ODC...

Operation De-Chunk - That's what I'm about these days. I've been doing well, going to the gym and what-not. I actually finished this program. Which I have tried to many times in the past, but was unsuccessful to say the least. I am proud of the progress that I've made. But I really haven't lost much weight. And I've been going strong for about 9 - 10 weeks. I can tell a difference in my clothes, but I want to see pounds. I want to go down sizes in pants. I know I need to be patient. I am going to have to change my eating habits. I am trying slowly. But sometimes I feel like I'm getting discouraged because the pounds aren't coming off. I have to keep reminding myself that I didn't put on the weight overnight, so I can't expect to lose it overnight. I need to just keep going at it. I've been working hard, and I've never done this well with going to the gym, but I have to stay strong. I don't want to called chunky, 'thick', big, or whatever term people come up with for people my size. I'll settle for average as I will never be a skinny girl.

My motivation is both for getting healthy, and just wanting to look good. My confidence has been lacking lately and that is not my personality at all. Not that I'm vain, but I've always been confident.

Going to hip-hop aerobics today!! It's a great workout!!

My New Toy....

I swear I am like a little kid.
I went and bought Guitar Hero World Tour last night.
The last thing I need, is something else to do after work.
With knitting, and keeping my house clean,
I have enough going on.
But, I will be going on tour, with Guitar Hero.
I've only tried the drums and the Guitar so far.
But I'm going to sing today. And anyone who knows
me knows that I cannot sing. But it will be fun, I can't wait!!

Yes We Can, Change The World...

'Though it seems heaven sent, we aint ready to see a black president."

Or are we?? I went to vote last night, and for the first time in a long time, black people that I didn't know, smiled and said hello to me. The wait to actually vote was an hour. And on my way to the back of the line, my people surprised me. They were smiling, and speaking, and friendly. Now, I hate to stereotype us, but in my experience, we ignore one another if we don't know you. But not last night. I was proud, to cast my vote for Barack Obama. So not only do I think we are ready, we are in need of one!!


It felt good, to make my selections on those 6 pages, page 1 being the most important, and reviewing them once to make sure I didn't make a mistake, and finally pushing that red button to cast my vote!!

I hate to see the polls making it seem like Obama has the election locked down, when we all know that is just not true. I would love to believe that it is, but anything can happen between now and November 4th.

The Randomness...

The season has definitely changed, and I can't say that I'm disappointed. I am cheap, so my house is kind of cold...

Hey fellas, if I tell you that I'm not going to come over your house, don't call me everyday and ask me to ok, that's just dumb...

Hey La, I'm not buying you anything else until I go to STL. Anything local that is...

Do bills ever stop coming???

Christmas is fast approaching, and I want to decorate my house, but I have a lot going on right now, so I guess I should wait...

I created a knitting blog...

I started a workout program a while back, called the couch to 5k, the entire program is 9 weeks, I'm on week 7 (jogging 25 minutes straights). That is like a miracle for me. Now, these are probably the slowest miles ever, but I'm doing it!!

I want to get married and have kids, but I'm starting to lose faith that there is someone out there that I can spend the rest of my life with...

Christmas Swap...

10/14/08 - Update
Knitpicks has their sock needle set on sale for $19.99, a steal for 5 sets of dpn's

Rather than do a questionnaire, I decided to just put some things that I would like, because you know me well enough!

Size 8 straight needles
Sock Size Majic Loop Needles (Addi's would be great)
Any pattern in my Queue
You know I'm in love with Malabrigo right now
U-Shaped Cable Needle
Any Vintage T-Shirt
Candles
Any Awesome Knitting Book
Vogue Knitting Magazine (Fall/Winter)
Sock Blockers
Some of that Sock Yarn that I got you for you birthday (I can't recall the brand)
Gum
Gummy Worms/Bears
Milk Chocolate Anything
Harmony Straights
Earrings

Pier One Incense

I guess that's enough, but you know I could keep going and going like the Energizer Bunny...

I knew better...

I let someone borrow some money, actually, this is on another level, I got a loan for someone, and the deal was that they would give me my money at the beginning of the month until it was paid off. Well, the money for the loan comes right out of my check, so it gets paid. But the problem is, this person, pays me when it's convenient. If something is going on, I get my money late. Then when I say something, it's like I'm the bad guy. But, I blame myself, I knew better. If a person can't get a loan (not even for a lot of money), there is probably a reason. If you know a person doesn't pay there bills, chances are, this person isn't going to pay you either. But, I tried to be nice and help said person out. Well, I'm not the kind of person to hold things over your head, but, this person does not have to ever worry about me putting my name on anything else for them, and borrowing money, huh, forget it. I need my money just like everyone else needs theirs. It's a good thing I'm not struggling for that money every month, or we would have a serious problem. Needless to say, this is a mistake I won't be making again.

This Country...

I grew up in a neighborhood where I was called a n*gga by the other kids.  Not on the regular, but at least once that I can recall... 

I played volleyball and I was the only black girl on the team...

I went to a school where I was the only black person in class 90% of the time...

I never thought I would see the day when a black man and a white woman would be the front runners in a democratic race for the president.  I never thought I would see the day where the Republican Vice President pick would be a woman.  Especially a woman with a child with down sydrome, and another child pregnant at 17.  Now, I understand that teen pregnancy is an issue in this country, but if we should look to any family to be an example, shouldn't it be in the white house?  

On another note, Serena beat Venus, and I'm happy about that....

