The Red Sofa

Shhhhh, listen. What is that noise?

2011-08-30T10:18:00.002-04:00

So,,,,, Mr. Wonderful and I are in bed last night reading sexy bible passages aloud to each other when guess what we hear!?!?! Scratch scratch,scratch. We gp on safari, and find mice evidence in the attic. And by "we" I mean Nick. So, today I am packing a nine millimeter and nerve gas. Jazz is fired because, damnnnnn. Her one job is to prevent home invaders, and, well, she sucks. —

Dr, Waltros had a clear set of signals for bike riders

2011-08-30T10:17:00.000-04:00

Check them out here

"Who's your family" is in no way related to "Who's your daddy?"

2011-02-06T12:34:00.003-05:00

Richmond, Virginia is a world away from my home Virginia Beach. When my husband had an opportunity to make a career switch and wanted to move us up here to hell, I said sure babe, wither thou go... Sum'a bitch. Who knew he would actually get the job. Who knew, our house had doubled in value since we bought it. I say sure because i truly didn't think it would happen.

It happened. The first time someone up here asked me who my family was, I started laughing. Really? My family? My family in Tidewater? I wasn't applying to join the "THE Country Club of Virginia." No one in hearing range lived in Tidewater, nor had they ever.

But when the entire room became silent waiting for my answer I decided it was time to mess with them.
"Mom. Mom is my family. Aunt Honey and Daddy, Joe and Nick and Adam and Ray. They are my family too."

It took me a by surprise, but I knew what they were asking. "Are you anybody? How much money do you have? What is your social cache?" I have run into that question before. It was disguised differently, more along the lines of , " Hi, I am Buffy my husband is a doctor. " I always follow that up with, "That's nice.... what do you do all day?" I ususally only got that question on the tennis court in Virginia Beach, but when I moved to the Capital of the Confederacy, I heard it everywhere.

I have begun to tell these jerks that the question reminds me of a tidbit of trivia I remember from reading the biography of Wallis Simpson. It seems she was wrangling with the parliment over her engagement to Edward, she wrote to her aunt and uncle in Maryland asking for her birth certificate and family information... This was the reply she got, " If you acted like a lady you wouldn't need papers to prove it."

Who is your family?

Kids just having fun the old fashioned way

2010-04-17T21:14:00.001-04:00

bike
Originally uploaded by mmwc

Catching some rays and showing off

Flickr

2010-04-17T17:54:00.001-04:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

I did knit in the car on the way to the boat ride. no. really.

2010-04-11T18:21:00.002-04:00

George and Jill

Well, I guess I was too late ....

2010-04-11T11:23:00.003-04:00

I was going to clean out the Bluebird House, but I am too late. Surprised that there is only one egg in there, but it is a darling egg, don't cha think?

ok, no more snow....

2010-03-28T17:43:00.001-04:00

I really wanted to go skiing one more time, but it is not to be. so I'll just keep knitting. I bought some great yarn. Pictures to follow.

it's going to snow again!!! woooo freaking hooooo

2010-02-24T18:22:00.003-05:00

(that is all i can say until the even actually occurs)

In knitting news I bought my first bit of yarn on ebay. It is some oatmeal colored Lopi. I love it. I got three skeins. Not sure what to do with it. But I am thinking a hat and maybe some mittens.

Our most recent snow event.

2010-02-10T16:04:00.003-05:00

Aren't these beautiful. We had a spectactular "snow event" here in central Virginia. Kind of makes me want to finish these:

my next pair of socks

2010-01-03T23:02:00.002-05:00

my next pair of socks will be knit in a straight tube. At the appropriate spot I will weave in a short piece of contrasting wool to pull later and insert a heal. I think EZ calls it an afterthought heel. Anyway, that is my plan.

Right now I have about 4 more inches of my EZ February sweater to complete and it will be my first FO of 10.

We'll see. I pledge to post more pictures this year.

It's snowing....

2009-12-19T15:38:00.002-05:00

Wow, what a nice surprised!

2009-07-31T10:54:00.001-04:00

I am still here, lazy but still here. It is day 50 of my vacation. Wow, doesn't that sound wonderful...Day FIFTY. I am so lucky.

2009-06-19T07:49:00.003-04:00

Day 7 of Vacation. Still throwing away tons of crap. TONS of crap. This experience really makes me re-evaluate everything I buy. Because, let me tell you, I have bought a ton of crap. Like this veggie peeler shaped like a carrot. It never worked well, but it was cute. I have several more that I have bought over the years, each one a cheap contraption from Kmart or Wal-Mart or whatever. What was I thinking. Why didn't I just buy a good one and save myself the trouble of fighting thru all that crap in the drawer, the aggrivation of trying to use the stupid things, and not to mention all the cash.

THROW CRAP AWAY. Get it out of your house and buy quality stuff only. It will save you money.

Joe's Goals

2009-05-09T10:16:00.002-04:00

This is a cool site to keep track of goals, or must do list. I have the usual things that middle aged women obsess about, diet, exercise, ninja kills, zombie sightings, you know... the usual.

try it, you'll like it.

2009-05-02T20:33:00.002-04:00

My favorite motivational poster

Ok, True Confession Time.

2009-04-19T15:36:00.002-04:00

I love looking through ravelry at all the beautiful patterns. I buy knitting magazines, whenever I find a new edition. But I very seldom make anything from these wonderful sites.

But today, I found a pattern that I have promised myself I am going to try. I love everything about this. I love the scoop neckline, the lace pattern, the three quarter length sleeves. the edging on the bottom. Everything.

I can't wait until she publishes the pattern. Classy knitting, well done and hurry up with that pattern.

check it out here.

New Knitting Magazine hitting the stands

2009-04-18T22:49:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite knitting designers has her own magazine now. Vogue presents Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine.

Oh my goodness, her designs for babies and children are just perfect. I can't wait to get my hands on this.

I'd bet you would love it. too.

Cutting junk food in schools

2009-04-12T09:55:00.004-04:00

Oh my god, do I vote for this. Teachers can actually set their clocks by the time the sugar kicks in to the students systems.

http://www.mymedicalreports.com/report.php?id=2560&iCategoryID=1

Pretty in Pink

2009-04-07T16:10:00.005-04:00

These are what I am working on right now. I am doing them toe up and am using a skein for each sock. It seems I have freakishly long legs between my ankle and knobby knees so I don't think they are going to be knee socks after all. But it is all good. I am using Paton's stretchy sock yarn. I'll look up the proper name in a bit. In the mean time, I can't wait to wear these.

Fried Shrimp

2009-03-29T17:07:00.003-04:00

Ymmmy. We drove down to Roanoke Rapids, NC and had Fried Shrimp at the Mayflower. It was delish. But what was most unusual was that they made their hush puppies in the shape of onion rings. Why didn't I think of that. Unfortunately, I ate all of mine before I thought to take a picture. Just picture beautiful golden onion rings and then activate your taste buds to receive the lightest most sublime hush puppies you have ever imagined. that is what we had.

Snow Day

2009-03-04T11:02:00.003-05:00

I left my camera at home so I "borrowed" these from Superstructure over at Flicker. Look at them quickly because if he asks me to take them down I will.
Thank goodness we weren't here for this, but we did enjoy the results

Snow day = Ski Day, woooo whoooooooo

2009-03-03T08:12:00.005-05:00

#2 son and I are going skiing at a small local mountain. Better than not going skiing, right.

The Richmond area had a huge snowfall, well, huge for us, and schools are closed. That is Nature's way of saying, "You've been working too hard, take a break. Pictures to follow, and for goodness sake, don't anyone say,"break a leg."

This is where we are going, click on it to see it clearly:

taa DAAAH!!

2009-01-26T21:16:00.002-05:00

First Finished Object of 2009.... socks. Aren't they cute??? I love them with jeans and khakies.

well, who wouldn't have guessed this....

2009-01-19T09:07:00.003-05:00

From the London Times...so you know it must be true, right?

Wealthy men give women more orgasms

Scientists have found the pleasure women get from sex is directly linked to the size of their partner’s bank balance

oooh look at this site

2009-01-14T20:35:00.002-05:00

http://jattasoheltaa.blogspot.com/2008/09/bintje-socks.html

Love the socks.

Us in Tahoe at Northstar Resort.

2009-01-10T18:41:00.002-05:00

New Favorite Ski Resort: Northstar at Tahoe

ahc graduation 023

2008-12-14T16:22:00.001-05:00

ahc graduation 023
Originally uploaded by mmwc

Guess who is proud of her baby?

sometimes when I am surfing around I see something that was made to appear on my site.

2008-11-19T21:43:00.002-05:00

this is one of those things.

this is the best-est thing on the web these days

2008-11-15T19:21:00.001-05:00

Halloween Hangman. Yes, I know Halloween is over, and so does our "hangman" but he is dressed up for Thanks giving.

Just go see it for your self.

http://www.dedge.com/flash/hangman/

Greets my Russian Reader.

2008-11-08T10:26:00.004-05:00

Oh my goodness, I have a hit from Russia! Take a look at the map on the right side a litte way down. VERY cool.

very cool things to use while working (or knitting).

2008-11-08T09:26:00.003-05:00

Before I get into the site I want y'all to visit, let me tell you about the last book I have "read," The Host by Stephenie Meyer. That is her on the right. I know that it is spun as an adult book, and I guess it is, but really, anyone can read it. It just isn't centered on the lives of high school students.

No vampires. No werewolves. Very thought provoking. What makes you you. How much of your personality is influenced by your physical self. I actually listened to it. The reader did a great job, too.

Other stuff I wanted to mention. Hack your work day with these applications. I got it from Laura Milligan over at career overview. I am already using a couple of these and am looking forward to checking out a couple more.

