Hot hot hot. (Day 272 KEDfaY)

Today I went shopping! I bought some new clothes because my large wardrobe is overkill in this hot Florida heat. Seriously, we've already had a couple of 80* days. So instead of melting all summer, I got a couple of cute sundresses that will hopefully prevent me from going all Wicked Witch of the West.

Knitting was minimal again. Just did my two rows of my washcloth. I've felt really tired today, unusually tired for what I did. I am afraid I might be getting sick but I'm hoping that it's just a combination of not sleeping well and allergies. Add the general lack of energy with break month at HPKCHC and I don't want to start anything that I might not get points for because now that I can be granted imaginary points for completing things, I don't want to start anything new.

I have started planning my next big project and no it isn't working on my very sad and lonely vest that is still sitting in a bag, very lonely like. It's going to be a pi shawl out of yarn that my aunt got me for Christmas. I think it's going to be a more plain one because I'm not THAT lacy of a person. I have the idea worked out, I just need to do a swatch or two and see how it all works up. I'm very excited about it though. And it should be perfect knitting for the impending summer that I fear will be unbearable and disgustingly hot. A silk, laceweight shawl? Yes, I do believe it will be perfect.

No picture today because I am lazy. So there.

Rut rut rut (Day 198 KEDfaY)

Still rutting around. Rut rut rut.

My posts have been short lately mostly because I want to get something done and up quickly before I go to bed since the posts recently have been put up about 5 minutes before I hop under the sheets and off to Sleepy Time Fun Land.

Friday I finished a blanket that I've been working on for quite some time! I've been knitting on it for over a year. It's actually one of the first things I blogged about! That's how old that blanket is! And surprisingly, it's not the oldest scrap blanket I have in my WIP pile. I have some that are older than my relationship with the Boyfriend.

Yesterday was a lazy day filled with dicking around, doing nothing and lounging on the couch watching TV with the Boyfriend. He's been gone for business for the past two weeks so it was nice just to do normal couple-y things like watch Mythbusters and cleaning off the DVR. I picked up the washcloth yesterday long enough to do two rows and move it off of the couch so lounging could reach maximum capacity.

Today though. Today was a deadline day for HPKCHC. One of the quidditch events required us to knit or crochet something really fast so I busted out that hat and even though it's too big and I needed to make that lovely/tacky flower for it, I still got it done. The hat will go to the Boyfriend when he goes out of town on business again in the future since winter in other parts of the country are actually cold. I have to reknit it but it's something he actually requested so I figured I should oblige. So I actually have something I need to get done on a somewhat deadline which is kinda nice. I have other projects I should probably work on as well, but scrap blankets are just much more entertaining. (Don't ask me how many scrap projects I have started or how many bags of scraps for future projects I have. Let's just say "A LOT.")

Fears (Day 140 KEDfaY)

So I've been working on the supa sekrit project trying to finish it for my OWL for HPKCHC which is due next Saturday and something I've feared but thought I was just being over anxious. But then here I am, relatively close to finishing it and I'm going to run out of yarn. Luckily for me, it's on sale this weekend. So yay! But boo! But yay! I hope to have it done in time and I think I will, just have to get more yarn first.

Breakthrough (Day 129 KEDfaY)

No picture today. I forgot to take one while the sun was still out. Silly thing is setting earlier and earlier.

I sat down today and decided that I needed to work on Supa Sekrit Project #1. I needed to figure out this one stupid part, so I went to Ravelry and looked at various patterns for inspirations and two hours later, I was fixing that stupid part. I am even almost done with that stupid part now, a part that is a much bigger hassle and chunk of the project than I foresaw. But it's looking great. I am finally happy with it again. Yesterday when I wrote my post for the day, I was so frustrated with that stupid project that I didn't want to finish it. Now, I honestly think I will be able to get it done by the end of the month so I can get full points to HPKCHC, because I'm a nerd like that. But I'm happy and I've been productive on it. I'm looking forward to finishing it now. Sometimes you just need a bit of inspiration to hit even if it does take it's time to get to you. It isn't lightning, it travels at its own pace.

