Life in the Zu

It’s been a while blogland! I’ve been busy, so I have an excuse.

I’ve had two crochet jobs this week to crochet the top edging and straps on 2 dresses. That went well thankfully. I’ll try and post pics if I can later on. I’ve been working on my slipper pattern, but because of the jobs I was given, haven’t been able to test all sizes yet. Maybe I can do something this weekend.

Gemaine is leaving for a  school trip next week Monday for five days! My other baby is leaving me! *sob* It’s to Dalguise here in Scotland, and is mostly like a fun adventure/activity camp. Even though I’ve known about it for a whole school year, I of course waited until yesterday to get all the supplies he needs for it. I was so busted after it was all over, but atleast I got everything. I had to make about 3 or 4 trips back to the house to unload! Please tell me why in a country where it rains almost every day, it’s so hard to find a rain coat!  I literally travelled miles to find a store that sells them. I’m going to do some research and see if I can find anything nearer my house. So, if I ever need another one, I won’t kill myself trying to find it! Apparently the only place to get them from is stores specializing in camping gear and outdoorsy stuff.

All is well and can’t complain. Kids are doing fine and seem to be enjoying school. My eldest said he starts school next week, and even paid for all his school clothes with his own money. I’m wondering why his father didn’t do it, but will keep my mouth shut. My baby is growing up and becoming very independent. He said he never realised how expensive school clothes were, and I kept my told-you-so comment to myself. Maybe he’ll appreciate things more since he has to pay for them himself.

Had to go a day without my painkillers this week which was really hard. Since I’d been crocheting and running around, the sciatica in my back and leg  was attacking me. I had a hard restless night; but I made it to the pharmacy the next day and after popping my pills, all was right with the world. I don’t take them every day if I can help it, but they were sure needed this week!

I’m at the internet cafe because I’m having internet problems.  Story of  my life! I hope I get it resolved soon, but figured I’d better stop by and say hello in case I fail to correct the problem. :-(  What’s worse, my mobile phone is turned off! Why do they always send me a text message to make a payment because I’ve almost reached my limit after they’re turned it off!? Isn’t the text message supposed to be a warning?! *sigh* I made a payment, and hope they turn it back on soon. Can’t live without my phone!

Anyway, I’m gone before my time runs out. Here’s a quick pic of a giant bee to keep you company until I return.

The following is the actual meaning:

The girl’s name Zuleika \z(u)-lei-ka\ is pronounced zoo-LAY-kah. It is of Arabic origin, and its meaning is “fair; brilliant and lovely”. Made famous by Max Beerbohm’s comic heroine in the novel “Zuleika Dobson”.

Zuleika has 2 variant forms: Zulaica and Zuleica.

Now here is a blogthing I tried earlier and was freaked right out! It’s pretty much 95% correct. I think they’re watching me! Eeek!

What Zuleika Means

You are incredibly wise and perceptive. You have a lot of life experience. You are a natural peacemaker, and you are especially good at helping others get along. But keeping the peace in your own life is not easy. You see things very differently, and it’s hard to get you to budge. You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you’re so lucky, you don’t really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You’re sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don’t get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It’s easy to get you excited… which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don’t stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don’t spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you’re snobby or aloof, but you’re just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are usually the best at everything … you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic “Type A” personality.

58 words

Speed test

After an exhausting day, I’m going to make this post as quick as possible. I got a new guinea pig and cage today. I’ve been wanting to get the cage for months and could finally afford it. Well, technically I can’t afford it, but I decided not to care today. I wanted another guines pig to keep my other one company since they’re social animals and like companionship. My older one is called Boo, and the youngest one we’ve named Pumpkin. If we had listened to Keivy she would have been named Funny Face or Chair.

Here’s a pic of the slippers I just completed for an order. I think there’s a marked difference between the cotton ones I made previously, and these acrylic/wool ones. The cotton slippers looked more professional. I’ll have to make a pair of cotton ones for myself to test them, and then I’ll decide what I’ll continue to crochet the slippers with in the future.

After making these slippers and wanting to have cuter buttons than what’s in my stash, I’ve visited ebay once again. I saw so many cute buttons! Here are some I’ve purchased recently. I’m just so glad they’re inexpensive! I have a lot more on my watch list, and I think I’ll be ready for any button emergency known to man after this!

I especially like the football and the red gingham buttons. Cute huh!?

Now, good night! *yawn*

I’m supposed to be finishing a pair of slippers that were ordered from me, but am putting off making the 2nd slipper for about an hour. Why? I have no clue. Well, I just discovered the joys of plurking, so maybe that’s the reason. Not sure if I should thank Loopykd for inviting me, or send her a heated plurk message. I was busy enough already! Nah it’s cool darlin, just kiddin.

So anyway, here’s a pic of the Mary Janes I created for an order. Working out the sizes is a nuisance, so these came out a bit too big. The next pair I started is the right size and almost finished. I’ll post a pic of those later. I’m so glad I designed a slipper pattern ages ago, it made things slightly easier since I just had to modify it. Well, I actually kinda changed the whole pattern, but that’s how I work. I redo and redo until everything is as perfect as possible. I may change the pattern again with the next pair I make.