Social Apps

Use these apps when you want shortcuts or offline solutions to Digg, Twitter, Facebook and more.

SocialAddict: Facebook, FriendFeed, MySpace and Twitter are some of the services supported by this desktop tool, which lets you load mobile pages "for easy access."
Twibble: This Twitter app comes with six icons, lets you see Twitter timelines and see the location of other Tweets.
DiggTop: Check Digg posts 10 at a time with this tool.
Toro Twitter AIR client: This popular Twitter client comes with an integrated search and tabs for recent, public, friends, replies and search.
RAPTR Client: This gaming app can be accessed offline.
SedThink: This application currently supports Facebook, Twitter, Hi5, Feed readers and Thai stock tracking, all in one interface.
Apprise: With this tool you can share and streamline stories from AIM, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and even your e-mail in 16 different languages.
Zebr: View and manage Facebook from your desktop.
Moderator - Wordpress comment moderator in AIR: Moderate your Wordpress comments offline with this tool.
Mini Digg: Read and digg stories from your desktop with Mini Digg.
Lifestream.fm: Keep up with your lifestream.fm friends offline with this tool.
@eventtrack: Stay connected to world events even if you don’t have an Internet connection with this app.
DeskTube: Search and watch YouTube videos with this app.

Shopping and E-Commerce

Whether you’re selling your own products online or you just want to keep track of your bid on eBay, try out these tools.

Level Four Storefront: Manage your Flash e-commerce shopping cart with this tool.
TheSlurps eBay "Browse your Photo" Desktop Widget: Search eBay offline with this personalized widget.
Yahoo Desktop Search Widget: Search Yahoo! with this tool.
Cheapo: Get alerts on special online deals from different sites with Cheapo.
Allurent Desktop Connection and Anthropologie: "Valued customers" can shop Anthropologie from their desktop with Allurent.
eBay Desktop: This app features one-click search filters, alerts, history and more.
CL Desktop: Craigslist shoppers can use this app to view product photos, descriptions and search results.

Multimedia

From Flickr to YouTube to Picasa to Pandora, all of these apps offer desktop solutions for remote and offline management.

Picasa Image Browser: This browser lets you view public images from Picasa.
Doppelganger: Download, drag and drop online videos with Doppelganger.
DestroyFlickr: Manage Flickr with the app that actually features "really good online documentation with screenshots."
Pandora - Music on AIR: This desktop app is for U.S. users only.
Finetune: This customizable music tool lets you search for new artists and music, create your own playlist and more.
uvLayer: Upload videos, and use AIM, GTalk or Facebook to manipulate and share videos with friends.
Chorducopia: Songwriters who have either PCs or Macs can get recommendations for picking chords with this app.
Thumbfall: Conduct image searches supported by Google, FriendFeed, FFFound, Yahoo and more with Thumbfall.
Bookmash: This popular app can be used on Windows, Macs and Linux to watch, share and upload videos, music, photos, social searches, news and RSS.
Podcast Player: You can play pre-loaded podcasts from Buzz Out Load, New.com Tech News and Slate Daily with this app.
Splasup Light: Edit your digital photos with this app.
Flaivor: This app uses RSS to stream entertainment videos to your desktop.
MYMediaPlayer: This tool may actually hurt your productivity, but it’s a lot of fun. You can watch videos and online TV shows easily.
Adobe Media Player: This is the offline version of Adobe Media Player, which lets you download Internet TV and videos.

Web Developer and Design

These apps are great for web developers and web designers who want to work from their desktop and manage their files.

Google Analytics: This reporting app is great for bloggers and web developers who don’t always have an online connection.
Font-picker: Web designers use this tool to help them decide which of their saved fonts are the best match for whatever they’re doing.
Snippely: With this app, you can organize your code and text bits more efficiently.
WebSnapshot: Manage thumbnail, browser and full-page images to save and resize.
JavaScript Special Effects: If you like to use JavaScript, then take a look at this free app.
SnurlIt: Make long URLs short and manageable with SnurlIt.
Dot3D: View images in 3D, including JPG, PNG, GIP, BMP and ICO files.
Shrink-O-Matic: Resize photos with a drag and drop interface.
designview: designview is a great app for designers who like using Flex Builder Design View.
Icon Generator: Create CS# or Web 2.0 icons in just three steps.
JavaScript Style Switch: Play around with different designs without having to change HTML codes.
SearchCoders Dashboard: Connect with other web developers with this Flex-related app.
Pixus: Preview your designs without having to switch back to low-res views.
.merlin: .merlin finds and organizes all of your saved fonts.

Business Tools

Here you’ll find a great list of apps that work for the busy business professional, including calculators, stock analysis and more.

Klok: Use this time tracking tool when you’re trying to fit in extra projects at off times.
NASDAQ Market Replay: Those who track the NASDAQ and NYSE will love this replay and analysis app.
Timeloc: Timeloc is another time tracker that is great for freelancers and contract workers.
Scientific Calculator: Access a scientific calculator for your business and financial equations with this app.
VAT Calculator: This calculator can calculate VAT inclusive and exclusive values.
Jipingmi Pro: If you’re in the market for Chinese real estate, use this tool.
[G]OneTime: [G]OneTime is another time tracking tool.
Ora Time and Expense: This app helps you manage expense reports, invoices and timesheets.
Point of Sale Software (POS): Retailers and store owners can use this tool to get "a better overview of your business, your employees and your customers." Get updates daily.
Google Calendar Invoice Creator: Clock your billable hours and generate HTML or text invoices with this tool.

Contacts and Communication

Manage all of your instant messages and e-mails safely and efficiently with these tools.

Universal Inbox: This tool "gives you control over how you store your digital assets," including e-mail, files, Twitter messages and more.
AIR iPhone: This early-stage iPhone app manages contacts and the web browser.
TokBox: This video calling app is free to use.
GMDesk: Manage your Gmail account offline using this app.
AS iYahooCheck v2: Check your Yahoo ID status and your friends’ statuses with this app.
NEWZDOG: Stay connected to news updates with this searchable app.
Multilingual Soft Keyboards: This is a great tool for those who work internationally.
SimpleClass2: Teachers and students can check grades and stay connected wherever they are with SimpleClass2.
Pronto!: Pronto! is a secure interfact that includes IM, e-mail, groupware, voice and chat.
LG Phone: The Adobe AIR app for LG Phone lets you "call people from your Ribbit account."

Apps for Cubicle Dwellers

Adobe AIR is a fun platform for those who are stuck in their cubicles all day and want to waste time under the radar.

CrazyCam: This Adobe AIR app lets you turn regular photos into ridiculous images by playing around with 33 different effects.
dock_clock: Count the seconds until your workday ends with this clock.
StudioCloud Clothing Assistant: Play around with outfits and even send your saved looks to friends.
Pizza Hut: Privately order yourself a pizza from Pizza Hut.
FansBuzz Desktop: Catch up on football news with this app.
Fotobooth: Add effects to your webcam and play around with silly images with this app.

Time Management and Productivity

Below are a host of tools designed to boost your productivity.

Remember the Milk Notifier: The Adobe AIR version of this web-based to-do list makes for maximum productivity.
AgileTracker: This easy-to-read app clearly displays task reports and time tracking charts. Agile Agenda users can sync up their task lists with this app too.
Doominow To-Do list: Check out this very easy to-do list manager.
Google Reader AIR app: Google Reader addicts work offline thanks to this app.
Snackr: Quickly browse your RSS feeds with this app, which pulls random items and runs them across your screen.
Desktop Alarm Clock Widget: This "unobtrusive" alarm clock can deliver messages automatically.
MiniTask: MiniTask is another simple to-do list manager for Adobe AIR.
RTM Notifier: This app automatically checks your Remember the Milk tasks and reminds you when deadlines approach.
JabeAbzar’S Clock: Stay on track when you download this analog desktop clock.
compuccino time track: This time tracker syncs up with Basecamp.

Apps That Make Your Life Easier

From a map app to a back up tool, these apps are designed to save you time and stress.

Websnapshot: Take snapshots of different web pages with this drag and drop tool, so you can work offline.
BackIt archive tool: Use this app to back up files and folders to a USB drive.
myHomeCache Visual Inventory: This offline home inventory software app is updated weekly.
JavaScript Quadratic Equation Calculator: If you need to solve quadratic equations, download this app to make things go faster.
PMT Mortgage Calculator: Use this app to help you organize your monthly payments to your mortgage.
EarthBrowser: EarthBrowser is similar to Google Earth. Click on different parts of the globe to retrieve data for that area.
WebKut: Cut screen shots and capture web pages to work offline.
Passpack Desktop: If you have trouble remembering all of your passwords, let this app manage them for you.
Net Cost to Buy: This app is another real estate tool that figures out your net cost per square feet for different commercial properties.
Oxy Reminder: This smart app reminds you to get up and stretch every 2 hours.

Managing Teams

These apps are great for team managers.

Timeslide: Add notifications into your apps whenever you post to your blog or a new IM pops up.
Employee Directory: Search for employee data and information on your desktop.
Salesbuilder: This app features data synchronization and direct chart manipulation.

Miscellaneous

These two apps round out our list of awesome Adobe AIR apps.

StockQ: Get stock quotes delivered to your desktop.
Netbook: Access the Project Gutenberg Library offline

If anyone has any other sites or apps that she uses with regularly that didn't make it to Laura's list, let us know.

Very Thought Provoking

2008-10-26T08:25:00.000-04:00

I got this from Lyved.com

75 questions to ask yourself

An old proverb says, “He that cannot ask cannot live”. If you want answers you have to ask questions. These are 75 questions you should ask yourself and try to answer. You can ask yourself these questions right now and over the course of your life.