Drug induced cleaning (Day 123 KEDfaY)

Started another hat for Christmas. I also finished my one project for HPKCHC and got that turned in so WHOO! I also spent the day cleaning and organizing for the Boyfriend's dad's visit this weekend. Nothing is dirty per se, just disorganized. We also have an excess of boxes but I blame the cat. She loves her boxes and won't let us throw any out. (Actually, the compactor for excess garbage is on the other side of the apartment complex and I don't feel like walking all the way over there to throw them out. It's a long ass walk and I am tres lazy these days.) 

I had a fun adventure in cleaning today though. I took a benadryl after the Boyfriend left for work because I have become super tasty to the wildlife around here and have a mosquito bite on my leg that has swollen to the size of a large orange so I was hoping it would help (it did, kinda). I then forced myself to get out of bed much later than I want to admit. I spent the next hour in a drug induced fog and haze and when I finally woke up there was a load of laundry in the wash and my desk was clean. In conclusion, I should take benadryl more often. 

That's it for me though on my side of the world. Nothing too exciting yet. We'll see how this weekend goes. Should be fun! 

One less thing to do! (Day 122 KEDfaY)

Completed sweater! Sorry for the crappy pic. You will survive.

Whoo! Sweater is done and has been submitted to the fair along with some of my handspun and my lace shawl. I REALLY want to get at least one ribbon because I think it would be super awesome to win something for my awesome knits but I don't expect to because there are a lot of other people in my knit group submitting stuff and they are also really good.

This week is major cleaning of the entire apartment week. Boyfriend's dad is visiting for the Boyfriend's birthday this weekend so I have to make this place presentable for someone besides us. It mostly involves doing all of the laundry piled up and actually putting away dishes but it gives me a reason to do something! I also have three more washcloths to knit for HPKCHC. I have started one today but I haven't gotten much done on it. I've been busying dicking around the internet which is a lot of fun, in case you didn't know. In fact, I think I'm going to go do some of that now!

Frustrating (Day 119 KEDfaY)

So I'm cruising right along on the Supa Sekrit Project #1 and then I hit a brick wall. I spent 4-5 hours today trying to solve a problem on it and I couldn't figure it out. Luckily I *just* made it to 50% on it so I can get points for HPKCHC hopefully.

Next up on the list is my owl sweater and then more washcloths. I can do this but right now I'm going to go read and go to bed. 

Phantom-y (Day 116 KEDfaY)

Whoo! Something else to mark off of my to-do list! It didn't get mailed today. Why, you ask? Because I didn't want to walk to the post office. 

So my kinda being sick has been a really nasty rash all over my face. It's super unattractive, let me tell you. I suspect it's a bacterial infection because I've also been more tired than normal and I've had a feeling of just being sick without any symptoms aside from the rash that is threatening to take over my face. So, going out in public is not really a top priority of mine. I can deal with being stared at when I dress funny or when I'm making an ass of myself but being stared at for something I can't control like a seemingly incurable rash on my face would probably make me cry.

Last night, while getting ready for bed, I noticed, that, after a week and a half of various treatments, it hadn't gotten any better and in some places actually looked worse so I resigned myself to the fact that I have to go do the doctor to get this fixed. I have tried every home remedy and basic first aid recommendation I've found online and nothing has helped and some have made it worse. I didn't really want to go to the doctor because it's a hassle because I don't have a car but at this point, I need to. Add to the situation the fact that there is flesh eating bacteria 'round these parts, and I decided that I definitely need to go. Nothing looks like it's necrotizing at this point but one can't be too safe. Thanks, Florida

I scheduled my appointment for Wednesday and I'll mail out my commission then. Until then I have Supa Sekrit Project #1 to finish, my sweater to finish, and three more washcloths for HPKCHC to finish. All due at various points in the next few weeks. I'm sure some of those things would be done if it weren't for the disgusting rash on  my face. Once it starts healing, I'll probably post a picture but right now just imagine the Phantom of the Opera minus the singing and kidnapping of random teenage girls. 

To Do List (Day 96 KEDfaY)

Sent out my resume today and had it sent to more important people. I am hoping that something comes from this. I really am. I'm getting sick of not being able to buy things for myself or simply having to go without. 

