jak in the box

Snow Angles @ Midnight

2009-01-16T13:45:00.014-04:00

Happy New Year all!

So much has happened since I last blogged - I don't know where to start... So, I'll start with right now - today.

Sipping on a hot coffee with a touch of left-over egg nog. (I know, how can it still be good? What do they put in that to make it last so long? Don't want to know... just sipping. It's good, and hot, and creamy.) Sitting in our formal sitting room turned computer room @ the front of the house. I'm looking out through the trees and over the snow for lil' jak to arrive home from school. It's soooo cold out today, I'm worried about him walking from the bus stop. He's at the age where gloves or mitts aren't cool. When I had the dogs out earlier the skin on my hands froze in less than 3 minutes.

This is my view - I'm a lucky girl :)

YES, I said dogS. Mr. Herb arrived just before Christmas. He was born on lil' jak's birthday - and I couldn't resist getting a little brother for Mr. Harley. He's a ginger & white Shih Tzu who is incredibly smart and spirited. His nickname is Monster Mash & Harley's is Lover Bug - so there's a definite difference in personalities. We love him dearly already. Even Harley has warmed up to his little brother - on his own terms of course :)

This is my 3 boys - Pajama Day!

Before we go any further... Yes, I have definitely been knitting. I have finished a scarf I LOVE:

This is my Sears Winter Catalogue pose :) This is the side of our house - more Trees!

Ok - back to the scarf.

Pattern: Haven from Heartfelt, Kim Hargreaves

Yarn: Sub'd Rowan Cocoon with Ecological Wool, Cascade Yarns (undyed)

Needles: 4.75mm

Knits up very fast and used the entire 437m!

Just finishing the toe on these...

Pattern: Log Cabin, Handknit Holidays

Yarn: Pastaza, Cascade Yarns (again - humph)

Needles: 3.75 mm

Used one skein/foot almost exactly! (Knit to 6" before toe decrease.) Quick knit and delicious yarn!

These are absolutely delicious and are my birthday present to myself :)

Happy Birthday Me! I know it's not till next month, but I wanted to be sure I had them done on time.

Also finished one mitten. Will start the other one and throw it in my bag for easy access when standing in lines, waiting for supper to cook, etc. It's made with Opal sock yarn, and I quite like them for a liner in other mitts or by themselves for spring.

And lastly, the namesake of this post. Isn't this fabulous? Over the holidays while sitting around sipping on a (few) Hot Buttered Rums with my family, my BIL and I decided to get bundled up and make a sliding path on the front lawn.
A few words of caution as a grown person who hasn't played in the snow for - oh, let's say 15 years. First of all, it's a lot more difficult than we remember. Snow is deep, there's a lot of clothes that come into play - boots, snow-pants, scarves, hats, mitts (all hand knit, of course :) AND don't forget you have to climb back Up the hill after forcing your way down on top of fluffy snow on a plastic sled...

Together we made two paths, accumulated many bruises, and exhausted lay in the quiet of the night to make snow angles. I must say, they are very hard to get out of without making a mash of the outline.

Making Space ~ Going to Space?

2008-09-17T21:31:00.006-03:00

I heard not too long ago, to bring in the new you have to let go of the old. Clear space to allow for new experiences.

Yesterday I did the final walk-through of our old house to make sure everything was in order. It has been sitting silent and alone for over a month. With the exception of * Stanley the Spider keeping his eyes on the backyard, and my friends Tdot & J who have been doing a daily drive-by, and weekly mowing (yes, I have very good friends).

Anyhow, I thought I would be o.k. I thought, no big deal - just checkin' on the place. I was immediately saddened by the damp, musky, haven't been lived in smell that hit me as the garage door opened. I thought, ewe that's gross, then, aww that's sad. As I walked up the stairs I heard my own shuffling echo back at me. I looked at the clean carpets and envisioned little jak's sneakers scattered in the entrance, his jackets laying on the floor, his book bag laying upside down on the stairs. Then I remembered the day we moved in to that house. Empty and waiting to be filled. It was so exciting, so new. Yesterday, it was a shell of our home. 8 years of our lives. 8 years of safeness for my family. The first 8 years of my little boy's school life - that I'll never get back. Then I thought, jak don't think that way. We are starting something new. Not as comfortable, yet. Not as homey, yet. We are opening ourselves up to new experiences. New people. Going in a new direction. (I sorta feel like Star Trek here - where no man has gone before...)

The closing is final tomorrow, and I'm ready. Goodbye's said. Tears shed - sad & happy. Here's hoping Mr. Stanley doesn't meet the new owner's broom. Run Stanley, run!

* I didn't get rid of him all summer because his web was, well my screen door to keeping out the moths {moths eat yarn}, and I didn't have the heart to kill him. So, I made sure to let him know there would be new people coming in and they may not appreciate him the way I did. Besides it's getting cold and he should find a warmer spot.

2008-09-07T13:45:00.004-03:00

Many of you have had this experience before. And if you haven't, and you are an addicted ~ I mean an avid knitter ~ you will. Taking my dog for a walk yesterday, we checked the mail. Expecting flyers & bills I was surprised to see a little Canada Post bag. Hmmm, I thought, what did we order that I have forgotten about? Pulling it from the cozy box I looked @ the return address. My friend in NL! Yeah! I haven't heard from her since I sent her socks made with the LO yarn I made her mamma's prayer shawl with.

I got very excited and couldn’t even wait till I got home. I had to open it up on the side of the street – holding Mr. Harley from going out in the traffic in one hand and trying to rip open the bag with the other.

Yeah! A note - and what’s this? Soft... Squishy.... IT’S YARN!! Naturally died Merino!!! YEAH!!! I could see it already – a soft sqishy yummy touque for this winter! I love the color – it’s the color family I usually buy when I’m purchasing yarn myself :) She doesn't even knit - and she sent me yarn...

It's Hand Dyed Merino she picked up when she was in NY. It's from Catskill Merino Sheep Farm. Delicious! I'm looking for a toque pattern for me :)

Now, I know this next thing has happened to you...

You're minding your own business on the way to an appointment and What? There it is - The Yarn Store. Looking @ the time - you think, Well I do have a few minutes. Besides I haven't been here in a while and they probably have new yarn. I'm not going to buy any. I'm just going to see what's new.

You leave in a hurry because now you're a few minutes LATE for your appointment. Small bag of candy in one hand, cell phone in the other ~ calling other addicts ~ I mean Knitters. There's new yarn! You must let them all know! New colors, new fibers, new patterns!

I couldn't not (See? It's a double negative = positive - I HAD to).

For this - Anais from the Norah Gaughan collection (Berroco):

It's Ultra Alpaca Light (50% Super Fine Alpaca - 50% Peruvian Wool). It's Delicious!!! See? It's the same color family as the yarn my friend sent to me? Am I too predictable? I struggled. I was going to get blue. The same blue in the picture. But, I went back to what I LOVE ~ reds.

Haven't been able to knit in about 4 weeks, due to the move. So - this rainy afternoon I'm taking off to blog *hai* & knit :)

xo
jak

And so ~ it began...

2008-06-13T23:47:00.004-03:00

Not intentionally. We've been doing it for a while. Perusing MLS listings online. Picking up a Realtor magazine every now and again. Then one day honey says... 'This one's interesting.' We call the realtor, or he calls us - can't specifically recall as things are a wee bit of a blur right now - and we go. What harm can it do? We're just looking. We're not ready to move.

We fell in love. Everything we've been looking for. A wee house in the woods (almost 2 acres):
* A wooded lot (can't see neighbors).
* A garage on the Side of the house, not taking up the entire front making it look like those garages with homes attached.
* A cute little deck on the front.
* The number of bedrooms (2 + a yarn room) upstairs.
* Downstairs - a pool table current home owners would rather not transport.
* Back deck with fire pit off to the side, with space for a HOT TUB. A pool that can be used All Year 'Round!

We get excited. Then I step onto the front deck. What? What is this I see? An antique (very antique as it's in the elements) Spinning Wheel!

Uh ohhh.

We've done harm. Harm has been done. We're just looking. We're not ready to move.

Well actually, little jak is almost ready for Jr. High and we don't want him going to a new high school with people he doesn't know... So maybe this is the best timing...

Us: Mr. Realtor what do we need to do?
Mr. Realtor (MR): You need to get your house ready to sell.

5 days later I find myself on my hands and knees having worn the same clothes for 5 DAYS! (yes, I changed my underwear and showered sporadically). You must understand. The house HAD to be ready and SOLD before someone else bid on our antique Spinning Wheel - I mean house.

At first we thought we'd call contractors. After four phone calls I realized the expansion and building of this city is taking a toll on the supply - or contractors are completely lazy and unreliable (that's all I'll say about that).

Then I thought, I'll do it. How hard can 3 levels of baseboards, window frames and closet doors be to paint white. On the third floor, four days in the same clothes, on my hands and knees I had my 'come to Jesus' moment. I think we all get them in life - this was mine.

4 days by myself. Alone with my thoughts.
No daily distractions. Just painting.
Sure - the first three days of sanding, priming and two coats of paint, the mantra was ~ Hot Tub, Hot Tub, Hot Tub...
The mantra became scattered and slowing disintegrated into thoughts I haven't thought in a thousand years. Friends I miss, things I've done and not proud of, things I said and wish I hadn't. Experiences - good and bad. Races, language barriers, wishing I spoke different languages, and if I did, would I find different things funny? Would I have a different sense of humor? You see where I'm going?

Mr. jak is away. On business. On a weekend. I'm 4 days in.

He calls on Sunday morning to tell me he's at the airport. I say, so what did you work on last night? He says, oh (and he says this very casually, like it's any other day. Not like I've been working my Ass off. Not like we're not trying to get our house on the market and buy a Spinning Wheel - um, I mean HOUSE), he says, oh I just decided to stay and extra night and hang with the guys...

ok, i say.
see you when you get home, i say.
we (i) hang up.

I take my paint stained clothes off. I jump in the shower and clean myself off. Wipe away the dust and scrub my paint stained, broken nailed, dry, cut, cracked (not knitting) hands.

I thought about going away for a couple of days. Of calling him and saying, oh I just decided to go away for a while. I'll be back when I'm finished. But, I don't. I stay. I continue to paint. Hot tub, hot tub, hot tub.....

Knitting accomplished

2008-05-25T20:54:00.007-03:00

Well, it's been a while since I've actually posted knitting projects completed. I finished the socks I was working on during the trip to Florida. They are for a special friend. Actually the daughter of the lady the prayer shawl was knit for. Because I had yarn left over, I decided to make socks for her to warm her feet, while the shawl warms her mom.

Love this yarn!! Love the color, the texture, and how it looks knit up. Here they are:

Hedera by Cookie from Knitty

Yarn: Socks that Rock, In the Navy (almost 1 skein)
Needles: 2.5 mm
Knit for: Friend (xo)

Also finished a side button up cardi (Buttony Sweater by Katie Marcus). I knit it with Fleece Artist Big Baby Alpaca. There was a pattern (Jo) with this yarn, but I decided against it and chose this sweater instead. Very happy with how it turned out. I knit it longer than pattern called for and decreased the sides (then increased) to give it shaping. Also knit the sleeves 3/4 length to accentuate shaping. LOVE it!

Needles: 6.5 mm
Yarn: Fleece Artist, Big Baby Alpaca (2.5 skeins)
Color: Browns & greens
Knit for: me :)

And these... a birthday gift from aspecial friend :)
Pattern from Knitting Vintage Socks, Nancy Bush.
Pattern: Child's French Sock
Yarn: Matchmaker Merino
Color: Strawberry (yummy Red :)

Thank you ~ friend :)

The good, the bad, and yes I'm still knitting

2008-05-15T23:19:00.002-03:00

ok, OK - I'm on Ravelry. I resisted. For a bit. Then experimented through a friend's account. Then decided to get my own account. And now (thanks friend), I'm addicted.

ok, OK - it's not her fault... I have an addictive personality. Not like that's a huge surprise when you consider the amount of knitting paraphernalia accumulated in such short periods of time, the UFO's on needles, and the binder's full of potential projects. I will never run out of things to knit, or knit with.

If I do (yes, I have thought about this, I know you have too), IF I do (this will only happen if I'm ship wrecked on a deserted island - and IF I'm ship wrecked it will be with other knitters because it will have been a knitting cruise) there are sticks for make-shift needles and vine, twigs, and other stringy-type local plant life that could be used for lovely head bands or knit bikini tops. And IF we are all knitters on a cruise chances are we won't go overboard without our needles and at least one project. I know it. You know it.

Anyhooo, I digress.

First Blogging, then Facebook, now Ravelry. WOOO HOOOO!

I can say I have almost all of my needles, books, and some of my projects logged digitally online. The good - if there is ever a fire in my house and I lose all my needles and books (must not think that way, must not think that way), I have a record of what I could possibly recoup financially. Now... just to get my stash on there. (Working on it.)

The best part? Well there's two actually. Ok three.

1. Patterns, ideas, galore!!

2. Yarn stash ideas. Type in the yarn and voila - other projects made with that yarn!

3. Other knitters, just as addicted as me sharing the passion AND stimulating creativity.

The bad - well, I haven't seen real live knitters in over 2 weeks. That's sad, but I'm ok. Because I have Ravelry!

Spring cleaning... nesting... chaos.

2008-05-08T22:36:00.004-03:00

And so, here I am amongst old CDs, Christmas ornaments, stashed clothes (I might someday wear, might need for an occasion, might someday fit or come back in style), books, and - of course, my yarn stash.

What do I NEED, what WILL I need, and what can be reused, recycled, regiven (yes, I know you do it too - it's a perfectly good little train money bank. Silver. I bought it for my son, then hid it and well, am turning into my mother and just found it. It's still in the BOX.), and what needs to be thrown away - forever?

This, my friends is Spring Cleaning for me. I pile up & pack away all year. This one week I PURGE! Hard core. So much so, my husband worries when he's at work. He comes home and ruffles through the bags. Aw common! He urges, we need this, I need this.

Nope, it's goin', I confirm. He hasn't seen it in three years - hasn't asked for it, thought about it... until he sees it - then he needs it.

I was thinking about this. And well, fair is fair. Last night as we sat in the living room (watching Hell's Kitchen - and to think, I pondered the idea of being a Chef), I said ~ Are you ready for this my friends ~ I said, I think I'm going to sell some of my yarn.

And just like now ~ there was silence.

He looked at me.

I looked at him.

He pressed pause.

I saw, what I can only describe as Shock n' Awe in his eyes that slowly turned to pity, then defiance. "You shouldn't to that."

"But there's no space. I'm now buying furniture to house my yarn. Furniture that is expensive, and requires space. I'm taking over the house." I realized I was starting to sound panicked. I was thinking about yarn I had, that I forgot I had. It was for a project... a wonderfully, beautiful project... that... I ... can't... remember. But I'm sure the pattern is in my binder. Anyhow, I became overwhelmed. Really? Really am I going to knit with the bright orange accented with green & yellow specks merino I bought on sale (@ 1/2 price - it was a steal really)? I donno. Alone with my stash, I began to doubt myself. Do I NEED it?

"You CAN'T do that. No, no, this is getting out of hand. You should wait... why don't you give it some time."

I looked into his eyes. There I saw, not the man I married. Not the tattooed, ear-ring wearin', tough bald guy. I saw. A man who understands. A man who knows what it's like... to be married to a woman - addicted to knitting. An enabler.

Every knitting woman needs one. And so, welcome Spring! I will clean around the yarn. Now honey, where shall we put this new book case that will house my baskets of love ;)

Safe

2008-04-21T21:08:00.005-03:00

Phew - I found it!

Had a major scare. A long scare too. Not one that lasts for a second - like the one you have when you are on a ride and leave your stomach in the air with that 'Oh My God I'm going to die' feeling. It's one that lasted for weeks. I would go to sleep with it. Wake up with it. Carry it around with me all day... Then, as suddenly as it started. It ended. Sweet relief. * sigh *

It started when we were looking over pictures from our Florida trip. I was like, ou it was chilly that night I have my diagonal shawl on. That's a nice shawl. It looks nice in that picture... OMG - I haven't seen my shawl since We've Been HOME - Where is my SHAWL ??? (PANIC !!!!)

Calm down... when was the last time you had it?
Yes, I was packing and trying to decide if I should wear it on the trip home because the plane can sometimes be a little chilly, and airports are air conditioned. Next thought - yeah but I'll have a sweater AND a jacket and what if I accidentally leave it somewhere - OMG What IF I LEFT IT SOMEWHERE?!!

Calm down... did you have it on the plane when you talked to the knitting lady?
No, Cause If I DID I WOULD HAVE SHOWED IT TO HER - RIGHT? OMG That means it's in NEW YORK!!!! WHAAAA !!!

Calm down... look in suit case - AGAIN....
Maybe it's in the front pocket where I hide my dirty underwear... NO! IT'S NOT THERE!!! Someone in New York has a wonderful knit shawl... I HOPE they Appreciate it. I HOPE they LOVE it.