I also have another job to do. I was given a knitted dress to crochet the top and straps onto for a clothing designer. So this weekend I’ll be busy completing that for Monday. Luckily this time it won’t be a production item, and I won’t have to do the same thing over and over. I’ve had enough repetitiveness for a little while atleast.

Keivy had a nap earlier and now he won’t go to sleep! I don’t usually allow him to have naps, but I was too exhausted to protest. Yeah, I’m paying for it now. Here’s Mr. Motormouth a few days ago looking like he’s up to something. He’s happy to be back in school and I’m happy to have him back on a schedule. Well, obviously the schedule is screwed tonight. he-he

Here’s Gemaine on his 1st day in P7. He was very excited and acting goofy as usual. Trying to get him to smile and give a decent expression is like trying to squeeze blood from a stone!

Super pre-teen!!!

And yes, I’m drying a t-shirt on my sons bike. So sue me. I have to wash clothes almost everyday, and if you keep still long enough, I’ll hang something on you too!

I also said I’d post some photos of the kids before and after the Chinese circus. I’m still upset we weren’t allowed to photograph under the tent.  It was such an amazing show!

This is Keivy almost ready to leave for the circus. Please excuse my sisters mess in the background. She stresses me so.

The kids got a few souvenirs after the circus. This is Gemaine practising his plate spinning skills. I’m pretty sure it wasn’t spinning. Keivy has a spinning wheel that lights up. Oops; had. Darned Destructor!

Ooommmmm, at one with the plate, at one with the plate. Unfortunately his chanting didn’t make his plate spinning any better, but he did try! Atleast he has balance!

Yup, Keivy is about to attack him. Sneaky lil’ devil. Don’t worry, I stopped him in the nick of time!

And that’s all for now! I have a slipper beckoning to me from my work basket.

No, not that type of quickie, dirty blog readers.

I am dead tired after going with my family to the Chinese circus. We had a blast!! We weren’t allowed to take photos in there though. I’ll post pics of my family from outside the circus when I get a chance.

I finished my blanket for the ravelympics yesterday!! Yay! I am still thinking it could be a little wider since the sides hang over the bed only about 2 inches; but it’s fine for now. I’m happy with it, and it’ll keep me warm, plus the kids if they decide to visit. It’s definitely long enough, so that’s the main thing.  I’d hate for my feet to be cold in the winter. I wonder if the sides would hang better after it’s washed. The sides are curling up just slightly. Is that what blocking is used for? The many, many things I’ve crocheted over the years, I’ve never blocked a thing! Except for maybe a few doilies several years ago.  :-)

Here’s a view of the border as well. My room is mainly red and I also like that color blue, so since I kept on changing my mind and making the border bigger, I incorporated more color into the border.

Now I’m gonna go to sleep, my eyes are burnin!! Nighty-night!

I’ve made a good bit of progress on my blankie! I’ve added about 2 feet to it, and need to add about 2 more to make it long enough. Then I’ll do about 4 border rows around it. I can’t wait!! I’m confident that I’ll be done by the end of the olympics.

This is how much I’ve added to it lately.

Here’s a view of the whole thing on my bed. It’s so nice and cozy and I’ll be one warm chick this winter! I have a feeling this winter will be cold since we’ve had the hottest spring and summer since I’ve been here. I’m actually kinda nervous about the upcoming winter. *bites fingernails*

I have a couple of cousins visiting from back home, so will be pretty busy over the next week. I met them at the train station last night and I think we’ve been talking nonstop ever since!

We’re off to explore! ta-ta!

Yeah, I got more yarn from ebay. Red heart rules baby!! As an excuse, I really needed it for the ravelympics. I’ve joined the WIP Wrestling event, and will attempt to finish my striped blanket that I should have completed back in 2006. I wanted to make sure I didn’t run out of yarn! Eek! Which reminds me, I got all colors but black! Oh crap. I gotta have some somewhere…..*scans room for a place to start looking* Oh, and there’s a pic of the blanket I need to finish in my side bar. I have until the end of the olympics!! I can do it!! I hope anyway. I want it pretty big. *bites nails*

Here’s my new crochet hook case that I purchased from Saucylouise. It’s perfect for my new hooks! Not the color I would have chosen for a case because it might get dingy being in my purse/bag, but it’s all they had. I’m happy.

I’ve been missing my eldest son (almost 15) a lot lately. For those that don’t know, he went to visit his father last Christmas, and decided he wanted to stay with him to see what it would be like living with him. I cried for days, but realized after a while that it was the best thing for him. He was having a hard time adjusting here and his grades were slipping like mad. He’s doing better now and even has a summer job, so I can’t complain too much.

I miss my baby though. He was supposed to come visit this summer, but apparently his father has run into financial difficulty and can’t afford a ticket. Figures. So now the next proposed visit is Christmas, which means I wouldn’t have seen my first born for a whole year. I’m going to try and save money just in case his father can’t send him. My son is also now staying with his granny because his father let the apt. he had go, and is currently living in someone’s garage. Should I be worried? Hell yeah! I sent him some money and even though his phone, and his fathers phone is turned off, I can still email him. Thank the Lord his granny has a computer with internet or I’d be going insane!  I know he’s okay because the area he lives in is surrounded by his fathers family, but he’s still 5,000 miles away from me, and neither of us can afford plane tickets.

