Honorary Chair

I am so proud to announce that I have been chosen to be Honorary Chair for Relay for Life of Eden Prairie this year. To be considered is such an honor, but then to be asked. Well, WOW....I'm speechless. (yeah, right, like I'm ever speechless) Seriously though, this is a cause so personal to me, and hopefully through the telling of my story, I can inspire you to help me to fight back against this deadly disease called Cancer.

My Story......

Ever since I was a little girl I looked up to my big sister Julianne. She was a dancer. Actually, she graduated from High School early so that she could dance and perform on a cruise ship while exploring the world. I always wanted to be just like her. She was beautiful and talented and a joy to be around. Everyone loved her. Then when I was seventeen and she was only 24 years old, she was diagnosed with a very large in-operable brain tumor on the base of her brain.

I don't know if it was because I was young and naive and certainly never had known anyone with cancer before, or if I was just in denial, but the thought of her dying never once crossed my mind. And so, when I woke up one morning and was faced with that reality, I felt like most people do when they are faced with this disease or know someone who is dealing with it. I felt helpless, and hopeless and I felt cheated out of having no choice in the matter.

Three years ago, a very good friend of mine, Amy Rea, invited me to go to Eden Prairie's Relay For Life event and walk the track with her. She was relaying in honor of her neighbor who had just been recently diagnosed with cancer. I decided at the last minute to go and walk for a couple of hours in support, but instead I ended up staying the entire night till the next morning. It was a fun and amazing experience that moved me beyond words. For the first time, I felt like I had a choice. I felt empowered to fight back against cancer. I realized that I didn't have to sit by and watch those we love suffer or die from something that can be prevented. I realized that I could raise awareness and money for research. So, while walking the track that night at Relay for Life, I had it all planned out in my mind how I was going to participate the next year and create my own team and walk in honor and memory of my sister, Julianne.

Little did I know then, but the following year not only did I participate as a relayer and team captain, but also as a cancer survivor.

You see, for nearly an entire year I had not been feeling well at all and wasn't sure why. I started pulling my kids out of activities because I just didn't feel good or have the energy needed for extras. I felt nauseaus and bloated all of the time. I started having extreme abdominal pain and that is when it was discovered through a couple of CT scans that I had a tumor on my left ovary.

I can't imagine what it is like for people who have the knowlege that they have cancer, but for me it was the fear of NOT knowing. Because of insurance issues, I had to put off surgery for two months. Not knowing the seriousness of the tumor and whether it was cancerous, was especially hard on me and my family. My husband and children were very supportive, but we were all very scared. And only a couple of years earlier had we known a family friend who had died from ovarian cancer having to leave behind her own husband and young children. We knew the seriousness of this kind of cancer and like I said, we were afraid.

Finally, I checked into the hospital on May 1st, 2006. Surgery was scheduled to be about 2 hours long. Instead, it ended up taking about four and a half hours. My surgeon easily removed my left ovarian tumor through three small laparoscopic incisions. He said it was smooth and the size of a grapefurit. Yep, not kidding. A freakin' grapefruit. I even asked him to repeat that several times just to confirm that I heard him correctly. Anyway, he sent my ovary and affected filopian tube off to pathology to be tested, while I was still on the operating table. My doctor seemed confident that it would be benign and started to close me up. But very quickly the report came back from pathology that it was cancerous. I then had to be reopened immediately with a large incision to dissect lymph nodes for biopsy. While doing that, I had the unexpected complication of excessively bleeding and lost a lot of blood which required a blood transfusion, also resulting - a damaged vein in my left leg.

As it turned out, I had a very rare form of cancer known as Granulosa stromal cell tumor. Only 1 to 2% of ovarian cancers present in this form. So, if you are going to have ovarian cancer, this is the one to get. It typically is a very slow spreading cancer and it seems that I could have had it for many many years and not know of it of course until experiencing symptoms. Luckily, my cancer was treatable through surgery alone and no chemotherapy was needed. I still have to go to my doctor every three months for the next 3 years for follow visits and blood tests.

I am amazed at how far medical research has come. It's possible that my sister could be alive today with the advancements they've made in this field. It's very possible that I wouldn't be leading a happy and active life now without it.

Since my recovery, I've resumed my career in Ballroom Dance that I had put on hold for 10 years to raise my young family. Teaching full time, I'm reminded daily through twinges in my left leg from my damaged vein at how lucky I am to be a survivor.

