GuinevereStar

Frustration

2009-06-18T22:29:00.003+01:00

I'm helping work on a project right now, that is going to be awesome, but it's hard.
People seem to have the impression that the people working on the project are making lots of money from it - so, so far from the truth, that we're not doing it for the joy of it - not that there's been much of that. And portraying other people's experiences, which I don't think is fair, third person misunderstandings being frequent and all.
It's hard.
I can completely understand people having their own views, and their own opinons, thats fine, i have no qualms about that. What I do have a bit of an issue with, is people slagging us off in public, without discussing it first, without giving us a chance to explain, and maybe for everyone to come to a better understanding of what everyone means.
I've not had the best week or so, and this just, makes me so darned frustrated. I'm trying to think of ways that we as a team can communicate more efficiently withe people as a whole, I'm thinking maybe a blog.

Sigh, on a good note, I'm doing a fair in Coventry on Saturday (not that I'm prepared yet) and nursery work has been tiring but satisfactory.

There was other news, but I'm confuddled, and just watched Greys Anatomy with lots of crying.
I'm off to bed.

Stuck

2009-06-14T21:53:00.002+01:00

I'm stuck.
I have so much going on in my head, that I cannot write about it.
I keep this blog, but I also have an offline diary, and I can't even keep my words straight enough for that.
I did a lot of work on Ravelry Day on 6th - I'm still processing stuff from that.
I have feelings re-emerging that I thought I'd dealt with, and that's hard to get my head round.
I'm feeling a bit like I'm on a rollercoaster, and I'm not sure how well I'm dealing with that right now.

There's lots going on, and lots to process.

I'm also trying to decide on my next knitting project - a little cardi, my first lace, or something else entirely?

2009-06-12T23:57:00.002+01:00

So, they've gone - thank goodness. I'm in the house on my own this weekend so I'm a little apprehensive, but fingers crossed.

Yuck

2009-06-08T20:58:00.003+01:00

I just found maggots in the bin. There was hysterical crying swearing exclaiming and it fell over so then there were some on the floor.
Cue hysterical phonecall to housemate, who left work and came to clear them up.
I am at the other end of the flat, with no intention of staying here tonight - even if I end up sleeping in the car. *shudder*
Completely freaked, and feel like I can feel them in my hair, on my skin, everywhere. I am a girl, and I do not like creepy crawly things.

So Utterly and Completely Disgusting and Gross and just Horrific.

(btw- there is no frickin' chance i am going to take all the flack for this - it's his kitchen too)

Lots

2009-05-16T23:49:00.002+01:00

I've done lots recently...
started working at a local nursery for two afternoons a week
helping organize a bog event in coventry - UK Ravelry Day - www.britishyarns.org.uk
went to a local folk club and sang with ed
got lost in coventry multiple times
signed up to skype and allsorts of other netty things
published teh new website - www.guineveredesigns.co.uk

I got really tired, so this weekend is a 'kayla day/weekend' just for me, which is cool

I watched prince caspian earlier, and wasn't that impressed.
I found the original (well, the BBC version, to me, thats original) lion witch and the wardrobe on video in a charity shop...finally tried to play it today - it works fine for a few seconds, then I paused it to go make lunch, and it wouldn't work again - gah!

longer more detailed post soonish, I'm tired, and my throat hurts!

All About Me

2009-04-29T22:51:00.000+01:00

All About Me

I found this on a random trawl around blogs and it looked like fun… Anybody else wanting to join in and compare notes?

Things you've already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven't done and don't want to - leave in plain font

1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band
4. visited Hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more to charity than you could afford
7. been to disneyland/world
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11.bungee jumped
12. visited paris

13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning - don't reccomend it!
17. walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. grown your own vegetables-
19. seen the mona lisa in france
20. slept on an overnight train - the Mavi train from Istanbul
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb - and bottle fed it
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in venice
29. seen a total eclipse –
30. watched a sunrise or sunset –
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise
33. seen niagara falls in person
34.visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. seen an Amish community
36. taught yourself a new language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person –
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen Michael Angelo's David in real life
41. sung karaoke
42. seen old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. visited Africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight – in India
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the cistene chapel in person
50. been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkelling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theatre
55. been in a movie
56. visited the great wall of china
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited Russia - no interest in doing so
60. served at a soup kitchen – possibly
61. sold girl guide cookies
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood – and I should do again soon
65. gone sky-diving - oh no
66. visited a nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a cheque *blush*
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy –
70. visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt –
73. stood in times square - and watched the ball fall at New Year
74. toured the everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guard in london
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the vatican
82. bought a brand new car –
83. walked in Jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire bible
86.visited the White House
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a bookclub
93. lost a loved one - several
94. had a baby

95. seen the Alamo in person
96. swum in the great salt lake.
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee – and had vinegar put on it from the chip van – I had a classy childhood!

There are so many things I want to do!

Let me know if you take part.

Replacement Swappage 2!

2009-04-15T16:03:00.004+01:00

Oh my Oh my Oh my I'm so lucky!
I got two parcels today!