A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths;
feels your fears but fortifies your faith;
sees your anxieties but frees your spirit;
recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.
William Arthur Ward

Natural Hair...

I have worn my hair natural for going on 4 years now, but I have a cousin who recently decided to go natural. And she recently did what some would call the big chop. Basically, she cut of the part of her hair that was still permed, so her hair is completely natural now. Well, she doesn't like short hair, and she's having a hard time finding a style that she likes, and finding a product local to her that works well on her hair. I talked to her yesterday, and she was telling me how people that she knows were asking her why she cut her hair, saying they didn't like it, and on and on. I'm thinking in my mind, those people suck, and I hope this doesn't make her feel like she wants to get a relaxer again. Well, after she told me about those fools, she said that all of their comments wanted to make her wear her hair natural more. I was so happy, not because she is going against the grain, but because she is going against the mainstream. Why are black women expected to but harmful chemicals in their every 6 - 8 weeks, and wearing our hair without all of that makes us different, or that we have something to prove. It's really ridiculous when you think about it.

Let me make this clear, I have nothing against relaxers (actually I do, because they are harmful), but I have nothing against women who choose to get relaxers. Hell, I got relaxers for the better part of 12 - 14 years. Almost all of the women in my family get relaxers. All I'm saying is, don't look at me crazy because I choose to wear my hair the way that it grows out of my head. Please and Thank You...

The Weekend...

Roy Wood Jr was here on Friday, so my sister, my friend and I went and checked him out. The tickets were only $12.50. It was a really nice show. He was hilarious, and even the guy on stage before him was funny.

I played in volleyball tournament on Saturday, and man, it was so exhausting. We played 8 games to 21 for seeding, then another 2 games to 21 for the actual tournament play. All in the hot sun. Then I had to play on Sunday for our regular league. I definitely needed the workout though.

On another note, I finished the baby blanket that I was making for my cousin, now I need to make a couple of hats and booties!

Latest Read...

Babylon Sisters: A Novel by Pearl Cleage

My review

rating: 5 of 5 stars
Catherine is a true do-gooder. And she truly believes in the good of other people. So she is thrown for numerous loops throughout this book when she witnesses the pure evil of people she comes in contact with. Romance, suspense, and good relationships are all displayed in this book. Very good read.


View all my reviews.

Update...

Over the weekend, I bought new workout shoes, something I hadn't done in at least 3 years, it was definitely time. So, I decided to try out this running program, called from the couch to 5k. You can find it here. I've tried this program numerous times in the past, but normally only get to about week 3. My goal is to complete it. I did day one yesterday, and it wasn't bad at all. Did show me just how out of shape I really am though. I haven't had any port yet, but, my mom made lasagna over the weekend, and she normally uses ground sausage in it, and I brought some to work today.

Latest Read...

Some Things I Never Thought I'd Do: A Novel by Pearl Cleage

rating: 4 of 5 stars



I finished this book on Sunday, and I'm becoming more and more a fan of Pearl Cleage. I am reading her books out of order, and with each one, I try to see if I can figure out the order. Anyway, the 'shero' in this novel is a recovering crack addict who takes on a job so that she doesn't lose the house that has been in her family for 3 generations. She uncovers secrets of an ex-lover and makes sure that his mother cannot tarnish his most prized gift. Very good book!

Reading Again...

Before my vacation, I couldn't recall the last time I had actually read a book, from cover to cover. I would check books out at the library, but I would never actually pick them up and read them. Well, on vacation I read 'Seen it all and Done the Rest' by Pearl Cleage.



Very good book. So now I'm feeling like reading again. This week I read 'Something on the Side' by Carl Weber.


It was a good book, but it was a little over the top. I checked out some more books from the library yesterday, so let's hope I keep this up. A goal is to read at least one educational book before the year is out. A biography, something non-fiction.

Update...

Yesterday was a good day. I had my 8 cups of water, I went and played volleyball, and I walked 11268 steps. I could have done a better job at what I chose to eat, but, I didn't have pork, I did indulge in a couple of snacks.

Update...

I did alright yesterday. I did drink 8 cups of water. I worked out. I was on the tread mill for about 40 minutes walking, got in about 2.5 miles, not too bad. I made nachos with left over meat from my tacos (with turkey burger), and they were the bomb, so I'm going to have them again today. Next time I'm going to incorporate some jogging in with the walking.

The Randomness...

I turn 27 on Sunday! No plans really, will go out to eat with family, I'm considering going to Cedar Point, but we'll see, that's not really my thing, but it would be free.


My brother and his girlfriend have 5 kids between the both of them, they share one, she has two others, and he has two others, and they are always complaining about having to buy the kids this and that and how broke they are. Umm silly people, did you think it was going to be cheap raising FIVE children? And then, in my opinion, they are so ungrateful. You can barely get a thank you out of these fools. And on top of that, they want to tell you what to buy when you tell them you MIGHT do something for the kids. Umm, if I do decide to spend my hard earned dollar on your children, I will buy them what I want them to have. Now, if I ask you what they NEED, then by all means, let me know, but if I simply ask for their sizes, don't harass me about what to buy them. Because you might just end up not getting anything.


Two guys, actually three, told me that I am quick to break up or stop talking to someone if I'm not happy. And it has me thinking, am I really that bad? I mean, I seriously feel like I give dudes the benefit of the doubt, but when I've had enough, I've had enough. And it would probably take a lot to make me change my mind once I get to that point. I recently broke up with someone, but in my opinion, I tried to work it out with him, but it was just too much. And we still talk occasionally, but when I get fed up, I get mean, and that's no way to be in a relationship.


