Final Day of NaBloPoMo

It's hard to believe that today is November 30th and the final day of NaBloPoMo. Where did the month go? It just flew by.

I finished the Get Fruity socks last night. I think if I knit these again I will do one more repeat on the leg and then do a 2x2 ribbing. I do like the pattern. The yarn is yummy. It's fingering sock yarn I bought from Maggie. I used size 2mm Knit Picks Options 32 inch circular needles and did the socks from the toe up using the magic loop method.

Now that the November socks are done I am back to working on the Magickal Earth shawl. I'm still doing the Evergreen Trees section. It's coming along slowly and I am enjoying working on it.

Day 29 of NaBloPoMo

Yesterday I finally brought the car in for the last of the maintenance work. I am all caught up now and have the snow tires on the car. I really dodged a bullet this week because there was tons of snow all around us in Toronto but we didn't get anything to speak of here in the city. Can you hear the HUGE sigh of relief? If I had thought about it I would have gotten the snow tires on 2 weeks ago when I had the transmission and other fluids flushed but I didn't think of it before I went to the mechanic. I just prayed the snow would hold off and it did. Tomorrow night they say we might get hit but the last I heard it was still uncertain how much snow we will get.

I decided to take Glenna's advice and give Joseph a reward. On Wednesday night I told him I was really proud of him (which I am) for the 100% he got on his French test. I also know that he has been working very hard trying to get his units done. So I told him that he could play on his x-box for 30 minutes on Wednesday but he needed to do his work first. Well he was so busy he never did manage to get the x-box time in. Instead I told him he could have last night off. He played with his friends with x-box live and he had an absolute blast. I've forgotten how loud he can be when he gets into his games. He was laughing his head off a lot of the time. I think it was good for him. I told Joseph that if I see him continue to try and get his units done then I would continue to allow him to have Friday nights off from doing school work. We'll see how it goes.

Yesterday I spoke to 2 ex-Mary Ward students. Both told me the same thing. The school is very difficult, especially for first years. When I told them Joseph has 21 out of 40 units done they both said it's not so bad. One of the people I spoke to stuck it out and stayed at MW and completed high school. The other decided that MW wasn't for her and she left after grade 9. The other mother I spoke to told me her daughter is finishing in January and she is also behind. It's more difficult for kids these days because the government cut out grade 13 so the high school students have to complete 5 years of work in 4 years. I hope, in the end, that Joseph gets the hang of Mary Ward because if he does it will be a breeze when he goes off to Univeristy.

Day 28 of NaBloPoMo

For those who know me, you know what a huge Beatles fan I am. Imagine how thrilled I was when I saw they were coming out with a Beatles Monopoly game. Since I love the Beatles, and I collect Monopoly games, what better combination could there be? There was just one problem. I couldn't find it anywhere in Canada. The game was released around the time I was in NYC in August but I didn't have time to go to Toys R Us to look for it. A few weeks ago I was looking in Toys Toys Toys because they are a US company. I was told that if the game is put out by USAopoly they have difficulty getting those Monopoly games in. Well Paul brought it home for me today!!! Imagine my surprise when he handed it to me. An early Christmas present! He said that when I told him I had looked for it in Toys Toys Toys and they told him about USAopoly he decided to check in Mind Games. They carry most of the USAopoly Monopoly games. He found it there and picked it up. Isn't he the most wonderful husband ever?

Day 27 of NaBloPoMo

First, I'd like to wish a very Happy Thanksgiving to all that are celebrating.

Last night I finished the first of the Sockamania November socks. I will start the second sock in a little while and then it will be a mad rush to see if I can finish it by Sunday night. For a simple zig zag patter that goes on the back of the foot, I just couldn't seem to remember the pattern in my head. What makes it even worse is that it is really only 2 pattern rows because the first is repeated for 4 pattern rounds and the second is repeated for 4 pattern rounds. So why can't my thick head remember it? I can do the Forest Path Stole without even glancing at the chart. After a few repeats of the edging for the Magickal Earth shawl I was able to remember it in my head as well. Yet these 2 simple lines just wouldn't go in. Maybe it will happen when I knit the second sock.