I DANCE in MEMORY of my sister, Julianne and to CELEBRATE my survivorship.

I RELAY FOR LIFE to FIGHT BACK against this deadly disease.

My mantra....."Remember.......Celebrate......Fight Back!" and count your many blessings.

-lisaD.



How can you help ???

RELAY FOR LIFE takes place on July 18th at the Central Middle School track in Eden Prairie. It is an all night fun activity-filled event starting at 6:00 pm and ending at 6:00 a.m. the next morning. Presently, I am team captain of "The CURE-rageous Knitters" (composed of my very wonderful knitting friends who were all a great support to me during my cancer scare).

I invite you to seriously consider joining me in my efforts. You can do this by signing up to be on my team to raise money and participate in this fun event or simply by just taking a couple of minutes and make a monetary on-line donation.

Now, please visit my personal or team webpage to sign up or make a donation In honor Of, In Support of, or In Memory of someone you know who has been affected by this deadly disease.

Thank you so much for your support.

FAN-ILOW

Back from California and Vegas....and it was so great! The last day of our trip my dad gave me an early birthday present.

Tickets to go see Barry Manilow at the Vegas Hilton for that night!

Oh-my-God! THE icing on my Barry Cake! I've come to realize that I'm now officially Old ...'cause Barry ROCKED THE HOUSE.

Yes, Barry was a bit slower and creakier than years past.
but Yes, he still sounds pitch-perfect.
Yes, I swayed with my Manilow embossed glow-stick during the slow songs, while Byron patiently endured.
AND YES I am a true Fan-ilow!



Okay, so I guess you could say that the rest of my vacation kinda pales in comparison to Barry, but it was still wonderful. I will try and sum it up quickly.

Vegas

-Very hot. averaged aout 110 degrees.

-My mom and dad rented a pontoon for the day where we ate, fished and swam out on Lake Mead near the Hoover Dam. Very fun day. The kids were in heaven.



-Took the kids to the Luxor (the Egyptian pyramid hotel), Went to M&M's World and to Harrahs Casino to see the Mac King magic show. Eric, Ian and Olivia ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS....especially since we met my brother there and he tipped the usher and got us 2nd row seats. Woo-hoo!



-We spent lots of time with Nana and Papa (my mom and dad) my brother Jeff and sister Anysia, and my nephew Jason who all live near Vegas. and I had some good home cooking....which included moms pork chops. Mmmmmm


San Jose, California

-The weather was perfect, as always. The mountains were beautiful, as always. The driving was defensive, as always. It felt like home....and I loved every minute of it.

- Great to see all my family. My sister Andrea, and neice Audrey. Grandma and Grandpa Romero. And Byron's brother's family too. Phil, Tao, Zara and Leta.

-My Grandma and Grandpa hosted a big family dinner for us. Complete with her homemade tamales, beans & tortillas, new mexican chile, spanish rice....etc. I was in heaven. It was also so wonderful seeing all my aunts, uncles, cousins who showed up and or drove from out of town to visit with us. I miss them again so much already.

-We drove to the coast. Our favorite, "Pescadero beach", by Half Moon Bay was still the same. The kids remembered it well, even for not having been there for five years and Olivia only being 3 years old back then.



Here's me being a beach bum. Oh how I love the beach.

-Then took the kids a bit further down the coast to the tide pools....where we spent much of the day looking for hermit crabs and interesting shells and sea anenomes.



-We ate at Round Table Pizza (my favorite pizza that I can't get here) We ate at Togo's. My favorite sandwich shop (that I can't get here) We went and bought some See's chocolate....(my favorite chocolate in the whole world - that also, I can't get here.)

-We explored our old neighborhood and local hang-outs. Everything seemed so much smaller than how we remembered it. But it was a good trip down memory lane.



-We went to San Francisco. Crossed the Golden Gate, and took the kids to Muir Woods to see the the Giant Redwood Trees and then headed over to Fisherman's wharf to Ghiradelli Square for more chocolate and ice cream.

Like I said it was a great 2 weeks. I am back now and today feeling kind of melancholy. I love the bay area. Sounds funny to say that I feel like when I am there I can actually relax and breathe easy. My woes fade away. There is no place like home.

A New Posting!

Surprise Surprise! Yes, I'm posting....and I have to say that it feels kinda great. Since it has been so long since my last post, I have a hodge podge of stuff to share. So here goes and try to keep up.