1. Why not me?

2. Am I nice?

3. Am I doing what I really want to do?

4. What am I grateful for?

5. What’s missing in my life?

6. Am I honest?

7. Do I listen to others?

8. Do I work hard?

9. Do I help others?

10. What do I need to change about myself?

11. Have I hurt others?

12. Do I complain?

13. What’s next for me?

14. Do I have fun?

15. Have I seized opportunities?

16. Do I care about others?

17. Do I spend enough time with my family?

18. Am I open-minded?

19. Have I seen enough of the world?

20. Do I judge others?

21. Do I take risks?

22. What is my purpose?

23. What is my biggest fear?

24. How can I conquer that fear?

25. Do I thank people enough?

26. Am I successful?

27. What am I ashamed of?

28. Do I annoy others?

29. What are my dreams?

30. Am I positive?

31. Am I negative?

32. Is there an afterlife?

33. Does everything happen for a reason?

34. What can I do to change the world?

35. What is the most foolish thing I’ve ever done?

36. Am I cheap?

37. Am I greedy?

38. Who do I love?

39. Who do I want to meet?

40. Where do I want to go?

41. What am I most proud of?

42. Do I care what others think about me?

43. What are my talents?

44. Do I utilize those talents?

45. What makes me happy?

46. What makes me sad?

47. What makes me angry?

48. Am I satisfied with my appearance?

49. Am I healthy?

50. What was the toughest time in my life?

51. What was the easiest time in my life?

52. Am I selfish?

53. What was the craziest thing I did?

54. What is the craziest thing I want to do?

55. Do I procrastinate?

56. What is my greatest regret?

57. What has had the greatest impact on my life?

58. Who has had the greatest impact on my life?

59. Do I stand up for myself?

60. Have I settled for mediocrity?

61. Do I hold grudges?

62. Do I read enough?

63. Do I listen to my heart?

64. Do I donate enough to the less fortunate?

65. Do I pray only when I want something?

66. Do I constantly dwell on the past?

67. Do I let other people’s negativity affect me?

68. Do I forgive myself?

69. When I help someone do I think “What’s in it for me”?

70. Am I aware that someone always has it worse than me?

71. Do I smile more than I frown?

72. Do I surround myself with good people?

73. Do I take time out for myself?

74. Do I ask enough questions?

75. What other questions do I have?

I have been knitting.

2008-10-19T13:17:00.002-04:00

I just need to stitch up a baby surprise jacket, and I am currently working on some cushy socks for moi.

What I am most excited about in my little knitting world is that I am teaching about 10 girls at my school to knit during Fun Fridays. They are so cute and are picking it up quickly. Of course we have our shares of FROGS but folks in the neighborhood have donated a lot of yarn and the girls are having a great time. I would love to post pictures of them knitting but that is strictly against the rules. Maybe I can post some pictures of their work.

Thank goodness they found him....

2008-10-19T12:58:00.002-04:00

That little boy in Las Vegas has been found. Poor baby, I just can't imagine what he went through.

I don't ever want to hear another ugly thing said about him...

2008-08-15T08:25:00.001-04:00

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — Donald Trump will soon be Ed McMahon's landlord.

Trump announced Thursday he would save the television personality's Beverly Hills mansion from foreclosure by buying it for an undisclosed amount and leasing it to McMahon.

The developer told the Los Angeles Times he doesn't know McMahon personally, but acted out of compassion because helping out "would be an honor."

McMahon, 85, who was Johnny Carson's sidekick on the "Tonight" show for three decades, has not worked for about 18 months because of a neck injury. He defaulted on $4.8 million in mortgage loans with Countrywide Financial Corp.

McMahon's spokesman, Howard Bragman, told The Associated Press that paperwork on the sale had not been completed but that McMahon was "very optimistic" the deal would go through.

"When I was at the Wharton School of Business I'd watch him every night," Trump told the Times. "How could this happen?"

McMahon bought the six-bedroom, five-bathroom, 7,000-square-foot house in January 1990. The home was listed at $4.6 million last weekend — down from a peak price of $7 million.

That Mark and Angel are so smart....

2008-08-01T17:12:00.002-04:00

http://www.marcandangel.com/2007/10/17/30-if-statements-in-life-worth-learning/

Here are 30 “if statements” worth learning if you have the intentions of leading a more productive life.

If I am what I have and if I lose what I have, who then am I?
- Erich Fromm

If you don’t understand the product or service, don’t buy it until you do.
If you do not take ownership of your actions, your actions will eventually own you.
If you are not saving at least 10% of your salary, you are not saving enough.
If you talk too much, people will stop listening. If you don’t talk enough, people will never hear your point of view.
If you are lazy, you will fail. Laziness will always overshadow your true potential.
If you hate your job, you also hate half of the time you spend on this planet.
If you are not investing (120 minus your age) percent of your savings in the stock market, you are giving up thousands of dollars over the course of your lifetime.
If you don’t finish what you start, your success rate will always be zero.
If you don’t consume enough liquids, you will never be healthy.
If your monthly debt payments exceed 40% of your total income, you will go broke if you don’t fix your spending habits promptly.
If you avoid your problems, your problems will steer the course of your life.
If something sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true.
If you are buying a brand new car every 3-5 years, stop! You are wasting your money.
If you don’t keep up with important current events, you will look like an idiot in front of others.
If you back-up on a freeway off-ramp, you increase your chances of having an accident by about 1000%. Go to the next exit and turn around.
If you are not learning something new every day, you are wasting away days of your life.
If you threaten to quit your job, even if it’s a subtle suggestion, you better be ready to leave now.
If somebody asks you for your social security number, don’t give it to them!
If you are paying high monthly insurance premiums for a lower claim deductible, you are pissing in the wind.
If you don’t ever intend to help others, expect them to return the favor.
If you don’t learn from your mistakes, you probably aren’t learning much at all.
If you don’t dream, you will live solely as an entity of someone else’s dreams.
If you are ever confused, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
If you don’t listen to good music while exercising, you are missing out on the best part of your workout.
If you are not happy, it’s time to change something.
If you never stare off into the distance, you’ll never get there.
If you dress a certain way, people will treat you a certain way.
If you never try something new, your life’s story will be boring.
If you aren’t in love, don’t settle.
If you are overly emotional right now, make the decision later

how cool is this?!?!? send your self emails in the future!

2008-07-22T09:18:00.003-04:00

Send yourself free emails in the future about anything you want.

I am not an organized person by nature, so I have to work really hard at it. One of the things that I must do is clear my inbox of emails everyday. I don't always check my calendar, I don't always write stuff down, but I do clear my email. I just found this and I love it already! I think you will too.

News You Can Use, or at least I can anyway

2008-07-16T09:42:00.002-04:00

Cheat Sheets! or as a favorite professor used to call them, aids to recall. I am going to put the two google ones in a table format that will make it much easier to read.

My husband is just in awe that I use shortcuts as opposed to clicking on buttons. But I find it faster and easier than stopping typing and hunting up the radio button, and then putting my hands back on my 'home keys.' I think you will, too. Just pick out a couple and practice using them for a week and then move on. Pretty soon it will be second nature

100 ways to improve your life

2008-07-15T09:40:00.005-04:00

Over at Nerds Do It Better, Jessica just might be on to something. See how many you already do and add five more for your karma's sake. I'm just saying...

Eat breakfast every morning: Eating breakfast is important for your health and mental power, supplying essential vitamins, minerals, and energy for your day.
Get a good night’s rest: You just can’t have a happy and productive life if you’re tired all of the time, so get some quality shut eye.
Drink water: Step up your water intake to lose weight, feel better, and improve your skin.
Eat slowly: Slow down when you eat, and you’ll find that you consume less while still feeling satisfied.
Cut down on junk food: Junk food has a nasty way of bringing your health down, so avoid it whenever possible, opting instead for healthy food like fresh fruits and vegetables.
Practice good dental hygiene: Researchers have found that dental hygiene is important for more than cosmetic reasons-it can help you chew food and even avoid heart disease.
Drink tea: Be sure to check out the powerhouse of benefits that tea can deliver, which includes improved memory and prevention of ills such as cavities, cancer, and heart disease.
Get some exercise: Whether you need to lose weight or not, exercise will have a positive effect on your overall health and quality of life.
Improve your energy: If you’re feeling sluggish all day, chances are you’re just not going to feel good about yourself. So take a few steps to boost your energy, and you’ll be better in your daily life.
Intensify your workouts: Researchers have found that by doing more intense workouts, you can enjoy similar benefits that you would with a more relaxed workout for a longer period of time.
Enjoy fish a few times a week: Eat fish, and you’ll get a serving of Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce heart disease.
Wear better shoes: Don’t torture your toes with restrictive shoes all the time-limit the amount of time you spend in uncomfortable shoes.
Protect your skin: Stay out of the sun to avoid skin damage, or use sunblock to help.
Eat at home: It’s easier and cheaper to prepare healthy foods on your own at home, and skillfully cooking a meal is sure to impress just about anyone.
Get tested for prediabetes: Diabetes is a disease that many Americans are susceptible to, and by discovering it early on you can prevent it or lessen its impact.
Take a daily walk: Get a little bit of movement and clear your mind with a walk every day.
Lose weight: One of the best things you can do for your health and overall quality of life is to shed a few pounds.

Social

Take these steps to change your social life for the better.

Join a book club: Get some social interaction while improving your knowledge with a book club.
Get out of the house: Believe it or not, the world just isn’t going to come to you. You’ve got to get out of your “zone” for social interaction.
Volunteer: For a rewarding social experience, look into volunteer opportunities.
Ignore minor irritations: Whether it’s some jerk in traffic, or incessant Facebook application requests, some things just aren’t worth dealing with.
Start a blog: Spark an online discussion and network with new people through a blog.
Talk to strangers: Don’t hesitate to spark a conversation with someone you don’t know-you just might enjoy yourself, or even make a new friend.
Don’t stereotype or label people: Avoid dismissing people based on factors you don’t fully understand, and you may find that they have something to offer you.
Call old friends: You’d be surprised how many people would be overjoyed to hear from you, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve seen them.
Go to church: Make new friends and get in touch with your spiritual side at church or temple.
Host a party: Spend some time with good friends and enjoy yourself at home by inviting others over for a party.
Enjoy a hobby: Having a regular, relaxing activity will bring you joy.
Join a club: Whether you’re into board games or photography, there’s a group out there for you.