I got Fitted Knitts- the before was the yarn to make one of the patterns (The bold and bulky mini cardi me thinks!?) Amazing!! I've wanted the book for an absolute age, and it's absolutely perfect!
I also got a parcel with some cool greek sweeties, and, and...the other hat from the landmark competition! It's so very lovely and cosey - I've got it on now! I really want the weather to be cold now! It's hard to find a hat that suits me usually - but this is gorgeous!!
All of them are super duper angels!!
Pictures:

Replacement Swappage

2009-04-08T15:35:00.004+01:00

So, my book swap parcel didn't arrive, so the wonderful people in the Ravelry group have sent me more parcels :~)

Here is the one from Amy (whose original package was so good a postperson decided to keep it)
5 balls of Lion Yarn Wool Ease and an awesome card - the sheep has googley eyes! The yarn is great - I don't know if you can get it over here, and its for a pattern in the book that's being sent to me by another angel. (Yet to arrive:~( )

And here's the one I got from Barb this morning:
Awesome-ness in the shape of, a notepad, orange candles, yummy chocolates, key ring and lip balm. the keyring is from canada (oh how i've always wanted to go to canada!) and the libalm is mango and acai - oh how i love mango!

Two fantastic packages, and there's more to come!

ION, I've been signed off for a bit longer, and I've been making lot sof jewellery to try and sell, which is going well, and apart from arguments and feeling crap most of the time, it's okay.

Random Yarn Find

2009-04-05T01:04:00.003+01:00

I went on a charity shop hunt today for beads and lovelies...
Found some random yarn that I cannot find anywhere - Twilleys Cotton Candy...Any one seen it before??

More More More!

2009-03-19T12:22:00.003Z

More Swappage! I seem to have got quite a few parcels over the last few days, which is awesome as I've been having a mixed crappy week!

Here is my March Ten Dollar Swap Package from Helen in Johnstone, Scotland :~)

I got sweet yarn, and a letter opener - awesome as I've trying to find one for ages, I loves them :) I got sweeties, and a postcard and a reusable bag, and a book by Paulo Coelho - who I discovered in India last year, and love! A Perfect package!!

In my other package I got my belated birthday present from Allan:

Pretty Pretty Shoes! I have some black ones that are very similar, and I wear them with skirts, and have wanted a brown pair for ages - and now I have some!! Hurrah! :~)

I'm off doing errands and having tea/coffee/other beverages with an old friend.

Swappage (2)

2009-03-17T17:46:00.003Z

I got another swap package :~)

This time from Michelle in Ohio!

Pictures!Big Box!Lots of Goodies!Even more goodies!!Food and photo thingies Fabulous Yarn and Amazing (Glittery!!!!!) Needles!

So, I got:
a box of Liptons White Tea with mango and peach - two of my favourite flavours!
a box of spices for hot mulled cider, spiced wine or tea from Patterson Fruit Farm
Cinnamon Apple tea bags :~)
Two packs of Freeze A Frame which are great!
Great yarn - Pink with sparkles in it!
and more yarn - hand spun sweet grass wool from montana - it's spun in Alberta Canada using a turn of the century Spinning Mule, and hand dyed, and is gorgeous!!
And, a pair of 10mm blue Glittery knitting needles!!

Such a great package - it's great!! (and it all smells of mango and peach white tea, which is SO lovely!)

Swappage

2009-03-04T20:58:00.005Z

Here is my first swap package from wonderful Lin, in Canada...

There's a book, some chocolate from Vancouver, some DPN's, an amazing robot stick on patch, and some absolutely gorgeous yarn from Crystal Palace Yarns called Mini Mochi, in an awesome colourway: (photo stolen from their website as my camera's poo!) Fern Rainbow

My mum's coming down for the day tomorrow, so I'm attempting to tidy, and failing - as usual. I might stick everything in a box and cover it with a blanket, and hide stuff in my room and close the door!

I am a Bad Blogger

2009-02-28T07:51:00.002Z

A whole month since I was last here...oh boy what a month.

I've had, what wiki classes as a bit of a breakdown - less than fun.

Needless to say, I no longer have a job - the running away and crying etc didn't help that.

I've been staying with a friend for 4 weeks, but his housemate is back now, so we've de-camped back to my *cold* flat - he;s moving in to keeo an eye on me and be a support etc. My friends that know whats been going on have been great.

I'm struggling with most things,and taking it portion by portion - I'm not being that great at the day by day, but morning/afternoon/evening by morning/afternoon/evening seems to work ok at the moment.

On the plus side, there's some jewellery I've been making that I really like, but I can't find my camera cable to upload any pictures, which is irritating.

I've been taking part in some swaps over on ravelry, and my first package came earlier in the week - some wonderful goodies! I sent off two of the three packages I need to send, yesterday, so they should be with their recipients at the end of next week.

I was wide awake at 6am this morning - utterly crazy, but just coudln't get back to sleep, so came up to finish off some more pretties.

It's cold, I'm off to get a jumper.

Stuck at home again

2009-01-21T17:54:00.003Z

Well, this morning I woke up and it hurt! it all hurt!
I know what I did to pull my back out again, so there'll be none of that again!

