Avatars

The other day I was googling for a knitting related avatar to put on my KnittyBoard profile and I found the IMVU and MEEZ 3D avatar sites. I love avatars. You're talking to a reformed Sims addict. *sigh* I used to waste whole entire weekends playing The Sims2 on my Xbox.

Here's my new IMVU avatar. Check it out. If you sign up I get points so I can buy more clothes and junk! *rubs hands together*

Your MEEZ avatar can even KNIT! That's right. They can dance, knit, flirt, do all kinds of cool stuff. Check out me and my new boyfriend "Brad Pitt" LOL!

OY! This is going to be a rollercoaster year.

I feel it coming. A lot of upheavel and change on the way for me this year. I feel most, if not all, of the changes I'll go through this year will be positive. There will be lots of nudges, kicks in the a** and dredging in my near future. *sigh* It's scary, but a necessary evil yet I dread the feeling of the unknown. Especially when it concerns my health, career, security or home. I fear that all these areas are up for renewal this year.

With regard to my career and finances, I'm taking an entrepreneurship course this spring that I hope will provide me the foundation to truly venture out on my own. Right now, my online business is stagnant. I need to learn how to utilize eBay to it's full potential to maximize marketing and sales opportunities. Most importantly, I need to sit down and actually make products. I'm in a bit of a quandry with respect to my dayjob. I'm bored and I feel underutilized. Add to that the fact that I took out a HUGE 401K loan to help pay for my housing remodel and I just learned that we will be undergoing 5000 person layoff 1Q 2007. Things look pretty grim around here. I have a lot of local contacts that I can call upon, but I don't really want to change right now. I want, at least, another 2 years so that I can pay myself back and get my finances the way I would like before I make a major career change. I need to sock away a lot of cash fast. If push comes to shove, I know I can always go back to being a traveling consultant. I'd probably rent my house out, put most of my stuff in storage and give Kitty to a good home. *sniffle* I love that little girl.

As for fitness and wellness, I'm sick of being sick. Sick of being fat. Sick of...well, you get the picture. Only one problem. I'm an emotional eater. I eat to soothe my soul and ease my nerves. Food is my undoing. I want to make drastic changes in my eating habits this year. I can workout until I fallout, but at the end of the day, if I haven't burned more calories than I consumed, I'm still screwed!

As for my home, I feel a strong desire to de-clutter and simplify my surroundings. Not that my home is one of those squirrely cat lady houses crammed to the brim with junk. It's quite the opposite. It's an elegant oasis, but I'm never quite satisfied with it. I've been going through some of the stuff in my basement, craft room, dressers, drawers, nooks, crannies, everywhere assessing whether I really need whatever it is. I've got Beanie Baby stuffed animals and trading cards, Toy Story, Coach bags, iPod stuff, a digital camera, books, magazines, stuff I need to just get rid of. I'm going to put it all on eBay and liquidate, liquidate, liquidate.

Which brings me to the topic of stash busting. I'm all about busting my stash these days. No more yarn for me. Just knit what I have. My philosophy will be to keep it simple and keep busting through the stash. Lots of hats, washclothes, socks, gloves.

Do You Have Love For New York?

Of course not, but I can't help watching the drama. I'll flog myself later to atone for my sins. LOL!

Wow! What a cast of characters they drudged up for this show.
My first observation is that 45% of the cast is non Black. That's a nice change of pace since I, personally, prefer Caucasian men. ;) It's just how I roll. I can't explain it.

So far, here are the guys that I, personally, find the most interesting:

Whiteboy: He strikes me as a genuine guy with a lot of passion and heart.

Token: Yeah, this guy is going to be another "Red Oyster" and drop a dime on e'erbody.

Tango: I love his smile. He's so smooth and sincere. A real charmer.

Rico: Ay Papi. Look at those dimples. He's so pretty.

Onix: A solid, level headed guy. He seems very trust worthy and sincere.

Heat: There's something about this guy. I can't put my finger on it, but he's up to no good. I can't wait to see what happens.

OK! Let's be real. My "g*ydar" was on full tilt when I saw these guys:

Romance: OK! What guy brings a picture of himself and his deceased dog "Princess" on TV to try to woo a woman? *ugh*

T(umble)weed: He's too fly to be straight.