Emotional

Improve your emotional life with these simple strategies.

Make an effort to be happy: Whether you actually feel happy or not, make it a point to attempt happiness. It will help you feel better, as well as others around you.
Consider religion: If you’re not a spiritual person, consider becoming more involved with religion to improve your emotional well-being.
Stop taking things personally: Although it may seem to the contrary, know that not everyone is out to make your life harder.
Be optimistic: Put a positive spin on things and feel better about the future.
Know when to lose sleep: Sometimes, you have more important things to do than sleep, but they key is knowing when that should happen.
Step out of your comfort zone: Make it a point to step out of your comfort zone once in awhile. It’s a great way to advance yourself.
Get rid of ill-fitting clothing: Clothes that don’t fit right will just make you look bad and feel worse about yourself. If you love a piece, but it just doesn’t look good, consider getting it tailored.
Spend time with a child: Look at the world through a child’s eyes and get inspired. You’ll learn to appreciate simple things and see life with excitement.
Pamper yourself: Take care of yourself, whether that means getting a pint of ice cream now and then, or just getting a spa treatment.
Celebrate your successes: When you’ve accomplished something great, take a moment to feel good about it!
Quit your technology addiction: Although you may love your BlackBerry, you’ll feel a whole lot better if you just step away from the screen for a while.
Set goals: By setting goals, you’ll give yourself something to strive for and look forward to.
Feel good about yourself: Make a decision to improve your self-confidence, and you’ll feel better. Others will notice it, too.
Be thankful: Every now and then, take some time to acknowledge all of the good things you have in your life, big and small.
Cut yourself some slack: Avoid inventing your own impossible, stringent rules that you have to stick to-they’ll only make you feel nervous and guilty.
Let go of the past: Don’t hold grudges-let go, and you’ll free up emotional space.
Don’t be dramatic: Stop inflating small problems, or you’ll make yourself more anxious than you need to be.
Express yourself: Let your emotions come out through art, writing, or other forms of expression.
Meditate: Take some time out every day to have an inner dialogue with yourself.

Pay off debt: Nothing will improve your finances better than simply getting rid of debt.
Build an emergency fund: Keep an emergency fund to save yourself from plummeting into the red when something pops up, and you’ll be much more secure.
Track your spending: At some point in their lives, nearly everyone has wondered where all their money goes. Try this exercise to finally get to the bottom of it, and identify spots where your money could be better spent.
Be frugal: Embrace frugality in your life, and you’ll save money while living more simply.
Make extra payments: Pay off mortgage and other large debts early, and you’ll take a load off.
Diversify your income: Provide yourself with some financial security by finding multiple sources of income.
Save: The concept is simple-save money, and you’ll have more financial power to do the things you’d like to do.
Eat at home more often: Eating out all the time may be fun, but preparing meals at home is a better financial strategy.
Invest: Investing is not only fun, it’s an excellent way to make your money grow.
Set a goal: Give yourself a financial goal to achieve, whether it’s saving for a particular item, or doubling your investments.
Save for retirement: Don’t give your future self a huge mess to take care of-save now, and you’ll enjoy it later.

Go back to school: Continuing your education does not have to be a complicated endeavor. Take an online class, or just a weekend seminar.
Read classic books: Improve your mind by finally picking up all those books you were supposed to read in school.
Plan: Always have a plan for your life, so you’ll know what you’re working toward.
Quit procrastinating: Resolve to get moving, and you’ll find that you have much more time than you originally realized.
Get inspired by a book: Read a book that will help you spark positive changes in your life.
Learn from your mistakes: Don’t let mistakes get you down. Instead, consider what you did wrong, and how you can avoid doing so again in the future.
Stop worrying: Let go of worry, and know that the future will come no matter what you do about it.
Learn to play a musical instrument: Pick up a guitar, or even a harp, to improve your mental capacity and have something fun to do.
Work to your own advantage: Improve upon what you can, and let the rest fall away.
Think slowly: Instead of jumping to conclusions, carefully calculate what a situation means. Doing so can help you save relationships that might be damaged by rash thinking
Participate in a debate: Have a rational discussion with someone of similar intellect to improve your knowledge.
Learn a new language: Broaden your horizons by learning how to speak a new language.
Visit Wikipedia: Spend some time on Wikipedia learning lots of interesting facts you’ve never realized before.

Quit smoking: It’s the single most important thing you can do for your health, appearance, and energy. You’ll smell better, too.
Wake up early: Be an early riser, and you’ll find that you have more time to get things done.
Spend more time outside: Head outside to become more active and enjoy the world around you.
Be organized: Make things easier on yourself by living a more organized life.

Make friends with your coworkers: One of the easiest and most important things you can do to improve your career is to practice inner networking. Socialize with your coworkers, and they’ll be more willing to help you when you need it.
Improve your writing skills: If you improve upon your writing skills, you’ll instantly sound more intelligent and persuasive.
Collaborate: Don’t go it alone-ask for help, and give help in return.
Keep your inbox empty: Reduce anxiety and simplify by clearing out your inbox as much as you can.
Leave work at the door: Don’t bring work home with you, or you’ll stress yourself out at home.
Join a professional association: Network with others in your field for fun and career advancement.
Ask for a raise: Simply asking for a raise you deserve is a no-brainer way to feel better about work and your paycheck.
Improve your resume: If you’re not happy with your job, give your resume a facelift and consider seeking a new position.
Improve your system: If you’ve got a messy desk, or generally lead a disorganized work life, take charge by reorganizing.
Start your own business: One of the best ways to improve your career is to go into business for yourself.

Vote: Impact your community’s future by participating in the election of officials.
Donate unused items: Instead of holding a garage sale, pass your old items on to people who need them-like books to schools, and clothing to shelters.
Support charitable endeavors: Whether it’s with money or time, do what you can to help out charities in your community.
Be a coach: Offer to coach a youth sport, and you’ll shape young lives while having fun.
Visit your local library: Take advantage of your community’s library to both save money and broaden your mind

Work to reduce your carbon emissions: Find out about the many things you can do to help cut your carbon emissions, and then take action on them.
Improve your gas mileage: Drive more slowly and coast as much as you can to improve your gas mileage.
Turn off the lights: Cut your waste and energy bill by turning off your lights whenever you don’t need them.
Get a reusable water bottle: Keep plastic water bottles out of our landfills by getting a container you can use over and over again.
Reduce your trash: Take steps to cut down on the waste you put in landfills.
Buy local and organic food: Support your health and local farmer by purchasing local, organic produce.
Adjust your thermostat: Let your heater and AC take a small break by adjusting your thermostat to reduce waste.
Stop using plastic bags: Quit using plastic bags, and you’ll both reduce your impact and save animals.
Take shorter showers: Save a precious resource by reducing the amount of water you use in your daily shower.

Lean Mean Thirteen

2008-07-15T09:12:00.004-04:00

I have to proclaim I am a long time Stephanie Plum fan. Stephanie is the lead character in Janet Evanovich series starting with One for the Money. After 10 Big Ones I got a little bored and didn't read Eleven and 12. But when a friend loaned me 13, I jumped.

Boy am I glad I did. I've missed our girl Steph. She is my hero, juggling two hot men and kicking ass while she does it. I actually LOL. No really. Lula is there, Grandma and Joyce. It was a good time. Looking forward to 14!

the latest Jolie Pitts have arrived

2008-07-13T15:25:00.003-04:00

I just read that Ange and Brad have two new babies. A boy and a girl. Boy's name is Knox, carrying on the X factor in the boys' names. The girl is Vivienne Marcheline after her mom.
So all the girls have an H in their names but that is probably just a co-inky-dink.

Anyway, good for them. I wish I had had more babies.

Oh and since I didn't top the winning bid for the pictures, 11 million I hear, I don't have pictures yet.

oh yeah, again. if you can read French check it out: Paris Match

I have too been knitting

2008-07-11T10:17:00.006-04:00

Sometimes i forget that this is what I started this blog for. Knitting and Reading. Two of my favorite things to do. I have been doing both. I just finished a market bag in cotton. Love how it looks like it is in the shape of granny pants when it lays flat. My own design, obviously. I started it using the toe up design and just expanded. did a bit of i-cord for the handles and then cris-crossed them. I have actually used it quite a bit, and I must say, it brings me joy.

I have also been planting stuff in the yard. We have had a bit more rain than usual f or July so things are looking relatively healthy these days. I love these:

Last but not least, I have a grand puppy.
Meet
King Tucker Asher. That is the name on the papers, of course. We call him Tucker or Tuck for short. He is an American Eskimo puppy. #2 son and his girlfriend just acquired him. He seems to be a pretty good little guy. Very easy to get along with and eager to please.

I suck at networking. I should make an effort to do better and here is how I can do it.

2008-07-09T15:35:00.003-04:00

Dumb little man, once again, knows just what I need to do. I lived all my life in a mid-sized town and couldn't go anywhere without running into seven people I knew. When my husband took a job at another mid-sized town a couple of hours away, I went into culture shock. Not only could I go anywhere and not see anyone I knew, I liked it. I could quit holding in my stomach! How cool is that. Well, it's been a couple of years and I am starting to run into folks I know and I should take advantage of it.

Dumb Little Man has a great article on networking that everyone should read. Head on over there and take a look, if you want.

