Do you have the treats?
I don't want to smile!
This photo shoot is about me, right?
1.31.2008
My Chair - Dogs On Thursday
A few summers ago I bought two big round chairs at Target (Papason?). They are comfortable to curl up and read in, have room to knit, but we used to joke that wouldn't it be nice if Jackson would sit in there? Last year (2006) around Christmas, he would go sit in the chair - it was diagonally across the room from our dining table, so I think he liked it because he could see us. Over the summer he would go to the chair when it was too hot to sit on us. He is getting better about going to his chair during the day or night when either we don't sit and give him a lap, or when he's tired. Yesterday I put Lorelai in the chair and lured him with treats. He didn't seem to mind... too much!
Do you have the treats?
I don't want to smile!
This photo shoot is about me, right?
Do you have the treats?
I don't want to smile!
This photo shoot is about me, right?
1.30.2008
101 Update - January
My 101 List Update, Revisions, Additions & Subtractions.
I've completed 4 things (#46 56, 76, 79). I've got lots "in progress".
16. Cook one new recipe a month (2/33) - The two I tried so far were not so wonderful. I don't mind trying new things so I will continue. I am fairly certain I will get to 33 well before the end of the 1001 days.
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day. - Between the Nalgene bottle and a big poland spring bottle that I always keep in the fridge, I'm doing pretty well with this one. It's harder now that I'm not pregnant (and therefore, not thirsty) but I'm making it work.
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (1/30) - Bartholmew Sock #1
22. Knit two mitered squares a month. (1/66) - The second one for this month I'll do tonight.
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (3/52)
27. Floss twice a week (4/286) - I'm slipping on this one. Even at once a week though, I'm flossing WAY more than I used to do. Keep it up, me!
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week. - After Steve Ross kicked my ass, I've been sluggish. I did a 20-minute yoga last week, and haven't done anything else since. Shame on me.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow) - Meh. New England in the winter.
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list. - I've got my $4 stashed away.
35. Read 10 books. (2/10) - Two down and they were both great! Onto #3, The Tender Bar.
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson. - It's all in my head, but I've got ideas.
38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (1/2) - One down.
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers! - I'm writing the recipes down as I use them. Good way to sort through things I've previously torn out.
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (2/33) - January, done.
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (1/33)
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time. - This is taking a lot longer than I thought it would!
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (1/15)
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (1/20) – Snowman Hat
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (1/30)
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own. Snowman Hat.
74. Join a local mom+baby group.
77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (1/143) – I bought “The Weepies” cd from iTunes. I’ve been listening to the music channels on tv to hear new music, and pandora, but haven’t invested in anything else yet. Must step this up.
78. See if the nerds / geeks can rescue the data from the Dell hard drive. – Waiting to hear back from them.
85. Go to one SnB meetup a month (1/33) – I went to one, took Lorelai to another, and it seems like there is an informal one in town forming. Yay!
88. Reorganize cosmetics / lotions / soaps / etc in bathroom. – Ugh. Too much stuff.
89. Improve cleaning efforts - once a week: kitchen floor, bathroom, dust. (1/143) – Well, it’s neater around here. I’m lurking about the FLYlady.
90. Answer questions that are asked (yes or no! not my own answer)
91. Attempt to lessen the carbon footprint of this household.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping.
97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2/143) – I really like the Sunday Styles, Book Review, Magazine
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.
Revisions / Subtractions
11. Join Stroller Strides and attend class once a week. (0/143) - I emailed the group and never heard back from them, so this one is going out the window. #11 will now be changed to "Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT."
21. Knit an afghan for J&J wedding. Deadline: June,2008. – I’ve decided that J would probably not appreciate an afghan. I’ll buy them something off a registry. Instead, I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
37. After using the Christmas Gift Certificates, no yarn buying until my birthday. Exception: Yarn for J&J Wedding afghan - I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house. I bought yarn when I went to SnB two weeks ago, so I brought 3 bags (a mix of stuff) to SnB last week and came home with very little of it! Score! As I bought sock yarn from the Loopy Ewe and Eat.Sleep.Knit and will not feel bad about it.
I've completed 4 things (#46 56, 76, 79). I've got lots "in progress".
16. Cook one new recipe a month (2/33) - The two I tried so far were not so wonderful. I don't mind trying new things so I will continue. I am fairly certain I will get to 33 well before the end of the 1001 days.
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day. - Between the Nalgene bottle and a big poland spring bottle that I always keep in the fridge, I'm doing pretty well with this one. It's harder now that I'm not pregnant (and therefore, not thirsty) but I'm making it work.
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (1/30) - Bartholmew Sock #1
22. Knit two mitered squares a month. (1/66) - The second one for this month I'll do tonight.
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (3/52)
27. Floss twice a week (4/286) - I'm slipping on this one. Even at once a week though, I'm flossing WAY more than I used to do. Keep it up, me!
