100th Post - Get Your Contest On!!!

Ok. So now for my 100th posting, I am holding a contest.

Yeah! Here's what it's going to be:

1. One entry for posting a comment about an unusual/spontaneous thing you did (nothing that harms someone/something else or anything profane). i.e. One thing I've done is that I went sledding in my swimsuit my freshman year with a bunch of other friends.

2. One more entry if you blog about this contest (make sure you have a link to your blog post in your comment)
3. A winner will be chosen using Random.org
4. Winner will be chosen on January 15th!

Now the lovely item up for grabs:





Yes. It is what you think it is.....a chap stick cozy key chain! Yes, I'll even include a new tube of chap stick (Yes it's going to be a new tube of Eskimo Kiss (shown in 2nd photo) from Biggs and Featherbelle).

ALSO: Send an email to onlyifbliss at yahoo dot com so I can contact you if you win! Even if you sign in with your email to comment, Blogger doesn't show me what it is, so this step is really important. If I don't have your email I'll have no way to get a hold of you and I'll have to give your prize to someone else! How sad would you be if that happened? Just tell me the name you used to comment with, and don't worry, I won't use your email for anything else other than contacting you if you win.

Sneak Peak!

Watch this space for (hopefully) a nifty contest!
(Just in time for the New Year)


Get a chance to win a hand knitted item.

Also, I managed to get my grandmother on my digital camera being silly.

I think they're self explanatory when you see them

Ten years from today. . . .

I envision myself married to a wonderful man for at least 5 years, in a house near a large city (like DC, NYC or another big city in the New England area) - it can be a nice loft or spacious apartment. Also, in 10 years from today, I see myself working FT at a company that's eco-friendly or has services/products that are good for the earth/people.

In 10 years from now, I envision all of my debts (including student loans) to be 100% paid off. Also, in 10 years, I want to own a vehicle (like a truck or station wagon type) that's 100% environmentally friendly and gets great "gas" mileage.

Vision

OMG OMG OMG OMG

OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG

I nearly wet myself when I saw the link to it on Myspace.com's main page

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE HD


My friends (most of them at least) will attest I love Wolverine. And I've been waiting for this movie to come out.

'Nuf said

The Soup

Ok. I enjoy watching the E! channel from time to time. The main show I watch on there is "The Soup".

Now, I would personally say the highlight of the show for me (since I've started watching it on a regular basis) was when the show's host Joel McHale. (Sorry ladies, he's already married!) dressed up as a recognizable '80's character (recognizable to me at least).

See clip below.

Moosebutter (on toast!)

Ok, I dont know how many of you have seen that acapella Star Wars YouTube video. The guy who performed it was Corey Vidal. You could probably say the video went viral.

The group that originally created/sung the vocals for that video (maybe Corey sung it himself for his video, I dont know) is Moosebutter. And they did a video response to Corey's video (its actually them singing the song themselves in the split screen fashion).

As I am writing this, I'm actully listening to one of Moosbutter's cd's. Very funny. It sometimes reminds me of a friend from elementary school/college (met him in elementary school and ended up going to the same college together).

Peppermint Milk

Peppermint Milk...Peppermint Milk.

Oh my gosh. Such nummy stuff.

Ask the next time you're in a coffee shop somewhere and ask for steamed milk with peppermint italian syrup. *drool*

Very good.

I discovered this durring the last stretch of my college years. There was just something about getting steamed milk with peppermint in it.

Heck. We even came up with a little dance for it as well!

So far my web camera is only recording the video part of the song and dance (no sound!)
Stinkers. I'll post the little song and dance once I get the sound to work.

(me thinks part of it was from my brother using it - taking it off my comp and moving it to another - some how got damaged in the process??? Worked well enough before).

Rock, Paper, Scissors.

This is going to be a short post.

There is this really awesome Fairfield, IA band called Rock, Paper Scissors. (They also have a MySpace.com page as well!)

They're a female trio that's jazzy/fusion/other with musical accompaniment.

Check them out.

FYI if you like them enough to buy their CD, it needs to be purchased by DEC 19TH.

Wonderful World of Toys

Personally, I enjoy playing games and with toys now and again (sometimes it feels good to be a kid again - even if it's only for 20min).

I stumbled across these websites from a friend's twitter post about how handmade toys may become illegal.

Main gist of the whole thing is that people who hand make toys (like knitted/crocheted/sewn dolls, wooden trucks/cars, etc) and have made it their lively hood (or depend on that business in some way).

Please help spread the word peeps!

