Checking in: drive-by blogging

It's busy, isn't it? Are you guys feeling overwhelmed and swamped too?

So, just a quick stop to to provide a few unnecessary updates and to say hello.

-Did I tell you that starting December 19, I am taking vacation time and not coming back into the office until January 2. Yep, that's a long time and I cannot wait. I may even be counting the days. I have big plans for that time period, but we all know I'll just be eating butter cookies, knitting and watching lame Christmas movies. But I will be wearing my new sporty (green and gray) slippers I bought on Black Friday, so that completely redeems my laziness, because I'll be doing it in style.

-On December 19, I am trekking to the land of Churchill Downs and spending time with a friend, playing with her kids, doing some yarn shopping and dining out. I can't wait for that either. Oh, and I'm packing lots of Christmas music and you can't stop me.

-I wore the Puffed Sleeve Cardigan (Fitted Knits) to work recently and since then every time I wear a sweater someone thinks I have knitted it. I am taking it as a compliment. It is, right? However, I wonder if they realize that I do sleep and eat and bathe and watch a lot of television and sometimes I read. Really, no way could I have knit my entire wardrobe. I just might start taking credit, but that would be wrong, particularly this close to Christmas. He's still watching I hear.

-I'm *this* close to finishing up my shopping. Seem to be stumped when it comes to my nephew. Seriously, what do you get a 13-year-old boy? I'm perplexed and so out of touch. Makes me feel old, so old I might buy one of those plastic head scarves to wear when it's raining. I have one gift to nab for a family friend, but I think otherwise we're sparkly and golden when it comes to shopping.

-I bought the goods to make a yo-yo garland. I'm going to use a little tutorial to do so. I landed on it as my Christmas craft this year because 1. It's easy. 2. I don't like to sew, and am hoping this will help with that and 3. It's so darned cute. Don't you think?

-My beloved is getting me a dress form for Christmas. I spied one online on sale, I even had a co-worker measure me (yes, in my office) with a tape measure that came with my desk. I'm a happy elf these days. I envision myself playing dress up until the New Year. Maybe I'll shoot some photographs for you, show you my true handknit sweaters.

Random thoughts on a Friday

I haven't blogged much lately. I suspect that I haven't been able to muster the energy to put together a complete thought, much less put several thoughts into a post. I just haven't been myself lately and for some of you that may be a blessing, for others it may have been pure utter heck.

However, it seems I am coming back around again.

Having put a stressful work week behind me, the fact that I am no longer cursing the pharmaceutical industry, finally finding a little time to knit, putting a little perspective on things, knowing that for at least 9 minutes last night my floors were cleaned and maybe that Diet Dr. Pepper this morning have lulled me back to reality and closer to my real self.

That doesn't mean this won't still be random, 'cause I think that random is closer to my real self. A little bit of this and a little bit of that. That just might be me.

So, here goes:
-Aaaaah, Hope, aren't you the sweetest and you rock! Thanks for the nomination.

And to continue passing the kudos, I nominate:

Emily

Madretz

Phinner

Kissed Knitter

NanaNanaBoBanna

-I have acquired a little time off that I need to use, so I am going taking a bit of it this afternoon to clear my mind. I am hitting the road for a very, very short roadtrip; complete with peach tea, Patty Griffin and maybe my little car.

-Babies, babies everywhere. As you know, I am an aunt again and this morning I spoke to my niece about the prospect of a baby brother, all she could do was say his name over and over again, as if trying to make it real to herself. I told her she'd be a great big sister and that her baby brother was going to love her a lot. And that's true, but I should have told her, "It's going to be a bumpy ride, kiddo, but it is so worth it." I still remember going to the hospital to see her father when he was all shiny and new. . . I remember looking through the windows, standing on my tiptoes and thinking, "He's mine. . . all mine." And he always has been.

I learned yesterday that two of my friends, one I have conversed with via e-mail for over 5 years and another from my college days are expecting babies. So very wonderful to hear their news and I listened carefully to see if it triggered my biological clock. . . it didn't. But I had the strangest dreams. . .