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week. - After Steve Ross kicked my ass, I've been sluggish. I did a 20-minute yoga last week, and haven't done anything else since. Shame on me.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow) - Meh. New England in the winter.
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list. - I've got my $4 stashed away.
35. Read 10 books. (2/10) - Two down and they were both great! Onto #3, The Tender Bar.
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson. - It's all in my head, but I've got ideas.
38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (1/2) - One down.
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers! - I'm writing the recipes down as I use them. Good way to sort through things I've previously torn out.
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (2/33) - January, done.
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (1/33)
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time. - This is taking a lot longer than I thought it would!
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (1/15)
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (1/20) – Snowman Hat
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (1/30)
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own. Snowman Hat.
74. Join a local mom+baby group.
77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (1/143) – I bought “The Weepies” cd from iTunes. I’ve been listening to the music channels on tv to hear new music, and pandora, but haven’t invested in anything else yet. Must step this up.
78. See if the nerds / geeks can rescue the data from the Dell hard drive. – Waiting to hear back from them.
85. Go to one SnB meetup a month (1/33) – I went to one, took Lorelai to another, and it seems like there is an informal one in town forming. Yay!
88. Reorganize cosmetics / lotions / soaps / etc in bathroom. – Ugh. Too much stuff.
89. Improve cleaning efforts - once a week: kitchen floor, bathroom, dust. (1/143) – Well, it’s neater around here. I’m lurking about the FLYlady.
90. Answer questions that are asked (yes or no! not my own answer)
91. Attempt to lessen the carbon footprint of this household.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping.
97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2/143) – I really like the Sunday Styles, Book Review, Magazine
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.
Revisions / Subtractions
11. Join Stroller Strides and attend class once a week. (0/143) - I emailed the group and never heard back from them, so this one is going out the window. #11 will now be changed to "Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT."
21. Knit an afghan for J&J wedding. Deadline: June,2008. – I’ve decided that J would probably not appreciate an afghan. I’ll buy them something off a registry. Instead, I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
37. After using the Christmas Gift Certificates, no yarn buying until my birthday. Exception: Yarn for J&J Wedding afghan - I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house. I bought yarn when I went to SnB two weeks ago, so I brought 3 bags (a mix of stuff) to SnB last week and came home with very little of it! Score! As I bought sock yarn from the Loopy Ewe and Eat.Sleep.Knit and will not feel bad about it.
Two Months Old!
Happy Two Months, Lorelai!
Someone, I forget who, decorated this onesie at my baby shower. It reads, "If you think I'm cute you should meet Jackson" - and boy, do we ever think she is cute! How can she get cuter every day? And she still has all that hair! Makes her look older, which is funny because at each of the baby groups we have attended, she's the youngest! She's full of smiles and is making more "talkative" noises, no longer solely crying.
We've even started reading!
Someone, I forget who, decorated this onesie at my baby shower. It reads, "If you think I'm cute you should meet Jackson" - and boy, do we ever think she is cute! How can she get cuter every day? And she still has all that hair! Makes her look older, which is funny because at each of the baby groups we have attended, she's the youngest! She's full of smiles and is making more "talkative" noises, no longer solely crying.
We've even started reading!
1.28.2008
Big Bad Baby Blanket
I finished this blanket last week or just before. I bought the yarn back in May when Betsy and I went to Webs. I started it, but stopped because I got superstitious... I picked it up and put it down many times, more so towards the end of my pregnancy, but didn't finish it before Lorelai arrived! I love it - I used blue sky organic cotton. Didn't bother to block it. Great for tv knitting, I would make this again or even make it larger for an adult.
No more photos mom, really!
Here's a cuter picture of her:
See the little thing in her hair? It's a little flower clip from etsy shop PrettyinPaper (she's changing her shop name to PrettyInPosies) - The clips stay in her hair pretty well and they are very cute!
No more photos mom, really!
Here's a cuter picture of her:
See the little thing in her hair? It's a little flower clip from etsy shop PrettyinPaper (she's changing her shop name to PrettyInPosies) - The clips stay in her hair pretty well and they are very cute!
1.23.2008
Photos!
Photo-heavy post. We can start with knitting - when Lorelai is wrapped up in the moby wrap, I have my hands free to type, blog, knit, etc - see?
She doesn't look very comfortable, but it worked for our walk and she's been snoozing in it / on me for the last 30 minutes or so. Here are the photos pre / post walk:
It is one of those nice New England in winter days - nice in the sun, not windy - just right for a walk if you bundle up properly. So, she was wrapped and tucked into the moby wrap, with a hat (direct from Peru thanks to Uncle Dan and Aunt Virginia), and I wore / zipped up Dan's fleece that fit over both of us. Worked well, and we all (Jackson included) got some fresh air. I may have to do this for SnB!