Websites:

• Help Save Handmade Toys in the USA

• How You Can Help

• Cool Mom Picks Article

An Every Day is a Holiday

I was thinking the other day how fun life would be know each day was celebrated like it was a holiday (not the dreaded I have to get someone else something holiday - just a day to celebrate).

It could be as simple as "Smile Day" or even "Laughing Day". I remember overhearing a conversation about a fairy book that talked about how the fairies have a holiday every day (that celebrated stuff like "Drinking the Dew from Rose Petals" and just got me started thinking). Just how life should be celebrated more.

Just a thought.

I hear it calling my name

UGH! Ever since I got up this morning, I've been hearing my bed call my name to come back and fall asleep again!

It's only gotten worse since I've been at work. And it makes it harder knowing I work really close to home - it's calling my name even more temptingly (closer than allot of people in this area - I have like a 10 min drive to work, and that's with "heavy" traffic).

That's what was one of my birthday wishes was to be able to sleep in as long as want and not have to leave my bed unless I wanted too. (I tend to sleep in a little later than I should and get to work anywhere from 15 - 45 min after I'm "technically" suppose to start at - but fortunately the company I work for is really laid back and works out in both our favors that I come in up to 3/4 of an hour late).

As part of my birthday gift to myself, the other day I ended up at Target and got myself some gold sheets.

Yes, gold. Not the knit or woven fabric that's been dyed a golden rod color. Gold as in metallic shiny, will-practically-slip-out-of-bed-if-I-move sheets.

Ten Guilty Pleasures

ohhh....if I had to list my top 10 guilty pleasures (at the time I'm writing this), would be as follows:

10. Sleeping In: I love sleeping in. Especially since I noticed I enjoy staying up some what late-ish. But there is something comforting about staying in bed until almost lunch and then getting up to face the day. Granted, your day may start much later than it may, but if that means waking up happy....

9. Kickball: I know it's an odd guilty pleasure, but it's there. For the last couple of years I have been apart of a social sport of kickball. It's more so for getting off my butt every sunday and going out and being social with other people, and it has an added bonus of being somewhat active (more so than if I stayed home with the intention of moving physically).

8. Ghost Hunters/CSI: I really enjoy these shows. If either G.H. or any of the CSI (esp. CSI: Miami) are on, chances are I'm sitting there knitting and drinking my coffee.

7. Cuddle Parties: I've only recently discovered this. It's just a fun way of relaxing and connecting with other people. With today's world, people tend to be more isolated from each other than they've been in quite some time. In today's world, it is nice to know we can connect with each other, in a safe environment, with other people.

6. Games: Mostly online games at this point (Neopets.com mostly). I do love playing games with real live people but never found enough people to get together to do much of a regular thing.

5. Chapstick: OMG. I have discovered this one chapstick that I have found highly addictive. It's minty and makes my lips tingle slightly from the mintyness (it makes my lips feel sexy even for a few short seconds). Oh ok. The chapstick is called Biggs & Featherbelle - the one I'm "addicted" to is called Eskimo Kiss.

Which leads me to my next guilty pleasure....

4. Kissing: I love kissing. Not that I have had much experience in this department, but it doesnt mean I dont enjoy it. ;)

3. Knitting: It's a big part of my life, but I secretly knit where and when I can. Yes, the bathroom is included in that scenario.

2. Coffee: *drool* Need I say more?

1. Yarn: I know this may fall in with knitting but I am catagorising it as something else. Mainly knitting is the action of USING yarn. Yarn is just something collected and is more inspiration to be used for action.

Online Discounts

Ok. I know I like getting a good deal on things, and I'm sure other people do too.

I have found a couple good online things that get you discounts on things.

One place that has recently piqued my interest is RetailMeNot.com. What it basically does, is that it has you enter the website you want to purchase something from (like Amazon.com , JCPenny.com, Target.com, or any other retail website). Then, it shows you all the coupons/discounts that the website has (sometimes, if the website has an actual physical store - Target, JC Penny, Lane Bryant, etc - RetailMeNot.com may have a printable coupon for you too).

Sometimes, if it's just free shipping, it can be a good thing too. Shipping for somethings can be a bit pr icy for one reason or another. FreeShippingOn.com and FreeShipping.org may be good sites to check out too. Though RetailMeNot.com should have most of your coupon codes for you (shipping and other misc discounts).

Productive Evening

So, last night was my first encounter of what is known as a Cuddle Party.

