Why do people feel the need to push the button at pedestrian crossings repeatedly? Do they think this will make the traffic disappear? Do they think it will make the lights change faster? Do they think maybe the little green man didn't notice them pressing it the first time?
I find this also happens with elevators, although less frequently to be fair. Do they think maybe because they've pressed the button more than once the elevator will think "oh shit, somebody's in a hurry, better get a move on!!"?
Something to ponder...
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Monday, 8 March 2010
Life as a housewife dull? Never!!
This past weekend would be proof of that. Saturday morning I met up with my friend Jen and her man Lee for a coffee at Mojo Bond Street, one of our favourite coffee places. Mmm, they make good coffee. Anyway, got home in time to take T to swimming. We have a bath in our new place, and he's been doing really well at holding his breath under water and putting his whole head in, so we were hoping the hysterics at swimming would cease, and the poor instructor's ears would get a break. Maybe then they could actually get down to some swimming!! Deane's been taking him and things weren't going too well so I thought maybe if I took him he'd behave. We're not far from swimming now, just a ten minute walk, so walk we did. I left in a hurry and didn't put any shoes on him, so I decided to carry him. Silly idea. Pulled a muscle in my back - again (yes, same one as every other time. You'd think I would've learned my lesson!!) Still had to get him to swimming on time so just kept walking, although shifted him to piggy back half way because he was just too heavy. On arriving I realised I'd completely forgotten to bring his swimming bag. Duh!! So had to get Deane to drop it off. Luckily T was ready right on time and lo and behold, the lesson went without a hitch. Yay!
After swimming we all jumped in the car and headed out to buy a new TV - the 42" rear projection one we bought second-hand when we moved to Wellington was just getting too crappy - I found myself squinting at the screen during the weather forecasts in order to read the temperatures. Not good! Bad for eyesight, and would create unsightly wrinkles if continued. So after shopping around a bit, we scored a good deal on a TV that had been purchased but returned in new condition, sans packaging. Also got a Freeview decoder for half price. Can't complain :-)
Off home we went, where I quickly discovered that the garage (where we're storing all our furniture) had been completely flooded by the washing machine, because the faulty pump (which had been 'fixed' by the plumber earlier in the week) had failed to do its job. Deane was aware of this, as it had happened before he left to drop off T's swimming bag. He just forgot to tell me. Awesome.
So I didn't get to lie down and rest my back. No! I had to help drag all the furniture out of the garage and mop up all the excess water. Ah, good times.
On to Sunday. Thankfully a slightly more restful day - knitting at the Botanic Gardens, with a twist. I met these guys - you may recognise them:
Of course I had to take a photo so I could tell my boys all about it :-) They were so jealous!! The rest of Sunday was spent checking out all the kooks on www.peopleofwalmart.com - priceless! I highly recommend you take a peek, it's people-watching at its best, without even having to leave home.
Excitement is building here, as Deane and I leave for our two week trip to Thailand in a week (wow, that time really flew by!!) although the kids are a little less excited, since they have to stay here and go to school. They are however looking forward to seeing their nana and aunty, who will be making sure they get to school and don't starve to death while we're away :-) I don't hold out much hope for homework getting done though...
I've already checked with the airline about knitting needles on board the plane. I've even printed out the email reply I got just in case they pull me up on it at security. I'll be purchasing a set of bamboo circulars specially for the trip, so I can knit my malabrigo lace scarf. The flight may get boring otherwise, and we can't have that!
Speaking of knitting, I have a few projects on the go at the moment. Seems I can't settle on just one. Which unfortunately means that none of them are actually getting finished. There's my 'Skewed Wet Peacocks', the aforementioned malabrigo lace scarf, a scarf I'm making for the Round #5 Ravelry Scarf Exchange (so it's all 'hush hush' at the moment, but pics will follow once the scarf is received), and last night I cast on for a pair of Bella's Mittens. From Twilight :-) Love them. Don't know if it'll ever get cold enough here to wear them, but I can always hope.
Oh, and because I promised, here is a pic of the scarf I made a little while ago but couldn't show you just in case it got seen by the recipient:
Rosalie Hale's Scarf (again, Twilight) made for my bestest friend Tania for her 30th birthday. She's a fellow fan, and mentioned when she was here last year for my 30th that she really liked the scarf, and would like one. So I made one :-) Really easy to knit, quite a quick project (bless you worsted yarn!!) and looks awesome, or at least I think so ;-P
And also the cutest wee hat and sock set ever!! Landbaby's hat and socks:
Ooh, and one more thing I feel the need to share - the place we've moved in to has a few visitors on the odd occasion. I'm wondering if they're trying to desensitise me before our trip...