Before we got up and walking, I was plaing around with my camera. I think this is one I'll enter in the local fairs this summer:
And in playing around with my camera, I rediscovered the "continuous" setting - Evolution of a Smile:
I think it would be cool to put that on a notecard or something....
She doesn't look very comfortable, but it worked for our walk and she's been snoozing in it / on me for the last 30 minutes or so. Here are the photos pre / post walk:
It is one of those nice New England in winter days - nice in the sun, not windy - just right for a walk if you bundle up properly. So, she was wrapped and tucked into the moby wrap, with a hat (direct from Peru thanks to Uncle Dan and Aunt Virginia), and I wore / zipped up Dan's fleece that fit over both of us. Worked well, and we all (Jackson included) got some fresh air. I may have to do this for SnB!
Before we got up and walking, I was plaing around with my camera. I think this is one I'll enter in the local fairs this summer:
And in playing around with my camera, I rediscovered the "continuous" setting - Evolution of a Smile:
I think it would be cool to put that on a notecard or something....
Surprised.
I couldn't believe when I heard the news on the radio about Heath Ledger!
I loved him in "10 Things I Hate About You", "A Knight's Tale", "The Patriot", "Brokeback Mountain" and "Monster's Ball"...looking forward to the "Dark Knight"... So much talent, so sad.
I've got to take photos, but I've finished Lorelai's baby blanket, and one of the Bartholomew's tantalizing socks. The Amelie dress is just about seamed and needs buttons.
I did buy yarn at the SnB this week, I shouldn't have (according to my 1001 list), but I've decided to modify that - I'll work to not buy yarn, but if I do, some other yarn must go - next SnB I'll be bringing a bag of yarn in need of a good home, equal quantities to what I bought. That should work.
I loved him in "10 Things I Hate About You", "A Knight's Tale", "The Patriot", "Brokeback Mountain" and "Monster's Ball"...looking forward to the "Dark Knight"... So much talent, so sad.
I've got to take photos, but I've finished Lorelai's baby blanket, and one of the Bartholomew's tantalizing socks. The Amelie dress is just about seamed and needs buttons.
I did buy yarn at the SnB this week, I shouldn't have (according to my 1001 list), but I've decided to modify that - I'll work to not buy yarn, but if I do, some other yarn must go - next SnB I'll be bringing a bag of yarn in need of a good home, equal quantities to what I bought. That should work.
1.18.2008
Modern Letter Project
I came across the link to this on another blog: The Modern Letter Project - how cool is that? I'm signing up, as I am a snail mail junkie and miss having pen pals. I used to have a bunch - I can remember my mom telling me I had to pay for the postage because it was getting expensive - back when the postage was 25 cents!
I got a box of stash yarn loaded onto ravelry today. Go me.
I got a box of stash yarn loaded onto ravelry today. Go me.
1.17.2008
Hanging out at the Gym (Dogs on Thursday)
Lorelai's toys (not that there are many) are in the same room as Jackson's toys. It's where we all hang out, so there's bound to be overlap. And many baby toys are just like the dog toys - bright colors, squeaky, rattles, crinkly. So it's only natural (to us) that we put them both down on the mat to enjoy. Actually, Jackson's been really good so far with that gym. We thought for sure he would try to nip at the handing toys - he's only gone after the pillow a few times and then it was to get our attention. He tried to hump it once as well, but it's soft and so it collapsed as he put his paws on the arches - that was the end of that.
Stars Hollow-ish
Small towns in New England have the best police reports sometimes. Like this one, from my town's "Police Incident Report" (which used to be way more fun when they would print people's names and ages!):
A resident trapped in an elevatore was reported at the monastery on SomeSuch Road, 10:53am. Fire department personnel responded to reset the elevator and free the nun.
Free the nun!
That just makes me giggle.
A resident trapped in an elevatore was reported at the monastery on SomeSuch Road, 10:53am. Fire department personnel responded to reset the elevator and free the nun.
Free the nun!
That just makes me giggle.
Pixie Hat or Suction Cup?
I've been putting off finishing the larger knit items - Lorelai's blanket, the Amelie dress, my Bartholomew socks... I thought the Pixie Hat would be really cute. I had made Lorelai Christmas themed hats, and the snowman didn't quite work out, and it's been so cold she needs something on her head when we go out. Something girl-ish, as her coat is blue, and with her mop of hair no one notices the pink blanket, so they assume she's a he. I've got the hat from Dan and Virginia's Peru trip, and it's adorable on her! Anyway, I dug around in one of the stash boxes and found this purple-ish yarn, pretty sure it's wool, and thought it would be perfect. I knit it up, and put it on and...
It's way too small. Dan coined it as being rather suction cup like.
Unintentionally then, I've knit the first charity baby hat (out of 30 that are on my 1001 list). It's really cute, and I might add the ties to it as I still have some yarn left. Quick knit, a good break / distraction from the seaming, ball winding and gauge checking that awaits me with the other projects.