As it turns out I have knitted more that I thought I had so far this year. My biggest goal was reached by attempting the "branching out" lace scarf for the third time, and actually got completely through it, cast off, blocked it, and sent it off to mama for Mothers day. Here is a picture of corgimom modeling it for me. also take note of the beautiful sweater corgimom knitted and is wearing. Looks like they were almost meant to be knitted and worn together, huh?






















At the end of March I finally finished my husbands mistake rib scarf as seen here.


Just a tad late for the winter season, but lets not talk about that, shall we?


Here is my 16X16 inch square for my friend Jodi's chemo blanket. A group of us knitters got together and knitted up squares and then assembled them into a blanket for our friend who was going through breast cancer chemo treatments. It turned out lovely and she loved it. I wish I had a completed blanket picture to show you.

Now this picture is purely eye candy for the ladies. I'm only posting it, cause I think my hubby looks Hot in this picture. Eat your hearts out girls.



In all seriousness, here we are having dinner in the city at Zelo. An old friend from San Jose was in town and we met her there for dinner to catch up. It was a wonderful evening and oh, the food was so good.Good times, good times.


And to start off the month of June off right, Amy and I went to the midnight showing of the Buffy Sing-a-long in Minneapolis. Unless you are a Buffy the vampire slayer fanatic, don't even try to understand. All you need to know is that it was SO MUCH FUN! See Amy's blog entry here for pictures and a very accurate recap of the night.


Also Amy and I are going to see Prince in July. You know.... The artist formerly known as Prince, Prince. Talk about getting down and having some F-U-N this summer.

and speaking of summer.....it has officially begun with the end of school last week. Here's my family post dinner and pre-Ian haircut lounging lakeside at centennial lakes.



Yes, notice the rockstyle hairdo....and mismatched clothing middle child is wearing?
Let's just say that I have to choose my battles wisely.

And here is darling husband on a park bench relaxing.























let's zoom in a little closer, shall we?

Yep whaddya know? That little $#!@ is sleeping.






















and so this is how summer begins for us Dickinson's.

Next week....we will all be going to Las Vegas for a week and then off to California for a week. We can't wait. Lots of family to visit and the kids are excited to see our old stomping grounds. It has been five years since they have been back and they have grown a lot since then. It will be so great.

Bordeaux

Could it be that it has been practically 2 months since I've blogged? Could it be that it has been almost that long since I've knitted. I am ashamed to even call myself a knitter anymore. This won't be a knitting post.....I have some complaining to do.

February did exist........the Dickinson's almost didn't. The month of February and this first half of March has been nothing but constant yucki-ness for my family. One cold after another and the dreaded flu. Yep.....I failed to take the family in for flu shots this year. I feel like a total shmuck about it now of course. I'd also rather forget the frigid northern mid-western temperatures we've had to endure this winter. Everyday I've re-dramatized other people's horror stories to my kids about the affects of frostbite from the tid-bits of info I'd get on the daily news. Do my kids even care? Nope. Still, I've bundled them up properly - made the the sign of the cross and shooed them out the door nearly every morning to brave the below zero temps on the way to the corner bustop these past few months.

Hopefully no longer. Yesterday it hit 60 degrees. Yay- feel the warmth. Short sleave weather... Or what I like to call -a cold day in California weather. But it looks like spring will be coming to Minnesota this year afterall. I shall look forward to it without looking back......

Okay, I'll look back. But only to relive a few wonderful things that happened that I will never forget.......

.........like the evening I almost choked on a Dorito chip while opening up my e-mail to find, (from my cousins wife) a picture of their first baby ultrasound and only the words "Big News" in the subject heading. How great that was. (Not the choking part)

.......... Or the day I was at Subway ordering sandwiches for my gang - while the man in line behind me quietly handed me a "free meal" coupon saving me like five bucks. Man! Sometimes you wonder if people like that exist anymore. You know-the kind that are thinking outside of themselves for once. note to self: pay it forward.

........Then there was that morning that Amy from KnitThink brought me over some yummy homemade split-pea and ham soup. She said it was because she had made way too much....but I know better. She's thoughtful that way ....and knows I'm meat deprived.

.....Oh and I can't forget playing phone tag with my Aunt Joyful (who is every bit of happy as her name implies) Finaly we were able to talk on the phone together for the first time in almost five years. Oh that was fun. Why we don't more often....I don't know.

but to top it all off.....