I wasn't sure of what to expect. I sort of knew what I was getting into, but had a feeling I would enjoy myself. I would say it was a successful evening all in all.

I was surprised at the size of the group - around 8 people including myself - I was expecting (well more like hoping) more. But it was a Friday evening to boot.

What was also nice (was sort of happy the group was small - might have been a little over whelmed if it was larger) was there were rules to follow. Kind of setting boundaries of what was acceptable, etc. Made the event feel more legit (something more than a free-for-all, chaotic clothed orgy - not that it ever was nor would have progressed/allowed to get to that point). It was about the comfort of the attending people (to what extent they participated), being able to use the space to open communication, being able to change your mind about things, helping in setting boundaries, etc. (To what extent is up to the individual).

I liked the notion that you don't have to cuddle everyone at the entire event (or anyone for that matter). Comforting I thought. You could just kick back and relax by yourself if you wanted to.

It was definitely a neat experience. And something I would invite people to experience for themselves.

Merle Fest 2009

Merle Fest is a music festival revolving around the concept of sharing music on all levels. Listening, performing, and exchanging information and ideas. I've never been to the music event and this will be a first for me.

I want to go but also want to keep the costs low, and so I started the volunteer ball rolling (you can find information on volunteering at the festival here). Now I guess the next step is seeing who I can convince to go with me (and quite possibly take off work to go as well).

It seems like it's going to be fun. Part of my motivation is a fav. band of mine is playing durring the weekend of this event. *smirk*

Hopefully I can get at least SOMEONE to go with me.

Phil in the Circle

Cuddle Me Silly!

So, I'm kind-of excited about this Friday.

Wanna know why?


IT'S A CUDDLE PARTY!!!


*rofl*

What is a cuddle party you ask?

Here is a little blurb about it from the website:

What a Cuddle Party Is: A structured, safe workshop on boundaries, communication, intimacy and affection. A drug and alcohol-free way to meet fascinating people in a relaxing environment. A laboratory where you can experiment with what makes you feel safe and feel good.

This playful, fun workshop has been a place for people to rediscover non-sexual touch and affection, a space to reframe assumptions about men and women, and a great networking event to meet new friends, roommates, business partners and significant others.

Can Cuddle Party restore your faith in humanity? It just might. But at the very least, you'll have a great time, and leave feeling relaxed and inspired.


I personally think it's going to be a fun time!!!!

A Handmade Holiday

It seems that this year's big thing is "handmade" things for the holidays.

Crafts it seems to have come full circle since the 1960's/1970's (or at least that's what it seems to me).

Granted non-handmade things are still selling, but everywhere I turn, I keep hearing on the radio, reading online, and seeing on TV (not so much on TV - but still there) the buzz is all about crafts and handmade.

This has inspired me to put a couple things up on Etsy.com. I do have my own "store" on Etsy but havent put anything up just yet. You can check my store out here to see if anything has been put up yet. But right now, nothing is up.

Yeah me!

So, I got up early this "Black Friday" to make sure I got what I wanted. A digital camera!

Now only if my computer cooperates and installs the software.

Drinking Baby!

So, I was out to lunch the other day with a couple of girl friends at an organic restaurant (which happened to be tied into the local organic grocery store a couple doors down from it in one direction and an organic-ishy boutique store a couple doors down in the other direction - I think there is also a pet grooming/store in that same shopping mall as well tied into with them as well).

Afterwards, we ended up at the boutique shop looking around, and I bought something called a "Clean Canteen" (something along that line). The concept is that it's made out of metal and not plastic, because regardless of how you make it, plastic still leaches into the contents it's holding and metal not as much. And that is bar none for all plastic bottles (disposable and reusable). (The plastic bottles leach toxins into the food/liquid if exposed to heat in particular - the fattier the contents the higher the toxin count apparently). But who's really to say what's 100% truthful and if what's said is anything near the truth.

Well, I got myself a clean canteen and have been impressed with it so far. I also own a Nalgene bottle and have enjoyed it as well. But I will say I enjoy my Sigg water bottle a little more. I don't know if it's my intention or if it's actually the bottle, but I feel better after drinking out of the Sigg bottle than the Nalgene. I've also noticed with the Nalgene, the water starts to taste more and more funky, the longer you leave it in the bottle. And that's at room temp.

So far the Sigg bottle hasn't done that. (I've been using it for the last week and a half).

The bottle I got is this lovely matte gold Indian/70's-ish inspired pattern on a blue back ground (the stopper is black on mine and not blue). I like it and it's suppose to be good for a really long time, lasting anywhere from 10 - 20 years depending on how much you abuse ..... hem, use it.