It's way too small. Dan coined it as being rather suction cup like.
Unintentionally then, I've knit the first charity baby hat (out of 30 that are on my 1001 list). It's really cute, and I might add the ties to it as I still have some yarn left. Quick knit, a good break / distraction from the seaming, ball winding and gauge checking that awaits me with the other projects.
1.16.2008
Yoga, interrupted
I love tivo. It dawned on me the other day that I could set a wishlist for "yoga" and get some new routines available to me without buying a dvd. I found Inhale with Steve Ross on Oxygen - I used to watch / do this when I was in grad school. It's yoga with fun upbeat music, the guy cracks jokes the whole time and it's hard. I forgot how hard, as this was not the best routine to do after being pregnant / having a baby /not doing much of anything since, oh, I don't know - october? I maybe got through half of it (and thanks to tivo, skipped over the really hard middle section). Towards the end, I hear this rattle noise. I can't see Jackson anywhere, so I figure that he's playing with one of his toys, but I can't recall which one. I got up and walked around the room and found him.
Look under the table - he's in the baby's seat - (baby is upstairs in her crib) - he was burying the bone I gave him to ocupy him earlier.
Silly dachshund.
Look under the table - he's in the baby's seat - (baby is upstairs in her crib) - he was burying the bone I gave him to ocupy him earlier.
Silly dachshund.
1.15.2008
"Itty Bitty" Snowman
My first FO for 2008! It's the Snowman hat from "Itty Bitty Hats" - I used stash yarns (black - red heart, white - caron simply soft, red - debbie bliss merino dk, orange - kitchen cotton).
You might not notice it as modeled by Elvis the dcuk, but it's really tall. I either mismeasured or misread something. Oh well, it's still kinda cute / funny! Lorelai is still undecided.
You might not notice it as modeled by Elvis the dcuk, but it's really tall. I either mismeasured or misread something. Oh well, it's still kinda cute / funny! Lorelai is still undecided.
1.13.2008
Thank you for the comments about my grandfather - they mean a lot. It's been a crazy week with all that business, and Lorelai is a happy distraction. She brought a smile to everyone's face and it didn't hurt that she was very well behaved!
I wanted to knit, but since Monday (??? maybe. I can't remember) I haven't physically knit a stitch, they've all been in my head. Hopefully today I can finish the nose for the snowman hat and get that sewn up.
I've been reading - at night before we go to bed since there's been nothing on tv. I finished The Good Good Pig - it was a quick, light-hearted read. Very enjoyable. I've started The Memory Keeper's Daughter and I can't put it down. I've even taken to nursing Lorelai in my bedroom so I can sit on the bed propped up with pillows and read while she eats. Striking.
At a belated-holiday-let's-get-together-anyway-party last night Lorelai finally met the rest of her great-aunts / uncles and cousins. I think she's met the family now. And we found out about another baby on the way. Between family, family friends and friends, there are babies that I want to knit something for due in May, June, July, and August! I'm going to be making baby hats all spring :)
I've found that it's best (and easiest for now) to photograph the wee one in the morning when I wake her up - the light is good and she's in a good mood. These are some of my recent favorites:
I wanted to knit, but since Monday (??? maybe. I can't remember) I haven't physically knit a stitch, they've all been in my head. Hopefully today I can finish the nose for the snowman hat and get that sewn up.
I've been reading - at night before we go to bed since there's been nothing on tv. I finished The Good Good Pig - it was a quick, light-hearted read. Very enjoyable. I've started The Memory Keeper's Daughter and I can't put it down. I've even taken to nursing Lorelai in my bedroom so I can sit on the bed propped up with pillows and read while she eats. Striking.
At a belated-holiday-let's-get-together-anyway-party last night Lorelai finally met the rest of her great-aunts / uncles and cousins. I think she's met the family now. And we found out about another baby on the way. Between family, family friends and friends, there are babies that I want to knit something for due in May, June, July, and August! I'm going to be making baby hats all spring :)
I've found that it's best (and easiest for now) to photograph the wee one in the morning when I wake her up - the light is good and she's in a good mood. These are some of my recent favorites:
Spit-Up
(I started this post earlier in the week and almost forgot about it..)
Spit-up happens. Lorelai's not big on the spit up - it happens from time to time, but overall it's not a common thing. A little drip or drool here / there, no big deal. Imagine my surprise when she spit up what seemed like a lot and it got all over my sweater. No big deal. We go upstairs to change, I took off the sweater and after I wrapped her up held her to me. She spit up again, this time managing to get the spit up to go down the inside of my tank top. That takes talent.