Calm down... sleep on it.
It will come to you. Let your mind find it. Think about something else. (Chicken noodle soup. Hot steamy chicken noodle soup...)

Three weeks of this. Then. I looked in the suitcase. Again. The front pocket has a front pocket. Scrunched up at the bottom, all nestled and safe - my diagonal shawl.

* sigh *

Friends in flight

2008-04-09T11:32:00.004-03:00

3 Airports and 12 hours later we made it home from Florida safe & sound. Lil' jak and I left Mr. jak in Florida as he had work to do - I know, weird. In Florida the week after our vacation - the same location... I don't ask questions just for more money for yarn :)

This left lil' jak & I on our own to travel through airport after airport, customs, luggage switch, and all the Fun those things come with in strange airports. For some reason, Mr. jak was worried and didn't think I could handle it on my own - I have travelled before, I can read signs... anyhoooo

New York was the only issue we came across. It wasn't lost luggage, it wasn't late flights, it was a people issue. When lil' jak & I checked in to get our boarding passes we were told didn't have seats together, but someone on the flight may switch with us. I could see the look of panic cross lil' jak's face. He said he was ok (being brave for me), but I could see he was worried.

When we got on the plane he took his seat and I stood to assess the situation. Three seats per row there was an older couple with a seat between them - where I was supposed to sit. I asked if they were together. They indicated yes. I asked if I could have the isle seat so I could be closer to and see my son. The woman looked at me as though I had just taken her Gucci bag and run down the isle with it - horror, disgust, surprise. Granted, perhaps she has a fear of the middle seat, a phobia, and I was just the thing that was teetering her decision to fly.

Before she could answer a woman sitting behind lil' jak touched my hand and said, "You can have my seat to be close to your son. I can't believe some people". She then collected her things and continued to grumble the words I wanted to, but didn't. Then she sat beside the very woman she dissed (who by this time did move over). This left the kind woman and myself both in isle seats - beside each other. Then the most amazing thing happeded - you know what it is... she pulled out her KNITTING!!! HA! I knew it! She was a knitter. She was knitting a sweater for her little boy who she just left at his nannies while she had to travel. We were instant friends.

Now, those of you who know me know that when a knitter pulls out some fiber the first words out of my mouth are: Can I touch it? Oh How I Wanted to Touch her Yarn. I yearned to say it - but I held it in, because she was obviously a New Yorker and could and would tell anyone off in a second. So we talked about the project and what kind of yarn it was. I could see it glistening in the rays of sun that shone in through the little circular window...

After getting lil' jak settled, and myself together. I pulled out my knitting - a pair of socks with Socks that Rock (left over fr. Prayer Shawl). A lacy pattern - Hedera (Knitty), by Cookie. The first thing she says? THE FIRST THING - Can I touch it? Of course, I say. I wanted to touch yours, but was afraid to ask. There we sat on the airplane, an aisle seperating us, touching each other's yarn. Lives lived apart - connected through our sons, and our knitting.

Later, lil' jak said to me, I knew you two were going to get along when I heard her ask to touch your yarn :)

He knows me too well.

Florida was wonderfully warm. The kids had a spectacular time - we ran them every day till they were so exhausted they fell asleep before they hit their beds.

The only picture we have of the 7 of us:

And my beautiful girl - the day of her wish:

Thanks to the sun, the dolphins, and the knitters of the world ~ xo

Headin' for the Sun, and Rides, and the Beach!

2008-03-13T22:03:00.003-03:00

Ou, and what to bring to knit? That's the hardest part... I can't bring a bulky wool project - too hot. I don't want to bring anything too complicated - might need to pay attention to connections or just to people watch @ the airport. Nothing too light in color - it might get a little dirty with the travel.

We leave the house Saturday a.m. @ 3:30 to hop on a plane for the Sunshine State - bringing the children (big & small) to Disney World - YEAH!!!

A few years back my little niece had a brain tumor removed. She has completely healed beyond all of our expectations. You know, children are wonderful. We tell them they will be ok - and they are. We tell them they will heal - and they do. Anyhow... she received her wish from The Children's Wish Foundation - to swim with the Dolphins. So, my family decided to join my brother's family for a Disney/Beach vacation. Perfect timing as we have had about as much of winter as we can take - as have masses of other Canadians.

Hmmm maybe lace sockies....

For the real babies...

2008-02-28T21:51:00.005-04:00

I've never knit for babies before. I must say, it's very satisfying! A sweater in just a few hours - Lovely! I planned to learn to knit when I was pregnant (100 years ago). My MIL bought me a huge ball of yarn (which I still have around here somewhere), needles, and the book I think she had when she first started knitting. Then the baby came, along with bathing, breast feeding, trying to feed and and bathe myself, and work full-time. So, knitting, fell to the wayside to be picked up at a later date. My MIL did knit some lovely things though. Even though I didn't knit at the time, and therefore no real appreciation for knit garments, I'm glad I had the sense to keep what she knit for lil' jak.

Here's my new adventure into baby knitting:

Placket Pullover from Last Minute Knitted gifts for my cousin's little one. He'll be arriving any day now.
Yarn: Cotton Fleece
Needles: 4.25mm

And not so sure about this one. I downloaded the pattern from an online craft magazine, but had to change it substantially as the math was wacky on it. I also knit it for a friend, but now I'm not sure if she'll like the color. I'm not even sure if I do.
Yarn: Manos
Needles: 4.5mm

Definately needs a pretty ribbon... or something...

It's like... giving birth to a sock

2008-02-28T16:35:00.016-04:00

With all the baby talk, and new babies around me I must say I'm feeling a weee bit... maternal. Just a Wee Bit. Nothing that can't be cured by, I donno, a recording of a baby crying playing at 3 a.m. I digress, starting a sock with figure 8 Cast On knitting magic loop is a bit like giving birth - without the bad and just the goodness. I knit the mate to this sock this time last year and may have to rip it and do again as it was knit toe up with the short row start. Completely different look. Perhaps I'll wear them together just so people have to take a look to figure out... hmmm something is different here - what is it?

Here's the new baby, just arriving...

Yarn: Vesper, Sweet Little Mamma
Needles: 2.5mm 31" circ.

To help me through February I knit a lovely neck warmer from this season's issue of Knitty. The yarn I used is a little scratchy so I don't wear it too often. Thinking about lining it with some fleece.

Tudora
Yarn: Himalyaan Yarn C
60% Wool, 40% Recycled Silk

For something to look forward to wearing in the Spring I've started the Corset Pullover by Robin Melanson from Interweave Knits Spring 2003. I'm using a cheap cotton bought at Wallyworld. It does the trick.

Yarn: EcoCotton
Needles: 4.5 mm

Finished this eons ago, but I don't think I blogged it. It's a pattern from Blue Sky Alpaca - I can't even remember the name - that happens with my age... I knit it with a linen blend I bought when I first started knitting. I really love the drape of it. The color is not great, but it's neutral and will go with anything.

Shawl from Blue Sky Alpaca
Yarn: Fuego Gringasco

And here are the finished product of the Tyrolean socks (as blogged earlier). I love them, but am disheartened that when I wear them the cables can't be seen under my jeans. I'll have to wear them with my shorts :) or with a skirt - that's do-able.

Yarn:Green Mountain Spinnery Cotton Comfort
20% Organic Cotton, 80% Fine Wool
Note: My gauge was a little off as this is not exactly the yarn called for - they turned out a little shorter than the pattern indicates. No biggy.

Off to start a shawl in Seasilk for a special trip...

2008-02-21T19:37:00.002-04:00

There are worse things she could have said. Like, as we wither with age, or as our skin falls from our bones. She chose, as we mature.

It was a full moon, the week before my feminine cycle, mid-February in Canada, and I was grocery shopping. Need I go on? I left the house and didn’t put make-up on my pasty broke-out face, figuring a little oxygen might put a color other than white in it. I decided against a toque or a ball-cap to hide my, growing-out-stage hair, because I look more masculine with, than without, and opted for the comfort of my sweat pants rather than cold, tight jeans.

Resisting caffeine for the past few days, I gave in and stopped for a cup to accompany me on the shopping trip as well as provide much needed warmth, and a necessary caffeine pick-me-up.

Before groceries I decided to head for a little retail therapy in the clothing section. Minding my own business, hot java in hand, perusing colorful t-shirts, hoping for a glimpse of spring, I eyed a woman with perfect hair and a perfectly put together professional outfit. I swore at her - in my head - and wished for her hair, at least for the day.

She began to poke through the clothing rack next me. I lowered my head and turned the other way. She approached me. I screamed - in my head.

“I eyed your red bag from across the store. It’s fantastic!”

“Thanks.” I smiled wishing for the dehydrated lines on my face to disappear along with the breakouts on my left cheek and chin. Her skin was perfectly even in color, not dry or greasy. Perfect with her perfect hair and her perfect little outfit. She was even a perfect height. Not too short. Not too tall.

She was the last stop at the 3 little bears house! Only I didn't want to stay. I wanted to keep on going.

“It’s Tester Tuesday and I thought you might be interested…”

That’s it! She’s in sales.

“…in a new product we have now. It’s our new mircodermabrasion line.”

Great – she also sees my wrinkles. She went on.

“Often times we are trying to moisturize over all ready dead skin.”

She said dead.

“It just doesn’t penetrate where we need it. You know, as we…” she paused, “mature…”

There it is! I could feel the heat rise from my neck, blood pooling to the surface of my cheeks. Could she see I was visibly embarrassed? Could she tell I wanted to pull my hoody up over my head and disappear? If she could she would have handed me the sample and left. She went on.

“We begin to see our pores open up.”

OMG, can she see the pores on my nose? I tried to close them this morning with cold water.

“This product will help tighten pores, slough off dead…”

There’s that word again.

“…skin and leave you glowing.”

Trying to get out of this situation as quickly as possible, I jokingly said, “Well we all need to glow a little don’t we?” I could tell I was already a good match for the red bag I carried.

She went on about how you can use it before a special night to give you an ‘advantage’. How you can use it 2-3 times per week depending on how bad of a week you were having.

She was a predator! She saw I was having a down day, and she preyed on me. She filled my head with promises of tight moisturized glowing skin. The worst part? The most dreadful part! Not that I accepted the sample – c’mon I had to try it. But, I gave her my name, engaged her in a more lengthy conversation about jobs, children and schooling. Why didn’t I tell her, she embarrassed me? Why didn’t I say, oh I knew this was a sales call, can’t you see I’m shopping?

I’m using the sample. I haven’t ‘glowed’ yet. I’m waiting. I’m also waiting her follow-up call. When she’ll ask me if I enjoyed the sample and if I would like to host a party for my friends.

Holiday wishes from jak and her boyz!

2007-12-28T19:57:00.000-04:00

Ah snow! Being home in NB with the snow the sunshine and the knitting makes me happy in my heart!

And the hearts of my boyz...

I managed to get promised knitting completed along with a couple of surprises of felt mits for the girls from TO. One needs a good pair of mits for the fluffy white stuff of NB. We got 10 cms last night with promises of more to come from the Weather Network - yeah! Santa brought us new sleds we plan to put to good use over the next few days!

Only photo of holiday knitting is Socks for my FIL.
Pattern:
Fibre: Cascade 220
Color: Dark Green (Tweed)

A couple of pics of projects as promised in last post. Camera is up and working again.

Pattern: Tyrolean Stockings, Fall Interweave '07
Fibre: Vermont Organic, Cotton/Wool blend
Color: Storm

Pictures of Prayer Shawl, as promised. Had to post 3 pics., cause it's lovely.
Pattern: Alix's Prayer Shawl
Fibre: Socks that Rock
Color: In the Navy

PS I received the most wonderful wool blanket from Mr. jak (at the suggestion of my FIL - my #1 Enabler). It's made from local NB sheep (who I'm going to visit on the 30th!), and was carded, cleaned and woven in one of my favorite 'farms' Mac Auslan's Woolen Mills in Bloomfield, PE. I am a lucky, lucky girl with a beautful blankie...

Harvest

2007-10-19T16:07:00.000-03:00

My second love to knitting is wine. What a better way to spend out 9th wedding anniversary than touring our own back yard and discovering local vineyards, tasting their delicious wine, and relaxing in the beautiful Fall sun.

We stayed at a B&B called the The Olde Lantern Inn & Vineyard in the most recently renovated room, The Wine Cellar. It was perfect - cork floors, spruce board ceiling ~ beautiful. We had our own entrance and a little piece of heaven just outside our room at the side of the house:

There's no wine in my hand because we were headed to a tasting @ Grand Pre. It was so much fun and the service was excellent. We left with 3 bottles of red, 3 bottles of white, and 2 bottles of Apple Ice Wine - we needed to cover Thanksgiving & Christmas :)

We also hit Gaspereau Valley Fibres while there. I didn't seem to have the same customer service issues as other bloggers, but I didn't have children with me. I did notice it was very different there though - like something or someone was missing. They also seem to be missing some of the yarn they used to carry as well as some of the charm... I did however, manage to make a purchase :) I picked out Organic Wool/Cotton blend from Green Mountain Spinnery for the Tyrolean Stockings in the Fall 2007 issue of Interweave. I picked a wonderful shade of gray called Storm. Have started and LOVE the pattern. They are quite lovely - will wear all Winter!

Also purchased Hand Maiden Cashmere to knit up a toque for Mr. jak. He picked it out himself. So unlike him to be interested in yarn... he even picked a nice one - I was so impressed!

~ Will post pics. of these items once we get our camera back from being cleaned. I think we left it out in the elements one too many nights this summer.

We then headed to NB to be with our family for Thanksgiving. While there we hit up some neighbors for their apple and plumb trees:

Many thanks to 'the Neighbors' for their fruit! I've already made two Apple Dapple cakes, and 2 double batches of applesauce - nothing like homemade applesauce - Yummy!

While I was working hard harvesting fruit, little jak was being a monkey.

Can you see him? He's the little speck hanging upside down from the bottom branch. He blends so well in his red hoodie.

To end a wonderful Thanksgiving week - we headed to my mom's for dinner and to play on the trampoline.
Lessons learned:
- Play on Trampoline Before Dinner, not after.
- Jump only with people your size or smaller, not bigger.
- If someone bigger gets on, be limber and loose. If you tense up, you will get hurt.

Ahhh - what a wonderfully, beautiful Fall....

I remembered

2007-09-20T22:05:00.000-03:00

my password and login name!

Hello. My name is jak and I'm a Facebookaholic - recovering Facebookaholic. It wasn't so bad in the past few weeks. I slowly weened myself. It took way too much time away from the people I love right now to find out what the people I used to know are doing. I discovered, most are doing what they were when I knew them, just the grown up version...

So, here I am. Back in the Blog world - hoping I can remember the Mac html codes, and hoping you'll accept me.

Oh yes! Of course I've been knitting. I wasn't that out of tune with reality. I've finished quite a few projects:

A shawl in linen (no photo... yet). It's a Blue Sky Alpaca pattern a friend gave to me, but I didn't use the silk it called for as I had a lot of linen I purched on sale a few years ago - Yes, I knit from the stash! Yeah!

The Petunia Tote from Interweave Knits, Spring 2007. I made it smaller with shorter straps and used EcoCotton instead of the Tahki Cotton Classic it called for. I also doubled up yarn on the bottom to make it a little stronger. It's now awaiting a fabric lining. I think I've said this before - I'm a knitter, not a sewer (that's funny - sewer - get it?). So am procrastinating a wee bit. Sorry, no photo for that one yet either...

Ou - just finished the Sabine shrug by Perl Grey. Cute, but a little itchy even after rinsing and blocking. We'll see how the winter goes with it.

And what would a summer be without a trip to a farm - only I can't trick them anymore. They know it's a yarnshop in disguise. It's a good thing because this shop only had a couple of cats and they were hiding. They made up for lack of animals though. Baddeck Yarns. Lovely shop. Wonderful service. And oh what lovely treats. So, I spoiled myself with this:

Tilli Tomas 100% Spun Silk w/Glass Beads

My precious (said while ringing hands). It's pre-beaded silk. Comes with a pattern - Rock Star Scarf. Since I'm not a Rock Star but would like to be one - I figure this white, beaded, silk scarf might just get me there. Hey, you Never know...

And also, THESE!!!

Sox Stix by Lantern Moon ~ Rosewood

TA DAAAAA! I haven't even used them yet. I am so Bloody excited though. I've sniffed them. I've fondled them. I've taken them out of the lovely silk baglett and put them back, taken them out, and put them back... I guess you could say... I've made love to them couldn't you? Heee heee. They are smooth and sleek and beautifice. The were expensive & a gift to me - from me - for finishing school.

YES!! I wrote my final exam the last week in August and STILL awaiting final marks. I feel pretty good about it though. Once certified (Registered Holistic Nutritionist), I hope to start my own business. Will let you know as we get closer. Very exciting!

As a final note:
Those who have seen me lately or might see me in the next few days might say - What the heck happened to your hair? To you my friends, I will say - Never drink with your hair dresser. And if you must, insist they leave their scissors at home. They believe they are more creative after a few drinks. You & I, as knitters know for certain, that is Not true!