If you're curious about the Sigg products click here to check out their website.

They are running a special now through Dec 15th, 2008 where any order $30 or more gets FREE shipping with either FedEx or UPS using the code FREEFEDEX or FREEUPS. It's pretty easy to get $30 worth of stuff from Sigg. Yes, the products are pricy, but then metal bottles like this have always been on the expensive side. (It's worth the little extra money if it means you're healthier for drinking out of it, right? Sure beats possible medical bills).

Great Nation of Isolation.

Ok. So, I've heard about cuddle parties a while back (maybe going on a couple years now).

I've been intrigued since I first found out about it, but haven't been comfortable enough or confident enough to actually attend one.

I finally gave in, figuring if it was too weird or too whatever, there was nothing to stop me from just leaving. I'll be attending one up near Baltimore at the beginning of December.

Some of the stuff on their site (www.cuddleparty.com) makes sense on how today as a society has morphed/warped what acceptable touch is.

This is what the website has to say:

What a Cuddle Party Is: A structured, safe workshop on boundaries, communication, intimacy and affection. A drug and alcohol-free way to meet fascinating people in a relaxing environment. A laboratory where you can experiment with what makes you feel safe and feel good.

This playful, fun workshop has been a place for people to rediscover non-sexual touch and affection, a space to reframe assumptions about men and women, and a great networking event to meet new friends, roommates, business partners and significant others.

Can Cuddle Party restore your faith in humanity? It just might. But at the very least, you'll have a great time, and leave feeling relaxed and inspired.

In today's world, many of us aren't getting our Recommended Daily Allowance of Welcomed Touch. Cuddle Parties seek to change that and change it in a way that's conscious, healthy and nutritious. Many of us grew up taught that a pull-out couch full of puppy-piled kids all camped-out in front of the TV was okay, but somewhere between ages 11 and 31 things changed. Now it's only okay for kids to do that. The only places for grown-up puppy-piles are in football and the occasional game of drunken Twister. Touch in groups only occurs in packed elevators, rush-hour subway cars or crowded movie theaters, but that kind of touch is usually accidental and not necessarily welcomed. For some of us, permitted touch only occurs when we pay for a massage or when we give the okay to get patted down by an airport security guard.

Our society has gotten weird about groups of people touching one another and it's taking its toll on us. Sure it's okay to touch the one you're dating or married to (that is, if you're still touching each other), but what about the single people? If you're single and touching too many other single people, you're a slut, and even then, how healthy and nutritious is all that touching when most of us have to get drunk to give ourselves permission to do it? Drunken, sexualized touch borders on desensitized groping. Most of us don't pick up somebody at the bar for a one-night cuddle.

We are so touch-and-snuggle deprived. Our need for touch has gotten so packed down and warped and pressurized that we fear its release. These years of "cuddle oppression" have become explosive. The more pressurized the situation, the more the need to suppress it, and the cycle feeds on itself. The symptoms of this "dis-ease" can be seen in the current social and corporate rules, regulations, and stigmas surrounding touch. With today's culture of mixed signals and double standards, the intricate sexual harassment maze, and the echoes of our Puritan foundations still audible, today is a very scary and unsafe place to voice our sensual needs. And one of our primary needs as humans is to touch and be touched!

I think its about time our society rebounds from the desensitised, sexual association of touch (or at least feel it's time to). Granted this isn't giving permission to anyone to go out there and claim bad/wrong touching as healthy/good touch.

In any case, it should be an interesting experience.

Single Ladies

Ok. I saw the music video of Single Ladies by Beyonce (seen below) and then stumbled upon the Justin Timberlake parody (featuring Beyonce - see below as well). It cracked me up seeing Justin dance around.

Edit: there is another video of a guy dancing to Single Girls that I thought was funny.

Procession of Hats.

Now, I've been talking about the hat's I'm knitting for my 100 hat challenge, but so far have failed to show what has been accomplished thus far.

So for this little blog, I'm posting some pics of the hats (or head wear in some cases) I've knitted for this challenge.

Cough, Cough.....

Wheezer is all I have to say.

I have heard of them before and I have heard their songs before but until recently, I never put 2 and 2 together.





And now I'm hooked more than a caffeine addict.

Winter Dreams

I love winter. I love how cold it can get. I love how the snow falls. I also love the fact it's more conducive to knitting and snuggling (not to mention hot chocolate and s'mores).