Spit-up happens. Lorelai's not big on the spit up - it happens from time to time, but overall it's not a common thing. A little drip or drool here / there, no big deal. Imagine my surprise when she spit up what seemed like a lot and it got all over my sweater. No big deal. We go upstairs to change, I took off the sweater and after I wrapped her up held her to me. She spit up again, this time managing to get the spit up to go down the inside of my tank top. That takes talent.
1.07.2008
Woah.
I finished watching this documentary. In short, this is what I have to say: woah. scary. wow.
How do make the emoticon for a jaw on the floor?
How do make the emoticon for a jaw on the floor?
Sad start to the week
My mom's dad passed away early this morning. He had been quite sick for some time - diabetes, on dialysis, respiratory failure... He was hospitalized after Christmas for pneumonia and then they discovered lung cancer. After all he went through, at least he was able to be made comfortable and not have all this drag out any longer. I'm very happy he got to meet Lorelai before Christmas and see her on Christmas Eve.
1.04.2008
Marketing Sucker
I love a good advertising campaign (WhopperFreakOut, the Sun in the Jimmy Dean commercials) and product packaging (hello, method products) and clever things. Through the MommiesWithStyle blog I found out about LobotoME - great notepads / listpads and love the graphics and brainisms. Cute cute cute.
1.03.2008
Dogs on Thursday - Bath Time
Jackson is a pretty low maintenance sort of dog. We try to brush him regularly - he's a short hair and doesn't shed too much to begin with, but he does shed. He needs to get his nails clipped and we bring him to the groomer for that. Otherwise, we are able to just give him a bath in the sink - once a month maybe. We're also lucky in that when he's outside he's not the type of dog to roll around too much in anything icky. We gave him a bath this past weekend and as I was walking toward the kitchen his little face looking out from the sink was so cute - the camera just didn't capture how cute it was!
Mish Mosh
A moment for myself while I eat breakfast, enjoy a cup of coffee, and avoid my daily "to-do" list. Gathering my thoughts...
Knitting - I'm so close to finishing Lorelai's baby blanket! I'm on the seed stitch border right now, just a few more rows. It's made with Blue Sky Organic Cotton in a great green color, I'm thinking about putting some hearts or a small "L" on it using duplicate stitch in pink. I don't mind the idea of hand washing (or gentle cycle washing) it, I just hope it holds up to baby drool and spit up. I started the front of her "Amelie" dress, the back is finished. I am thinking about not doing flowers all over it, instead maybe just a heart - I saw one on ravelry that was really cute. It looks so long! Which brings us to...
Lorelai - She had a doctor's appointment yesterday for her one month check up - she's 23.25 inches long now (off the chart!) and weighs 10pounds, 7 ounces! She's got quite the case of baby acne right now - while she's still adorable, photos are a little tricky, hopefully it will clear up sooner rather than later. Sometimes I wonder, what are people thinking when they talk about babies. Especially people who have had babies of their own! L was a little fussy the other afternoon (hunger was the most likely cause) but not overly so - and someone said to me, "Could she be teething?" - Um, she's just A MONTH OLD!! - according to this, the earliest is 3 months. Oy. And I've also been told to "Lighten Up". Grrr. I take my kid seriously and while I may laugh at the faces she makes while crying, I am deeply invested in what's going on with her. After spending all day with her and getting up in the night with her, I don't automatically think to joke when I question something she does.
101 things #46 - I placed an order with Peapod (part of Stop & Shop) - it arrived on time, every thing was there and I feel I got a good deal. I have been trying to avoid using plastic bags while shopping (I usually bring my own canvas bags) - so that's a down side - everything comes in plastic! Ugh. Maybe I'll write them a letter - I would rather pay an extra fee to have my stuff delivered in reuasable bags (or a big box or something).
Movies - Saw Waitress the other day - really cute, very sweet movie. Two thumbs up! I think Keri Russell is becoming one of my new favorite actresses.
Knitting - I'm so close to finishing Lorelai's baby blanket! I'm on the seed stitch border right now, just a few more rows. It's made with Blue Sky Organic Cotton in a great green color, I'm thinking about putting some hearts or a small "L" on it using duplicate stitch in pink. I don't mind the idea of hand washing (or gentle cycle washing) it, I just hope it holds up to baby drool and spit up. I started the front of her "Amelie" dress, the back is finished. I am thinking about not doing flowers all over it, instead maybe just a heart - I saw one on ravelry that was really cute. It looks so long! Which brings us to...
Lorelai - She had a doctor's appointment yesterday for her one month check up - she's 23.25 inches long now (off the chart!) and weighs 10pounds, 7 ounces! She's got quite the case of baby acne right now - while she's still adorable, photos are a little tricky, hopefully it will clear up sooner rather than later. Sometimes I wonder, what are people thinking when they talk about babies. Especially people who have had babies of their own! L was a little fussy the other afternoon (hunger was the most likely cause) but not overly so - and someone said to me, "Could she be teething?" - Um, she's just A MONTH OLD!! - according to this, the earliest is 3 months. Oy. And I've also been told to "Lighten Up". Grrr. I take my kid seriously and while I may laugh at the faces she makes while crying, I am deeply invested in what's going on with her. After spending all day with her and getting up in the night with her, I don't automatically think to joke when I question something she does.