About three weeks ago....(while stewing in the depths of my homesick despair.) A package arrived at my doorstep. Yes, For me. My Aunt Dora from San Jose....sent me my most favorite chocolate in the whole wide world. Bordeaux!

Now, chocolate is chocolate right???? WRONG!!

Chocolate done right for me....is Bordeaux (chocolate brown sugar buttercream) from See's Candies. (Usually only found on the west coast but sometimes can be stumbled upon at the Minnetonka Ridgedale Mall during christmas time - you've gotta time it right though)
I have to admit she took me by complete surprise. Impeccable timing. ...but Auntie Dora has always been very intuitive that way. She must have known in her heart that I needed a pick me up. Whatever the reason....... Bordeaux makes everything good again. Thanks Auntie Dora....I love you.

I've changed my mind. It was a good winter.

Going out on a Limb

It's been a long time since I've knitted. My poor husband's Christmas hat is still on the needles. I did finish it in time for Christmas, but upon trying it on found that it could use a couple extra inches in length. ....so I frogged back the decreases and added the length and then I misplaced the pattern and now I'm stuck in limbo till I get brave and guess at the decreases.....or find the pattern. I'll probably end up trying to fudge it.

Lots going on in January. I am having so much fun with my part-time day-care job, that the days seem to be whizzing by especially quickly for this time of year.

I haven't been to SnB at all this year so far. Partly because I have nothing new on the needles and partly because when it gets this cold I hate leaving the house for even the best of reasons. I could go from 10:00-11:30 and be back in time for Sofi's arrival.......but, but.....well it's just so damn cold outside. I am such a cold weather wimp (especially in the morning.)

Like I said.....nothing new on the needles, but I intend to change all of that soon. As soon as I finish husbands hat.......and scarf. ( I'm thinking of knitting him up the "mistake scarf")
I want to try "branching out" again. I will not let the "branching out" scarf beat me in 2007. I have learned how to insert lifelines since the last time I attempted it and believe me.....I am gonna use them. It's time that I get over my fear of branching out and just knit it already. Besides it'll be nice to be able to claim that I've knitted easy lace.

So again I say....."Go out on a limb.....that's where all the good fruit is."

and so I shall.

BIG NEWS!

Okay grab a chair....you may need to sit down for this.

I got a job. Yes a real job!...I am now a breadwinner! No, I'm not pulling your leg....I know I've talked and talked for-eh-e-ver about maybe going back to work now that the kids require slightly less maintenance.......but

Hmmm....I can see this is going to take a bit of convincing on my part to make you beleive that I am actually a bona-fide working gal now, so while I'm spilling out the details of my new job to you.... do ya think you can kindly roll your eyes back into your head where I can see them?

As I was saying, as far as jobs go...nothing seemed to interest me or seem to be the perfect fit with the required wonky hours. Ya see, I want to be able to see my kids off to school and also be home for them when they return. So, nothing seemed perfect that is ......Until now!

Basically I work (if you can really call it that) 20 hours a week watching my neighbors daughter Sofi since her "nanny" has gone back to school. I have just finished up my first official work week and I have to tell you that it was so great. I am totally cut out for childcare...I love it.(Provided that the children aren't my own..*wink* ...and that the child is as sweet and well behaved as little Sofi is.)

And guess what??? Benefits. The pay will supplement my yarn addiction!! Woot! Woot! Can it get any better than that?

Okay, I can see that this is way too much for you to handle at this time.....so I will gladly give you pause to please pick your jaw up off the floor and perhaps get a paper bag to breathe into. I should've known that the shock of me "working" could get ugly.

Anyway, 2007 is going to be a great year!

Let me tell you why.

Last year pretty much sucked big time. I felt physically horrible for most of the year. Diagnosed with ovarian cancer, had it removed and then spent most of the rest of year recovering from it and the effects of the damaged vein in my leg that surgery has left me. It all really took a toll on my family, especially my children. And...financially, getting cancer is no picnic either. Just when I think I have paid the last medical bill, another one shows up via Mr. Postman. AARGHHH! We have paid over $10K in medical bills in 2006 and just received yet another one on Jan. 1st GGRRR (And so my deck and California family vacation get's postponed yet again) I do however have to thank God for good doctors and insurance....because I know it could've been a whole lot worse. Okay, so the turn around point in 2006 was getting Moose. He has been our comic relieff and joy since bringing him home in August. And he has really helped to heal all of us emotionally.

