Let’s organize to take this fuckwad down!
*Actually, I’ll take anyone who believes in intellectual freedom!
Link courtesy of Bookslut.
My Baby Takes the Morning Train
April 25, 2005 By
Whew! What a morning!
Georgie needed to be at an important meeting at 7:30 this morning. He’s not a very good morning person. He went to bed around 1AM (I didn’t go to sleep until after 3 – but more on that in a minute) and was out of bed at about 6. Normally, this would get Georgie to work at about 9. You do the math.
I was up worrying that he wouldn’t make it on time. From the coziness of my bed I could hear his morning routine, praying that it was the speeded up version. I calculated the best possible way for him to get to work. I envisioned traffic, accidents, disasters. If he could just get out of the shower by 6:30 (a feat in and of itself!) he might have a shot.
I hear the shower turn off. I get out of bed and stick my head out of the door, the sun shining in from the hallway. “Honey? Do you need me to take you to the train?”
“Yes. Please.”
I throw on my sweats, tuck in my t-shirt, toss on my sweat-shirt and baseball cap, slip on my shearling clogs. I’m good.
Now, my town is about 8 miles from where G needed to be in the city. Google Map says it should take about 12 minutes. HA! It can take me 12 minutes just to get to my freaking car. Apartment living has its disadvantages – like my car is in a garage under the building. I can’t just walk out my door.
So I go to the car, but not without checking my face in the bathroom mirror right by the front door – it’s a silly habit, since I’ve still got zit cream all over my face and lines from the pillow and sleep in my eyes. Yeah. I’m looking my best. I realize as I’m about to open the front door that I’m missing something. Can you guess? Amazingly enough – I’m missing my fucking eye glasses. I’m blind as a bat people! (Are bats really blind?) How have I managed to get myself together enough to drive my darling husband to the train and not realize I CAN’T SEE?
I get my glasses and the car and pull it around to our designated meeting place. Georgie comes out at about the same time. It’s now 6:43. The train leaves at 6:51.
“You’ll have to make the illegal u-turn,” he says.
“I’m way ahead of you,” I say.
The train station is about 2.5 miles from our house. This trip can take a good twenty minutes depending on traffic. We live in the middle of swamp land peppered with industrial warehouses. There are semis every where. Especially in the morning. There are also conviently placed freight trains that like to crawl through town during rush. There’s no rhyme or reason to them. Okay. There’s a reason – to make us late!
The illegal u-turn takes care of all that. It’s risky though – especially in our 2000 Altima that has the WORST turning radius known to man. I handle it with aplomb.
On to the next obstacle. As I race through the YELLOWRED, making a successful left turn only to get stuck behind a car service Lincoln crawling over the potholes, I realize that the gas light is on and the distance-to-go tracker is flashing DANGER! Lack of gas be damned, I hit the left lane – I’m driving into oncoming traffic! The Lincoln is toast. A late 80s Pontiac decides it’s the perfect time to meander onto the road. I fly back into the left lane! A truck’s coming right at us! I dodge a pothole while settling the car back onto all four wheels. Georgie’s either murmuring I love you over and over again or I’m going to die. Either way, after leaning on my horn to move the ridiculously unnecessary BMW SUV out of my way, I get him to the train station at 6:49.
6:53. My cell phone rings. Heavy breathing. “I made it! They were closing the doors and I jumped on the train! Thanks my love!”
7:12. I’m back home, car has gas in the tank, waiting for the computer to warm up. Phone rings. “I’m here. I’m one of the first ones. They have breakfast. Thanks again!”
SuperWIFE saves the day. And it isn’t even 8AM.
Do you think he’ll expect dinner tonight? Because, you know, like, I’m spent.
Short Rows
Why was I up until 3AM you ask? Why, Short Rows of course! I’ve been needing some knitty inspiration, and when I went down to my sister’s for Passover Seder, I pulled some knitting to take with me – knowing full well I’d never get the opportunity to actually knit. I brought Short Rows with me and it was just what I needed. I showed it to my sister and instantly fell in love with the colors and the yarn and the pattern all over again. Georgie came to Seder and took me home Saturday night – so we got to spend a much needed day together yesterday. I spent the better part of the afternoon and evening on the couch, Georgie close by, knitting. I know I’ve said it before, but I LOVE Rowan Wool Cotton. I think I’m going to make a cardigan with it – that lovely Seeded Cable Classic Elite cardigan. I think it might be my next project because I’ve really been jonesing for some cables.