101 things #46 - I placed an order with Peapod (part of Stop & Shop) - it arrived on time, every thing was there and I feel I got a good deal. I have been trying to avoid using plastic bags while shopping (I usually bring my own canvas bags) - so that's a down side - everything comes in plastic! Ugh. Maybe I'll write them a letter - I would rather pay an extra fee to have my stuff delivered in reuasable bags (or a big box or something).
Movies - Saw Waitress the other day - really cute, very sweet movie. Two thumbs up! I think Keri Russell is becoming one of my new favorite actresses.
1.01.2008
#11, 36, 46, 74 - in progress
Already starting on my list.
11. Join Stroller Strides and attend class once a week. - I sent an email to register for a free class and class info, so that's in progress.
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson. - She could be a witch and he a broomstick (get a hula skirt, starch it so it sticks straight out), She could be Bo Peep and he a sheep, She could be Little Miss Muffett and he a spider.
46. Try out peapod or other online grocery service. - I've already got a shopping list started with peapod. Just making sure that I'm stocking up to make the delivery worthwhile. Regardless, with a baby I think this will be much easier at least until she can sit in the cart while I shop.
74. Join a local mom+baby group - found a local group through meet-up.com, their kids seem to be older, but it might be good for mom's nights out or the occasional get together.
11. Join Stroller Strides and attend class once a week. - I sent an email to register for a free class and class info, so that's in progress.
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson. - She could be a witch and he a broomstick (get a hula skirt, starch it so it sticks straight out), She could be Bo Peep and he a sheep, She could be Little Miss Muffett and he a spider.
46. Try out peapod or other online grocery service. - I've already got a shopping list started with peapod. Just making sure that I'm stocking up to make the delivery worthwhile. Regardless, with a baby I think this will be much easier at least until she can sit in the cart while I shop.
74. Join a local mom+baby group - found a local group through meet-up.com, their kids seem to be older, but it might be good for mom's nights out or the occasional get together.
101 things in 1001 days
I like a challenge. I love lists. I think this sort of list would be good to help me keep some focus (on me) now that the bulk of my focus is on my family. This list has been inspired by my family, friends, and the other lists in blogs I read...
Day Zero, Home of 101/1001 Project
The Mission
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
My List
Start date : 01 January 2008
End date : 28 September 2010
Key
Not yet started
In progress
Complete
1. Fill the large collage photo frames. (1/3)
2. Hang the photo-filled large collage photo frames (1/3)
3. Declutter: sell or give-away 101 material items I own (1/101)
-yarn, -clothes
4. Learn to use the drop spindle. Completed: 3/11/08
5. Make enough yarn on the drop spindle to make a hat.
6. Learn to crochet.
7. Use crochet to make a simple amigurumi character.
8. Open a savings account for Lorelai and save $250 (250/250) Complete: 5/17/08
9. See 10 movies in the movie theater (0/10)
10. Submit my resume to the new science museum. Completed: 2/28/08
11. Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT
12. Go to the local farmer's market 15 times (1/15)
13. Submit photos to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
14. Submit knitted objects to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
15. Photograph Lorelai on the 30th of each month (4/33)
16. Cook one new recipe a month (7/33)
**"Chicken Bruschetta Bake" from the Stove Top Stuffing Mix Box. Just ok.**
**"Curried Lamb" from Woman's Day Magazine, crock-pot recipe. Bland.**
**"Stuffed Pepper Soup" copycat recipe of 99 restuarant recipe. Burnt the soup. Ick.**
**Turkey & Brocolli Casserole thing from Taste Of Home Magazine. Not bad.
**Mini Lamb Burgers with Couscous Salad from Real Simple - Delish!
**Baked Mac-n-Cheese with Chicken Sausage from "6 o'clock Scramble" online - yummy!
**Blueberry Cake from Cooking Light - ok, but all the blueberries sank to the bottom!
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day.
18. Write a letter to Koji and Noriko to tell them about Lorelai.
19. Knit a sweater for me that fits and I love.
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (4/30)
**Bartholomew's Sock #1 done 1/21/08**
**Bartholomew's Sock #2 done 2/4/08**
**Lenore Socks #1 & #2 done in 10 days! 2/14/08**
**Two wee socks (one for the wee sock swap) 3/30/08**
20. I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
22. Knit two mitered squares a month. (4/66)
23. Seam up mitered squares to make an afghan.
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (12/52)
25. Go to four dachshund meet-ups. (1/4)
26. Use "the baby" SLR and shoot one roll of film every month (2.5/33)
27. Floss twice a week (4/286) Needs to be changed.
28. Get a routine physical with an internist.
29. Get a body scan to check on the freckles / moles.
30. Go to the dentist twice a year (0/6)
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow)
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list.
