamerend for Tai. I love Pad Tai. Afterwards, we came home and opened presents with kim's parents. Eventually, we convinced Abby to go to sleep. How, I don't know. She kept saying "Don't worry about me! I'm playing with my dollhouse!" Whenever we said she needed to go to bed.

Between birthday preparations on friday, yesterday, working today and day lights savings, I'm so looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow!!!

Confession Time!

2007-02-27T17:54:00.000-05:00

Hello. My name is Robin Slawson Hamann. I am a slob. There. I said it.

Public schools. It's like, you know, as American as apple pie....

2007-02-21T21:56:00.000-05:00

Why is it whenever you tell someone you want to homeschool, they look at you like you're an alien and ask, "are you sure you can do it?" instead of asking you why you want to. No, I'm not sure I can homeschool Abigail. I never homeschooled anyone before. But I can give you pages of reason why I want to homeschool Abigail - and any future children.

Here are 5 to start with:
1. Public schools cater to the average child. Most children aren't average.
2. In a public school setting, you must learn a before b and then c. Sometimes kids take longer learning b or c. Sometimes kids can go from a to c and not need b. Kids who can't follow a to b and then c are labeled remedial and need special attention.
3. Public schools are quick to label.
4. Different learning styles =/= learning disabilities.
5. I want Abby to learn about the world from the world. Not from a textbook.

Yes, I am aware this will not be easy. I think it will be well worth it. I am willing to admit it may not work out for us. If that's the case, she'll go into a school setting. Possibly Ashwood Waldorf School, the local Montessori school or Riley.

Laundry Joys

2007-01-29T16:03:00.001-05:00

My two favorite things about doing laundry is :
1. Finding forgotten tips in my work pants. Yea! Forgotten money!
2. Reuniting lost pairs of socks.

Live and Direct With Kim Slawson!

2007-01-24T12:32:00.000-05:00

Tonight is the first episode of Kim's radio show, Live and Direct with Kim Slawson! It airs on WRFR Rockland 93.3 or 99.3 in Camden at 6 o'clock. If you're not in Rockland or Camden Maine, you can still tune in on the web with the live streaming feed. Just go to wrfr.org and click where it says "live web streaming".

Kitchen Disaster Cleaning Update

2007-01-23T16:44:00.000-05:00

Me:Hey Abby, let's buy a new apartment that's not sooty. Ok?
Abby:Ok! *runs off*
Me:Hey! Where are ya going?
Abby: Buy apartment! Clean!

Yeah, she's my daughter.

So, cleaning update:
After hours of scrubbing soot (yes, I'm still doing it), the walls seem to have a grey ting to them. *rolls eyes*

I have 2 of the 4ish (being very vauge there are 4 walls), clean. Go me. Most of the dishes are washed. The grinder survived! We rebought a bunch of oven pans, a toaster, a microwave (which Abby and I named Sam) and most of the plastic containers we had. I still have sooooo much to do! I know we have to repaint. Especally the ceiling. I'm toying with the idea of repainting in an orange color. *laughs* Kim and I are probably going to branch out from there and paint the hallway and dinning room. And rewax the floors. I'm really wanting cabnent doors. I'm not sure if I'm going to bribe my FIL to make them for me, or just brake down and buy them -_- Same does for the window by the sink. I'd *really* like one that opened. But, I'm just vain like that.

Ok. More scrubbing now. In about an hour, I have to pick Kim up from work. Then, dinner, schoolwork and FUNdraising! (sometimes, I feel like if I emphisize the FUN in it, I'll enjoy asking people for money more.)

I <3 my Dyson

2007-01-15T21:37:00.000-05:00

I love my Dyson and it's sucking abilities. I love the vortex of suckage that it creates. Nothing is safe in it's path, not even socks. Though, I've learned that it take me much longer to clean now, as I'm spending time fishing stuff out of it.

What's even cooler, is the stratas of dirt they create. These pictures are from the last time I emptied it:

Husband + Kitchen = Disaster

2007-01-14T20:36:00.001-05:00

So, on Friday, Kim called me at work:

"First off, Abigail and I are ok..."

So, honestly, what am I to think? Of course all the worst things go through my mind. What really happened? Kim started a small grease fire, which activated the sprinklers. Abby and Kim are ok. The kitchen, however, has seen better days.

Because there was a fire, there's soot. Everywhere. Walls, floors, hallway....dishes, pots, pans, silverware, on the cabinets, in the cabinets, in the drawers. Everywhere. And, where there is soot, there is water. There was about 3 inches, maybe more, of water in the kitchen. The water also leaked into the floors below. That wasn't that bad though. There's probably a little bit of sheet rock that needs to be repaired. A lot of my stash of grains, rice, noodles and the like had to be thrown out. Thankfully, a great deal of food we were able to save. And my chocolate stash was also saved ^-^ The coffee was fine, but we had to throw out a bit of tea. No worries, we'll happily buy more. We're not sure if any of the appliances were harmed, the grinder had water in the bottom bowl. Again, not worries if I have to pay for a new one. Kim and I are kinda hoping the microwave got damaged, as it's on it's last leg and we're itching to get a new one. The walls need to be painted, and we're probably going to re-wax the floors.

Honestly, it could be a million times worse. We're very, very lucky. Kim and I are going to spend all day tomorrow, and probably Tuesday cleaning. I'm sure the apartment will sparkle when we're done with it ^-^

I probably should be more pissed at Kim. I'm not. I have this feeling deep down that something positive will come out of this. Maybe it'll be my apartment being completely spotless. Or maybe I'll get a shiny new microwave. *shrug* I do know I'm slightly annoyed because Wednesday I spent all day cleaning the kitchen. You wouldn't be able to tell now...

in shock

2007-01-07T12:35:00.000-05:00

I'm not really believing this, but...

Kim and I have worked out a budget. It's balanced. It's cool. And! We're going to be able to save lots!

*happy dance*

2007!

2007-01-01T14:57:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! 2006 has came and left. 2007 is a fresh start, a great place to begin again. What exactly do I want to do? Lots.

There are *many* things that I want to get done this year. I want to plant a garden, both on the decks and in Waldoboro. I want to finish the apartment (SHOWER DAMN IT!). I want to learn how to swim and kayack. I'd like to figure out what I'm doing with my life (career wise). I want Kim and I to do more consulting, and hook up our server and external hard drive. I want to work on a portfolio, be more artistic, creative and all of the above. Like usal, there's *lots* that I want to do. More than I can write down. I'm hoping 2007 will be a good year to accomplish it all.

Resolutions:

Knit more
Get better grades
Keep the apartment cleaner
Budget and save money.

Here's to a great year! *raises a mug of Kona in a toast* May 2007 bring much happiness to everyone. May everyone be in good healths. Let the cup boards be full, as well as the coffee mugs. May the world be at peace. And may the frogging be few ;-)

Testing...One..Two...Three...Banana?

2006-12-29T21:09:00.000-05:00

Hi! This is my first, brand spanking new post in my shiny new blog. Let's see how it goes...My livejournal is where I will post 90% of the time. I really want a blog for knitting, as well as other crafts (scrapbooking, sewing, crochet...) and maybe for domestic things as well (like recipies). I had a lj for knitting, but it hasn't worked out so well. This is my second try! Blogger seems to be the thing for knit blogs. Maybe if this works, I might embed it in a web page or something.

Well, good night for now! And Happy New Year!! 2007!!!