Day 26 of NaBloPoMo

It’s almost the end of the month and I feel the month is going to end the same way it began – with me having fits over Joseph’s school work. Yesterday he had detention AFTER school because he didn’t hand in any more units. His TA has told him he basically needs to get 2 signatures every 3 days or he gets detention. He hasn’t done it. I’ve already taken away his x-box. What else do I need to do to see to it he does his work? I am fresh out of ideas. When Joseph’s TA called, to let me know he wouldn’t be leaving school until 4:00PM, I almost cried when I hung up the phone. I don’t like Joseph having to go through all this. Even his TA knows he is a good kid and capable of doing the work. It’s just how to get him to do it. I asked that exact question and was told that taking away all privileges usually works. Since that didn’t work then he believes detention should. I’ve got my fingers crossed because I don’t know what to do next. I’m open to ideas if anyone has had similar problems and managed to get it sorted out. On the one positive note of the day yestesterday, Joseph did get 100% on his French test.

I managed to get some great knitting time in yesterday because it was snb night. I finished the heel on the first of the Sockamania November socks. I can finish this sock by Thursday. I am going to put the shawl aside so I can see if I can get the second sock done before the end of the month. It should be interesting. I think I can do it because I only work until noon on Friday and then I have Saturday and Sunday. Should be a piece of cake, I hope.

Day 25 of NaBloPoMo

I saw this link on Wannietta's blog. I've knit a mini sock quite a few times. I even have a mini sock blocker swan that is full of mini socks. However, I don't think I could ever knit as tiny as what you will see in this clip from this micro knitter for Coraline. Wait for the "enter key" and the password is sweaterxxs. If you'd like more information about Coraline look here.

Edited to fix title.

Day 24 of NaBloPoMo

It's the last week of November already. US Thanksgiving is this week. I'm actually going to PVR the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. I used to watch it every year and since I started working I've missed it. I can't even remember the last time I was home on Thanksgiving to be able to watch. I'm looking forward to it.

There isn't much to report about the knitting. I've gotten to row 10 of the Evergreen Trees chart but each round takes over an hour because of the stitch count so, until I get further along, progress is going to be slow.

I didn't get much knitting done on the socks either. I was too busy working on the shawl so there is no point of taking pictures of either project.

Joseph is slowly catching up at school but the progress is not as quick as I would have hoped. His TA is on his back too so hopefully between the two of us he will be all caught up before the holidays.

Day 23 of NaBloPoMo

It took me most of the day yesterday but the border is FINALLY complete, grafted, and all the stitches are picked up. The grafting was a nightmare. I don't know how I managed to pull the stitches too tight when I was grafting but that's exactly what I did. So I had to loosen it one way and then work my way back to adjust the big loop I still had. Then I tackled picking up the sts. Do you have any idea how long it takes to pick up 1,152 stitches? I didn't time it but let's just say I was listening to a movie and the movie finished before I did. I'm now on row 6 of the Evergreen Trees chart so things are now moving along again. I used a 47" circular needle when I picked up all the sts but I wasn't comnfortable. I think, for me, the 47" was too long. Then I switched to Addi 40" but the join was a little difficult after a purl round. I rummaged all morning and found the 40" Knit Picks I have. I'm a much happier camper now.

Day 22 of NaBloPoMo

I'm almost there! I've just completed repeat 46 on the border for the Magickal Earth Shawl. I don't have any pictures of the finshed shawl except for in the book so I direct you to missalicefaye's website to see pictures of her completed shawl. If I manage to finish the border today I am going to try and graft the two ends together today and get started on picking up the stitches. It should be lots of fun because I have to pick up 1152 sts. I think the shawl will go slower after that because I am going to have to follow the charts. Right now I know the pattern in my head but once I finish this section I'll have to start following charts once again. That will definitely slow me down. I'll have pictures once I get the border on one large circular needle.