One thing I dont like is how dark it gets so quickly. Pretty much as soon as I get home from work, all I want to do is find my pj's and get into them. Yup. If I go straight home, that means I'm in my pj's by 6pm.

"This is crazy" you say. Heh. When all you want to do is crawl into bed as soon as it's dark outside, it's only the next logical step I say. It's more prevalent when it's yucky outside (as in "It's been overcast for the last week and there has been some sort of precipitation every single hour of single day"). Ugh! Mix that into the bag of "It's dark by 5pm" and you've got your pj's on as soon as you hit your doorstep (they might even be jumping up and down at the door, waiting for you to come in).

Anyway. Random thoughts for now.

Plots of Yarn.

Ok, so I've been noticing that my postings are getting close to 100.

I've been thinking about doing something special for my 100th post. Some sort of contest. Not sure what kind of contest though.

We shall see.

The Hats! The Hats!

Ok. So, I challenged myself to do 100 hats come the new year. Quite the ambitious knitter who wasn't working full time. Quite the challenge for someone who now works full time.

So, what I'm going to do is take the time limit off and just knit the 100 hats. Maybe make it 100 hats by 2010?

We shall see.

Oh the Torture!

After playing for 2 1/2 hours of kickball, I expected my muscles to be a bit sore on Monday.

What I didnt expect was some of my bones/joints to hurt as well. More specifically, my right ankle and my lower back. It feels like both need to be cracked (or popped). My muscles feel fine today, little twingy yesterday, but all's good.

I think drinking more water has helped and sleeping more too.

The Face of Victory

Who's the Cleaver Lil' Monkey Now!!!

YEAH BABY!

If you didnt know, I play kickball. Been playing for the last 2 season (3 if you include this season). The last two seasons, my team came in the bottom rungs of ranking (of games won/lost) and just played the first game of playoffs just to say we did.

This year, the games leading up to play offs were no different (though I think we won two more games than the last two seasons combined?). Low and behold, today was playoffs.

Thank God, someone on our team recruited more people, b/c we wouldn't have been able to play w/o them (they were from Texas). In the rules, you need a certain number of girls (min 3 to play w/ an automatic out every time you go through your kicking roster / 4 to play a standard game), and I was the ONLY girl that showed up from our orig. team (yeah me).

We ended up winning, by default, our first game since the other team didn't have enough players, period (3 total).

Then the remaining 3 games, we some how miraculously won. (The first team was decent enough as players - but the last two teams we played were the top two teams of the league. I think both teams only lost one game a piece).

The adrenaline is still pumping through my body! Hoo-ha!

Lets Sing a Song.....

acapella



I dont know how I find somethings. They just show up at my feet practically. How fun.

Whistful Thoughts

ON this eve of the US elections, I reflect.

Reflect on where we, as a nation have been, and where we could possibly go. Also, I am reflecting on where I am in my life and where I want to end up.

It seems to me that at this moment in time, it is opportune for change for good or for other means. What ever the intention is, I feel it is hope to better ourselves and those around us, regardless of where we stand politically or why we're voting tomorrow.

I think that is essential desire for all of us. Though it may not be expressed the same way all the time, I think, and feel, that this is what we want, the best for ourselves (and for those fortunate enough, for our loved ones as well).

Though we may disagree on what the "best" is for everyone, it is impossible to have such uniformity for everyone and have everyone be satisfied with it 100% of the time. That is the wonder and joy of this life. The diversity of life. Granted, we may not agree on things and somethings may push us out of our comfort zone, it has been these things that has allowed us to know our own boundaries, our limits, and what gives us the most pleasure in life. Whether its joy from certain beliefs to dancing in the rain naked, life is meant to be enjoyed.

So go vote for the person who gives you the most joy to see in office. Go vote and be happy.

Rock the Face!

LOVE LOVE LOVE!

It's pretty late (like 1:30 in the morning) but I've got to say that in spite of the crap-ass weather today, the day ended on a most excellent note.

I got to see a really rocking band, live and in person tonight with a really good friend of mine. The concert wasn't the high energy blast I was expecting but it still rocked my face off! It was nice that this Celtic-rock band (Great Big Sea) had a good pace of mixing the high energy songs with the softer/quieter ones.

It was greatly enjoyed by all (esp. myself).

Damn...Now That's Hawt!

Now that I have your attention! *lol*

So this past weekend was Halloween weekend. Yeah for parties (and pretty much any excuse for celebrating/partying).

I ended up going to 3 parties over the weekend. One at a club in DC on Friday and two on Saturday evening.