Glad to be back in Blogland - land of the free, land of the knitters, land of friends in the now :)

jak

Easter time is comin' !

2007-04-05T19:04:00.000-03:00

This post is brought to you in part, by the letter S. Thank you for your HTML expertise!

Ou ~ I'm so excited! My brother, his bride, my niece and nephew & puppy nephew Rosie, AND my cousin 'T' are coming tomorrow for Easter! Woo hooooo! I'm very excited - it's going to be complete chaos here.

SIL and I are going to sneak away Saturday and hit Tangled Skeins for a little YF (Yarn Fix) - in case I just made that up... but you can totally use it - Anyhooo exciting news in knitting. Have finished a couple of things. One being the pattern of the ever so lovely and gracious Dancing Queen (you may not have known that about her).

Because it's Spring I dedicated this pattern to Brown Sheep's Cotton Fleece in the color Provincial Rose.

Moe is right - this is a gorgeous stitch pattern. However, I'm going to have to say, I think I'm a little old for it and believe it would serve far better as an Easter gift for my niece. She's very hip and this is a great color for her. These shots are more true to color:

I also finished a neck warmer from Hello Yarn. I knit this a long time ago and thought it was cute. I didn't have enough Rowan Soft Lux to make a full blown scarf - so this worked.

In action. Well, indoors. It's too rainy outside right now:

One more thing - I forgot that right after Christmas I got another tattoo. It's a Lotus on the ball of my shoulder. It's very pretty. Mr. Tattoo Artist asked what I was going to add to it to make a sleeve. Somehow I think I'm more likely to be wearing knit sleeves than ink sleeves...

Off to bake cookies for many!

In knitting news...

2007-03-28T07:56:00.000-03:00

Not a lot of finished objects as time is not abundant with school...

I do have some nice news regarding someone very special...

A nice surprise over March Break. When we arrived in NB, my FIL presented me with these:

Sock blockers - he made for me! There is a darker set (the larger of the 2), and a lighter set. He also gave me the template he used (a hanger) so I can hang socks as they block! I love them. Again, I am a lucky girl!

A view of the details. He put sheep on them!!

In FOBs:
We have a new touque. Nothing amazing, but it is definately warm. It's Rowan Soft Lux (white with sparkles) doubled up. I was wearing one of Noro Silk Garden, and it's just not hardy enough for Northern climates.

March break ~ hockey style

2007-03-27T15:10:00.000-03:00

With March Break gone, we're settling back into reality quite well. The weather has been Fantastic - daylight savings is here - therefore, I conclude... Summer is on it's way my friends! In my excitement this week, I have been out in the dirt trying to dig, but it's still frozen... sigh... I think I will start some herbs inside to give me the 'green fix' I need.

A hockey trip update:
Settled in the car, on our way to March break - it started. Mr. jak, Mr. Harley, Little C and I headed out for the 4.5 hr. trip to grandparents house. To kill some time, we searched for talk radio. What did we find? A hockey game! Who was playing? Leafs vs Sens! And so it began...

Winning the radio game, I was sure the Sens were on a Leafs killing streak, but the Leafs proved my theory wrong @ the game!

The Leaf's managed to pull through for a win... but just barely. With a few minutes left in the 3rd they tied - with a win a couple mins. into OT. That darn Tucker!

I Love this shot. My BIL with Mr. Ron MacLean in the background. If there was audio - you would hear the Hockey Night in Canada song! Oh - it was SO exciting!

Look up - up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's jak-in-the-box... KNITTING @ Hockey Night in Canada! (With Vesper - ou the luxuries! I am a lucky girl!)

And one last thing...
Who's the best goalie in the NHL? Just sayin'....

Emery, Emery ~ you're the best. Emery, Emery ~ I'm glad you wear the Sens crest.
(Ok Cheerleader - I'm not. Glad I didn't knit those pom poms afterall.)

And YES I was that close to take this picture!!!! We couldn't get 4 seats together, so we had two, waaayy up in the sky and two, 2 rows from the ice ~ and we rotated. It worked.

OK I lied. I have to show a pic. of my other BIL playing hockey. He plays Centre (#8) for the Demons ~ a big shout out to the Demons! They entertained us on a Sunday afternoon with an awsome game - winning 4:1 !

jak-er Out!

J, joe, jeans, and a jelly bean ~ let's sing a song about "J"

2007-03-27T14:45:00.000-03:00

As per KOL...
Everything must start with first initial:
Your Name: jak
Famous Music artist/group: Joan Jett
3 letter word: joy
Color: Jasmine
Gift/present: Jewellery Vehicle: Jeep ☺
TV Show: Jeopardy
Country: Jamaica
Boy's Name: Justin
Girl's Name: Jessica (the name I always wanted)
Alcoholic drink: jak-in-the-box (I didn’t make this up, see: www.drinkrecipesbar.com/drink-recipes-get-1053__Jack-in-the-box.html)
Occupation: Jester
Flower: Jacob’s Ladder
Celebrity: Jay Leno
Food: Jalapeño
Something found in a kitchen: Jello
Reason for Being Late: Jumped on the wrong bus
Something You Shout: Jinkies!

Off we go

2007-03-08T15:36:00.000-04:00

Instead of packing... I am planning... well, actually surfing the net looking for like minded knitters in TO. I have found a group, Knit Tink and Drink and that sounds about as like minded as it gets for the moment. They meet 2nd Friday of every month, and I will be arriving the second Friday. If there are no delays ~ AHHHHH haaaa haaaa haaaa I'm flying Air Canada ~ I could make it to see other knitters in their natural habitat, and perhaps join them for a Knit Tink and Drink :)

Also came across a Hockey Knitters group! Loverly. Hockey is one of the reasons I began knitting. What else to do while watching Hockey Night in Canada? I used to knit exclusively on Hockey night, which then became Knitting night. Then, well, then I became obsessed with knitting and my husband became obsessed with hockey - so there is hockey and knitting pretty much every night of the week in our house.

Speaking of Hockey!! We have tickets to the Ottawa / Toronto game this Saturday night = Hockey Night in Canada!!! Keep your eyes peeled for the knitter in the stands!! Go Sens Go!! I should knit pom poms!!! Do I have enough time?

Ok seriously - I have to finish packing. Hmmm what shall I pack in my knitting bag?

sending out into the universe...

2007-03-06T15:16:00.000-04:00

Many of you may be hearing a lot lately about the universal Law of Attraction. Lately it has been a prominent aspect of my world - in class, the movie The Secret, books I'm reading, Oprah...

Anyhow, I'm just throwing this out there ~ into the universe since spring is almost here... well almost. Daylight savings time starts next week and I am SO ready for that. I know it's not any warmer - but it will be. And when it is... this is what jak will be riding!

Ou! Ah! It's the Harley Sportster 883XL Custom ~ isn't it beautiful?

I can see me now. Hair blowing in the breeze, cruisin' the Cabot Trail with my knitting bag on the back :)

Mixing worlds

2007-03-04T21:11:00.000-04:00

No post lately... well, I have tried to post. We have switched home computers from PC to Mac. Not that there's much difference, but I kept creating and deleting posts ~ 3 times. So I took a couple days, and am going to giver' another shot. So... I'm not sure if it's Mac or Blogger changes, but I used to be able to change fonts (style & color), view Preview and HTML - but now it's bare bones - spell check (which doesn't work), and insert images. Perhaps it's me and I haven't figured it all out yet... anyhow - here's what I've been up to:

Mingling of Worlds
What fun is life if we don't mix it up a bit?
In Cellular Biology class we had to construct a eukaryote - fancy word for - a cell. Here's my constructed creative version - a la fiber.

... sorry if it's sideways. still working out the kinks.

Here's a close up shot:

I now have a new mission. Knit as many human body parts as possible. There is actually a pattern for the heart in the Winter 06/07 issue of Knit.1 ~ speaking of... they changed format of this magazine and I'm not loving it. I liked the smaller version. It set it aside from the others in style, format and function. I have also spied a pattern for a crocheted eyeball. I don't crochet, but perhaps I can learn or find a crocheter willing to support the Fiber Body Parts cause.

Bottoms up!
My first toe up sock! And the spoiled brat I am... It's Vesper! Color: Strange Little Mama. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I'm a little torn now - do I go on to sockie #2 or start a new sock with Vesper, Color: Sweet Water! Ah - why order 1 when they're sooooo yummy? A special shout out to Knitterly Things (would post link here - But Haven't figured OUT.... breath in... breath out...). Old fashioned way: www.knitterlythings.com

Knitting B-day Gifts
Another wonderful reason to celebrate birthdays - knitting paraphernalia.

My good friend Ms. Happy gave me a lovely 100g skein of Fleece Artist Merino (fingering weight). The most beautiful orangie color. Mr. jak gave me a copy of Knitting with Balls ~ I LOVE this book. There are so many men in my life to knit for and so few patterns.

Heading to TO for March break! Lettuce Knit, Knit Cafe, and Village yarns ~ here I come! I may hit some others, but these are my top 3! Get ready BILs we're going Fiber Candy shopping!

jak - out

Birthday time

2007-02-13T18:38:00.000-04:00

Would like to send out a special thanks to 3,300 of my closest friends (at least in proximity), for Celebrating my birthday with me on the World's Largest Pub Crawl this past weekend. I am a little skeptical however, they told us we were battling the Aussie's for the title, but I haven't been able to find actual documentation of this yet. Oh well, what else is there to do in the midst of a February Freeze than bounce from bar to bar with friends everywhere?

All in all it was a great time - with great friends!
Now, with World's Largest Pub Crawl ticked off my list - what's next?

In knitting news:

Heart Socks - finished. Yeah! Good thing, I'd say - Valentine's Day tomorrow. Happy Heart day to everyone - take care of your hearts.

Thrummed mitts - 1/2 a mitt to go. They are lovely.

Trying to finish what's in UFO basket before starting anything new... old hat from 1953, here .... I ..... come.... Seriously, I think there's a point where you should get rid of the stuff that's weighing you down. Perhaps a better idea is to go through UFOs and cleanse. Yes, that's what I'll do - cleanse!

OU - almost forgot! A most wonderful knitted gift from a most generous friend:

Klaralund in Noro Silk Garden, by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton (Book Number Two). For me - Knit by "S" Thank you, oh so much! It's so great to wear a beautiful hand knit sweater - that's why we knit right? But to have someone give you one THEY knit is even more wonderful. Happy Birthday indeed!

In a weird twist of fate - it's the same one my MIL has (see previous post). Different colors - phew! Would hate to be at the same party...

Last but not least ~ Today a Special Friend is celebrating her Jesus birthday. To let her know how much I really do care about her, even though we don't get to see each other every day, I would like to apply for the BFF position she currently has available due to her old BFF getting a hip replacement... ou, not Old, old friend. Her friend from the good ol' days - you know, the friend forever, friend. Sorry B, this isn't sounding good but you know what I mean right?

This has taken me so long because it takes time to come up with a kick-but list that you can't refuse - Ready?

1. I too am an Aquarian and understand your quirky ways, and will never forget your birthday (wait - is that 2?).

2. Having just celebrated my Jesus birthday, I know what you're going through - hey, I made the up term!

3. If you ever have the desire to have a baby or a dog - I have both you can have overnight, or until the urge passes.

4. I have experience with World's Largest Pub Crawls.

5. Due to number 4 - I will be in Guinness Book of World Records. Hey, that's almost famous right?

6. If you ever need a get-a-way vehicle, I have a motorbike (small alleys), jeep (mountains, dirt, ice - whatever), and can assist you in jumping out of an airplane ~ common! How many of your current BFFs can do that?

7. I'm a quick learner - and you're a good teacher. We're a good team.

8. I have tattoos, and can look mean on command (Ms. Oromocto).

9. I too am obsessed with knitting, and will stay up till wee hours on the phone with you discussing patterns, needles, fibres, books, etc.

10. I know your pain (office - aka hell).

11. I met Bentley, and I think he really liked me.

12. I can and will color your hair anytime you can't find a professional.

13. I have been practicing my Super Hero pose and I think if we make an appointment at Wall mart we can get our Super Hero pose pictures done together for under $20.

There - 13 reasons because, your birthday is on the 13th!

Please contact me at your convenience to further discuss my qualifications.

How Romantic

2007-02-03T22:26:00.000-04:00

I know it's not yet Valentine's Day, but the dreary cold weather has me drawn to bright colors and... hearts... I'm not partial to hearts, but in knitting it seems to be a little different.

The color is Orchid by Sweet Georgia. Ideally, I would have done these in After Glow, but it seems sweet karma has come to bit me in my knitting #ss. The whole, only buying one skein cause that's all I need, then when I the color I want 2 skeins of... and well, there's only one left... Anyhow, I managed.

As color reference, as acutal picture of sock doesn't show the color accurately.

1 sock complete :)

On another note: For Christmas we gave my MIL Noro Silk Garden, Addi Turbo's and a pattern to make herself a sweater. Why didn't I knit it for her? you ask. Well, she is a wonderful knitter with skills I only hope to achieve one day. She's often told me - ok muffle your ears - she doesn't enjoy knitting... BUT I think it's because she didn't have the expanse of wonderful textures available to her that we now have, and she didn't have beautiful needles to speed the process. Anyhow - I wanted to show her the wonderful world of Noro texture and here's her finished product:

Isn't it beautiful!

Canadian Soldiers

2007-01-31T11:03:00.000-04:00

These are the weeks many of our troops (fr. Atlantic Canada) deploy.

It's not a question of whether we support the war, if it's our war to fight, or if we should or should not be there. Right now, it's our duty to support the people we know, love, and live with in our country. To let them know we think of them, appreciate and honor their courage and recognize the time they are away from their loved ones.

I was so proud when my SIL sent me the below pic. taken at CFB Gagetown (my home) with a few of her friends wishing the troops a fond farewell and safe return.

Good speed - Canadian Soldiers! Return home safely and soon.

Photo taken for the Oromocto Post Gazzette, CFB Gagetown/Oromocto, NB. Jan. '07

I'm addicted

2007-01-24T19:39:00.000-04:00

Fair Isle...

I'm supposed to be studying... then I do a few lines.

Then, I'm supposed to feed boy child... then I have to do a few lines.

Thank you Eunny.

Word from Missing Mitt

2007-01-23T18:36:00.000-04:00

Could it be? FleeceArtist Multi Mitt is still out there?

Today I received an email from someone who calls themselves DGPipetr. I'm not sure whether or not to believe this mysterious person. Have they made contact with my mitt? Did mitt write this or, is it some other hand?

The day started out with family, having lots of laughs and fun.
Around the rink we skated. I thought I was the lucky one.
You put me on your hand and said, "You fit just right".
So what made you leave me there alone, on that dreadful night?

I remember feeling the cold on the bench where I lay.
I kept hoping you would come back. For that I did pray.
I was left behind, it was not my choice.
It has been so long, since I heard your familiar voice.

The lonely hours turned to days, and days turned into weeks.
With all kinds of people touching me, and some were such freaks!
Strangers liked to pick me up and give a tight squeeze.
I hoped someone would send me, back to my home - please.

People would try me on, but none of them were the right fit.
They all wanted me, as they thought I was the most beautiful mitt.
I got so tired of all the touching, I started not to care.
I hope I never hear again, "I wish the owner left the pair".

People would touch me, then throw me in the box on the floor.
I got so tired of hoping you would walk through the door.
Getting so bored, lonely, and stretched I got myself in a slump.
I didn't care anymore when I heard them say, "Friday this box goes to the dump".

Then the other day someone picked me up and put me in their hands.
I was waiting for them to hold me, then throw me in the box or in the stands.
This person was nice and she seemed glad to take care of me.
She told me in a few days I would be home - I just had to wait and see.

I am happy, and hope to have no more days of gloom.
As for my Owner, I hope she checks her mail. I will be home soon!!!

I want to hope.... I will check mail mitt. I will wait for you...

Holidays (in review)

2007-01-18T19:07:00.000-04:00

Since I have been absent from the blog world since the summer, I have so much to catch up on. Most recently - the holidays.

We went home to be with family - it was wonderful! We spent a lot of time hanging around and eating - MIL loves to bake (thanks for the peanut butter balls mamma K), and drinking - BILs and brothers influence :), and of course - knitting.

Was knitting a pair of shorty Gauntlets, when MIL commented on how she would like a pair. My mission - to finish before it was time to leave. They were knit in Sweet Georgia (Angel) - sorry Lynn, I took only 1 skein... They're short - that's all I needed... I don't have a pic of them, but here's a pic. of my SILs long Gauntlets - She Knit Them Herself. I'm so proud!

psst ~ I think she took this pic. at work. I see a rolodex... that's ok L, we understand. Welcome :)

We spent a lot of time playing poker, watching hockey - MIL and Mom both owe me a $20. Sorry, Toronto has too many men in sick beds - I'll collect when I'm home in March :)

Santa & Mrs. Claus even came to visit. Santa paid particular attention to our newest addition - Isabella (named after nannie - I know nan would Love her). Thanks Santa & Mrs. Claus, for your presence. By the way she looks a lot like someone I know, but I just can't place her...

