What does the title mean? I'm doing the countdown until the 24th and it is not because I'm counting down for Christmas. The 23rd is my last day of work until the 3rd of January! I'm sooooo ready.

Didn't work on anything last night - DH is back home after his big trek to the deer hunting festivities. He was gone since Thursday and it ends up being too long for me. I headed straight home so I could see him.

It is only going to be 52 degrees today - I wonder if DSeester is using the shawl I made for her? I need to make one (or two) for myself. Gotta add it to "the list."

So, are you wondering where to order something this cool? Right here ---> www.namemaker.com Anyone designing or making their own sweaters (really anything) should definitely considering adding a label to their works of wonder. I remember looking through a pattern book (name escapes me) and I clearly remember that everything had a label marked "Suss Knits". With a memory as bad as mine, the label stands out in my mind and obviously caught my attention. If you're going to put in numerous hours on a project, you deserve these reasonably priced labels to set your creation apart from all the rest.

So, what am I working on? Well, I wrapped all but a few gifts last night. Two gifts need 2 AAA batteries plus a special one that forces me to stop in at the battery store AGAIN. The other gift is a huge ball that I haven't decided how to wrap. I had to have the ball - it looked so fun and since our family is full of little boys....gots to get one. Glad to have the majority of the gifts wrapped.

Knitting? Well, I ended up casting on (3 times) for another pair of the sipper sox - this time in the army green. Why 3 times? Well, cuz it fought me twice and then I won on the third time. First time - ran out of cast on yarn. Second time - one stitch too many. Third time - looks like a charm. I had planned on sitting/knitting last night but decided to knock out the wrapping so I could get the gifts out of my office and under the tree. Since there aren't any Santa believers who live with me ---- I can just wrap and store under the tree instead of trying to find a hiding place. Like there ever really is a hiding place from little fingers.

Have to go to the "club" today with work. Our boss takes us there for lunch in celebration of the holidays. I'd rather stay here and hold down the fort. That's not gonna happen.

I was surprised about all the good deals/sales at the mall. My daughter and I pulled her out-of-town guest around the mall - she had shopping to do and he took GB to a movie. I never do much mall shopping so I was surprised at the bargains to be had. Of course, my shopping habits only include the clearance racks but shocked nonetheless.

I brought army green Kool Wool today. I plan on making socks for DH and probably another pair for Tom. I had planned on Tom's being green to begin with but figured I'd knock out these blue and add a green pair to the mix. If I have enough yarn left, I will also make a pair for DS.

I have two blankets to sew - for DD's stepkids. I need to peek in the stash and see if I have anything appropriate and if not, off to the dangerous yarn store. I picked up a freecycle large pillow sham which will work great for a small duvet cover for her stepdaughter. This may be the gift or it may just be a bonus. Don't know yet.

Decorations are finished except for the star on the top of the tree. I cannot reach - even with a stepstool so that will await DH's return. I love having the house all decorated --- pretty, pretty plus it lights the house up for my morning coffee trek. Blind woman needs lights.

Knitting, Crocheting, Sewing Accomplishments for 2004

S=sew, K=knit, C=crochet

S – Fleece Scarf – DD
K – Modified Schiaparelli Pink Scarf – DD
K – (2 pair) Slipper Sox – GB & Bird
K – Seed Stitch Purse – Me
S – Camo Felt Mittens – GB
S – 6 Valentine’s Day hot pads
S & Felt – Backpack and Credit Card Holder from wool sweater
S – Scooby Doo Blanket, Top Sheet & Pillowcase – DN Chad Connor
S – Bob the Builder Blanket & Travel Pillowcase – Logan
S – (2 pair) Fleece Jams – GB & DS
S – Corduroy Blanket – DC Baby Ruthie
K – Variegated (pinkish) Socks – GB
S – John Deere Pillowcase – Logan
S – Bear Necessities Blanket – GB
S – Fleece Nemo Blanket – GB
S – (13 blankets) Critters Coalition
S – Felted Purse from old sweater
K – Grey Slipper Sox – Me
K – Blue Slipper Sox – DS
S – Charlie Brown Shorts and Jammie Pants – GB
K – Frog Slippers – GB
S – Purse made from wool dress
S – Liners for medicine cabinet
K – Reverse Bloom Flower Washcloth – leftover cotton chenille for Me
K – Cream of the Crop Outfit & Bib – Friend Jessica’s new baby
S – Shrek Blanket and Travel Pillowcase – GB
C – Woodsmans Stripes Afghan – Mark Lutringer
K – Red Felted Slippers – Mom (too small L)