I'm starting to want a car that is not American made, and being that my family works at GM, they kinda have a problem with it. But like I tell them, American Auto Makers have to do better. I bought my G.6 brand new, and it was in and out of the shop from the day that I bought it. I mean granted, I wasn't coming out of pocket, but still, a brand new car shouldn't be at the shop every other week. I want to pay it off and keep it, but we'll see, cause I have no intentions of putting a bunch of money into it.

Get Right...

I didn't go work out yesterday. But all is not lost, I made tacos with turkey burger for dinner, but I only ate one! There was a serious storm last night, and the power went off, so I got to work super late today, but I have to work out, especially since I didn't go yesterday. It's a must. I also only had about 6 cups of water yesterday, but that's better than normal. I'm taking baby steps.

On Today...

I forgot to put on my pedometer this morning, dangit. But, I brought my water bottle, which is 32 ounces, I've already drunk 16 ounces of water. I didn't eat pork for breakfast, I had a pop tart, not the best breakfast, but I didn't eat pork. I'm eating chicken for lunch, and then I took out ground turkey to make tacos for dinner. Doing good thus far! I plan on going to the gym after work!

This weight...

La and I said that we would blog each day about what we are doing to lose weight, hoping to get and stay motivated. So, here are some goals that I have set.

1. I want to lose 10 pounds by August 29th.
2. I will drink at least 8 glasses of water a day (I typically drink 3 - 4).
3. I will walk at least 10,000 steps a day (I have a pedometer).
4. I will play volleyball on Sunday and Wednesday evenings.
5. I will go to the gym at least 2 days a week (other than volleyball days).
6. And last but not least, I will do push-ups and sit-ups on days when I don't go to the gym or play volleyball.

I've been feeling more and more self conscious lately because of my weight, and I have never been like that. I don't want to be skinny, but I don't want to be where I am either.

Back to Reality...

Vacation was awesome, except for the fact that our flight was canceled on the way there and we couldn't get there until a day later. But we got our money back, so I guess ALL wasn't lost. I would have much rather had the time in Punta Cana though. The suite was beautiful, the grounds were awesome, and the people were amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better vacation. In order to get there, we took a train to Chicago, and our flight to the DR left the next day. It was basically the same thing coming back, we flew into Chicago, and took the train home the next evening. Next year, I plan on flying right out of FW. Going wasn't bad, but coming back, I just wanted to be home, in my own bed.

I read a really good book by Pearl Cleage, 'Seen it all and Done the Rest.' I can't recall the last time that I've read a book, and this was the perfect book to get me back into it. A wonderful story of a grandmother and granddaughter reclaiming their lives while everyone watches and becomes inspired. I've read all except one of Cleage's books, and I have yet to be disappointed. I think I'm going to go ahead and read the only one missing from the collection. I'll have to put it on hold at the library.

Almost Time...

Vacation officially starts tomorrow. I was supposed to work a full day today, but I don't think I'm going to, so I put in to take half a day. I can only imagine how productive I'll be this afternoon anyway. Daydreaming of laying on the beach, with some type of fruity drink, laughing and joking with friends, work will be the last thing on my mind.

The plan, we leave for Chicago by train early tomorrow morning. Hang out at my cousins place all day while she is at work. Pick Michael up from the airport, eat good, go to bed. Get to the airport by 6:45, fly to North Carolina for our layover, then fly out to the DR. I have been stalking all kinds of websites and looking at pictures, dreaming of being there, and now it is so close I can almost taste it!! This vacation couldn't have come at a better time. I just can't wait to get away from it all.

Knitting Priorities

I have about 4 works in progress:

1. Basketweave scarf - I hope to finish on vacation
2. Sock - I finished one, and I need to start and finish the second
3. Furry Scarf - Seriously need to just finish this dang on scarf, been working on it forever
4. Baby Blanket - Almost half done, I plan on picking it up after vacation and finishing

Then I have an entire list of things I want to make, mostly for Christmas presents, so I need to get on the grind with my knitting, if I want to meet my goals. So far, I have planned out:

1. Afghan for Niecy - Found pattern, need to buy yarn and needles (size 13 or 15) and get with it.
2. Hat, booties, and sweater for Tiff - Have patterns, need to knit!!!
3. Scarf and Hat for Crystal - I want to give these to her for her birthday
4. Dishcloths for my Aunt Vickie - For Christmas, about 6 of them would be good

I also have some other things planned out for people who read my blog, so I'll keep the other projects to myself, for now!! All in all, I think my goals are realistic, if I knit at least a little bit each day. Sometimes I don't pick up a project for a week, that can't happen. And, I want to knit some things for myself.

Is It Too Late???

Now he wants to talk about how he needs to work and do better. How he wants to be with me and be happy for a long time. Is he sincere? Or is this just another, I'm going to be good until I know your feelings are back in it then I'll go back to my old self again? I honestly don't think he's going to change until I'm gone. I should think more positive, but with so much being wrong (in my eyes) he just can't change it all. I've been saying FOREVER that we moved too fast, and now he wants to agree. He asks me do I miss him (because he started working nights and we don't really see each other during the week anymore). I say, somtimes, but most of the time I'm just thinking about the problems that we have. We can't communicate, not productively. I don't understand him, he doesn't understand me. We never see eye to eye on anything. He's a good guy, I don't have any resentment towards him, the question I have for myself is, is it too late? Did I put up with too much BS in the beginning and now I don't want to work it out? It's to the point now where I kind of expect him to be perfect and that's unrealistic. I always say I'm stay in relationships until I'm done, and I feel like I'm there. Like no matter what he does, it won't be enough. Part of me wants to wait it out just to see if he actually will change, and part me feels like it will be a waste of time. Right now, we are together just to be together, and that is something that can't go on for too long, not with me. I want to be working towards something, and I no longer have the motivation for that with him. I'm going to give it a little more time to see what may come of it.