Anyway, back to short rows. I decided that I was just going to slip knot the ends and use duplicate stitch to weave them in later. I had done research on all kinds of joins, Russian, Spit, etc, but none of them really seemed the right option for what I needed to do – too many color changes too quickly. Before I knew it I was finished the first batch of short rows and onto the straight rows and it looked fantastic! At about midnight I announced to G that I was going to have to knit for a while more – I was too into it and could see the end of the first short row sequence. At about 2:15, Georgie snoring peacefully beside me, I finished said sequence. And then I lost it. Somehow I dropped a stitch or I don’t know what but I lost a wrap on a short row and I couldn’t get it back, so I had to rip it out. Then I lost a bunch of wraps when I ripped back and because the color changes with every turn practically – I don’t know what yarn to use on which wrap. Trust me, it’s easier just to rip it back. I really don’t mind. This thing is looking gorgeous! I’m so excited about it! Today I’m going to re-do the short rows and go on to the straights and then I’ll take a picture. With the next short row sequence I already have to start decreasing for the arms – so it should go very, very fast. I’m really hope this thing fits. I mean really. (It should – yes, I swatched. I’m a little bit smaller than gague – so I upped it a size – should give me exactly what I need. Somewhere between the medium and the large.)
Anyway. I’ve got my mojo back – look for a picture tomorrow!
And, I think I may have yet another border for the Pinwheel blanket! If this doesn’t work, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I think it will though.
By the way, Happy Passover to my fellow tribe members! The Happy Booker had some excellent links to share. By all means, hit JibJab‘s Matzah, Shabot6000‘s Seda’ Club, and Shlepping Through the Alps‘s Passover Greeting. It’s like Chicken Soup for the HipHop Jew! Guaranteed to make you choke on your matzah – assuming your stomach hasn’t already exploded from the bloat! Chag Sameach!
Can you help me? Anyone out there a K1R2 member who’s read Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell and would like to help lead the discussion next week? I’m desperately behind – there’s no way I’ll finish it. Life. You know how it is. So I’m looking f
or a wonderful volunteer! Email me at caraATjanuaryoneDOTcom if you would like to save my ass. Thanks!
Maryland Meet-up!
April 20, 2005 By
So Lauren and I have been discussing how we’ll find each other at MDSW. And how we’ll find everybody else as well!
Why not schedule a meet-up?!?
Let’s say, Saturday (because that’s when I’ll be there!) 12:30 PM. I looked at the schedule, and it seems to be a down time.
And we looked at the map, and Building 1 – where they sell the t-shirts – should be as good a location as any. This way we can all bring our sharpies and autograph each other’s t-shirts! How knitblogstalkerish of us all!
Be there or be square*. Sign up here and I’ll put your name in the sidebar! Just like a real KAL!
[*Just, whatever you do, don’t be bitter!]
How Will You Know Its Me?
April 20, 2005 By
So it looks like I’m definitely going to Maryland (as if it needs a link!) Jen and I have plans to come down Friday night and hit the festival on Saturday. Then head to Philly Saturday night/afternoon for Mom’s Day in the city of brotherly love.
My question to all you knitbloggers going: How will you know it’s me? Do I need to wear a special T-shirt or something? Does everyone wear name tags? Is it obvious who everyone is? I’ve never been to one of these sheep & wool thingamajigs so I don’t know the rules. Someone, please, fill me in!
[You know. It would’ve been great to have made Alison‘s t-shirt with my blog across the front. I’ll never be able to make it in time. Crap.]
I actually spent some time knitting yesterday. I won’t say it was quality time at all – in fact more like frustrating, throw the piece on the floor never want to knit again time. I’m trying to figure out a border for the Pinwheel blanket.
I may have finally taken an accurate picture of the color of the blanket. Whaddya know?
The above picture is an attempt at a seed stitch border. I did a provisional cast on of seven stitches and when I got to the border did a K2TOG at each live stitch. A) I’m not sure I like it and B) I don’t think it’s going to lay flat the farther it gets around the circle.
My original plan was to do points, like a sunburst. I made sure there were 50 stitches in each section (ten sections in all – you do the math) and I divided them into 35 and 15. I figured I’d do a large point (m1 up to 18, k2tog to the end) and a smaller point for each section. Tried it a bunch of times (damn freaking knitty math!) and didn’t like it. I love Johanna‘s idea of an applied i-cord, but I looked up a couple of how-tos on the Internet and I don’t know what they’re talking about. I’ve done I-cords before – but no one seems to have directions for what to do with a circle. It could be the mucus taking over my brain slowly but surely, or I could just be an idiot. I don’t feel like working hard on this.
Here’s a picture of what I did with Eli’s Kippah.