I managed to get myself to my sofa, and have been here most of the day - it's crappy and I don't like it!
What really worries me is that taking this time off might be really affecting my work - well, I know it's affecting my work, and I'm trying to minimise the impace by working harder when I'm there, but I'm concerned that the people I'm working for at the moment will go to my agency and say well, shes good, but she keeps having time off, and we can't carry on. So I've been going in when I can, but in the three weeks I've been there I've taken the equivalent of 4 1/2 days off...gr!

sigh - i have some ideas for some jewellery to make with my stash, so i'll be doing that more than knitting i think - I think the rush and pressure surrounding the christmas knitting has turned me off a bit. I cast on a scrunchable scarf and a neck tie for my sister, but haven't got farther than 2 rows on either.

must eat..pizza or pasta??

Ow

2009-01-19T22:37:00.000Z

Well, my shoulder hurts now. quite a lot. I wore heels to work, as my back and other hurts nastily tricked me into thinking I was better - I'm not.
I also learned today that my car is a write off - this is bad, and could mean all sorts of stress.

Sleep now.

What an Odd day...

2009-01-17T19:46:00.003Z

As I ventured around Birmingham City Centre, I spotted a rather significant amount of police men... but there has been football on, between two clubs that are renowned for being violent (apparently - like I know that without asking someone!?!) so I thought little of it...
I bought pillows, and had a look in House of Fraser (very tempted by some reduced Rowan Little Big Wool, but managed to hold back!*proud*) then went over the the Bullring to get my car (via thorntons for my treat of the week oh, a bag of these too) and got locked in!
All of the entrances and exits were locked by security, because a riot broke out a result of a protest about Gaza... I can't find anything about it online, apart from a brief mention about the laying of wreath on the BBC website.
Locked in for about 20 minutes, then made it out and to my car and home.

I got home to find three fairly major bus routes have been diverted down my road - the road that a van and a car have to be a bit careful going down at the same time.Then for about 20 minutes there were two buses trying to get down the road...at the same time!

In Other News, these are just fabulous!

Food Calls, let's hope this doesn't go wrong!

Way to get the Giggle on...

2009-01-15T21:29:00.003Z

I'm lying here reading Yarn Harlot archives, and giggling like a little girl.
I realise a while back that I've not read all of her blog, so logged on the other day and am reading from the beginning whenever I get a chance.
She's so awesome!

July 7th 2004 just had me absolute fits of giggles - I'm either on too many painkillers, or she's a great writer - I'm going for the second option!

Back at work tomorrow, armed with slow release painkillers and flat shoes...

I'll just read a few more entries first...

(I'm so going to have to ration myself soon)

Perumpety

2009-01-15T09:49:00.003Z

Well, it's been an interesting few days - I went into work on Tuesday and ended up in tears I was in so much pain. Thankfully I was able to leave early and go to the doctors/rest, but I then took yesterday off aswell. My back still hurts, and my shoulders and legs too, which is great fun!
I've taken today off too, which is bad, becasue I really need to work to earn money, but I'm so stiff and ick!
The doctor kept saying 'keep moving, keep moving' which is great, but I know how my back is, and it can take a little bit of movement, but not huge amounts, and if I give it a few days rest, it'll be a lot better in the long run.
It's my body, surely I'm allowed to know what heals it?

Still no news on when the car needs to go in for repairs, but I called the insurance people yesterday and they said I need to call them when I know the booking in date and they'll arrange a car for me.

I also have bunged up ears, so am sat here with oily drop things and cotton wool in my ears. I can't hear much except my own breathing!

I've been making a fair bit of jewellery and pretty things, and have lots more ideas. I've also discovered the website Folksy which as far as I can see is a UK equivalent of Etsy, which is awesome. I'm going to put some of the new stuff up on there today, and see what happens.
I need to get better at promoting myself on the web, I've not sold much recently, and need to 'get back in the groove'

Poorly Car, Poorly Kayla

2009-01-12T20:59:00.003Z

Poorly Car: bumped exhaust, knocked in boot, funky meaty driving - she's poorly! Took her into the garage for them to take pictures and do estimates etc - apparently it'll take about a week and a half to mend, so hopefully the insurance people will sort out a hire car and stuff for me!
Poorly Kayla: I think I have whiplash :~( My back hurts and my shoulders hurt...I'm kinda souped up on pain killers - my mega ones that the hospital gave me a few years ago, which is bad! I also still have the end of a cold...sniffly and gross! On a completely trivial note, it's quite annoying not being able to wear heels (they hurt my back), when I mainly wear heels at work - lots of outfits aren't viable anymore! *tut*
I'm having an early night with my book, The Bakers Apprentice by Judi Hendricks. It's a continuation of 'Bread Alone' a book I read years ago and really enjoyed.
More later, sleep calls.

Heaps

2009-01-11T13:47:00.002Z

Is what kind of bad luck I'm having.

Yesterday, I got crashed into :~( Going left on a roundabout, the car behind me didn't stop! So I spent an hour on the phone to the insurance company this morning, but they're being good, and I might get a hire car while mine is getting fixed, which is good news.
Unfortunately the car hit mine quite hard - hard enough for the CD's in the centre block bit to be thrown about the car - and it's thrown my back out, so it hurts lots!