Of course Harley bear had a great time with all the festivities.
He was trying to be an elf, but he scared all the children with his CRAZY EYES. Not to mention, he was afraid to move. He only moved his eyes.

He got lots of treats and Santa brought him new babies to play and snuggle with.

We rented a rink (site of missing mitten - I think), and played hockey and skated.

Here's a shot of husband, brothers and FIL pretending to be in NHL:

Toronto still has lots of fans - even though they can't win (heeee heeee).

We ended the trip with a big New Year's bash in the back yard around a fire! There was a little bit of snow, some fireworks, children running, and a few beverages.

All in all - lots of Kareoke, lots of presents (my main one being satellite radio - bye bye commercials - hello 80s music All Day looong :), and of course lots of *Caps.

* A game of skill played with beer bottle caps. We are so good we've taken it to a new level - Extreme Caps. Seen below:

This is E & D in a Cap Off. Of course, E won! That's why they call us the HRM/Kings County Ambidextrous EXTREME Caps Champions.

Team photo:

Faulker - OUT

Catching up

2007-01-13T20:01:00.000-04:00

Other than losing a wonderful mitten - life has been great. Speeding a lot of time hiding behind books. Yes, I decided to go back to school. I feel way too old to be in school and going from an office environment to a classroom has not been a comfortable transition, but I think I'm settling nicely into my jeans, and sweaters while learning about Holistic Nutrition - and no, it is not taking a concoct 3 days after a full moon, while standing on one foot - as one person casually said to me over the holidays (a nurse at that - for shame!).

I guess as soon as the word Holistic comes into anything it is assumed it's wizardry (that would be cool). I'm going to change that about this crazy world. Big Plans...

I have big plans.

Ready for this? I'm changing Holistic to Natural - That's it. Throwing it out into the universe and see what happens.

It is hard to knit while studying, but I have managed. In September I completed the Hour Glass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Because Tangled Skeins brought in Cash Iroha - in red - I couldn't resist. This was an easy knit while reading... knit on the round - Love It!!

Just finished a Single Cable scarf from OneSkein. I used 2 skeins of Jaeger ComO (off white), so it's Loooong. Matches new winter boots.

Also finished socks - wanted to do self patterning in st. st., so I could knit and talk to non-knitting friends at the same time. Yes, I do still have a few non-knitting friends. They are slowly being converted - one - by - one.

And, have been working on these socks since September... They are Gem Opal - not loving the yarn. It's thick and bulky. This pattern Interweave Spring '06 - called for this yarn, but I'm not loving it - so only 1.25 socks complete. I do like the little bag I tote it around in though.

WARNING: We are about to go into a Sewing Conversation

- This came about when trying to put a lining in a knit purse - one lining was too small, the other too big - together they made a cute little carrier for sock project :)

Since we are talking about sewing - I don't do a lot of it because, frankly I don't like to measure. It's really that simple. I often think sewing would be faster than knitting, but - it just doesn't Lure me. I did, however manage to put together a quilt for my mom for Christmas. Yes, without measuring. I think I had a guided hand (wink to heavens).

My nannie left this earth last May (yes, I have her knitting needles - thank you nannie). When my mom and her sisters were going through her things I asked for some of her dresses and sweaters. They looked at me oddly and filled a bag.

Going through the bag and the process of sewing a quilt was therapeutic. I know it's not perfect (I'm not a quilter), but it is her dresses and her sweaters. I could smell her and feel her around me while I put this together. This was a my mom's Christmas gift. I figured since it was the first Christmas without her mom - she could use warmth around her.

PS
Started these in mourning of my lost mitten (Interweave, Winter '06):

I've always wanted to do thrummed mitts. Now I know they're not all they're cracked up to be. I will finish the other one though. I have made a promise to finish all UFPs before starting another - mainly to get free some needles up :)

jak

Missing Mitten

2007-01-09T19:17:00.000-04:00

Missing - Hand Knit Mitt
Description: Mohair & Blue Face Leicester ~ Fleece Artist, Multi-color burgandies/blues/browns)

Age: 1 month

Last seen: Lord Beaverbrook Rink, Fredericton, NB (Canada) ~ December 27, 2006

This mitten is terribly missed by hands of knitter, and by other mit. If anyone has seen this beautiful, warm mitten please let me know.

Reward - a pair of mits for you - hand knit by me :)

jak

Summer Knittin

2006-08-09T00:49:00.000-03:00

Well, it's been a while. Mostly because these little hands have been a knittn'! Amazed by what's happening to me - this has turned into a complete obsession. My family will completely agree. I knit on the way to vacation...

I find farms on the vacation route...

Angora Bunny

See? That means farm...

And voila - they make yarn! They even had a yarn shop - I was shocked... well, Mr. jak and little jak were ... although, suspicious the entire time. They humor me. Needless to say, whenever they hear 'let's stop by at a farm I found online', they are prepared - now.

This particular farm was quite lovely. On our way to Cavendish, PE it's nestled in a little town called Belfast - you know the one don't you? Mini Mills! A family owned and operated yarn heaven. We walked around the farm looking at Alpaca's, Marino Sheep, Ducks, dogs, and chickens (see? farm), then ventured into the shop. The first thing I noticed was the wonderful contradiction of what knitting is today. Computers programming the loom that was behind the shop weaving wonderful shawls, placemats, and scarves - and an old fashioned antique cash register (cash only please - this is where Mr. jak handed over his wallet until we could get to a bank machine).

Looking around for a few minutes we found lovlies - hand knit baby sets, hand made soap, and just as we got our bearings a lady asked if we've ever been. Upon saying no, she gladly led us around and gave us a tour of the entire farm. Everything from shaving the sheep, washing the wool, drying it in cupboards, carding, cleaning, spinning, plying, and drying... it was an experience for me as a knitter, the kids, well, as kids, and Mr. jak as a supporter :) The people were wonderful, and the yarn was beautiful. A big shout out to Cookie ~ Hi Cookie ~ the little oreo cookie colored Shitz Tzhu (Harley would L - O - V - E you).

I managed to score some angora - of course. I think I will spoil myself with mittens. I couldn't resist the woven shawls... (sorry no pic yet, but soon). It's so beautiful and was reasonably priced. Motto, 'What if I never come this way again?' And so, it was done.

Some summer knittin' projects: A lovely Opera Scarf (Blue Sky Alpaca - in silk) re-named Gospel Scarf for a beautiful friend of mine:

So quick and easy I thought I should have one for myself:

And a cute little number in a ladder lace pattern:

I really like this one cause it can be worn around the head, waist or neck.

I've also whipped up a couple of Twitterpated bags (sorry again, no pics - camera was broke for some time). They are cute, but the lining sucks if you don't like to sew.

I have added to my stash. Ou ah! Home spun from Tangled Skeins yarn shop. I love, I love. Not sure what this will be moulded into, but something scrumptious... for me :)

Also managed to stop by London Wul in Moncton, NB for the purchase of some - are you ready? - sea silk from Hand Maiden. Ou - I'm so in love with it all I can do is smell it... that sounds bad.. out of context. Anyhow - I don't have a pic right now, but I'm searching for the 'perfect' shawl pattern. If anyone knows of one...

Well kids ~ I'm signing off. There's been so much going on, it's hard to keep up.

A special shout out to KOL! Thanks for having me last week. I rarely get an opportunity to join you. It was lots of fun. Loving the theme song... k 1 p2 what's a .........

jak - in - a - box

Talking post

2006-06-23T11:47:00.000-03:00

This post will have no new pics, as Mr. jak has digital camera in France. Yes, he's on a 'work' trip in Canne, France. I use the term 'work' lightly as he has been out having dinners and beverages till the wee hours of the morning, sleeping till noon, then walking around looking at pictures and TV's all day.

That's ok - because I have been in ... Oromocto! Ta Da!!

In all seriousness, I had a great time. Home for the weekend with my wingnut family (I say that with heartfelt love - I wouldn't want them any other way), and my wacko friends (that too a loving endearment). Good to get back to your roots and know your normal, or at least ok 'cause there ARE other people in the world as *insert descriptive here* as you are.

Invited one of my best friends - actually she's my Guardian Angel friend. She appeared at a time in my life when I really needed her, and well she's never left - and I'm glad. Anyhooo, I digress, I invited her as my date to my aunt's wedding.

We immediately assumed our duo-personality, and reverted to a time much simpler. A time filled with mistakes (eating before the bride a groom- sorry N&L), discovery (trying to climb a fence in high heels and a skirt), innocence (why does Tim Horton's throw out old food and not feed us? It was only 3:00 a.m.), and re-discovery (Subway's still open - Score!).

It was a love-filled wedding. My aunt looked absolutely beautiful in her sparkling gown and golden curls topped with a diamond tierra... sigh. Walking from the church, after the ceremony, a lady in front of us (not a family member) commented, "There are 20 other women in there that looked just like "N" (the bride)." She has obviously never been at one of our gatherings.

I would insert photo here, but - no camera :(

Spent Father's Day afternoon at my dad's. My brother was supposed to come with, but I think Mr. Labbatt got to his head. It was a nice afternoon. Dad dug up a couple of baby Silver Maples for me to bring home! I can't wait to get them in the ground. I better do that this weekend (rain or shine - my guess is rain).

Here's a pic of me a dad a month ago (he's gonna hate this - hee hee hee). Happy Father's Day daddy!

On another gardening note: My Lilac has bloomed!! 3 beautiful blooms! For 3 years old. No Camera - darnit!! Hopefully I'll get a shot before they fade. I know, I know, every other Lilac tree in the world has already bloomed. We seem to be behind with all the freakin' rain we've been getting.

No worries, still knitting. Working on a few projects. It's hard to finish one, when you're working on 5. I should really take that into consideration before starting another...

Happy Summer!
jak

Show & Tell

2006-06-15T09:15:00.000-03:00

Knitting Update - Have been knitting a lot, to say the least, and wanted to share with you some of the projects completed. Of course, like any knitter (addicted) I have a few more in progress - hope to finish before the nice weather comes (has been raining for 400 days).

Here we go:
I have resisted the Noro for too long, and for that I am sorry. So far I have done two hats, one already gone out the door. FIL spotted it last week and took it home with him. We negotiated it to be an early gift for Father's Day. Happy Father's Day "B" ~ you truly are a wonderful dad!

Here's the hat in progress:

I have a feeling I will be seeing a lot of Noro (silk garden) in my future. Only one flaw - it breaks a little too easily. For that I can forgive it, because it is so beautiful.

Distracted by E's phone call from boot camp (you go ma belle), this one was left a wee bit too long in the washer. C'est tres felted. So instead of a great messenger bag pour moi, it will be an over the shoulder sak for my niece. Paton's Classic Merino pattern - Neapolitan Ice Cream colors... mmm...

With left over yarn, this little Clutch (One Skein) was made possible. It is great for you wallet and keys and a lip gloss :) Haven't decided if I will decorate with buttons or leave as is. I kinda like it as is due to the stripe. Ou - maybe I'll do a little needle felting design on it...

Loving the book One Skein. It's great for using up bits and pieces. Remember the acrylic you have stashed far underneath your beautiful yarns? Cable Footies. Quick and cute for around the house. I'm thinking Christmas presents (*for non-knitters)...

My first pair of socks knit pour moi :) The yarn is Koigu, picked up by my friend "Bits of Happy". Because the color is so bright I decided the socks needed a happy pattern. This is the shell pattern from Vintage Socks. They are, oh so comfortable and every time I wear them I will be a little bit happy :)

And the last show and tell piece: MIL's Silk Shawl. It turned out beautifully and it really suits her. This is a pic before I sent it. She did get it for mom's day :) The pattern was simple stitch pattern K1, YO, K2tog. I thought a simple pattern to show off the beautiful yarn. I LOVED working with this silk and hope Tangled Skeins brings in more!

Ta Da!

jak

Tattoo Diaries

2006-05-12T19:40:00.000-03:00

Ok - this is a post of what Jak in the Box is all about - outside the box.

Let's preface this:
For Christmas, I didn't know what to get my honey. Knowing he likes tattoos and has been struggling with getting a sleeve - professional personna vs. personal personna, kind of thing - I bought him a gift ceriticate at our local tattoo shop. Included was a note that we should get tattoos together this year. Side note: my only tattoo experience a 7 minute VERY painfull (yet meaningful) tattoo on my foot. Thinking this was a good gift and having no idea what my tattoo would be - we started our journey.

I knew where I wanted my engraving to be - on my right hip (hidden to the rest of the world, yet visible to me) - yet not knowing what the image would be. I struggled... yarn with knitting needles... doesn't really go with the curve of my hip, a crown (a symbol of my last name)... couldn't find a feminine curvy crown... an elephant, my animal symbol... too big. I decided on a mermaid. Yes, a water symbol. Something that is real, yet not real. A symbol of beauty in the sea. 13 hours and she's done...

Ready folks:

It's a hip. Please don't judge.

My honey is getting a sleeve. Listen, with all the money I spend on my stash, I figure, he could be spending money on heroin or some other needle habbit. Instead, his drug of choice is - tattoos.

That's one perspective. Here's another:

Mine complete, he's still on his journey. Now it's just coloring it in. Good luck honey. All I know - it hurts like hell, but it's worth it.

SIDE NOTE -

MIL's New Tattoo

Happy Mother's Day!! I can't wait for you to open your present!!!

jak

Visitors

2006-05-03T08:57:00.000-03:00

We have visitors officially moved in for the summer, so although it is rainy (and has been for many days), we know summer is definately coming.

This is a birdhouse my FIL built for my little guy and it sits on our deck. Last spring we had birds, when they moved out a chipmunk stored his nuts in there and honey bees thought they would try and take it over... the chipmunk won.

Because we have so many creatures our FIL blessed us with another house that we just put up in the back yard. It's a beautiful bright yellow. We're waiting to see who moves in there.

Have planted seeds and am anxiously waiting to get out to play in the dirt some more, but until the rain stops I will continue to knit.

I finished a felted bag last night. I'm disappointed in myself... My friend E called when it was in the washing machine and I forgot about it... so now it's much smaller than I wanted and the strap is wayyyy too long. It felted well though so I think I can cut it and sew it. Blat!

Well, should go for now. Little Harley is begging to play. He hates it when I get on the computer. This is what I see when I look down:

I can wind my own balls

2006-04-30T18:18:00.000-03:00

Not that I'm not thankful to those who have helped me wind my balls, and sometimes, have wound my balls for me. I am thankful. But you see, I have an independent streak - the need to do it myself.

My husband also played a part in this. Thinking he was being a good enabler, he searched the city at Christmas for what he thought was the full meal deal - he managed to get half the package - the winder. And so, I have been saving my pennies to buy the swift as well.

It is ~ oh so beautiful and ~ oh so worth every penny. I have seen a few swifts in my day, but this one seems to sparkle in the sunlight :)

Here it is winding 100% silk from Tangled Skeins. This happens to be a gift for someone VERY special... I can't tell you who, or even what it is going to be, but I can show you the cake of beautifully wound silk.

The picture does not do the colors justice - blues, yellows, and purples. It reminds me of the ocean.

And though the late night ball winding parties will be no more, perhaps we can bring our own cakes and knit them too (sorry, I had to).

In case you're tempted I ordered it locally from Lucy Neatby's company Tradewind Knitwear Designs Inc.

Ta Da !

2006-04-23T15:36:00.000-03:00

Well, after a long lapse in blogging ~ due to the fact I have been obsessed with, well knitting ~ I'm back.

Yes ~ the Greek Pullover from Interweave is COMPLETE.

Ta Da !!
This is the sweater I will never forget. My mantra - 'Trust in the Pattern' did not necessarily work for this one. First of all, forget about the Chiffon edging as indicated in the pattern. Fray the edge? What the heck was the designer thinking? Perhaps, 'It's only for a picture. No one ever plans on actually wearing this.'

Puh! So, if you plan on making this, buy 5" wide strips, not 2.5" as indicated, fold and hem the fabric before sewing into the ditch. Or buy a nice little tank, like I did.

The yarn (Rowan Kid Classic) was perfect. I bought an extra ball for my size - just in case - but did not need :)

This my friends, may well be the reason I haven't blogged. I haven't been able to face other knitters. I have not gone to Sn'B, and with the exception of the Shop (Tangled Skeins), I have had very little human interaction.

I had a knitting meltdown.... yes, that can happen. My husband is witness ~ poor man.

It was late at night. Project sprawled out in the dining room with sewing machine, needles, and ... The Chiffon. The meltdown happened. After the chiffon discovery (see above), after sewing the edge on the bottom of the sweater and both sleeves, chiffon was fraying everywhere. Chiffon spider webbs were taking over the dining room, covering my beautiful sweater, mangling and strangling my creativity. So I stitch ripped it all out and threw it in a chiffon webb pile in the corner of the room. Finished with that, I decided to move along. Spring was coming fast and it would soon be too warm to wear the lush lambswool-mohair mix.