For 2007

Yes,I have a resolution. My resolution is this. To look people square in the eye when I talk to them. Undivided attention is very important....and it seems that I notice in others a lack of eye contact and wonder if I often do the same. I will make a concerted effort to not hide behind my knitting anymore, or other distractions when carrying on a conversation with others and to be fully present. I know it may not be your average run of the mill resolution, but I really want to live life this year to its fullest and be present every possible moment. A stretch? I don't think so.

Happy New Year Everyone!

Merry Christmas Everybody!!

It'll be a short post this morning, I promise. Kids need help assembling all their toys, I need to take a nap already and it's not even 9:00 a.m. (Let's just say that the kids didn't sleep all night long - (Way too excited about Santa coming) Which btw, made it extremely difficult for Santa to deliver his gifts and stuff the stockings.


The picture above is of a snowman s'more that the kids in Ian's class party made this year. I wanted something fun but easy for the kids to assemble.....and I think I accomplished just that. And 100% edible too!

And..........Here are some pictures of the bears that I knit for my little ones this year. They opened them last night along with their christmas p.j.'s and absolutely loved them.

This is Eric's bear.......His name is Sleepy

















Here is Ians Bear - who has yet to be named






















And this is Olivia's bear. She named him Molasses.






















And here are all three bears together...

















Oh and no.....I didn't forget about Your gift.

Press on this link for your christmas gift from me to you! Enjoy.... and Merry Christmas.

Cool Yule

My mom and my sister Andrea both pulled through for me and sent me lots of
wonderful yummy christmas cookies. You can't even imagine my happiness over this. It certainly is going to be a very fattening christmas this year....but you won't hear me complaining.
(Not until January at least.)

Today I spent the day wrapping gifts from "Santa". It was fun to wrap, while listening to my two newest favorite christmas c.d's. Barry Manilow "A gift of Love" and Bette Midler's "Cool Yule". They are must haves in any Christmas music collection. .....and I find it a tad amusing that they are both Jewish singing Christmas classics.

Anyway, as I was wrapping along cheerfully....something positively magical happened. It started to snow ......and flakes the size of silver dollars were suddenly streaming down from the heavens. It was so beautiful and soft and peaceful....and I had to go outside because I'd never seen snowflakes that large before. Neither had Moose... He loved it too.

Then the second miracle of the day happened.

Byron surprised me by coming home from work three hours early. YIKES! What's up with that? I had his gift unwrapped and laying out all over the island in the kitchen. (No, not ME,people. Get your minds out of the gutter, will ya?)

Luckily, He didn't see his presents. But it certainly was a little shocking as I don't think he has ever come home that early before today. It was fun.

So all of the presents are wrapped. I think we went a little overboard with the kids christmas gifts this year......but then again, I tend to think that every year and Byron always thinks there should be more. OYE!

NO SWEAT

There will be no holiday stress for me this year! No, I absolutely mean it! I am so far ahead of where I usually am this time of year.

Christmas lights put on the house. CHECK
Christmas tree erected and trimmed. CHECK
Hang Christmas Stockings over Fireplace with care. CHECK
100 Christmas cards hand addressed, envelopes licked closed (ick) and sent out. CHECK
On-line gifts ordered, wrapped and shipped out. CHECK
TWO christmas teddy bears knitted and clothed. CHECK

Things left to do

Knit one more teddy bear and its clothes
Knit a man scarf.
Knit a man hat.
Knit one sock. yes, just one.
Buy a $10.00 secret Santa knitting related gift for SnB holiday party.
Buy more stocking stuffers for kids
Buy Teachers gifts.
Buy Bus drivers gift.
Mailman gift? Cash perhaps?
Wrap and try to re-hide all the kids gifts .....after I find where I hid them of course.
Buy lots of batteries

Like I said.... I am way ahead this year. I vow a no-stress holiday.
And just to be sure.....I've booked myself a hot stone therapy massage session over at the Spalon Montage the week before Christmas. Yay! Merry Christmas to ME.

Ya see....I'm serious this year. Abso-tively posi-lutely no holiday stress will be had. I am just going to enjoy the fun of the season with my family and friends. Whatever doesn't get done....will have to go un-done.


I meant what I said
I said what I meant
There will be no stress this Christmas
not one percent.


MERRY CHRISTMOOSE

Unexpectedness

It's late and I really oughtta be in bed right now......but I really feel a need to blog a bit. I will make it short.