I want my baby back.

Well, I’m off to entertain the two boys that are still here. Gemaine (11) has a friend visiting today, and I need to make sure we have food available because Keivy (4) always eats it all. I also signed up for an account at lovefilm.com which is an online dvd  rental site. I received two dvd’s off my list already and it’s only been two days since I signed up. I keep them until done, mail them back free of charge, and they send two more from my list. Cool huh!? I got Cloverfield for me and Willow for the kids. I used to love Willow when I was younger. Hopefully the boys won’t think it sucks.

Guess what!? I’m surfing the net on my laptop using my new phone. The samsung tocco can act as a dial up modem! How cool is that!? Why do it when I already have an internet provider and connection? Because I can!!

It definitely takes getting used to, but this touch screen phone is really growing on me. I find now my hands think everything is a touch screen, and I was trying to use my mothers phone by touching the screen and wondered why it wasn’t working. Duh! The camera is really good as well, I’m still getting used to the different photo options and using the white balance thingie. I’m getting there though. I think the photos are just as good as my Nikon really. The only problem with the phone is just getting used to the screen and making sure you don’t touch when you don’t want to. It’s annoying to write a really long message, and then touch the wrong button and it all disappears. I’m more careful now.

Here’s some new yarn. It’s silky like it says and makes a pretty addition to my growing pile of yarn.

The boys and I went to the Edinburgh parade yesterday. Gemaine found a spot within the crowds so he could see close up. I carried Keivy on my shoulders, and am still really regretting that decision. My poor back!! *sob*

Here’s keivy on my shoulder and you can also just see the top of my reddish head.

Here’s Keivy today when we went town. He had to show off his new hat and shirt he got yesterday after the parade. He loves hooded shirts and I was so glad to have found this one. He only has one other hooded shirt which is the blue one in the parade photo, and he’d wear it every single second if he could.

I’m off to cut a pineapple for Keivy. I don’t think he ever gets full! Then I’ll play with my phone some more and maybe crochet something. I’ve been adding bits and pieces to my freeform blanket, but not much else. I was going to make a cozy for my phone, but I have too much yarn to choose from, and don’t know which one to use.

By the way, the photos look flawless on my computer, but for some reason look blurry on my blog. Weird! I’m using one as my desktop background and it’s crystal clear. Oh well.

I got a new toy!! Sorry about the crappy/dark photo. My lightbulbs keep on getting blown by my lil’ monster.

I so love the pay monthly plans where you get the phone for free. I got a Samsung Tocco! I was going to get the iPhone, but it’s lack of features that I can’t live without annoy me. How can such a cool gadget not have picture messaging, more than a 2MP camera and a few other things I can’t recall at this time. Plus, it was too wide for me and felt weird when I was holding it. I’ll wait and maybe they’ll come out with a better version in the future.

The samsung is a touch phone, has a 5 MP camera, and is all I really need in a camera, phone and mp3 player; with cool stuff thrown in! I’ve been playing with it all day and am having a blast. Gemaine got my old phone, which is a sony ericsson w880i, so he’s happy as well. It’s a great phone and the only reason why I wanted to upgrade was to join the touch-phone crew.

Yup, I got more yarn from ebay today. Sadly this still isn’t the last of it. I know I should be ashamed, and I kinda am, a little bit. *hangs head*

The sirdar chunky is mostly for my freeform blanket and another striped blanket I need to finish. I think it’s too scratchy to make much else with it.

I found more red heart, and some other nice yarn which I think is cotton! My back hurts and I don’t feel like going to check the label. ! I have no idea what I’m making with any of this, and can’t say it’s really bothering me that I have no real plan. Who needs planning anyway!? I’ll be busy with my new toy tomorrow, so maybe won’t post an FO’s until the weekend. I’m off to play with my new phone. Ta-ta!

Yup, the last two jumpers have been edged and I am free! Yay!! Free to crochet whatever the heck I want, free to work on patterns I’ve been wanting to design, free to crochet for my store and for moi! I’ll miss being paid for it, but crocheting on those sweaters was really getting boring. I must have edged close to thirty sweaters! All the same bloody pattern too. *sigh* Four rows of it on the cuffs, 4 on the bottom and 9 on the neck for the jumpers, and 4 rows around the whole body for the cardigans.

I am not one for repetitiveness, and the only thing that kept me going was prayer and the money. After thinking back on things, I’m not entirely sure the money was even worth it, but it’s done now.

Moving on, I got more yarn!! Well, I actually purchased it a while back on ebay, and have been waiting patiently for the arrival. Still more to come too. Hey, I was getting ready for when I was free to crochet my own stuff! Needed yarn for it ya know!!

