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March 2005
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100 things about me
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Why don't kids play in the snow? My neighborhood has quite a few kids ranging from stroller to early college. We have only 1 snowman in the area, largely made by the adults of the household. I didn't see a single child outside playing all weekend. I got to work this morning and had this email waiting. I'm sure most everyone has received this at one time or another.
This one is to the kids who survived the 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's.....
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they
carried us. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing and didn't get tested for
diabetes. Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored
lead-based paints.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we
rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, bread and butter and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back
when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down
the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..........WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and ate worms and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes, nor did the worms live in us forever.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang
the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little league had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't
had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They
actually sided with the law!
This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers
and inventors ever! The past 50 years have bee an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO
DEAL WITH IT ALL! And YOU are one of them! CONGRATULATIONS! Please pass this on to others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the
government regulated our lives for our own good.
Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?! :-)
On the other hand, I had a very productive weekend. I wasn't feeling well but managed to finish Woodrow, a pair of fingerless mitts and a hat! Pictures tonight after I go get a new camera battery.
I just couldn't resist this email my SIL sent me today. I'm a Catfish and the Husband is a Boiled Peanut. Quite a good combination, if you ask me.
*** for those who aren't from the South, just let me know if you need help translatin'. 
OKRA (Dec 22 - Jan 20) Are tough on the outside but tender on the inside.
Okras have tremendous influence. An older Okra can look back over his life
and see the seeds of his influence everywhere. You can do something good
each day if you try.
CHITLIN (Jan 21 - Feb 19) Chitlins come from humble backgrounds. A Chitlin, however, will make something of himself if he is motivated and has lots of seasoning. In dealing with Chitlins, be careful they may surprise you. They can erupt like Vesuvius. Chitlins are best with Catfish and Okra.
BOLL WEEVIL (Feb 20 - March 20) You have an overwhelming curiosity. You're unsatisfied with the surface of things, and you feel the need to bore deep into the interior of everything. Needless to say, you are very intense and driven as if you had some inner hunger. You love to stay busy and tend to work too much. Nobody in their right mind is going to marry you, so don't
worry about it.
MOON PIE (March 21 - April 20) You're the type that spends a lot of time on
the front porch. A cinch to recognize the physical appearance of Moon Pies.
Big and round are the key words here. You should marry anybody who you can get remotely interested in the idea. It's not going to be easy. You always
have a big smile and are happy. This might be the year to think about
aerobics. Maybe not.
POSSUM (April 21 - May 21) When confronted with life's difficulties, possums have a marked tendency to withdraw and develop a don't-bother-me-about-it attitude. Sometimes you become so withdrawn, people actually think you're dead. This strategy is probably not psychologically healthy but seems to work for you. You are a rare breed. Most folks love to watch you work and play. You are a night person and mind your own business.
CRAWFISH (May 22 - June 21) Crawfish is a water sign. If you work in an
office, you're hanging around the water cooler. Crawfish prefer the beach to
the mountains, the pool to the golf course, and the bathtub to the living
room. You tend not to be particularly attractive physically, but you have
very, very good heads.
COLLARDS (June 22 - July 23) Collards have a genius for communication. They love to get in the melting pot of life and share their essence with the
essence of those around them. Collards make good social workers,
psychologists, and baseball managers. As far as your personal life goes, if
you are Collards, stay away from Crawfish. It just won't work. Save yourself
a lot of heartache.
CATFISH (July 24 - Aug 23) Catfish are traditionalists in matters of the heart, although one's whiskers may cause problems for loved ones. You Catfish are never easy people to understand. You run fast. You work and play hard. Even though you prefer the muddy bottoms to the clear surface of life, you are liked by most. Above all else, Catfish should stay away from MoonPies.
GRITS (Aug 24 - Sept 23) Your highest aim is to be with others like
yourself. You like to huddle together with a big crowd of other Grits. You
love to travel though, so maybe you should think about joining a club. Where
do you like to go? Anywhere they have cheese, gravy, bacon, butter, or eggs and a good time. If you can go somewhere where they have all these things,
that serves you well. You are pure in heart.
BOILED PEANUTS (Sept 24 - Oct 23) You have a passionate desire to help your fellow man. Unfortunately, those who know you best, your friends and loved ones, may find that your personality is much too salty, and their criticism will affect you deeply because you are really much softer than you appear. You should go right ahead and marry anybody you want to because in a certain way, yours is a charmed life. On the road of life, you can be sure that people will always pull over and stop for you.
BUTTER BEAN (Oct 24 - Nov 22) Always invite a Butter Bean to a party because Butter Beans get along well with everybody. You, as a Butter Bean, should be proud. You've grown on the vine of life, and you feel at home no matter what the setting. You can sit next to anybody. However, you, too, shouldn't have anything to do with Moon Pies.
