Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Stuff and Things
I am still waiting on a new student teaching assignment. Hopefully, this week.
Sly's plant shut down last week. Actually, they laid everybody off for a week. So, he could not use his vacation time. It seems they will be doing these type of shut downs as needed over the next year. It sucks because we really can't afford going without a week's pay. My job wasn't much, but since I am out of work (to do the student teaching that I am not doing), we don't have extra money.
One good thing about being home is that I have the time and energy to cook, saving us the eating out money. But, I am getting board. I have been finishing up all my WIPs and posting them on Ravelry.
Today, my baby boy turns 21! I am going to go cry somewhere.
Happy knitting!
Sly's plant shut down last week. Actually, they laid everybody off for a week. So, he could not use his vacation time. It seems they will be doing these type of shut downs as needed over the next year. It sucks because we really can't afford going without a week's pay. My job wasn't much, but since I am out of work (to do the student teaching that I am not doing), we don't have extra money.
One good thing about being home is that I have the time and energy to cook, saving us the eating out money. But, I am getting board. I have been finishing up all my WIPs and posting them on Ravelry.
Today, my baby boy turns 21! I am going to go cry somewhere.
Happy knitting!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Student Teaching
I have been quiet. I started student teaching in January, and I was looking forward to a rewarding time that would shape my future career. So far, it has not really worked out for me.
There will little things in the beginning. The classroom teacher would say and do things that I thought were totally inappropriate. There were incidences of racism and humiliation towards the students. However, I wasn't there to judge the teacher.
He was no help to me in lesson planning. In fact, he never read my lesson plans. I know because I handed him the same lesson plans two weeks in a row. He didn't notice. He never gave me the kind of support a classroom teacher is supposed to give a student teacher.
I tried to talk to him. I tried to point out that racism and humiliation have no place in a classroom. I tried to get him to live up to his arrangement with the university. I finally had to report the man to my school and the decision was made to pull my from that assignment. Sadly, I had to turn those poor kids back over to the heartless teacher.
So, I am sad now. What should have been a happy, productive time for me turned into a nightmare. The past week, I could not even stand to be in the same room as the man. I am happy to be out, but very sorry for those students.
The school is giving me some time off to relax and prepare for a new assignment. Wish me luck.
Happy Knitting!
There will little things in the beginning. The classroom teacher would say and do things that I thought were totally inappropriate. There were incidences of racism and humiliation towards the students. However, I wasn't there to judge the teacher.
He was no help to me in lesson planning. In fact, he never read my lesson plans. I know because I handed him the same lesson plans two weeks in a row. He didn't notice. He never gave me the kind of support a classroom teacher is supposed to give a student teacher.
I tried to talk to him. I tried to point out that racism and humiliation have no place in a classroom. I tried to get him to live up to his arrangement with the university. I finally had to report the man to my school and the decision was made to pull my from that assignment. Sadly, I had to turn those poor kids back over to the heartless teacher.
So, I am sad now. What should have been a happy, productive time for me turned into a nightmare. The past week, I could not even stand to be in the same room as the man. I am happy to be out, but very sorry for those students.
The school is giving me some time off to relax and prepare for a new assignment. Wish me luck.
Happy Knitting!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Hey, Kool-aid!
It is still very cold (last night -20 actual temp, today about -8). Since I had a whole day and nothing to do, I thought I would do some kool-aid dying.
1. You will need white or cream colored yarn. I used some Lion Wool that I got on sale for $2.50 last summer (yeah, $2.50 wool).
2. Unskein the yarn and make a large loop. I used my laundry drying rack for this step, but you could use a person. Just have them hold their arms roughly 36 inches apart.
3. Tie the loop of yarn in four places. I used a colored bit of yarn so you can see. Using ties on the yarn like this will keep it from getting tangled.
4. Wash the yarn is warm water with no-rinse wool wash. This does two things. First, it washes your wool, and second, it opens the fibers so they will soak up more dye. Do not swish the wool around a lot. A gentle swish and 30 minute soak should do the job.
5. Place yarn in microwave safe dish. Place the yarn is such a way that it is mostly in one layer with no overlap.
6. Mix one packet of Kool-aid powder with 8 oz. of water per ounce of wool. I had 3 1/2 0unces of wool per skein and I used three packages of Kool-aid and three cups water.
7. Pour the Kool-aid over the wool. You can pat the wool down so that it is compleatly covered with Kool-aid; however, I like lighter colors and white bits to be in the yarn. To do this, just pour the Kool-aid over the yarn without making sure all the wool is covered. The wool will soak up lots of dye in the microwave, and you will get a more "kettle dyed" effect in your yarn.
