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December 29, 2006
Eye Candy Friday
I've been playing with my new camera. I have another snow day, so I was outside practicing. This photography business is going to take some serious work. However, I did manage to get a few pictures of my front door (and I think they're pretty decent).
December 28, 2006
It's All About The Pictures
The thing that makes a blog good is the writing, but it's also a whole lot about the pictures. Bad pictures make a boring, tiresome blog. But good pictures and everyone gets excited to stop by and say hi. The writing around here is pretty straight forward. Nothing earth shattering, but generally pretty coherent and every once in awhile kind of funny. So, the key for me is the pictures. And I have to admit to being a whole lot lazy and dissatisfied with my photos. But dear readers, that is about to change. One of my goals for 2007 is to make a conscious effort to take better pictures. I need to find a good place to take pictures in the evening - a backdrop and lighting. I ordered a tripod in an attempt to take advantage of longer exposure times and use the flash less. But, I imagine it will be like anything - a process. But, I have one big advantage in my corner - a new camera.
It's a teeny, tiny little Canon SD800IS and I love it. I'm still reading the book (there are 2 books and I'm through one and about half way through the second), but eventually I'll have it figured out. I wish there was another ABC along for 2007 because I think I'd like to try to improve my skills with a lovely little "along" like that.
Travis bought be a lovely lightweight down jacket and this pretty bench for my entryway.
And my sister bought me a great new bag for my computer and a little bit of everything else a girl might need. This thing has a bunch of pockets and an ID number in case it ever gets lost. Isn't that the greatest idea?
I got a lot of other great gifts, including a new house for my Christmas village. It turned out to be a merry Christmas, despite all the stress and anxiety beforehand. And more important than any gift was spending time with my family and talking to those I couldn't be with.
I don't know about you, but I'm really ready for 2007. I hope things work themselves out how they're supposed to and that 2007 is a great year.
December 26, 2006
The Start of Something Good
I hope you all had a very merry Christmas and you got to spend the holiday with those you love most. We had a lovely weekend with Travis' family. The time was too short, as usual, but nice nonetheless. It was a very relaxing weekend, which is just what I needed. I spent some time shopping, some time knitting, and some time cooking. All my favorite things. Oh and let's not forget the time spent eating - that was indeed a large portion of the time. How was your Christmas?
I started the baby Dale sweater over the weekend. I just have to tell you that it really helps if you read the chart the right way. Before you roll your eyes at my stupidity - it really wasn't that obvious. The charts are labeled with letters - Chart A, B, C, etc. And the labels are on the sides so that the letter is right side up if you look at the chart horizontally. However, you're supposed to read the chart vertically. Go figure. Anyway, despite the slow start and the chart-reading challenges, I made some nice progress.
I'm on the plain white stockinette portion of the sweater, so that should go quickly. I am going to try to dedicate most of my knitting time over the next couple of weeks to this project because I'd really like to try my best to get it done before the baby shower on the 13th of January. Just as an aside, I did get a bit of the second knee high done over the weekend - those times when mindless knitting was much more practical than anything that requires 5 balls of yarn. I turned the heel and have started on the never-ending leg. I imagine I'll be done by 2008.
Travis plowed and blew snow for about 4 hours today. We haven't gotten any more snow than we had last week, but I think the wind has blown every bit of snow in a 2 mile radius into our driveway. I'll have to take some pictures of the snow mountains we now have - they're quite impressive. Hopefully the wind will settle down a bit. Snowy, windy roads make the drive to work a real pain in the ass. Not that work itself isn't a pain in the ass, but crappy roads make it oh so much worse. Sigh. 2007 and all it has to offer is just around the corner. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for something good. Tomorrow I'll have a report on a couple of the goodies I got from Santa and the family - one of which should make this blog a little nicer place.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:24 PM | Comments (21)December 22, 2006
Eye Candy Friday
This is my Christmas village. My mom buys me another house every year and it's one of the really great traditions we have. I love getting each one out and looking at the details and remembering when I got it.
Happy Holidays.
Posted by Stephanie at 2:57 PM | Comments (11)December 21, 2006
White Christmas
We are indeed going to have a white Christmas. And since so many of you aren't going to have one, I thought I'd share mine.
Riley thinks the snow is pretty fabulous - he likes to plow through it and bury his head in the drifts. Weird dog.