Day 21 of NaBloPoMo

One of the requirements for high school here in Ontario is you must complete 40 hours of community service before you can graduate. You have grades 9 through 12 to do it. Joseph competed in the debating competition in grades 7 and 8. The judges in the competition are high school students. He asked his gifted teacher from last year if he could help judge this year. Since he needs the hours anyway, Paul and I decided to let him go. I did tell Joseph he would have to make his way to the debating competition on his own in the morning. I was fine with that because it's just 2 buses to get there and not difficult at all. Paul on the other hand didn't like the idea and ended up taking him there this morning. I found that so interesting because on Wednesday when he needed to take the bus and subway to go to do an interview for a gifted project his group is working on, I was freaking out and Paul was a calm as could be. He said it was because Joseph would be going with 3 other people but when he went to the debate he would be alone.

Moms and dads are so different. I am making progress at letting go of the apron strings. It isn't easy but I am getting there. On Monday, when we went to the mall to try and get boots for Joseph, I let him go put his coat in the car while I stayed inside. Then I let him go to the food court to get something to drink. This was extremely difficult for me but I still did it. Baby steps.

Day 20 of NaBloPoMo

On Wednesday I received this needle gauge pendant in the mail. I've tried to find it locally and I haven't had any success. It is so cute. I finally caved and ordered it from Robyn's Nest. She had the best price, by far and since I would have had to pay for shipping no matter where I ordered it the $3+ I saved on the pendant helped pay for the shipping. Lavender is my favourite colour so I had to order it in lavender. I have to say I love it and coupled ith the yarn ball and knitting needles pendant I have it is a perfect combination. It hasn't left my neck since the gauge arrived. The only down side is that the chain is too short to be able to check any needle gauges when I am wearing it. I would have to take the necklace off before I could use it. Robyn is having a promotion right now where the first 100 customers will receive a free circular needle. When I received mine with the gauge I thought it was an error. I haven't had a chance to even open the package on the needle so I can't really add anything about the needles.

10 more pattern repeats to go on the border as of last night. I think I am beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel where this portion of the shawl is concerned. I also almost finished the gusset of the first sock. Once that's done the heel should be done by tomorrow night, I hope. If I can stay awake the border might even be done by the end of the weekend.

Day 19 of NaBloPoMo

Where has the time gone? I feel old. I remember when my brother's wife gave birth to the twins. Now Baruch is engaged. Here is my brother Menachem and my dad with Baruch on the left and Shmuel on the right. I still can't tell them apart but believe it or not they are not identical twins. According to the tests that were done when the boys were born they are fraternal twins. Makes sense I guess since my dad has a twin sister.

I am very bad with names and I couldn't spell it so I am just going to call her the bride to be with my dad.

This is my brother with his wife Chana and the twins. This time Shmuel is on the left and Baruch is on the right. Mazal Tov Baruch. I wish you and your bride to be all the happiness in the world.
I did manage to stick to my plan of getting two repeats of the edging done. So I am now in the middle of repeat 36, I think. That means I only have a dozen more to go, HOORAY! I am going to be so relieved when the border is done. I do have to say that it is going faster than it did the first time I did this. The last time it took me months and months. For some reason, I couldn't remember the pattern in my head and it was so tedious to do. This time it's going a lot faster but still not as fast as I would have liked. That's the price you have to pay when you have work everyday.

I started the gusset on the socks and should get to the heel tonight.

Day 18 of NaBloPoMo

Paul and I went and bought a new microwave. The old one we bought when I was pregnant with Joseph so it's close to 14 years ago. It was making some funny noises so we figured it would be better to get it now before the other one broke down completely. The new one has a broil in it just like on the top of regular ovens. I can't wait to actually have something I want to grill so I can try it out.

As I said before, I started the Sockamania November sock on Sunday. This is the progress I have made so far. The yarn is sock yarn I bought from Maggie. The yarn is so soft and easy to work with. I'm getting used to the pattern now. After the heel the pattern is different on the front and back of the sock. What I am trying to do is get one or two repeats of the edging done per day and then get some knitting done on the sock. I am still hoping I can get the pair done before the end of the month.

I've completed 35 repeats of the edging now so that means there's only 13 more to go. If I can do 2 repeats per day I should have the edging done by the end of next week and finally get the ends grafted together and proceed with picking up those 1,152 sts.

