Archive: May, 2008

I can't believe I haven't picked up my needles in almost 4 days. I have 2 different projects on my needles - a pair of socks and a baby hat. I want to get the hat done before we go to Orlando this week. Here is what it will look like, only in yellow. I did this one a few weeks ago.

I love the star pattern on the top. I think I'd like to try it in a soft mohair in a sage green color - it would look like a leaf. If it was for a little girl, I could add a little flower perhaps. Very cute.

Today marks the one year anniversary of meeting Jeff. I never would have thought in a million years that I'd be where I am now - living with him in sin (OH!) AND engaged. Compared to some, I've definitely done things in my own way and time and even though I've waited for the right guy (the word divorce is not in my vocabulary), I'm fine with it. In fact, I'm downright happy.

Given the day, Jeff and I discussed what we might do together. I don't think either one of us wanted to make it a big deal. So what did we do?? Ran errands!! Very domestic, I know. Of course, there were a few fun purchases like a new TV for the bedroom, and a Nintendo DS game for Jeff. And the day's not over yet, so I'm sure there will be some wine, whirlpool therapy, and other things to occupy our evening. ;)

A few months back I decided to participate in an international scarf exchange. The deadline to send out scarves was this past week and yesterday in the mail I received a beautiful scarf from a woman in Cape Cod, along with some other goodies. It was very interesting knitting for someone I've never met. I might have to do another one of these exchanges.

The long holiday weekend has really refreshed me - I only wish that every weekend was a 3-dayer. We had beautiful weather in northeast Ohio and Jeff and I took advantage of it. We made a trip to Cedar Point on Friday night, got my hair cut on Saturday and saw the new Indiana Jones movie that afternoon, and did a bit of grilling for dinner. Sunday included a picnic and some hiking in the metroparks followed by a trip to Target and the Mustard Seed. Today, I got caught up on some cleaning and laundry and FINALLY finished the last Harry Potter book.

All in all, an awesomely relaxing weekend.

If you've read Jeff's blog recently, you'll know that he and I are officially engaged. Even though I knew a ring would be coming, I really didn't expect it on Friday night. We'd decided to go to Cedar Point in the hopes that it wouldn't be that crowded. Now that the warmer weather is here, the chances of spending time at CP without lots of people are going to be slim until the fall. Our first ride of the evening was on the Giant Wheel and while we were at the very top, Jeff proposed and gave me a very beautiful ring.

In some respects it seems that we've known each other forever, but when you look at the timeline, it's only been a year. And right now, things seem to be falling into place in a lot of different areas in our lives right now. It's a very exciting time right now, and I'm going to savor every moment.

I had one of my new hires come to class yesterday with extreme throat pain and no voice. She manages to croak out that her daughter has been diagnosed with strep throat and she's pretty sure that she has it. So at this point I have to ask "Why the heck did she come to work today???" She left class by 9am to go to the doctor and I hear back from her today that it is indeed a raging case of strep throat. It pisses me off that she came to work and exposed me and my class to something that is extremely contagious. I now have 2 others who are complaining of mild throat irritation (which I suppose could be the power of suggestion), but my throat has also been bothering me since Sunday. I'm pretty sure that mine is a result from weather changes and allergies, but now I'm not so sure. If you know you're sick (and very contagious) just stay home and spare those of us who are healthy.

After 2 weeks of what felt like non-stop cleaning, I finally feel like my house is in good enough shape to try and sell. It goes up on the market later this week. That is a major accomplishment. But all this frenetic cleaning and self-inflicted anxiety has come at a cost. I've just run myself down and my body is starting to rebel. I have a history of vertigo and in the last 2 days there have been a few warning signs so the rest of this weekend is going to be about relaxing. That's hard for me to do when I get into a mindset of being under some internal deadline. Wouldn't you know it, the weather ended up being pretty nice today and it would have been perfect to get some of my gardening done - but I reluctantly decided to listen to my body (and my boyfriend) and just rest. The yard will still be there when I decide to work on it.

I'm overjoyed that spring is finally here, but the up-and-down weather is really starting to annoy me. I have a lawn to mow, a porch to paint, flowers to plant, and flowers to transplant from one house to another and mother nature and I never seem to be in sync. It never fails that when I have the time it's cold and rainy. All I'm asking for is a little cooperation.

No matter where I turn right now, I'm hearing something about Moms. I lost my mom to cancer last year, and despite the time lapse I miss her terribly. It seems like everywhere I go something reminds me of her. The smell of the lilacs in my backyard, a song on the radio, even the cordless drill (my mom loved power tools!). This week has been doubly difficult since yesterday would have been her 66th birthday and this Sunday is Mother's Day.

It's funny how time plays tricks on you. Last year it had only been a month from the time my mom died to Mother's Day and it didn't affect me like it does this year. Perhaps I was just numb to everything still. Now it just aches. Add all the exciting things that are going on (engagement/wedding stuff) and it makes it that much worse. My advice: don't take your mom for granted and treasure the great moments.

I made an earlier post about Freecycle.Org and since that time I've acquired 15 sets of knitting needles, and have gotten rid of 4 IKEA chairs, a filing cabinet and a very large area rug. I'm now checking the sites for my area daily just to see what people are posting. Mostly it gives me more ideas of things that I can get rid of which is a good thing. Since we're trying to combine 2 households, I really don't need to be acquiring anything bigger than knitting needles. Of course, if I happen to see that someone is giving away a skeeball game, I'll have to try and get it for a certain someone...

I'm happy to say that I've finished my scarf for the International Scarf Exchange. I'm pleased with the way it turned out. It's blocking right now, but I'm anxious to see how it looks when it's dry. Now all I need to do is find a few more goodies for my pal and off it goes in the mail.

I was supposed to make my first trip to Kennywood this weekend, but the weather isn't going to cooperate. Instead, it will force me to be productive and get some work done on my house. I have two and a half weeks to get my house cleaned and ready before my realtor puts it up on the market. I've definitely got my work cut out for me! I'm hoping spring will work to my advantage - with all the trees and flowers blooming, I hope it entices buyers. I love my yard in the springtime!!