Then I graduated at the end of July…..and accomplished this:

S – Replaced backing to Embroidered Baby Blanket
K – Cell Cozy
K – Trendsetter Aura Scarf – DD
K – 1 Beaded Sock – Made from Regia yarn (utter crap) – trashed
K – Cable Shawl – DSeester
S – Bed Caddy – Me
K – Pink Beaded Socks – DD
K – Felted Top Hat – DH
S – Monsters, Inc. Blanket and Travel Pillowcase – GB
S – 2 Purses & 2 Credit Card Cases from wool sweater
K – 1 sock – Slipper Sock from Kool Wool – Tom Damron
K – 3 Pumpkin Hats – GB, Jessica’s baby, Cousin Tracy’s Baby
K – Acorn Hat – GB
S – Replace Handles on G. Sale Purse, Move Handles to Sewn Hawaiian Purse
S – Liners for Laundry Room Cupboards
Misc – Cross-Stitch embellishments on Afghan Stitch Christmas Afghan + Braided Fringe
K – Blue and Black Striped Socks – DH
K – Margot Shawl
K – NETA Square for Raffled Afghan – Ships Support Fundraiser
C – Bubblegum Afghan – DN Kalie
S – Purple Shorts – DS
K – Lengthen Camo Socks – Me
S – 2 Purses + Wristwarmers made from wool sweater

I'm not sure where I get this overachiever's ache but I've known about it for some time. When I worked for the City, I brought in my cookbooks one by one and wrote down what recipes I'd like to make. Did I stop there? Uh, no. I took that list and sorted it by month and listed it along with the page number. Why? Uh, I don't know. At the time it sounded logical. Can I explain it today? No. Yes, I still have the proof that I did this. When I was 10 I pretended that I had 2 kids and a husband. What do you do when you have a family? This is what I did ---- I took the JCPenny catalog and bought clothes for them head to toe. Not enough? I added 3 more kids to the bunch and then I totalled what I would spend to have this instant family. Why? Uh, I don't know. Was I ever committed to an insane asylum? No. I think I'm still working on my admission test. Is the list in any particular order? Of course. I wrote 29 pages of blog this year so I went to January and started my list. You know what is even sadder? This list is not everything because there are some things I didn't document from the blog and there are some things that I didn't blog about. At first I was considering documenting the books I've read this year. I may just for my own benefit but it really is crazy how much I do in a year. In case you're wondering - yes, I keep up with housework, laundry, etc. I have a happy, well-adjusted family that I take care of.

Well, I started on the 2nd sock of Tom Damron's hunting socks. I was hoping to have sock #1 returned to me so I could size it up but I don't think I need it. I did buy army green Kool Wool a couple months ago so that I can make him and DH a pair in something other than the bright azz blue. I have 2/3 of the cuff done and now I'm trying to wake up in order to calculate 2/3 of 1/3 of the sock at 50% of the project. Did I mention that I graduated from college and this type math problem is difficult for me? Basic math always was an issue for me.

Outta here early so I can get the ol' choppers cleaned. I can tell by the feel with my tongue when it is time. Another sickness of mine.

Have you noticed that the hit counter has started going backwards, AGAIN? When I logged in it was at 5,044. This is probably the 5th time it has done this.

Holiday Self-Improvement:

Wax the barking squirrel

Chop the Mop

Paint the Piggies

I think I'm ready for all the holiday parties. I have a parties to attend on the 17th and the 18th. Looking forward to both of them. Both families are richer than God so I know there will lots of fun to be had. Guess I'm gonna have to buy a new dress...or two. Any excuse to go shopping.

Lugging alone a blankie for Charlotte, Margot's big sister. I'm not sure I'll follow through cuz I'm seriously considering sewing her a blankie with a travel pillow case. Kids love them and she's at the perfect age for it. I think it'd be a better thing to do. Quicker too plus I need to go to the fabric store anyway for DD's stepkids. They love my homemade things and I'm gonna make them a blanket from Granny. At least I'm getting to carry something around in my Booga Bag. Gosh I love this bag. I'm considering whipping some out on the USM but doing them flat and zipping the sides together. All the girls ooh and aah over them so thinking they'd be good to give to my lovies.