Yes there is a free lunch (or dinner, dessert, snack)

2008-07-05T19:01:00.002-04:00

My birthday just passed by so it is too late for me this year, but the whizz-bang over at Hey, It's Free just published a list of places that will give you free food on your birthday. I can't vouch for any of the deals, but they are worth checking out...all except the free lap dance. Shame! Shame on you.

Food:

Alfy’s Pizza - Free mini pizza for kids 12 and under.
All-American Cafe - Free dessert
Amato’s Sandwich Shop - Join the Tamatos Club and get a free birthday sandwich.
Applebees - Free dessert
Arby’s - Sign up and get coupons year round, including on your birthday.
Atlanta Bread Company - They have a VIP eClub that you can sign up for, gaining you a free cookie on your birthday.
Austin Grill - Sign up and get a free meal.
Bakers Square - Sign up for the eClub and get a free pie.
Bandido’s - Free entree
Baskin Robbins - Get a free ice cream treat if you sign up for their Birthday Club.
Beaches Restaurant - Free meal
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream - Become a Chunk Spelunker and you can get some free ice cream!
Benihana’s Japanese Restaurant - Free dinner with 3 other paying guests. (So bring your friends!)
Bennigan’s - Sign up for their Bennigan’s Club and get a coupon for a free entree plus a free dessert.
BD’s - Join Club Mongo and get a little something something on your birthday!
BJ’s Restaurants - Free Pazookie!! (otherwise known as a delicious dessert.)
Black Angus Steakhouse - Receive a complimentary dessert for joining the BA Prime Club and a free steak dinner for your birthday!
Blimpie Subs - Members of the BIP club get a free 6′ sub on their birthday.
Bob Evans - Free kids meal for anybody under the age of 12.
Bob’s Big Boy - Free hot fudge ice cream
Boston Market - Free kids B-Day meal coupon for kids under 12 and coupons online for their various entrees.
Bonanza Steakhouse - Yet another free birthday surprise that I can’t figure out what exactly is! Oh well, just join their club and find out when they e-mail you.
Buca di Beppo - Sign up for their eClub and get a free dessert.
Buffalo Wild Wings - Free dessert with a $5 purchase. (click on the tree house in the upper left corner on their site!)
Burger King - Free kids meal to all kids club members.
California Pizza Kitchen - Free kids meal during the month of their birthday if you register first.
Captain D’s - Join their D’s Club and get a coupon for $3 off any meal, among other freebies.
Caribou Coffee - They’ll e-mail you a week before your birthday with a coupon for a free coffee drink. Or you can just print out this page and get your free coffee that way.
Carrows - Free cake plus a free dessert now just for signing up.
Cattlemen’s - Free dessert and cowboy hat (I’d go just for the cowboy hat!)
Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse - Sign up and get a free dessert plus points for every dollar spent.
Charlie’s Seafood - Free meal
Cheesecake Factory - Free dessert
Chevy’s - Free dessert and sombrero (First a cowboy hat, then a sombrero…heck yeah!)
Chicken of the Sea- Join their Mermaid Club and they’ll send you a free birthday gift. I’m just hoping it’s not a tuna-flavored cake or anything…
Chili’s - Free dessert if you join their club.
Chips N Giggles - Free meal
Claim Jumper - Free dessert if you join now.
Coldstone Creamery - Join now and get a free creation on your birthday. (My…God…Is…This…Delicious…)
Country Buffet - Join the Mega Bar Meal club and get not only a free meal on your birthday, but a free meal just for signing up!
Cracker Barrel - Free dessert
Dairy Queen - Free ice cream coupon via e-mail for kids 16 and under. They also have a Blizzard Club for adults with the same offer.
Damon’s Steakhouse - Here’s a little trick. All you have to do is make a new email address, sign up, and within 24 hours they will send you 10 bucks off your meal, with the purchase of another comparably priced meal. So every time you and a friend go, you can get $10 off no matter what. Plus, they send you a few coupons for your birthday!
Don Pablos - Free $10 gift certificate after joining the Don Pablo Habanero Club.
Denny’s - Free meal & sundae to kids under 10 as long as you sign up ahead of time.
Einstein’s - Free meal
El Chicos - Free dessert
Famous Dave’s Barbeque - Free meal with advance signup.
Farrelli’s Pizza - Join their Fire Club and get free coupons e-mailed to you before your birthday.
Fazoli’s - Join their eFamily and get a coupon for a free desert.
Fire Mountain - Join the Mega Bar Meal club and get a free meal on your birthday.
Firestone Subs - Sign up and get an email for a free sub.
Flat Top Grill - Join their E-mail Club and get a coupon for a free stir fry on your birthday.
Friendly’s - Free ice cream cone if you join their birthday club.
Fuddruckers - Free ice cream sundae
Glory Days Grill - Free sundae on your birthday if you sign up in advance.
Gold Star Chili - Get a free dessert on your birthday, plus a free treat on your anniversary of joining up AND a free appetizer just for joining.
Golden Corral - Free meal to Birthday Club members during the month of birthday (And many people say this isn’t limited to just kids!)
Gordon Biersch - They say you get a special “e-gift” on your birthday, but what the heck does that mean? Anybody want to sign up for this and let us know what they get?
Grillfish - Free meal
Hard Rock Cafe - Free dessert
Hometown Buffet - Join the Mega Bar Meal club and get not only a free meal on your birthday, but a free meal just for signing up!
Hooters - Free song & T-shirt (Pretty soon here I’m going to have an entire outfit!) If you live on the west coast, there’s even a Hooters Clu b for you to join up with.
Houlihan’s - Free coupon for an entree during your next visit up to a week after b-day (Kinda complicated…but free!)
Joe’s Crab Shack - Free cake if you join their club.
Juice It Up - They promise to give you a “birthday gift” but their website doesn’t say what it is. Might be worth signing up for though.
Keva - The Keva Klub promises free coupons around the time of your birthday.
Krispy Kreme - Free half dozen glazed donuts and a coffee mug with either coffee or soda in it! You might want to sign up ahead of time.
Logan’s Roadhouse - Free song and slice of cheesecake.
Lotus - Free meal
Macaroni Grill - Free dessert plus an OPERA-style “Happy Birthday” song, which is always different.
la Madeleine - Yet another on-line birthday club that will send you coupons for free food around your birthday.
Maggianos - $10 off purchase of $20 if you sign up in advance.
Mainstreet Ventures (Large chain of different restaurants, click to see if any are near you.) - Up to 50% off your meal. It’s based on the number of people in your party. For example, 2 people dining = 50% off. 3 People dining = 33% off, 4 people dining = 25%, etc.
Marble Slab Creamery - Kids can join the Marble Slab Kids Club and get a free ice cream cone on their birthday up to age 12.
Marie Calenders - Free dessert
Memphis BBQ - Coupon good for a free Rack of Ribs & strawberry shortcake, but you must sign up on their website 24 hours in advance.
Mexican Village - Free meal
Moe’s Southwest Grill - Signup for their newsletter and get a coupon for a free burrito. They also have a birthday club for kids under 10.
Mongolian’s B.B.Q. - Signup for their Club Mongo and you’ll get a coupon for a free birthday meal.
Noodles & Company - Signup for their newsletter and they’ll send ya a coupon for a free meal right around our birthday!
O’Charley’s - I remember getting quite a few free desserts over the years from them! They have an E-News club that you can sign up at to get the coupons.
Old Country Buffet - Join the Mega Bar Meal club and get not only a free meal on your birthday, but a free meal just for signing up!
Olive Garden - Free dessert if you sign up?
On The Border - Free appetizer if you sign up.
Outback Steakhouse - Free dessert or appetizer
P.B. Loco - Sign up for their newsletters and you’ll receive coupons periodically for free stuff, as well as coupons for free stuff when your B-day rolls around.
Perkin’s - Free bakery goodie on birthdays for kids under 12.
P.F. Chang’s - Free cake or cheesecake via their e-mail list.
Poncho’s - Free meal, dessert & picture
Provino’s Italian Restaurant - Free $10.99 meal and ice cream dessert
Qdoba Mexican Grill - Join their eClub and get a free burrito on your birthday, as well as free chips n’ salsa just for joining up.
Quizno’s - Join their mailing list and get a free birthday gift (I think this means coupons?)
Red Lobster - Free slice of cake if you join their Overboard Club.
Red Robin - Free Hamburger if you sign up for Eclub.
Rock Bottom - Free appetizer for Mug Club members.
Round Table - Free personal pizza
Ruby Tuesday - Sign up in advance and they’ll send you something!
Ryan’s - Join the Mega Bar Meal club and get not only a free meal on your birthday, but a free meal just for signing up!
San Francisco Over - Sign up in advance and you’ll get a coupon for a free birthday treat.
Schlotzsky’s - Get a free sandwich if you sign up ahead of time.
Smoky Bones - Free meal or appetizer, not sure which.
Spaghetti Warehouse - Signup for a free meal & possibly free appetizer?
Sonic - An advertising company for Sonic, they’ll send you coupons for free Sonic goodies if you sign up. Also, get a free Wacky Pack Kid’s Meal on children’s birthdays if you register here.
Souper Salad - Join their Souper Salad Club and they’ll e-mail you a coupon for one free birthday meal which can be used within a week or your birthday.
Steak & Ale - Free mini choco cake plus other free gifts.
Steak-N-Shake - Free dinner for “birthday club” kids.
Swiss Chalet - Get a free appetizer just for joining the Rotisserie-mail plus a free birthday surprise.
Taco Bell - Free combo meal of your choice.
Texas De Brazil - Sign up for their e-club and they’ll send you a $40 gift certificate! This place can be pricey, but it’s soooo worth it.
TGI Friday’s - Free birthday dessert plus free appetizer just for signing up!
The Fox and Hound - Free appetizer just for joining plus free entree on your birthday.
The Loft - Free meal
The Old Spaghetti Factory - Kids 12 and under get a free meal.
The Palm - 3lb lobster, but you must be a member first and follow a few rules.
The Pasta House - Free dessert
The Vine Tavern - Free meal
Todai Sefood Buffet - Free coupon or voucher for free meal next visit.
Tony Roma’s - Free dessert if you sign up for Romo Rib Expert Club first.
Uno’s Pizza - Sign up and get a free personal pizza on your birthday
Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop - Free dessert and drink
Wendy’s - Free kids meal
Wingstop - Get 10 free buffalo wings on your birthday.
Zaxby’s - Join their Z-Mail club and you’ll get a coupon for a free meal, whether or not it’s your birthday! Kids can sign up here for their Kid Club and get not only a free meal, but a free cookie on their birthday!
Z’ Tejas - $15 coupon for the month of your birthday if you register first.
Zio’s - Free dessert