I started seeming the arms. NOTE: Do not use any other stitch than the mattress stitch to seam this sweater. In my little to no experience with seaming, I had no idea what stitch to use. The stitching dictionary has MANY stitches for seaming; bulky, flexible, invisible... I was swimming in a sea of seams - I AM A KNITTER.

Then it happened... the scar. A ginormas scar up the sleeve.

I took the sleeve in my arms and cradled it to my chest. Before I knew it my body was shaking beyond my control. Tears streaming down my face. My husband (God bless him), noticed the lack of movement and silence in the dining room. During a commercial break of his beloved Hockey game (it's ok Toronto - there's always next year. Keep your heads up. Sorry Pat - my thoughts are with you.) He pulled himself away from his hockey game and slowly approached me. "How you making out?" His question full of silent undertones that I could hear, but at this point was beyond caring. I slowly pulled the sleeve away from my chest to show him the scar I had made - that took me 4 hours to make. "That looks nice?" His uncertainty threw me over the edge. I was now in a full blown Ugly cry. "It doesn't look nice. It looks horrible. It looks like a scar. A massive ugly scar down the sleeve of my beautifully romantic Greek PULLOVER!"

Point of no return.

He slowly backed away into the kitchen. He reappeared, placed a cold open beer on the dining room table, head down, and went back to his hockey game.

So, now you know.

I believe everything happens for a reason, and this was a just learning curve in my knitting career:
- I love Knitting. I can sew, but I don't like it.
- I love Chiffon, but it must be hemmed - NEVER frayed.
- Trust in the pattern ~ until it leads you astray, then improvise.
- To find correct seaming technique, just do a little first.

* Sigh * I feel so much better, now I can move on.

Have also been knitting:

Fuzzy Feet of course :)

I have taken it to a new level (for me), and started needle felting designs on them. I'm enjoying the needle felting. Not great at it yet, but the possibilities are endless - and I'm very excited about it.

Am O.Ding on fingerless gloves. I knit a pair for my little niece out of sock yarn. A pair for my 'soldier' friend for making it through boot camp ~ YEAH! I thought she could use something girly. I used a Blue Sky Alpaca pattern with Louisa Harding's Nylon/Mohair mix. They have a little ruffle - very cute. Sorry, no pics, but will post if I catch them being worn.

I did the gauntlet gloves for myself in Lucy Neatby's Celestial Merino, Bittersweet Chocolate. I love. I LOVE!
I can wear them long or short. I can wear them with a skort. I can wear them with a T-shirt. I can wear them with a pretty skirt. I can wear them under my jean jacket. I can wear them while I shake a sugar packet... You get the idea.

Currently working on a Mohair scarf (from Scarf Style) for a Christmas gift.

It's basically a feather and fan pattern. I like how it looks like a water color... or is that just me?

Working on some other projects as well. Typical startitis. You know what I mean if you're obsessed as well.

My stash is doing well - living, breathing, growing - just like me.

Greek Pull over ~ I've been distracting myself...

2006-02-24T15:14:00.000-04:00

with this...

This was a birthday present for a special someone, and I was late giving it to her, so I whipped it up in a week. This is the Koigu bought on spree in TO. Aren't the colors beautifice?

Then I started this:
Bobby Bear (Blue Sky)
Doesn't look like much right now - but that's only because I haven't started his bum yet, and what's a bear without a bum?

Tangled Skeins brought in Blue Sky, and well, when you touch it... well, when you touch it... it cries - 'touch me more'. If you've touched it - you know.

Now I'm distracting myself with these:

(This would be a picture of socks, but batteries in camera currently being charged)

Opal is on sale (20% off), and I can't buy some until I use all sock yarn in my house. This is stuff I bought 4 years ago...

Ok - why am I distracting myself you ask? Well, my personality is such that if I don't know how to do something, I either ignore it or jump in with both feet. I am also, like many other knitters I know (don't worry ladies, I won't mention any names here), eager to start another project when one is almost complete.

So this is the scoop:
Greek pullover - mission procrastination.

~ Front and back complete, blocked and grafted at shoulders.
~ Arms complete and blocked.
~ I-cord complete.
~ Neck line finished in single Crochet... I said, neck line finished in single Crochet...

That's where it stopped my enablers. "Oh it's easy." Say my Crochet savvy friends. "You just put the needle in and pull the yarn through the loop." They say.

I don't know why I'm afraid of Crochet. Well, afraid is a strong word. Resisting is better. I'm resisting the crochet. People say it's faster, it's easier, it's less work than knitting. So tonight I will attempt the neck in fine crochet style.

Update to be posted... soon.

ok - I'll play...

2006-02-16T14:36:00.000-04:00

Hmmmm.... I didn't think anyone knew about my astronaut fettish... See? They're always watching....

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Jen!

Ideally, Jen should be stored on her side at a temperature of 55 degrees!
Jen has three eyelids.
Reindeer like to eat Jen.
Bees visit over three million flowers to make a single kilogram of Jen!
You can tell if Jen has been hard-boiled by spinning her. If she stands up, she is hard-boiled.
If you break Jen, you will get seven years of bad luck!
An average beaver can cut down Jen every year!
Astronauts get taller when they are in Jen.
Jen once lost a Dolly Parton lookalike contest!
Jen can be found on a Cluedo board between the Library and the Conservatory!

and we're back

2006-02-11T21:35:00.000-04:00

Phew - that life reflection stuff really sucked me in... and then I saw my knitting basket over flowing and remembered - I should be knitting right now.

So, here is BIL's promised Rowan Big Wool scarf in progress.

As I type it is being blocked and awaiting tassel/no tassel instruction.

Because the wool is so bulky it was hard to decide what stitch/pattern to use. In the end I decided on ribbed ends with a centre cable. Once the wool was washed it's very soft and rustic looking :)

Still working on Greek pullover. Finished back and front panels and going to start sleeves tonight ~ or tomorrow (depending on if the bottle of wine on the counter calls me). I did make a journey to the fabric store today and purchased chenille for the bottom edge and the sleeves. I went with a natural taupe that compliments the Burgundy nicely... ou can't wait until it's finished.

I've already swatched my next project... I can't help myself - it's got to be the Odessa hat by Grumperina. It's so cute, and I've never worked with beads, so I'm looking forward to that AND I got some beautiful orange yarn for my B-day that is crying to be touched :)

And because it's February and because my honey was thoughtful enough - I'm going to share ...

FLOWERS! Oh they smelled so good. A little B-day/February pick me up. And yes, Tangled Skeins 'the new shop' is in the background. Where else would I spend my birthday?

Age & Other Life Ponders

2006-02-10T15:08:00.000-04:00

Birthdays (after 21) have never been a highlight for me. Particularly during the year of three -0h (I still can't say it). A friend who tried to console me offered these words of advice, "Life gets better after three-0h". I don't think she remembers telling me that, but I have clung to those words with hope, like the cellulite that clings to my... well, everything.

This year, I have discovered she is right. My perspective is changing, my priorities are shifting, and my purpose is being discovered.

Everyday I look in the mirror with disdain. The creases around my mouth and eyes are getting deeper - probably because I smile a lot. My blossom bottom hasn't stopped blossoming since I was 16 - probably because I like chocolate a lot (and beer, and wine, and chips with dip, don't forget the dip, and Thai food... Shall I go on?). Forever the optimist, I have decided to accept what I have and where I am. Because my friends - I will never be this young again.

I will wake up in the morning and massage cream into my face, look lovingly at my thighs, and be gentle with my heart. My self-talk will be kind, I will do at least one thing a day that makes me happy in my heart, and I will demonstrate my love to my family & friends.

Talking to my grampie today he told me, 'you will always be 16 to me'. And I guess, in my own mind I WILL always be 16 (or 8, depending on the day).

I am still young - and life keeps getting better :)

Why yes my knitting friend...

2006-02-03T16:19:00.000-04:00

it is the clapotis around my neck :)

With all the excitement of the trip and buying spree I forgot to mention the clapotis. I must say, I was completely obsessed with finishing this before I went away. It got to the point where I was calculating the time it took to complete a row and a pattern set, then determining how much time I needed for knitting. Started on a Tuesday - finished the next Tuesday!

Mission Clapotis - complete!

Here it is in all it's loveliness...

and...

As I mentioned before it is done in HandMaiden Flaxen (silk/linen mix). It is a wonderful piece that I will love forever!

Yesterday I started...

Ou ahhh. I absolutely LOVE the color and working with this yarn. Hope to have it finished for my B-day. What a great present :) A hand knit sweater the color of wine :) We shall see.

Mission Greek Pullover - in progress.

I would walk 500 miles...

2006-01-31T21:13:00.000-04:00

Oh and did we do some walkin'!
We started at 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon. Sun shining brightly warming the January day to a balmy 10 degrees Celsius. We were fed, and slept, and ready for an adventure.

We found ourselves on Bloor Street walking amongst Saturday afternoon patrons picking up fresh fruit and flowers lining the sidewalk. "Wow!", said I as I looked at my printed list of shops in TO, "We are close to a yarn shop. Let's go." They agreed. Perhaps the boys were in a good mood due to the weather or because Little Brother In Law (LBIL) was feeling a little guilty from the night before when he exclaimed to fellow party goers that he had no sister, even though I have known him since he was 11 years old and been a part of his family for 14 years... Whatever the case, they agreed and off we went to Yarn Boutique. A quick visit and no cashola dropped. We ventured back to Dundas St. "Ou!", said I, "There is a yarn shop on Dundas. Let's go." Perhaps because the first shop was so effortless, they agreed that yarn shopping wasn't a bad gig and they again entertained me.

We calculated the direction based on the numbers on the buildings and Away We Went. Sun at our backs, an open road and adventure ahead of us.

and ahead of us...

and ahead of us...

We crossed a river...

And it was at this point we discovered we were not in Toronto (downtown) anymore.

We went through good parts of town, bad parts, crossed train tracks. We got angry and thought we might try and catch a cab and then decided against it - we had come too far and we were going on. We laughed in hysterics until we couldn't walk any further and yet we did.

At 4:45 I decided to call the shop to find out what time they closed. We had 15 mins. and still some miles to go. But - at long last, as the sun was setting - we made it:

A little tired, and sweaty, but we made it. The staff were excellent and stayed open a little late - just for us (thanks Village Yarns and many thanks to Patrick for taking time to show me around).

Even LBIL made a purchase of Rowan Big Wool for a scarf I have promised to make him. And I'm sure he really wanted to buy some 'knitting sticks', but he wasn't quite sure how to work them ;)

And yes, and I made purchases as well. Some beautiful Prism in pearl, suede purse handles and bottom that will be used for a felted bag in 'Holiday Knits', as well as suede slipper bottoms - all in red, and something I never buy - ribbon. I don't know what for, but it sparkled and was soft, do I need another explanation? I was tired.

We then headed off to the bar for the TO vs. Canadians game. And again, cheered our team to ... well, if you saw the game you know what happened.

While in TO, I managed to hit a few other shops: The Knit Cafe - Cute shop and some cash dropped. Romni Wools - no cash dropped, and a drive by of KnitoMatic but after our above mentioned adventure I dared not ask them to stop.

Lesson learned - when in a city you don't know well, it is best to check a map before heading out. When you are on a certain street and the number you are looking for is in the 4800's and you are at 2000, it will take you aprox. 2.25 hours to walk 2800 numbers.

Good beer! Good hockey! Good company!

Good Times.

- and we're off!

2006-01-23T10:10:00.000-04:00

Oh so much to tell you about - and so many pics to show (warning - photo heavy post)! Not sure where to start so, I'll start with knitting :)

After the holiday chaos, I decided to have a good look at my stash and plan '06 projects. *After pulling hanks out of drawers, skeins from under beds, and balls of yarn out of discretely placed bags - I proceeded to organize by weight and then by color. I then put copies of patterns with yarn in zip lock baggies, so when I need another project everything is together. I planned Christmas gifts for next year, birthday gifts, and a couple of things for myself. I put everything away swearing, I Will Not Buy more because I Have Enough...

* Note: It's best not to let spouse, friends who don't knit, or your children see the extent of your stash. Yes they know you have yarn, but it's best they don't know exactly how much yarn. Could cause shock, or to thoughts that you might be obsessed. As knitters, we know it's all waiting to fulfill it's potential and be molded by our vision. As a lady at the Shop so accurately said the other day, "The one with the most when she dies, wins."

But I didn't have this:

Rowan kid classic.

Isn't it beautiful? It's the color of a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon ~ mmmmm. It is going to be the Greek Pullover (Interweave Knits Winter '04, shown in a previous post). I had to buy it because there were only 7 balls left, and what if they sold? What if one sold?

I also purchased a pattern for the Bittersweet Chocolate Celestial Merino I already have. It's so beautiful I could almost leave it as is, all wrapped together in a beautiful hank. But I think Ilga Leja's Diamond on the Diagonal scarf pattern will be a perfect compliment to it:

Currently working on the Clapotis (Knitty.com) - again. I started it this summer, but somehow couldn't get it going. I think you really need to be in the zone with this pattern and once you feel it - you can giver'. This time I'm doing it in HandMaiden Flaxen (67% silk/33%linen). It's beautiful to work with. You know your favorite blanket when you were little? Remember how it made you feel on the inside when you touched it? Yep - that's like this stuff. Not sure if I'm in love with the color I picked. Maybe I'm just tired of it right now, as we've been spending a lot of time together... Will post photo when finished :)

Projects worked on:

Sample for the Shop - Fingerless Glove (pattern from Interweave Knits, Winter '03). This was made from the Himalayan Yarn Co. Tibet Wool/Silk blend. I love how rustic it looks. Next time I think I would add a cable to the top, but it is nice the way it is.

Sample for the Shop - Seed Stitch scarf. This is new yarn at the shop! Great to work with, knits up fast, and looks fabulous. It's the Rosarios Tentacao lime green (the new pink, I hear :)

Speaking of the Shop (Tangles Skeins) is moving the beginning of next week to be in new location First week of February. It's going to be beautiful. Bigger space for more yarn and knitters!! Don't worry it's not going far - one door down from where it is now. PS Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino is on sale right now.... If I were buying yarn - which I'm not, but if I were planning leg warmers and fingerless gloves for my niece for next Christmas I might buy it now... See? SEE how this happens?

Next topic -

I have discovered - rightly or wrongly - iron on patches!!! Ah HA! The new way to BeDazzle. Little C ripped his winter jacket pocket by stuffing too many dinky cars in there, along with gum wrappers, coins, little rocks (he's collecting them), sucker sticks - you get the picture. So, I bought an iron on patch with flames on it. I also noticed they had flowers, fish, and all sorts of pretty patches. Here's my yoga mat and matching pillow - BePatched :)

On another note - We registered our motorbikes last week, because it has been so nice out we thought..... I'm not going to say it. The action of registering the bikes was enough as this week we're supposed to get snow. Murphy's Law at work, yet again.

Bought some knitting books online:
Last Minute Knitted Gifts (because it's so beautiful and has quick projects in it)
Holiday Knits (same as above)
The Knitted Rug (for you Stephie:)

Someday I will knit a rug. Holiday Knits has a cute felted mat that all that Briggs & Little might be good for...

That's all for now folks. Have to go look up yarn shops in TO. Flying out Wednesday for a long weekend to see brothers (2) in law. They'll be so excited to accompany me to the yarn shops... hee heee. Laughing to myself really, as I'm sure they won't find that the least bit humorous.

Chow!
jak

...into the future...

2006-01-10T20:52:00.000-04:00

Horoscope for today:
It may feel as if you must complete more today than is humanly possible, but this is just an illusion. There really isn't any justification for working harder than you can. And although you may feel uneasy about taking the day off, some downtime can actually make you more productive overall.

And downtime I took... I quit the office job. One week in, and I was beginning to feel the yellow walls move in toward me, and the vacuum that is an 'office' suck the breath from my lungs. I tried to look out through the dusty whitish plastic blinds, but the windows were small and dirty blurring the outside world. I could feel it start to happen on the first day when they said words like 'submit GST quarterly', and on day two when words like 'taking board minutes' started floating around, and on day three I noticed the only janitor would be me...

I started crying out in my sleep things like, 'where are the beautiful colors?'. 'I know my knitting needles were right here...' and to my honey's delight - and then sudden dismay, 'can I touch it? ou, it's so soft...'

So, I'm back among the partially unemployed ~ they can't tear me away from Tangled Skeins (my sanctuary in a world full of craziness). I can tell you that Mr. Harley is one happy little puppy to have me home.

To get me through the last week, I have been working on the Mikado fingerless gloves. Oh I L-O-V-E them. I am blending Lucy's Celestial Merino 2ply fingerweight (black) and Rowan's Kidsilk Night so there's a soft wooly sparkle effect. I made them one button hole longer so they cover more of my arms. I found great Stone Temple Pilot-ish star buttons, so I feel like a Rock Star in my fingerless gloves. I don't know kids - but I'm likin' this knitting for me stuff...

Here's one finished. Just working on gusset (ou that sounds dirdy) on the second.