I finished my sisters mittens, and photos shall come soon

First Day Back in the Real World

2009-01-05T18:52:00.002Z

Today was my first day back in work since before christmas, and I'm Tired
It was okay, and the woman I'm working with is as o as I am, so we've been getting on well.

I got diverted on the way home, which was interesting, as I don't know the area at all!

So tonight is lying on the sofa watching TV night, which I think is okay.

Sh*t Hit-eth the Fan-eth

2009-01-03T10:19:00.003Z

Yuo, I'm behind on my rent, and instead of my landlord being understanding - as an association thingy - they have given me my notice.
great.
I need a place to live from next month - cheap rent, no deposit.
Not gonna happen is it?

I'm screwed.

And the cat just threw up on the carpet. great.

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-01T16:33:00.002Z

Lets hope that this year brings the joy, light and laughter deserved.

I am lying on my sofa after having a new years lunch with friends at a local pub...
Had a good evening, although strangely it vastly improved after midnight!

I have been thinking about a plan for this year - not a resolution, but something like, I will take and post a photo everyday in 2009, but a variant of... I need to get my thinking cap on me thinks.

Post Christmas Stuff

2008-12-27T13:14:00.004Z

Sleeping has made up a major part of the last few days.
Yesterday I spent the entire day in bed sleeping and reading - blissful! I don't get to lie in at home because Kitty comes and pesters me for food and attention at the very latest 8am, so I'm taking full advantage of being away!

Christmas was lovely, and I got some fab presents, both handmade and bought, practical and beautiful.
I left my camera at home (sillyme!) so no pictures, but maybe when I head home in the next few days.
It is lovely to be here and see my Christmas-Family again, and it takes away a lot of my stresses and strains - fab :)

Everytime I come here, or sometimes even think about here (Powys, in mid-Wales), I consider moving. It's such a lovely bit of the country, and I think it was recently voted the happiest place to live, or something similar.
I would love to move away from the city and be nearer the countryside, and the way of life that I get to sample every year. I know that the sample I get isn't a true indicator of life down here, but I still fancy it everytime. This year I've looked for jobs, and am (stupidly you may say) debating applying for one that sounds really interesting and similar to things I've done - and enjoyed - before.
The downside would of course be leaving all my friends behind, and I can never decide if that's to much to leave behind, to sacrifice.
I go through this most years, but this year I seem to be thinking a bit more seriously, I'm not sure why.
I really must get out of bed and have a wander down to the town, get some fresh air etc.
x

Finished Objects Oh My!

2008-12-21T19:06:00.005Z

Picture Heavy Post, Sorry!

I finished things hurrah!
Dad's scarf:

It was going to be a no-purl keyhole scarf, but I ended up making the pattern up as I went.
It a mixture of two colours of Patons and Rowan Cashsoft and after blocking it came out quite nice I think!

Mum's scarf:

Very simple, garter stitch edge then stocking stitch, but it shows off the yarn quite well I think. The yarn is some odd pink stuff I've had in my stash a long time, and Colinette Point Five in Florentina.
I like it, and again, fingers crossed my Mum does too.

The fingerless mittens for my sister didn't go so well. I finished one, but the the kitchener stitch-ing on it made it not very stretchy, so I've given her it and an IOU for a proper pair!

Just spent the weekend at my parents house, was lovely, although it was only supposed to be a day visit yesterday! There was a big accident on the M1, so I was at a standstill for about 40 minutes, but it wasn't that bad. I can't find it anywhere on the web, so I don't know what happened.

I am in the process of making a revised Christmas Knitting (and everything else) plan as I have a few more things to knit, and then I'm off to my Christmas Family on tuesday afternoon :~)

Busy few days to go, then some time to chill and read!

What do I do with the cat?!

2008-12-19T15:11:00.003Z

I'm not sure what to do with the cat over christmas...
She'd be fine here, I guess, but she'd be on her own for maybe 3/4 days, and I can get friends to come feed her etc, but I have an uneasyness about it - I'm not sure why. I've not left her fro more than 2 nights before, and I guess I'm worried about her getting lonely.
My Christmas Family have cats, but they also have a dog and I'm not sure if I can even think about taking her with me.
She can't go into a cattery, its way to expensive, plus she's old and isn't up to date with her vaccines etc so they wouldn't take her even if I could afford it.
She could possibly go with Allan, but she's not really his cat, so it's not that fair. If she goes somewhere/with me, what if she pees all over the place?!But she might do that here anyway, being on her own for ages.

Dang it I don't know what to do!

Christmas Plan

2008-12-19T14:21:00.004Z

So, I tried taking a leaf out of The Yarn Harlot's book and get a schedule so I know what I'm doing with mmy Christmas knitting. Great Idea you'd think? Goals and the such to keep me on track?
Well, it means I know now that I am about a day and a half behind :~0
I have about three hours to do on my dad's scarf, a second mitten to match the one already made for my sister (although I still have to sew that up/kitchener stitch it - scary!) and I need to make my mum's scarf, from scratch...by tomorrow morning... oh, aswell as the presents for other people.
Gads, I'm cutting it fine!