Ace: Can you say "Tennis Coach"? HELLO!?

Guilty Pleasures

Yes, I admit it. I LOVE reality tv. The more outrageous and campy, the better.

Here's my coveted reality tv lineup for this season.

VH1's Shooting Sizemore

Once a Hollywood A-List actor, Tom fell victim to vice and violence and his world crashed down around him. Tom is a recovering drug addict who is struggling to literally and figuratively get his act back together. Recently, released from a 90day rehab program, his struggle can best be summarized, thusly "As each setback and challenge unfolds onscreen, you will come to know a man who has a forceful determination to live again. He is a man on a mission to be accepted by his peers while he attempts to climb back to the upper echelon of his craft. Most importantly, you will be witness to all the anguish, doubts, arguments, outbursts, and blunt, honest self-reflection it takes for a celebrity to kick addiction and get their life back on track."

If you thought "Breaking Bonaduce" was raw. Woooo! Chile, you ain't seen nothing yet, baby.


Y'all know I loved to watch "Flava of Love", so I have to watch "I Love New York".

"After getting her heart broken not once but twice, New York summons 20 single men to her mansion with the hope of finding true love. The guys think its one big party until New York's mom busts in through the front door -- Sister Patterson's in the house and she's ready to open a can of whoop ass on any man that's not good enough for her daughter. After the guys present New York with their nicknames, it's time for a cocktail mixer in the backyard. While New York spends some quality time with all 20 guys, her mom grills them to determine their worthiness. Sister Patterson gets in a shouting match with a guy that New York is really feelin' and screams at him that he is going to be eliminated. She gives New York an ultimatum - either he leaves the house or she will. At the elimination, New York sends 5 guys home -- but will she listen to her mom?"

Gawd help the poor defenseless, dimwitted man that tries to garner New Yawk's affection. Let the trainwreck commence! *HAZA*

One Week Into the New Year

The Week in Review.

I'm making small strides with my intentions already.

Health/Fitness
* Continue to workout incorporating more cardio than strength training.
- I worked out with my trainer twice this week and went in on my own for cardio twice. Good gravy I'm out of shape after sitting on my tucus for 3 weeks straight.
- I managed to entice Gwen to go to the gym with me on Saturdays and Sundays. I promised her that I would gift her 6 skeins of any yarn in my stash if she works out on any cardio equipment for a total of 20 minutes each session AND we have to go FIVE (5)consecutive weekends in a row. :) Although, I did give her a break for her birthday weekend since she's going home to St. Louis, but then, back to the grind. ;)
- I've been brushing my teeth before bed, too. I can't afford any more crowns. Lawd Geezus.

Hobbies
* No store bought sweaters, socks or dishclothes.
- I am, presently, wearing my VERY FIRST PAIR of handknit socks! They feel so good. Not only because I made them, but the wool on my feet is fantastic. I had no idea what I was missing out on.

* Destash! Destash! Destash!
- I cast on for another Seaman's Cap using my Lion Brand Wool-Ease.
- Cast on for a pair of Cascade Fixation Ankle Socks using the Hot Pink Cascade Fixation Effects that was gifted to me by friend Gwenie Gwen for my birthday! ;) These will be my January socks for Johanna's Great Sock Challenge 2007.

* Host regular monthly social events at my house.
- I'll be hosting a small "Premiere Jewelry" party on Sunday afternoon. I've invited my local knitter homies and office friends for an afternoon of comfort food, sparklies and knitting.

FO: Sensational Knitted Socks Waffle Rib Toe Up

Thursday, January 4, 2007
I, FINALLY, finished my FIRST PAIR OF SOCKS EVER! Technically, they aren't my first pair of socks, but they are my first pair of sock yarn socks. My first pairs of socks were the fuzzy feet. OK! So, it took me 3 months to finish these guys, but they are complete. Ain't they cute?

Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock - Wild Cherry
(2) 24" Addi Turbo US 01

I am having so much fun making my first pair of socks that I can't put them down now. The instep is the Waffle Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks. I love the Aloha Fan Toe and Queen Kahuna's No Wrap No Gap Heel. Check out the lovely gusset increases and the sexy short row heel. YEAH BABY!

