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September 29, 2005
Off for a long weekend!
Geoff and I are leaving soon for a long weekend in Auburn! We're going to go to the Auburn-South Carolina football game. Since Geoff is an Auburn grad we go down for one game a year and I'm usually playing the role of an Auburn fan but not this year! I must support my Gamecocks! I mean, I graduated from the place 3 times! We'll see if the cocks can pull off a miracle win.
And now for the knitting...
I've finished the back of Trellis!
Isn't she lovely? I'm taking a small break from her to get some more work done on my Fiery Bolero. She's making progress, too!
Also, look what I got in the mail the other day!
It's the yarn I'm going to use for my little gifty gift for someone (it's Ene's Scarf from Scarf Style). I wound it into balls immediately so that it would be ready for when THESE arrived...
They came today!!! YAY!!! This means I can take them to Auburn and get started immediately!
Well, we're taking the laptop and should have internet access at the hotel so I may post a little something this weekend. We'll see how it goes! Have a great weekend!
Posted by allison at 03:58 PM | Comments (1)
September 24, 2005
Ahhh, the Greek life...
Geoff and I went to the annual Greek Festival tonight. I always love it when the Greek Festival rolls around. The food is always sooooo good. This was Geoff's roasted lamb dinner. I had a gyro and some greek seasoned fries. Mmmmmmmmmm...
Here is Geoff striking a pose with our dessert, loukoumades (honey puffs). Yummy Yummy! (and the loukoumades aren't bad either!) ;)
The singer from the band got a little rowdy towards the end...
And I have no idea what she was singing... it was all Greek to me. Hardy har har har...
Anyway, a good time was had by all and my stomach is properly stuffed with good food and beer.
Now for a little knitting content...
Here's a pic of my progress on Trellis.
I'm almost up to the armpits! I don't have any pics of the Fiery Bolero progress because well, there isn't really that much progress to report on it. I am to the point where I cast on for the sleeves so I'm about to switch it to the circs. This means the beginning of what will seem like endless rows of stockinette stitch. Oh well, that's good "TV watching" knitting. And with the seasons of both Apprentices now started, I'll be doing a LOT of TV watching.
I'll leave you tonight with an easy way to help those in the gulf. Dine for America is a group of restaurants across the US that are participating in a fund raising effort on October 5. It's easy to help! Just go to a participating restaurant and eat! Go to www.dineforamerica.org and look for participating restaurants in your area. Most are donating 100% of profits that day to help those affected by the gulf coast hurricanes. So you can help a lot of people by doing what you do everyday!
Posted by allison at 09:46 PM | Comments (3)
September 23, 2005
Yay babies!
I just found out that a good friend of mine is having a baby! Yay! This means I'll have an excuse to knit tiny baby things! Yay again! Babies rock.
In other knitting news, I'm still making (slow) progress on the Fiery Bolero and Trellis. My knitting time has been almost non-existant lately. I'll post pics tomorrow when the sun's out.
Also, I ordered a set of Denise Interchangeable needles yesterday! I can't wait for them to get here! I also ordered some yarn for a secret project (aka gift for someone who may read this).
That's all I got right now. My eyes are growing very heavy. More tomorrow... with pictures! G'night...
Posted by allison at 10:50 PM | Comments (1)
September 18, 2005
Knitting rut?! What knitting rut?!
Ok. So it didn't take much to get me out of my knitting rut. I cast on for my Fiery Bolero (IK Summer 05)!
That Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran is sooooo friggin' soft and wonderful to knit with!
Also, you know what this is?
It's my swatch for Trellis from Knitty! I knit this swatch yesterday during the (embarrassing) South Carolina-Alabama game. I think my nephew would look stunning in this sweater. One Christmas gift down, 3,893,283 to go. I cast on for it this afternoon and just love the pattern!
Also, you may remember my minisweater? "Oh yeah! Weren't you going to post pics of it?" Well, yes I was but I'm not 100% happy with it. So I'm going to shorten it. Yeah. Then I'll be happy with it and it will be blog-pic worthy.
So no more knitting rut! Yay! I love having a million projects going at once. Helps keep the doldrums at bay.
Also, it was a happy weekend because I got this fun toy...
Love it! The new iPhoto rocks and it will allow me to create even more cool galleries! I know you're waiting with bated breath. Sidenote: I thought it was "baited breath" but according to dictionary.com:
The word baited is sometimes incorrectly substituted for the etymologically correct but unfamiliar word bated (“abated; suspended”) in the expression bated breath.
So that's your English lesson for the day. I like my blog to be not only entertaining but also educational!
In other news, Geoff and I took his parents to the airport this morning as they left for a vacation that would make anyone envious. They're flying to Amsterdam and then taking a two week river cruise to Budapest. I tried to fit into their luggage but to no avail. I know they'll have a great time (even without me there).