Random Thoughts

I can't think about anything except my upcoming vacation. What else do I need (nothing), I should take off of work (I can't), it's so close, yet so far away (not really), am I going to have a blast (of course), and the list goes on and on...

I don't really care for my brothers girlfriend. She doesn't really have any tact, she's not friendly, and she doesn't behave in a manner that I would expect from a woman with kids that has been married before, but that's just me.

I got braids, for the trip so I can be lazy and not worry about doing anything to my hair, and I love them. I young lady in high school did them for me, at a steal of a price, and she did an amazing job.

I need to finish up these dishcloths (1.5 more to go) for my aunt, whose birthday was in June, the beginning of June, don't judge.

My personal life is on a roller coaster right now, but I'm about to get off of the ride real soon...

I'm glad that I have good friends that I can talk to, and trust to be honest and not judge me. That give me their honest opinions without worry that I will be upset or whatever, I love and appreciate you all!

I am about to be 27 in less than a month, the birthdays just keep coming!

I finally got a promotion at work, long overdue, but much appreciated. I earned it though, and I truly believe that.

My first sock

My first sock
Originally uploaded by Dani_C

It took me a while to finally finish, but alas, here it is. I'm not sure if I am going to make the other one or not. I made a lot of mistakes and I doubt the mate would look exact. I'm going to think about it though. I need to get a couple of other projects done, so I'll have time to think about it. It turned out much better than I expected.

This Country

I came across an article about a young lady who went to Iraq, she died, her body was sent home to her parents and the army claimed it was a suicide. None of the evidence even comes close to suicide, I just can't believe that you go to fight for your country, and not only are you not safe with the people who you are supposed to be fighting with. NO ONE steps up for you. Disgusting is all I can say.

The Randomness...

• I have all of the people I need to Pay It Forward now, woo hoo...
• Why is so hard to find someone that you can be on the same page as...
• I need to buy some food for the 4th, ASAP
• I feel like I'm moving into my house...
• I should start playing the lottery...
• I cannot wait to go to the DR...
• I get my hair braided in about a week...
• Why do people test me so often at this place...
• I haven't been knitting lately, not often enough to get anything done, I need to get with it...

BET Awards

So, for the first time in a really long time, I watched the BET awards, from start to finish. And I must say, I was really impressed. Didn't see any foolishness. There was a performance followed by an award, and that is how it went for the entire night. I actually enjoyed it. All of the award recipients were hugging and congratulating one another. People were speaking positive. Almost everyone mentioned Barack Obama!! A number of people were not there to receive their awards, but all in all it was a good show.

Still trying to pay it forward

I have only had 1 person sign to pay it forward with me! I will take anyone that wants something. You don't have to knit, the gifts can be anything hand made. See the original post here.

The Best Swap Ever

So, La and I exchanged for our swap this weekend. We met at about 12:30 at Asakusa and at some delicious sushi. Then, the exchange started. I feel so spoiled. Lagot me some awesome gifts, here goes:

The goodies. Chocolate, more chocolate, hot chocolate, tea, now and laters:



Two hats!!!

A cool copper charm bracelet...

Knitted dishcloths, I didn't have any until now!!

A pretty painted box for my stitch markers, with stitch markers in it...

A holder for my jewelry making tools...

A clutch and some earrings...

A superbad t-shirt, pens, beads, vera bradley wallet, pattern, journal, cable pattern book, retractable tape measure...
Beautiful yarn...
Straight Needles, Circular Needles, Cable needles, pretty bead needles, and, a case to put them all in!!!

A yarn ball winder, something all knitters should have...

I've been tagged...

So... I've been tagged by Shanta to do a little survey. I have to say this is the first time that I've been tagged, and not sure if I have people to tag, but here goes...

"The rules of the game get posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themself. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 0r 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves a comment letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you've posted your answer."

Sounds easy enough. Enjoy the trip...

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?

I was finishing up my junior year in high school. Still going with my high school boyfriend, Darren. I was driving either a Grand Am. Oh the high school days. Was definitely a different time than now.

2. What are five things on my to do list for today?

• finish my swap projects
• go over my moms house
• water my flowers
• do some laundry
• dinner with Ike Nick
  

3. Snacks I enjoy...

• potato chips
• cinnamon rolls, brownies, cake, cookies, anything with dough and sugar ;-)

4.Things I would do if I were a billionaire...

• Create some type of program for young people to get experience doing things, so that they don't go to college as clueless as I did
• travel
• make my mom and sister are taken care of
• quit my job

5. Places I have lived...

• St. Louis, MO (until I was about 5)
  
• Ft. Wayne, IN (most of my life)
  
• Terre Haute, IN (college)
  
• Cedar Rapids, IA (first job out of college)
• Now I'm back in Ft. Wayne, IN
  

6. What jobs have I had...

• Cashier (McDonalds, K-Mart, Lowe's, Old Navy, Best Buy)
• Phone Survey Person
  
• Software Engineer
  

7. Peeps I want to know more about...

• LoveLifeLive
  
• Michael
  
• DeltaPurl
  
• PassionKnit
  
• Dimples

I don't think most of these people even check my blog, but we'll see!