Seriously, how ridiculously big is that blood sucker??? Ewwwwwwww!! (fyi, a $1 coin is approximately 2cm in diameter, ergo, mozzie body is nearly 2cm long - urgh!)
After swimming we all jumped in the car and headed out to buy a new TV - the 42" rear projection one we bought second-hand when we moved to Wellington was just getting too crappy - I found myself squinting at the screen during the weather forecasts in order to read the temperatures. Not good! Bad for eyesight, and would create unsightly wrinkles if continued. So after shopping around a bit, we scored a good deal on a TV that had been purchased but returned in new condition, sans packaging. Also got a Freeview decoder for half price. Can't complain :-)
Off home we went, where I quickly discovered that the garage (where we're storing all our furniture) had been completely flooded by the washing machine, because the faulty pump (which had been 'fixed' by the plumber earlier in the week) had failed to do its job. Deane was aware of this, as it had happened before he left to drop off T's swimming bag. He just forgot to tell me. Awesome.
So I didn't get to lie down and rest my back. No! I had to help drag all the furniture out of the garage and mop up all the excess water. Ah, good times.
On to Sunday. Thankfully a slightly more restful day - knitting at the Botanic Gardens, with a twist. I met these guys - you may recognise them:
Of course I had to take a photo so I could tell my boys all about it :-) They were so jealous!! The rest of Sunday was spent checking out all the kooks on www.peopleofwalmart.com - priceless! I highly recommend you take a peek, it's people-watching at its best, without even having to leave home.
Excitement is building here, as Deane and I leave for our two week trip to Thailand in a week (wow, that time really flew by!!) although the kids are a little less excited, since they have to stay here and go to school. They are however looking forward to seeing their nana and aunty, who will be making sure they get to school and don't starve to death while we're away :-) I don't hold out much hope for homework getting done though...
I've already checked with the airline about knitting needles on board the plane. I've even printed out the email reply I got just in case they pull me up on it at security. I'll be purchasing a set of bamboo circulars specially for the trip, so I can knit my malabrigo lace scarf. The flight may get boring otherwise, and we can't have that!
Speaking of knitting, I have a few projects on the go at the moment. Seems I can't settle on just one. Which unfortunately means that none of them are actually getting finished. There's my 'Skewed Wet Peacocks', the aforementioned malabrigo lace scarf, a scarf I'm making for the Round #5 Ravelry Scarf Exchange (so it's all 'hush hush' at the moment, but pics will follow once the scarf is received), and last night I cast on for a pair of Bella's Mittens. From Twilight :-) Love them. Don't know if it'll ever get cold enough here to wear them, but I can always hope.
Oh, and because I promised, here is a pic of the scarf I made a little while ago but couldn't show you just in case it got seen by the recipient:
Rosalie Hale's Scarf (again, Twilight) made for my bestest friend Tania for her 30th birthday. She's a fellow fan, and mentioned when she was here last year for my 30th that she really liked the scarf, and would like one. So I made one :-) Really easy to knit, quite a quick project (bless you worsted yarn!!) and looks awesome, or at least I think so ;-P
And also the cutest wee hat and sock set ever!! Landbaby's hat and socks:
Ooh, and one more thing I feel the need to share - the place we've moved in to has a few visitors on the odd occasion. I'm wondering if they're trying to desensitise me before our trip...
Seriously, how ridiculously big is that blood sucker??? Ewwwwwwww!! (fyi, a $1 coin is approximately 2cm in diameter, ergo, mozzie body is nearly 2cm long - urgh!)
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Who invented moving???
It's a stupid idea. I hate it. Especially when you have to do nearly everything all by yourself. In a week. Stupid!
The move is over however, and we're settled into the new place (mostly). I did have a wonderful day yesterday waiting patiently for the Mr. Rental people to drop off the microwave we're going to be using for the next couple of months. They were supposed to be here at 1pm. They called around 12 to advise that they were running late, and would instead be here at 2pm. They called again at 2pm to say they'd try their best to be here before 2.30. At 2.15 they finally showed up, wandered on in with the microwave, and that's when I realised I'd forgotten to go and get some cash out to pay for it. So out they went, microwave in hand, and promised to be back at 3.30pm. I'm such a dick! Neeedless to say, I left straight away, got some cash out, picked the boys up from school, bribed them with chocolate to walk a little faster, and got back home with 10 minutes to spare. Yay, we now have a microwave. That wonderful invention that sits there waiting patiently for you to need food heated, or milk warmed for childrens milos.