I had a fun time this weekend. I danced a little at the club (not so much b/c my feet were starting to hurt in my high heels by the time the dancing really started).

Saturday was nice as well. The first party, a friend invited me to it (it was a friend of hers from high school that was hosting the party). It was nice, but I didnt know anyone there than the friend (and her boyfriend) that had invited me. To a certain extent I felt my friend was feeling a bit obligated to entertain me and not really socialize with anyone else. (But who's to say she was feeling a bit nervous herself - not really knowing anyone else either).

The second party I ended up at was at a place I go once a month with a group that has ecclectic lectures on different things (from Native American ceremonies to Reiki to runes). It was a bit low key but I felt a bit more comfortable there (knowing more people).

I Want To Break Free.....

I would say this has been a reoccurring theme/message for me lately.

Just break free.

Break down the wall I have built around myself. Though some people might think I'm pretty free already - fair amount of time, just a misdirection on my part.

Hot or Not.

Ok. I am addicted to knitting like a fish is addicted to water.

Now, I'm always game to knit something new or unusual. But sometimes the things that intrigue me may not be the most sociable mainstream items.

First up is the digestive tract.

Now, I'm not a biologist or doctor or anything medical of the sorts, but I stumbled across this and fount it fascinating! A good enough excuse to use waste yarn.

I have knitted the next item up to bat. The womb. 'Nuf said. Now there is a picture of one that someone took to the next step. They added an eye patch and an eye to it.

Very clever, I think.

Now we need to represent both sexes here. So, now may I present to you: Sperm!

Some how I find these things fascinating! So off the wall and quite possibly shocking to some. I love it.

Ok, these next few photos are for that biologist in you (or possibly the curious).




The top row of photos is a dissected frog and the bottom row are photos of a dissected lab rat. Both are knitted. How cool!

Now on something less gross but just as cool

This is a "hat" (term used loosely) that's done up to look like you have your hair up in curlers. Tres funny. Desperate Housefrau is the name of the pattern/look.

Ok. Last whimsical/odd knitting item is a Hallowig. Basically a "wig" you knit yourself that has bangs incorporated.

So, if you havent been totally grossed out by some of the knitted items and you've made it this far, the following is probably one of the cutest things I've ever seen.



Some of the pictures I got off of estonia76's flicker (like the Lab Rat), and i was paroosing her photo stream (b/c she knits/crochet and I like to see what others have done) and came across the Sheep-Romper!

Selling Stuff!

Ok. I've known about Etsy for some time and have been wanting to put some knitted stuff on there.

A few people have brought up that I should sell my stuff, but not in a way that inspired me to do nothing but burn all my knitting needles, yarn, and everything I have knitted or crocheted. (Some suggestions were like doing craft shows and commissions at local boutiques - all were valid ideas, I dont want to mass produce tedious, unfulfilling items just to make my time & effort worth while at craft shows, boutiques or other such places). For me knitting has become a fulfilling hobby and will only knit things that I have an urge to knit (I'm not really into commission knitting - will do it, but it'll have to pattern specific, nothing made on the fly).

With Etsy, I can knit things on my own time, and sell them w/o investing a whole lot of time (like at a booth at a craft fair - granted its a good way to network).

Knitting to a Different Hair Colour.

To start off. I've dyed my hair, again.

Yes, I even did my eyebrows.

I enjoy freaking my mom out. This is one sure way of doing it.

So, here's what I've been up to knitting wise:

1. Participating in Hat-Attack (an elimination competition that the winner gets $500 worth of yarn - I've been knocked out already, but I'm proud that I've lasted thus far - about 50% of the other people were knocked out before me).

2. Knitting birthday presents - a couple friends birthdays are coming up soon in October. The gifts are going to be hats in their preferred colour schemes.

3. Making a mojo for a friend to inspire songs.

4. Continuing to make hats for my 100 hat challenge.

5. Queing up assorted projects for Christmas (family's presents).

Dating.

I give up.

Plain and simple. The whole dating thing has eluded me. And it's not from any lack of interest on my part.

At this point, I give up and move on.

Oddly Exciting.

Ok. I have a YouTube account. My first video is of my loveable glove hat (and yes, it's named Jeffty Jeff Jeff).

Lately, I noticed that the video has gotten up to and surpassed 1,000 views!!! *gasp*

Seriously, the number jumped from a couple hundred (somewhere between 300 & 400) to over 1,000.


Seriously.

Opps! I Did It Again!

Ok, so I've pierced my ears.....again!