8. Microwave on "high" for 2 minutes and let rest for 2 minutes. If the water still has a lot of Kool-aid in it, microwave for 2 minutes again (letting the wool rest for 2 minutes). The water should be clear, or only lightly murky. The dye should be trapped in the wool.
Pre-microwave
The blue is Blue Rasberry Lemonaid, the purple is Grape, and the red is a two tone effect (that does not show up at all in the photos) with Strawberry and Black Cherry. It is much prettier in real life.
EASY STEP BY STEP KOOL-AID DYING METHOD
1. You will need white or cream colored yarn. I used some Lion Wool that I got on sale for $2.50 last summer (yeah, $2.50 wool).
2. Unskein the yarn and make a large loop. I used my laundry drying rack for this step, but you could use a person. Just have them hold their arms roughly 36 inches apart.
3. Tie the loop of yarn in four places. I used a colored bit of yarn so you can see. Using ties on the yarn like this will keep it from getting tangled.
4. Wash the yarn is warm water with no-rinse wool wash. This does two things. First, it washes your wool, and second, it opens the fibers so they will soak up more dye. Do not swish the wool around a lot. A gentle swish and 30 minute soak should do the job.
5. Place yarn in microwave safe dish. Place the yarn is such a way that it is mostly in one layer with no overlap.
6. Mix one packet of Kool-aid powder with 8 oz. of water per ounce of wool. I had 3 1/2 0unces of wool per skein and I used three packages of Kool-aid and three cups water.7. Pour the Kool-aid over the wool. You can pat the wool down so that it is compleatly covered with Kool-aid; however, I like lighter colors and white bits to be in the yarn. To do this, just pour the Kool-aid over the yarn without making sure all the wool is covered. The wool will soak up lots of dye in the microwave, and you will get a more "kettle dyed" effect in your yarn.
8. Microwave on "high" for 2 minutes and let rest for 2 minutes. If the water still has a lot of Kool-aid in it, microwave for 2 minutes again (letting the wool rest for 2 minutes). The water should be clear, or only lightly murky. The dye should be trapped in the wool.
Pre-microwave
Post microwave (yeah, it is a different color)
9. Gently dry your lovely yarn.
The blue is Blue Rasberry Lemonaid, the purple is Grape, and the red is a two tone effect (that does not show up at all in the photos) with Strawberry and Black Cherry. It is much prettier in real life.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Baby, it's cold outside!
The Weather Channel just informed me that it is -16 outside. I am cold. It is a good thing I knit because I have lots of wool wondering around the house. Wool socks, wool slippers, shawls, hats, and all manner of woolen warmth has come in handy the last few days. Tomorrow isn't looking much better.
Before the cold came, the snow came. Lots of snow (between 12 - 18 inches). It is hard to measure because it keeps blowing and drifting. There was no school on Tuesday, school was let out early yesterday, no school today, and no school tomorrow. I hope this all ends soon because I would actually like to get some student teaching done.
In the meantime, I am going to sit around my house and make some worsted weight socks and hope the squirrels don't figure out how to get out of the attic (where they have wandered to keep warm).
Happy Knitting!
Before the cold came, the snow came. Lots of snow (between 12 - 18 inches). It is hard to measure because it keeps blowing and drifting. There was no school on Tuesday, school was let out early yesterday, no school today, and no school tomorrow. I hope this all ends soon because I would actually like to get some student teaching done.
In the meantime, I am going to sit around my house and make some worsted weight socks and hope the squirrels don't figure out how to get out of the attic (where they have wandered to keep warm).
Happy Knitting!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Lots and lots of stuff
Well, the holidays are over, and while our celebration was very low key, we all had a wonderful time eating, drinking, and just hanging out.
Since I will be student teaching soon and I had to quit my job (not to mention what a mess the auto industry is in), gift giving was kept to a minimum. Money will be very tight for the next 11 weeks, but it is all worth it. When I am done student teaching, I will get myself back on the sub list.
Last semester was very stressful. I really didn't finish much knitting (I started tons of things, but didn't finish them). It was hard on the mind, body, and spirit to work full time and take 10 credit hours (note to school: this program is too intense for people who work, and shouldn't be advertised as a good idea for people with jobs).
I have been doing some pretty hard core relaxing the past few days. I haven't even gotten out of my PJs most days. I hope that your holiday has been as restful.
A little sockie gift:
Happy Knitting!
Since I will be student teaching soon and I had to quit my job (not to mention what a mess the auto industry is in), gift giving was kept to a minimum. Money will be very tight for the next 11 weeks, but it is all worth it. When I am done student teaching, I will get myself back on the sub list.