We're getting used to the place already. I'm overjoyed that this place has not only a garage to store our stuff (of which we have far too much), it has a driveway! With parking space!! Bless :-) The two sets of stairs between the three levels is helping me keep fit (and making me feel less guilty about not running at the moment). I've figured out that if you push on the toilet cistern in the exact right place, it stops the water from running continuously, allowing me to sleep without the bathroom and bedroom doors closed (not to mention saving water). I've also figured out that if I lean on the front of the washing machine, it will complete a full spin cycle without throwing its toys out of the cot and bleeping at me. This gives me time to read a chapter or two of my book. Unfortunately, we do not have a clothes line. Oh well, nothing's perfect ;-)
It's closer to school - now it only takes the boys 20 minutes to walk to school in the morning, instead of 30 (only takes me 12, but then I have (slightly) longer legs). They actually want to walk to school! I. Am. Amazed.
Anyway, moving on (ahahaha) knitting has been happening, TV watching has been happening (although not the Winter Olympics, much to my dismay). I've caught up on Grey's Anatomy, and I think I'm caught up on Desperate Housewives (see, there are advantages to having your husband go away for the week!). My cabled socks are finished:
(I luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurve them!)
I've (nearly) finished one of my Skewed Wet Peacocks, which by the way, are the most amazingly bizarre and fascinating sock constructions ever designed.
(Seriously though, how weird are they!?!)
I haven't got any further on my lace scarf, but I have knit a wee baby hat for my landlady who is due to have a girl on the 1st April (fingers crossed the poor child doesn't actually arrive on that date!). I'm also going to knit a wee pair of socks. Of course. Just because they're so darn cute :-) Pics to come later.
Anyway, I have to get moving, I've got to go to my pedicure appointment in 20 minutes. Yes, I know, a pedicure!! Just so you know, I'm only getting it done because it's a freebie (Christmas pressie), and I'm balancing out the girlishness by wearing a naff t-shirt, my favourite pair of scruffy jeans, and my Chucks. Don't want to go overboard here ;-)
The move is over however, and we're settled into the new place (mostly). I did have a wonderful day yesterday waiting patiently for the Mr. Rental people to drop off the microwave we're going to be using for the next couple of months. They were supposed to be here at 1pm. They called around 12 to advise that they were running late, and would instead be here at 2pm. They called again at 2pm to say they'd try their best to be here before 2.30. At 2.15 they finally showed up, wandered on in with the microwave, and that's when I realised I'd forgotten to go and get some cash out to pay for it. So out they went, microwave in hand, and promised to be back at 3.30pm. I'm such a dick! Neeedless to say, I left straight away, got some cash out, picked the boys up from school, bribed them with chocolate to walk a little faster, and got back home with 10 minutes to spare. Yay, we now have a microwave. That wonderful invention that sits there waiting patiently for you to need food heated, or milk warmed for childrens milos.
We're getting used to the place already. I'm overjoyed that this place has not only a garage to store our stuff (of which we have far too much), it has a driveway! With parking space!! Bless :-) The two sets of stairs between the three levels is helping me keep fit (and making me feel less guilty about not running at the moment). I've figured out that if you push on the toilet cistern in the exact right place, it stops the water from running continuously, allowing me to sleep without the bathroom and bedroom doors closed (not to mention saving water). I've also figured out that if I lean on the front of the washing machine, it will complete a full spin cycle without throwing its toys out of the cot and bleeping at me. This gives me time to read a chapter or two of my book. Unfortunately, we do not have a clothes line. Oh well, nothing's perfect ;-)
It's closer to school - now it only takes the boys 20 minutes to walk to school in the morning, instead of 30 (only takes me 12, but then I have (slightly) longer legs). They actually want to walk to school! I. Am. Amazed.
Anyway, moving on (ahahaha) knitting has been happening, TV watching has been happening (although not the Winter Olympics, much to my dismay). I've caught up on Grey's Anatomy, and I think I'm caught up on Desperate Housewives (see, there are advantages to having your husband go away for the week!). My cabled socks are finished:
(I luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurve them!)
I've (nearly) finished one of my Skewed Wet Peacocks, which by the way, are the most amazingly bizarre and fascinating sock constructions ever designed.
(Seriously though, how weird are they!?!)
I haven't got any further on my lace scarf, but I have knit a wee baby hat for my landlady who is due to have a girl on the 1st April (fingers crossed the poor child doesn't actually arrive on that date!). I'm also going to knit a wee pair of socks. Of course. Just because they're so darn cute :-) Pics to come later.
Anyway, I have to get moving, I've got to go to my pedicure appointment in 20 minutes. Yes, I know, a pedicure!! Just so you know, I'm only getting it done because it's a freebie (Christmas pressie), and I'm balancing out the girlishness by wearing a naff t-shirt, my favourite pair of scruffy jeans, and my Chucks. Don't want to go overboard here ;-)
Sunday, 14 February 2010
My weekend from Hell
That little four-letter word really does need a capital letter. In fact it almost qulifies for the caps lock button. It was really a horrid weekend. Let me lay it out for you...