I am a devout fan of Queen Kahuna's Crazy Toes & Heels book. I've followed it to a "T" and she hasn't lead me wrong yet. Now, this book isn't for everyone as it is VERY wordy, but it has lots and lots of COLOR illustrations that lead you baby step by baby step through the whole process of making 2 socks on 2 circulars either toe-up or cuff down.

...and the best thing is that I'll have a pair of socks when I'm done!!! No, Second Sock Syndrome (SSS) for me.

A Knitter's Divine Comedy

Not too long ago, it occurred to me that knitting can be associated to Dante's Infamous "Divine Comedy" Here's how I see it:

The Circles of Hell
Condemned to Inferno are those characterized as possessing a stash solely composed of itchy, scratchy, plastic acrylic Red Heart glittery holiday yarn that they use to crochet gigantic Christmas Tree skirts.

The Terraces of Purgatory
Knitters who have realized the sin of owning petro acrylic yarn and who strive to increase their knitting ability are remanded to purgatory to purge and redeem themselves.
They purge their stash of unnatural fiber and seek to learn new, varied techniques, so that they may knit more perfect Godly objects.

• On the first three terraces of Purgatory are purified those whose sins were caused by fun fur sweaters.
• On the fourth terrace we find sinners whose sin was that of the Martha Stewart poncho.
• On the fifth through seventh terraces are those who sinned by making granny square vests.

Thus purified, knitterly souls can direct their love fully towards God to the best of their inherent capability to do so. They are then ready to leave Mount Purgatory for Paradise. Being totally purged of sin, Purgatorio ends with the knitter's vision aimed at the stars, anticipating their ascent to heaven.

The Spheres of Paradiso
Finally, knitters possessing inordinate skill and a wholly natural fiber stash of impeccable quality, yet attained with care are ascended to heaven where they are content in knitterly bliss.

And The Winner is...

Well, I devised a very simple, random way to select the winner of my very first blog contest.

First, I wrote all three qualifying contestants names on seperate slips of paper, folded them, closed my eyes, mixed up the papers and randomly put them in a people paper clip (still with my eyes closed), then I took the people paperclips to the coffee shop where we had knit night tonight and Gwenie Gwen picked a winner out of her sock project bag and the winner is...

But wait! That's not all...I have consolation prizes for all my entrants! Yes, they get a prize, too. For being such good sports, I'm going to make a special super cool surprise for each of you, Cristi, Sarah, Rachelle! Just send me an email with your mailing address and I'll put 'em in the mail as soon as I have them ready. *wringing hands* I love this stuff!

It All Begins Now!

:) I'm all revved up and raring to go. I spent an entire 14 days at home doing nothing and I feel great! I got a little stir crazy for a little while, but my trusty posse rescued me just in the nick of time before I went all "Jack Torrence from The Shining".

During my hiatus, I'm afraid I have packed on some pounds. All I did was cook at home, watch TV, chat online, blog, knit, sleep, repeat. I DO NOT even want to get on the scale and I refuse to do so. *sigh* I'm just going to drag my carcass to the gym 4-5 times a week and "Do Work!" as my big teddy bear homie "Big Black" would say, "Yep! Time to Do Work!"

As for knitting, I find myself getting bogged down lately. I have WAY too many projects firing at once and WAY too many that I want to start. Talk about fly wheels spinning. As per usual, I shall persevere and just eek out whatever I can whenever I damn well feel like it. I did make a promise to myself that I would work on one charity and one personal item in tandem. Well, you know what I mean.

As for the yarn diet, well we'll see. I did break down and order 2 grab bags of Cherry Tree Hill at 3 AM on January 1. I mean as soon as I bumbled in the back door, I was heading straight to my laptop to see if they had any grab bags left. I managed to score a bag of Earth tones and a bag of Jewel tones. I just couldn't resist. I mean $30 for a pound of the good stuff. But, from here on out. It's swap or reach into the yarn stash until Stitches Midwest.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My Year End Blog Contest

Monday, January 1, 2007

OK! I'm going to let one of my knitter homies pick the winner from a cup tomorrow during knit night. Stay tune for the results! Chelle, CPurl and PennyKarma are the lucky 3.

Saturday, December 30, 2006

Zut Alors! Madame Chelle has made a 95% today. Now, there are three! ;)

Friday, December 29, 2006

My girl Prostiturtle entered busting out an 85% today.