Okay it's you all's turn.

Be Safe.

What Is Going On...

I got my hair cut yesterday, and I love it. It's not short, but shorter than it was.

Our swap is tomorrow, I can't wait. We are going to eat sushi, drink cocktails, and go see SATC, it's going to be fantastic.

Isn't modeling 'school' always a rip-off? Some people never cease to amaze me.

I have been knitting, but the projects are a secret, until tomorrow...

I am ready to leave work for the weekend...

I need another long weekend, but we start 9/80 at work, and I'll have every other Friday off for the summer, that will be great...

I'm going to start socks this weekend, should be fun to make something new!

I am ready to go on vacation, like yesterday. I still have about 2 months, but I am counting down already...

I wish I got paid (close) to what I was worth at work...

Pay It Forward

"It’s the Pay It Forward Exchange. It’s based of the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward” where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness are passed on. So here’s how it works. I will make and send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I do not know what that gift will be yet, and it won’t be sent this month, probably not next month, but it will be sent (within 6 months) and that’s a promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

I will now Pay It Forward to you THREE, I wonder who you will be?! Please, be a PIF! You will enjoy it just as much as we do!"

And, remember...you have 6 months to get your gifts done! Come on, you know you would love to be one of my angels. Then, one day, but you don't know when....you will get a gift that I have made especially for YOU!

Please remember, you don't have to knit or crochet to participate, anyone who can make a nice handmade gift is welcome to join :)

I am so looking forward to starting. Can't wait to see who joins me.

Swapping...

Well, since I joined Ravelry (an online knitting community), I have been addicted to all things knitting. Well, there are a ton of swaps on Ravelry. What is a swap you ask, you get a partner, they list their likes and dislikes, and you put together a package for them, and someone does the same for you. All swaps are different, some have themes, budgets, projects and on and on. So, La and I decided to do a swap of our own. So we could be sure that we would get an awesome package. Well, I don't know if that was a good idea. She is my bff, so a budget is a joke. And, I know she will get me an amazing package, and I want to make sure that I do the same for her, so I'm splurging to say the least. Not ridiculous, but I want it to be super special. I am done buying her stuff (I've said that a couple of times already, but I haven't been successful yet), now I'm concentrating on her handmade items!! Will I have enough time to make her all that I want to make her? Only time will tell. We are exchanging on May 31st, and we are going to see Sex and the City, won't it be perfect???? I can't wait!

Doily Cloth

Doily Cloth
Originally uploaded by Dani_C

This is my first ever one day project. And one day on a work day too. I tried to start it while on my lunch at work, but I messed up an unknown number of times. But I never say quit!! When I got home, I started it again, thought I knew the first 6 rows by heart, to realize I had done it wrong. So I took it down again. After dinner, I started on it again, at about 6:30. And by 9 p.m., with a few small interruptions, I was binding off. My hands are sore, probably from all of the YO, K2TOG that created the lace. But all in all, it was a quick and fun knit. I'm going to make at least one more, if not 2.

Survey for swap

What is your Ravelry name? Naturalknitchic
What is your general location? Ft. Wayne, IN
Would you like a geographically close spoilee? US
What are your favorite colors & color combinations? orange/brown, grey/black, blue/green
What are your favorite crafting magazines, books, etc? I’ve seen a couple of Vogue Knitting magazines that I like, but not too choosy.
Do you have any collections? Shot Glasses, can’t really think of anything else.
What is your craft? knit
What are your favorite knitting accessories? point protectors, stitch holders, cable needles, darning needles
What are your favorite flavors? peach, pineapple, cherry
What are your favorite scents? fresh cotton, jasmine, lemon
What are your favorite types of yarns? anything soft
Allergies to yarn? none that I have come in contact with
What are your favorite drinks? Mountain Dew, Moscato (wine), hot chocolate
Things that you would like to receive and you can’t find in your region? Surprise me please!
Anything you would like your partner to know? I am easy to please!
ETA: I love Harmony Circular Needles (although I only have 1 (10.5, 16 inch))

My First Bootie

My First Bootie
Originally uploaded by Dani_C

My first Baby Bootie, I love it. I can't wait to make some for my cousin who is having a baby in October. She finds out next month what she is having. I hope she's ready for all the cute little knitting things I have planned for her. It took me couple of tries to get the concept down, and I didn't follow the pattern exactly, but I love the result. I think this was my 3rd attempt, the 1st successful one, but it was worth the mistakes. Now I can make cute little knitted gifts for baby showers.

No O.lympics for me...

. I read this post on a blog that I frequent (1969), and I thought it was worth
re-posting. I normally don't get into the o.lympics anyway, but after reading
this, I won't even pause to watch!

*****************************************************************

Not since the Olympics were held in Nazi Germany has the need for a total boycott of the 2008 Olympics been so powerful.

The Chinese have subjugated and tortured the Tibetan people, tried to crush their religion, raped and murdered their nuns and tortured and killed their children. At the same time they have been brutal in their repression of human rights of the Chinese people themselves.

How can you help in the boycott. Two ways:

1) Active

2) Passive

Active would entail writing letters to the media, your political elected officials and to the Olympic athletes, coaches and higher ups. Active would also entail something as simple as putting a sign in your window , car or porch saying “FREE TIBET”. It would also mean wearing a tee shirt with a powerful message. It would also entail rallies, protests and a boycott of any products advertised during the Olympics and letters to the sponsors letting them know Human Rights are more important than gold medals.