Friday
* Deane is away in Napier for work, it's raining, and I have to walk the kids half an hour to school. You may recall (as mentioned in previous posts) my kids are the complaining type.
* Current landlords are leaning on us (rather heavily I might add) to give them a date for when we will be vacating. Point to note: we were previously under the impression that when our lease expired on 27th February, if Deane had not yet found a job in Auckland, they would be happy to extend further into April if required. They changed their minds. Suddenly these new tenants have materialised and although they are flexible to the point of not needing to move in until early March, they would prefer to move in as soon as possible. They need their answer by 5pm. Crap.
* Discover via free community newspaper that the high school right next door will be starting a huge $6 million demolition and rebuild project in April. Suddenly things start making sense (and I pity the poor tenants moving in after us. Not only will they be paying more rent, they'll have to deal with building noise and mess throughout their tenancy).
* Start scouring TradeMe for rental properties in the Wellington area close to the boys school so when we go to Thailand in March Shahn (my SIL) could still walk them to school (as she doesn't have a licence). Not only are the pickings slim, what there is is either not suitable for children, or requires a minimum six month lease. Manage to book several viewing appointments for Saturday anyway. Cue 'freaking out' phase...
Saturday
* Deane, noticing my 'freaking out' status, drove home late Friday night, so is available to help apartment hunt (this particular point has pro's and con's that I won't get in to here for fear of incriminating myself and accidentally dissolving my marriage ;-))
* X wakes up with a god-awful cough that resonates through his chest and makes you feel like you can't breathe, even though you're fine and he's the one coughing. Asthma rears its ugly head :-(
* Most of the places we look at are ridiculously small (how they can call them two bedroom apartments and get away with it I'll never know - try single bedroom with study and no walking space!!) and of course require 12 month leases. We find one apartment suitable, about 1km from the school. We have to wait to hear if we'll get it though, as they're showing through more prospective renters later in the day - they'll get back to us in the evening.
* Get a text re aforementioned apartment saying "sorry, we can't give you an answer yet as we are showing through some more people tomorrow evening - we'll call you back then"
Sunday
* T wakes up with a wicked temperature and starts throwing up - this continues for the majority of the day. X still has that abominable cough.
* Asked Deane no less than six times to get boxes (he said he had some at work) - they didn't materialise. As yet packing has not commenced.
* Haven't heard anything by 9.30pm so send a text re apartment asking "any news?" Go to bed still wondering.
Monday
* Kids are home sick - don't want to inflict awful sickly germs on the rest of the school students. Yay.
* Finally hear back about the apartment, and it's ours if we want it. HUGE sigh of relief!! Have arranged with both current landlords and new landlord that we will move this weekend. Only one minor issue - still no boxes, therefore no packing, which means I will have less than five days to pack an entire household!!! Argh :-/
On the positive side, at least we won't be homeless :-) Still no news about the Auckland thing (hopefully will hear about that this week) but I'm not going to worry about that at the moment. There's still an overseas trip to organise and prepare for.
Always look on the briiiight side of life, de do, de do de do de do...
Friday
* Deane is away in Napier for work, it's raining, and I have to walk the kids half an hour to school. You may recall (as mentioned in previous posts) my kids are the complaining type.
* Current landlords are leaning on us (rather heavily I might add) to give them a date for when we will be vacating. Point to note: we were previously under the impression that when our lease expired on 27th February, if Deane had not yet found a job in Auckland, they would be happy to extend further into April if required. They changed their minds. Suddenly these new tenants have materialised and although they are flexible to the point of not needing to move in until early March, they would prefer to move in as soon as possible. They need their answer by 5pm. Crap.
* Discover via free community newspaper that the high school right next door will be starting a huge $6 million demolition and rebuild project in April. Suddenly things start making sense (and I pity the poor tenants moving in after us. Not only will they be paying more rent, they'll have to deal with building noise and mess throughout their tenancy).
* Start scouring TradeMe for rental properties in the Wellington area close to the boys school so when we go to Thailand in March Shahn (my SIL) could still walk them to school (as she doesn't have a licence). Not only are the pickings slim, what there is is either not suitable for children, or requires a minimum six month lease. Manage to book several viewing appointments for Saturday anyway. Cue 'freaking out' phase...
