Purls and Pugs

It's F-ing cold!

I'm sorry for the implied expletives, but you know, I feel that captures the true essence of how cold it is and how I feel about it. Our temps for the last few days have been somewhere around -25F. That's actual temp, people. I'm not even telling you about the wind chill. My mom mentioned something about Alaska being warmer, and I didn't believe her, so I checked it out. It is 43F in Anchorage, AK today. 43! That seems tropical. Did you ever think that anyone would consider going to Alaska in the winter to get away from frozen tundra weather in the Midwest? I didn't, but I am...

So, the weather makes it hard to do anything except stay indoors. There has been some knitting progress on the Chic Cowl and Tang. Actually, I hope to finish Tang this weekend since I'll be stuck inside for part of it. It is supposed to get up to a balmy 23F on Saturday, so I might venture out, but there is not that much left to do on Tang other than the rest of the second sleeve and the turtleneck treatment. I've been "spit-splicing" (love this technique), so there are not that many ends to weave in. Watch and get excited for a possible finished sweater!

Stay warm this weekend, everyone!

Who ordered a pitcher?

This was one great weekend! The weather is getting so nice that I haven't been spending much time knitting, but I have been having some fun.

There is a bar in downtown Plainfield called Moe Joe's--it's constantly Mardi Gras there. Well, without the flashing...But they have some good Cajun food! I had a crab cake po boy with sweet potato fries on Friday night. I actually only ate half the sandwich because it was so big. But after several beers, my friend and I were hungry and broke into our leftovers! We ate them before we even left the place. But I guess that's going to happen when you've had 5 beers, you've got the munchies, and it's 10 pm! It was nice to get out with some chicks and be silly.

Saturday was not quite as nice weather-wise, but I had a good day regardless. I saw that new movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall. It was funny, but beware there is male frontal nudity in the like first couple minutes. Scary. I shutter just reliving it! Then I had a French Martini at the Capital Grill....mmmm. I was telling my friend that I think the nicer places make them better. It might be the grade of champaign they use or that the bar tenders are just a little bit better. I don't know, but I like 'em. Even at $9 a pop. And if you love guacamole, you need to get to Adobo and order theirs. I am not a huge fan of the green stuff, but this was AMAZING! Get there now!

I know I've mentioned my like for Hooters. Well, my friends and I are being silly and participating in the Hooters' 25th Anniversary Passport for wing parties. So, Sunday we had tickets to the Chicago Rush Arena Football team, and we hit 3 Hooters Restaurants. Yes, you read that right -- 3 Hooters. Now, I had a plan, and that was eat at #1, drink at #2, and not even have a clue we were going to #3. So, I ate at #1. But this is where the story gets a little weird...see, we had 2 cars of people. One car went directly to #2 and the other car (the one I was in) went to pick up one more person. Well, we ended up taking a detour to Schaumburg when we need to be in Rosemont (for those of you who don't know this area--they are no where near each other). The new passenger told us to get on I-290 instead of I-294 because he thought we were going to Hoffman Estates (again, even farther from where we were supposed to be!). So, we realized in Schuamburg what was going on...so there was less time to drink at Hooters #2.

So, when we finally got to #2, I ran the the washroom and asked my friends to order me a mug of Sangria. When the waitress brought it, it was a pitcher. Yes, a pitcher of sangria...so, I drank it. Yup, I drank the whole thing. And quickly. The funny thing was I got a pitcher of Sangria for the cost of a French Martini! But, I was good to go for the game and didn't need to buy a $6 beer. In fact, I was pretty good for most of the rest of the night. The best part was that I even felt a little better about our detour.

I had never been to an AFL game, and I have to say it was pretty fun. The Rush won a pretty close game, and we saw some amazing plays. Those guys hit into the boards harder than hockey players!

Amateur Poetry Corner

Well, I had my lasik surgery on Friday, so I was resting all weekend. I didn't work on anything but adding to my sleep. I have to say that I am loving not having to wear glasses! I freaked out a bit while the procedure was going on, but that was due to my over thinking what was going on. In essence, I did it to myself. But by using breathing techniques I was able to stay calm enough to get through it. And viola! I can see.

Since I don't really have anything good to report, I have this poem that my friend and co-worker Marc wrote for me. It's a riddle of sorts, so you may need to read it a couple times to get it. Some of you will get it right away and some of you will probably not get it at all...which is fine because it is just as humorous.

Man My Girls Look Good In This Top What look good in what? An odd title for a poem some may say
All I will share is that it’s a quote that makes me laugh to this day.
I present this piece of amateur poetry to my friend of some time
Well, poetry is a stretch, but at least some words with rhyme!
I’m submitting this work for your humble approval
In hopes of a laugh and possibly stress removal
A tribute to my friend who enjoys Diet Pepsi, my favorite soda
And to her furry little princess friend, Miss Yoda
Speaking of tributes, my hat’s off to you for not being abash
Taking care of business behind a place for items marked trash
You are always quick with a joke and always make me laugh
Anyone hearing me chuckle must think I’m quite daff
There are so many things to like about you, far too many to list, so where will I start?
Well if I were only to name a few they are: smart, funny, pretty, and have a big heart!
Here’s a riddle for you – mirror mirror on the wall,
Who’s reflecting you most of all?
I will give you some hints, some nudges and even a few clues
Read on my dear friend, there are more verses for you to peruse
Your easygoing style and way with words attract many, as you know
Your fans are young and old ranging from Illinoisan to say  … Eskimo?
I understand why people are attracted to you, you smooth talker
Perhaps some attracted to the point of being a stalker?
I have what I think is a unique concept that some may consider immaculate
Instead of viewing other’s sites under guise perhaps it’s better to be open and articulate?
In our discussions, we have touched on several topics from art to a favorite movie feature
I think one of my favorite topics of our discussions is music; you’ve been a great teacher!
I’ve told you about my love of cookies and pies and dislike of cake,
You’ve told me about an ex, what was his name again? Drake?
I think I’ve made my message clear and my riddle is solved
What I think was once innocent curiosity has since evolved
What’s my point to all of this? Thanks to the Internet era, there is always a trail
Be careful whom you think you’re fooling; your plan will undoubtedly fail.
This poem was written in hopes of starting a new era
Perhaps instead of cloaking yourself, you will be a new friend … Tara?