I’ve missed red heart yarn. It’s perfect for my blankie making, and I really need to get some more. I haven’t been able to find a good substitute for it, but am still hopeful I will. That sirdar spree cotton was a really great find. I have to pay £3.50 for an amount of cotton yarn half the size of these skeins. I paid £15 for all of this! *big toothy grin*

I am slightly, only very slightly, ashamed of my recent activities. My sister was given the 3 seasons of Prison Break on dvd, and I started watching them immediately. I’m already near the end of the second season, and she only bought the dvd’s home a few days ago. Do you realize how many hours that’s been!? I’ve been in my bed watching  these sexy; very sexy brothers escaping from the law, and am loving it. But now, I’m no longer crocheting those sweaters, and have no reason to sit here for long lengths of time. I need to get off my butt and excercise and take the boys out more. So, I’ll have to save watching my gorgeous men for night time viewing. *sigh*

I better get to sleep. I’ll do some blog catching up tomorrow. Well technically it is tomorrow, but I mean when I’m actually supposed to be awake. Nighty-night!! Oops, I mean…..Good morning!!

Just a quick post before I get to work on the other two sweaters. I made a quick flower using this pattern.

Then added it to my blankie. I felt the red square was too plain, and wanted to add something decorative to it. Whaddya think?!

I’m happy with how my blankie is coming along. It’s far from perfect and has plenty gaping issues and whatever else, but that’s some of what I love about it. I think it makes it interesting, and I like how it feels.

At about 4:30 this morning I wanted to run up and down my hallway screaming. I was finished!!! I had finished the 4 jumper edgings on Sunday, and I completed all the odd shapes and the hat alteration on Monday. Well, Tuesday really. I liked the hat better the way it was before, but it’s what they wanted. *sigh*

I dropped the items off to the studio today and they were all pleased with my work. There was a problem though. Someone they’d hired to crochet onto the other 4 sweaters hadn’t done a good job at all. They paid no attention to the pattern I wrote and the stitch counts were all way off. How could they not notice that one sleeve cuff was about 2-3 inches larger than the other?! The whole point of writing the pattern and stitch count was so that all the sweaters would come out the same! The neck edging was crocheted on the wrong side; and on one sweater is was too wide, while on the other it was too small. They had completely ignored one part of the pattern for the bottom of the sweater, and all 4 sweaters were missing the bottom edging. I don’t understand how someone could hand in work like this to a professional company. They really just didn’t care! If they didn’t want to do it, why accept the job!? This is really annoying me. Now in order to get these fixed asap I’ll be given 2 sweaters and someone else who’s reliable, will be given the other two. So, I guess I’m not finished yet. I’m not complaining though, it’s aggravating me so much that they messed up like this, that I want to set it right. I don’t like halfway work! I’m not quite a perfectionist, but I do like things to be perfect.

On a yummy note! I made Naan bread the other day and forgot to post a pic of it. I had a few bottles of Korma sauce that had been given to me, and I decided to go authentic and make Naan to go with the chicken korma. The dough was absolutely beautiful to work with and the breads were nice and tender. I’ll definitely be making these again. I’m a bread freak!! I of course don’t have a tandoor oven to bake them in, but my fan oven and a cookie sheet worked just fine for me.

This pic is of a little cottage in Princes Street park in Edinburgh. I took Keivy to the park a few days ago, and really found this pic turned out magical. I would soooo love to live there!!! I’m not sure what the little cottage is used for, but it’s probably just to show people how things used to be.

Last but not least is another ebay pkg. I received today. I purchased it because I thought it would add an interesting element to my freeform blanket. It’s 8 balls, so I may need to find more uses for it. I’m sure I will. Never worked with mohair before, should be interesting!

Now, I’m going to crochet something I actually WANT to crochet before I have to pick up those sweaters tomorrow. Ta-ta!!

Okay, just one more post and then I’m off to crochet.

I found this meme on Nan’s blog and had to try it!

SCATTERGORIES …it’s harder than it looks! Erase my answers, enter
yours and post it on to your blog. Let me know when you have done it and I will come check it out!

Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following.
They have to be real places, names, things. Nothing made up!
Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial.
You CAN’T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Zuleika, but since there is no way I can play this using my first name, I’ll use one of my middle names - Maia

4 LETTER WORD: Moon
VEHICLE: Mitsubishi
TV SHOW: My Three Sons (loved that show!)
CITY: Miami
BOY NAME: Michael
GIRL NAME: Melissa
OCCUPATION: Mother (I think it’s the best job ever!)
SOMETHING YOU WEAR: Makeup  (never tried it though)
FOOD: Melon
SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: Moisturizer
REASON FOR BEING LATE: Males (Gotta blame someone, and I have all boys)
SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: Move!!!!!!!

Have fun!!

Thank you so much everyone for wishing me well. I’m feeling much better now thanks. Not sure what it was but I have a sneaking suspicion it’s my own doggone fault. I’ve been taking this 30-day colon cleansing treatment to rid my body of toxins since I’ve eaten incredibly unhealthy for most of my life. I’m a sugar freak! (I just started  to eat veges without making a face at it a few yrs ago) Yesterday I read online that when you’re doing a toxin cleanse, your body can go through a sort of detox and you can have flu and cold symtoms etc. The more unhealthy and toxic your body is, the more severe of a reaction you’ll have when these toxins leave your body. So, I don’t know. Is it just a coincidence that my son and mother had a stomach virus for a couple of days? I was sick for around a week longer than them. Hmmm….  I may never know.