Saturday
* Deane, noticing my 'freaking out' status, drove home late Friday night, so is available to help apartment hunt (this particular point has pro's and con's that I won't get in to here for fear of incriminating myself and accidentally dissolving my marriage ;-))
* X wakes up with a god-awful cough that resonates through his chest and makes you feel like you can't breathe, even though you're fine and he's the one coughing. Asthma rears its ugly head :-(
* Most of the places we look at are ridiculously small (how they can call them two bedroom apartments and get away with it I'll never know - try single bedroom with study and no walking space!!) and of course require 12 month leases. We find one apartment suitable, about 1km from the school. We have to wait to hear if we'll get it though, as they're showing through more prospective renters later in the day - they'll get back to us in the evening.
* Get a text re aforementioned apartment saying "sorry, we can't give you an answer yet as we are showing through some more people tomorrow evening - we'll call you back then"
Sunday
* T wakes up with a wicked temperature and starts throwing up - this continues for the majority of the day. X still has that abominable cough.
* Asked Deane no less than six times to get boxes (he said he had some at work) - they didn't materialise. As yet packing has not commenced.
* Haven't heard anything by 9.30pm so send a text re apartment asking "any news?" Go to bed still wondering.
Monday
* Kids are home sick - don't want to inflict awful sickly germs on the rest of the school students. Yay.
* Finally hear back about the apartment, and it's ours if we want it. HUGE sigh of relief!! Have arranged with both current landlords and new landlord that we will move this weekend. Only one minor issue - still no boxes, therefore no packing, which means I will have less than five days to pack an entire household!!! Argh :-/
On the positive side, at least we won't be homeless :-) Still no news about the Auckland thing (hopefully will hear about that this week) but I'm not going to worry about that at the moment. There's still an overseas trip to organise and prepare for.
Always look on the briiiight side of life, de do, de do de do de do...
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Just a couple of progress pics
That's about all I have to share at the moment.
You may recall the very awesome socks I was knitting for myself out of that lovely Needle Food sock yarn. Well, I haven't finished the pair yet, but I have finished one sock! Ta daaaaa!!
front of sock, and...
back of sock!!
Oh my God, you wouldn't believe how hard it is to take a picture of the back of your own leg!! Seriously, you should try it some time - just don't come whining to me if you injure yourself...
Anyway, here's a wee progress pic of the malabrigo scarf I'm making:
Please note: funky colours in pictures are not a true and accurate representation - cameras, lighting and computer screens can change things a lot!!
It'll look much better once it's been finished and blocked. The lace pattern will open right up and it will look spectacular! The pattern is called the Fern Lace Scarf. Loving it! It'll be slow going though - lace knitting doesn't grow very fast. This may possibly have something to do with the ridiculously thin yarn... perhaps. ;-) The bonus is that the pattern is easily memorised and fairly mindless, so something you can do in front of the TV or at knitting or stitching group, without screwing it up too badly. (Although I haven't actually taken it to knitting or stitching group yet, so haven't tested this theory. Hmm, maybe a lifeline before embarking on such experiments? I think so!)
School is well and truly underway again, and T is having some issues settling in. I think he's just a little tired - hopefully he'll improve over the next couple of weeks. I promise to try and avoid making a nuisance of myself by hanging around the school and spying on him to see if he's behaving - I have to admit, this spying business really eats into your personal time!!
Although I have managed one measly run so far this week - all of about 2 1/2 k's, pretty sad. Oh well, better than nothing, huh? I'm making excuses again, like "ow, I had my travel vaccinations today and my arms hurt" (not that they're required for running, but you get the gist).
So the big news (if you can call it that) at the moment is that we're currently looking for somewhere else to live, possibly for about 6-8 weeks. We have to move out of where we are at the moment (the landlords don't like short lease terms) and we're not quite at the stage where we're ready to move to Auckland yet. Soooo annoying! The bright side is that we will avoid all the demolition and rebuilding that will be going on at the high school next door, which is due to start in April. Feel sorry for the new tenants, but at least we won't have to deal with it! Ugh, I hate moving, and it seems so pointless for such a short time, but c'est la vie. Hopefully we'll know what we're doing in terms of the whole Auckland thing soon, so I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, I guess I'd better hunt out some boxes and get packing... ::sigh::
You may recall the very awesome socks I was knitting for myself out of that lovely Needle Food sock yarn. Well, I haven't finished the pair yet, but I have finished one sock! Ta daaaaa!!
front of sock, and...
back of sock!!
Oh my God, you wouldn't believe how hard it is to take a picture of the back of your own leg!! Seriously, you should try it some time - just don't come whining to me if you injure yourself...
Anyway, here's a wee progress pic of the malabrigo scarf I'm making:
Please note: funky colours in pictures are not a true and accurate representation - cameras, lighting and computer screens can change things a lot!!
