Here is my current knitting project: fingerless gloves. They are so soft and will be so pretty. The yarn is baby alpaca! If you click on that pic, you can see the extra large blown up version. I am knitting them "in the round" on a four-needle frame, which means they will be seamless. It's much more complicated than making a scarf, but I want to really learn to knit and not be stuck making potholders and other rectangular items.

Today has been quite slow and gray, but I did get a few things done. We haven't exercised yet but I think pretty soon we'll go to the garage and hit the heavy bag and do those hated push ups. Meanwhile I'm watching someone make a banana cream pie on the food network.

I'm off to update my faux LJ again, which is still unfindable using livejournal's shitty search engine. Maybe it takes them an entire week to update their index?

Tags: knitting

Despite sore muscles, Brian and I worked out in the garage again today. Same strength training stuff; crunches, push ups, planks, lunges. After three sets of each, we took a short jog, very short, only a half mile.

We walked out to the main road and Brian said, "I want you to jog all the way to N____" which is around three blocks away. He said I had to run the whole way without stopping. A big problem I have is with confidence, and giving up because A) I can, and B) I don't believe I can push myself.

So we started to run. This was about a four-minute jog. Halfway through I definitely felt like stopping. This was the point when a personal trainer comes in handy. But I don't have that, so I conjured one in my head.


Like Jillian from the Biggest Loser! Who sometimes resembles Paula Abdul.

Anyway, I heard this inner voice saying (yelling), don't give up, don't be a quitter, you know you can finish this, challenge yourself! etc etc motorvational ass-kicking kinds of things. And I ran the whole way to where Brian was already waiting for me. I was very out of breath, but I was proud of myself.

Speaking of challenges, my latest knitting project is a pair of ribbed fingerless gloves, which are knit in the round on a frame of four needles. For me, very complicated. Luckily gloves are small and if I keep at it, I may even finish before the end of the month. They are going to be incredibly cute. I am knitting them on a variegated baby alpaca yarn in an array of autumn colors -- cream, yellow, brown, burgundy, dark green.

Tags: fitness, knitting

It didn't rain today. We walked downtown and visited the used book shop, then got apple ciders. It was actually quite lovely. On our way home we got a nice clear look at the Mount Olympus, covered with snow. And Greek gods.

Earlier today I went to the market to get a few last-minute items for dinner tomorrow. It was only noon, but the place was absolutely nuts with people. I had to park illegally! Which is totally okay in this town, on xmas eve. I wanted to get some Bailey's liquor but then remembered again that here in WA, that requires a trip to the State Liquor Store. Oh well. I was done shopping and went home.

The cranberry apple crisps are in the oven. Mmm. I think I am going to pre-make the meatballs tonight and put them in the fridge overnight. More time saved, more time to work on my current knitting project: fingerless gloves that are being knit "in the round", on a frame of tiny double-pointed needles. It's about as complicated as it sounds and I will probably screw it up, but I'm determined. Luckily my mom will be here tomorrow to help.

Tags: food, knitting

My first knitting project: a simple scarf





It's made of a marled grey and white merino wool yarn; very soft. I am hoping to have it done by the end of this month, so in three weeks or so.

Tags: knitting

I went to a knitting group tonight at the yarn store downtown. It was a nice casual gathering of ladies of different ages, and I think I will make it a regular thing. I went yesterday morning as well. God knows I need the estrogen exposure in my life. It's also a good way to learn more about knitting! Once I am done with this scarf I can move on to something more fun.

Oh and the house on our street sold. They just put the sign out today. Oh well.

I am super sleepy right now. I walked about 12,000 steps today and around 10,000 yesterday. Aw yeah. I think that is around five miles or so? I also did a bunch of reading, some writing, and while walking, listened to over an hour of the audiobook. Lincoln has just won the election and is now selecting his cabinet.

Why are members of a presidential administration called a "cabinet"?

Old Honest Abe wasn't one for fancy things like hair product.



I'm exhausted.

Tags: knitting

I spent this afternoon sitting on the couch knitting and watching Annie Hall. My hands need a rest now. Nachos for dinner!! YAY

I went downtown today to the yarn store and the nice lady there helped me with my project. As I'd feared, it had to be taken apart and recast, but it's okay. I worked out all my issues and I think now that I have knitted a couple of inches, it'll be smooth sailing.

Finally received the post card from Claire that she sent this summer from Poland. It reached San Francisco last week then had to be forwarded here. Hilarious. Thanks Claire!

Tags: knitting