I figured I’d post today because I have a lot to do over the weekend and may not get a chance until Tuesday. I have 3 more sweaters to edge, 1 hat and several odd shapes on order for Monday/Tuesday, so I’m gonna be one busy bee! In fact, I should be crocheting right now instead of typing. *eek*

Here’s more yarn I got from ebay. The color is a lot deeper and prettier than it seems on the computer. It’s Patons Flair Courtelle;  60% wool and 40% courtelle. What the devil’s courtelle!? I’ll have to google that one.  It’s terribly scratchy, so I’ll use it for projects that don’t have to touch my skin. Maybe put a little in my striped blanket, maybe some dolls, or who knows! I’m happy to have it anyway.

I was checking out Nan’s blog about a contest she found, and I have decided to enter this contest to win a quilt. The blog is called Old red Barn and even though I’ve just glanced at it, it looks pretty interesting. There are three ways to win and it’s welcome to internationals, so we can all join in!! So go check it out!

Now I’m off to crochet! Wish me luck!

More yarn from ebay! There are actually 8 of the Patons ones. I have no clue what I’m going to use it all for, I just like having a stash again. I have more yarn to be delivered and am also bidding on a few things. I better be careful before all we have to eat is yarn! Can’t go spending the grocery money! I have 4 more jumpers to crochet the edging onto and then have a few small projects to complete for the design studio I’m working with. After that, I’m doin’ what I wanna do with my new yarn! Hopefully anyway.

I still feel sick and was told by a friend of mine I should go to the doctor. It really never crossed my mind. I had a laugh because we Bermudians stay away from the doctor if we can. It’s so expensive back home to go to the doctor, that you don’t pay them a visit unless you’re at deaths’ door! Not all about paying $150 to be told you have a virus that’ll last a few days and there’s nothing they can do. Nuh-uh! I don’t have to pay here, but I think it’s just ingrained in me to deal with sickness on my own if I can. Ah, I’m sure I’ll live. *fingers crossed and runs to bathroom with free hand over mouth*

….I feel sick.  *sob, sob* I don’t know what it is with my immune system and this country, but ever since I’ve moved here I’ve had a stomach bug close to once a month. (My boys and mother as well) Maybe being from Bermuda I’m not used to certain types of pollution or germs or something? I don’t know. I know I’m tired of it though. *sigh*

One good thing happened today. I received a couple of pkgs. from ebay. Yay!

Cassio baby yarn in acrylic. Very soft and will make a pretty baby outfit. I also got a book, even though I seem to have no time to read anymore. I also decided to try the Loopy loops you see on the bottom. I got the pattern here. Very easy to do, and I have a lot of ideas for when I make more. I added these loops to my blankie. Next time I make them I’ll make sure I use all the same weight yarn.

Okay, I think I’m going to be sick again, so TTFN!

I was blog hopping yesterday and came across knittersdelight’s blog. I’m happy because she translated a Japanese pattern that I’ve always wanted to try. Hello kitty!! Yay! I have no idea when I’ll be able to try it out, but it’s definitely on my to-do list.

I’ve never owned any Hello Kitty items, and would love to make this one. I’d probably give it to a friend though. Then again, if I’m putting all that work into my 1st ever Hello Kitty ami, I’m keepin’ it!

And here’s a hexagon I made before bed last night. Another thing to add to my blankie! I got the pattern from Sarah Londons’ blog.

TTFN

I had my little break to do some personal crocheting, and here’s another pic of my freeform blanket. It’s definitely different, and I’m learning new things as I go on with it. After stopping by Sarah’s blog, I got a few more ideas and will be adding them to my blanket. I’ve decided I don’t really like the red cross square I stuck on there, but it’s no way I’m moving it now! So, I may add some sort of embellishment to it at a later date. I think it just needs a little something added to it to make it more interesting and less…..plain. Maybe a flower in the middle, or weaving some yarn through the spaces. I also need to purchase some more yarn. I just have plain red, black and white on hand for my blankie, and would like some variegated yarn as well as more textured yarn to add.

I just realized something. I made granny squares and added them straight to my blankie when I could have recorded them as projects on my ravelry notebook. Would it be cheating to photograph just the squares on my blankie and add them that way? Whatcha think? Hmmm…

The boys and I made chicken stew for dinner a few days ago. It is soooo good! Keivy got right in and helped with everything from handling the chicken, (which he likes to poke and refer to as “wobbly jelly”), to adding seasoning and stirring the food. Right here he’s pouring the thickened broth over the chicken and veggies before I popped it all into the oven.

Gemaine was walking past playing his PSP, saw how much fun Keivy was having, and commenced to fight with him over the ladle. Eventually Keivy won. He was kind enough to let Gemaine have one turn though. Gemaine’s usually more of a taster than a helper anyway. *smile*

You know you want some “yummy scwummy dewicious” food; as Keivy calls it. Chicken wings, squash, potatoes, onions, celery, peppers, carrots, and garlic! Mmmmm.