Weather? Hmmm, how can you notice when it is BEAUTIFUL out? Rest of week and weekend - upper 60's to 70's. Guess I need to put away the winter clothes and drag the summer clothes back out.

Loving the new station 103.5 that DS turned me on to. My drive home consisted of me singing (top of lungs, driving through traffic): Jungle Boogie, Thunder Island and one that Dear Mommie used to sing for us kids ---- Whip It......I can hear her now, "Grrrab that whip!" She was a very entertaining Mom. I hope I've done half as well as she did.

Outta here - gotta get with it before everyone starts getting her to ruin my day.

Had a good time at the party on Friday. Bob made me a doozy of a drink while he son was doing what I'd asked.....I didn't end up drunk but I did get the wonderful morning headache. What's a Claus to do? o<[]:-)>

I liked this story that came through an e-mail from Awesome Ewe:

A couple began looking after a wounded fox which had appeared on their country property. In great pain and suffering, it was quite evident to them that the animal couldn't fend for itself and was probably going to starve.
The couple began feeding it and within weeks, the fox's health improved. Its red coat started to shine and it only showed up once a week for a treat or two. One day the red fox arrived for its weekly visit, this time bringing with it a buddy - a silver fox badly limping on three legs. The red fox had evidently liked the couple's care so much that it had recommended it to a friend!
Ever since Alexandra was hit, she's become a big buddy of mine when she used to be pretty aloof. I guess they do appreciate their care.

I picked up the Margot Shawl again and I've decided to just continue with the edging instead of frogging and making the one side look like the other. It really isn't as big a deal now that I've let it marinate.

I have to head to a 15 passenger van training class today. Whatever it takes to get outta the office.

Shipping out things today - Baby Ruthie is getting a nice sized box :-)

What've I been working on knitting/crochet-wise. Nuttin'! I feel like such a lazy slug. I did tend to the knitting maching a little. Very little. This week has been very hectic for me. One evening Alexandra Kitty Girlfriend and I cat napped on the couch. Ever since she got hit by a car, she climbs up on me when I lie down on the couch. Mostly for head scratches. Not this time. She was lying on her side with her legs stretched out like a horse sleeps. I hated making her get up and go into the garage for the night. She was so sleepy warm. I don't sleep well on the couch - never have and it is something I detest. Weird that way.

Got a tid bit tipsy last night. We hit the Waco party scene and had a nice time, as usual. I wore my black jeans, lacy red sweater that has a cotton tank attached and hangs down peeking out, tall black boots and my leather jacket. I even had a good hair night - feeling sexy after my wax. I think my hair was afraid I'd wax my head if it didn't behave. I've considered it. We didn't spend the night which, I'm glad. I like being in my own bed with my own things. Unfortunately, getting home after midnight does not send a signal to my body that 5:30 a.m. is not the proper rising time. I'm just like bread (body to match) ---- I rise at the same time every day. No matter how many hours of sleep I achieve.

Works sucks. We have someone in the office who can't seem to get their job done. Who cares? Uh, I do. I happen to be a doer. Know what that means? I get all the duties that everyone else doesn't get to. Know what that means? Same pay and more work. I know that the theory is: here is an office and here is what it takes to get it done. My theory? I do your job, I get your pay. I think we should have to bring our paychecks to the meetings and when we say we can't do what is on our own personal list of things we are responsible for - our check gets put in the center of the table. What's wrong with that? If I pick up your check, I do that job. Oh, I'm only picking up most of your work? I've got an answer. Most of your work = most of your pay. See? Even the simple minded can comprehend that one. Plus I have a caveat for the contract. Dollars deducted when you don't reach your deadlines. If the company is relying on you to get it done by a certain day and you don't ---- guess what!? You didn't fill your part of the bargain. Kind of like going to a sale at the store because they didn't sell what they ordered by the time new merchandise comes in. (Buzzer sound) You lose! Sorry for the rant. I just hate when companies/offices (insert whatever noun you want to) cater to the inept.