Active would also only be limited by your imagination.

Passive would entail passing this e-mail to a hundred friends and asking them to pass it on as well. It would also include not watching anything on television and speaking out to your friends and family. Television and sports have far too much importance in our current lives and boycotting these Olympics would free up valuable time we could spend as quality time with friends, families and loved ones.

Lastly in my eyes the treatment, subjugation and colonization of the Tibetan people is a living mirror of the horrors visited onto Native Americans by the Europeans and the brutality of Apartheid in South Africa or the destruction in Palestine as well as racist Jim Crow laws and segregation right here in America.

Remember the saying “No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”

Peace.

- Ernie Paniccioli, author, lecturer, photographer, human being

Too Much for Me...

Knitting Woes...

So, I am tired of making hats. I have made like 8 hats since November, and in my quest to venture out, I tried to make baby booties. So, I attempted a free pattern I found online, couldn't figure out all of the details, then I tried a pattern in this like pamphlet that was a gift, finished it, it looks like a bootie, but still has some errors in it. So, I guess I'm going to try again, I've read through another pattern, seems simple enough, but I'm certain that once I actually get to working on it, I'll run into a problem. Wish me luck...

Stitch Markers...

Stitch Markers...
Originally uploaded by Dani_C

I love them. My swap partner on Ravelry sent them to me, and I like them so much that I'm thinking about buying a charm bracelet just for them. But I don't really wear bracelets, so maybe I won't. But either way, they are super cute!

Bush...

Bush...
Originally uploaded by Dani_C

In the had that made her, loved the way it turned out.

Don't call it a comeback...

Or maybe you should, I haven't blogged in what seems like forever. So, here's a random assortment of what I've been up to.

Went to Minneapolis via Chicago on the 14th. La and I stayed the night with my cousin Simone on Friday night. We ate a the Grande Luxe cafe which was awesome in downtown Chi. Our flight left Chicago before the break of dawn, and we arrived in Minneapolis by 8:30. We ate breakfast, went back to Michael's, got some rest, ate again, and then went out. We did a lot of eating, playing Wii, and resting. Overall was a good trip. Real laid back, and those are my favorite kind. Between the 4 of us, we know quotes from all the movies of all times. The most often quoted movie was by far Jackie Brown. We watched No Country For Old Men which was much crazier than I was ever expecting, and, I didn't like the ending, but the movie is still worth seeing.

I'm still dating Ike Nick. Things are going well.

I've been a knitting machine. For me anyway. Mostly hats, which I'm getting tired of knitting, so I think I'm going to try to work a lot on scarves, dishclothes, and baby booties. A friend and my cousin are both pregnant. So, I'm going to try my hands a some new things, I'll post some pictures! I joined this knitting community website called Ravelry, one of the most addicting websites I have ever been too. If you simply like knitting, Ravelry will turn you into a fanatic, trust me. Before I started frequenting that website, I would knit things, but I wasn't always thinking about it, coming up with ideas of what to make for people, going to the yarn store to find more yarn, and it just goes on and on. I'm officially addicted to the craft that I once thought would be a cheap hobby, silly me.

My weight loss isn't going so well, I've actually gained weight, because I haven't been working out, and I've been eating like a linebacker. I'm trying to get it together though.

Can't wait for the trip to Punta Cana this summer, I definitely need a vacation. I thought I would have a hard time getting my passport, but it arrived about 3 weeks after I applied for it, so I'm all good! Now I just need to pay the rest of my money.

I'm considering becoming a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care. I've always wanted to give back in some way, and kids are my weekness. I've received some information, and I'm going to look through it and see how I feel about it. I want to be sure, cause I would hate to do it and quit.

I haven't really done anything new to the house, which surprises me, cause I thought I would be trying to do it all. Maybe I'll get the itch soon. I want to go ahead and paint the kitchen that I've been talking about painting since Christmas. Maybe it will actually happen soon!

I've been playing Guitar Hero like a big kid, I love it.

I guess that's all I can think of for now!

Double Parallelogram Hat

Double Parallelogram Hat
Originally uploaded by Dani_C

My first hat design, sort of. I was making my cousin a hat and scarf set, and my bff suggested that I do the parallelogram pattern for the scarf, and I could not find the pattern for a hat, so I adlibbed, and this is what I came up with. Feel free to use this pattern. I will request that you link to this post and do not use it for profit! So here it is, please email dclaxton@gmail.com for any errata.

Materials:
Size 8 circular needles
Stitch markers
Yarn of your choice

Techniques:
Knitting, Purling

Cast On 90 stitches (be sure not to twist the stitches when joining in the round)

*k1, p1
Repeat round for about 1.5 inches (I did 7 rounds)

Row 1: *p5, k5
Row 2: p4, *k5, p5 to last 6 k5, p1
Row 3: p3, *k5, p5 to last 7 k5, p2
Row 4: p2, *k5, p5 to last 8 k5, p3
Row 5: p1, *k5, p5 to last 9 k5, p4
Row 6: k1, *p5, k5 to last 9 p5, k4
Row 7: k2, *p5, k5 to last 8 p5, k3
Row 8: k3, "p5, k5 to last 7 p5, k2
Row 9: k4, *p5, k5 to last 6 p5, k1
Row 10: *k5, p5

Rep rows 1 - 10 until desired length (I did 4 repeats for a total of 40 rows of the pattern, or until entire hat measures approximately 7 inches)

Decrease:
1: *k8, k2tog
2: *k7, k2tog
3: *k6, k2tog
4: *k5, k2tog
5: *k4, k2tog
6: *k3, k2tog
7: *k2, k2tog
8: *k1, k2tog
9:*k2tog

Me and Dani

Me and Dani
Originally uploaded by lovelifelive4evr

We are getting old. This was probably the highlight of the night out, except talking about people, which we do on the regular! Went to have a drink, which we haven't done in forever, and was back home and in the bed by 1.