Oh, and here’s a street perfomer! Keivy and I were up by the Royal Mile, which is the road leading to Edinburgh Castle. Because it’s summer, a lot of street performers were out makin’ cash. Does he look old enough to juggle those? I think not! He also juggled short swords! Scary!

TTFN!!

Well I made the deadline for the 3 sweaters/jumpers I had to edge. *relief* Now I have another 3 to do by Friday, but atleast I’m on schedule now. I also still have to redesign that lamb hat, but that’ll have to wait until tomorrow. I’m taking tonight off and using it to add more to my freeform blanket. I’ll post some pics tomorrow.

Gemaine (11 yr. old) lost my mobile phone for a few hours today. Not nice at all! We were in the park and it started to rain. I let him use my jacket which had my phone in the pocket. I told him to leave the phone in there, and he said he’d wanted to listen to music. I gave him a ‘look’, and we started to walk home. About a block away near the Swan pond he gave me a funny look and said I was going to be mad at him. I asked what the problem was, and he said he lost my phone. I was stunned into silence. I was so blasted PISSED that I didn’t even trust myself to speak. I finally managed to utter “Find…my…phone…now”, through clenched teeth.

We backtracked and looked everywhere. Nothing! I asked him when was the last time he saw it, and he said when we were going over the bridge on the pond. He said he dropped it in the water. I then replied. “You couldn’t have told me that before we went all over the place searching for it!?” I sighed and said it was time to go home.

We stopped at a friends house along the way because I had taken her son to the park with us, and I kinda had to return him. We played a few games on their Nintendo Wii, and I am soooo getting one soon! I need a nintendo Wii in the worst way!

We got home a few hours later, and my mother said she had tried to call me and some guy had answered the phone. My phone had been found; and was sitting in a bowling club waiting for me to collect it! Yes! Then I looked at Gemaine, remember he’d told me it was swimming in the pond. He just shrugged. *sigh* Well, atleast my phone was handed in by an honest person and it was safe. One thing though, I don’t think Gemaine will be getting the phone he wanted. He couldn’t even hold on to my phone for 20 dang feet! I picked up my phone about 15 mins. after arriving home, and the guy told me where it was found. That boy lost that phone literally 2-3 mins. after it was given to him! What am I going to do with this boy Lord!?

Anyway, I’m off to crochet! I should really use this time to go to sleep before 4 in the morning, but I’m too hard headed to do that. Sleep is for weiners! My son told me that at one point.

I hate birds. Yes, I said it. Me. I hate birds. Here’s why….

As the kids and I were finished running errands for the day, I decided to treat everyone to McDonalds. While walking there, the most insanely disgusting and revoltingly revolting thing happened to me. A dirty stinkin’ seagull crapped on my head. Right on top!! I felt it oozing down my hair, and after touching my head, kinda hoping it was rain water, my hand returned with green and brown crap all over it. AAAAHHHHHH! I freaked and dragged the kids into a corner. “Oh Lord, no! Help me Gemaine!!” I struggled with all my bags and managed to put them down. I got out my handi wipes which I’d had the good fortune of purchasing about 1/2 an hour earlier. I started scrubbing my head like mad! Gemaine was just standing there looking at me like I was insane. Keivy just watched with a look of indifference. I told Gemaine what had happened, and got him to check my hair.

“Eeewww mama! Oh Holy crap, thats disgusting! Oh man, that’s nasty! That’s a lot of crap!”

“Thanks Gemaine, now help me get it out!!!!”

After much scrubbing and totally ruining the hairdo, it was finally out! I combed my hair back as best I could, even though I now looked similar to a birds nest, and we made it to McDonalds with no further incident. Oh, I was also very happy I’d purchased some antibacterial hand gel. I must have known this would happen!

I have lived in Edinburgh for 3 freakin years surrounded by dirty seagulls and pigeons and have managed to miraculously avoid bird poo plopping on me. My mother got it on the first day, and all the boys have managed to get dumped on once. Not me, I’m way too scornful for that! So, why today? Why did they have to poop on my parade?! Why!? I could have gone my whole lifetime and then some without this happeneing to me!

I bathed and scrubbed my head so much when I got home I’m surprised I still have hair. My mother tried to tell me it’s good fortune and luck. No, it’s not luck okay! Bird poo is not lucky, and whoever decided to call getting pooed on a lucky charm and good fortune, is insane! How can it be a good thing?! It’s one of the most unlucky things to happen to me, and I still feel dirty from it. *sob* I feel so violated. *sob*

Anywho, I’ve been missing due to internet troubles. My bad! I owed them £20. Yeah, not really a lot there, I kinda forgot about it. *hee-hee* I know I have a lot of blog reading to catch up on.