Entertainment:

Arizona Snow Bowl [FLAGSTAFF, AZ] - Free skiing/riding (if they are open)
Bear Mountain - Free skiing/riding
Belleayre Moutain - Free skiing/riding
Brunswick Bowling - Join the Bonus Zone and get a free game of bowling on your birthday.
Cottonwood Golf Course [SAN DIEGO, CA] - Free round of golf
Dave And Busters - $5 game card credit
Food Pavilion Grocery - Free movie rental
Harkins - Free movie (Some say they got free movie, others only got free popcorn)
Hollywood Video - Free video rental if you sign up in advance.
Ringling Brothers Circus - Sign your newborn up for a free ticket to the circus that never expires. Then just save it until your little one has a birthday later on and give it to them!
Safeway Grocery - Free movie rental
Snow Summit - Free skiing/riding
Toys R Us - Sign up ahead of time and once your child’s birthday rolls around, they’ll get a personalized letter in the mail. Plus, bring your child into any Toys R Us and they’ll get a hat, balloon, have their birthday announced over the loudspeaker, and then be greeted by all the employees while they walk around!
Various Strip Clubs - Free lap dances (Don’t ask me how I know this!)

Service / Other:

Auto Zone - Free oil change (Some Auto Zone’s don’t do oil changes, so call ahead.)
Boz, the Green Bear - You can join Boz’s Birthday Club in advance and your child will receive a personalized postcard in the mail as well as links to download special birthday coloring pages and other random stuff that small kids seem to enjoy.
Bright Ideas - Design and print out free invitation cards for your birthday party!
Captain Dizzy’s Carwash - Free car wash
Frosty Paws - Ok, so what if this freebie is for dogs. Pets like free stuff on their birthday too! Sign up for their Birthday Club and Fido will get a tasty frozen treat come his special time of the year.
Hallmark - 20% off coupon for one item.
Sesame Street Certificate - A cute certificate you can print and let your child color on their birthday.
Scrub-A-Dub - Free car wash
Target - They send you a free Birthday Mailer, full of free gifts, tips, and coupons. You sign up to six of your children who will all receive a mailer on their birthday!

Life hacks List on Lifehacks

2008-07-03T14:40:00.002-04:00

This is one of the sites I visit through my google reader. very cool list to figure out how to do stuff. something for everyone. I have to admit, I visit a few of those already. But I will be visiting the rest a few at a time.

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/80-how-to-sites-worth-bookmarking.html

The single most important message I have seen on the internet.

2008-07-02T15:49:00.002-04:00

I hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired me. Click here and then book mark this site. Refer to it often. It can change family, your career and your happiness.

check your propane tank for ammonia residue

2008-06-30T10:21:00.002-04:00

Geez, meth cooks are using propane tanks to fill with some kind of ammonia crap and if you exchange your propane tank and get on that has ammonia in it, well, prepare for a loud boom.

You can probably avoid it by checking the stem for a blue staining. Check out the National Propane Association site for more details. I have to go check mine now.

8 sites I don't leave home without

2008-06-26T09:41:00.002-04:00

I always think that the coolest site in cyberspace is just a click away. In the mean time I expose myself to all the dregs. I try to limit myself to a few tried and true sites that inspire, entertain, and uplift me. Here are a few that I have on my google reader and I check out a couple times a week.

Some are well known some aren't. Take a look:

Frazz (I teach between summers,this resonates with me)
Dumb Little Man cool guy

dooce (like you have never been there!?!)

jeetblog good tips

Lifedev http://lifedev.net/ duh...develop your life

Life Hack hack you life and make it easier

Productivity 501 You are already working hard, might as well get more done.

Zen Habits I love this guy, he does all my surfing and filtering for me. well he would if he would take up knitting and tennis.

well, this would be nice...

2008-06-24T06:39:00.002-04:00

David, of MY TWO DOLLARS, has a list of ways he supplements his income. Good thing I have a second income from Mr. Wonderful. But it is worth a try.

check it out: http://www.mytwodollars.com/2008/02/21/how-i-make-extra-money-and-rewards-every-single-month/

Favorite thing about summer #617

2008-06-19T09:31:00.002-04:00

Naps....who knew?

well, we all knew, but we also all heard that we were lazy slackers. Paaashaw, I say.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/naps/

2008-06-17T14:27:00.002-04:00

june 17th

da da da da da da .... you say it's your birthday.....

well, it's my birthday tooooooooooooooooo.

I am old, thank you very much. I want to get a lot older

2008-06-17T14:25:00.002-04:00

June 16...

Finger print...TB test day...

this was in anticipation of my new job with a different county. They took my prints electronically with a scanner. How cool is that.

the TB test was not so much. Still had to get a bubble of 'stuff' injected under the skin. Look like I'll live for a while longer.

June is for burning off bad Karma!!!

2008-06-17T14:14:00.001-04:00

well, now ... lets see. Since May first, I have gotten a new daughter-in-law. I love her!
I have gotten a new computer.... like it a loT

I have gotten a new JOB..............wooo frickin' hoooooooooo. VERY cool

I have gone on summer vacation....

life just doesn't get much better.

First there were 4

2008-05-09T20:45:00.001-04:00

First there were 4
Originally uploaded by mmwc

Nick, Adam, Me, and Joe:the groom.

April Project

2008-04-09T19:14:00.002-04:00

I started this a week ago. It is the EZ Surplice jacket. I found the alpaca/wool blend at the thrift store for 85 cents a skein. I am up to the arms and have to admit I am getting nervous. We'll see. If I end up frogging it, I won't be heart broken.

I don't have a baby in mind for this, but well see about that, too. I am going to take a hint from Lena and embelish it a bit after I finish.

Spring Break Socks..in the pool

2008-03-27T13:12:00.002-04:00

FW: You have new Picture Mail!
Originally uploaded by mmwc

don't you hate that when you take pictures of the lovely wonderful socks you just spent hours knitting that the angle makes you look like you have cankles? I tried to avoid that, but...well... you know.

These are my spring break socks because I knitted them during spring break. I don't much care for how the color pooled at the toe of one sock and the cuff of the other, but too bad, they are done.

Fw: You have new Picture Mail!

2008-03-26T14:16:00.001-04:00

Fw: You have new Picture Mail!
Originally uploaded by mmwc

well

100 sites to help you get stuff done quicker, better and easier

2008-03-20T20:10:00.005-04:00

You got to love that, right? CollegeDegree.com

But not one of them will help my husband do a better job of trimming my dog. Sheeze.

so, now what?

2008-03-17T19:21:00.002-04:00

i get home at about 4:15-4:30 depending on the gods of traffic and car-pooling. Mr. Wonderful is upstairs doing, as he calls it, his computer work. He came downstairs frustrated that he got kicked off the internet and couldn't get back on.

"Fix that, would you honey?"

Sure, first let me see if I can get on with my ibook from work? NOpe

How about my personal Compaq piece of feeces. Nope.

Call Comcast. Their expert opinion is that it must be on my end. NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Don't think so. We spend a hour on line resetting the bells and squirrels. Still nothing. I hang up and take an asprin. Mr. Wonderful comes back with. Ok. thanks. I'm on.

I think the universe was just fucking with me. Bitch.

Why didn't I think of that.

2008-03-02T14:01:00.003-05:00

You should see the looks on the faces of the bystanders. Very cool. I was waiting to hear some far fetched idea of what was going on. You know, like the rapture or something. Check it out.

I can't even keep my eyes open for a flash picture. sheez

You have to do this... stealth phone number

2008-02-24T09:47:00.002-05:00

There is a new offering out there that I have just signed up for. Grand Central. The short story is that you get a number that will forward on to your preferred phone.

What that means for me is that I can give out a number to parents of students, they get a phone message and they never get my home or cell number!!!

Very cool.

Of course the next step is to set up a special ring from the stealth number so that I can ignore it during dinner or after, oh say midnight, when little Tyrone just now remembers to tell mom that he got in trouble today at school. sheesh.

I think I am going to love this. Check it out ; Grand Central.
Let me know what you think.

up date: I think at this time they are doing beta testing and you have to be a blogger on blogspot.

I am pretty sure this is gounds for divorce or justifible homicide...or waterboarding

2008-02-23T18:34:00.010-05:00

Remember the lovely wonderful soft gray socks I made to wear with my "Tims." I loved those things.

Remember my wonderful husband who made the sock forms for me. I love him, and the sock forms.

Well, Mr. Wonderful {that's what I call him because he gets the ebbe-jebbies at the thought of all y'all serial killers and perverts (yeah I know, but he is soooo behind the times) knowing his name} knows that I have specifically prohibited him from doing my laundry with his. But since there are just the two of us now and all of his stuff doesn't make a full load often enough to suit him he sneaks my stuff in the washer and dryer with his. And when I say his stuff, I am not just referring to his clothing. I am referring to his pens, and papers, and change, and whatever else he didn't take out of his pockets.