Short legged dog included for scale. That's after shoveling the snow off of the patio last night and this morning.
I'm home from work today, so I should theoretically get some knitting done. Who knows, I might even remember to take a picture or two for tomorrow.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:50 AM | Comments (37)December 20, 2006
A Small Step
The Christmas spirit is slowly showing itself at my house. This weekend the tree showed up.
It took me all weekend and a mild break-down to get it decorated, but as always, it was worth it.
I just love a Christmas tree. There's just something about it that makes the holidays seem real. My house isn't getting the same level of decoration it usually gets, but I have the tree, my beautiful nativity scene, and my Christmas village and I'm pretty good with that. I sent my Christmas letters and packages and have all of my gifts wrapped but one (it's a big box and I need more paper). So, all in all I'm feeling pretty good. Knitting has stalled except for a scarf I'm working on for a friend's daughter for Christmas (and I need to hurry up on that), but the Norwegian baby sweater is coming with me on Christmas vacation, so I hope for progress on that while I'm gone. The weather people are predicting lots and lots of snow and blizzard conditions for Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska today and tomorrow, but so far we haven't seen anything. I'd love it if it would snow enough so I could go home early today and stay home tomorrow, but then of course I want the roads clear by Saturday for everyone travelling for Christmas. I know they say you can't have it all, but if you can it would seem this would be the time of year for it.
December 18, 2006
Weirdness
Chrisine so kindly thought I should share 6 weird things about myself and so she tagged me with a meme. Here are the rules:
Each player of this game starts with the ‘6 weird things about you.' People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says ‘you are tagged' in their comments and tell them to read your blog.
Here are my 6 weird things:
1. I believe I am allergic to paraben. This is a recent revelation and using products without paraben has seemed to help my skin (and problem skin has been a life-long battle for me).
2. I don't drink coffee. At all. Ever. I don't like it. But I do like kahlua. Go figure. In the interest of full disclosure, I did have a small peppermint mocha from Starbucks today, but I only had a half a shot of espresso. It tasted more like dark hot chocolate than coffee.
3. I like to be home by myself. I love it when Travis ropes on Friday nights because I get to eat whatever I want for dinner and watch television and knit. Just me and Riley.
4. I hate sorting the mail. I will let it pile up for a week before I throw the junk away and sort the bills. But, I clean my desk at work off every single night and put everything away. Nothing is allowed to pile up in my office. Even I find that weird.
5. I love clothes and make-up, but I still consider myself a tom boy.
6. Kids aren't really my thing. I don't want to have kids, but kids love me. If I'm in a room with a bunch of people the little kids will seek me out and talk to me. Do kids sense fear?
Ok, that's it for me. I'm going to tag Yahaira, Angela, Jenn, Rebekah, and anyone else who wants to play.
Posted by Stephanie at 4:12 PM | Comments (17)December 15, 2006
Eye Candy, Vegas Style
The fountain at the Bellagio from the top of the Eifel tower.
December 14, 2006
Where'd I Put My Christmas Spirit?
Have you seen it? Because I seem to have misplaced it. I don't know how it happened, but Christmas snuck up on me. I am doing pretty good on my shopping (just a couple of things left to buy), but the rest of it is a total disaster. Can I just say that without the internet the shopping would be a disaster as well. I don't have a tree and I haven't put a single decoration up in my house. I wrapped 2 presents the night before last, but still have a lot more to wrap. Baking? Not happening. I sincerely hope Travis' mom is doing some or else Santa won't have a single treat when he comes to visit. And thank goodness I had the brains to not try any Christmas knitting because that would have been a total disaster. I usually love Christmas, but this year I am just out of the swing of things. Maybe it's a result of my general confusion and dissatisfaction or maybe I've pushed my procrastination habits to the extreme. Who knows. Anyway, tomorrow I have an eye doctor appointment in the early afternoon and then I'm going to buy a tree.
In the spirit of Christmas, here's a meme I found on Carole's blog:
Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate. Although I have a really good egg nog recipe that I usually make on Christmas Eve. It has brandy in it. You understand don't you?
Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree?
Santa wraps presents at my house and always has - unless it was something like a bike. Then it just got a pretty bow.
Colored or white lights on the tree/house?
