Got Gauge

Checking In

I hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July! We played in the annual Swingers Tournament. Or "Husband Swap." It's a great deal of fun with the group of couples we golf with regularly. The Husband won Best Net with his new wife of the day. I came in second low net with my new husband for the day. All around a good, fun day of golf.

I walked since I didn't hit the gym as much as I should this week. And I can feel progress in my quest to get more healthy. I usually struggle up #4 when we tee off on the back nine. No problems yesterday! I'm stil a bit bummed about the scale number but I can see and feel progress!

Today I packed, packed, packed. The house is slowly but surely getting less cluttered. I think I will try to "move" every 5 years. It's eye opening how much stuff you (meaning me) collects. Must change my habits and patterns.

I came across a few letters from my other Mother today. She's really an amazing woman. Not too many kids are so lucky to be so loved and encouraged. Re-reading her letters from college and after I graduated warms my heart to no end. Her honesty and support helped shape me more than I think I ever realized. And I thought I was aware of it. I kept those letters so that I can remember to share that some honesty to others in my life. There is nothing like the handwritten words of support and love.

I also discovered I have too many unused tea pots and cups. I must have a tea party once we get settled.

Off to get ready for a cookout tonight. I need to not focus on house stuff.

Happy Day!

Stomach Ache!

When we bought our current home, it was easy. Our Real Estate Agent was the "Aunt" of a dear friend of ours. And that family has become our family friends. We still hang out with her husband and children.

It was like having your Mom walk you through opening your first checking account kind of easy. The sellers were the original owners and again, it had that kind of feel that a distant cousin was selling us their home. Just wanted a young couple to have a home to settle down and start making memories. (Okay, I think they wanted us to make babies and raise children here like they did.) They even gave us the low down on where to set the thermostat during summer and winter months. Not in a creepy way, a nice, kind, gentle way that made you feel good. They told us stories and gave us the rundown on the 'hood. (my word, not theirs) It was such a wonderful experience all the way around.

So I know that no matter how secure I feel with our current Real Estate Agent and no matter how nice the sellers are, it's not going to be the same buying experience. It's going to be a waiting game, a test of patience and it's going to give me a stomach ache. Wait, I already have one.

Deep breathes and faith. I think I'll call Granny's and have her say some prayers. At 1238 months, she's lived a long time and I think she's got the hot line number.

I'm off to find the floor in the pantry. I can't wait to have the counter space to have my bread machine out all the time. I used to make bread at least once a week. Nothing like the smell of fresh baked bread to wake up to in the morning! I would slice two and take them to the gym for my workout buddy. Knowing it was there got us through that Friday workout!

Happy Knitting! Happy Day and I hope you have a happy stomach!

Blessings

SPOT. The Society for the Preservation of Thanksgiving. Every Halloween I tend to stop and take inventory of my blessings. Today I'm stopping and taking inventory.

• I have a Granny whose 103 and has shared with me a great deal about life.
• I have a Mother who gave birth to me and loves me.
• I have another Mom who got me at 15 1/2 and still loves me, molds me and accepts me. Yet, is the first person I think about when I think "what would she do . . . .'
• I have the most amazing circle of friends both physical, cyber and those who live too far away!
• I have a great home that I'm selling.
• Another wonderful home I want to buy.
• I have two pennies to rub together.(not sure what two pennies get you today but I got two!)
• I have my annual Girls Trip coming up in two weeks.
• I'm welcomed into a family that includes me on their Mother/Daughter trip.
• I got hired full time today from my consulting gig.
• My Aunt caught her Breast Cancer in time.
• My Husband is wonderful 99% of the time. I need to ignore that 1% better.
• I have friends that knew me before I even knew who I would be and they continue to love me and I think they will stick with me through all of life's changes.
• I have more than 1 person I can call to get bailed out of jail
• I'm working out on a regular basis.

This list isn't complete or in any particular order. It is what I am counting today, this minute. I am a very blessed girl. I hope I can keep these and other blessings at the top of my mind every day of the year. And I can keep adding to this list.

Happy Life! Happy Knitting and I wish you wonderful blessings in life as well!

Things

Sometimes you realize how many “things” you have in your life and that none of that stuff is what brings happiness to your life. Now, I will admit, there are things that help with happiness.

My shoes. Ah my shoes. In three loads to the Salvation Army nary a shoe was taken. No need. Either the shoes needed to go to the trashcan due to holes in the soles and not at all repairable or I wear them. The Husband wears all of his too. He has only 1 less pair of golf shoes than I do. Can’t wait to bust out that little piece of trivia!

Yarn. I have de-stashed a tremendous amount in the past two years. I can use to get rid of about ½ of what I have. I will do that later. I’m done to the “good” yarns that need a “good” home, not just to be donated willy nilly. Or I could call my SIL’s friend and let her stash dive.