CPurl17 is in the running with a big ole 95%. At this point, I'm going to have to flip a coin.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Only one entry so far, Mrs. PennyKarma who made a 95% today.

Remember to copy and paste the questions and answers and mail them to me at mailto:dulcedosa@yahoo.com
Bonne Chance, Mes Amis!

Contest Ends Promptly on December 31, 2006 at 11:59 PM PST.

---

1. What is my first name?

2. What is the name of the foundation where I will be participating in the Fast Trac Entrepreneurship program Spring 2007?

3. What is my definition of a Stitch Marker?

4. What is the title of my very first blog entry?

5. What month and year was my cat born?

6. Which "Sex & The City" character am I most like?

7. What are some of my favorite perfumes?

8. How old was my niece and how long did I keep her this summer?

9. What is my Myers Briggs Personality type?

10. Who is my favorite character from Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends?

11. How long did I have to shop in Wild Fiber Art Studio in Santa Monica?

12. If I were a crayon what color would I be?

13. What is my favorite pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks?

14. How much did I pay for the 17 balls of Muench Touch Me at The Studio Fall Flash Your Stash event?

15. What is the name and color of the yarn I will be adding to "Le Fug"?

16. In what grade did I begin knitting?

17. Where did I take my "Socks on Two Circulars" class this summer?

18. What is the brand and colors of yarn I'm using to make the Fair Isle U-Neck Pullover?

19. What pattern will I be using for my San Francisco Art Fiber yarn?

20. What is my favorite soda beverage?

Stash Busting Diet 2007

I ran across the Yarn Diet-ALong 2007 on the KnittyBoard and thought it would be a great idea. I think this is going to be more difficult than a weightloss diet. By the way, I despise the word "diet". It harkens back memories of that damn hot dog diet and the grapefruit diet and every other cockamamie diet my mom forced me to do with her while I was growing up. *sigh* It's all about portion size from here on out. Just eat what you like, but less of it and go for a walk. SIMPLE.

My plan of attack for the yarn diet is to knit up a lot of charity items with my more pragmatic yarn (LionBrand Woolease and Homespun, Caron Simply Soft), i.e. fuzzy feets, hats, lapghans for the troops recouperating in the hospitals over in Germany and Iraq. If you're interested in participating on your own you can send your items directly to Germany.

I'm a member of Yahoo! American Angels and I contacted the moderators, Lois and Laurel, to inquire about the needs of the troops and where to send items:

"Here is where you can send wounded items for Germany.
LANDSTUHL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
PASTORAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
US HOSPITAL CMR
402 APO AE 09180

We also have a couple hospitals right in Iraq we are beginning to send
slippers and helmet liners and comfortghans to - if your interested in sending
some of the fuzzy feet there let Laurel or I know - we have the address - she's
keeping track of the slipper outreach this winter as well.
Lois"

Joann Sensations Felted Knit & Crochet Purse Kit

Those who REALLY know me, know that I have a COMPULSION to buy crafts. I mean they know me by name at Joanns Etc., Michaels and Hobby Lobby.

So today, I got the SUDDEN URGE to get dressed and roll over (been eating WAY too much lately) to Joanns and see what they had on sale.

You see I'm about to unveil some new knitting accessory items in my GirleyPurls store and needed some more materials. *wringing hands* The only person that has some of my new wares is my friend Gwenie Gwen. *cheesing* I'm still working out some of the kinks, but once I finalize a production method and such. You'll see my new items displayed for all to see. YEAH!

Anywho, I'm bumbling around the yarn dept. and I spy with my left eye, this felted purse kit for $9.00 with 4 skeins of this variegated pink wool yarn that looks kinda like Paton SWS, but it's not soy silk like SWS, but for NINE DOLLARS what the heck! *shrug* So, I got 2 kits. YES!

Going to make some more fuzzy feets with it. As I was standing there perusing the lot of kits a nice lady walks up behind me and starts talking about how she felted a purse once and how expensive it was. *nod* I agreed and hipped her to the fuzzy feet. Told her to go google 'em. She was appreciative and said that she was glad she'd talked to me. YEAH! *pat on the back* I like being helpful at the store. I know where everything is, too. Sad, but true. The customers frequently ask me where stuff is and I walk them over to it. I really should get a job there, but nah.

