Archive for May, 2005

Berry Close to the Finish Line

26 May, 2005 | Amy | No Comment

It feels like it’s been a hundred years since I’ve finished anything, so I was really excited when I cast off on the second sleeve for my Berry Jacket. I apologize for the horrendous photo…trust me when I say all the ribbing and eyelets are present and accounted for ;) Also, the color is more of a magenta than it appears in the photo. I think it’s going to be really pretty when it’s finished! I’ll try to get a better photograph of it at that point.

I’ve also finished the back of my Rebecca wrap cardi, and am planning on starting the front pieces today. I don’t know that I can promise that I’ll finish it any time soon though. The weather is heating up (it’s supposed to be 80 deg. F. today) and I can’t stand knitting with mohair when it’s warm out. Too fuzzy and too susceptible to felting in my sweaty little hands… I may have to wait for rainy and cool days to make some progress on it.

What’s next in store? I’m going to rip out the tiger sweater I never enjoyed knitting and use the yarn to make a cute stripey tank top for my son. I’m also thinking about making a pullover for my little girl, but haven’t decided what that will be, yet. I’m already thinking about next fall, if you can believe that. I’m such a slow knitter that I need to start well in advance of the season I’m knitting for!

Catching Up

25 May, 2005 | Amy | No Comment

Lots of things have been happening chez nous. Last week, I interviewed for a job as a web designer at a local company. I didn’t get the job, but am not really disappointed by that…even though the salary was significantly more than what I’m earning as a paralegal. I don’t think I would have been very happy in that environment. It was a bit dingy and dark and the people were a little too aggressive for me (keep in mind that I work with attorneys, so I’m no stranger to aggressiveness…). At any rate, I have a better idea about what the gaps are in my knowledge for that career path (primarily Search Engine Optimization) and can start learning about those things so I’m better prepared next time around.

My parents also paid us a brief visit last week. We went out for a fancy dinner at Cutters on Wednesday evening and topped off the evening by going to the opera. We saw a delightful production of the Tales of Hoffman by Offenbach. The music was fantastic and the performers did a great job acting as well as singing.  The only element to the show that didn’t entirely ‘wow’ me was the costumes. There was an odd mix of modern garments with old fashioned styles. Why certain styles were used for some characters and not others didn’t make sense to me. Perhaps it would have clicked for me had I been more familiar with the libretto.

Yesterday evening, we took Sam to his first swimming lesson. He was so excited he could hardly contain himself. I got a bit worked up over his excitement and my pride in him that I cried, lol!  His teacher was very patient and did a good job working with her young students. Sam can hardly wait to go again!

Claire is not yet walking unassisted, but she’s very close. She can take a few steps, but then loses her confidence and sinks to the floor. She’s going to take off soon, though. (My poor back will be so relieved!)

I’ve had another relapse of my back/neck/hand pain. I’ve been visiting the doctor repeatedly for the same problem since October of last year. That’s a long time to be in pain…and I’m at the end of my patience with this problem. I’ve come to the conclusion that drugs aren’t going to help me. Neither is a periodic massage (although it temporarily relieves the tension).  The solution is plain and simple: I need to excercise. I’ve found that after a work out session, the pain is noticeably less. This is counter-intuitive for me. I always thought that stressing the body with excercise would worsen the condition. That’s not what seems to happen.

I’m slowly trying to incorporate excercise into my daily routine. This is difficult for me since I’ve NEVER made excercise a priority in my life. I’m doing yoga every few days. I’ve started out with a tape my co-worker loaned me called A.M / P.M Yoga. It has some nice 20 minute routines that are good for beginners. I’ve also started walking during my lunch break. Finally, I’m going to learn how to do a gentle weight-lifing routine. I’ve bought two books which should help me develop this: Smart Girls do Dumbbells and Strong Women, Strong Bodies. Wish me luck! I’m going to need it ;)