But enough whining (it wasn't a lot of whining but if I didn't stop there I knew I would keep going and I don't want to whine right now). I started a new project because the sweater I'm knitting and the supa sekrit project aren't time consuming enough right now (they surprisingly aren't. I'm ahead of schedule on both of them right now which makes me happy). It is going to be a Christmas gift for someone though so it's still being productive. I have a few more to make but they're mostly hats and those are simple and quick. This should be too, though. It's a cowl thingy. I think the person it's going to will like it. I hope so at least. We'll see! 

In the time being though I have a sweater, the supa sekrit project, numerous hats (4 more I think? Maybe 5?), a few more washcloths, something for my brother (I have no idea what yet), and something for my stepmom and possibly a pair of socks. Who knows what I'm going to get for my step mom though. I'm glad that I started early on Christmas gifts though. I feel less panicky about it than normal since I already have three done. Maybe I'll start another one tomorrow for knit group. Hmm...

I feel better about Christmas this year though than last year. Last year I didn't have a gift for anyone really because I was so broke and so busy that I couldn't make anything. This year though all I have is time and since my stash recently got enhanced a bit, I am not afraid of possibly running out of yarn and not being able to make anything for anyone. I do have to figure out what to do for the Boyfriend though. And for his birthday which is a month away. He might get a hug and a kiss and a winning smile from me. 

Plans (Day 94 KEDfaY)

Today was a day of just getting things done. I turned in my detention for HPKCHC. We went grocery shopping which we've needed to do for about two weeks now. I worked on the supa sekrit project for another 2 hours and my owl sweater for another hour. Both are going well and I'm happy with how they're turning out. 

Tomorrow is going to be a day of getting stuff done around here. I need to clean up because although we aren't messy people, I still haven't really cleaned in a few weeks because I've been lazy. I also plan on working out tomorrow for at least a little bit just to try to get back into the habit of it. I really need to stop sleeping until 10:30 AM because there's no reason for me to. I think that this bout of depression has lasted long enough and now I need to get off my ass and do things. I feel that that's always the first step, realizing you need to get shit done and actually caring that it needs to get done. 

I feel that I am babbling and not really being coherent and not in any creative way, just in the babbly sort of way. 

Eventful (Day 88 KEDfaY)

I knew this weekend would be eventful. My friend had told me he got tickets to the Colts vs Jaguars game and was going to visit that weekend back in probably July. So I knew I would be busy. There would be hanging out and going to the beach and of course the game. I also got to meet two different people who have both said that they'll take a look at my resume and pass it along. That was unexpected and fantastic. 

Friday night, my friend Dirk and I went out to eat with one of these people. He was a great guy who knew a lot about what he was talking about which I've found to be rare in people who have any position of power. We ate at a fantastic local place, Bistro Aix which I HIGHLY recommend if you're visiting Jacksonville. Their parmesan truffle fries are fantastic even if they did make me want to throw up later. Not because of anything wrong with the fries but because I am a dumbass and ate them even after being told they weren't gluten free. There is a running theme of my being a dumbass this weekend but I'll get to that in a bit.

Dirk and I decided to grab some drinks after having dinner so we stopped at another place just down the road from where we had dinner. We're standing in line waiting to order our drinks when I get the urge to throw up. I know this feeling. I've gotten it numerous times, most of the time because I'm a dumbass. It's the feeling of everything in my stomach wanting to vacate my body as fast as possible and not caring how it gets out. I ducked out of the bar and went to the little indie film theater next door and ran in their bathroom. I didn't puke and everything turned out fine even if I did will myself to not vomit for about 15 minutes. I was even able to enjoy my cider along with great conversation afterward.

I came home and showered and was getting ready for bed. I was watching an episode of The Kids in the Hall, my current favorite for getting ready to fall asleep time. 

Then my mom called me. It's ten till 1 AM at this point. I knew what it would be about. 