In other news I have discovered I have an allergy to Blueberries - an experience involving a smoothie and a swollen lip...although apparently sperm-donor-father-guy has an allergy to another sort of berry, so I'm thinking its another great inherited trait! What an odd thing to be allergic to though ey?

Last weekend was my mum's side of the family's christmas gathering - we had chilli, curry (with sprouts in - euch!), potato bake and various veggies etc. It was a lovely day, and Jordan (surragote brother type member of the family) has an awesome ukelelee :-)

I also made a birthday cake for my friends daughters 6th birthday -I was quite pleased with how it turned out :)

Must Knit...

Cute

2008-12-15T00:06:00.003Z

I am at home in bed after a weekend at my parents, with the cat curled up next to me.
She has her paw on my forearm, and everytime I move she wakes up and puts her paw back, then falls right back to sleep - adorable.

Lots to catch up on, including - shock horror - knitting, kitty, allergies and awesome ukelele's...

'Night
:~)

Ewch...

2008-11-18T18:56:00.003Z

My throat is really very sore! I can't swallow properly, which is not so much fun.
Ok couple of days, a few dramas at work, but nothing huge...when you're not really doing anything, anything seems exciting!

I have to go to court tomorrow morning (a long historical complicated thing that's been going on over 18 months now), and then into work, so tomorrow is going to be an interesting day.

I got a phone call about a job today, and they;ve offered me an interview which is good *fingers crossed*

I must eat before I go pick up my washing.

More on the night out later

Adorable

2008-11-15T16:42:00.001Z

In Other News This Is Adorable!

Catch Up

2008-11-15T15:25:00.002Z

A lots happened in the past two weeks...heres a summary...

2 weeks ago I went to York for a Quaker Youth Work Conference which was interesting, and I'm glad I made the effort to go. That weekend I discovered a few things:
The parkng in York is extortionate if you pay a machine, and you're limited to parking for 5 hours. If you pay over the phone however, it costs £3.50 for 24 hours - yes, I found that out after paying for 4 hours parking!*doh*
I stayed over at my parents on the friday night to break up the journey, and ended up seeking refuge on the way back saturday too...the weather was atrocious and I was tired - the combination of which was not so good!

Last weekend I went up to Formby for the christening of my oldest friends son. I ended up getting off the motorway at Aintree, having a wander around the Asda and asking at the till how on earth I get there...I have no idea how I get there on their directions! But it was lovely to be surrounded by the accent again!lol!Finally got there 5 hours later than planned!
The christening was lovely, although i had to hold myself backa little from the religious bits - I felt it was very preachy, and it made me uncomfortable. I know, each to their own, and I think it's great that they believe in something, Just, made me think, and it made me think about my own faith, which is a good thing! My friend looked absolutely stunning - as usual - and her son, who's 2 and a half years old, looked adorable in white trousers/shirt, and a gorgeous little embroidered waistcoat - with his blonde curly locks he looks very cherubic! There was drama, as always at this sort of thing, when my friend discovered her dad pressed the wrong button on the camcorder and hadn't recorded anything! Went for (non-alcoholic of course) drinks later on and then started the drive home - which instead of taking 3 hours, took 5! The weather went really horrid, and I was so tired! I ended up stopping at services, having a half-doze and some food, and finally making it home for midnight!

I think i may have an insensitivity to caffeine, as both drives I tried some caffeine tablet things to try and get myself more awake, but I'm pretty sure they had no effect!:~S

Mt friend cam and fed Kitty while I was away, and set up my fish tank for me again! It was getting icky, and hadn't had any fish in it for a long while, but it's now up and running, and she has some fish for me to put in tomorrow! Photos next time! :~)

I've been at my temp job for three weeks now, and have been covering reception for the past two - the woman I was covering came back and the pregnant receptionist is off untill after her maternity leave now...the people I was working with/for wanted to keep me at the hospital becasue they were really impressed with me, so I've lumped with reception - I spend my days on Ravelry and eBay! I'm there untill the end of the month, when they;ve found someone to do the job covering maternity leave, so even though it's kinda boring, I have an income for a few weeks at least which is good! I'm obviously still applying for permanent jobs, but it's good to have something to do (along with an income) while I look.

Tonight, I'm going out with some friends - which could be interesting as I've never really dine the whole 'going out' thing...should be fun...I should tidy as they're coming over to get ready, and the place is a tip!(Although, I was planning on tidying all day, and have spent the last 4 1/2 hours on the sofa in front of the TV watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition!)

ps: sorry for the long non-picture-containing post...I'll post more regularly now hopefully.

A good week for awesome literature

2008-10-25T00:34:00.001+01:00

Not only did John Green get onto the NYTimes bestseller list, but so did Stephanie Pearl-Mcphee!

Two awesome authors, Two awesome people (from what I can tell), Two great entries!

:~)

Back in the game...

2008-10-24T17:04:00.002+01:00

...at least temporarily.

I have a great little temp job starting on Monday - PA at a local hospital.
Also had a few other good job related phonecalls so today has been a good day.

I also may have a new car!:~) My friend has bought a new one and is giving me her old one, if we can sort out the insurance etc. Hooray!

All of which *touch wood* won't go wrong.