ARMADILLO (Nov 23 - Dec 21) You have a tendency to develop a tough exterior, but you are actually quite gentle and kind inside. A good evening for you? Old friends, a fire, some roots, fruit, worms, and insects. You are a
throwback. You're not concerned with today's fashions and trends. You're not concerned with anything about today. You're almost prehistoric in your
interests and behavior patterns. You probably want to marry another
Armadillo, but a Possum is another somewhat kinky mating possibility.
The TNNA Show in Long Beach was v. interesting, lots of fun and a great learning experience. However it was also exhausting, both mentally and physically. I really could use a nap right now. The good news? I couldn't believe how many great, new yarns, very cool patterns and gorgeous new bags are out there. Not to mention the new colors! Check out Knit Happens for a sneak peak. But I'm too tired to think of a proper blog entry. 
I need large amounts of caffeine.
Here's a few little known facts about me. It's one of those emails on "Getting to Know Your Friends." This one did have a few new questions than ones I've seen in the past. But I'm not emailing it to a bunch of people. They can read it here. 
1. IF YOU COULD BUILD A SECOND HOUSE ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD IT BE. Somewhere in the BVIs. Perhaps Norman or Peter Island.
2. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING? The beautiful Noro jacket I wore at the TNNA show. My Clapotis is a strong second. Or is that an accessory?
3. THE LAST CD YOU BOUGHT? Prince Greatest Hits 1 and 2 or something like that.
4. WHAT TIME DO YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? 5:30 am
5. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM VACATION DESTINATION? Vacation I’ve been on and always want to return to is sailing in the British Virgin Islands. Someplace I’ve never been to and want to go is Australia.
6. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE KITCHEN APPLIANCE? A chef.
7. IF YOU COULD PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Piano
8. FAVORITE COLOR? Hmmmm, let me think. Orange!
9. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SPORTS CAR OR SUV? One of each, please.
10. DO YOU BELIEVE IN AFTERLIFE? Sure.
11. FAVORITE CHILDREN'S BOOK? Curious George.
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON? Fall
13. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPER POWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? What exactly is a Super Power? If we are going with Superman’s powers it would be speed. If we are going with Wonder Woman's it's the super-cool bullet deflecting wrist bands. If going with the power of the knitter, Wendy's Knitting Power, please.
14. IF YOU HAVE A TATTOO, WHAT IS IT? The sun kissing the moon goodnight.
15. CAN YOU JUGGLE? Probably. Never really tried.
16. NAME ONE PERSON FROM YOUR PAST YOU WISH YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO? My Daddy.
17. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE DAY? Thanksgiving.
18. YOUR DREAM JOB? Secret Shopper for Five Star Resorts, Spas and Golf Courses, Head of Marketing for Worldwide Yarn Domination, a Sales Rep for major yarn distributor(s) or Princess of the World.
19. WHAT'S IN THE TRUNK OF YOUR CAR? My car doesn’t have a trunk.
20. WHICH DO YOU PREFER, SUSHI OR HAMBURGER? Sushi
21. FROM THE PEOPLE YOU WILL EMAIL THIS TO, WHO'S MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND FIRST? Doesn’t apply, it’s on my blog.
22. WHO'S LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Most everyone.
23. WHO DID YOU RECEIVE THIS FROM? Ann Marie
24. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER? Gerber Daisy
25. WHAT WOULD YOUR FIRST 3 PURCHASES BE IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY? Number 1. A fully furnished and professionally decorated house in Charleston, on the water, with BMW for the Husband and an old, classic convertible for me (orange, of course) in the garages. A room dedicated to knittin'. This room would contain 1 very comfy couch, 3 comfy chairs, a table for six, and shelves to display yarn and bookcases to display patterns properly. On these shelves:
This house would also come with a fully stocked bar and wine cellar. Also a Den for the Boy with large screen HDTV and all things boy-related. And a ¼ cow in the freezer. Technically that’s one large purchase.
2. I'd allow the Husband to use this selection.
3. A week’s vacation on Peter Island with all of our friends and family members.
***Please note these are purchases and do not include any charity items. I would give a portion to my favorite charities.
How much yarn and/or how many projects would you take with you on a trip to the other coast?
Is 5 balls of Noro Transitions for Fletcher and enough yarn for a pair of socks too much? I don't think so. I was actually thinking I should bring more.
How much yarn and/or how many projects do you bring with you when traveling?
I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and rushed. So I'm making a list of my things to do this evening. I always find that making a list helps me get back on track.
Wow! I really don't have as much to do as I thought I did. I must go heat the kettle and get to them!
The riddle of my Eloise has been solved. No one guessed what was wrong. Which doesn't surprise me because even in person it was hard to tell. Are you ready for this? I sewed on 1 sleeve inside out. Eloise is in reverse st st. So one sleeve is correct for Eloise, the other is correct for most all other patterns I've ever done. I was a bit perplexed as to why one sleeve curled under and the other over. I even showed it to the Knitting Wizard. No one noticed until Katie sat down right next to me. Oh well. I will rip it out and re-do. But please use caution when sewing in your sleeves! 