"I held her as she passed that way she knew that we all loved her and cared about her." My mom said to me as she and I both tried to hold back the tears. She then handed the phone to my brother. "We treated her like the princess she is," he said through tears. Bagel the Beagle would never walk in the grass if she could walk on the side walk. She would never go outside when it was raining or snowing or threatening to do either. I took her and our other beagle who has also passed, Trini, to the park one time to play in the creek. Trini seemed to enjoy herself but Bagel wouldn't go near it and when we picked her up and put her in the creek, she did all she could to try to keep her paws out of the water. 

My brother and I spent an inordinate amount of time crying on the phone together. I started laughing because the idea of us just crying on the phone seemed absurd to me. We said our goodbyes and the rare, "I love you," as we hung up the phone. I ran to the other room and sobbed into the Boyfriend's arms and he just held me. He didn't even mind that his character was being killed in what ever game he was playing at the time. I eventually decided I was tired and went to sleep but not after posting my favorite picture of Bagel on all social media. I texted my brother and Dirk saying that I wanted to bury her and dig the hole myself and how it made me think of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows pt 2 and how the scene where Harry shouts that he wants to dig Dobby's grave didn't translate well to film. 

Posting this picture again because it's my blog and I can do what I want.

A lot of my friends knew her and loved her. Everyone who met her fell in love with the little blonde beagle. We were often asked if various friends and visitors could keep her. We always joked that she would be the worst guard dog because she will walk up to any stranger and wait for the attention that she thinks she deserves. She was sweet and well tempered. She would put up with pretty much everything, except feet. The only time she ever really barked was when she was asleep on the couch and someone dared to put their feet near her. It hurt my heart when we decided to leave her home, in Indiana. She never dealt with the heat well and since it's still over 80* here daily and will be October tomorrow, I knew she wouldn't cope with the heat here. What hurt the most was not being able to be with her in the end. As I sobbed into the Boyfriend's chest, making his tshirt damp, I choked out, "I wish I could've been there." 

The next two days were a weird juxtaposition. Everything I did that made me even remotely happy, I would remind myself that my dog, my baby, my princess, just died and I wasn't there to be with her. I'm glad I'm back on my anti-anxiety medication otherwise my ups and downs would've been more drastic and there would've been a lot more tears and would've confused everyone I was around and that's not something I need when I'm trying to make people like me so that they'll look at my resume. 

But back to me being a dumbass. We've recently moved to Florida if you haven't been following along. I also burn very easily. I have been relatively careful every time I know I'm going to be outside for more than five minutes at a time. I usually bring sunscreen even though I might not need it. But not this weekend. Sunday we went to the Colts vs Jaguars game. It was a blowout like everyone was predicting but a lot of fun. For those who might not know, EverBank Field is an open stadium. 

That's me after coming home and showering. The yellow lighting doesn't show just how drastic of a difference there is between my pale, pasty skin and my bright cherry red face and chest. My chest and neck are still bright red although the other parts that got too much sun have slightly faded. I am in more pain than should be caused by just sitting outside for too long without sunscreen, that's for sure. 

It's hard to say that I had a good weekend. Yes, I had fun and yes, I did meet people who could help me get a job in a field that I am interested in working in but at the end of it, I just keep thinking that I lost my puppy. 

On Monday afternoon, the most I can say was that it was eventful. 

Mission (Day 87 KEDfaY)

I have no excuse (Days 83 and 84 KEDfaY)

It was just one of those days where I felt like I was forgetting to do something all day. Seriously, I went to bed still feeling like I forgot something. For the life of me I couldn't figure out what it was.

And then I remembered about five minutes ago.

That's the washcloth that I started yesterday at knitting and finished knitting about five minutes ago. I'm going to do a crocheted edging so I can use up the rest of the yarn because I didn't quite use 50 yards and I need 50 for HPKCHC.

It wasn't like I didn't knit yesterday because I totally did, I just missed writing the post. Go me!

I also worked on the supa sekrit project yesterday. Not a whole lot but I am a little bit further than I was two days ago when I had to rip a bunch back. It's still slow going but it's going. 

I just hope, dear reader, that you can forgive me for completely spacing this blog. Maybe I should set a reminder for myself....

Realist (Day 79 KEDfaY)

She is sitting in her box. She is a firm believer of, "If I fits, I sits."