:~)

Jobhunting Rant

2008-10-16T11:29:00.004+01:00

What really bugs me about jobhunting is the amount of posts that say they need a graduate.

Now, I didn't get the chance to go to university - having lived on my own since I was 16. But I know that a lot of these jobs - I could do!

Yeah, I don't have the peice of paper that says I spent three/four years studying, but I have double that in work and real life experience, yet I don't think that gets counted a lot of the time.
What confuses me is when the job is really low paid (as in, you wouldn't even start to pay your student loan back low) and something easily learnt.

In some cases I don't think it's the degree they're asking for, but someone of graduate calibre - which I am, overall. I learn constantly, I teach myself things that I need/want to know, but that self-directed learning doesn't seem to count unless you have a scraggy peice of paper to prove it!
I've applied for something that I have the experience and passion for, but I don't think I'll get because I don't have a degree, and that annoys me!

I completely understand that some roles you need a degree for - scientist, teacher of most subjects etcetc, but what about the people who want these interesting, challenging, rewarding roles that didn't get the chance to go to uni? or even do ALevels? It doesn't mean they're not intelligent enough!

Despite what I think a lot of the time, I am intelligent, I know a heck of a lot of things, I am clever and capable, and frankly, in a lot of things, I am of a graduate calibre, if not more. I just don't understand why people don't realise that you can be those things without a degree.

/Rant Over

(The jobhunt isn't going so well)

Hobbits

2008-10-08T11:23:00.001+01:00

Is it wrong that I've now listened to this 4 times in a row?

(And possibly recorded it on my phone to use as ringtone/alarm sound?)

*geek blush*

Struggling

2008-10-05T23:40:00.002+01:00

That's what I am.

I've suffered from depression for a long time, and am getting somewhat overwhelmed by the world at the moment.
The loss of my job, and my now-ex moving out have hit me hard, and I'm struggling.

I keep trying to immerse myself into my christmas knitting, but find myself OCD counting and doing maths into space instead.

*sigh* let's try to keep going eh?

Unproductive

2008-09-27T12:30:00.002+01:00

That would be me!

I finally ahve all the furniture where it should be, but it's covered in boxes and bags and random crap I've accumulated!
A lot of it is craft orientated, so I'm loath to get rid of it, but really need to streamline...decisions decisions!

We are painting the kitchen this weekend. It's currently bright yellow, with old old wallpaper that's coming off in a lot of places (like, its unstuck) SO, today is designated stripping day (!) and tomorrow is painting day.
I have a lot of red kitchen-y things, I like the whole fifties feel, so I think I'm going to go for a warm cream, and maybe paint the front of the cupboards, or the smallest wall in red. hhmmm...

In knitting news, I have cast on for a new sock...in a chunkier wool, so less stitches, more productive kind of thing...I'm hoping it will help me get my knitting mojo back. I really need to start christmas knitting - I've seen some really nice fingerless gloves which I might try - will eb good of me too coz I'm expecting to have to wrap up warm this winter with gas prices being so high!

Decorating mojo here I come!

Not Knitting...

2008-09-22T10:37:00.003+01:00

Yeah, I've not really been knitting so much over the past few weeks, I've been going through a rough time (ex moving out and losing my job) and seem to have a distinct lack of energy.

I've turned the heel on my sock, which is great, and I really need to just sit and start knitting it again!

I'm supposed to be spending the day re-jigging the flat, after I got half way through last week and gave up, but I'm still in my pyjama's! Will definately get on with it though, as I'm collecting my new bed tonight! I currently sleep on a mattress on a futon (?!) but found a gorgeous bed on ebay, and won it - and two side tables - for £22! So I'm off to collect that later, so need to make room and the such...goals are good!

The doorbell rang about 10 minutes ago, with two women and a little child, trying to give me a copy of the latest Jehovah Witness magazine thingy...I did my usual, I'm a Quaker, and very strong in my fait as a Quaker, and the lead lady said, it's good that you have faith in the bible, and I coudl just see her going for a bit of speech, so kindly interrupted, and said, well, having faith in something, anything, is pretty much always a good thing. My indication that believing in a religious book that's not the bible seemed to shock her, she moved quickly onto adoring the cat (who tried to make a quick escape!) It's always interesting to see what reactions you get when you tell people you're a Quaker...

Must tidy...

Well my goodness me...

2008-09-08T08:50:00.012+01:00

...What a good weekend!

(Sorry about the delay in posting this - allsorts has got in the way, and I don't have a lot of the photos that I want to post, but hopefully I'll be able to get them soon and I'll edit this to make it a full account of the day)

Got to London on Friday afternoon, later than I'd planned, for a change! I knit on the train down, and got this far on the sock:

So, pretty much to the heel flap, which I decided I was going to do in the quiet as the Yarn Harlot suggests.

Went out for a meal with some Ravelry folk, at Meza, which although lovely was not good for veggies, people wanting good service, are on a budget or people who don't hear very well - and I tick all boxes! in the end shared some of their 'little' dishes with a fellow raveler and it was good.

Saturday, the big day, did not overall dissapoint!

Got to the venue at about 12 - an hour after I planned due to the tube being stuck because someone pulled the emergency cord on the train in front at Victoria.