Okay – so you can’t see the kippah so good. But what a sweet boy!
This is the pinwheel blanket pattern, and I cast on three stitches at the edge and did garter stitch around the circle. It doesn’t lay super flat, but this pretty baby doesn’t have a flat head. So it didn’t really matter. A blanket I want to lie flat. Larissa‘s border is very nice, and completely fitting for her particular blanket, but I’m not sure it would look good on mine. For one thing, I think my blanket is a lot bigger than hers. I think it needs a border commensurate with the size.
Any and all advice is completely and totally appreciated.
I’m bored with my knits. Yet again. The ribby cardi is still on the blocking rug. Pathetic I know. Short rows has no short rows (this makes me really sad.) I think I might just do it and worry about the ends later. A duplicate stitch might be just the trick. And it doesn’t look that fussy either. I’m thinking I might need more yarn. Bastards. The pinwheel. Well, you know how I’m feeling about that. I want to finish something that I LOVE! I should start on the Clap. (Yeah. That’s right. People are still thinking about it.) It needs to be done for my friend’s birthday in May. I would love short rows to be done – I see that as a year round sweater. But I want to do cables. I haven’t done cables in forever.
Maybe it’s my cold. I’m going back to my sister’s tomorrow and bringing my HazMat suit. I’m sick of germs.
Thanks everyone for your congratulations about my photographs. I’ve got to say, I’m pretty pleased with myself.
Baby contest winners JOHANNA and KATHY! I haven’t forgotten about you! PhotoArtCards for sure and for the yarn? I’ve got two ideas. Either something fantastic and hand-dyed from Sheep & Wool or some of that new fabulous stuff floating around – Debbie Bliss Cathay or Rowan CashCotton. Let me know your preferences!
Okay – can I vent for a minute? Gilmore Girls. I was absolutely LOVIN’ this show. I watch the freaking repeats everyday. Wait patiently for a new episode. Can I tell you how disappointed I am? First of all, I’m a spoiler kind of girl. I read them religiously for General Hospital, West Wing, so I hit them up for GG. (Never, EVER for 24 – so don’t SAY ANYTHING!) And then I’m grocery shopping for my sister and while I’m picking up the latest Soap Opera Digest I pick up the new TV Guide with Lorelai and Luke on the cover. I just love Luke – and I think his awkward overwhelming love for Lorelai is completely romantic. And then I read the article.
WARNING!!!! IF YOU DON’T WANT THE SHOW RUINED FOR YOU DON’T READ ON!!!!
The article gave away some of the spoilers I already knew – something big’s going to happen. Luke’s going to buy a house and not tell Lorelai. No, she’s not going to get pregnant. Whatever. But what really killed me was that a big deal was made that Lauren Graham and Scott Patterson basically can’t stand each other! I can’t tell you how this fucked everything up for me. And last night, watching the episode, IT’S SO FUCKING CLEAR TO ME. Did you see that really awkward hug between the two of them when Lorelai came into the diner and Luke was all excited about her magazine article? These two are supposed to be MADLY in love and do we ever see them touch? I think I thought the chemistry was there – but now I’m sure it was my own imagination. I’m sorry to say, I think the show may be irrevocably ruined for me.
Rant over. It’s friggin’ TV for pete’s sake.
Home, Diabetic Coma Inducing Sweet, Home
April 19, 2005 By
Nothing like sleeping in your own bed, crapping in your own toilet. Oh wait. None of that. Now we’re having the OPPOSITE issue. I can’t crap to save my life. I’m also hacking up a lung, but at least I’m home.
And don’t think I didn’t think about the fact that my own poops went all awry after I realized I was sleeping in poop. I said to my sister, do you think I have e-coli? She said, don’t you have to EAT poop to get that? Sure. Lot of sympathy there.
The best part of coming home was seeing Georgie. When he picked me up at the train and I saw his face – I thought WOW. I forgot how CUTE he is! Love that feeling. I remember once a long time ago I was coming home on a commuter train. It was late, I was tired. There was this really cute guy checking me out and I was checking him right back. I was getting all into flirting with him when I realized it was George. You ask how I couldn’t recognize my own mate – well, as I said, I was tired. And it was totally out of the ordinary for him to be on that train. It was, though, a competely satisfying feeling to know the hottie I was daydreaming about was GOING HOME with me!
Anyway, I’m not sure if I talked about this or not, but while I was in Philly, Georgie was exploring far off lands. He spent the week in Shanghai sidestepping violent protests. Everyday he’d call me to tell me China and Japan will be at war in about a minute. Then he spent the weekend in his beloved Tokyo.