My Stained Glass Stash. I did it. I posted on Craig’s List and I think I have someone who will take my glass, supplies and patterns in exchange for a bit of glass work.

Next I need to arrange the home pick up from Purple Heart. The home gym is going, a dresser, desk, table and chairs and miscellaneous clothing I missed during the first pass.

After all the de-cluttering is complete, we need to take a long, serious or short, serious look at our buying habits. Why do we have two complete sets of pots and pans? Which ones do we use? Do I need 75 beer glasses? 112 wine glasses? To look in the cabinets, you’d think 12 people live here. Don’t even get me started on the coffee mugs. Crazy people live in this house. Crazy beverage drinking people.

I’m not all about the packing and de-cluttering. I’ve been hitting the gym. Results are showing in the muscles but the fat is being stubborn. I just keep positive and know that I’m doing all the right stuff and it will leave. One day.

Knitting. I’m cruising on the smock top. But I need your help. I’ve lost almost 4 inches around my chest.  I don’t have the back roll anymore. Hooray! I tried to do a quick decrease down to the next size but I fear the bottom is going to be WAY too big. Should I rip and reknit the whole thing? (I’m about 12 rows into the top pattern and knitting in the round.) or just go with the large bottom. Help!

Happy Monday! Happy Knitting!

Too Much Stuff

I have too much stuff. Not too many pairs of shoes, I wear all of those. I have too much stuff I don't use, need or even really want. So if our house doesn't sell and we don't get to move, this is still a good exercise. But I'm going to choose to stay positive right now that our house will sell and I will operate in a completely different manner in the new one.

I only want the stuff I love, use and really, really want around me. I'm going to not just open a door and put something in there just because it's easier. Please remind me about this.

I'm not going to de-stash the yarn until after the move. I think I will do a stash swap at the new place! And simply donate any yarn that no one wants.

I'm going to listen to this call now. And knit. Have I told everyone how much I enjoy my new job? It's busy but also a good balance. I work my own schedule. So today I'm meeting some friends for lunch and I have another Total Body Design appointment. I even got in a quick workout this morning. However between all of that, I'll still log in 8 hours today and yesterday was a bit of a longer day. It's balance.

If anyone knows someone in or moving to the Northern Virginia area and want a great all-brick rambler, 4 bedroom, 3 bath and on 1+acre in the 22031 zip code, please help us connect! We are 3 minutes from the beltway.

Happy Knitting! Happy Day! And hopefully happy de-cluttering! (for me!)

What Have You Done?

I am too busy packing and de-cluttering to post any pictures. I still have problems with TypePad and they seem to be getting worse. So I cut and pasted the following. If you want to play along, just leave a note in the comments so we can see your answers.
Place an X by all the things you've done and remove the X from the ones you have not.  Answer the 30 questions at the end and send it to your friends (including me).  This is for your entire life!

     (X) Gone on a blind date
     (X) Skipped school
     ( ) Watched someone die
     (X) Been to Canada
     (X) Been to Mexico
     (X) Been to Florida
     (X) Been on a plane
     (X) Been lost
     (X) Been on the opposite side of the country
     (X) Gone to Washington, DC
     (X) Swam in the ocean
     (X) Cried yourself to sleep
     (X) Played cops and robber
     (X) Recently colored with crayons
     (X) Sang Karaoke
     (X) Paid for a meal with coins only?
     (X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't
     (X) Made prank phone calls
     (X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose.
     (X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue
     (X) Danced in the rain
     (X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
     (X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
     (X) Watched the sunrise with someone you care about
     (X) Blown bubbles
     (X) Gone ice-skating
     (X) Been skinny dipping outdoors
     (X) Gone to the movies

     1. Any nicknames? Phyl, Phyl-Phyl, Phylie, Big D, Phyliz . . .
     2. Mother's name?  Susan and Sylvia
     3. Favorite drink? Very dirty martini, red wine, fountain coke and water.
     4. Tattoos?  Yes
     5. Body Piercing?  Yes
     6. How much do you love your job? It’s like it was made just for me.
     7. Birthplace?   Newport News, Va
     8. Favorite vacation spot?  British Virgin Islands
     9. Ever been to Africa ?  No
     10. Ever eaten cookies for dinner? Yes
     11. Ever been on TV?   Yes
     12. Ever steal any traffic sign?  Whose asking?
     13. Ever been in a car accident?   Yes
     14. Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle?  4 door
     15. Favorite Salad Dressing? Oil/Vinegar with Blue Cheese crumbles
     16. Favorite pie?  Lemon or chocolate margiue
     17. Favorite number?  Not sure but I tend to do things in 3’s.
     18. Favorite movie? Recently is Waitress. Otherwise, it’s a lot of the old ones shown on AMC/TCM.
    19. Favorite holiday? My birthday
     20. Favorite dessert?  Ice cream or chocolate
     21. Favorite food?  Cheese
     22. Favorite day of the week?  Sunday
     23. Favorite brand of body wash?  Oil of olay
     24. Favorite toothpaste? I forgot what it is, must go search the drug store.
     25. Favorite smell? Ocean air
     26. What do you do to relax? Knit, read, play golf, play with the dogs or go to the gym.
     28. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Living in that house I want.
     29. Furthest place you will send this message?  I’m posting it to my blog, so leave a comment and tell us where you are!
     30. Who will respond to this first?   Not a clue!