Went to lunch at the Slug and lettuce, which was lovely - open mushroom burger with cheese on top and tzatziki and lovely chips.

Got back in time to see the end of the fashion show of Vintage Knits - some very cool things, including a knitting bathing suit:

Which although great, would surely fall down?!? :~)

Other lovelies included:

After that we went over to Lindley Hall to see the Yarn Harlot! Got outside having checked my bag and coat in, to find it absolutely chucking it down, with a small umbrella between two!

Got in after not that long a wait, but with a soaked through sleeve and back, to find it like this:

We managed to find seats quite far in front, to the left, which was good...

I got a picture of Stephanie taking the infamous sock picture...twice!

She spoke about a lot of things, the thread intertwining it all being the way that knitters are misunderstood by well, non-knitters.
There was also some great stuff about research and how knitters use more of their brain - allsorts of funky stuff, that I won't write all about in case you get a chance to hear her.

After that I had a wander round, and bought some gorgeous orange yarn from socktupus, and some giant yarn and giant needles, and had two books signed by the YH, and had my photo taken with my sock, and with Stephanie holding my sock, and her holding mine! it was AWESOME!!

I don't havethe photos right now, becasue their on a memory card that's at my old work and I'm trying to get back...but yeah, awesome!!

I'm off to London to visit the Queen...

2008-09-05T10:21:00.002+01:00

I'm off to London to visit the queen...of Knitting, that is.

Its very exciting, and I'm very excited, and also running late - have to leave in forty minutes and haven't packed, sorted out which knitting to take or any of those slightly useful things...eep...

Going to dinner with some Ravelry people tonight which is cool.

Its tipping it down so my plan to wear my jeans all weekend could be complicated, I'm sure I'll figure something out!

*squee* London here I come...somebody warn it hey?!

Sock

2008-09-03T09:44:00.002+01:00

Many Pictures...

Progress as of this morning after knitting on the bus!

Heel to be done tonight, as didn't get a chance yesterday.

Srah (kitty owner) came over last night, and becasue of the problems with another of her cat, I get to keep Kitty! :~) There was a lot of bouncing and hugging and smiling etc to celebrate!

I entitled myself - Proud Keeper of Kitty!

Feel quite ill today, think I may have the remainders of the bug my mums got...lets hope I fell better for Friday/Saturday:~S

Only two more days of work left before a 3 day weekend :~)

bathrooms cats and socks

2008-09-02T15:08:00.006+01:00

Kitty likes the bathroom...

She now has a fascination with the water in the loo and sink...she sits on the side of the loo with her head down looking at the rim and all the water, this morning she was on teh side of the sink watching the bubbles as I had a shower! Odd Cat!
Her owner contacted us, and came over last night. Kittys not a kitten at all, shes 9/10 years old, and according to the photos used to be a barrel fat cat!! Kitty (otherwise known as Ziggy) does not get on with one of the owners other cats, who has come out of its shell since Kitty/Ziggy went...so there's a chance I get to keep her! :~) Her owners coming over tonight, so *fingers crossed*

In other knitting related news, I've got to the heel on my first sock...I'm planning on tackling it tonight with no distractions...

This is it on friday when i went to my parents...i screwed up the ribbing somewhat royally, but I've carried on anyway, I want my first sock by saturday!!

Am very excited about IKnit day, A whole day of knitting and not getting funny looks for randomly knitting!!:~)

:~)

Knitting

2008-08-29T09:52:00.005+01:00

I'm actually doing some!! I'm trying socks...struggled with the whole how to start thing, but I think I might be getting the hang of it... This is what I've done so far:

Its a lovelywool that I got on my adventure to Solihull John Lewis last weekend
:Regia 4ply
i bought the wool and needles at the same time, and the needles have awesome little hats in the shape of socks!

I'm very proud!

Off to my parents to look after my sister for the weekend tonight, so thats another hour and a half each way of knitting, and the time i'm there!

I'm determined to get these finished for 6th Sepetmeber, or at least one of them, for the I Knit day

Work must be done...

Kitty...

2008-08-25T10:20:00.005+01:00

We got home on Friday to a new arrival...
She was in the front path, so obviously stopped to pet and admire her gorgeous-ness! She then followed us into the house, and hasn't left since, even when all the front doors have been open etc.
She seems to have made herself at home...didn't even get offthe sofa when we went to a gig last night!

I am of course going to put ads up in the local newsagents and the such, but her timing is very good, with Allan moving out next week.
Her name, if she stays here, is Miss Kitty Fantastico...after the kitten in Buffy The Vampire Slayer that belonged to Willow and Tara. How sad is that!??

On the knitting front, we went on an adventure to Solihull John Lewis yesterday to find DPN's for my first venturing into the world of Sock Knitting, in preperation for going to see Stephanie Pearl-Mcphee on 6th September. I'm awfully excited!!:~)

Right, kitty found posters to be made...

Go My Inner Geek!

2008-06-09T00:36:00.003+01:00

I just messed with the HTML on this blog, to put an etsy feed into the right hand side bar...and it worked!
I think...
well, nothings broken yet! :~)

I've updated my etsy shop which is good, after spending the day in Alcester which was lovely...