He used to go to Asia a lot – Tokyo, Hong Kong. And everytime he went I practically begged for Kimono. Now Georgie is one of the most generous people I’ve EVER met – but he’s not a gift giver. This trip completely made up for that. He took a tour of a silk factory and brought me home THE.MOST.BEAUTIFUL. silk robe! I haven’t taken it off!
I tried to get a picture of me in it – but it didn’t work so well. Maybe when Georgie gets home tonight.
He also added to the collection:
Yup – that’s right. Fanta from around the world! That’s China on the left, Japan on the right. (Oh and Crazy Aunt Purl – that’s a Billy rearing it’s ugly head!)
What else? Oh yeah. There were some beautiful chopsticks – good enough to knit with. And a super uglycute Buddha bank. Only problem is – there doesn’t seem to be any way to get the money out!
Besides my dear husband, there was some other good stuff to welcome me home! Some lovely odds and ends from Kerstin!
That’s a compact note pad, a lipstick pen, a beautiful wood bowl (perfect for knitting knick-knacks) and a gorgeous hand-made card. There was some chocolate too, but yeah, that survived for the picture. My favorite part though – her personalized stationery. Now that’s cool! Thank you Kerstin!
The best thing though, is that I’ve had two photographs accepted for The Secret Garden – an exhibit at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden this summer. Opening day is June 5. Be there or be square!
These are the pictures chosen:
I was so excited, I was inspired to go out yesterday and take these!
Next up: I need help with my Pinwheel! Get your thinking caps on – what would you do with the border?
philadelphia
April 17, 2005 By
Chaos
April 15, 2005 By
You got it. I’m a mess. I’m exhausted. I think that my nephew Max’s strep somehow morphed into a stomach thing because I honestly don’t know whether I’m pissing or shitting when I hit the crapper. It’s actually quite fascinating. I don’t necessarily feel bad, and I’m hungry, it’s just that occasionally I get a rumbling in my tummy and I piss out my ass. And I gained a pound even though everything’s passing go without collecting. Go figure.
Speaking of poop, I’m up to my eyeballs in it. The other day my niece had a poopy diaper and somehow it fell off of her – poop explosion. It was on her leg and her dress. And wouldn’t you know, when I woke up the next morning and I was fixing up the air mattress I had been sleeping on with Max, there was poop on my pillow. The same pillow I freaking slept with all night. Beyond gross. To infinity and beyond gross. Man did I yell at my sister – here I am helping her out and I’m sleeping in shit! When she managed to stop laughing, I think she said she was sorry. I can’t be too sure though.
It’s been an exhausting but exciting week. Today was Baby Eli’s Bris. (Please refrain from negative comments. I won’t publish them, so don’t bother.) We had about thirty-five friends and family over to celebrate – which is crazy given my sister is only eight days post-partum. The last few days have been spent getting everything ready for today. We picked up my sister’s new mini-van on Wednesday! A definite need since you can’t fit three car seats in a car (or an SUV for that matter.) It’s the top of the top of the line and is a big change for my sis. She’s used to driving a Toyota Corrolla with manual EVERYTHING. It was pretty funny – we’re parked outside of the house playing with all the bells & whistles and I ran in the house to get something for her. When I came out she went to lean over to roll down the window or unlock the door and I was laughing signalling to her – just push the button! It’s going to be a big adjustment – but Max is loving it. There’s a DVD. Doesn’t get any cooler than that. So I’m driving the van (my sister wasn’t comfortable driving yet) to BJ’s to fill up on stuff for the celebration today.
Somewhere in all that I managed to hit a yarn store with Max to pick up some Koigu for Kippahs! I knit Baby Eli a kippah for the Bris using the famous pinwheel pattern and a garter stitch border. I didn’t have time to finish a matching one for Max, and I bought some complimentary yarn for Charlotte – so I think I’m going to finish them for Passover next weekend. I promise I’ll take some pictures.
Honestly, we’ve all be so crazy, I think I’ve taken one picture of the new boy. Tomorrow is photo shoot day if it kills me.
I should be going home on Sunday – Georgie’s been in Shanghai and Tokyo while I’ve been at my sister’s – he comes home on Sunday too. Of course I’m coming back to Philly on Thursday for the Seder on Saturday night which will be at my sister’s. She’s just hosting, not cooking, so don’t think she’s too crazy. This way she can have both sides of the family at her house and can end the evening at home. And by seeing both sides at once – she doesn’t have to go anywhere second night. Pretty smart.