My 2007 Well Intended Intentions

Career/Education
* Make lateral change from IT to Business Organization.
* Complete Entrepreneurship course and begin acting on business plan.

Financial
* Pay down debt.
* Decrease unnecessary spending by evaluating each expenditure as a "need" or "want".
- Limit or eliminate coffee, fast food/snack food, craft, beauty, clothing expenditures.
* Increase liquid cash and ROTH IRA savings.

Health/Fitness
* Continue to workout incorporating more cardio than strength training.
* Get a baseline mammogram.
* Continue semi-annual bloodwork and HIV tests.
* Eat more vegetables and drink more water.
* Begin martial arts class.

Personal/Love Interests
* Contact long lost friends and get to know extended family.
* Continue search for long term partner.
* Continue communication with close friends and family.
* Invite family & friends to visit me here in KC instead of traveling to visit them.

Hobbies
* No store bought sweaters, socks or dishclothes.

• I'll knit my own from here on out. That way when I get tired or (Gawd Forbid) outgrow a sweater, I can frog it and make something else.

* Destash! Destash! Destash!

• I'm well on my way to accomplishing that by selling off my novelty furry fun fiber and knitting for charity.

* Master toe up 2 socks on 2 circular sock knitting.

• I want to be able to knit socks without referring to a book for guidance.

* Host regular monthly social events at my house.

• I need to have people over to my house more often. Maybe I can host a Sunday Knit Afternoon, Game Day Saturday where we play Cranium or SceneIT, drink, KNIT and watch movies.

* Knit in Public. Knit Outside.

• Get outside and enjoy my porch and my deck more often!

Fibretech Wooden Cable Needle Set Review

Since it seems to be virtually impossible (always sold out) to find a set of the Brittany Wooden Cable Needle Sets, I decided to give the Fibretech Wooden Cable Needle Set at KnitPicks a try.

LOVE THEM! They are light and grippy. I'm using the large one with my Vintage Velvet scarf. I like that I can just hook it into the knitting as I go along and it doesn't fall out.

FO: Toe Up Fuzzy Feet

This is my attempt at making a pair of huge toe-up socks that will become a pair of felted slippers. Created toe-up using the "2 socks on 2 circulars" method.

Toe Up Fuzzy Feet
adapted from Knitty! Fuzzy Feet by Theresa Vinson Stenersen

Materials
- (2) US11 24" circulars
- 3 skeins Patons Classic Merino Wool. I used Bright Red.

* I wound the original skeins into 4 smaller balls for each sock. The extra skein is just in case.

- Stitch markers

Gauge: 3 sts. by 5 rows holding 2 strands together.

Finishsed Unfelted Size: 7" wide by 12" long

Finished Felted Size: 6" wide by 10" long

Cast on 9 sts.

Weave in the loose ends to reinforce the toe.
Increase using your favorite method to 22 sts. on each circular; a total of 44 sts.

Continue to the desired foot length, then begin gusset increases.
- In my case, for 10" foot begin gusset increases 4" from toe.

Choose one side of the socks as the heels and work the instep stitches without increases.
Begin working the gusset increases on both sides of each heel.
At the 6th gusset increase, begin slipstich under the heel.

Continue to work gusset increases incorporating the slipstitching until you have 15 sts. on each side of the heel.

Stop the gusset increases and continue in the slipstitch pattern for the heel turn another 2 inches for a total of 12 inches for the sole of the slipper.

Begin turning the heel, leaving 9 sts. in the center.

Join the heel and gusset stitches.

End on the outside (knit side) with x sts. on the left and x sts. on the right sides of the heels.

You'll have xx sts. on the heel side and xx sts. on the instep for each sock.
* You can increase 2 sts. on each side of the heel if you want.

Work the cuff for 2 and bind off loosely using crochet hook.

The socks are ready to felt at this point. Keeping in mind that they will shrink more lengthwise than widthwise.

The Reason for the Season

As I sit and reflect on what is really important to me today.

I remember that the reason for today is the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

All that is dear to me are my family and friends who know and love me and I them.

This is what today is all about. Love, family and friends.

Merry Christmas Everyone.