The Great Big De-stash

So what's new with you? Nothing new here with Typepad. Still can't blog without a big ole pain in the tush. If I weren't so busy with other things in my life, I'd switch to a different service. But right now, I'm de-stashing, de-cluttering and getting the house ready for sale. We are packing our bags and heading West. Not too far but far enough that it's a good compromise for us.

I've been wanting to move South and East, somewhere near friends, families and water. The Husband has grown up in the area and keeps saying, "sure! let's go!" but when it comes down to it, he doesn't want to go. I CAN'T BLOG LIKE THIS!

Anyway, we found an area that will allow us a bit more space, has a pool and loads of people we already know. Now we just pray that someone wants a 4 bedroom, all brick rambler on a bit over an acre right off the Beltway. Know anyone, send them our way!

Our weekend away was wonderful! But stay away from Lansdowne Resort. The golf was great! The Golf Club staff and food were wonderful. The actual hotel staff could not have been more rude unless they actually spit in my face. Seriously, I have never, ever been treated so rudely by the front desk. And as you know I used to travel 40 weeks a year. It's a shame because when we got married there 8 years ago, it was a wonderful experience. And the food was so much better. The meals we had were just okay. Nothing great. Only 1 of the desserts was anything to really go "Wow!" We were served our red wine at dinner in a white wine glass. Are you kidding me? Seriously, I know they had a problem with staff recently but I don't think it's that difficult to train people red in this one, white in that one. And spa services . . . . The Husband's 50 minute massage wasn't even 30 minutes long. My upgraded pedicure was shorter and less through than the one I get up the street for $25. And I know spa treatments. So I'm very bummed with those aspects but the weekend was just what the doctor ordered for the Husband and I. Especially seeing that we will be spending the next two weeks in super clean up and spruce up mode!

Happy Knitting! Happy De-Cluttering. I'm off to take a full truck load to the Salvation Army.

Happy Friday!

**big sigh** I had hoped to wear my Cable and Lace Top for our weekend away. This weekend. Not happening. The same way my blogging in TypePad is not happening. I re-read my pattern and I can not figure out what I did wrong with the sleeves. I used my row counter and everything. Could my tension have changed that much? Nah.

When I cast on, I might go up a needle size. I'm also considering using the recommended yarn. Although what I used is basically the same, might make a difference.

The Husband and I are going away for the weekend. Doing a little in-town get-away to the place we got married. So tonight a lovely dinner, tomorrow golf, pool, spa appointments, a less formal dinner, Sunday golf and house looking. I can't say house hunting because it's not like we are hunting. More like "hey, maybe we'll move out here." A compromise between my wanting to move closer to friends, family and/or water. Bascially, I don't want to deal with traffic on the way to the grocery store any longer. And, well, he grow up here and this is just his normal. We'll see.

So while we are having our weekend away, my sister-friend and her three kids are staying at our  house. Works out great! They get to tour the city without having to get a hotel room and we don't have to pay for a dog-sitter.

Off to the gym. I'm getting a bit frustrated because I'm stuck. I'm thinking I might join Weight Watchers to help get over this sticking point.

Happy Knitting! Happy Weekend!

Knit, Rip, Repeat

I finished knitting the top of the Lace and Cable Top last night, seamed the underarm and short side seam. I tried it on and was so very disappointed. Somehow my second sleeve was much shorter than the first. It's not the actual sleeve but the part between the neckline and the sleeve was much shorter. The neckline was too wide and the length would have the peplum start at a very wrong spot.

Typepad has responded and said their engineers are working on the problem. If it's not fixed by next week, I'm moving. Typing this entry has taken me 5 minutes and I'm not a slow typer at all. I just can't see what I'm typing, have to back space. Retype and it's all like doing it under water.

I think I might cast on for the tank top as a break. Should be rather fast and easy.

Happy Knitting! Happy Blogging if you can!

A Picture Inpires A Thousand Words

Let's see if I can post normally today, shall we?

Sometimes when I look at her, I want to write a story of her life. But I wont' be doing it on TypePad since the last word I am looking at right now is "I". I'm leaving in all the typos that I normally hit the backspace to fix.

One day, I might have to put down on paper one of the many stories I've spun about her. I enjoyed the process of making this piece in part because with every cut of the glass, I was creating something magical. This is far and away the best thing I've ever created. Every home I ever have with have a special place to hang her. What is your most treasured piece?

Happy Knitting! Happy Late Spring! And happy creating something special.