What's been going on with me you ask???

I've been knitting, not fast, but consistently. When I'm at home watching TV, I knit, very good for me, as I tend to let projects go on forever. I love ravelry.com too. All social networking sites should take some tips from them. And, it's still in beta, so when it's officially released, I'm sure it will be amazing.

I've been dating, a nice guy, probably won't talk too much about him, as I'm tired of disappointments. We did have a really nice Valentine's Day. He bought me the best gifts that I've ever gotten from a guy on any day, so things are going very well.

I'm a little upset at A.irtran Airways website. A few of us are going to Minneapolis and we were trying to buy tickets online, and they were $39 each way at the time, but the website was messed up, so we ended up having to pay$66 each way. Some BS. They still ended up being cheaper than any other airline. I still don't think we should have had to pay extra because their website was messed up.

I'm looking forward to the trips that I have planned this year. Especially since I didn't go anywhere really last year. I'm mostly excited about the Dominican Republic in July, but the small trips are exciting too. They give me something to look forward to in the meantime.

I applied for my passport this past weekend. It should get here in time. I'm hoping 5 months is plenty of time. If I don't get it in 2 months, I will be harassing the Departm.ent of Transportation until I do!

I've watched the entire first season of The B.oondocks, that ish is hilarious. And oh so true even though it's on the extreme side.

I want...

• Some size 6 circular knitting needles, just because!
  
• Some harmony knitting needles, they look so cool, and they aren't very expensive at all
  
• To knit a sweater sometime soon, I kind of shy away from trying new things when it comes to knitting, but I need to take a step out there
  
• A plasma TV, I'll eventually get one when my sister moves out, but I'm in no rush for her to go
  
• A Marc Jacobs bag, but I can't afford one at this point in my life
• To make money without having to go to work
• Some more boots, heels, tennis shoes, ballerina flats, flip flops... I love shoes, can't you tell?
• Every weekend to be 3 days instead of 2...

Randomness

• It is too cold outside, it's really ridiculous...
• I just can't seem to shake this cold that I have...
• I'm dating someone, that is actually looking for a relationship, I don't talk about him much, I guess I just don't want to bare all of the details of something that may not last...
• I finished the scarf that I was making for my cousin, now I need to start the hat!
• I want to make some socks...
• ravelry.com is awesome...
• I still haven't painted my kitchen, I swear it's going to be done before March...
• I bought my niece a MP3 player off of www.woot.com today, for 10 dollars, great birthday present for both of us, lol...
• LLC is so awesome for quitting smoking, and going back to school...
• Trips planned: Minneapolis in March, Dallas in May (maybe), Dominican Republic in July, I can't wait...
• I need a new microwave, and vacuum cleaner...

DTAIBAI

Don't talk about it, be about it. That's my motto for losing weight. Starting Monday, I'm working out, at least 4 days a week. And, no more Mountain Dew, or Snickers. It's time, to get my mind right, so that when I go to Punta Cana this summer, I don't have to feel insecure about how I'm looking, and I can take as many pictures as I want to, I take that back, so I can post as many pictures as I want to. There is probably nothing that will stop me from taking pictures, lol. I don't want to be skinny, just in shape, and looking good, in whatever I decide to put on. So YM.CA, get ready for ya girl, the time has come, for me to quite talking about losing weight, and get it done...

What's Going On...

This is the last week of the regular basketball season, woo hoo....

Considering getting a part-time job, again, we'll see...

I only went out to eat for lunch once last week, sweet!

I need my taxes back, ASAP...

I need a carwash, yesterday...

I'm knitting again, not that I ever stopped, I took a small break, but now I'm back...

I need a vacation, bad. Punta Cana here I come. Speaking of vacation, I need to be in the gym, and I need to stop eating snickers...

Oh this world...

• Heath Ledger found dead...
• Brittany Spears...
• Man in the army found on camera that is believed to have killed a woman, and used her atm card...
• Two men killed two women and their children...
• Mother in jail for abusing her 10 month old son...
• Pastor on trial for cooking cocaine...

Reasons why I don't watch the news, it's too depressing.
But this made me smile...

I NEED YOU...

The sand love when,
the waves come,
The sky can't wait,
for the light of the sun,
So how could you,
look me in my eyes,
and not see what,
what I feel inside,
tell me how could you,
doubt the fact that I,
I love you,
I love you,
Don't you ever, think like that,
Don't you ever, never do that,
There will never be two things that go together better,
Than you can me,
North needs South,
East needs West,
and No needs Yes, Yes, Yes
Up needs Down,
Life needs Death,
and No needs Yes, Yes, Yes,
I need you!!!
Alicia Keys, my favorite song off the new album, for now.

Going through my mind...

Why do I get upset when I see a black man with a white woman? Aren't we free to love who we want to?

Why don't I ever feel like I'm good enough at work? There are obviously people here much less productive than I am, but I am always worried.

I bought a calendar that has The New York Times daily crossword puzzles, but I can only solve the ones at the beginning of the week, they get harder as the week goes on.