I’ve been so miserable this past week. I have sciatica due to a swollen disc pushing on my sciatic nerve and causing permanent back and leg nerve pain. (from being hit by a car in 2001) I live on pain killers, and this past week is worse than usual. I’m not sure why, but my back is hurting me almost as bad as it did before I was operated on in 2006, and I’m worried. I’m pretty sure I haven’t done anything to injure myself, and am worried it’s all my crocheting that’s aggravating my back. It hurts me to sit up for long periods of time, and with all the work I’ve been doing lately, it’s been pretty necessary to do so. I was supposed to finish 3 sweaters this week, and have about 1 1/2 done. I don’t know what I’m going to do, and don’t want to have to tell them I can’t do as much as I’d originally thought. I’m limping like an old lady, I’m moving as slow as a snail, can barely bend and almost cry when I have to get up to stand. What am I going to do!?!? *sigh* I don’t think I like this week. Doesn’t bad luck come in 3’s? I sure hope not.

Now for some pics. I don’t have any crafting photos since I’ve just been doing the same ol’s cardigans and jumpers. So, here are pics of my pumpkins!!

This boy will not leave my cream cheese alone! What kind of kid likes cream cheese anyway? He decided to stop in my room for a snack while riding his bike around the flat. That’s Boo the guinea pig in the background, who I recently relocated to the living room in a bid to reclaim my bedroom.

Now here’s Gemaine and Keivy. Lord only knows what was wrong with Keivaughn. I can’t remember, but I think he wanted to take his bike out, and we couldn’t because we were going on the bus into town. Gemaine loves to make faces for the camera!

This is the result of eating an innocent looking candy necklace. We were just walking along to the park and I just happened to casually glance at his face, and was confronted by that mouth. I was quite shocked, and quickly took a photo before cleaning him up. Bad mommy for not noticing earlier!

Oh, and he’s been learning sign language from his fav tv shows, and I think that may be a sign. Gasp! I hope it’s not a gang sign! Nursery hooligan!

This is Keivaughn receiving his certificate for graduating from nursery. My lil’ man will be in preschool next year!

We made it to the Tree Festival this year in Inverleith park. It’s all about being green and using natural products like wood etc. It was really interesting and there were a lot of cool demonstrations set up, like wooden bowl carving, chain saw art, felting and spinning demonstrations, wooden statues and furniture for sale and even axe throwing. The weather made a turn for the worse, and this was our hurried escape. They smiled for the camera, but really they were freezin and wanted to get the heck outta there. So I packed the camera away and obliged. We got soaked on the way home anyway though.

Can someone please tell me what the heck this is!? I was at the bus stop with Keivy and this was spotted walking across our path. After repeatedly having to stop Keiv from stepping on it, I managed to take a pic. It sure is pretty for a bug huh!?

This last pic is Keivy and the hat we made for the garden party at his nursery. I had all weekend to get it done, and ended up doing it a few hours before he had to leave for school. Procrastination is a long going issue of mine. Again he’s signing something, I just hope it’s a good thing.

In case you’re wondering why there aren’t more pics of Gemaine, he doesn’t keep still long enough to get many pics taken. He is one wild child!

Now I’m off to read a few blogs and get some crocheting done. Well, hopefully anyway.

Ta-ta for now!

I found this test over on Nan’s blog and had a go. I’m like the perfect house wife with no blasted hubby.

74 As a 1930s wife, I am Superior Take the test!

I’m tired, still feeling sick, but figured I’d check in and see how everyone is doing. I was supposed to be finishing 3 more sweater edgings over the weekend, but caught some sort of bug and haven’t been able to do a darn thing! I’m going to crochet like crazy over the next few days and see if I can get them done by Friday. It would be a miracle, but I’ll stay optimistic.

So many things have been going on lately, and you know I can’t think of a doggone thing to write! Geesh! I’ve been working on my website since I haven’t been able to crochet, and other than needing to add more stock, I’m getting someone to set up a custom theme for me sometime within the next week. Yay! I can’t wait until this sweater project is over so I can make more things to sell and work on some ideas for patterns. Not that I don’t want to work on the project, I just have no time for anything else, and it’s cutting into my family time severely. I did manage to get halfway through testing the bag for Nan. So, atleast I got something accomplished over the weekend.

I’m going to check out my blog pals real quick, and then get my crochet hook a-flyin! See ya!

Shaggy Died!

Originally uploaded by hobbyzu

One of the newest editions to our fish family died two days after purchasing him. He was acting funny and wasn’t swimming properly when we got him. So I had a feeling he’d kick the bucket. The weird thing though, is that the larger fish we’ve had since February died the next day. I have no clue why, but am suspecting foul play. Gemaine and Keivy were very anxious and actually fought to stick their hands in the tank to scoop Shaggy and Scooby out. They then took immense joy in flushing them like how they’ve seen on tv. This morning I caught Keivy with his arm in the tank trying to scoop out Velma the remaining fishie. Uh, she’s not dead Keivy. Yet.
Apparently he wanted to pet her. I’ve already had a million conversations about no hands in the tank, but I’m pretty sure it’s all fallen on deaf ears. Kids and their selective hearing! *sigh*

Now I’d like to get another fish since the little one left behind looks so lonely. Would it be fair to bring another fish into my home knowing something fishy is going on? No pun intended. Lol

—- ?Sent using a Sony Ericsson mobile phone

Most of it sounds pretty accurate I think.