Great news! When my SIL was here over Christmas she noticed me toting my knitting with me back and forth between the hospital and home, saw me get out my needles in the middle of company, and enjoys her Fuzzy Feet so much - she has decided to give knitting a try. She went out today and purchased Stitch n' Bitch and has selected a scarf pattern. I'm so happy to have someone in the family join my in my obsession - I mean hobby... Good luck L. Call if you need anything :)

That's all for now folks.
You can bet I'll be spending a little more time knitting, and blogging. At least until the next job adventure.

Here's to a New Year

2006-01-03T19:06:00.000-04:00

The holidays have passed and with it have taken the ebb and flow of constant visitors. The New Year has come and with it brought a sigh of relief for our little K girl. The body is amazing, with healing powers beyond the imaginable. She was in and out of the hospital for major brain surgery in two weeks. Santa was so kind as to drop all of her and her little brother's gifts in her room, and allow her mom and dad to take over an entire room Christmas Eve.

Although we had lots of people around I did mangage to complete knitting projects - less one sock - but I think husband understands.

We brought in the New Year with my brother and his wife's family. We had a Murder Mystery dinner. Quite fun actually. I was Dorothy, a Quirky psychic, and my honey a Texan Oil Man. My brother was a 'dealer' of sorts and managed to fit his but into hot red leather pants (a ladies 29 nonetheless - I hate him...)

Here's my brother and I pre Murder...as Dorothy and Christopher.

And no, I did not commit the murder nor did Christopher... I can't tell you who did in case any of you get that version. I can say I guessed correctly... or should I say, I knew who it was all along - I was the psychic after all.

Today I started a new job. Yes, I have gone back to another office. I have gone with the hope of new experiences and for fear if I didn't I would have passed up a great opportunity. The best part about it is it's part-time and if it's not what I had hoped after 6 months I shall move myself along, yet again. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Here's to a New Year of new projects, new opportunities, and new knitting challenges!

jak

... and suddenly...

2005-12-19T16:34:00.000-04:00

In the midst of Holiday preparations of making lists, wrapping gifts, putting up lights and mistle toe ~ one phone call from my brother brings it all to a screeching halt. His oldest child has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

... and suddenly... all we thought mattered starts to disintegrate without a second thought. Suddenly our existence becomes our family, and our family becomes why we exist. We pull together no matter what the price, not matter the distance. Positive thinking and prayers (thanks aunties) get us through the days, games and beverages :) get us through the long evenings.

It's been a long few days but yesterday was the longest. She had her operation yesterday and today she rests, healing.

Her little brother said to me yesterday:
Little R - "Do you know who makes the snow?"
Me - "Jack Frost?"
Little R - "No. God. Do you know who makes the rain?"
Me - "No?..."
Little R - "God. Do you know who makes the mud?"
Me (answering very proudly) - "God?"
Little R - "No. Jesus makes the mud. I like to play in the mud."

Little R makes me smile :)

Good night little girl. See you tomorrow...

Oh the festivities

2005-12-12T22:44:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged in so long, I almost forgot my password. Not to mention all of the other things I am trying to remember right now... I know we are all there. The knitters of the world frantically trying to finish projects that we promise ourselves, 'next year I'll start earlier'. Also, not to mention, the projects we are doing to distract ourselves from the reality of our knitting crisis, like:

Painting a bathroom - complete.
Making first ever batch of jelly - complete.
Making ginger bread cookie ornaments - complete.
Buying new decorations - in progress...

Thus begins the items of - in progress.

Since we last spoke:
Little C's Christmas concert. Was awesome and he sung his little heart out and was soo sincere when he sung Noel. Remember in music class when your teacher would tell you to annunciate every single syllable, so your mouth would open really wide and even the hearing impaired would be able to read your lips? Well, he obviously takes those instructions to heart. It made his night when he was chosen to hold a candle. His little smile through the mouthing of the words made our night :)

Mr. Harley experienced his first snowfall. He was so confused - "Do I eat it? Do I run in it? It's cold! I'm not peeing out here in this! What the heck is this stuff? This doesn't smell like bubbles. I don't like bubbles either." Ok, he really didn't say all that, but his eyes told all.

My honey helped me make my first batch of jelly. He cut up all the peppers and we ended up with a lovely Jalapeno Pepper cracker jelly. It's very nice actually. And if, just maybe, I get all my knitting done in the next few days HAAAAA HAAAA AHHHH AHH Haaaaa... We'll make a batch of Cranberry Apple jelly mmmmmmmm.

Here is the batch...

Made gingerbread cookie decorations. Highly NOT recommended. Make batter. Wait (refrigerate 2 hrs). Roll out. Wait (cook and cool). Make icing, and outline cookies. Wait (till outline dries aprox. 2 hrs). Fill in with some details. Wait (till dries). Fill in more details. Wait (till dries). So, the snowmen do not have faces - takes to darn long... Faceless snowmen - I think that's ok. They do taste yummy - the more we Wait, the less snowmen there seem to be... Here's a little peek.

And how could I possibly forget to mention the letter to little C from Santa (seen at right above cookies). He was so pleased when Santa motioned he knows C has been a good boy. Thanks Santa and many thanks to Canada Post (wink).

On the knitting front... oh, I can't manage to talk about it.... starting to get pains in chest... can't -go - on...

Dog News

2005-12-02T12:52:00.000-04:00

I know it's a little difficult to read this article, but I can't link to the site as you need a subscription - but I thought it was so cute I had to scan it.

It's an article featuring a canine campaign for dog clothing by a Toronto company called Dogfather & Co. They are placing their billboards in high doggy traffic areas - dog parks, etc.

The top billboard in this article says, "Get one before that bitch down the block does."

The second one says, "Does this make my but look fat?"

Too cute!

Apparently the billboards have been stolen...

Getting Ready for Santa

2005-11-30T17:01:00.000-04:00

It's hard to get in the Christmas spirit when it is 11 degrees Celsius with the sun shining, and warm spring like breezes blowing off the ocean...

See what I mean? This is Mr. Harley and I last week on the beach across the street.

Now that his stitches are gone and the cone has been permanently discarded - we let him chew the bits out of it and spit it out - he has a new doggy doo. More like a bobble head doo. Very cute and funny. We're trying to grow out a mustache for him. I donno - a little dog named Harley calls for a handle bar mustache, don't you?

We do have our outside Christmas lights up and are starting to decorate the inside, but I'm still a little sad and therefore hesitant to take out the surviving decorations - OH, we found out what happened to our decorations! Not a mouldy basement afterall. Just a $700 water tank that was leaking and needed to be replaced TODAY... bye bye $700... happy Christmas :)

Anyhow - that's fixed and I'm sure there are a lot more soggy goodies for us in the basement. The plummer said we were lucky - some tanks just explode and do much more damage. Bye angle tree topper... bye little clay snowman and Rudolph. I'll miss you.

Enough of that. Time to share with you some pics and news.

First off, here's Mr. Harley and his new hair cut avec Christmas sweater.

See the reason He needs a mustache - looks a little girly doesn't he? (Don't worry, the bows were removed at Honey's request immediately after this pic was taken.)

Knitting News
I donno, but is anyone else feeling this awful panic inside about knitting and Christmas. I have the urge to knit for me. Me, me, me. Only because I'm totally freaked out that it's not humanly possible to finish all I want to finish in 24 days! (and because I really want the button-up fingerless gloves on Straw )

So... because it's not humanly possilbe to knit all projects in time - I have decided to paint a bathroom...

Chow!

jak

Sail the seas with me?

2005-11-23T09:26:00.000-04:00

Inspired by Moe, who was inspired by Minou...

Ahoy Maties! Captain Jenny Kidd on board. Who am I?

"Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. Even though you're not always the traditional swaggering gallant, your steadiness and planning make you a fine, reliable pirate. Arr!"

Pretty much describes me. Steady, planning, reliable. Gosh, I'm the most boring pirate on the face of the www. I need disembowel, stink, words like that... Oou I'm in a fine mood today. Haven't knit yet.

Captain Jenny Kidd
gone overboard

Christmas time is comin'... Christmas time is ....

2005-11-21T10:18:00.000-04:00

To all the humbugs out there - there is not denying it. Christmas is coming. This is how I know for certain.

My Christmas Cactus is blooming! Isn't it beautiful? It normally blooms during Thanksgiving (Canada), but each year it has bloomed a little later. I suspect one year it will actually bloom during Christmas.

Very sad news - I dug out my Christmas ornaments and many of them are damaged beyond repair. My lace and silk angel tree topper ... gone, my dough ornaments... gone - I bought these about 12 years ago in NB for our first Christmas. I normally pack & store the delicate ornaments upstairs in the spare room, but I guess I forgot last year and they got put in the basement and the mold got them. Good reason to buy new ornaments - but still very sad. I didn't realize how attached we become to our ornaments...

On the bright side, Mr. Harley a.k.a Satellite Dog (echo) the superhero, due to the cone that has been on his head for the last 8 weeks, will be getting stitches removed today and will hopefully be back to himself. I'm sure his peripheral vision is a little messed up, so I expect a little banging around for the next little while.

Knitting ~
Well I'm working on several projects and still buying more wool for more projects... I'm not sure that I'll finish them all, but I shall try. I'm about going crazy with the fuzzy feet... Some finished some knit, but not felted, and still more neatly wrapped in their skeins awaiting my needles. So far I have used Lamb's Pride, but yesterday I bought some Cascade at Tangled Skeins and am going to try that to see what the difference is. Will let you know.

I also started knitting socks! My very first sock is almost complete. An inch or so more and I'll be rounding the toe. They are for my FIL. I'm not sure if he'll like them because the Opal (also purchased at Tangled Skeins) I'm using has a tiny bit of pink and purple in it. They are beautiful though. I'm using the new 6 ply, as I thought this would be a thicker knit (as well as a faster one:)

So far:

Interesting - even my honey and my little C said they would like knit socks! That's great, but what have I gotten myself into? Perhaps I'll have to dedicate my life to socks as well...

He was so excited, he even tried it on (mind you he had a little sippy sip of the vino beforehand). They are a little slouchy on him, but will hopefully fit FIL.

He's a good sock model.

I think I'm offended

2005-11-15T13:49:00.000-04:00

I was talking to my friend's mom the other night. I love her very much, and call her mom as we were very close growing up. Here's the kicker - she says, "What are you doing tonight?", and I excitedly reply, "I'm knitting my puppy a sweater for Christmas!" She says, "How old are you? You're too young to be knitting." ... wtf?

She obviously does not know that the most trendy, creative, young(ish) women are making wonderful knitted items right now. She obviously has not experienced the wonderful wools and seen the beautiful colors.

On a lighter note. I finished Mr. Harley's sweater and he looks adorable in it. I used the pattern from Stitch n' Bitch as a guide, and made a few adjustments to our liking.

Here he is:

This is his 'over the shoulder pose' showing the 'rustic' snowflake.

Side view showing off the masculine stripes.

I had to take into account he's going to the spa in a couple of weeks and will lose a mound of fur, so it should fit nicely and not be busting at the seams :)

Happy knitting young ladies and lads!

jak

Here's to - new beginnings

2005-11-09T08:39:00.000-04:00

Phew - it's been a crazy week so far. So much so, this morning I'm up and ready to go with no place to go. I thought I was supposed to be volunteering at the library today, but there is no library today... So here it is - 8:30 in the morning and I have the entire day to myself - weee weee.

Yesterday morning was my first training day at Tangled Skeins yarn shop. Aren't I lucky? As I was driving there Hawksley Workman was singing to me about it being November, beautiful fall leaves were blowing off the trees landing on the road in front of me, paving my way with yellow, orange, and red. And I thought, 'yes, I did it'. It's really the first time since I left my office job that I felt ok - happy even. As though the universe has embraced me. Weird, I know. But as Oprah would say - it was an 'ah ha moment', where I knew the change I made was right and that I was getting better, healing, if you will.

I got to the shop happy, and ready to learn something new and spend the day in the presence of creative people who love to touch yarn as much as I do. I perched myself behind the cash, and proceed to spill a large coffee all over the floor... Don't worry - no yarn of any kind was damaged in the process! My pride however, was a little bruised. So, now that I'm familiar with where the paper towel is stored and with the floors I think I'm ready for a full day next time :)

Some wonderful ladies did come in, and I'm still amazed with the levels of creativity and skill, and how everyone is so eager to share their knowledge. It truly is a wonderful thing - knitting.

Well, I'm off to spend the day... well, however I want. I suppose I'll do a little knitting :)

jak

P.S. Thank you 'S' for your patience yesterday.

What do you get when you cross a sheep...

2005-11-03T15:28:00.000-04:00

with a tiger?

A striped sweater.

Little C brought home a joke book today, and I thought this one was appropriate for knitting bloggers.

A great week - first of all, would like to say a special thanks to HRM Stitch n' Bitch for kindly welcoming me as a newbie last evening. It was great meeting the new ladies as well as seeing knitting friends! Everyone is working on great projects, and I show up with a fuzzy foot... Not that there's anything wrong with fuzzy feet... I must admit I'm the, self confessed fuzzy foot pro at this time. I'm crazily working away to finish them as Christmas gifts. I must also say, they are VERY comfortable - I wear the hunter orange 'test pair' :)

Halloween News ~
This year we had fantastic weather! It was mild, with no wind, and yes folks I know it's a shocker, no rain...

Little C dressed up as a cowboy. Not a dead cowboy, or a mean cowboy - a good ol' fashioned gun slingin' cowboy. I was surprised by his choice with so many commercial costumes out there, but we went around to second hand clothing stores and rounded us up a cowboy hat and accessories and out he went. I was also surprised by his knowing when enough is enough. Candy. He's a kid and well, kids love candy. We went around our street one time and it filled a big pillow case about a quarter full. I wanted to go out some more as it was nice and the dog was enjoying the spooks, but Little C said he had enough. Hopefully he'll remain that way and never become a greedy person. Note: He shared his chocolate with me! He's an addict as much as anyone I know, and he shared... sigh... I'm a mama with a happy heart.

I've also been volunteering at the school library. I figure if I'm not working right now, I at least need something to put on my resume. Books, children, meeting people? why not. It has been great fun and I've met some interesting characters, as well as some wonderful women.

In the process of thinking about possibly (nothing definite here) going back to school. Will have to make up my mind soon, as I am aiming to start by January... What scares me the most is spending all that money... that I don't have...

In closing a pic. of my Halloween spooks -

Can you see them in the window?

Here's the cowboy ghost giving out candy...

And one more joke - I couldn't resist.

Knock knock?

You say...

Butcher

You say...

Butcher arms around me.... (sung in slightly slurred speech - much more funny that way.)

jak needs...

2005-10-27T19:50:00.000-03:00

Ok - I had to find out what all the 'to do' was about with the new meme circling the globe, and well, to find out what I really. What I truly. Need.

jak (aka Jennifer) Needs:

- not only the title of the president but also the authority. (note ~ send to husband)
- to be in a mental health facility right now. (Right now? I'm kinda in the middle of something.)
- to sex it up a little. (note ~ send to husband)
- needs a tutor, time to heal and … drum roll, a cold shower. (but I just started to sex it up... I'm confused.)
- a smack daddy. (I'm listenin')
- this diva publicity like a hole in the head. (diva? who? publicity? They must be talkin' about another Jennifer...)
- a thorough psychiatric evaluation. (ok - this is the second one of this nature... I'm starting to get concerned.)
- assert herself as a leader. (hoo ya!)
- space. (*sigh*)
- an advisor with exceptional listening skills. (Is anybody out there (echo) there (echo) there?)
- to decide which of these many important things is the very most important to her as an individual. (I pick the psychiatric evaluation... so far.)
- someone to pour a bath for her… (Well, I think this is the most important one ~ That someone will have to be me. Bubbles, here I come!)

Signing off as,
the president ;)
jak

Oh the Joys of Knitting!

2005-10-26T09:32:00.000-03:00

The last 2 days I have been frantically working on Fuzzy Feet (by Knitty). This was my first attempt at a sock like structure, and I was amazed at how quickly they came together, and how the heel forms (I know, I'm a newbie). It was great to work on a project that I could finish so quickly. I decided to do these because I'm looking for a quick Christmas project and because I had some nice Hunter Orange Lamb's Pride my son picked out for mittens, but this week kindly told me, he did not like mittens - but he likes gloves... Hold on younin' I'm barely learning the mittens :)

Here are the Fuzzy Feet. I reinforced (doubled up) the toe and heel with a darker orange left over from my French Market Bag (also by Knitty). Felting is Fun!

A couple of weeks ago I finished Mittens (yeah!). My first pair knit on the round. The pattern came from the Fall issue of Family Circle easy Knitting magazine. But as I understand it, it's is a basic pattern. I just used some cheaper wool to try this pattern, but I really like it and will make some more this winter. To match I also made a Cabled neck tube (Hello Yarn) because I wanted to learn cables without starting a large project. This was quick and easy too!