Must go to bed before I fall asleep sat here!

:~)

I'm back...

2008-06-07T13:40:00.004+01:00

Heyho...

I'm spending the day making things and doing a stash inventory - again...we found a massive Yarn Sale, and spent about a years yarn budget all at once!:~) (I'm running out of space though...we need a bigger place!)

I went and re-joined the library and gota great book, First Knits, which has some fabulous little projects, including adorable little boottees...really simple, but with a great finish, so they're on my current project list now!

Knitting has been taking a bit of a back seat, as I've been doing lots of sewing experimenting instead. The new stash additions have given me lots of motivation though!

I should go do stuff, I'm not sure sat on the sofa in jeans and my PJ top, watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition and eating bourbons could be classed as a productive hour!?

:~)

Alcohol...

2007-03-18T11:33:00.000Z

is evil...
especially when drunk in large quantities after not eating all day...guess how I celebrated St Patrick's Day yesterday?
Spent most of the day re organising my room and changing all the furniture around...so all my stuff is now in piles all over the place...and I feel way to ill to do anything about it!
I know it's my own fault, but I rarely drink that much... TheMove is back on...July it looks like...:)

On the knitting front I've done about half of the Lulu strap...hoping to have it finished for a possible present for a friend on Thursday...although am going to have a nosey through some books to see if there's anything else I could do...

I'm going to try and eat something...fried egg sandwich or beans on toast i think...

Toodle Pip

Lulu Progress...

2007-03-13T23:24:00.000Z

So, there has been some progress on Lulu...although I've made some changes (mainly due to me not reading the pattern right/being a little tired and dumb!) and changed one of the sides to just knitted...not purled and knitted like the pattern 'suggests'...I have started on the handle (above), and tried to add some ribbon in which failed, so that will be coming out tomorrow probably...
But for an evenings work in front of a few films, I think I've done ok...

As well as managing to put a wash on, hang in on the radiators, feed myself, resolve an argument and buy tulips...
Just colour me proud...

I am very tired, and yet still up at 11:36 pm...my housemate (who hasn't seen me for more than a few second in ages) said earlier that i seem tired... I'm gonna take great advantage of the few days holiday I'm taking after this weekend...

Off to bed and sleep hopefully...

Toodle Pip

2007-03-09T17:56:00.000Z

And so, two months later...
I didn't finish it...it's now been hidden away at the bottom of the dress bag until I can face it again...I realised over half way through that I'd missed a whole bit of the shaping instructions...So It's being ignored for a while...

Meanwhile I bought some fabulous wool for new projects...

This Debbie Bliss merino aran is for these...hopefully I'll get it finished soon...if i don't change my mind which i think i am...Typical!!

There's also this gorgeous ball...its 100% acrylic but certainly doesn't feel it or look it! Fabulous colourway and only £3.99 a huge 200g ball...

This is earmarked for these two:

...from the Rowan Big Easy Book... Candy (the bigger shopper style bag) may have to wait until I've finished Lulu (the little one) as I think that's the cuter!

Have a long weekend off which is fab, although I haven't done much of what I planned for today...Tidying, baking and charity shop shopping..I went into the city centre and got all sorts of other things instead!
Found a shop that has all books at £1! so bought lots of books (top three for Allan though...)

A window sun-catcher for Allan's mum for Mother's Day...
(Which if he doesn't think she'll like, I shall be keeping...tis a pretty!!)

And a little wind chime for me...

You might have got that I've not got the hang of this picture posting yet...

Off to Allan's parents house tomorrow, so tidying of very messy room should occur...

(I love my new camera!)

Blessings...

Lookie here...

2007-01-14T20:11:00.000Z

Actual knitting!! Not very good photos, I've not really got the hang of photographing wool yet...
You get the idea though I'm sure...This is the pattern I'm using...
Also got lovely shoes and a wonderful necklace for the do...which is in 6 days...eep...I don't think I've got the hang of digital photography altogether actually..ah well...

*fingers crossed* i'll actually get this done in time..even if it means finishing it off in the car on the way down...eep!

In other news, doing two 13 1/2 hour days a week is in the process of killing me...this week is going to be hard as I have two in a row...my boss hates me...

off to knit some more...

Ooh, Pretty!!

2007-01-06T18:47:00.000Z

Today I got home to a wonderful parcel from the people at Colinette Yarns ... the yarn I ordered last year (just!) for the shrug I'm planning on knitting to wear to the ball I'm going to on 20th...two weeks today...and the pattern book (Big Knitting) is at my mum's house, so I can't start...darn it!!
But I took some photos of the yarn anyway...it's Colinnette Point Five in Florentina colourway...It's a lot lovelier than the photo shows, but my camera's having an off day...

Still smells of vinegar from the hand-dying, which is just fabulous :)
So another item on the list of things to do! This should knit up fairly quickly though - here's hoping anyway!!
And then I'll start updating more frequently too :)

New Shiny Things...

2006-10-30T08:20:00.000Z

So, I decided to write a blog about my knitting and other creative type things...
I'm hoping it will be a motivation to actually do some too!
Must go towork now though...

Toodle Pip