It'll look much better once it's been finished and blocked. The lace pattern will open right up and it will look spectacular! The pattern is called the Fern Lace Scarf. Loving it! It'll be slow going though - lace knitting doesn't grow very fast. This may possibly have something to do with the ridiculously thin yarn... perhaps. ;-) The bonus is that the pattern is easily memorised and fairly mindless, so something you can do in front of the TV or at knitting or stitching group, without screwing it up too badly. (Although I haven't actually taken it to knitting or stitching group yet, so haven't tested this theory. Hmm, maybe a lifeline before embarking on such experiments? I think so!)
School is well and truly underway again, and T is having some issues settling in. I think he's just a little tired - hopefully he'll improve over the next couple of weeks. I promise to try and avoid making a nuisance of myself by hanging around the school and spying on him to see if he's behaving - I have to admit, this spying business really eats into your personal time!!
Although I have managed one measly run so far this week - all of about 2 1/2 k's, pretty sad. Oh well, better than nothing, huh? I'm making excuses again, like "ow, I had my travel vaccinations today and my arms hurt" (not that they're required for running, but you get the gist).
So the big news (if you can call it that) at the moment is that we're currently looking for somewhere else to live, possibly for about 6-8 weeks. We have to move out of where we are at the moment (the landlords don't like short lease terms) and we're not quite at the stage where we're ready to move to Auckland yet. Soooo annoying! The bright side is that we will avoid all the demolition and rebuilding that will be going on at the high school next door, which is due to start in April. Feel sorry for the new tenants, but at least we won't have to deal with it! Ugh, I hate moving, and it seems so pointless for such a short time, but c'est la vie. Hopefully we'll know what we're doing in terms of the whole Auckland thing soon, so I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, I guess I'd better hunt out some boxes and get packing... ::sigh::
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
From the mouths of babes
Or in my case, my 5 and 7 year old boys. The other day I was sitting on the couch knitting a sock. The horrors were playing Lego Indiana Jones on the XBox. With one ear on their rambling conversation, I noticed T talking about the camels in the game. But the word 'camel' sounded a bit odd, not quite right.
Later on the same day I thought their good behaviour warranted a wee treat, so I got a bar of chocolate out of the fridge. T piped up, "is it caramel?". Hmmm, that sounded the same as when he was talking about the camels in the game earlier...
Me: what's your favourite flavour chocolate?
T: caramel
Me: what's that animal with the hump on it's back?
T: caramel
Me: are they the same word?
T: yeah
heh heh heh...
There is another one that X often says that Deane and I have a quiet giggle about every time we hear it. Whenever he asks to look at a website on the internet, he starts it with "wub wub wub". It just sounds so cute and funny, we don't have the heart to correct him :-)
There have been many others, but as the boys grow up, they slowly learn the correct pronunciation. It's sad in a way. I'm going to miss all the funny little words they come up with.
They're off to school on Friday (two more sleeps!!) - everyone is looking forward to it. All their books are covered, labelled, and packed in their schoolbags with their pencil cases full of new felt pens and coloured pencils. Everything is organised and ready to go - woohoo!! Blissful, quiet days are on their merry way.
Which will mean getting back into running, and more knitting and housework time. I'm really starting to miss going for a run in the mornings, so it'll be nice to get back into it. Knitting hasn't suffered too much in all fairness, I've still managed to get quite a bit done during the school holidays.
I finished my special secret project with plenty of time to spare, but you'll just have to wait for a peek at that one. I whipped up these cute little cabled wrist warmers in a couple of days using a skein of Peruvian yarn given to me last year by one of the angels in the Harry Potter swap. They're so soft and cosy, I can't wait until winter so I can actually wear them!
Currently on the needles is a pair of socks for me, in the Needle Food sock club #2 colourway Midnight Feast. Ooh, it's pretty!! The pattern is really cool too - Viking Socks :-)
Here's a pic of the front cable:
and the back cable:
I'm a little bit further along than this now - just past the heel, and onto the foot. These are being knit one at a time because the cables require a bit of concentration, and they're different on each sock (cables twist in opposite directions) so I thought it would be safer that way. Cables are not fun to tink back!!
Also on the needles is my mmmmmmmmalabrigo lace scarf (oh, such divine yarn!!). I only started this morning, and have done only one pattern repeat so far. It's an easy pattern to memorise, but it's going to be a long process. Still, no hurry (the benefit of making stuff for yourself). I'll post a progress pic a little later on, when there's more to show.
Went and visited a new yarn store the other day - well, the store is new, but the owner has had a website for some time - Knitting Pretty. She stocks quite a range of sock yarns (and other yarns of course) - I just had to get a ball of TOFUtsies - it's a blend of 50% superwash wool, 25% soysilk fibres, 22.5% cotton and 2.5% chitin, which is made from shrimp and crab shells, and is naturally antibacterial. Not that I have a problem with smelly feet... But apparently it's also good for people with poor circulation. I always have cold feet in winter, so I guess I'll be testing that theory ;-) I decided to get a solid colour for a change (sock yarn is almost always variegated or semi-solid) - lime green!! Should make for an interesting pair of socks.