Day 17 of NaBloPoMo

To celebrate the first birthday at The Purl they had 30% off all purple yarn. Since purple is my favourite colour I couldn't resist getting some purple yarn. Originally I had only bought the Dye-Versions Bamboo Sport (shown on the left), and the Fibra Natura Yummy sock yarn. Then Sandra threw her mitten at me and I couldn't believe how soft they were. She made a pair of mittens and a cowl out of the Misti Alpaca. I hesitated for just a little bit before I bought 2 so I can knit a cowl and fingerless mitts.

I did manage to get to 33 repeats completed on the edging for the shawl. That's a bit surprising because I had a wee bit of a tumble on Saturday and when I hit the floor I used the palm of my right hand to break the fall. I iced it for a while and the swelling was so so by the time I got home. I iced it again after I got home. Now it's just turning some really funky colours. I was able to knit after the ice applications and did knit to the end of repeat 33 on Saturday. Yesterday I started the November Sockamania club sock pattern. I'm using some hand dyed yarn I bought from Maggie of Dyed in the Wool Handmade. I'm almost ready to start the gussett and will take pictures to show tomorrow.

Day 16 of NaBloPoMo

Yesterday was the most amazing day! The place was packed at times. When the big reveal was done around 1:00pm I would have to say there were easily over 60 people at the Purl. Here's the day in pictures. More to come tomorrow.
Mary Pat is having a peak at some goodies Sandra received from KaratStix. They are all gorgeous. I can see myself getting something soon.
Just a look at some of the yummy yarns The Purl has to offer. The bags on top of the cubicles are loot bags that everyone who came to the Purl yesterday received. What was inside? Each one was unique so I can only say what was in mine. Some yarn, double pointed needles, a CD of classical music, a crochet hook and bamboo needles.
Miko wore the famous tiger dress for the occasion. She looked fabulous.
Jennifer busy at work dealing with all the customers. She's wearing the Forest Path stole.
Glenna and Michelle of The Sweet Sheep fame.
Purl is just relaxing and enjoying all the sights. If you're ever at the Purl you should read The Adventures of Purl. It's hilarious. There's a special birthday addition as well.
Yummy purple icing cupcakes were had by all.
Suzie is the proud owner of the Louet Victoria I had.
Miko and Jennifer about to do the big reveal of the day. What was it you might ask?

A 2009 calendar. All the proceeds are going to go to Princess Margaret Hospital. The calendars are $20 each and if anyone is interested you can pre-order them by contacting the Purl.

Day 15 of NaBloPoMo

It is hard to believe that we are at the halfway point to November already. Time just flies by.

Today I head back to the Purl for their official birthday bash. It is going to be a blast. I brought some goodies home with me yesterday that I forgot to mention. I have been patiently waiting for the new Nancy Bush book Knitted Lace of Estonia. They finally got in 3 copies at the Purl and since I told them to put one away for me when it arrived I managed to snag one of the 3 copies. This book is amazing. The shawl on the cover is stunning and a must knit. There are more pictures in the book that show the beauty of this design even more. Amazon.com has a preview of the book if you haven't seen any designs yet. Be warned, once you see it you might not be able to resist.

I also bought the IK Holiday Gifts magazine and the curren issue of Piecework. There is a beautiful pair of knitted lace gloves on the cover that I want to try to know. Finally, I bought the camo Go Knit small pouch. I've wanted it ever since I saw someone with it at the Purl on one of their stitch nights.

I'm not sure how much knitting I'll get done today but I'm in the middle of repeat 31 on the border and if I can finish to repeat 34 by the end of the weekend I'll be happy. That will only leave 14 more to go. I think I am beginning to see the end of the tunnel on this border.

Day 14 of NaBloPoMo

Tomorrow The Purple Purl will be one year old. Lise and Robbie came up with a brilliant idea of chipping in and getting Miko and Jennifer a birthday present. So a bunch of us chipped in and bought Miko and Jennifer Nancy's Knit Knacks Heavy Duty Ball Winder. Since the Purl will be so busy tomorrow, Lise decided it would be best to give them the ball winder tonight. Here is the evening in pictures.

Happy Birthday to The Purple Purl. Miko and Jennifer I wish you both continued success. You have brought joy into so many people's lives. Thank you for everything.