Today was Tamale day at Grandma Romero's house. I didn't go because I live here in Minnesota and Grandma lives in California. Every year for as long as I can remember it has been a tradition for all of us Romero girls to get together and spend a day making lots (and I mean LOTS) of tamales to enjoy for the holiday season.

Nancy sent me pictures and made me cry.

I haven't participated in Tamale Day the last five years that I've lived here......and every year on Tamale day....I feel this same way.......completely heartbroken with homesickness.

Did I mention? Nancy sent me pictures and made me cry.

To top it off, sometimes life throws you an unexpected surprise.....and today was no exception.

I checked my e-mails and received a comment on my previous blogposting. It was a comment from an old dear friend of my deceased sister (Julianne) who happened to stumble across my little ol' knitting blog. His name is Dave Wolowic. For all my friends and family in California who read my postings.......his name will ring bells. For the rest of you.....you may know him as big hot shot sound editor on many big (and by big I mean gi-normously big) hollywood major motion pictures. It's not often I get to name drop....so there.

But I digress. Like any time you reconnect with someone from your past that you haven't talked to in years.....it inevitably brings back tons of memories.

So I took the stroll down memory lane today......and although it's been an emotional day, I feel blessed that all my memories of friends and traditions are happy ones.

also, Dave sent me pictures of Julianne that I'd never seen before and therefore made me cry. Like this one from when she was a dancer at Marriott's Great America.



What on earth is this world comin' to........Is it everybody's mission to make me cry?

Lucky

Just had to share. I got a call yesterday from the Sheepy yarn shoppe over in White Bear lake. The lady said that I had a door prize still waiting there
that I never came by to claim from the yarn store Treasure hunt last month.

WHAT? Did I ever receive a phone call? No, I didn't. I think that I would've remembered receivng a call saying that I've won 10 balls of yarn, 2 pairs of needles, a small stack of knitting patterns and a huge (absolutely adorable) water bottle with a knitting sheep on it. But the lady on the phone insisted that I had been notified and so all I can say to that is......."Thank You! Thank You! Thank you! and well, can I come and pick it up today?"

Byron was wonderful and drove my anxious self down there yesterday afternoon. I just couldn't wait to see all the fun stuff I won. It only took about 2 hours round trip. Not bad. ...and while there I also got to take a look at that Shakespeare sweater again all knitted up and on display. Ooh I just love it! I have to knit one up for me.

But for now I'll just focus on what I'm gonna do with this little
bundle of non-wool (non-claritan popping) goodness.



Can you even believe my yarn luck lately? (Knock on Wood)

Go here to read more about the Treasure Hunt road trip that Amy and I took. It was a hoot.

Dear Bezzie

Dear Bezzie,

I don't know you, but I want to thank you. You know Amy (Amy of Knit Think and a host of the DOTD KAL) Well, she came by my house the other day to drop off a little bag of goodies that apparently I won in a DOTD drawing. She told me the story of how you were the original winner and how you graciously declined the winnings since you had recently won another yarn stash from another contest.

All I have to say is "Big Mistake, girl. Huge!" This is some good yarn you turned down. Koigu to be exact. 2 skeins. Also, not to rub it in or anything.....but I have to add that tucked away in the goody bag was also a black sheep tape measure. SCORE! and some cute little authentic mexican puddings....that BTW, my kids have already devoured.

I am very impressed by the selflessness of your actions. I don't think I would have done the same thing in your position....and so, I thank you and I will think of your selfless deed everytime I wear the lovely socks this koigu will knit up. and I will try to be less greedy when it comes to yarn. So thanks Bezzie. Just goes to show that knitters are good people.

-lisaD.

If Life Were a John Hughes Film.......

I saw this little fun game on my friend Beth's blog. Too funny. I love John Hughes films, so of course I had to play along.

Basically this is the soundtrack to the movie about my life (plus commentary de moi). Enjoy!

Here's how it works:
1. open your library (iTunes, winamp, media player, iPod)
2. put it on shuffle
3. press play
4. for every question, type the song that's playing
5. new question-- press the next button
6. don't lie and try to pretend you're cool

The Soundtrack of My Life
......................(A John Hughes Film).......................


Opening credits:
"She's A rebel" by Green Day

Oh but of course!

Waking up scene:
"The Black Lake" off the Harry Potter movie soundtrack

Now is the time I should mention that I share an I-pod with my 10 year old son. Which will explain why the Harry Potter soundtrack is on it.