Did some sekrit project knitting this morning, hence the picture of the cat. She was pretending to be interested in my phone when really I think she was trying to get close to my hand to eat it. Right now I'm waiting for my swatches to be approved for my OWL because if I'm making this thing, I want points for it too, dammit. 

Skyped again with my puppy today. It sounds weird and it was a little weird but I got to see her. She was definitely more awake today and seemed less out of it, which was nice. About halfway through the call though she decided it was nap time and went to sleep. I'm hoping that she's doing better and it was just a bad few days. I'm hopeful yet realistic. Things are still tough right now. My puppy is still my background picture on my phone. It's a good picture, but it's bittersweet. 

PSA from me to you (Day 76 KEDfaY)

Finished a square! Whoo! I know my knitting right now isn't very exciting but it will be soon, in about 10 days or so, at least knitting I can share with you. 

I plied my yarn today at knitting! That was super exciting. It's currently drying in the bathroom. I forgot to measure the yardage before hanging it up but that's fine because my swift hates me so I have to re-skein it and then I'll get the yardage. My consistency was much more...consistent? I was very happy about that. I got I think about a sport weight with some spots of DK because I had to deal with the cat attempting to help me but really just making things worse. Those spots are gross but not that bad. And then of course there are spots that I just plain messed up and couldn't fix at the time.  

I don't know what to work on next. I hope to get yarn for the sekrit project soon so I can start the swatches and then submit it for an OWL hopefully because if I'm going to make this sekrit project, I want points for it, dammit. 

Tomorrow is a very exciting day of going to the doctor and getting my annual exam. It's never fun and mostly just uncomfortable but it's a necessary evil and I need to get it done. Have you gotten your annual exam this year? Go. Do it. Now. 

Feline (Day 75 KEDfaY)

The Boyfriend was getting ready for work this morning as I was groggily laying in bed, looking through my twitter feed like I normally do, catching up on the news that happened while I was asleep, when he walks in with a sheepish look (at least I’m assuming it was sheepish because I didn’t have my glasses on).

“I think Pebble (the cat from hell) decided to play with your fiber last night,” he said, knowing full well that she was playing with it and that I wasn’t the one who left it in the state he found it whatever that may be.

It's too early to be mad or to get worked up. I brace myself for the worst. Leslie from the KnitGirllls had her dog felt large portions of a batt once so I could end up with that.

I walk out into the living room where the wheel and fiber were and in front of the wheel, not in the bag I had put it in, was my fiber, definitely fluffier than when I had put it up last night. I looked at it, still groggy and half asleep, tried to make some sense of the mess and calmly put it back in the bag. I made sure to zip the bag this time.

While fluffier and not as well groomed as when I went to bed last night, it was still useable. It made for an interesting challenge, trying to sort out the various fibers going in every which direction. There are some spots that aren't as smooth and pretty as the rest of it but it's still my third thing I've ever spun so I'll just use that as an excuse...

I knit some today too. I finished the one square I was working on yesterday and started another one today. I'm pretty happy with how this blanket is turning out and it's working as a palate cleanser even though I haven't really been working on anything big lately so I guess it's really more just entertaining me until I can work on my big projects. I should be getting yarn for the sekrit project soonish and I can start my sweater in about a week and a half. So I'll go from no big projects to two fairly substantial projects. I'm excited though. I want something challenging to do with my time. Hopefully after I finish my two substantial projects, I can add those to a website and then start getting commissions! *dreams happily*

Itchy itchy, scratchy scratchy, ooh I got one on my back-y! (Day 70 KEDfaY)

I've had bad reactions to mosquito bites all my life. As I've said before though, I didn't know my reactions were worse than others. I just thought that sometimes they bite harder or deeper or more and you get bigger bites and that's how I got softball sized mosquito bites. Then I was told that no, that wasn't normal. 