Emily and her newborn daughter. She is so adorable. She's only a week old.
I haven't seen Ramona since her wedding in August. It was great seeing her. I hope it's not so long before we get to see each other again.
Jennifer with Morgana.

Lise and Robbie come in with the surprise gift. Sorry all the other pictures were very blurry.

Jennifer lost it first as she read the card we all signed.
Thank you Lise & Robbie for putting all this together.
Miko finally lost it too. Happy tears are always the best kind.
Kerri knit these dolls. The purple dress is Miko and the blue dress is Jennifer.

Once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY and may you have many more to come.

Day 13 of NaBloPoMo

My order arrived from Shuttleworks yesterday. Here's what I got. I bought the Wild Flyer kit and I also got the tension knob for the Little Gem so I can use it with either Lily or Lizbeth. I also got an extra bobbin for the flyer. I decided on the wild flyer instead of the plying flyer because I don't like the delta orifice at all and the wild flyer has the circle orifice and not the delta. I also bought the Universal Tensioned Lazy Kate. I have the Kromski arched lazy kate but I am having problems with the bobbins constantly popping out of the tension string. I think it's because of the limited space I have here I can't put the lazy kate behind me. It's always off to the side. I decided to get this one so I can see if that will solve my problem. I had a little surprise in the box as well. This canvas Shuttleworks bag was included with the order. It's a really big, thick, very nice, canvas bag.

I acutally managed to get some knitting done yesterday. I knit up all the stuff I ripped out and I started repeat 30. I really have to be more careful. It's horrible to work for hours and then have that work thrown out when you find a mistake and have to rip out a few hours worth of knitting.

Finally, remember those knots I found in the elann.com Baby Lace Merino? I emailed elann and told them about it. They apologized and are going to send me another ball.

Day 12 of NaBloPoMo

Missed another Snb last night. I hate having to miss them. I just wasn't feeling up to it. I am going to go to the doctor today and check things out.

I thought I finished a few repeats on the Magickal Earth Shawl edging but, when I double checked things yesterday, I made another mistake right at the beginning of repeat number 29 so I ripped it back. I didn't knit anything after I ripped. I just got the sts back on the needle and put it aside. If I'm feeling up to it, I hope to get some knitting done today.

I'm still waiting for my order from Shuttleworks. I still hope it will come tomorrow since I only work a half day on Friday.

ETA: The order arrived a little while ago!!! I will open the box when I get home from work and take pictures. Will blog all about it tomorrow.

Day 11 of NaBloPoMo

Since Ikea is just blocks from the doctor's office, after we all got our flue shots yesterday we decided to go and look for chairs. This is my first trip to Ikea and I think it will be my last. We couldn't decide on which chair to get and having Joseph with us didn't help matters. We decided to think it over and took the elevator down to where we thought we had begun. The set up in the store is very confusing. I totally understand the reason is to prevent theft. I totally respect that. It's just too confusing for my book and the construction that's going on near the Ikea I went to will keep me from going back for quite some time.

Joseph had detention for the day yesterday, or so he claims. Therefore, he didn't have any new signatures to prove he handed in any units. We'll see what today brings. I'm waiting to hear a reply from the email I sent his TA. I'm getting really tired to having to police him all the time.

Day 10 of NaBloPoMo

Today is flue shot day in the Ribeiro household. I know many people don't believe in getting the flu shot. I have a friend that had Guillian-Barre Syndrome (GBS) as a result of a flu shot. I've still been getting the flu shot ever since I had the mastectomy. Joseph hates shots and is not very happy that he has to get the shot. He keeps saying he doesn't get the flu so he doesn't need to get the shot. Oh well, he'll have to get over it.

I had better see some new signatures in Joseph's agenda when he comes home from school today. I don't know what else I can take away from him. I've already taken away his x-box. I've deleted all the games I can from the computer he works on. I've uninstalled MSN Messenger so he can't chat online. Someone I know suggested taking away his favourite food. That's not so easy because Joseph is such a picky eater. I just hope he starts to get serious about his school work. What boggles my mind is that he spends hours at the computer working and yet he isn't handing stuff in. I just don't get it. I asked him what he's working on and he said his inspire stuff. That's for the gifted kids. He's always loved doing the gifted stuff but I told him he has to work on other things too and not just gifted. I've made it very clear that if he isn't caught up and able to stay up to date in all his subjects by the end of this year, I will make arrangements for him to go to a different school in September. So he knows he only has a short while to prove himself.