Running Update
It pains me to say this (literally) but the running isn't going so well. Remember Geoff and I went running Monday night and my legs were hurting? Well, they have continued to hurt since then. So I didn't run at all until tonight. Geoff and I went on a run/walk through the neighborhood and when I started running, OUCH! Legs STILL hurting. I tried to persevere and ran for 8 minutes straight (.67 miles) but my legs were really hurting. It doesn't feel like shin splints; it's more of a muscular pain in my calves. So I've decided no running for at least a week. I'm going to do other things this week (go to the gym, ride my bike, walk) and see what I feel like in a week. Hopefully I'll be "back up and running" (pun intended) in no time. Thanks for all of the support in my comments and the supportive emails! They mean a lot to me and keep me going!
Ok, guess I better sign off... it's 9:30 and I still haven't eaten dinner!
Posted by allison at 09:30 PM | Comments (1)
September 14, 2005
Knitting rut?
Yeah. I think I'm in one. I'm still working on those three scarves (My so called scarf, Ruffles scarf and Branching out) and I feel like I'm going to be working on them for the rest of my life. I need a big project to work on! I think I've decided to use the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran to make the Fiery Bolero from the Summer 05 Interweave Knits. I know I had previously mentioned using it for Grumperina's Picovoli but I think I'd rather make that one in a cotten blend and a different color. Hmmmmmm... maybe THIS is why I'm in a knitting rut! I can't make up my friggin' mind! But I'm really going to knit the Fiery Bolero. Really. For real. This time I mean it. I do. I think...
In other news, I'm FINALLY starting to get some photo galleries up in the sidebar. I've got pics from our honeymoon up now. Hopefully I'll get a wedding gallery up soon and of course a knitting one, too!
Running update
Geoff and I went to USC's track Monday night and I ran just over 1/2 mile at one time. My legs were HURTIN' from Saturday morning's run so I didn't do so hot. And my legs are STILL hurting today. I'm not sure whether or not I should just run through the pain (making me not run very long or very far) or should I wait until they aren't very sore and try again? My calves are killing me! This is the frustrating part. I like progress not setbacks. I guess I'll see how I feel tomorrow and either do a run or just a nice brisk walk.
Sorry for the (boring) pictureless post. I'll try and take some for next time. For now, I've got Liquid Plumber in the bathroom sink that needs my attention...
Posted by allison at 09:55 PM | Comments (0)
September 10, 2005
Our newest addition
Geoff and I ordered a wine cabinet a couple of weeks ago and picked it up today. I love it! I just want to make cocktails and sip wine all day (how is that different from any other day?). It holds 20 wine bottles and I stocked it with the 10 bottles we had taking up a lot of room on our counters. It will definitely help us with our "space issues" in the kitchen.
Also, another pic of some knitting. I've decided to make a hat from that Berocco Hip Hop. I'm just knitting it flat because I don't have size 13 circs (I really need to get myself a set of Denise circulars!). Anyway, I'll see what I have leftover and see if I can squeeze out a scarf or just make some mittens. Just a little progress so far. It's k2p2 ribbing.
Running Update
The run this morning went well! I beat my old time of 11 minutes 33 seconds and ran for 13 minutes! It was only 1.16 miles but I'm working on endurance and not speed right now. Once I can run for 30 minutes I'll work on my speed.
The stats:
longest time: 13 minutes
longest distance: 1.16 miles
Sorry to bore you with running details but by putting it out here it helps me hold myself accountable and also helps me see my progress.
Geoff and I are watching the Auburn football game right now. They're looking good this week! Go Tigers! War Eagle! The Gamecocks are in Athens this weekend taking on the Georgia Bulldogs. Yikes. I hope we don't embarrass ourselves on national TV. We seem to enjoy doing that. We'll see!
I've got Taco Soup in the crock pot and it's making the house smell fantastic... Mmmmmmmmm...
Posted by allison at 03:10 PM | Comments (2)
September 09, 2005
Ok. I'm game.
So one of my co-workers comes in this morning and saying that she'd just come from Target and there was YARN there! In the $1 section! So my friend Roz and I headed out at lunch to check it out. I didn't get my hopes up. After all, it's Target and what do they know about yarn? Well, there wasn't much of a selection but I did see something that caught my eye...
It's their "Boucle Yarn" and I like the color so I went ahead and bought 11 skeins (like I said, they were just a buck each!). So I'm going to see if I can find a pattern for a small jacket/cardigan of sorts and see how it knits up. If it turns out to be a complete failure I won't feel like I wasted a bunch of money. And if it turns out beautifully then I'll have a way-cool sweater for $11!
Of course I felt like the biggest geek. Just after I started digging through the bins of yarn I remembered that I was wearing my "knit happens" t-shirt. The girl at the check out looked at me and looked at all the yarn and said "ummm... you must like to knit." Uh, yeah. I do.