First day at school Scene:
"Sleep All day" Jason Mraz

Slap my knees funny.

falling in loveScene:
"Angel of Harlem" by U2

Again, part of my sons music library.

Breaking up Scene:
"Hogwarts Hymn" off the Harry Potter Soundtrack

Oh dear lord..... are there any songs at all on this i-pod that I actually listen to? I do have to admit though, that this is a really pretty song, and one that might be comforting during a break-up.

Prom Scene:
"I'm Alive" by Celine Dion
Okay, this is a little more like it. Prom was a time to Part-ay!

Life's okay Scene:
"I'll never tell" off the Buffy the vampire slayer musical episode soundtrack
Why yes, I do have Buffy songs downloaded onto my I-pod.

Mental breakdown Scene:
"Cryin'" by Aerosmith
Tee-hee - It's hilarious what comes up. Very appropriate song I might add. Not one I'd personally choose, but remember it's a game!

Driving Scene:
"The Sun" by Maroon 5
I must be driving a volkswagon convertible with the top down on the sunny california coast in this scene.

Flashback Scene:
"Love is a Many Splendored Thing" sung by Barry Manilow
A true flashback yes. I love Barry Manilow.

Getting back together scene:
"My heart will go on" by Celine Dion

(tee-hee)

wedding Scene:
"Janie's Got a Gun" by Aerosmith
Must be a shotgone wedding.

birth of child scene:
"Save Me" by Queen
I don't think I have ever even heard this song, but I have to admit I was a bit scared upon the births of my 3 children..

final battle scene:
"Anakins Dream" off the Star Wars Episode 3 Soundtrack
Whatever!

death scene:

"Jesus of Suburbia" Green Day

I can't beleive I let my son listen to this. I just downloaded the lyrics to this song. It's no wonder I am dead in this scene. Apparently I did a lot of drugs.


funeral song:
"Only one Road" Celine Dion
A beautiful waltz. In reality, would never pick this for a funeral song, but who knows.....I'll think about it.

end credits:
"Another One Bites the dust" Queen

Okay, so I cheated on this last one......the song I actually got was "Your Eyes Open" by Keene but that's a stupid song to end my life movie with, so I pressed forward on my I-pod and got Another one Bites the dust....which is much funnier.

Feel free to join the fun yourself, I'd love to see what you have on your MP3 player....and e-mail me your results please.

Family Hostage Situation

I have been a lot nervous all day since I found out about this family hostage situation that took place two nights ago.

Normally, reading about things like this.....makes me shudder and then wonder a bit why the world has gone so terribly wrong, but this.....(as it turns out) happened right here in my very own neighborhood. Literally right around the corner from me down the street that connects to mine. This is scary 'cause this one hits way too close to home.

I have always felt very safe in this neighborhood. All of this has changed and now I find myself feeling a kind of worry, I've never known before. Since we've never felt the need to activate our security system in the last five years we've lived here, We scrambled last night to remember our security code and double check windows and doors.

Thankfully the family (parents, 2 boys,1 girl and their dog) wasn't physically harmed. Although, I can't even imagine their emotional state.

Say a prayer.

Dreamin'

I had a dream last night. (sidenote: Yes, I realize that dreams are only interesting to the person who does the dreaming and not at all meant to be an entertaining story to anyone else..) but who cares. I had a dream and you are going to hear about it.

So shape up or ship out. (ooh I'm channeling my mother from my teenage years again)

Anyway my dream...

I was in a store. A store kind of like Home Depot or somthing like that. Which is strange, 'cause in reality, I've only been into the Home Depot like maybe 3 times in my entire life. But I digress..... In my dream, I was in home depot and I was anxious that I wouldn't get my sisters birthday present mailed out in time for her birthday. Because ya know in dreams, home depots also have a Post office....and in this one, apparently a ballet dance class being offered in a back room of the wherehouse.

Okay, so anyway......I'm frantic, trying to find the wrapping paper aisle so that I can wrap and send off my sisters knitted gift to her. Instead I come across the mylar balloon section, but not before I notice that plastic folding chairs are on sale for .89 cents a piece. What a deal! I'll just stack a few of those over here to the side so I can purchase those on the way out.

I pick out the biggest silver balloon I can see and literally run psychotically down a really long corrider that seems to be getting longer and longer and then this is the part in my dream where my legs start to fail me and are getting heavier and heavier and now I can no longer run,let alone walk. I find myself combat crawling down the hall and sobbing that I will not make it in time to send off her package, while noticing girls in pink tu-tu's rolling their eyes at me.