On the border for the shawl I've managed to complete 29 repeats. I keep trying to get one repeat done per night but I get so tired that I rarely manage to get more than one repeat done during the week and then on the weekend I get around 3 repeats done. Each repeat is 48 rows so it takes a while. I made a mistake when I was knitting at the Purl on Tuesday so I had to rip back an entire repeat. That was so annoying but I'm back on track and that's all that matters. I'll be so happy when the bloody border is complete. I finally had to join the second ball of yarn in the middle of repeat 28. I wind the balls of yarn into a centre pull ball before I start using them because then I don't have a tangled mess when I get to the end of a ball. When I wound another ball yesterday I was not happy to find 4 knots in one 50 gram ball. I can understand one and maybe even tolerate 2 but 4 is just too much.

Day 9 of NaBloPoMo

It's finally happened. Paul has joined the unwanted club of having his bank card compromised. He tried to use it at the bank on Friday and it wouldn't work. Off we went to the bank yesterday so he could get a replacement card. Nothing was taken this time but I sure am getting very tired of this. I've said it before and I'll say it again, GET A DAMN JOB AND LEAVE HONEST HARD WORKING PEOPLE ALONE!!!!! The people at the bank have said that with the chip card coming soon (I hope) the criminals are trying to get as much as they can before the card is available everywhere.

From the bank we went to get Joseph winter boots. He hates shopping and trying to get him to cooperate can be a challenge. To his credit, he did try on tons of boots but we couldn't find anything that was ok in the leg and ok in the foot. Paul is going to check at the Eaton Centre on Monday to see if they have the right size now that he knows which boot Joseph liked and what size he needs.

We usually do our laundry on the weekends at my in-laws. It's been this way ever since we moved into this apartment over 13 years ago. This way my in-laws get to see Joseph ever week and we don't need to use public machines. After the bank and boot shopping we went to do the laundry. It was really nasty and rainy by the time we were done. What a contrast from the weather earlier this week. Now I am looking at the long range and it looks like we are supposed to get rain or snow most of this coming week. I guess that's the price you pay for weather in the teens to 20 (50s or 60s for you Fahrenheit people) this time of year. You have to suffer with nasty weather as a follow-up.

With the sale of the Louet Victoria I took the opportunity to order some extras for my wheels. The order has shipped and I am hoping it should arrive by Friday. I'll show the goodies when they get here.

Day 8 of NaBloPoMo

Yesterday was post number 400!! I can hardly believe it. Busy errand day today. Will post more about it tomorrow. In the meantime, here's a cute quiz I found.

The Castle Personality Test

You have no problem diving into new experiences. You're so brave that you don't even notice how courageous you are. You don't spend a lot of time thinking about how people see you. You're kind of scared to know what they think. You are a very realistic person. You see the world as it is, flaws and all. Right now, you feel very trapped in your life. You often feel like there is no way out of your rut. Overall, your life is calm and steady. Not much stirs you, and each day is full of joy. You aren't optimistic about the future. You worry about what will happen to the world and if we'll be able to clean up the messes we've made.

The Castle Personality Test

Day 7 of NaBloPoMo

I really feel like that meeting, on Monday, Paul and I had with Joseph's teaching adviser was useless. Granted, it shows the school that Paul and I are interested in Joseph's education and want to try and help him succeed but it didn't impress Joseph. Monday no units were handed in. He said he was too busy. Tuesday he said he handed in some units but didn't get them signed off in his agenda because he forgot his agenda at home. Wednesday he went to work with Paul because it was "bring your child to work day." Yesterday morning I told him I except to see signatures in his agenda. When he got home from school last night the first thing I asked him for was his agenda. About 30 minutes later he finally hands me his agenda and surprise surprise no signatures. I just about blew my top. I've deleted about as many games from the computer as I can. I've deleted messenger. Today there is no school because it is "a day for carry over exams." Since Joseph is in grade 9 and has no carry over exams, he gets a day off. How nice for him (sarcasm abounds). I emailed Joseph's TA and told him I want Joseph in detention next week for those units he handed in and did not have them signed off. He replied and told me he will talk to Joseph on Monday. Right now I am totally at a loss as to where to go from here. Today I am calling the school to find out specifics of trying to get Joseph transferred to a different school in September. I want to find out the procedure.