Le Fug Est Arrive'

So, I FINALLY opened the fugbox this afternoon and was pleasantly delighted to see that Kathy (OldLadyPenPal) included a package of sweet minty morsels! YES! Perfect excuse for homemade brownies now. Merci beaucoup, Madame PenPal.



Voici Le Fug!

*singing*
The Fug is on My Bum! The Fug is on My Bum! LOL!
Remember the Tom Green diddy "...the *insert object* is on my bum" song?



*hehehe* I even made Gwen model it. Well, kinda. She was rather perturbed by the fug resting on her like that. LOL! Ewww...


I shall be adding my extra special name sake fiber to this creation, Patons Carmen in Chocolate. C'est parfait, non?

Christmas Came Early! Thanks Gwen!

My good friend, Gwen gave me the cutest gift tonight at our new knit spot, Dunn Bros. Coffee.

Gwen gave me this beautiful handblown glass bowl which was elegantly appointed inside a very cute Christmas bag which held an even cuter round box inside which was the bowl.

She, also, gave me these handmade needle point protectors by Valda Miller of SewManiacs.

Aren't they cute?
I was thinking about trying to make some out of clay the other day while wondering around JoAnns, but alas, I will not allow myself to buy ANYMORE CRAFT STUFF! NONE!
OH MY GAWD! I'm drowning in stuff now. *sigh*

Anywho, much love to Gwenie Gwen Gwen. :D I appreciate the thought. They are my most favorite gifts already.

The Big Christmas Push

*heavy sigh*
Is it over yet? Oy Vey.

So, I've been procrastinating (as I'm apt to do) and I'm up against it now.
I've decided to bestow my lovely family with handmade gifts this year.
I'm making flannel gowns and jammies for my Nanny (Maternal Grandmother), my Mommy and myself. I got a deal at JoAnns during Black Friday. They had flannel for .99 a yard. Can't buy jammies much cheaper than that. Nevermind the fact, that you can't really find plus sized flannel jammies these days, anyway.




In addition, I'm making another pair of fuzzy feets for my mommy. I'm probably going to redo Nanny's fuzzy feets. Yes, feets...sound cuter that way, no?

I got lazy when I came to my two brothers, I'm just giving them gift cards and I've been hoarding toys all year for my nieces and nephew.

Now, I've got to barocade myself up in my attic and crank out some sewing projects. Did I mention I'm, also, going to sew myself a church outfit. I'm, actually, looking forward to going this year. I'll be making the black version.

I Love Me Some Madea!

It all began when my play brother, Scott called me "Madea" this past Thanksgiving.
Every year, I go over to my adopted KC family's house and I was in the kitchen fussing over a relish plate I was putting together and bossing folks around like I'm apt to do when he said, "GIRL! You know you like Madea!" LOL! I said, "Yeah, I'm ole school like that...you know I'm g'on be like her when I get old, too. They don't make 'em like that no mo'."

Created by the infamous playwright, producer, actor, director Tyler Perry.
Mabel "Madea" Simmons is a matriarch. She is strong and prophetic. She is that ole school Southern mother figure that you just love to love. The one you turn to when you do know where to turn.

It's funny. This time last year, I was entangled in what I can lightly call a mess with a man that was undeserving of my mere presence. Now, I sit and watch "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" and thank God that I am alone, safe, sane and secure. No drama.

I love me some Madea, she reminds me that I'm doing just fine.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

Diary of a Mad Black Woman

*Scene where the Mistress comes upstairs to discover Madea sitting in her closet amongst the ruins of her brand new designer wear purchased by sugar daddy Charles McCarter.*

Mistress: "Wuh the..." "Who are you?"
Madea: "Who are you?!"
Mistress: "I'm the owner of this house!"
Madea: "*annt* Wrong answer! My granddaugher Helen is the owner of THIS house! You the Ho. You ain't got no power or no deed!"
Mistress: "Did you do this! This is Vera Wang"
Madea: "She do nails? I need to get my nails did."
Mistress: "That's it! I'm calling the police!"
Madea: "I ain't scared of no Po Po. Call the Po Po, Ho. Call the Po Po, Ho!"
Mistress: "If I call the police they are going to be here in 10 mins."
Madea: "OK! That leave me 9 to beat the hell outta you"
Mistress: "You think! I know Tai Kwon Do"
Madea: "and I know WHOOP YO ASS!"
Mistress: *hi* *ya*
Madea: "Come on! Brang it on! You don't know me! I'm from the projects"