I have white and colored lights for the tree and it depends on my mood. The last couple of years have been white lights. Travis doesn't let me put lights on the house because he says no one will see them. I think the fact that we would see them should be enough, but I don't want to climb on the extension ladder by myself. So, we don't have lights on the house. I do have 2 large outside wreaths that have white lights.
Do you hang mistletoe?
No, but I really want one of those fresh kissing balls. Maybe next year.
When do you put up your decorations?
I usually put my decorations up the second Saturday of December. I try to wait until after Travis' birthday on the 10th, but sometimes that doesn't work out. We usually go cut a tree. This year? Well, you already know that story.
What's your favorite holiday dish?
Christmas cookies!
Favorite holiday memory as a child?
Every Christmas Eve we went to my grandmother's house (Grandma Toots - my dad's mom). We always got to wear our pretty Christmas dresses and on the drive (about an hour) we would listen to Christmas music on the radio. My grandma decided when we were little that it was way too much fun to open the presents to be bothered with a fancy Christmas dinner, so she decided that we would eat chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese on paper plates. That way no one had to wait until the dishes were done to open packages. I think the chicken nuggets only lasted a year or two, but we still eat mac & cheese and baked ham (and use dishes that can go in the dishwasher).
When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I'm not sure what this question is talking about. Santa is one really cool little magical guy.
Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Only when we go to my Grandma Toots' house.
What kind of decorations are on your tree?
Lots of lights and glass balls. I try to buy one ornament every year and we have lots that were given to us. Here's my tree from last year.
Snow! Love it or dread it?
I love it except when I have to drive to work in it. And around here the snow rarely falls straight down. It is usually accompanied by 40 mph winds and falls sideways. That's not very nice.
Can you ice skate?
Yes, but not well. Now sledding - I'm a champion sledder.
Do you remember your favorite gift?
I don't really have a favorite gift. I remember some that were less than ideal, but I'm really very spoiled and get pretty much what I ask for.
What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Being with family and friends and remembering the true meaning of the season.
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Cutting a Christmas tree with Travis and Riley
What tops your tree?
An angel
What is your favorite holiday book?
I have a collection of Christmas novels that I reread every year.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
Silent Night
Candy Canes! Yummy or Yuck?
Yummy! At Christmas time.
Now it's your turn.
Posted by Stephanie at 3:43 PM | Comments (14)December 13, 2006
Vegas Didn't Kill Me
But work just might. Why is it that coming back to work after a vacation is so much worse than it ever was before you left? Vegas was fun, but tiring. The whole drinking and smoking and gambling thing isn't my bag. There wasn't enough knitting. Ok, seriously, the rodeo was really good and there were a lot of people there Travis and I high school and college rodeoed with and we had a great time catching up. I was just amazed at how many kids they all have. Makes me feel old.
I have made some progress on the second sock. I have about 7 inches done. A couple of more and I'll be ready for the heel. Then begins the never-ending leg. Sigh. I have a baby sweater (a Dale) that needs to be done by January 10th. So, when do you think I should start that? Do you think I can finish the sock first or should I start on the sweater immediately? I decided to make a 12 month size because the little guy is supposed to be born in February and the whole family is going to Norway next year for Christmas. Hopefully he can wear his sweater and hat in Norway - there isn't much need for a wool sweater and hat in Phoenix.
Here we are on the top of the "Eifel Tower" at the Paris.
December 6, 2006
Happiness
I'm not really sure how this post should go. Partly I think because my thoughts are jumbled and random and partly because I'm not sure how much you all care to hear about. I do know that I am not the writer some of you are, but I will muddle through. There have a been few posts in the last couple of days that have really struck a cord with me. For quite awhile now I've been dealing with issues of being in a job and possibly a career that I'm not sure are a good fit. The problem is that I don't know if it's the job or the career and I'm not sure how to pinpoint my feelings of dissatisfaction. I've been doing quite a bit of soul searching and job hunting and talking to people I respect about where I should consider looking and things I should consider that might be a bit out of the box. So far, nothing has really come up. I do believe the right thing will, but the challenge is spotting that right thing when it lands on your doorstep, or you on its. I do know that I love the law itself, but I'm not sure I love the practice of law. Does that even make sense? I don't know if you see the distinction, but to me it is a fine, but distinct line. I've been thinking about a total change in focus. Right now I represent state agencies - administrative law (as we boring lawyers like to call it). Would criminal law be more to my taste? Would private practice? The problem with these questions is that the answers are not out there for me to just happen upon. How do I know what will suit without actually trying it on for size? I really wish there was some test you could take that would tell you what you should do with your life.