Today I only work until noon and with Joseph not in school today I would have tried to go somewhere with him but I am not going to even bother. I don't feel he deserves anything right now.

I called the bank yesterday. I was told that the stolen money should be back in my account today. That hasn't happened yet but I am hoping they know what they are talking about.

Day 6 of NaBloPoMo

I am getting more than a little frustrated with the bank. Still no sign of my stolen money being returned. When they say 10 business days they won't give it back to you a day sooner. Or so it would seem. I am going to call them tomorrow to see what is happening.

Am I the only one out there that has trouble adjusting to the time change even in the fall? It is usually worse for me in the spring than in the fall but I am feeling so sleepy. Part of it could be because I was up WAY too late Tuesday night watching the election returns when I got home. I only had about 4 hours sleep Tuesday night. Yesterday I had such a headache I fell asleep when I got home from work and slept for a couple of hours. That didn't stop me from going to sleep around 11 and still sleeping until 5 this morning.

I didn't get any knitting done last night. That's not going to help my plans of getting the border done anytime soon. This is what approximately half the border looks like. Joseph keeps asking me what I am making and when I tell him a shawl he looks at me like I'm crazy. I've tried explaining it's done from the outside in but he still thinks I'm knitting a scarf. I love the colour and I'm almost done with the first ball of yarn. I have 4 in total so I am hoping it is going to be enough. Back to knitting tonight, I hope.

Day 5 of NaBloPoMo

Last night was fun at The Purple Purl. It's the first time I've gone to one of their regular Tuesday stitch nights. They had their Halloween Trick or Swap as well and I went for that. It was fun but I didn't end up trading what I brought. That is fine for me really because the Malabrigo Lace would have been difficult to part with.

I did have a wonderful surprise. I brought along the Louet Victoria wheel I have. I've been meaning to bring it there for quite some time so I could try to sell it. When I was trying to sell my Ashford Joy, I brought it there and it sold in a couple of weeks. I was hoping the same would happen with the Victoria. Imagine my surprise when I brought it there, someone looked at the wheel, looked at what I was asking for it, and decided to buy it! The Victoria has gone to a very good home and I have Lily and Lizbeth - Little Gem II and Suzie Pro.

I also made it to the halfway point of the edging on the Magickal Earth Shawl. I don't get to work on this every day because it gets tedious but I am relieved to be halfway there. I still hope I can get the edging done by the end of the month. We'll see. I started this on October 11th and it's taken me this long to get 24 repeats done. I did knit a pair of socks in there as well.

Day 4 of NaBloPoMo

Today is election day in the US. It doesn't matter who you vote for, just get out and vote.

I have a doctor's appointment after work and then I head over to The Purple Purl for their Halloween Trick of Swapping. It should be lots of fun. I missed snb last week so I am looking forward to just getting out.

I am still baffled by teenagers. I know I was a little shit at that age too. I also remembered being AWFUL to my parents. I guess I am being paid back now.

Yesterday Paul, Joseph and I had a meeting with Joseph's teaching advisor. The high school that Joseph is going to has what they call "self directed learning." It is similar to university, I think, so if he eventually gets the hang of things here he will be much better prepared for university when the time comes. The problem is Joseph needs more structure. When I ask him if he is up to date on his units I get something mumbled like "pretty much." When the TA did the inteview yesterday Joseph is still so far behind I can't believe it. Last week he was given until yesterday to get all caught up. Did he hand in any units yesterday? Nope. He said he was too busy. I hate having to be the bad guy here and be like a policeman but if I don't do it he will continue to fall further and further behind. I've already taken away the Xbox. I don't know what else I can get rid of.