Last but not least, I was working on the lovely Clapotis from Knitty (thank you Knitty for all the great patterns), but because I don't have time to sit quietly - ok - because I watched Oprah and Dr. Phil while knitting, holes seemed to appear where they shouldn't have been... I thought it would be ok, because in the end stitches are dropped anyway. But after I got 2 skeins in, I realized the dropped stitches were not in line with the stitches I accidentally dropped. So, this project has been unwound (oh so sad - sob), and will be saved for after Christmas when I don't feel guilty about knitting something for myself when I should be working on Christmas gifts...

Here it is though - I mostly wanted to point out the stitch markers. Aren't they lovely? Jewelry for your knitting :) Some were made by Bits of Happy, and I improvised and made some more as I didn't have enough on hand (need 18 in total). Gotta love those old craft supplies.

This is my dream project - Greek Pullover. I saw the pattern in Interweave Knits at Tangled Skeins on the weekend. I LOVE it. The yarn will cost me a little over $100... didn't I start knitting because I thought it would be a cheap alternative to buying?... That's not working out so well. Anyhow, when I have some time to knit for me, and some cashola, this will be mine!

It was so great to be at Tangled Skeins on the weekend and meet other people who are crazy passionate about knitting as I am. Even though I'm new, there were people coming in from every level. I especially found the lady who LOVED felted bags very comforting :)

Also working on a couple of toques. One for my friend who graduates bootcamp next week. Way to go girl!! And the other is the umbilical cord hat from Stitch n Bitch - it's just so darn cute!

Well, I'm off to take my puppy to the vet... the third time in 7 days - that's an entire other entry :)

Ad World ~ I'm venting again

2005-10-21T11:26:00.000-03:00

My husband and I were having a 'discussion' last evening about this Ad Man he went to see in TO a few weeks back. From what he described of the session, I immediately tagged this man an ego-maniac. Right or wrong, I did. Partly due to the flamenco dancers he had preceeding his speech, partly due to the camera men he had mingling with the crowd to find out how they found out about him, what they thought about him, etc. I donno, couldn't he have met the people himself? I have nothing against flamenco dancers, I like them, I just couldn't figure out what they had to do with an advertising seminar.

Back to the 'discussion'. Honey told me that Mr. Ad Man had been fired yesterday for comments he made at his session. He went on to explain that 2 female execs posed the question to Mr. Ad Man, why do you think there are not more females in the ad business? Mr. Ad Man went on to explain that in his opinion women couldn't do the job. They were too busy taking care of children and their homes... ok - I'm gonna let that sink in.

I excitedly remarked to my honey, good - he should be fired. My husband did not like this remark - you can see how the discussion proceeded.

Anyhooo, today there was an article in the Globe and mail "Top ad guru quits in sexist huff " riticism of women's fitness for top jobs causes international stir

And because my husband knew how passionate I was about this story, he forwarded it to me. Here's my rebutal of the story to him:

The last sentence states "...they often don't want to devote as much time to their careers," Mr. Kemp said. The key word there is want. How does Mr. Kemp know what women as a people Want? Of course women want to be successful in their careers, they want to devote time, and travel the world like their male counterparts, the want equal pay for doing so, they want a support system at home they know they can trust so they don't feel guilty or like their abandoning their children. Women want the same things as men, they are just not given the same support systems. Right or wrong. I do find it very interesting how men are discussing what women can and can't do, what women do and don't want. I believe and hope Chris Staples was also correct when he said this is "the last gasp of the dinosaur". As I've mentioned to you before, you and you're generation do not seem to think and feel as the 'dinosaurs' do. So generation, after generation there will be progress. That gives me hope the next time an article such as this is printed it will be the women themselves discussing what they want, what they can do, and not looking like winy girls who tattletaled.

You know it's sad when such a man can be smart in business, and in advertising, and so ignorant of the world around him.

OK - that's my ad beef for today.

Next up - knitting.

Advertisers in Blog World ~ Suck

2005-10-12T15:37:00.000-03:00

OK - I'm a little Pee O'de.

Notice 3 comments on last post - all from what I believe to be sneaky advertising/marketing ... I haven't clicked on their sites, I won't click on their sites and once I discover how to delete comments - I will.

This upsets me for many reasons, but the number one reason is, as a friend of mine once said - your blog is your personal living room. So, advertisers/marketers, whatever they are - are not only calling my house when I'm eating supper, are not only throwing ads at me when I'm watching TV, reading magazines, going to the theater, driving down the highway, popping up when I'm online - they are pushing their crap in my virtual living room.

I have heard companies that are strapped for cash are setting up pseudo blogs and through that talking about how great their product is. All I can say is - THAT SUCKS. Nothing like taking the purity out of personal communication.

Looks like they are gardening companies or something like that - so unfortunately, I'm going to have to get rid of the link to 'You Grow Grl' (typo on purpose - I don't want them to find me again). See, now I'm hiding. How fair is that?

The sweet irony of it all...
My husband's in advertising.

Hiatis

2005-09-30T10:46:00.000-03:00

Phew!
Was that summer exhausting or what? Lasted all the way to the first week of October - not too bad, wha?

A Hiatis from my reality. Therefore my reality has changed. The only things I focused on this summer were:

My puppy ~
Mr. Harley, who is now 8 months old, and I add, trained. Which is no small feat in itself. Have never experienced being a 'person' of a pet. It has been a patience trying, and at the same time, wonderful experience. In fact, you should see Harley now. He's crying for the little stuffed bear I put up because he gutted it and continued to eat the insides. I just don't understand why a dog will eat something that will make it vomit - oh yes... let's put that in the perspective of wine... now I get it.

Harley tonight with his teddy - when he was still intact.

Knitting ~
This summer I had the chance to visit GNK in Charlottetown, PE ~ was a little disappointed. I donno, I guess I expected an intimate shop off Queen Street, full of Island wool. Instead I found a huge room that reminded me of a Market - coffee and baked goods, gifts and novelties, and at the very back a wall of 'I can get it anywhere' wool. I came to the conclusion they are primarily about selling pre-made goods. There were ladies behind a glass wall knitting sweaters on these huge machines (sorry don't know what they were).

Had a defining moment though... They have a rack of premade toques. A lady and her husband were in the back close to me selecting wool, and he said to her, Why don't you just buy the hat? It's already made, then you don't have to go through this. She looked around in horror to see if anyone had heard - our eyes met. I smiled at her knowingly and said, He just doesn't get it yet does he? We all laughed and moved along.

Left: empty handed. That's how uninspired I was.

Also visited Briggs & Little in Harvey, NB ~ What a wonderful shop full of wool of oh so many colors, superb service, and great patterns to purchase (or pre-made items if so inclined). This was a fun trip. I was making the skully sweater (another story) from Stitch n Bitch and needed 2 more skiens of a color. I called the shop about a month in advance and they had the lot I required. The offered to mail it, but I knew I would be in NB over the summer and wanted to see thier shop.

So, off we went - My father in law leading the charge (he loves yarn shops, I'm not sure what it is but everytime I want to go he offers to join me), with my mother and law, husband and puppy in tow. Only a little disapointed as I was hoping to see the Briggs & Little sheep. The gentleman working kinda laughed at me - like where would they get the time to raise sheep, when they have all this wool to make - Anyhow they do use the local farmer's sheep and we could have gone down the road a bit, but it was bloody hot that day.

Left: with what I came for in addition to patterns (sockies and mits) and some 'seconds' for mitts this winter :). My mother in law left with a bag full and a pattern for a man's sweater (discovered father in law's mission :)

Here's a pic of the sweater for my honey - now completed. To all knitters: It's true what they say about knitting something for someone who doesn't knit. They truly don't appreciate the craft.

C'est fini

Here's a pic of, well, have a looksee.

Mom in-law finished hoody from Stitch n' Bitch, and she put a zipper in it. Isn't it great?

Other focuses were, my garden that has now gone to seed :( Discovered Mr. Harley LOVES tomatoes. In the back yard yesterday he was scaling the fence to get at the higher tomates. Yes, he makes himself sick on them - and again, I guess I understand. A little Cabernet has the same effect on me. Actually it's a lot of Cabernet, but it's all relative.

Anyhow, this is the 1st entry in quite some time, so I will close for now. I must get back to ... well, knitting of course :)

j

It's true. I saw it on the internet.

2005-05-26T21:19:00.000-03:00

Sunday. Sunday the sun is coming. Ok - maybe not the sun, but it's only 40% possibility of showers - that my friends, means 60% of ... well, not showers. So even if the sun doesn't illuminate to it's fullest potential, it will be there. This is stated on the weather network. Therefore it must be true. Oh listen to the desperation?

I must go ease the pain with knitting.

Sweater, oh sweater, where are you?

Progress vs. Chaos

2005-05-25T22:32:00.000-03:00

Progress - to move forward; to develop to a more advanced stage...
Chaos - the confused unorganized state extisting before the creation of more distinct forms...

Jak-in-the-box or Jak of all trades? Let's begin.

Writing
Have submitted stories in Writer's Digest contest. Oh so freaking scary!! I have thought about doing that a lot, but have never had the courage. I guess out of necessity (for money) we find courage. Won't hear back until December (* yes, my lovlies patience).

Knitting
Oh the sweater. The wonderful sweater. Have completed the body and have 5 rows of right arm started. Photo of husband last night. I told him he wouldn't be on the internet holding up a half knitted garment - but of course he knows that wasn't true :)

Honey with his 'almost sweater'. Doesn't he look excited to have a new sweater that I made all by myself?

In all seriousness - I'm not sure it's going to fit him properly, but may fit me perfectly. Going to try and finish in next couple of days. Heavy rain fall warning, so I'm sure there will be no distractions.

Business Opportunities
Got another call from Fitness Franchise opportunity. Oh the struggle. I said no, but now they're willing to negotiate and it would be oh so much fun, and something that I think would suit me - and Yes I'm in dire need of funds... I'll sleep on that one - at least until I get the Addendum to the Franchise (doesn't that sound important?).

Also breathing new life into my Reflexology life. Having cards reprinted, doing up information sheet and will start promoting again. Anyone for a little relaxation?

Puppy Potty Training
Raining. Cold shivering puppy. Sigh...

Gardening
Raining. Seeds floating away. Sigh...
Seedlings straining for rays. Cry...

Did manage to sneak in some shots between showers. Oh so beautiful. Grow baby, grow!

My lilac's in bud... sigh

And filling in the time ...

This is what you do with your husband with your son's Pleistocene from school... have polar bear sculpting competition (mine's on the left - more polar bearish don't you think?).

* Lessons learning. Patience is not something I was born with an ample supply of. Seems I'm calling on all my resources in all of my trades.

I love a raining night, such a beautiful site, I love to feel the rain on my face and the rain on my... la la la la...

Another Rain Day

2005-05-24T13:40:00.000-03:00

Wow!!!
What a crazy time. I thought being off work would give me more time. That's not what happens at all. Other things move in and fill the time.

Like - Puppy Training. If anyone out there has any tips ~ would LOVE to hear them. I can watch him all morning and the second I stop looking at him to say, pour a coffee - He Pees on the Floor! Cute little bugger though! He is a Shih Tzu. We have decided on Harley as his name. A couple of reasons - he sorta sounds like a little motorbike when he's growling, and that's what the breeders little girl called him, and it suits. I've already knit him a little sweater (Howl from Stitch n Bitch). I don't say it will fit him more than a few weeks. He's 3.3 lbs right now. It's amazing how much you can do in the run of a day when your up at 5 a.m.

Here's Harley in his Howl sweater, pre-arms. I added them after I was sure it fit :)

Gardening - has been quite non-existent. Not because of Harley. He loves to run and play in the grass (mostly dirt). It hasn't stopped raining here since the 10th of May... and is supposed to continue at least for the rest of the week... also a hindrance in the entire puppy potty issue.

I have managed to plant some bulbs (they're well watered :), and have planted some more seeds inside. Now have to get the ones I planted in March in the ground or in potters outside.

I did get some wonderful pics of my lilacs budding, and some great shots of flowers when we were in Bermuda:

Not sure what this is called, but they were all over the island. I thought they were beautiful.

Knitting - oh sweet knitting! Not much further until honey's sweater is complete. I have been procrastinating a little on that as it is very new to me and I'm not sure what I'm doing, but so far so good. Almost ready to do the arms! Maybe that's what the weather is waiting for... once the sweater is finished, the weather will turn nice! Murphy's Law classic.

Also added to my stash compliments of Tangled Skeins' anniversary sale last week. Oh the beautiful projects I will be starting!! So, not entirely minding the rain :) Lacy wraps and scarves, more sweaters, mittens, and more outfits for Harley!

2005-05-02T22:48:00.000-03:00

Here's our new boy - He arrives on Thursday!!!

2005-05-02T22:35:00.000-03:00

Me & Stephie buzzzin' around...

Well here it is folks pretty much the afternoon of the day before my last day in hell... I mean the office :) * Logos have been hidden to ensure the identity of those not involved are protected - heee heee.

bzzzzzz

The 1st day

2005-05-02T22:10:00.000-03:00

Friday was my last day in the office. Bitter sweet really. It was sweet 'cause few of us were in the office. That made me much more comfortable. Bitter - well, I guess because I said good bye to five years of my life... My dreams won't let me say good bye though. I'm putting programs together, organizing details of events... CRAZY! Takes time I guess. Here's an excerpt of what I wrote in my journal (yes, I still do the old fashioned pen & paper thing - nothing quite replaces the sound of pen scratching across paper for me):

"I walked from the Jeep to the garage. A quiet coolness enveloped me. Birds beckoned in the distance, 'Welcome home Jen. Welcome back to life ~ a new life.' I carried the box containing 5 years of my office life - a waste basket, a calendar, my plants :), shoes, coffee mug, coaster (from Stephie), toothpaste, and brush. My motorbike sparkled happily at me, as if to say, 'We're gonna get to play, we're gonna get to play'. My gardening tools sighed a quite relief knowing we would be spending much time together. The garage hugged around me knowing I would be home to clean it up. When I got home - 10 minutes ago, it was foggy. Now sun sparkles reflect off the ocean across the street. Welcome home."

Crazy coincidences are presenting themselves. A year or so ago, I was looking at a soap line on-line, and Loved it. I asked if they had franchise ops. They replied, not at this time.

Friday, we (husband and boy child) were getting ready to go out of the city for an overnight trip and I was looking at shops I could go to in the area, and noticed this line had a new store. I made the decision to go see it - and who do I get a call from an hour before we go? Freakin' Soap people wanting to get together to discuss a potential opportunity in my MARKET!!! I - WAS - FREAKING!! So - I tell them I'm on my way to see their location and will be back in town on Sunday. So we got together last night for 2 1/2 hours!!

My last day of employment and I get a CALL. The universe works in Crazy ways friends.

Needless to say I am very excited, and very confused now. I'm supposed to be taking time off to get my shit together. To quietly work my way through the summer spending time in dirt, lighting camp fires, and writing crazy ass stories...

That brings me to today ~ Pretty much ran myself in circles - accomplished:

Laundry, groceries, cleaned spare room and set up bed (for in-laws arriving Thursday), dug hole to transplant Lilac, dug hole to plant baby spruce I've been coddling all winter, organized my bedroom (somewhat), got out fabric to make blanket for puppy!!! Yeah Puppy!!! Vacuumed - a little. Walked boy child to and from school :)

Husband left this a.m. for Bermuda - work trip, but he played golf today and is going for dinner and drinks tonight - I guess the work starts tomorrow? I'm not bitter... Actually I'm meeting him there on Saturday for a few days - YEAH!!!

Posted a pic for you :)

I'll think I'll pour myself a glass of vino now ~ sigh. No office tomorrow either.

Thank you universe...

weekend update

2005-04-25T13:21:00.000-03:00

We were off to a great start - my husband and I. Our first weekend together since we went to Cuba (Mar. 7 - wk of). Friday night we went to dinner with friends while boy child engaged in Friday night Frolics at the school. Very fun evening full of food, wine and complimented with ball winding and a movie :)

On Saturday morning we headed off to the local hardware store where I proceeded to purchase supplies I will require for gardening this summer. These are over & aboves, like cement to make the stepping stones in 'You Grow Girl', some solar panel lights for the back yard and front deck, a thermometer for the back deck, humming bird feeder - you know, Spring essentials.

After taking the loot out of the trunk, honey reached up to close it and popped his shoulder of its socket. I heard him moaning downstairs and when I saw him laying on the sofa writhing in pain I knew immediately what had happened. His shoulder is a little lose and has popped out many times: the day of my brother's wedding, playing softball with his work, picking up a pillow off the floor... So we rushed to the hospital where they took him in immediately - tax dollars at work right there folks! 1 1/2 hrs later - a drugged husband in toe, we headed home only to prepare for the evening of his wisdom teeth removal. Needless to say, husband was legally high all weekend.

I did manage to get little green house up - seedlings are very happy.
I'm at the part where the arm holes start on the sweater - I'm very nervous.
Received franchise agreement - freaking out!

Raining today as was all weekend and will probably be cloudy until my last day in hell, I mean, the office :)

jak

grow my pretties, grow

2005-04-21T14:37:00.000-03:00

I'm so excited!