What shall I do today, you ask? Well - DH heads to the hunting camp next weekend and he needs to make the ham/cheese and deer sausage/cheese hot pockets and I told him I'd help. Also need to finish the Christmas decorating. When I got home after work (early out for me) he had the outside decorated (mostly) and he was putting the tree together. The tree is over 9' so I jumped in and helped out. I'm not good at seeing how the limbs go but I get them straightened out for him to beautify. He says "pine trees don't look scared, they reach for the sun" as he fluffs out what I just pulled out straight. I've never been very deep.

Speaking of deep - I helped DS out immensely last weekend. Poor kid had the assignment of reading "The Crucible." If you've ever picked up that book you soon realize the old English language it is written in is a little difficult to keep up with. Smart kid that he is - he took the car and rented the movie. Yeah, he slept through most of it and Dear Ol' Mom got to enjoy (?) watching for him. The fun doesn't end there. Oh no, now I have to explain to him the whole point of the movie. First there is the surface goings-on - the Salem Witch Trial. Yeah, but whadoesitmean? Cuz you know that is what they're gonna test him on. It took me a college education in order to discern what "meaning" is behind everything. Some people are born with that intelligence but it did not hit these genes. There were so many times I had to have DH read some ("not again") just so he could tell me what the F&*! it meant so I could write a F&*!ing paper. You know how you wonder "why do I have to learn this?" I can tell you: Cuz you have idiot me in your class who is learning "meaning." Sad shit if I do say so myself. Just glad I've learned to be deep.

Guess what dawned on me yesterday!? I've been pining for a dressmaker's form and I realized that several years ago I found one at a g. sale and bought it for my DMIL. Never saw it again. They're not small so thought she'd found a new home for it. I e-mailed her to see if she still has it and she does! I'll be getting it back soon. I want to use it for modeling clothing that I make. They're pretty pricey so I'm excited that my original $10 investment is coming home to roost.

You are 87% Virgo

This one I couldn't pass up....guess another clue that I'm not 100% Virgo - I blame it on my raising.

Your Porn Star Name is: Candy Coxx

During my cleaning of the office I found the journals I've been buying at thrift stores. I'm not sure why I collect them when I'm afraid to write in any of them. Makes no sense. Well, since I'm off the smokes and trying to not turn into a cow - I'm using it to document what I eat, when I work out, things I need to get done, etc. I used it last night when I got home I was able to accomplish some things since I had my handy list. Like: paying bills (yes, again), collect the watches that need batteries, get my makeup so I can look human at work, etc. I'm happy to be using one of the journals and I was real happy sitting in the (clean) office paying bills.

Finally cold here. Didn't know if it was going to be another joke forecast....this one was for real. It was 83 here yesterday and it is only supposed to reach 48 today. Yes, I can finally wear the winter clothes I drigged, drug dragged out of the other closet.

Electric bill woes - I guess I shouldn't complain since it includes: trash pick up and water plus we are all electric but....the bill has gone up an average of $30/month over the last two years. Ummm, $30 x 12.....makes me angry. 'Sup wiff dat? In addition to this research, I found a newsletter in with the electric bill letting me know that everything is going up. Uh, hasn't it already and why again? Guess I need to go shopping for a new electric company. Is that cheapelectric.com or do you think freecyle will offer me some free months?

Heading to Waco on Friday - party with the hunting boys and their wives. We may/may not spend the night. Will be up to DH since he drives Miss Daisy. Saturday we'll be making the ham/cheese pockets a/k/a "pork grenades" by the hunting boys. Sunday we have to attend DS's football banquet. Zoom zoom goes my weekend.

Got a call from the City (A) for an interview next week. We'll see. Rather have the job with cousin - if I have a choice in the matter. Hopefully it will be my choice.

Story about the quote today - years ago I cut out a Calvin & Hobbes cartoon from the newspaper. It pictured Calvin pouring a huge bowl of sugary cereal and Hobbes questioning him. Calvin responds with "I do it every day, no brothers or sisters yet." I loved it cuz at the time I had a hellion of a child on my hands and understood exactly what Calvin's parents were thinking. My kid didn't need cereal to rev his engine - he was fun without sugar.

Words to the Wise:I think if Santa is going to judge my behavior over the last year, I ought to be entitled to legal representation. Calvin and Hobbes