I’m way behind on blogs. I miss mine and everyone else’s. I pretty sure Jen and I are planning to go down to MD S&W. I’m excited. I’ve never been to a Sheep & Wool – plus, rumor has it everyone’s who’s anyone will be there. 😉
Thanks for all the wonderful comments over the week. Checking my email at night was a really nice part of the day.
Afternoon Theater
April 11, 2005 By
I forgot how much fun it is to take turns holding a newborn while we watch our soaps. The big kids are at school. (Thankfully! We need the break!) There’s a lot to get done – laundry, cleaning, baby loving – but a quick break for lunch and some Days of Our Lives never hurt anyone.
My older nephew (love saying that!) had strep over the weekend. Ugh. Guess who’s been sharing the air mattress with him? You guessed it – me! We’re all hoping not to get it – but it seems if anyone is going to it’ll be me. So far so good – my stomach hurts a little – but that’s probably because I’ve been eating all the crap everyone keeps bringing over – and my nose is a tad stuffy due to allergies – but so far no sore throat and no fever. Cross your fingers for all of us.
Knitting? What’s that? I give you Moms a lot of credit – how do you get anything done with all those kids running around?
Thanks again for all the good wishes! Baby Eli is definitely a keeper!
Love,
Cara
I’m in love….
April 8, 2005 By
Sorry Georgie! There’s a new man in town.
Before everyone gets all crazy – I don’t have pictures yet. Now remember, I’m a photographer – specifically I take pictures of kids. There will be pictures and hopefully they will be fabulous. I think Eli’s first photo shoot will be Monday – when the kids are in school and it’s just my sister, me and the baby at home. What they say about going from two kids to three is true – and has much as I love it – I’m the surrogate while my sister’s at the hospital.
You know, babies should come with a warning. I’m always amazed at how fast (and furious) I fall in love with these beautiful babes. Eli is no different – I’m missing holding him and kissing his soft cheeks. My favorite – kissing little tiny baby lips. Oh my god! My poor sister is still stuffy from her miserable cold and the thing she’s so upset about is that she can’t smell his baby goodness. And oh my does he smell divine. He’s got the same monkey feet his sister and brother have – the same ears – but he’s his own little guy. I could just cuddle and kiss and love him all day long.
Thank you all so much for all your good wishes for my family! It means a lot. I can’t wait to tell my sister how much you all liked the name – it’s the hardest thing for her to choose, so I think she’ll be happy to hear the comments.
I’m afraid no knitting will be done anytime soon. I did a few rounds on the Pinwheel Blanket at the hospital today, but duty called quite quickly, so it went back in the bag.
I have a very peculiar (read I wanted to freaking kill her) KIP story to tell. I was on the train Thursday morning heading down to my sister’s house – it was about 7AM. I had the seats to myself until Princeton when a Chinese woman took the seat next to me. I was knitting on the Blanket. She started asking me about my knitting – or really, telling me about her knitting life. How she knit as a child – they made all their own sweaters, hats, etc. She told me she knit a different way than I did then (and here’s where it gets scary) SHE TOOK MY KNITTING OUT OF MY HANDS AND STARTED KNITTING MY BLANKET! I don’t know about you, but unless I specifically ASK someone to take a hand in my knitting – KEEP YOUR FUCKING MITTS OFF IT! I was too shocked to grab it back. Then she was getting upset because she wanted me to knit the way she did. She kept saying – see how much faster I am than you? I can’t believe it, I haven’t knit in 20 yrs. All I see is this utter stranger, with a nasty cold sore on her lip and flaky skin fingers TOUCHING MY PRECIOUS NEPHEW’S BLANKET. I wanted to puke. Somehow I got it back and thankfully a few minutes later my sister called and I stayed on the phone with her until the woman fell asleep. Am I being too sensitive, or was that overstepping personal space? Ugh. I still get upset when I think about it.
I will be down at my sister’s until at least a week from Sunday. I will try to keep blogging and keeping up with my reading and commenting as best I can. Bear with me if I don’t get to email you back as fast as I usually do – and Kathy and Johanna – give me a few to get the contest prizes together.
Alright. I’m beat. Big day tomorrow. Baby Eli comes home. Thanks again for all the well wishes. Love you guys!
He’s here!
April 8, 2005 By
“Eli”
April 7, 2005
11:39 PM
8 lbs. 3 oz.
21.5 inches
TOTAL CUTENESS!
Baby, Mommy, Daddy, Big Brother, Big Sister and Aunt Cara are all doing great! Pictures to come!
Congratulations to Kathy and Johanna – they were the only ones to pick April 7th – so they both win!
Pictures will come, be patient!
Love,
Aunt Cara