Life is out there. In the little box of dirt at the end of the driveway. This is the box that I usually put sweet peas in (they climb up the steps nicely), and sunflowers. In the Fall I cut the sunflowers down and left them for ground cover, and they seeded. After work yesterday, on the way in the house (I check all dirt piles for signs of life before heading in to check my inside dirt pots), I could see tiny sunflowers poking up in search of light. Not one or two - at least 7!

This morning we awoke to big soppy flakes of snow scattering from the sky. I quickly grabbed newspaper and ran out to protect the baby sunflower from our moody Maritime weather. Now the sun is shining, so hopefuly they are warm and ok. Can't wait to get home and check on them.

Inside dirt:
No sign of these herbs surfacing yet. Dill, coriander, thyme, thai basil, mint, and lavender (this one is a fussy little one I think).

Hot peppers are curling their way into the sun, along with the echinacea, and chives. This weekend I'm going to put together the little plastic, zip up green house my neighbor (thanks Trace) so kindly gave me when she moved last Fall.

Knitting:
Oh my sweater is coming right along. Or should I say my husband's sweater. On the 2nd skein and measures about 10" (on the round). I casually mentioned to him last evening that this is my first sweater and the arms may be a little quirky. He made a snide remark about the entire sweater turning out quirky... he better be joking or else this sweater might turn out to be a 'little' too small for him and fit - oh - ME!

Called SVW today - she has day off and is gallivanting to yarn shops, and probably at cafe knitting... jealousy overtaking me right now... Ok back. Hoping I can stop by her place today after I get off work to take advantage of her ball winder :) Need to double up yarn on a couple sets of mits I'll be making.

Employment Ops:
'G' the taker carer of the Nuggets (my boy child & friends) called this morning with a very cool business idea. We are meeting with Trace (x-neighbour - green house giver), this weekend to brainstorm. Also received requests from suppliers for home phone number... never know... I do know that I feel relieved and oddly happy.

tomorrow isn't promised

2005-04-20T14:07:00.000-03:00

A friend shed some perspective on my 'unemployment' situation today. She had some time when she didn't have a job, and was able to learn from that experience and she shared with me (thanks JWM).

She's right and I will take her words to heart and live by them ~ tomorrow isn't promised...

jak

My new life...?

2005-04-19T20:25:00.000-03:00

I quit my job.

A job that pays relatively well for a woman - I say with a hint of sarcasm. A job that has good medical benefits. A job that offers a RRSP program. A job that administers Savings Bonds. A job that... Well, really that's all of the good stuff. Besides being a place where I can see and talk with people I like everyday. But the ones that are real friends I will see outside the confines of hell - I mean, the office.

I'm not sure how to feel right now. Perhaps still in a little shock. I have been planning this for a while. But plans and reality are not the same. I didn't think I would actually do it. The independent side of me is FREAKING. The tired and sad part of me is sighing with relief. The knitting side of me is wondering where the cash for the next stash is coming from. The hungry part of me is hoping those tomatoes really do grow... and thinking I better get in gear and start planting the cucumbers, pumpkins, watermelon, peppers... Livin' off the land this summer and knitting up whatever remnants I can find. Should be interesting.

Must go feed boy child and earn my keep.

On the edge of unemployed...
jak

IMG_2261

2005-04-16T22:48:00.000-03:00

IMG_2261
Originally uploaded by jakinthebox.

Wool drying in the sun today...

Oh What Have I done?

2005-04-16T21:43:00.000-03:00

This is the 'after buying a new stash' guilt that is settling in. I should be saving for retirement, but noooo - I spent $120 on yarn. To some that may not be a lot. To me - a beginner, a novice, a poor woman!

SVW, my boy child, and I headed off to the Valley today and hit Gaspereau Valley Fibres. Wonderfully, beautiful location with amazing 'I am not worthy' wool of every type. My budget was $60, so I about doubled that and have finished my yarn purchasing until Fall (perhaps longer, depending on retirement fund).

I do however, have enough wool to knit up a sweater (this one promises not to be a 'knit for ever' pattern due to 9mm needles and bulky wool - we shall see). This is my first sweater (Berkshire Pullover, Weekend Knitting) and the ladies tell me an easy one :) Heee heee hawww... I also bought some wool - oh that I love so much - to make more mittens. Yep, I'm gonna giver' another try. I'm very excited about those.

Today was at least 10 degrees Celsius, sunny with clear blue skies. Such a great day for a drive and relaxing with sheep, a lama, a few chickens, and friends. Thanks to great friend SVW for racing with boy child, talking to lama with boy child, and basically distracting him while mommy selected perfect yarn. OH! SVW is going to spin her own Yarn! A Turkish spinner thingy! Very cool. We tried it out today. I bet the yarn will be rustic and oh so creative. Can't wait to see an entire ball (how's that for pressure Stfy?).

Updates

2005-04-12T18:57:00.000-03:00

Work - still dying on the inside (as my friend SVW would say).

Knitting - still working on mittens. I would say the knit forever mitts - but that would indicate that I seem to get all the 'knit forever patterns', then it would be me that is slow and not really the patterns... We'll call this one the 'knit & unknit, then knit again' pattern :)

Sewing - look at pretty fabric for my gardening apron everyday. It's still really cute.

Gardening - oh sweet little buds! Some are getting bigger everyday. Others are being pokey (that's funny), and some I'm afraid, will never come through. The Summer Savory for instance is in 4 pots, but nothing yet. I will be patient. Tonight, I'm going to put some tomatoes in dirt, and perhaps some other herbs. SVW called me last night to ask if I thought the pit from the avocado she was eating should be planted. Definitely!

Motorbike - had out on weekend when weather was much warmer than today. I even had my chaps on! I was scared to death, but I didn't die...

Homework - boy very sad and defiant... Perhaps I'll begin re-knitting while I monitor spelling progress.

PS - did you know the Farmers Almanac is on-line? That's freakish and cool at the same time.

the Stones

2005-04-08T11:44:00.000-03:00

A typical Spring day. April Showers with promise of May flowers as tiny green buds spiratically poke through dirt.

My friend SVW, and I noticed green buds everywhere earlier this week while on a lunch time walk (well it was more like a hobble for SVW :) She's started jogging, and I'm making fun of her cause I haven't and I feel horrible about myself... That's what friends do - right?

Anyhow, while on our walk we decided to pop into the Burnside Zoo (pet store). This is where we met Kieth and Mick. 2 little crazy ass pups. I fell in love, and even begged my husband, his parents, and my son to accompany me after supper last night so they could meet Kieth and Mick too. Kieth, I discovered is female :) and Mick the male who is 2 wks older and has been groomed, so looks a little more... or should I say, a little less wacky.

I'm not even sure why I want a puppy. My husband keeps focusing on the negative - poopy scooping, late night pee trips, cold or rainy day walkings. I guess I look at it as a reason to get up in the morning... ou that sounds very sad doesn't it? But maybe if I have someone to look after, that will pee on my carpet if I don't get my ass out of bed. Is that what it's come down to? I guess I shouldn't put it that way. I do get out of bed and quite enjoy days - that I'm not at the office. Perhaps I should wait until this phase cycles past before we invite a puppy into our family. I will keep checking on Kieth-ett though. If no one buys her, I'll have to save her from the Zoo.

In~laws are here this weekend, so I imagine we'll be doing a bit of shopping and visiting. Last weekend my girl from home moved into the province, so we were at her new home. The weekend before we went home (NB) for Easter and my nannies B-day, and the weekend before we were coming home from vacation - no wonder I've been sick this week.

Husband away (in NF) next weekend, so I'll finish knitting projects I want to complete. Start more seedlings - Oh very excited about that! And going to sew an apron for gardening tools, from You Grow Girl by Gayla Trail. EXCELLENT book for growing, and gardening projects for a yard or balcony type setting.

Hmmm just notice something. I bought two gardening books. One by Gayla 'Trail', and another by Lois 'Hole'. Do you think they did that on purpose? Perhaps I could write and gardening book and my name will be Jenna Dirt. No, that's Joe Dirt. How about Verta Thumb? That's funny!! Well, to me.

OK enough bibble babble - lunch break is over. Must get to work.

jak

2005-04-05T20:44:00.000-03:00

Umbilical Cord Hat (from Stitch 'n Bitch)

Spring is Here

2005-04-05T19:59:00.000-03:00

The sun stays with us a little longer in the day and the snow is finally gone. We are beginning to shed out Winter insulation :) and digging out sandals, shorts, and skirts while singing 'drip drip drip little April showers. Nothing compares to your beautiful sound..."

OK none of that is happening - the days are longer and I am hopeful that I will be inspired or motivated enough to shed Winter weight. In the meantime I busy myself with planting seedlings (planted some herbs March 28th and already there are tiny green leaves poking through the dirt), and finishing knitting projects for the winter. Last project will be mittens. I have only ever made one, and it's a pathetic excuse for a mitten - but I will try so when next Winter arrives I will have Beautiful new mittens to wear.

Over the weekend I knit a baby hat for my husband's cousin. It's very cute (see below). Also completed the knit forever - French Market bag. It turned out quite nice as well.

Well, now that I have managed to post another photo - and change my template, again. I will call it a night.

Good night Spring moon.

jak

back to reality

2005-03-16T21:48:00.000-04:00

Walking out of the Halifax airport and breathing in cold (0 degrees Celsius) air was like filling my lungs with pure oxygen. Cuba was beautiful, the sun was bright, the people were Spanish - but the air is not like our crisp, clean, winter air... ok that is my optimistic side...

Walking out of the Halifax airport and breathing in cold (what felt like -40 degrees Celsius) air was like filling my lungs with tiny little pins that constrained my oxygen intake and bit my eyes stimulating my tear ducts into full action ... ok, it wasn't that bad either...

Nonetheless, it sucks coming back to snow, cold, wind, and English speaking people that understand me. I like the Spanish speaking people that don't understand me when I'm sober or after a couple of Cerveza or Banana Mamas (my new favourite - that soon became Mamma Mia's - I don't know why or how that happens, but it was all good fun).

We actually did not partake too much in the beverages as we had way too much to do: Jeep Safari's, swimming with Dolphins, Body Surfing at the Beach, and generally just playing in the sun.

We did manage to have a few snags ~ it was the vacation of being 'last' at everything:
1. getting a room - arrived @ hotel around 3:00 p.m. Still no room at 6:30... so we made due with an Ocean View in the main hotel. An older room, but it had beds and a toilet :) Toilets are good... peeing - one of the most natural activities in this world was very difficult in Cuba. Particularly on road trips. I do have a small bladder and a love for copious amounts of water particularly in warmer climates... I promise never to take functioning, covered toilets (let's just say my squatting muscles are well developed), and toilet paper (anything more than a square that I do not have to pay a Cuban lady for) for granted ever again. Thank you toilet inventor.
2. standing in any type of line - any strategy we developed failed miserably. We were even the last out of customs in Halifax.
3. flying home (flight delayed 3 hours). But, I really can't complain. We're home, we're safe, and we're sunned :)

Thank you Cuba for a wonderful time. Hope to see you soon.

whirly wind

2005-03-02T21:47:00.000-04:00

Today got totally caught up in the world around me and lost myself somewhere in the whirly wind. Not good. Still looking for self.

Time flew today, and will fly tomorrow and I'll still be looking for self. "Where are you self?" I'll holler through the wind. The wind that is sometimes so cold it takes my breath and then cuts into my lungs when I manage suck my breath back. The same wind that stole my beautiful shiny grey scarf last winter... Damn wind - where do you take things? Maybe more importantly, why?

They say, Growing Pains. I know growing pains as I am tall and as I 'mature' I know horizontal growing pains. Everything happens for a reason, and my struggle is teaching me more about me. Too bad self wasn't here to discover me as well. Damn I hope a shrink doesn't read this. I'll be committed for sure. Butterscotch Hospital - here I come. Just me and I. Self blew away...

good night wind
jak

Hey

2005-03-01T23:47:00.000-04:00

Today my friend Eris is here from home. Aw home... So nice to have people from home. Soon this province will be her home too!!! I'm Verrrry excited. I think she's a little sad to leave home. But we'll get through it together. It's not soo bad totake a step outside and look in every now and then.

Gotta go talk to friend!

chow.
jak

Blustery Day

2005-02-27T14:11:00.000-04:00

It's very windy today. I'm not sure what the temp. is, but I don't want to find out! Just another Sunday at home. Going to do some surfing later. Want to find info. on low light herbs and house plants. Feeling in the mood to start growing. Interesting. Last year I couldn't bring myself to even think about growing something. How things change in a short time. I also need to look up uses for Peat Moss. When my neighbours moved out last summer they gave us about 36 cubic feet of Peat Moss. I'm sure there's a good use for it?

Other than that, I'm getting pretty excited to go away. Not so much about putting a bathing suit on this body... perhaps this will kick start my motivation. Either that or humiliate me into working out.

OH! I bought some great fabric yesterday. Didn't intend to, but it was really cute and it was on SALE. Not sure what I'll make with it yet - pillows & curtains were my first thought. I also bought a pattern for pants/shorts. It says EASY on the package... Need to get fabric for those. I wanted to buy 4 other patterns, but gave myself a reality check. I'll never have time. But - if I keep thinking about them, I'll have to go get them.

French Market Bag progress - still knitting. It's the knit forever bag!

Going to venture back into my dancing days as well. I barried that part of me. Time to bring her back out. This may help me get in shape :)

signing off.
roger out.
jak

there once was a girl

2005-02-23T18:09:00.000-04:00

There once was a girl
who liked to look at flowers
Though not in patterns

Only planting and
growing and in her sewing
But never on walls

What? you ask in frightful dismay. Trying to somehow make sense of the crazyness. Me too. Today, this week, this month I have spent way too much time just trying to make sense of it all. The book I'm reading says that you need to... yes, it's come that far - I'm reading a self help book. Well, let's just say it has given me some coping skills. Hopefully I'll cope long enough and not drive others too crazy.

Need to help a boy download his creative works.

Good night moon - and oh how big and bright you are tonight.

New Rings

2005-02-16T20:45:00.000-04:00

Today was a great day. I have applied for passport - Cuba here I come! I also had breakfast at a wonderful little coffee shop downtown I haven't been to in a few years. Nice to be back on ol' stompin' grounds. On my way back to the parkade, I discovered this beautiful little jewellery boutique. Her window display of sparkles & red drew me in... I bought two beautiful rings, massage oil for my man (wink), and slate rock tea candle holders that are made in BC. (I've been looking for these locally.) I also introduced myself to the lady working there, and we talked for 45mins or more... Sometimes when you meet people ~ you just connect.

This afternoon I had to go for X-rays - one of the joys of 'maturing' is our bodies don't run as smoothly, or as pain free as they used to. I must compliment the lady who took my 'photos', as she was very kind, gentle, and didn't make me feel naked - even though I was :) Thank you...

I also received my third set of retainers... very long story, but the up-to-the-minute version is that if these do not fix the issue, I will need to get braces put back on the bottom. So much for that experience being finished.

To end the day I finished with 12 mins. of soaking up UV, UB, and whatever other U rays are out there, in preparation for vacation. Damn that's relaxing - bad for me, but it feels sooo good. I covered my face...

After completing a few rows of my French Market Bag bottom (that I have unravelled once already - damn st. st., why couldn't it have been straight knit like it was when I read the pattern the first time...), I stopped to write a quick note on my blog (I'm hip, I'm cool). I must sign off however, as a hot bath awaits me and a writing project for tomorrow's class that I haven't started or even thought about yet. Oh yeah - I should paint my nails to give that ring the showcase it deserves :)

Good night moon.

2005-02-15T21:18:00.000-04:00

This funky flower with 'tude' was growing in my neighbors garden last summer. I had to sneak over and get a pic of her. Ah summer....

2nd base...

2005-02-15T21:00:00.000-04:00

If blogging were baseball and setting up your site was hitting the ball, and the 1st entry was first base - I'm about to run to 2nd base and yes... you guessed it - post a photo... here goes

What's with the baseball analogy? I guess I'm just really missing summer.

testing....

2005-02-15T08:51:00.000-04:00

Oh - this is my very first posting, and I'm a little freaked...

Let me start by explaining the name ~ Jak-in-the-Box. j.a.k. is my initials and also denotes my personality to some degree - jack of all trades, master of none - well, that would be me.

This blog site will be contain All Things Me:

Knitting projects
Wine comments
Writing projects
Motorcycle experiences
Exercise woes, and
pretty much anything else that strikes my fancy.

For example, the other night on the way home from the store I noticed I had purchased a Fitness magazine and a Knitting magazine - yes, the knitting one has been looked at more, carried with me to work, and shows loving crease marks on almost every page while the fitness magazine patiently awaits my motivation to kick in - and it will. It Must actually! I'm headed to Cuba in 3 weeks (from today), and my friends cellulite and flab will be accomanying me unless I kick it into high gear.

Well, here I go - off to work out. With my new blog started, I have entered a new era of journalling for me... We'll see where it takes me.