34. Sew a pair of pajama pants.
35. Read 10 books. (8/10)
**1) The Good Good Pig
**2) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
**3) The Tender Bar
**4) You're Not You
**5) Water for Elephants
**6) Diary
**7) The Know-it-all
**8) Prince Caspian
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson.
37. I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house.
38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (1/2)
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers!
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (4/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (2/33)
42. Grow plant / veggie garden from seed.
43. Grow 3 "new to me" plants / veggies each year (0/9)
44. Give blood once a year. (0/3)
45. Read "The Killer Angels".
46. Try out peapod or other online grocery service.Complete: 1/2/08
47. Try out g-diapers.
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time.
49. Get a professional portrait of Lorelai.
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (1/15)
**PrettyInPosies hair clips for Lorelai**
51. Clean out / organize the bloglines reader to remove blogs unupdated / uninteresting / topics /etc. once each year (0/3)
52. Get back in shape to fit into my regular non-maternity clothes.
53. Bring old maternity clothes and newborn clothes to Beyond the Stork.
54. Replace the lights along the front walk.
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
**As of 1/11/08 I'm down 28 pounds! 13 more to go to get to pre-preg.wt**
56. Buy a scale to keep an eye on #55.Complete: 1/15/08
57. Rediscover my yarn stash - pair up 20 new projects with stash yarn. (0/20)
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (2/20)
**1) Snowman Hat **2)Bunny Cozies
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (1/30)
60. Make my own sushi.
61. Make photocards for Valentine's Day,Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving on home computer.
62. See a Broadway show.Complete: 5/3/08 Macbeth
63. Visit New York City.Complete: 5/3/08
64. Snorkel in the British Virgin Islands.Complete: 4/22/08
65. Try 10 recipes from Alton Brown's "Good Eats" (0/10)
66. Host a holiday dinner for the family at least once a year. (1/3) Easter '08
67. Garden indoors with the AeroGarden, maintain the water and nutrients.
68. Get a bikini wax.
69. Vote for president.
70. Listen to 8 audio-books. (3/8)
**1) Microthrills by Wendy Spero
**2) The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood
**3) Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
71. Get my first tattoo
72. Go back to church
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own.
**Itty Bitty Hats a)Snowman Hat b)Bunny Tails Hat c)Upside-Down Daisy
**Mason-Dixon Knitting a)Baby Genius Burp Cloth
74. Join a local mom+baby group.
**Does Gymboree count? Went to class on 1/9/08, plan to keep going**
**Found a local group - much better in terms of time and location!**
75. Copy the phone numbers in my cell phone into my paper address book.
76. Reinstall itunes.Complete: 1/3/2008
77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (3/143)
78. See if the nerds / geeks can rescue the data from the Dell hard drive.
79. Get back on birth control. completed 1/13/08
80. Write a letter a month (2/33)
81. Sort through the boxes brought home from school.
82. Fully update stash on ravelry.
83. Fully update books on ravelry.
84. Fully update needles on ravelry.
85. Go to one SnB meetup a month (3/33)
86. Reorganize dresser drawers.
87. Reorganize closet.
88. Reorganize cosmetics / lotions / soaps / etc in bathroom.
89. Improve cleaning efforts - once a week: kitchen floor, bathroom, dust. (1/143)
90. Answer questions that are asked (yes or no! not my own answer)
91. Attempt to lessen the carbon footprint of this household.
92. Knit all holiday gifts by December 13.
93. Embroider a onesie for Lorelai.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping.
95. Try sign language with Lorelai - 5 signs (0/5)
96. Come in second in the fantasy football league.
97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2\4/143)
98. Eat vegetarian for a week.
99. Learn to make pancakes.
100. Eat out at 5 new restaurants (4/5)
**The Time Out Tavern, Durham, CT
**The New Deal Steakplace, Westbrook, CT
**Mia Dona, New York City
**Nellie Green, Branford, CT
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.
Day Zero, Home of 101/1001 Project
The Mission
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
My List
Start date : 01 January 2008
End date : 28 September 2010
Key
Not yet started
In progress
1. Fill the large collage photo frames. (1/3)
2. Hang the photo-filled large collage photo frames (1/3)
3. Declutter: sell or give-away 101 material items I own (1/101)
-yarn, -clothes
5. Make enough yarn on the drop spindle to make a hat.
6. Learn to crochet.
7. Use crochet to make a simple amigurumi character.
9. See 10 movies in the movie theater (0/10)
11. Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT
12. Go to the local farmer's market 15 times (1/15)
13. Submit photos to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
14. Submit knitted objects to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
15. Photograph Lorelai on the 30th of each month (4/33)
16. Cook one new recipe a month (7/33)
**"Chicken Bruschetta Bake" from the Stove Top Stuffing Mix Box. Just ok.**
**"Curried Lamb" from Woman's Day Magazine, crock-pot recipe. Bland.**
**"Stuffed Pepper Soup" copycat recipe of 99 restuarant recipe. Burnt the soup. Ick.**
**Turkey & Brocolli Casserole thing from Taste Of Home Magazine. Not bad.
**Mini Lamb Burgers with Couscous Salad from Real Simple - Delish!
**Baked Mac-n-Cheese with Chicken Sausage from "6 o'clock Scramble" online - yummy!
**Blueberry Cake from Cooking Light - ok, but all the blueberries sank to the bottom!
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day.