Are there any (single) gentlemen left in this world, I have to believe there are, but the pickens are extremely slim.

Two of my cousins and I were talking about Cream Of Wheat yesterday, for like a hour. Back and forth emailing, about cream of wheat. Too funny.

I get ridiculous amounts of junk mail each week, I should call that number to opt-out of credit card offers.

I checked out a book by Alice Walker from the library, but I can't get into it. Am I too shallow to read good literature? I'm wondering. I've only read a few chapters (they are very short) and I have to re-read the pages. I'm going to try and finish it, but it's not looking too good.

I will be glad when basketball season is over.

I need to paint my kitchen.

I finally have art, on the walls of my house. I've had a couple of things to hang for a while. I tried to do it myself on Sunday, and made a mistake with a mirror that my brother bought me, but a friend and coworker came over last night to help me out. After he kicked my butt in some racquetball.

If my washer continues to shake out of control, I'm going to need a new one. I paid too much money for that washer for it to be moving and shaking all over my laundry room.

I got a gift certificate to get a massage for Christmas, I need to use that.

I bought a flash drive, and I love it. Not like it's some cutting edge technology, but now I don't have to have people burn things for me. Or email things to myself, I can save stuff on my flash drive that's on my keychain. So convenient.

I spent over a hundred dollars eating out last week. Amazing, I know. The crazy thing is, I would have never known that I was spending that much if I hadn't written it down. The icing on the cake is, I didn't even count the weekend, this was just Monday - Friday. So, this week, no eating out, I've been successful thus far. Only 3 days to go. The weekend will be hard. I normally go out to eat with my mom and/or my sister on Friday night.

I guess I've been random enough today, until next time...

When I Grow Up...

Some people know what they want to be when they grow up at an early age. Me, I had no clue. And honestly, I still don't know. I was interested in math and science, and so the normal response to that is engineering. Well, now that I'm in the field. I don't think it's really what I want to do with my life. I mean, I'm not the type of person that is ok sitting behind a desk all day, not really having to interact with people and writing software. I feel like there is so much more that I should be doing. More of helping people. I don't know. There should be some time in between high school and college where you actually participate in different activities that people in different fields do on the job daily. If I had done that, I certainly don't think that I would have gone to school for Computer Science. What's a girl to do? At 26, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

These kids...

My niece plays basketball, and theres this little girl that she plays against, and she is a mess. I mean, she literally puts her arms in my nieces face, grabs onto her jersey, and sneaks in a few elbows, all when neither of them have the ball. And they are 7. The whole purpose of this league is for the kids to learn sportsmanship, which no one is teaching that little girl. My nieces is very sweet, and she's gotten frustrated to the point that she's fighting back. My sister actually had to tell the ref to talk to the little girl. I want the coaches to step up and do their job, but oh-well.

Christmas Knitting...

I made this hat for my brother, it fit perfect. He has a little head...

I made this hat for my stepdad, pattern found here.

The Randomness

It has been record setting warm here the last couple of days, and I love it. My grass is green, in January...

I need to read more...

My sister is playing match-maker, and so far, she hasn't been very good at it...

I have been on full lately, not taking any crap from anyone, I should calm back down...

Those at&t commercials about dropped calls are so stupid, who would even talk to themselves long enough for that to be realistic?

I want people to treat me the way that I treat them, I guess that's not fair...

Isn't it redundant to send someone an email and include you email address in it?

I got a gift certificate to get a massage for Christmas, I think I'm going to use it next week...

I miss my Grandmama...

I'm starting a workout, tomorrow...

Workout partners never work out with me, I have a hard time motivating myself, and so when I have a partner and they don't show up, I use it as an excuse to slack or not workout all-together, not good for me...

I've been writing down how much money I spend a day, eating out, I've been spending AT LEAST ten dollars a day, that's ridiculous. Grocery store this weekend, and no eating out at all next week...

I'm mad I waited so long to join Netflix, I love movies...

It's a little chilly in my house...

Trying to move on...

FOTM (First of the Month) and I are no longer dating, and I just don't have it in me to go through all of the details. But long story short, he really just stopped calling me after a minor argument, on Christmas Eve.

I have a hard time just letting go and moving. I don't know what the best way for me to do it is either. So, I went through my contact list on my cell phone, dusted off some numbers, and called a few guys that I hadn't really talked to since FOTM and I started dating. Well, there was a reason why I hadn't talked to these guys. They had already messed up and I was done, they didn't want to work towards a relationship regardless of what they 'said', I couldn't stand talking to them, or I just plain didn't like them. So, not only did I open up some cans of worms, I'm annoyed more than ever. I'm being rude to these guys, probably because of FOTM, and it's magnified because they just get on my nerves. So, dusting numbers off is a bad idea. When I was younger, if I stopped talking to a guy, I would delete his number, now I realize why that was a good idea. When I get bored, I start calling people, some people just don't need to be called! People come into your life for a season, and I feel like some seasons are just lasting too long.

Take It Slow...

So, it took me talking to a couple of my friends to realize that when dealing with someone that I like, I move way too fast. I mean, I don't allow myself to really get to know someone before I go putting my feelings and emotions into it. So, a new year, a new me, hears to taking it slow.

Slow Down, I just wanna get to know you....

On my mind...

• Why do guys always want to do right when it's too late?
• 2008 will not be like every other year for me...
• I want to paint my kitchen soon...
• Although she's a little crazy, I like Amy Winehouse...
• I need to make a budget...
• I need to send in my money for the trip to DR...