So, I'm home today, felled by the common cold. I can't believe it, I dodged the swine flu after two people in my office got it, I scoffed at the 24-hour thing that went around afterwards, and now, I am wandering aimlessly around the house with a box of kleenex under my arm. It's because I let my guard down. I was keeping up a terrific pace last week, teaching twice, working on a big project at work, and going out with friends. I let myself breathe a sigh of relief on Sunday that all was done, and whammo!
At least the splitting headache I had yesterday is gone. I think the Zycam might be working, but we'll see ... Now, I struggle with what, if anything, to do. Part of me says, "take another hit of Nyquil and hit the sack"; the other part of me says, "do something productive." I do have one work assignment that I should try to do, but that Nyquil hit is starting to look really good.
Today's Thought: A plug for myself today -- I've got 82 tips up on http://www.crochet.lifetips.com/ and have challenged myself to get to 101 in 10 days. Check in to see how I'm doing?
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Mom's Vest
Ok, I've had a set back, but I've also found the silver lining! Seems when I get into a crocheting groove and pick up speed, I start to crochet more tightly. So, the segment that started out 45 - 46 inches across was 42" by the time I got it to 9 1/2 inches tall! Needless to say, I had to do some "frogging" back to about 4 1/2 inches tall. No worries, as I got caught up on episodes of "Being Erica" last night, I'm back at 8 inches tall, and I posted 2 new tips on http://www.crochet.lifetips.com/ :-)
Today is going to have to be laundry, paperwork, and visiting day. But, while I watch the political shows this morning, hopefully that last inch and a half will get done.
Today's Thought: Already having a hard time keeping your New Year's resolution to get efficient and organized? You might want to check into the time management and to-do list organization templates that can be found at http://lifehacker.com/5435879/get-things-done-with-the-middle-way-method
Today is going to have to be laundry, paperwork, and visiting day. But, while I watch the political shows this morning, hopefully that last inch and a half will get done.
Today's Thought: Already having a hard time keeping your New Year's resolution to get efficient and organized? You might want to check into the time management and to-do list organization templates that can be found at http://lifehacker.com/5435879/get-things-done-with-the-middle-way-method
Friday, January 22, 2010
Haiti
So, I had been meaning to give some $$ to the cause, but for some reason, had been piddling around about it (I think probably having to do with being sure that I was giving to a legitimate fund and through a secure website). Today, as I was checking into http://www.cnn.com/, I came across an interesting article about relief efforts and why people donate to them: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/01/22/psychology.giving.charity/index.html?hpt=Sbin
So, I get home tonight and turn on the tube, and the Help for Haiti Now telethon is on. I start getting out my wallet and the story about the man who stood by his wife's work building for 6 days and begged rescuers to dig for her because he just felt she was still alive came on. Turns out they found her and got her out! They first dug a small hole and dropped in a camera -- they see her, and she says "whether I live or die, tell him I love him!"
Ok, well that did it -- as tears are streaming down my face, I go running for the computer with credit card in hand! Whew.
Well, now that that's done, I decided I'd better post this info in case others are looking for reassurance that it's safe to donate online. I ended up going to http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org/ because I figured that would be the most secure site. Sure enough, you can use your PayPal account to donate, so no one ever sees your credit card information. It was really easy and I printed out my receipt right away. They are also supposed to send a receipt by email also.
Ok, back to the TV -- I hear Madonna coming on!
So, I get home tonight and turn on the tube, and the Help for Haiti Now telethon is on. I start getting out my wallet and the story about the man who stood by his wife's work building for 6 days and begged rescuers to dig for her because he just felt she was still alive came on. Turns out they found her and got her out! They first dug a small hole and dropped in a camera -- they see her, and she says "whether I live or die, tell him I love him!"
Ok, well that did it -- as tears are streaming down my face, I go running for the computer with credit card in hand! Whew.
Well, now that that's done, I decided I'd better post this info in case others are looking for reassurance that it's safe to donate online. I ended up going to http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org/ because I figured that would be the most secure site. Sure enough, you can use your PayPal account to donate, so no one ever sees your credit card information. It was really easy and I printed out my receipt right away. They are also supposed to send a receipt by email also.