Well, better get moving. Lots to knit, lots to read...
Later on the same day I thought their good behaviour warranted a wee treat, so I got a bar of chocolate out of the fridge. T piped up, "is it caramel?". Hmmm, that sounded the same as when he was talking about the camels in the game earlier...
Me: what's your favourite flavour chocolate?
T: caramel
Me: what's that animal with the hump on it's back?
T: caramel
Me: are they the same word?
T: yeah
heh heh heh...
There is another one that X often says that Deane and I have a quiet giggle about every time we hear it. Whenever he asks to look at a website on the internet, he starts it with "wub wub wub". It just sounds so cute and funny, we don't have the heart to correct him :-)
There have been many others, but as the boys grow up, they slowly learn the correct pronunciation. It's sad in a way. I'm going to miss all the funny little words they come up with.
They're off to school on Friday (two more sleeps!!) - everyone is looking forward to it. All their books are covered, labelled, and packed in their schoolbags with their pencil cases full of new felt pens and coloured pencils. Everything is organised and ready to go - woohoo!! Blissful, quiet days are on their merry way.
Which will mean getting back into running, and more knitting and housework time. I'm really starting to miss going for a run in the mornings, so it'll be nice to get back into it. Knitting hasn't suffered too much in all fairness, I've still managed to get quite a bit done during the school holidays.
I finished my special secret project with plenty of time to spare, but you'll just have to wait for a peek at that one. I whipped up these cute little cabled wrist warmers in a couple of days using a skein of Peruvian yarn given to me last year by one of the angels in the Harry Potter swap. They're so soft and cosy, I can't wait until winter so I can actually wear them!
Currently on the needles is a pair of socks for me, in the Needle Food sock club #2 colourway Midnight Feast. Ooh, it's pretty!! The pattern is really cool too - Viking Socks :-)
Here's a pic of the front cable:
and the back cable:
I'm a little bit further along than this now - just past the heel, and onto the foot. These are being knit one at a time because the cables require a bit of concentration, and they're different on each sock (cables twist in opposite directions) so I thought it would be safer that way. Cables are not fun to tink back!!
Also on the needles is my mmmmmmmmalabrigo lace scarf (oh, such divine yarn!!). I only started this morning, and have done only one pattern repeat so far. It's an easy pattern to memorise, but it's going to be a long process. Still, no hurry (the benefit of making stuff for yourself). I'll post a progress pic a little later on, when there's more to show.
Went and visited a new yarn store the other day - well, the store is new, but the owner has had a website for some time - Knitting Pretty. She stocks quite a range of sock yarns (and other yarns of course) - I just had to get a ball of TOFUtsies - it's a blend of 50% superwash wool, 25% soysilk fibres, 22.5% cotton and 2.5% chitin, which is made from shrimp and crab shells, and is naturally antibacterial. Not that I have a problem with smelly feet... But apparently it's also good for people with poor circulation. I always have cold feet in winter, so I guess I'll be testing that theory ;-) I decided to get a solid colour for a change (sock yarn is almost always variegated or semi-solid) - lime green!! Should make for an interesting pair of socks.
Well, better get moving. Lots to knit, lots to read...
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Everywhere you look, there's a book
Yes, books are everywhere at the present moment in time. Both mine, and my son's. I've always been a reader, but X is fairly new to the concept. He struggled last year, and had to endure several months of Reading Recovery in order to catch up to his classmates' reading levels. He managed it quite successfully, which was a relief for all involved. Reading Recovery is quite an intense programme of reading every day, both with a teacher, and then at home. Unfortunately though, after all that hard work it was as though he'd had an overdose, and couldn't take any more. All reading he had for homework mysteriously didn't make it into his school bag, therefore didn't get done. I didn't catch on until quite late in the year, after noticing he hadn't had any for some time and questioning his teacher about it. Oh he'd had plenty! Just never did it...
I was a little more concerned when she put in his end of year report that he needed to 'expand his range of authors'. Range of authors?? He's seven!! Do seven year olds normally have a 'range'?? Apparently some of them do. Who'd have thought?
I've been trying in vain to get X to read one book all holidays - it started out okay, and he managed to get to page 13, and then refused to go any further, no matter how much I bribed him. (Yes, yes, I'm a bad mother. Blah blah blah...)