A little bit of inspiration

I really had nothing to write about today until a friend sent me a link to a video to watch. I think this is a pretty awesome speech:

Happy almost Friday!

I've decided what I am going to bring with me to knit on the plane to Vegas. The babies that I made the Bears hats for have arrived, and I still need to complete their booties before their christening. Auntie Jenn decided on the Old World Felted Booties for her little nephews. I figure I can knock those out on the plane and during any downtime (ha! Downtime? Who am I kidding?), and then felt them when I get back...All ready for the babies's christening.

Superbowl this weekend...blah, blah, blah....that's kinda how I feel about it this year. Perhaps there was way too much excitement over it last year in the Windy City, and now we need a break. Or perhaps no one really cares which East Coast team wins. Smart money is on the latter.

I have to mention that this is the best time of year! I love tax time! I've begun calling it tax-Christmas because I feel like I am getting a gift back from the government. LOVE IT! I know some of you end up even or have to pay, and I'm sorry you don't get to participate in tax-Christmas. In your cases--Bah Humbug!

It's a small world...

It's amazing what a small world this is. It really is. I recently met someone that went to high school with another person I know. It's funny how you happen upon these things. It kind of takes you aback a little. It also makes you want to find out more about how each person was in High School....muwahahaha!

It's also amazing how you can meet people that you've walked passed or worked with and had no idea until you are talking later...a lot of that going on this week, too.

When I was in Germany this last summer, quite a few people ran into people from high school and one even ran into someone from her wedding. How does that happen? The world is getting much smaller...

No Makeup Monday

I am exhausted, thus no makeup. This weekend was very busy, but good busy. Saturday I spent running around picking up gifts and interviewing Yoda's potential new brother. My mom's doctor is looking for a good home for her step-daughter's pug to go live. He's two years old, all black, and so full of energy. He's a sweetie, but we need to have Yoda do an interview, as well...she is the boss after all!

Then it was off to Buca di Bepo for my friend Stacey's 30th Birthday. Since there were like 25 of us, we were seated at one of the Pope tables. We argued at length about which Pope it was staring at us while we gorged on Italian food. I even asked my grandmother the next day after taking a picture. She immediately said Pope John XXIII. I'll believe her...she's like a Catholic Rain Man!

But we all had a blast at the party! I think we ordered EVERYTHING off the menu. There was an obscene amount of food, and most of us went home with leftovers. And if you are looking for a new cocktail to try, order the Ultimate Raspberry Lemon Drop. MMMM...I could have had a gallon of that stuff, but driving home would have been a challenge. Don't we all look like we were having a great time in "Joe's Basement"?!

Then Sunday was my sister's actual graduation from graduate school. Yippee!! Here she is in her gown with her hood (teachers get pretty blue...MBA students get poopy brown....figures) and diploma cover. Doesn't she look enlightened? I think so.

Don't worry....knitting updates for the rest of the week!

Back to School....er....work....

Yes, I am back to work today. Damn. I really needed more time away. I sooo did not have enough time away to say, "yeah, I'm bored...let's go to work!"

So, I did get TONS done. I changed my name. Fun stuff there...and I'm still not done. I just did the big things like Social Security and the DMV. Now on to everything else!

I did all that stuff that had been taking a back seat around the house - cutting the grass, picking up leaves (and I still have to do it again!), changing light bulbs, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, putting up the Christmas Tree, organizing, steaming carpets, laundry, and more cleaning. I did some knitting...the Gucci sweater is sooo close to being done. And I did some quilting/sewing. I was very productive, but not overly stressed about getting stuff done.

I'll have updates on all the creative stuff I did soon! Get back to work!

Next Project: Ark!

It's amazing how the weather is so unpredictable. Last year at this time trees and plants were dying everywhere because there was no rain. This year, we have more than enough rain! This weather is good for one thing -- sitting at home and knitting! I hope everyone is surviving in this horrible weather and has a good, productive weekend.

Loose Ends

I know I have been behind on posting this week, and I am sorry for that. I've been taking the train into Chicago for some training classes, and let me tell you, I have no idea how people do this every day! My commute is 4 times what it normally is to come into the city! Though, if I did work down here, I would totally consider moving...there are tons of new condos and stuff going up everywhere....

Anyway, I finished Harry Potter on Monday. It has taken me quite a while to come to the conclusion that I liked it. There were some scenes/chapters that I could have lived without, but I think the over all storyline was pretty good.

You might notice some new little image next to each post title. That is madKast, a way to email/text/share a post with someone. They are in the beta stages, and if you are interested in trying it out go ahead and contact them...the installation was easy, and it's pretty neat. I've been playing with it a little.

I've been knitting a bit, too...I decided to start a Noni bag as a gift, and I am almost done with the bag portion. Now I just need to get the flowers done and I can felt this baby!

Since it would be boring to show you a picture of a black bag in progress, I decided I would try a 'Self Portrait' picture instead. I took this a while ago for something else I was doing, yet I feel it captures me...well, at least a little bit!