In case you're wondering, I have a total of 10 piercings, 5 in each ear.



Yes, those are my real ears.

Why so many? I say, why not! I got my first piercings right before 2nd grade. I was so excited about it. :) I had wanted to get my ears pierced for about a year when I finally got them done.

Now, how the holes grew and multiplied, didn't start until I was a freshman in college. I had asked my RA (who happened to be my next door neighbor, good friend, and only one in at the time I knew would have what I wanted) for a safety pin or a needle. Didn't explain why I needed it, just needed to borrow it for a short while.

About 1/2 an hour later I had returned it to her with 4 new piercings in my ear lobes.

She freaked out a bit b/c she's a bit squeamish about needles, piercings, blood and that sort of thing. Said I could keep the safety pin.

Eventually I had gotten 10 piercings in my ears, but ended up taking out two a little too early and they closed up.

At one point I even had my nose pierced as well but things didn't work out the way I wanted (1st one was a fish hook and I ended playing with the stud while I slept and the 2nd time I took the nose ring out a little too early).

I'm thinking of getting my nose pierced again. And maybe my tongue. But I don't know. I think if I do get either or both pierced, they'll get pierced a bit down the road.

Concerts Galore!

Well, maybe not galore. But I am seeing a concert next month up in Charm City!
(for those who arent in the know, Baltimore is called Charm City for some reason).

Oh, the band I'm seeing is only the greatest band ever. Well, the band is called Great Big Sea and they're one of my favorites. And I think it'll be one of the few times I'll get a chance to dance w/o feeling all awkward and stupid about it. (Haven't danced in a really long time).

I saw them this past year at ShamrockFest. I would say that it was THE best live concert I've seen. Granted, I haven't see all that many, but it still tops my charts of awesomeness.


Here are some of the Youtube.com clips of the band:

When I Am King


Feel It Turn


When I'm Up

Happy Thoughts....

I cant tell you how happy I can get when I listen to Great Big Sea. Esp. if I'm feeling a little sad or mopey.

I dont know, some how the sound they make just cheers me up (must be something I like 'cuz I have roughtly 6 or 7 of their CDs).

On another note, I went to a Native American Ceremony lecture. VERY fascinating.

The nice lady (Jen Hudson) explained the basic principles of the Native Americans (granted, she was clear that these principles were what she was taught as apart of the lineage/tradition she learned and is apart of - and that there are common grounds upon which all tribe share, but the technical idiosyncrasies were more indicative of the individual lineage/tradition/tribe).

Jen also spoke about sweat lodges and drumming and dance circles. You can tell she was passionate about what she was talking about and had a great interest in the topic. What I thought was a bit fun was when she led a prayer ceremony where it involved a peace pipe (I think it was called a peace pipe).

It was really an awe inspiring lecture and very spiritual in nature. It really has gotten me motivated about how I define my life.

PS. The tradition Jen follows is that of the Standing-Bear Community.

The Knitter of Tarot

Ok. I am now the proud owner of not one, but two nifty tarot decks. Well, I think they're just nifty.

The first deck I've had since college. It's an art nouveau based deck. The main requirement for me were based on 2 of the 78. I wanted a good looking "Death" and "Devil" card. Weird standards, but hey, if I'm the one going to be using it, I know what I want (I have never been impressed with the imagry of the Rider-Waite deck and I know its more about the meaning behind the cards, but darn it, I want something pretty).

Here are some images of the deck (I included the Death and Devil card. I feel they're not as star or heavy as most of the other Death/Devil cards I've seen):





I got the second deck, Witchy Tarot Deck, more for a more whimsical reading (the first one was, and is, a more pratical deck for reading). The imagry is fun and light in this deck.

I've included some images from it as well.



I sense fun times ahead.

Let Them Have Cake!

Oh. Yes. Cake.

I cant say enough good things about Ace of Cakes. It's an addictive show that's filmed practically in my back yard. Technically it's not. But it's my metaphorical back yard and I claim it.

Its basically a show about this cake bakery called Charmed City Cakes (located in Baltimore, MD). They make these wicked awesome cakes. The cakes are the royalty of cakes. That's how good these cakes are. And the people are the crack dealers of these highly amusing, highly addictive cakes.

Go check them out.

100% Clean Electric Energy in 10 Years

I saw this and thought it was a good idea.

From wecansolveit.org

"$427 million. That's what the oil and coal industries spent during the first half of 2008 on lobbying and advertising. They're protecting their interests – and hurting ours.