You know where I am going with this, right? Of course you do.

Well, Mr. Wonderful is in Colorado this week skiing with the boys, bless their hearts.
Before he left he just couldn't resist doing a load of laundry, but cause he wanted to take his favorite pair of tighty whities with him. Or maybe his favorite pair of black socks and white towel, because they were all done in the same load. Along with my lovely, soft, springy pair of wool socks. Then of course he put everything in the dryer on heavy-duty, extra hot, because, of course, the hotter the better. Right?

My socks are now too small for Barbie.
I also think they may also be bullet proof.

It is a good damn thing that man is not within driving distance of me or I'd be heading down the road with my socks and a very dull spoon with which to dig out his heart. It was bad enough that he got ink all over my best pair of pants last year. You know the pants that make my ass look good? Yeah, that pair. And it is bad enough that he has turned all the sheets a retro tie-died pink (actually, I kind of like those, but I would never admit it to him) but my SOCKS?!?!?! My socks took hours of my life and I only wore them a few times.

I am thinking of putting them in his drawer and hiding the rest of his socks. Can't you just picture it. He gets up to go to work, and he is running late because well, it is the first day back after a vaca. I have already left for work and my phone is OFF. He pulls open his sock drawer and sees my darlings in all their deformity. No socks for him. He remembers all the times I screamed and yelled about screwing up my laundry. My tiny little socks just lay in his drawer all flaccid and shrunken, much like his....well you get the picture.

Sounds like a plan to me. Much kinder than actually committing bodily harm, right?
I'll let you know how it goes.

I bought stuff

2008-02-23T07:12:00.004-05:00

I ordered these books from Amazon. I am particularly happy to get the Patricia Briggs book because I can't find it anywhere around here, and it is the 2nd of a series.
These of course are the gospel accourding to Saint Elizabeth.
Notice the pink sock. I am using a pattern from a book I found. I'll post all the info when they are finished.

I got this wool at BIG LOTS. I KNow! who'd a thunk it?

I have been busy lately. School is like a sword of Damaclese. And if you had paid attention in school you would know what I am talking about.

Picture of the Day

2008-02-06T05:34:00.000-05:00

The day I took this picture the air was so hot and heavy with humidity that it nearly took my breath away. The daisies don't seem to mind.

An Ice Cold Grave

2008-02-04T20:09:00.000-05:00

Latest Harper Connelly- Tolliver Lang mystery. Harper and Tolliver are faced with their first serial killer. They also face up to some long buried feeling for eacher that they have been trying to avoid. This is the third of the Harper Tolliver series. The first was Grave Secrets, followed by Grave Surprise. All are wonderful, but since there is an evolving relationship between the step-siblings, I would definitely read them in order. American Gothic with a twist spooky, but just a twist.

I just found a wonderful author, Patricia Briggs

2008-02-03T10:50:00.000-05:00

She has a series out about a "Skinwalker" named Mercy Thompson. She is native american raised by a werewolf pack. These books aren't cute, aren't snarky, and aren't filled with names of popular fashion.

They are filled with 'real emotions' and twisted plots that will have you cursing the fact that you must put them down and go to work.
#1 Moon Called
#2 Blood Bound ( haven't read this yet, but it is on order)
#3 Iron Kissed

Look what my husband made for me!

2008-01-30T05:19:00.001-05:00

No, not the socks, silly; the sock blockers! Aren't they wonderful. I used a sock insert for a pair that I bought and extended it a bit. He used his trusty Jig saw and cut them out of some pine he had left over from a project of his. He sanded them for me, and all I have left to do is seal them up with some stain. I am so proud of him.

I stopped by my LYS yesterday afternoon looking to match up a skein of mystery yarn. No luck but I did buy this for my next sock project. The lovely lady there assured me that it would make two size tremendous socks for my two tremendous feet. It is Berroco Sox. It doesn't have a colorway name but it is full of pink, lavender gray goodness and I can't wait to start them. I want to do something lacy with them. Any suggestions. I prefer toe up, and now that I am thinking about it, I am going to go back and get an extra skein so that I can do knee socks, which I love.

I am saving money to buy a skein of this the worlds most expensive yarn. It comes from an vicuña.

first pair of socks for '08

2008-01-21T08:11:00.000-05:00

I thought they would be the blue ones, but noooooooooooooo. So here are the thick gray ones.

I did a panel of moss stitch in the back to hold the decreases. Apparently I have cripplingly thin ankles or just fat calves, so I need extra decreases. I made them from Paton's on size 6 bamboo double points. I got one done on a car trip, and then pretended that I was a crack addict working for my next hit on the second one. I love them. Haven't blocked them yet. I want them to tighten up a bit, but just a bit.

Getting ready to start my February socks. I have a couple of skeins of Cherry Tree Hill in delectable pinks and reds. I think I'll try doing them on two circulars. I haven't done that yet. We'll see.

ta tah

I need, nay... I must have this

2008-01-21T07:54:00.000-05:00

Cool, huh? I'm getting it.

No, it is not snowing here. Yet.

2008-01-13T14:45:00.000-05:00

If you are reading this I want you to pray for, demand, command, request, or conjure up snow for me. Really, right now. I need a snow day.

I ripped out the socks. They were just too big. I downloaded the Universal Sock worksheet from knitty. This is the last time. If I can't make it work now, I am going to burn the yarn because it must be possessed by satan.

Happy New Year...It's going to be great in 2008!

2008-01-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

I am making one resolution for '08. I am going to be more "positive" I am going to banish negativity from my life. We'll see.

I have been knitting! Yea! Want to see? Of course you do. The first picture is the cashmere socks that I have been knitting and ripping for almost a year. I have two done to the same point. I don't think I could bear to rip out two socks.

Next are a couple of little booties for a friends baby.

Then the hat from the Phildar book, and finally the beginning of a fair isle hat for my son. To go with his scarf.

Just so y'all know, my dad loved the "Scholar Collar" with the buffalo nickel, that is in my last post. I am working on finishing the socks next. I am using the structure of Widdershins from knitty for the toe up heel. I want to get those finished this week, so that I can finish #2 son's hat.

Enjoy your days and your knitting. Remember if you aren't enjoying it, put it down and go outside!

Remember that Seinfeld episode...

2007-12-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

where Elaine had only a limited number of contraceptive sponges left, and she would not have sex unless the guy was 'perfect' (my word not hers). Well I've turned into Elaine, only instead of contraceptive sponges hoarding, I am hoarding my stash. I look at this stuff and say, no, that is not the perfect project for that great yarn.

Take for instance the scholar collar, I just finished. That yarn is so soft and wonderful and the perfect shade of black, I was waiting for the perfect project to come along. Well, one day I was bored out of my mind and I just grabbed it and started a diagonal scarf and that was all the thought I put into it. I love how it turned out and I love the Indian Head nickel that I used for it and I love how I am one skein lighter in the old stash department.

My resolution for 2008, is to use my stash. Yeah, Yeah, I know. I say that every year. But I am going to do it this year. I want to reduce my stash by at least 75%. Cataloging to commence shortly. No idea, what I'll be knitting. But if i can't find the perfect project for something, then I just find a suitable project for something. This yarn brings me no joy just stuffed into drawers. In fact, it is just the opposite. It brings me guilt. I didn't buy it to make me feel guilty. I have enough to feel guilty about. Knitting is my zen time. It is a pleasure, the things I use should bring pleasure also.

Elaine should have had a lot more sex. I'm just saying.

Scholar Collar

2007-12-21T08:53:00.000-05:00

Here are my latest efforts. I 'borrowed' the name scholar's collar from Brooklyntweed. It fits. and I also borrowed his idea of using the button. I knitted this for my dad using a single skein of Lamb's Pride and size 8 needles. I cast on four stitches and knitted in on the diagonal. adding and subtracting a stitch every other row. This gives it a nice fold around the neck. I thought I was coming up with something original. Hah!

I found a button that I had been hoarding, ahem... make that saving for something special. It is an actual Indian Head nickel. Obviously the buffalo is the side that shows. I did crochet a loop for the button because that was quicker and less likely to completely distroy the scarf than to put in an afterthought button hole. Also, it is an easy matter to change the location of it, if dad needs me to.

The other scarf, is one that #2 son requested.

#2 indicated only the birth order not the order of favored status. Just had to put that in just in case #2 son sees this post. Anyway, back to my socks. Y'all take care.

go here,

2007-12-20T09:15:00.001-05:00

Look and aspire

http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/2007/01/scholar-collar-and-other-ramblings.html

Craigs List

2007-12-16T12:30:00.000-05:00

For those of US who have been living under a rock for the last few years, let me introduce you to Craig's List. In the past week I have sold a 10ft utility trailer, a pop up camper that I was trying to get a charity to come and haul away, I have someone coming tonight to get a 'garage fridge', someone is interested in a rabbit hutch, a wood stove and an aquarium stand. I tell you what, if it ain't nailed down around here, I am going to sell it on CraigsList. It is a free service and you have a high level of security as far as wack-os showing up at your house. Tre' WOOT.

Anyone want to buy a pair of num-chucks? cheap?

Remember When I Used to Knit?

2007-12-15T20:42:00.000-05:00

I still knit. I have just been knitting little dish cloths and simple stuff. With so many artist knitting everything under the sun, I just couldn't bring myself to post my pitiful little efforts.

But, things are changing. Here is a scarf I am knitting for my son. He requested this, but said for me to come up with a 'cool' pattern. I hope he likes this. I am a little nervous about the red. I really wanted a pale blue, but of course it was not to be.