Last semester was very stressful. I really didn't finish much knitting (I started tons of things, but didn't finish them). It was hard on the mind, body, and spirit to work full time and take 10 credit hours (note to school: this program is too intense for people who work, and shouldn't be advertised as a good idea for people with jobs).
I have been doing some pretty hard core relaxing the past few days. I haven't even gotten out of my PJs most days. I hope that your holiday has been as restful.
A little sockie gift:
Happy Knitting!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Monday, December 01, 2008
Snow
Well, winter is here. A bit early, but it seems that it is here to stay. This is actually our third snow storm. We did have school today (which was something of surprise).
I'll share knitting soon. I promise.
Happy knitting!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Oh, DUH! I have a blog.......
I know. Bad blogger. Bad.
School has been taking up so much of my time, I don't know if I am coming or going most days. Happily, the crazy semester of full time work and 3/4 school is almost over. I student teach in January, which means full time work with no pay!
To make up for my lack of blog presence, I give you a short video treat from the ladies of Mason Dixon Knitting. Enjoy!
Happy knitting!
School has been taking up so much of my time, I don't know if I am coming or going most days. Happily, the crazy semester of full time work and 3/4 school is almost over. I student teach in January, which means full time work with no pay!
To make up for my lack of blog presence, I give you a short video treat from the ladies of Mason Dixon Knitting. Enjoy!
Happy knitting!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
I seriously need to get a life
Your result for The Princess Bride trivia Test...
S. Morgenstern
Congatulations. Princess Bride triva is a prestigious line of work, with a long and glorious tradition. You have gone beyond mere fandom to true dedication. It is more than a movie to you, its a way of life. You have considered taking up fencing and/or piracy. You have probably accosted numerous bookstore owners in search of the ever elusive ‘original’ version. Welcome, friend, to the Princess Bride elite.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Hey, Kool-aid
It has been a busy time for me. Going to school full time and working full time takes a toll on a person. I wanted to something fiber-y this weekend, so I did some kool-aid dying. This batch was a "practice" batch. I used a left over bit of fisherman's wool. I think it is very pretty, and really easy.
Soft, pretty colors
I used yellow, blue, and pink. I would have like to see more bleeding between the colors to add some pretty purple and green. I am really pleased. Now, I am just waiting for it to dry so I can make some pretty mittens.
I will try and post more often. School is just keeping me very busy. Most days I come home too tired to think. It is worth, but very hard.
Happy knitting!
Soft, pretty colors
I used yellow, blue, and pink. I would have like to see more bleeding between the colors to add some pretty purple and green. I am really pleased. Now, I am just waiting for it to dry so I can make some pretty mittens.I will try and post more often. School is just keeping me very busy. Most days I come home too tired to think. It is worth, but very hard.
Happy knitting!
Friday, September 12, 2008
I haven't done anything nerdy in a while
It doesn't get much nerdier than this, but I like it.
Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...
Mrs. Bill Weasley
You like guys who are cool. And not cool in that fake, dicky way, but actually cool. He's so cool that they couldn't find any actor to adequately portray him, so they decided to just leave him out of the movies rather than risk not doing justice to his coolness. He's like the Chuck Norris of Harry Potter: plain freaking awesome. When Voldemort says "You-Know-Who", he's talking about Bill Weasley.
(Fanarty by The Starhorse http://the-starhorse.deviantart.com/ Used with permission.)
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Randomness
I have started back to both work and school. Three days a week, I have 14 hour days. It has been hectic. It is sort of a pain in the ass to work, go to school, and keep up with housework. Most days, it looks like some crazy indoor tornado blew through the house. I wish I could sleep more.
I am not getting to spend as much time in my new room as I would like. I am not spending as much time in my house as I would like!
Cool vintage wall hanging
I thought it would be perfect for a "knitting" room.
Happy Knitting!
I am not getting to spend as much time in my new room as I would like. I am not spending as much time in my house as I would like!
Cool vintage wall hanging
I thought it would be perfect for a "knitting" room.Happy Knitting!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Look at what I got!
I wanted to title this post either "A Room of Her Own" or "A Room With a View," but I couldn't figure out which literary title to use. Naturally, when faced with a difficult choice, I dump both choices and choose something totally lame.
My stash
My ugly, but comfy, chair with good lighting
A cute built in shelf
My sewing table (the leaf lifts for a huge work surface)
My window with a great view of my overgrown backyard.
Now to the heart of the matter. Michelle has moved out, and Tony has moved into her room. That leaves a small, but cozy, bedroom without a purpose in my house. Knitting/sewing room for me!