You Are An ESFJ

The Caregiver You are sympathetic and caring, putting friends and family first. A creature of habit, you prefer routines and have trouble with change. You love being in groups - whether you’re helping people or working on a project. You are good at listening, laughing, and bringing out the best in people. In love, you value harmony and mutual understanding. You will apologize or give someone the benefit of the doubt, if it means getting over a fight sooner. At work, you are good at building relationships and connecting with people. You would make a great nurse, social worker, or teacher. How you see yourself: Organized, dependable, co-operative When other people don’t get you, they see you as: Opinionated, critical, and know-it-all

I just wanted to prove to myself that I could read a symbol crochet pattern successfully in the Japanese pattern book I bought recently. Symbol crochet is sooo easy to figure out. Why the heck was I treating it like the plague all these years!? Geesh!

Here it is, it’s some sort of scrubbie thingie I think.  I think I’ll name him Bob. Next time I’ll make the chain a bit tighter (smaller hook?) so there are no visible holes in the center. Please forgive the sloppy stitch work. I was in a hurry and haven’t hand stitched anything in ages.

Now I need to see if I can finish the pattern I’m testing for Nan before I do some real work tomorrow. Oh, and I need to put some more work into my blankie. My crochet hand’s gonna fall off if I’m not careful!

Freeform Update

Originally uploaded by hobbyzu

I managed to add a bit more to my blankie! It’s a bit pleated in some spots due to tension, but I kinda like it that way. Adds texture to it, and gives me something to caress. Hee-hee.

I may add a bit more onto it before I start the sweater edgings later on. I have to go pick Keivy up from school. Where has the day gone?!

—- ?Sent using a Sony Ericsson mobile phone

I finished the hat this morning, complete with chin strap and ears. They’ll add a buckle for the chin strap themselves. I was up until 3 am working on the ears, and this is the result. I noticed in the notes they gave me that a little brown was requested. So, I used one strand of brown in the center of the ear and edged it with the ecru. I’m glad as I think it looks a bit more realistic this way. Think it looks like a lambs’ head? I don’t know if I’m happy with the ear placement, so I didn’t weave in the ends just yet. I’ll wait and see what they have to say at the studio this afternoon. Now I’m off to read my blogroll as I’ve been crocheting nonstop and have been MIA. Oh crap, I forgot to proofread and print out the hat pattern. I’ll try and remember before I leave. I’m getting a lot better at pattern writing using the British crochet stitch terms. Whose bright idea was it to have US and UK crochet stitch terms? Why can’t it all just be the same!! *sigh*

UPDATE:

They were all very happy with the hat, but not sure about the ear placement. Which was why I hadn’t weaved in the ends. So, we’ll leave them off and let the people who ordered the hat decide where they want them. They can just sew them on themselves. I’m relieved and feel like a weight has been taken off my shoulders! Now I can get back to edging these cardigans. I have to try and finish 3 by Friday. *smokin hook*

Prototype.

Originally uploaded by hobbyzu

Did I do it? Does it look like a bobbly swimming cap to you? I sure hope so, cause I’m going to bed! I shaped it to the swimming cap they gave me using the specified stitch, so I think it’ll be okay. I’ll start the real hat tomorrow, and then work on the ears for it. This is gonna look so funny!

—- ?Sent using a Sony Ericsson mobile phone

I have 2 new magazines and a cool Japanese crochet book to add to my collection! Yes! I can’t say I’m that impressed with the Interweave Crochet mags, and am wondering why I purchased them as I rarely use patterns anyway. Oh well, maybe they’ll be inspirational. I finally made it to K1 Yarns to check out their new shop here in Edinburgh. Very small and quaint shop, pricey/good quality yarns. I think I’d buy from them if I was splurging for Fyberspates or Noro, but VERY rarely. I was happy with the magazine and book selection though. I still haven’t made it to their knit/crochet nights on Thursdays, but maybe I’ll get to go one day soon.

I ordered the Magic Scrubber Pattern Book from Ichigonopantsu on etsy, which is where I bought my hooks. I also got some more cute stickers and a beautiful postcard with a photo of the Ohara Village in Kyoto. Gorgeous huh!? I love this womans shop so much! *sniffle* The book I got is a #8, so you know I want to get the previous 7 right!? Now, I can’t actually read Japanese, but there are crochet illustrations and symbols for me to follow. Not that I ever bothered to learnt symbol crochet, but this will definitely entice me to learn. Can’t be that hard right?! There are crochet and knitting patterns, so something for everyone. I can’t believe how cute the little scrubbies and things in this book are, and can’t wait to try one! What’s really amazing me is I’m actually going to try a pattern in a book I purchased. That’s a rare blue moon occasion! I usually just look at them and put them on my shelf with the rest. *silly me*

I’m getting to work on the lamb hat I’m designing so I can try out something in this pattern book. See ya!

I handed in some more samples to the design studio.

The curlicues are meant to hang off of a sweater. Hmm