Ok, back to the TV -- I hear Madonna coming on!
Monday, January 18, 2010
A Book Recommendation
But, first, an update on Mom's vest -- it's coming along! I've really gotten into a groove with it, and right now, I'm on the straight body part of it, so not much thinking involved, whew ;-) Stay tuned!
The book recommendation: so, the other day, I had a Border Books coupon, so whenever I score one of their really good ones (meaning, at least 25% off), I head over to the crafts section to see what's new or what I haven't yet picked up (one of these days, I really need to do an inventory so that I won't rebuy the same book!). I saw a book I've been wanting: The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet by Margaret Hubert. It's wonderful. The pictures are really clear and well taken to show off the stitches and projects in there, plus she's added schematics as well. And Ms. Hubert really has put some stitch patterns in there that I haven't seen in other books. It's a great book for beginners too because she's got a lot of the basics laid out and clear, understandable instructions. And, frankly, no offense to Borders, but even with the coupon, it's cheaper at Amazon! So, here's the link, enjoy!
Today's Thought: We had a coupon ('natch!), so we actually placed an order with Omaha Steaks! I couldn't believe that it actually got here still frozen like a rock in its own cooler with dry ice. We got a variety pack, and even though the marinade for the salmon was a little too salty, everything was really tasty and seemed quite good quality. Now, of course, we are getting emails with special offers in them every day practically, but I think I will order from them again, the convenience and quality are worth it.
The book recommendation: so, the other day, I had a Border Books coupon, so whenever I score one of their really good ones (meaning, at least 25% off), I head over to the crafts section to see what's new or what I haven't yet picked up (one of these days, I really need to do an inventory so that I won't rebuy the same book!). I saw a book I've been wanting: The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet by Margaret Hubert. It's wonderful. The pictures are really clear and well taken to show off the stitches and projects in there, plus she's added schematics as well. And Ms. Hubert really has put some stitch patterns in there that I haven't seen in other books. It's a great book for beginners too because she's got a lot of the basics laid out and clear, understandable instructions. And, frankly, no offense to Borders, but even with the coupon, it's cheaper at Amazon! So, here's the link, enjoy!
Today's Thought: We had a coupon ('natch!), so we actually placed an order with Omaha Steaks! I couldn't believe that it actually got here still frozen like a rock in its own cooler with dry ice. We got a variety pack, and even though the marinade for the salmon was a little too salty, everything was really tasty and seemed quite good quality. Now, of course, we are getting emails with special offers in them every day practically, but I think I will order from them again, the convenience and quality are worth it.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
So Many Ideas, So Little Time!
Oh, have I got ideas! Just thought of a poncho design that I'd love to be working on. But, as you will recall, Mom's vest is numero uno project. I have gotten a start on it. I talked to her this morning about what kind of stitch pattern she wants (flowers, waves, bobbles, etc.), and she said "surprise me." Great, that's helpful. But, I gently probed more, and I think bobbles are going to be the way to go. I'm using a varigated yarn, so I'm thinking the bobbles (they're small ones, not the big poofy ones) will highlight nicely the transitions in yarn shades. Well, we'll see ...
Other than that, I've got three days ahead of me, during which I've got to systematically and methodically knock out some house cleaning and organizing, tons of paperwork, laundry, and Mom's vest. Yikes, I'm getting tired just thinking about it. Mmmm, maybe a nap is in order first ;-)
Today's Thought: Stay tuned for this month's newsletter -- sign up to the left for emailings of blog posts and our once-a-month newsletter!
Other than that, I've got three days ahead of me, during which I've got to systematically and methodically knock out some house cleaning and organizing, tons of paperwork, laundry, and Mom's vest. Yikes, I'm getting tired just thinking about it. Mmmm, maybe a nap is in order first ;-)
Today's Thought: Stay tuned for this month's newsletter -- sign up to the left for emailings of blog posts and our once-a-month newsletter!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Amazon Affiliates
Mmmm, ok, so Amazon and Blogger are now in partnership. I had set up an Amazon Affiliates account a while back so that, when I recommend crochet pattern books, etc., I could provide an easy link for you (and frankly get a cut!), but now, they've made it so easy to do, so I guess I'd better give it a try!