And to prove that I really AM knitting, here are some pics of "my so called scarf" that I'm knitting with Lion Brand's Landscapes in the colorway Rose Garden...
(click for larger images)
I can't seem to get a decent pic of my Ruffles scarf and my Branching Out. I'll keep trying though.
Running Update
Man have I been hurtin' this week! I had that very successful run last Sunday and tried to repeat it on Tuesday. Maybe that was too soon. My legs were killing me! I was only able to run .8 miles straight before hobbling home (and getting straight into the tub for a soak). So I've taken a break since then and plan to give it another go tomorrow morning. Geoff and I get together with some friends for a run every weekend. They're all training for a half-marathon in Dec. in Kiawah so they do a long run every weekend. I come too and do my own thing since I'm not quite ready to run with the big kids. Anyway, hopefully my legs will feel good tomorrow and I'll beat last weekend's run. I'll let ya know how it goes.
I guess I'd better get myself in bed and get rested!
Posted by allison at 10:23 PM | Comments (1)
September 05, 2005
Happy Labor Day!
Well, it was a great holiday weekend! The weather here is FINALLY starting to cool down. Yay! And college football is back! Double Yay! My Gamecocks did fairly well (maybe not the best performance but they did win!). Geoff is bummed about the Auburn-Ga Tech game. He's an Auburn grad. They didn't play so hot. Oh well.
Today was my sister's birthday. Happy Birthday, Shannon! So Geoff and I had another excuse to go out to the lake to celebrate (twist our arms!). And while we were there I FINALLY got a picture of my niece wearing her new sweater. It fits! And she loves it. The pic isn't the best but she wouldn't keep still! Typical 5 year old...
My knitting has been scarferrific! I have three - count 'em THREE - scarves going at the moment... my (High Energy) Ruffles scarf from Scarf Style
I still don't know what to knit with the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran and the Berroco Hip Hop that I have. I was thinking of trying the newest version of the Tivoli, the Picovoli! Grumperina has snazzed up the Tivoli with picot edges. So I may use my Debbie Bliss for that. As for the Berroco, still not sure. I think I may be able to squeeze out a hat and scarf set. Or maybe a hat and some mittens. Who knows. Still looking for a pattern that jumps out at me.
Running Update
Ok, so I hadn't run in a week and a half before yesterday. BAD!! BUT the last time I ran I had set a new personal record of running for 7 minutes and 10 seconds straight and I had to beat it. And last night I started out running for 10 minutes straight and ended my workout with a 1 mile jaunt in 11 minutes, 33 seconds (not the fastest time I know, but it's progress!). So I feel pretty good that I've hit the 1 mile mark. Just two more and I'll be running a 5k! I'm going to try and get out more this week since the weather is going to be so great. And guess what?! I'm actually starting to enjoy it! I'm starting to see how people become addicted to it! Any runners out there with advice for a newbie? I'm all ears!
I'll sign off by saying... Hoorah for short work weeks!
Posted by allison at 09:30 PM | Comments (1)
September 01, 2005
Go Cocks!
Well, football season is upon us again! The campus is all abuzz with the beginning of the "Spurrier Era." And so far so good! Geoff and I are watching the big game right now. Go Gamecocks!
During the first quarter I sewed the sleeves of my minisweater and wove in all of the ends. Now all I need is a button! I'm going to try and get one tomorrow and then I'll have pics of moi wearing the newest addition to my wardrobe!
And now... what to knit next?!
I'm making good progress on my High Energy Ruffles scarf but I need something else to work on! I have knitting ADHD and can't concentrate on one project for too long!
I was looking through my stash and came across this:
It's Debbis Bliss Cashmerino Aran (6 balls) in color wine 617. I had bought it a long time ago to knit Tempting but I'm not sure I want to knit that anymore! What else could I knit with just 6 balls?
I also came across this lovely stuff:
It's 3 hanks (about 230 yards) of Berroco Hip-Hop in color Vinyl 7223. I bought it back in April while Geoff and I were on our honeymoon (I knew I married a WONDERFUL man when he didn't scoff at the idea of driving 30 minutes or more to find a yarn shop! He's a keeper!). So I'm looking for something cool to make with it. I love the colors in it.
I'll keep my eye out for patterns for them but I'm open to suggestions!
Now on a much sadder note, I cannot believe the amount of devastation in the gulf area. I've never seen anything like it! All of the destruction and chaos! Where do you even begin?
Like I said yesterday, donate donate donate. Even as little as $5. Every little bit helps. My mother-in-law has family in Mississippi. They finally heard from her sisters this morning but there is no electricity and trees down everywhere. They said the power plant was destroyed so they have no idea when their power will get restored. One of them has emphysema and they have a generator that is helping keep her cool to help with her breathing. And we all feel so helpless because we can't do anything for them! What a horrific situation...
Posted by allison at 10:04 PM | Comments (0)