Betweem Joseph and the bloody bank still not refunding the money that was stolen from my account, furstration abounds. I was told 10 business days and it looks like they will take all 10. I still haven't heard anything and today is day 7. We'll see how it goes. If nothing happens by Friday I will try calling them again.

Day 3 of NaBloPoMo

Here's the video of the BT segment on October 16, 2008. This was just before the Creative Festival. Wish I could have joined the crowd but it wasn't meant to be. The Forest Path is the green stole behind Jane Ellison.

Day 2 of NaBloPoMo

On October 16th Jane Ellison and some of the gang from The Purple Purl were on Breakfast Television here in Toronto. Unfortunately, with my work schedule, there was no way I could be downtown for this and still get to work on time. But imagine my surprise when I watched the segment on BT and saw the Forest Path Stole I had knit for The Purple Purl right there behind Jane Ellison! It made me feel like I was there with them even though I couldn't be there personally. Paul FINALLY managed to get the segment off the PVR but I am not sure if I am allowed to post it or not. I know there are copywrite laws etc so this still picture will have to do until I can figure things out.

To my utter surprise and amazement, yesterday I received the replacement high speed head for Lizbeth. The new one was shipped from New Zealand and I think I got it in less than 2 weeks. I was having problems with the old one because it didn't fit in the slot properly. Turns out the "neck" on the one I had was 2mm smaller than the head that came with the machine. This new head is as snug as a bug in a rug and doesn't budge. If anything it is even more snug than the head that came with Lizbeth. I am very pleased. I managed to finish spinning the purple fibre I received as part of SP11 and I'm now letting it rest for a few days before I ply it. I figure since the rest of it has been resting for so long I'd better let the last bits rest.

NaBloPoMo Begins

It's hard to believe it's already November. I tried NaBloPoMo last year but I wasn't officially signd up. This year I've officially signed up and maybe it will be what I need to get back into posting more regulary.

Lots has happened since my last post. It's been trying times. Teenagers can be a challenge. Joseph is having his challenges with the "self directed learning" that is Mary Ward. I came down on him hard this week when I found out he hasn't exactly been forthcoming with his units. Paul and I are meeting h is TA on Monday and he has until Monday to make sure he is all caught up. Unit 4 is due this week as well and now that I have a better understanding of how things work I will be able to monitor him more closely to make sure he doesn't fall behind again.

I wish people would just GET A DAMN JOB instead of trying to defraud people out of their meager earnings. Last Saturday I found out my bank card had been compromised YET AGAIN!! The thing I find so frustrating about all this is that when it happens they don't tell you where it is you used your card that the compromising took place. They claim they don't know. The police don't tell them because it might hamper the police investigation. Well I am sick and tired of having my bank card compromised. It has happened too many times and this time they actually managed to get money out of my account even though I ALWAYS protect my pin. When I went to get my card replace, yet again, the asshole at the bank told me "if it is happening to you so many times maybe you should stop using it where it is being compromised." Well I would asshole if I knew where that place was. I don't use the card at the gas station. I stopped that the first time it happened. I don't use it at random ATM machines. I only use it at the bank machine when I make a deposit. I'm beginning to believe that is where it is happening.

Yesterday I received a phone call from a credit card company telling me about a platinum Master Card and she asked me to verify my address. No problem there. When she asked me to verify my date of birth I said nope. She thought I was nuts. I told her I have had enough of fraud and there is no way I am confirming any personal information. She said that she could guarantee she is legit and give me a number where I could call her back. I told her to forget it and anything she had for me she could send in the mail. There was no way I was going to confirm anything for her and then I hung up the phone.

On the knitting front, for the first time in a very long time I finished the October Sockamania club socks on time. This pattern is called Scroll Socks. The socks are knit from the toe up even though the pattern was written cuff down. I used Patons Stretch Socks in the mineral colourway and 2mm needles. This is the second time I've used this yarn and I am surprisingly pleased with it. I'm not a fan of most things Patons these days especially their sock yarn because I feel the Kroy pills to easily. I washed the other pair I knit once and it bounced back to it's shape rather nicely and looked ok after the washing.