18. Write a letter to Koji and Noriko to tell them about Lorelai.
19. Knit a sweater for me that fits and I love.
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (4/30)
**Bartholomew's Sock #1 done 1/21/08**
**Bartholomew's Sock #2 done 2/4/08**
**Lenore Socks #1 & #2 done in 10 days! 2/14/08**
**Two wee socks (one for the wee sock swap) 3/30/08**
20. I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
22. Knit two mitered squares a month. (4/66)
23. Seam up mitered squares to make an afghan.
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (12/52)
25. Go to four dachshund meet-ups. (1/4)
26. Use "the baby" SLR and shoot one roll of film every month (2.5/33)
27. Floss twice a week (4/286) Needs to be changed.
28. Get a routine physical with an internist.
29. Get a body scan to check on the freckles / moles.
30. Go to the dentist twice a year (0/6)
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow)
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list.
34. Sew a pair of pajama pants.
35. Read 10 books. (8/10)
**1) The Good Good Pig
**2) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
**3) The Tender Bar
**4) You're Not You
**5) Water for Elephants
**6) Diary
**7) The Know-it-all
**8) Prince Caspian
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson.
37. I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house.
38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (1/2)
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers!
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (4/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (2/33)
42. Grow plant / veggie garden from seed.
43. Grow 3 "new to me" plants / veggies each year (0/9)
44. Give blood once a year. (0/3)
45. Read "The Killer Angels".
47. Try out g-diapers.
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time.
49. Get a professional portrait of Lorelai.
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (1/15)
**PrettyInPosies hair clips for Lorelai**
51. Clean out / organize the bloglines reader to remove blogs unupdated / uninteresting / topics /etc. once each year (0/3)
52. Get back in shape to fit into my regular non-maternity clothes.
53. Bring old maternity clothes and newborn clothes to Beyond the Stork.
54. Replace the lights along the front walk.
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
**As of 1/11/08 I'm down 28 pounds! 13 more to go to get to pre-preg.wt**
57. Rediscover my yarn stash - pair up 20 new projects with stash yarn. (0/20)
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (2/20)
**1) Snowman Hat **2)Bunny Cozies
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (1/30)
60. Make my own sushi.
61. Make photocards for Valentine's Day,
65. Try 10 recipes from Alton Brown's "Good Eats" (0/10)
66. Host a holiday dinner for the family at least once a year. (1/3) Easter '08
67. Garden indoors with the AeroGarden, maintain the water and nutrients.
68. Get a bikini wax.
69. Vote for president.
70. Listen to 8 audio-books. (3/8)
**1) Microthrills by Wendy Spero
**2) The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood
**3) Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
71. Get my first tattoo
72. Go back to church
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own.
**Itty Bitty Hats a)Snowman Hat b)Bunny Tails Hat c)Upside-Down Daisy
**Mason-Dixon Knitting a)Baby Genius Burp Cloth
**Does Gymboree count? Went to class on 1/9/08, plan to keep going**
**Found a local group - much better in terms of time and location!**
77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (3/143)
80. Write a letter a month (2/33)
81. Sort through the boxes brought home from school.
82. Fully update stash on ravelry.
83. Fully update books on ravelry.
84. Fully update needles on ravelry.
85. Go to one SnB meetup a month (3/33)
86. Reorganize dresser drawers.
87. Reorganize closet.
88. Reorganize cosmetics / lotions / soaps / etc in bathroom.
89. Improve cleaning efforts - once a week: kitchen floor, bathroom, dust. (1/143)
90. Answer questions that are asked (yes or no! not my own answer)
91. Attempt to lessen the carbon footprint of this household.
92. Knit all holiday gifts by December 13.
93. Embroider a onesie for Lorelai.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping.
95. Try sign language with Lorelai - 5 signs (0/5)
96. Come in second in the fantasy football league.
97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2\4/143)
98. Eat vegetarian for a week.
99. Learn to make pancakes.
100. Eat out at 5 new restaurants (4/5)
**The Time Out Tavern, Durham, CT
**The New Deal Steakplace, Westbrook, CT
**Mia Dona, New York City
**Nellie Green, Branford, CT
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.
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