*Scene where cousins Brian Simmons and Helen McCarter are sitting in the front yard catching up during Madea's House Arrest Cookout*

Helen: "Brian can you handle my divorce?"
Brian: "You don't even have to ask?"
Helen: "I always thought that if I did all I could. God would bless my marriage"
Brian: "It takes a lot more than you doing all you can. And who is to say that this is not your blessing. You know sometimes we hold on to the things that God Himself is trying to tear apart"
Helen: "You know it ain't easy. You know women we love hard"
Brian: "And men don't? Ehhh...I don't know if I agree with that. We don't love as easy, but when we love we love just as hard."

*Scene where Helen visits her mother*

Helen: "I think I'm losing my mind, Mama. He hurt me so bad. He was my everything."
Mama: "God is your everythang. Don't you know he's a jealous God. He don't want no man before him."
Helen: "I don't even know where to begin picking up the pieces of my life"
Mama: "...I think I shielded you way too much. Now you gotta get out there and try to stand on your own two feet."
Helen: "Oh Mama. I can't do that. I'm not strong like you."
Mama: "Sure you are. You got the strength God gave us women to survive! You just ain't tapped into it yet."
Mama: "Come on. Come on."
Helen: *kneels at her mother's bossom and cries"
Mama: "Just let it go. Nothing wrong with shedding a few tears. It cleanses the soul. You know. You need to stop thinking about what you think you lost and look forward to what there is to gain. It's a new life baby. It's right in front of you. All you got to do is reach out and grab it."
Helen: "How do I do that mama? How?"
Mama: "By waking up everyday in the morning and thanking God that you did and you ask Him to help you. Just ask the savior to help you."

*scene where Helen writes in here diary*
April 18, 2003
Dear Diary.
Everyday I wake up. I take my mother's advice. Most days, I don't want to get out of bed, but I do. Some people say one day at a time. Seems too long for me. Most days all I can do is moment to moment. Good thing about being this low is that there's no where to go but up.

May 12, 2003
Dear Diary.
*sigh of relief* I'm beginning to find my way. It's been close to 3 months and everyday gets a little easier. Even though we are still battling Charles in court, I don't even give it that much energy anymore. I don't understand this, but its strange how little can be so much when you're happy. I find myself smiling and laughing more than I ever have. I find myself...wait a minute. That's it. I'm finding myself.

*scene where Brian stops by to see Madea and his father Joe after his drug addicted wife, Debra stops by for a meal in the middle of the night and to beg for help.*
*Brian drops the kids off at Madea's and Brian's daughter, Tiffany is upset because she can't sing in the choir*
Brian: "Madea, I don't want to hear it. She's not singing in that choir"
Madea: "Brian! Just cause sanging lead Debra to drugs don't mean the same thang g'on happ'n to your daughter"
Madea: "And why you put Debra out the house the other night? You need to try to help her"
Joe: "Hell no! Don't do that. That is stu-pid."
Brian: "I've done all I can, Madea"
Joe: "You right! Let me tell you something what I learned. You can't turn no ho into no housewife. I'm telling you. I tried it with your mama. Oooo that was terrible."
Brian: "Madea, I can't keep putting these kids though this, ok?
Madea: "Brian! You is using them chil'ren like a crutch. You undersand what I'm telling you. Any fool can see you love that woman with all your might. You need to help her. And at the same time it might help you. "
Madea: "Listen! You take your daughter on down there and let her sang in that church choir!
That is construction what she doing. she need to do something contstruction. Love is stronger than any addiction, baby! Hell, it is one."

FO: Knitty! Fuzzy Feet

Thursday, December 14, 2006
Recently, I decided to make a pair of fuzzy feet slippers for my Nanny's Christmas present. I wish I had modified the pattern to do these the Crazy Toes & Heels way instead of a traditional cuff down heel flap way. As a matter of fact, as I type this I'm thinking that I should just frog the pair I just finished and redo them. *sigh*
I just don't like the holey gusset and heel join and the lumpy heel turn and I REALLY don't like kitchnering the toe shut. I bet I can eeeck out a pair of fuzzy feet in a couple days the CTH way now.