My stash
My ugly, but comfy, chair with good lighting
A cute built in shelf
My sewing table (the leaf lifts for a huge work surface)
My window with a great view of my overgrown backyard.There is still a lot of moving to do. I need to set up my TV and all my British drama DVDs that my family hates. I have an old kitchen table that will go in front of the window to give me another work surface for blocking, cutting, or doing homework. However, I have my own room, and I am very happy with it.
I have already done a good deal of knitting and reading up there. My cat thinks I clean the room up for her entertainment. We'll just let her think that. She enjoys the big window and the comfy chair. Not to mention all the yarn to play with.
Hope I didn't make you all too jealous.
Happy Knitting!
I have already done a good deal of knitting and reading up there. My cat thinks I clean the room up for her entertainment. We'll just let her think that. She enjoys the big window and the comfy chair. Not to mention all the yarn to play with.
Hope I didn't make you all too jealous.
Happy Knitting!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Just Checking In
I have a whole week off. No books to read, no classes to attend, and a week until work starts. It has been grand so far.
I am participating in the Summer Trials of the Knitting Olympics on Ravelry. I am doing Elizabeth Zimmermann's Pi Shawl. I hope to have progress to report soon.
The big news is that I finally have a room of my own. It will be my fiber arts studio/study. I still have work to do, but it is really starting to get cozy up there. The cat loves it.
I'll post pics very soon.
Happy Knitting!
I am participating in the Summer Trials of the Knitting Olympics on Ravelry. I am doing Elizabeth Zimmermann's Pi Shawl. I hope to have progress to report soon.
The big news is that I finally have a room of my own. It will be my fiber arts studio/study. I still have work to do, but it is really starting to get cozy up there. The cat loves it.
I'll post pics very soon.
Happy Knitting!
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Molly's Country Corn Bread
I love corn bread. I could eat it everyday. You all may remember that I bought a bag of stone ground corn when at Spring Mill State Park, and you may also remember that I purchased some homemade butter in Amish country not to long ago. I decided to mix my two old-fashion purchases together into a wonderful treat. Oh my, so very yum oh.
Recipe
1 C stone-ground yellow cornmeal
1 C unbleached white flour
1/2 C sugar (I just used white, but brown or a mix of brown and white would be nice too)
1/2 t salt
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
2 T shortening
1 egg
3/4 C milk
Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Cut in shortening until the mixture looks like tiny peas. Make a well in the mixture and add the egg and milk to the well. Slowly fold together and mix until all the dry bits are wet (no longer). Back in a large cast iron skillet in the oven at 350 for 20 minutes.
Happy knitting (and eating)!
Recipe
1 C stone-ground yellow cornmeal
1 C unbleached white flour
1/2 C sugar (I just used white, but brown or a mix of brown and white would be nice too)
1/2 t salt
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
2 T shortening
1 egg
3/4 C milk
Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Cut in shortening until the mixture looks like tiny peas. Make a well in the mixture and add the egg and milk to the well. Slowly fold together and mix until all the dry bits are wet (no longer). Back in a large cast iron skillet in the oven at 350 for 20 minutes.
Happy knitting (and eating)!
Friday, August 01, 2008
The Most Romantic Thing Sly has EVER Done!
Sly and I went away for our anniversary. We didn't take the RV because we thought it would be nice to not be home and we didn't want to worry about a thing. It was a low key weekend, but that is what we wanted.
Now Sly has never been a romantic guy. He doesn't understand it, and actually thinks that romantic gestures are a bit silly. I love him dearly, but I had given up romance years ago. So, when the waiter at the restaurant in the hotel we stayed at brought out an anniversary cake. I was deeply confused. Not to mention a package of my favorite chocolates. I look over and Sly is sitting there barely able to contain himself. It seems that the big dope bought the cake and candy, AND arranged for the hotel to bring it out after dinner. All without my knowledge, and all by himself. So, I think we should all congratulate Sly for a job well done!
Happy Knitting!
Now Sly has never been a romantic guy. He doesn't understand it, and actually thinks that romantic gestures are a bit silly. I love him dearly, but I had given up romance years ago. So, when the waiter at the restaurant in the hotel we stayed at brought out an anniversary cake. I was deeply confused. Not to mention a package of my favorite chocolates. I look over and Sly is sitting there barely able to contain himself. It seems that the big dope bought the cake and candy, AND arranged for the hotel to bring it out after dinner. All without my knowledge, and all by himself. So, I think we should all congratulate Sly for a job well done!
Happy Knitting!
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