This ad is running on TV right now, but we need millions more to see it. The special interests will outspend us, but we can compete head-to-head with them when we find ways to share these messages for free.

We want 50,000 people to watch this ad in the next 72 hours. Will you help? Please forward it to a friend..."

Knitting Contest.

So.

Keeping Knit Simple is celebrating a blogaversary. Yeah! And apart of the celebration is a contest where you can win a CD and yarn.

Simple entry. Just post a comment on the blog's comment section. More entries for blogging about the contest and sending people over to the blog.

It ends on Sept. 6th, 2008, Mid-night EDT.

Yeah contests! :)

Ambition.

Ok. I've challenged myself to do 100 hats by Jan 1, 2009.


....


I may have been a little ambitious.

So, now, I'm planning on doing allot of baby hats. Smaller and possibly easier to make. Also, what I figure since a good portion of my friends have been getting married (some what recently - like with in the last couple of years) or are seriously considering it.

This way, I figure, I'll get a head jump on baby gifts.

yeah me!

Wheel of Time - Ajah Quiz

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Which Ajah are you best suited for? created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as The Green Ajah You are best suited for the Green Ajah. Also known as "The Battle Ajah", the primary focus of the Green Ajah is to prepare themselves for the Last Battle. Although Aes Sedai cannot use their channeling to hurt anyone besides Darkfriends, this Ajah exists to do war. However, there hasn't been a war against shadow in a hundred or so years, and in that time they've earned the reputation of being more than a little flirtatious. The Brown Ajah ~ 75% The Green Ajah ~ 75% The Blue Ajah ~ 75% The Black Ajah ~ 60% The White Ajah ~ 55% The Red Ajah ~ 55% The Yellow Ajah ~ 50% The Gray Ajah ~ 45% Subscribe to: Posts (Atom) About Me Nandi View my complete profile Blog Archive ►  2023 (3) ►  June (1) ►  May (2) ►  2022 (3) ►  September (1) ►  August (2) ►  2020 (1) ►  July (1) ►  2017 (1) ►  July (1) ►  2016 (4) ►  April (3) ►  January (1) ►  2015 (2) ►  July (1) ►  April (1) ►  2014 (3) ►  November (1) ►  July (2) ►  2013 (2) ►  January (2) ►  2012 (3) ►  September (1) ►  May (1) ►  January (1) ►  2011 (9) ►  August (1) ►  May (2) ►  March (3) ►  February (3) ►  2010 (16) ►  November (1) ►  October (1) ►  September (1) ►  August (1) ►  June (3) ►  March (4) ►  February (3) ►  January (2) ►  2009 (39) ►  December (3) ►  November (1) ►  September (1) ►  August (3) ►  July (2) ►  June (5) ►  May (3) ►  March (3) ►  February (7) ►  January (11) ▼  2008 (99) ▼  December (17) 100th Post - Get Your Contest On!!! Sneak Peak! Ten years from today. . . . OMG OMG OMG OMG The Soup Moosebutter (on toast!) Peppermint Milk Rock, Paper, Scissors. Wonderful World of Toys An Every Day is a Holiday I hear it calling my name Ten Guilty Pleasures Online Discounts Productive Evening Merle Fest 2009 Phil in the Circle Cuddle Me Silly! ►  November (15) A Handmade Holiday Yeah me! Drinking Baby! Great Nation of Isolation. Single Ladies Procession of Hats. Cough, Cough..... Winter Dreams Plots of Yarn. The Hats! The Hats! Oh the Torture! The Face of Victory Who's the Cleaver Lil' Monkey Now!!! Lets Sing a Song..... Whistful Thoughts ►  October (4) Rock the Face! Damn...Now That's Hawt! I Want To Break Free..... Hot or Not. ►  September (14) Selling Stuff! Knitting to a Different Hair Colour. Dating. Oddly Exciting. Opps! I Did It Again! Concerts Galore! Happy Thoughts.... The Knitter of Tarot Let Them Have Cake! 100% Clean Electric Energy in 10 Years Knitting Contest. Ambition. Wheel of Time - Ajah Quiz ►  August (13) ►  July (15) ►  June (21) Followers Ravelympics 2010 I competed. I finished. Here's the badge I got for knitting hats in the 2010 Winter Ravelympcs. Ravelympics 2010 Badge for Felted Knit Item Ravelympics 2008 I knitted a hat for the 2008 Summer Ravelympics. Site Meter Awesome Inc. theme. Theme images by mammuth. Powered by Blogger.