-I'm reading a good book. It's been a while since I have been able to stop knitting and read, neglecting one obsession for another. "The Myth of You and Me" is getting some attention from me. . . and I am anxious to dig more deeply into it.

-I just watched a news clip about a lady with an 84-square-foot home. And it intrigued me. She has only 300 belongings ranging from her toothbrush to her car. The home is smaller than the average parking spot, but had a functional kitchen, a loft bedroom, very "open" bathroom, but no shower. It appealed to me until I learned that last part. I need a shower. I like to be clean on a regular and convenient basis.

I have a confession: I have a LOT of stuff. And sometimes I dream of chucking it all for a mere 300 items (not including my knitting paraphernalia) and it sounds wonderful. My catch is that I am having trouble making those first few steps; particularly parting with my books.

-I have another confession. I like the new show "Burn Notice". I can't help it. I love all of that MacGuyver stuff. And I am too excited that a third "Bourne" installment is coming out. So excited that I think I may rewatch the first two just to prep myself.

-I can eat strawberries again. And I cannot tell you how happy this makes me. I even had them for breakfast this morning. Mmmmmmmmmmm. Fruit of the gods, I tell you.

Our weekend ahead will be busy and includes babysitting for a friend recovering from surgery, an overnight trip to visit Cynical's folks and maybe that Bourne marathon I mentioned. See you soon.

Life is all about the randomness of things

That's really just an excuse because I have nothing of any importance to share, so I'll just ramble with some randomness:

-We are going to travel! Yep, going north to visit friends and family the weekend before the 4th of July. . . and am I ever ready.

-Due to some dietary restrictions I can no longer have strawberries. I miss strawberries. No fair! (Said as I stomp my foot.) I have caught myself just reading recipes involving them. Sick, isn't it?

-It's movie season for me and my viewing buddy. Last night it was "Knocked Up" and tonight it's "Pirates of the Caribbean". (Omigosh, I do so love Paul Rudd. . . is it wrong that he's all I could focus on during "Knocked Up"?)

-So addicted to "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse. . . can't stop singing it. Can Methodone help with that?

-I think I actually repaired my Rusted Root. Keep your fingers and needles crossed.

-I am sooooo ready for a vacation. . . anywhere. . . any length of time. . . just a chance to get away. Unfortunately it looks like that won't be for a while. . . (Cut to me sighing.)

Sunlight

One reason I am enjoying daylight savings time. . . natural light streaming through our windows in the afternoons.

Other random thoughts:
I finished Green (Brown) Gable weeks ago, but haven't blocked or talked anyone into photographing it on me. Looks kinda sad just folded waiting for attention.

I got a coffee pot for my office. Know what that means? My coffee, my way. I am not able to drink the stuff everyone else consumes, it's just too hard on my stomach that early in the morning, so having my own stash, complete with my own sweeteners and fancy creamers is an incredible luxury. I feel so decadent and kinda sly. Should I share?

I want to make it clear, even though other blogs may dispute this, I did not have to be carried or assisted in any way following a St. Patrick's Day get-together at my folks. I simply needed a little something to soften the barbs being thrown. . . and it did work. However, as Needlefingers pointed out, this will not be a regular occurance as that would create a whole other set of problems. And that "making amends" step would kill me.

We joined the Blockbuster version of Netflix. Why? Because we want movies and we want them now. . . and we don't want to walk around and around the store chanting, "What about this one?", going home with nothing in our hands and being forced to watch yet another episode of "NYPD Blue" on the DVR. And you know what? It also satisfied another deep-seeded need. I love lists and this thing lets you add and move and subtract movies in your queue. It fulfills all of my OCD needs.

And in even bigger news. . . Cynical will soon be working primarily from home. I am so jealous I can taste it. I am happy for him in so many ways (Cut to me having visions of folded laundry, clean floors and loads of dishes in the sink.) Now we just have to make room for a home office. This is going to be interesting. Another reason to move, I suppose.

The above is a piece of glass art gifted to me by Queen of Cool for my birthday last year. I had hung it in what we loosely call our office, but recently moved it to the kitchen window where the sun streams in each afternoon. It reminds me of a trip to a small town in Kentucky and catching sight of similar ones clustered, filling an entire window.