And then I got my most recent bite that has made my arm look like I was attacked. It's blistered and oozy and bruised. And all it is is a mosquito bite. I tried to find some sort of home remedy that other's who have the so delicately named "Skeeter Syndrome" have used but everything I've found has said that their doctors recommended benadryl and ice and waiting. In extreme cases, there would be a steroid shot. After three days of as much benadryl as I can take while still being functional, my bite is now back to the size of a quarter, as long as I don't use my arm. As soon as I start using my arm, it starts to swell again which then makes it itch and hurt. On top of this monstrous bite, I haven't felt the greatest the past few days and I'm starting to suspect that this bite is why. Some people with the same reactions as me have said that they also get a fever and general gross, sick feelings. From a mosquito bite. Have I mentioned that I live in northern Florida and there are literal swamps surrounding our apartment complex? 

I have knit today. I knit quite a bit actually. I'm now on the decreases for my scarf/shawl thingy. I like it but I don't like it shedding. I might make another one for me but in different yarn and then give this one as a present.

I also started a blanket square (not pictured) for HPKCHC. One of the challenges is to make 15 50-150 yard things between now and sometime in November. I have 2 done already and if I make squares then I can get some charity blankets out of the way too. The pattern is nothing special. I'm knitting them the same way as a washcloth. I then measured 25 yards, tied a knot, and made that the halfway point for my square so that I know how much yarn to use and won't accidentally use too much yarn. Having a set stash for an undetermined amount of time means a lot more planning in my projects. 

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to (Day 65 KEDfaY)

There's my very first handspun! Ain't it purty? My dinky camera phone made it look all grey and black but it's really a dusky purple and black and very pretty. I got somewhere around 140 yards although I want to measure it again once it's dry. My swift has a tendency to bow funny when you get a few rotations of yarn on it so since this is probably going to be a gift, I'm going to remeasure it using the ever technical dining room chair method. 

I also knit today. I started yet another washcloth and a blanket square for a charity blanket that I'm eventually going to donate. Not a whole lot going on there. I'm waiting to get my BROOM approved and then I get to wait until the 28th to start my sweater but I am excited about it still. 

But for the meantime, I am going to resist spinning all of the fiber I have. I really quite enjoy spinning. It is nice. Really nice. I enjoy it and I'm not even that good at it. 

And I might even have a commission coming my way! It's for a hat but a commission is a commission! Now to just get more of them! 

Antici....pation (Day 61 KEDfaY)

Three day weekends always mess me up. I spent a good portion of today thinking that it was Monday when it definitely isn't. Today is just one of those days that feels sorta off. I didn't do much. We're battling ants right now and so I spent more than I'd like to admit of my free time today killing those suckers. Right now we have a trap and bait and hopefully between the two they will soon die and leave us alone. The Boyfriend bought some ant traps from the store but they avoid them like the plague. I've looked up various homemade recipes and traps to try to get rid of these guys and so far they seem to be working although they have now decided to brave the cinnamon lines I've put everywhere. Our kitchen right now looks 100% crazy person-esque but if having lines of baking powder and cinnamon everywhere keeps them away then I'll live with it.

I knit on a washcloth today. It's going to be one of my classes for HPKCHC. I'm about halfway done with it right now and could very easily finish it tonight buuutttt....

I got part of my birthday presents today. The Boyfriend is in the running for Boyfriend of the Year right now. These two lovely braids are only a small part of my birthday present. I am probably not going to get the big part for a while but I really want to play with these and pre-draft them and prep them for spinning for when I do get my wheel. I'm very, very excited. I spent a good portion of my day today watching various Youtube videos on how to spin. I feel like at this point I have a very good grasp of the concept and the basics but now I just need to take the method and apply it. It could all turn out horribly wrong like me trying to apply the method to real life when attempting to drive a manual car. But for right now I remain incredibly excited and I absolutely cannot wait to try out my new toy. Once it gets here of course. 

Family Times (Day 57 KEDfaY)

Because of reasons that I don't quite understand, my family isn't here yet. I have been told that they are about an hour away so I figured I should get this done and over with before they get here and I become a sobbing, blubbering mess and space it completely. The posts this weekend are probably just going to be pictures and titles, fyi. 

This is my gauge swatch for my sweater I'm gonna make. I figured I should get it done and out of the way so when the term begins for HPKCHC I can just jump right in (after hours and hours of math of course). 

So. Yeah. That's about all I have right now because I'M JUST SO EXCITED! AH!