---

OK! For some reason, it just dawned on me that I could knit a few Christmas gifts.
*faceplams* WHY NOW! *shrug* I on't know! *sigh*

So, I thought I might up the anty a bit and try to crank out a couple fuzzy feet before I go home for the holidays. They would be the perfect gift for my nanny since she mainly putters around the house now anyway. If I can muster another pair, I'll gift those to my mommy.

Looks like the fuzzy feet are a perfect candidate for 2 at since the heel flap is the same as the stitches on one circular, i.e. heel flap = 22 sts and you cast on 44 sts. total.

*fingers crossed* Here we go!

LCpl. Logan Wrote Me!

As a follow-up to my "For the Boys" post, I am pleased to share the thoughtful letter I got back from one of my "boys" over in Afghanistan. It's never to late to make a difference in someone else's life. Here is what Logan had to say upon receiving the packages I sent a couple weeks ago.

Rob & Big Episode 5: Happy Birthday

Happy REALLY BELATED Birthday, Rob!

During this week's episode, Rob celebrates his 3xth birthday with his homies, Big, Bam Bam, Meaty and newest character, cousin Drama.

For some odd reason, Meaty's hind quarters received and inordinate amount of attention.
Resulting in an impromtu poolside canine enema of sorts and a trip to the groomer. Both attempts to destink Meaty failed. A little hint guys. Perhaps you might try adjusting Meaty's diet. Perhaps, a trip to the vet for a nutritional evaluation.

Or maybe, the lovely Erin Naimi might be able to assist Meaty, too. ;)

The whole booty sniffing thing is what really caught my attention in this episdoe.

Aside from that, Big and Bam gave Rob a few birthday baptisms in the pool. Then, there was the ghetto fabulous skate boarding event at Rob's high school alma mater. Rob severly punked the school yard security guard. LOL! That was pretty funny. He was scared of Big and all he could do was wag his finger and fuss, but you notice he didn't step to Big. LOL! Then, Rob & Big got tattoos. Rob got his "relentless" tat and Big went with the BB. Later, Big failed in his quest to become the Big Wangs "Lord of the Wings", but Bam saved the day by stealthfully capturing the coveted "Lord of the Wings Cup" on behalf of Lord Rob of the Dyrdek Shire.

The posse ended the birthday mania with a night of clubbing and debauchery ending in a cake fight and a splash in the pool. *sigh* No wonder poor Meaty has gas. Did you see him slurping up the cake off the floor!?

Knitwear Designer Abomination Nation

So, I was perusing the Vintage Knits pattern catalog today and came across what I can lightly call some of the most abominable patterns EVER! Hey! Maybe there's SOMEONE besides the designer who thinks these are HOT, but good lawd...I mean look at them...geezus!
My criteria for abomination is that even if you were to (without altering the construction) use a different type or color of yarn (to make the pattern more palettable, subtle or modern), the end result would still be distasteful, then it is an abomination of the knitting kind.

Let's start with the women's patters, shall we? Without further adieu, I give you:

The Sassy Shag Jacket published of Annie's Fashion Wardrobe #20 (Mar/Apr 1988)
Shag Jacket with the look of a shaggy poncho! Crochet this on a mesh lining, couldn't be easier!
*no comment! The piece speaks for itself*

















The Crocheted Fringe Dress of McCall's Creative Handcrafts Vol. 4 (1972).
Fringed dress to crochet for your next party!
*The only party I can think of for this dress is a Swinger's Party. *guh*
*If you have to wear something underneath to keep from being completely naked...dont' wear it. The purple leotard and leggings look better than the crocheted dress!*

Finally, I decree a ban on all granny square clothing patterns.

WIP REPORT: My SKS Waffle Rib Toe Ups

They are coming along slowly, but surely. The Sensational Knitted Socks Waffle Rib was a good beginner sock pattern choice since the ribbing will grip my foot and calf very nicely and it's not an entirely boring pattern.

I'm going to keep knitting up the cuff until I run out of yarn. Looks like I've got about 3-4 more inches to go before I run out and start the cuff ribbing and bind off. The best part is that I will have a pair of socks ready to go when I'm done. YES!