Actually, I am in the process of reading this great little guide to starting a crafts business, but the advice Meg Ilasco gives is great for anyone just trying to get organized and motivated to explore new things in their lives. The author interviews a number of people who now run successful design and craft businesses, and she sprinkles in her own wisdom and tips throughout. For example, I really appreciated her debunking of "Craft Mythology," such as "All the great ideas have already been done and someone else can do it better than I ever could."
Anyway, check it out if you would like, but stay tuned for crochet book recommendations.
And, DeAnn, if you're reading this (and I know you are!), I will show you how to set it up, it's so cool! I love techie talk :-)
Actually, I am in the process of reading this great little guide to starting a crafts business, but the advice Meg Ilasco gives is great for anyone just trying to get organized and motivated to explore new things in their lives. The author interviews a number of people who now run successful design and craft businesses, and she sprinkles in her own wisdom and tips throughout. For example, I really appreciated her debunking of "Craft Mythology," such as "All the great ideas have already been done and someone else can do it better than I ever could."
Anyway, check it out if you would like, but stay tuned for crochet book recommendations.
And, DeAnn, if you're reading this (and I know you are!), I will show you how to set it up, it's so cool! I love techie talk :-)
Only a Few Days Left...
Prices go up on the Yarn Club for Crocheters on the 15th, so sign up now for your full or half membership! Thanks to those of you who have already let us know that you're in; the rest of you, jump on the yarnie bandwagon :-)
I got my yarn shipment yesterday from Yarn Love and am looking forward to starting the little girl's sweater project. But, first, I must start my mom's vest. Thank goodness that's what she wants! A few years ago (yes, years), she asked me to make her a sweater. She had found a pattern that she liked, we went to the store to buy the yarn that she wanted, I crocheted all of the pieces (front, back, arms), and then, poof. Nothing, nada, never finished. I just have never been able to make myself put the pieces together! Ayeeeee, I've lived in shame and guilt over this for a couple of years, though I discovered over the weekend that Mom forgot all about it! I will redeem myself with the vest -- it is going to be my own design (so not too many pieces), I'll use the yarn that she's already picked out, and no arms to attach! I really do think it was the fear of attaching arms that led to my downfall (because you know, if everything's not the right size, it's not going to fit together properly). Anyway, now that I've confessed my past debacle and my redemption project, I'm hopeful this vest will get whipped out in no time.
Ok, speaking of starting a redemption project, that's tonight's task :-)
Today's Thought: For great management tips and insights, check out http://www.strategicserendipity.blogspot.com/ and sign up for the daily tweets, they're great motivators!
I got my yarn shipment yesterday from Yarn Love and am looking forward to starting the little girl's sweater project. But, first, I must start my mom's vest. Thank goodness that's what she wants! A few years ago (yes, years), she asked me to make her a sweater. She had found a pattern that she liked, we went to the store to buy the yarn that she wanted, I crocheted all of the pieces (front, back, arms), and then, poof. Nothing, nada, never finished. I just have never been able to make myself put the pieces together! Ayeeeee, I've lived in shame and guilt over this for a couple of years, though I discovered over the weekend that Mom forgot all about it! I will redeem myself with the vest -- it is going to be my own design (so not too many pieces), I'll use the yarn that she's already picked out, and no arms to attach! I really do think it was the fear of attaching arms that led to my downfall (because you know, if everything's not the right size, it's not going to fit together properly). Anyway, now that I've confessed my past debacle and my redemption project, I'm hopeful this vest will get whipped out in no time.
Ok, speaking of starting a redemption project, that's tonight's task :-)
Today's Thought: For great management tips and insights, check out http://www.strategicserendipity.blogspot.com/ and sign up for the daily tweets, they're great motivators!
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