Anyway, I was having a chat to a friend yesterday afternoon about this particular issue (her seven year old being one of the blessed children that can read well, and does have a range of authors). She recommended the Beast Quest range, written by Adam Blade. It's full of mythical creatures and a young boy turned hero who has to save his village by slaying these creatures with a sword and shield. X has always been quite intrigued by knights and armour, swordfighting and heroes. (Deane's doing, of course!) So these books seemed to be right within his range of interests. I investigated a little more by checking out the Beast Quest website. Brilliant site! Even lets you download a chapter of the books! So of course I did this, and asked X to give it a quick read to see if he'd be interested. He sounded quite intrigued, so off we went to the bookstore to get the first book in the series, Ferno the Fire Dragon.
I'm pleased to report that he's already up to Chapter 3, page 33 (and there's even a Prologue, so he's read quite a bit since yesterday afternoon). He takes great delight in telling us when he's on a new page, or a new chapter, and it warms my heart to see his little face light up. This morning I gave him my Gryffindor scarf bookmark to keep his place when he's not reading, which he was rather pleased about. It's going well so far, and fingers crossed it continues :-)
As for me, I finished The Host by Stephenie Meyer, and I must say it was a bit of a page turner! I think she's done a great job of her first adult novel. Interesting storyline. My one criticism would be that the ending was very predictable. Having said that, I'm all for happy endings and it did work out almost exactly how I'd have liked it, so I'm not complaining :-)
I've also finished Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J K Rowling, have entered my thoughts into the Read-Along forum on Ravelry, and eagerly await the Watch-Along we'll be having on (my time) Sunday 7th February, 2pm. For everyone else, it'll be Saturday 6th February, 8pm. I think it'll be fun to watch the same movie at the same time as people halfway round the world, and be able to discuss it (in a chatroom) together. What I really want to know is if everyone else has noticed the hippogriff pooping in forest ;-) I'll definitely be pointing it out!
Next up is a book I have for my book group, Careless by Deborah Robertson. Several members of the group who have already started it have said it's a gripping read, so I'm looking forward to getting started on it. Before I do that though, I have 3 1/4 squares left to knit for the Ron Weasley Blanket Swap, and only a week to go before they must be sent. Better get cracking...
I was a little more concerned when she put in his end of year report that he needed to 'expand his range of authors'. Range of authors?? He's seven!! Do seven year olds normally have a 'range'?? Apparently some of them do. Who'd have thought?
I've been trying in vain to get X to read one book all holidays - it started out okay, and he managed to get to page 13, and then refused to go any further, no matter how much I bribed him. (Yes, yes, I'm a bad mother. Blah blah blah...)
Anyway, I was having a chat to a friend yesterday afternoon about this particular issue (her seven year old being one of the blessed children that can read well, and does have a range of authors). She recommended the Beast Quest range, written by Adam Blade. It's full of mythical creatures and a young boy turned hero who has to save his village by slaying these creatures with a sword and shield. X has always been quite intrigued by knights and armour, swordfighting and heroes. (Deane's doing, of course!) So these books seemed to be right within his range of interests. I investigated a little more by checking out the Beast Quest website. Brilliant site! Even lets you download a chapter of the books! So of course I did this, and asked X to give it a quick read to see if he'd be interested. He sounded quite intrigued, so off we went to the bookstore to get the first book in the series, Ferno the Fire Dragon.
I'm pleased to report that he's already up to Chapter 3, page 33 (and there's even a Prologue, so he's read quite a bit since yesterday afternoon). He takes great delight in telling us when he's on a new page, or a new chapter, and it warms my heart to see his little face light up. This morning I gave him my Gryffindor scarf bookmark to keep his place when he's not reading, which he was rather pleased about. It's going well so far, and fingers crossed it continues :-)
As for me, I finished The Host by Stephenie Meyer, and I must say it was a bit of a page turner! I think she's done a great job of her first adult novel. Interesting storyline. My one criticism would be that the ending was very predictable. Having said that, I'm all for happy endings and it did work out almost exactly how I'd have liked it, so I'm not complaining :-)
I've also finished Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J K Rowling, have entered my thoughts into the Read-Along forum on Ravelry, and eagerly await the Watch-Along we'll be having on (my time) Sunday 7th February, 2pm. For everyone else, it'll be Saturday 6th February, 8pm. I think it'll be fun to watch the same movie at the same time as people halfway round the world, and be able to discuss it (in a chatroom) together. What I really want to know is if everyone else has noticed the hippogriff pooping in forest ;-) I'll definitely be pointing it out!
Next up is a book I have for my book group, Careless by Deborah Robertson. Several members of the group who have already started it have said it's a gripping read, so I'm looking forward to getting started on it. Before I do that though, I have 3 1/4 squares left to knit for the Ron Weasley Blanket Swap, and only a week to go before they must be sent. Better get cracking...
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