Apple stock aapl

2007-08-09T12:14:00.000-04:00

Guys, Apple is down to 130.50 per share. It was up to 148.00 a couple of weeks ago and it will get there again. If you have been kicking yourself for not buy this earlier, this may be your last chance.

It has a target price of over 160.00. I am out of it right now, but I am jumping back in.

just thought you might want to know. Your milage may vary.

home again home again...

2007-08-01T14:53:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful time.
We spent a few hours on St. Kitts where we engaged a taxi to drive us around and show us the hot spots. It is an absolutely beautiful island.

I'm in heaven

2007-07-23T07:57:00.000-04:00

St. Maarten. whoa. Where has it been hiding all my life.

I need more than an hour...

2007-07-19T10:34:00.000-04:00

Little River, SC

Blockade Runner at Wrightsville Beach, NC

Natural Born Charmer...W O W

2007-07-17T12:36:00.000-04:00

As you know, I have had a stinkin' summer cold/flu. I read this and miracle of miracle... I am cured. I guess laughter really is the best medicine.

What a great book this is. If you are a reader of Susan Elizabeth Phillips you are in for a treat. Spunky likable heroine, delish alpha male hero. There is so much in here you can't help but love it. Two or so subplots that are just charming. Get it. Don't wait until you get a cold.

I've been sick....so I've been reading

2007-07-15T19:25:00.000-04:00

I read this one first. It was good. And good things happened to some of our favorite characters. And they are all there for this one.

It was also a quick read. She wrapped everything up nice and neat, that I am afraid we have seen the last of Betsy. Hope not.

Reading reading reading....

2007-07-13T11:25:00.001-04:00

I returned a stack of trashy novels and depraved horror stories to the library. I have nothing against good literature, but I am not married to it after all. While I was there I noticed that the new release shelf was just bursting with some of my favorite authors' latest work.

I picked up Undead and Uneasy by MaryJanice Davidson

I also picked up these:

I'll let you know what I think ASAP

This is a brilliant new source for knitters...really great.

2007-07-06T21:00:00.000-04:00

Someone just turned me on to this site. I haven't even fully explored the entire thing. But think of it as a repository for all your knitting information, on line. Which needles you have, which you don't. What patterns you are planning to use, what is in your stash. So that means if you are in your LYS and you can't remember if you have 16'' size 4 douple points or 24" you can look it up and buy what you actually need.

It is in beta testing right now, but they are adding folks every day. Get on the waiting list, pronto

woooo hooooooo. I love iphones

2007-07-06T14:29:00.000-04:00

bought 100 shares at 121.xx on june 27

sold 100 shares at 132.25 on july 6.

I banked a thousand bucks. Folks that is a lot of money to me.

Bought 200 shares at 131.75. wish me luck.

I want this...

2007-07-06T08:57:00.001-04:00

Actually I want all of these.

I do this.

2007-07-06T08:28:00.000-04:00

Want to paint around a light switch? Hand me the butter knife. Hang a picture? Slip off your wooden heeled clog.

Instead of feeling like a klutz Real Simple came up with another 101 unusual uses for everyday items. How many do you already use? 101 uses for everyday items

FOOD BLOGS...who knew???

2007-07-04T09:18:00.000-04:00

Not me, but since I am on a diet and it is going well, and since the diet is Atkins and I am jonesing for some carbs, big time, I found this site.

go...see....smell right through the monitor....

My phone, your phone we all need an Iphone

2007-06-28T09:28:00.000-04:00

I want everyone to run right out and buy an Iphone, tomorrow. That is when they go on sale. It you are busy tomorrow you can get someone in NY to stand ON line and buy yours. It will cost you a couple hundred extra, but that is a small price to pay. They reason I want everyone to have an I phone is not because I think it is a great piece of equipment that will help you become more efficient, cool, or attractive. The reason is because I bought Apple stock yesterday. that is aapl for you stockies out there, but then you knew that if you are a stockie. And I bought a lot of it. So... be a sport. Get the phone. Please.

I love having a blog...

2007-06-25T18:42:00.001-04:00

sometimes I pretend lots of people read it. actually a couple of you sweet souls to drop in every day. I know that because of the site stats. I have it fixed up so that I can see a map of where visitors are from. I can actually zoom in and see the building of visitors. I have had visitors from Sri Lanka to Hawaii, Alaska to Chile. Cool huh?

I have had visitors from Findland, Switzerland, Ireland and about half of the states in the United States. So I have one question.

Would it kill one of you to leave a comment?

Picture of my son and the girl he would take to the proms, his and hers, 16 years later. Cute huh?

daily knitting...day 3

2007-06-25T12:15:00.000-04:00

I am doing that freestyle knitting thAng. Everyday I will add a bit to a knitting project and take a picture of it. It is free style. Rather like a 'crazy quilt' my mother has. We'll see. I do have a bunch of bits of yarn that I am planning to use for this. I am going to concentrate on the cotton dishcloth yarn that I have. This is a good place to try out new stitches and techniques I have been wanting to look at.

Here is what I have so far. Day 1 is on the right straight knitting in the pink-ish bit.
Day 2 is the star structure on the left and Day 3 is the little blue/white/yellow square that is knitted on the diagonal to bridge the gap.

What cha think? Any suggestions on what to do next. I am thinking something curvey and round.

Free photo printer at Ritz Camera

2007-06-23T20:54:00.000-04:00

I went with my friend to Ritz Camera this weekend. They have a Polaroid picture printer on sale for $60.00. They will give you 2 $30.00 rebate forms so in the end the printer is free. I love free stuff.

Go, get one.

crocs or crox of just plain cash cow

2007-06-21T08:53:00.000-04:00

Y'all, guess what?!?!?! Yesterday I bought 200 shares of crox and sold it a this morning , up 2 bucks a share and made 400$$$$. Is that cool or what? It dropped back down a dollar, so I am going to buy it again today. Very cool.

Ruth Bell Graham's book for Free

2007-06-19T09:42:00.000-04:00

I have told y'all before about the great site www.TotallyFreeCrap.com but if you have never visited it, today may be the day you have been waiting for. Billy Graham's wife Ruth's book is being given away today... for free. I just ordered one for my mom and mother-in-law and for myself. Go quickly.

Miriam Time vs Real Time.

2007-06-19T08:50:00.000-04:00

Day 1 of summer vacay June 17th

This happens to me all the time. Reality Time does a smack down on Miriam Time.
I made a list of things I wanted to complete today, my first day of summer.
It went like this:

1. Clean out closets take stuff to Good Will

2. Put Miracle Grow on impatients

3. Run 2 miles

4. Finish knitting the baby gift I am working on. It was just the 4th of a set of baby wash cloths that will be packaged up with some Bert's Bees stuff.

5. Take books back to library

6. Grill ribs

7. Play tennis

So, what did I actually get accomplished today.

I painted my toe nails.

sheez louise.

Tomorrow I'll start on my list, after I develop a plan for world peace.

My next knitting project....

2007-06-08T21:59:00.000-04:00

I love these socks from Craft Magazine. Aren't they darling? I just love them. Not sure what sock yarn I'll use, but I do have a couple of skeins set aside. If I make them out of cotton I can wear them this summer and fall. They are toe up and knit on circs.

I am also thinking that they would look good as knee socks. I could increase the stitches on the ribs as I knit toward the cuff. I would also put in a 2x2 cuff for knee socks so that they would actually stay up.

Throw away along...

2007-05-31T23:03:00.000-04:00

I've done knit alongs, write alongs, write round robins, goofy internet memes. Go here and join my throw-away-along.

What could you lose except a house full of junk you have been waiting for an excuse to get rid of anyway.

Burning Books?!?!?! heresy I say...

2007-05-30T11:33:00.001-04:00

Well, maybe not these books. But come on. Who does that anymore. Turns out it is not a censorship issue, but a too many books issue. The owner of a used book store couldn't give the suckers away. Seems the number of folks in his area are not reading for pleasure as much as they used to. The Nelson numbers are sky high for American Idol, however.

I have to admit, the first thing I look for in a thrift shop is a used book. I am on the eternal search for a first edition hardbound copy of Lamb, by Chris Moore. I don't hold out much hope, but I still keep looking.

My school just boxed up about 10 paper cases of books right off of the library shelves to be discarded. Of course like any good teacher, I rummaged through them to cull what I could. Since I teach American History, it was easy for me to find lots that I could use in the class. But I have to ask, how is a easy reader on Hitler not relevant in today's educational arena? Yet, there it was, on top. I also snagged a couple of geography books about European Countries. Beautiful pictures that, if nothing else, can be books the kids look through after a test while they wait for the rest of the class to finish.

When I mentioned that I pulled these, the librarian said that all the kids want to use for reports is the CIA fact book on the internet.

I did find a Robinson Caruso book with illustrations by Wyeth. I am going to canabalize that one for the prints which are lovely.

I pulled oversized books on the solar system, which , actually I can understand may be out of date, but still ...

I must be getting old.

Shhhh, I think this washcloth is trying to kill me....

2007-05-24T21:11:00.000-04:00

It is going to be the death of me yet. I could have knit a blankie for all of Alaska in the time I have spent knitting and frogging this washcloth. Dave over at Criminy Jickets makes it look so easy, but I am missing a few synaspes in the knitting portion of my noggin.

So I am going to tell everyone that I LIKE the jagged edge of this and don't even get me started on the unsightly buldge on the top left of the picture. Everyone has a few unsightly buldges, right? And ...And...let us not forget that it is a WASHCLOTH. Sheeze. I really only knitted it to keep me out of the fridge at night. I am just so over it, rather like my feelings of The View. Does anyone really care what Rosie thinks about anything?

I am sure my unique-ness here lies with the 'decreasing triangle'. Well, I can't say I am surprised. Triangles almost killed my in highschool Trig and now they are back to plague me. If you know what I did wrong this time, please leave a comment.