In the midst of all of this turmoil and self-doubt I find that I am remarkably lucky in my personal life. I have a wonderful husband (Don't get me wrong, he has his days. Shedir anyone?), a nice house, and hobbies and friends that mean the world to me. But, I think that sometimes it's easy for me to just push the professional dissatisfaction under the rug and remind myself of all the things I have to be grateful for. And I am grateful. But, I also realize that it's ok to want it all. Well, at least all when it comes to happiness. I don't think that makes me gready or selfish (ok, maybe a little) - it just is. So, where do I go from here? How do I get where I need to be? I don't know the answers and the process so far has proven fairly painful. Part of that pain comes from the limited opportunities of living in a small state (population wise) and a small town. The jobs just aren't out there like they would be in a city. And right now I can't look elsewhere. Travis has committed to a large commercial construction project that will take about a year, so relocation is out for now. I've been thinking of teaching, starting my own business, writing, and maybe just hiding under the bed for awhile. I do know that I'll eventually figure it out and then the really hard part will happen. Making those dreams a reality is so much harder than figuring out what the dream is.
I'm off to Las Vegas this afternoon (when you can't figure out your life, go on vacation!). I'm meeting my college roommate and we're going to do some Christmas shopping and girly stuff, and then Travis is flying out Friday evening to meet us (he can't get away from work). The National Finals Rodeo is going on right now, and that's the real reason for the trip, but I can't pass up the shopping. I'm really excited that the new laptop is coming with me, so I am going to try really hard to post while I'm gone. I thought I might be able to get something really great for Eye Candy Friday (I mean Vegas and Eye Candy are practically synonomous aren't they?). Oh, anyone know of any must-see yarn stores in Vegas? The second knee high is going with me. I hope the lack of other knitting distractions will be the boost I need to make some good progress. I very much enjoy the Piece of Beauty yarn, but that is one long sock, especially for a second sock.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:40 AM | Comments (39)December 4, 2006
A Knee High
It was another crazy weekend around here. There was very little unwinding going on and a whole lot of running around like a chicken with it's head cut off (as my dad would say). I swear I need another day off, but that isn't how it works, so I will just make the best of it. I was supposed to teach a class at the yarn store on Saturday - it was an informal come by and learn to knit a scarf for Christmas kind of thing. Two men were supposed to come, but they went elk hunting instead. Ah well, that's Wyoming for you. I was a little disappointed, but I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that hunting would beat out knitting (although those priorities are completely skewed in my mind). After the yarn store was Travis' Christmas party. We were an hour late (don't ask), but it was a nice time as far as those work functions go anyway.
Travis left for a business trip to Boise early yesterday (and by the way, this getting up at 6:30 on Saturday and Sunday needs to stop or I'm going to do some serious damage to my lovely Bose radio - I should at least get to sleep until 7:30 on the weekends). After he left I spent the next 3 hours on the phone with Apple technical assistance trying to figure out why my wireless internet wasn't working. I must say, they are very helpful (except for one guy who talked to me like I was 5 years old and didn't have a good grasp of the English language) and we finally got it straightened out. I now have entered the 21st century - high-speed wireless internet. I am so excited I'm just beside myself. But as soon as I got it all up and running, I had to leave to go knit with a friend and I couldn't even play on it. My friend has been knitting for awhile, but she wanted to learn how to knit continental so I went to her house and taught her, her daughter, and her good friend how to knit continental. It was a lot of fun to sit and knit with some girls - I really don't get to do that very often. And as a bonus, Ann made the most delicious lunch - grilled cheese sandwiches with brie, granny smith apples, and bacon. Yum. I do believe I have a new favorite sandwich.
As far as knitting this weekend, it was a bit scarce. But, I did manage to finish part of a project! One knee high is done.
That sucker is 18 inches tall. It is times like this being tall really sucks. I bound off using a 3.75mm needle, but the bind off is still too tight. So, I'm going to take it out and use a stretchier bind-off recommended by Yahaira. I should be able to do that tonight - hopefully.