The next thing I know....I am at the counter with a roll of wrapping paper, my trashed box with knitted gift inside.....and a big (well gi-normous) balloon. The lady is yelling at me and saying that the balloon won't fit in the box and therefore cannot be mailed. I have a simple solution.....just tape the damn balloon onto the top of the box. No problem now. All is solved. Except....for the life of me, I can't remember my sisters address....(or my school locker combo for that matter.) (oh nevermind that's another re-curring dream I have) Anyway, what is my sisters address???? It just won't come to me. I'm scared now......I have to get this in the mail!!!!!! Help Help.....someone help.

This is where I wake up....and that funny dream eraser thing comes over my mind and takes it all away to probably never be remembered again....except for I come down the stairs, and upon looking at the calendar....I notice that today is Nov. 9th. My sister Andrea's birthday.....and my dream all comes flooding back to me.



Dear Andrea,

In reality, I didn't knit you a gift. Or haven't been to the post office in weeks. In reality, I would never forget your address. In reality, this blog posting is your birthday gift. In reality, I wish you the happiest birthday ever. And in reality, I miss and love you very very much. Happy Birthday sis. You are always on my mind.( And I have my dreams to prove it.)

Love, Lisa























************Andrea******************Me*****************Anysia**************
Nysie is sooo gonna kill me for that picture.






















My Sister Andrea Inez now.
Isn't she so pretty?

November is Here!

November is a month that I normally don't look forward to here in Minnesota. It usually marks the beginning of extreme cold. (I'm a cold temperature wimp) But today's the exception. It is 55 degrees out right now and it is looking to get up about another 10 degrees by this afternoon. I love it! Thank you Mother Nature!



I suppose this cabled hat and scarf set that I knit up for Livvie is gonna have to remain shelved for just a wee bit longer.

Like I'm soooo disappointed. NOT!

Day of the Dead

Dias de Los Muertos (also known as) Day of the Dead. Yes, it sounds very macabre, but really it is a positive and joyful celebration. A time to celebrate the lives of people whom we've loved and lost to death. A Mexican holiday tradition.

Okay, so I'm not Mexican, sue me.

But I am latina. More specifically, Bascillian. (Not even really sure I know how to spell that) but basically my ancestors on both sides are from the most northern basque regions of Spain.

Myself, having grown up in California and having parents and grandparents who were born and raised in New Mexico, I feel very connected with New Mexican culture. However, not so much with Mexico's. But this year I am celebrating Day of the Dead ......and yes, it will involve knitting!

Soooooo........I have knitted these in memory of my dead sister Julianne.






















Legwarmers! Yes totally 80's, I know.

But ya see, my sister (Julianne Romero) was a dancer in the 80's. And not just for fun ya know. It was her passion and it was her career. She graduated high school early so that she could entertain on a cruise ship. By the time she was in her early 20's.....she had danced and sang pretty much the entire world over. Tragically, her career and life was cut short when it was discovered (at the age of 24 while she was in Mexico on vacation) that she had an in-operable brain tumor.

It was a very sad time.......and I've talked and blogged much about her....but in trying to come up with a knitting project to make in her honor, I came across a leg warmers pattern in the one skein book.

A perfect thing to knit for Day of the Dead in Julianne's honor because leg warmers remind me of her and of this poster she had in her bedroom while growing up.


Ever since I could remember, I looked up to my sis. Not only because she was 7 years older than me and therefore taller, but because she was a spirited, happy, independant person. Everything that I wanted to be.

She never seemed to be embarrassed by her "little sisters". Even when she was a teenager, she seemed proud to have me around. She was very thoughtful and generous. When I was little I would often find little presents hidden under my pillow from her. A pack of gum, or a book of stickers.....especially on the days that she would be leaving for her next cruise.

My sis. hmmmmmmm.......She taught me to love musical theatre. She taught me how to carry a tune,the importance of good dance posture, how to act and entertain on a stage. She inspired me to be a generous person, a good friend, and an excellent pen-pal.

I miss her a lot.

Today I will be celebrating Day of the Dead with many friends. Eating drinking,laughing and remembering. And will feel proud to put her knitted legwarmers on the Day of the Dead altar in her memory and then give them to my own daughter to wear to her own dance classes.




Here are some lyrics to an 80's song that was a favorite of Julianne's. Another thing that reminds me of her.


Happy Dia De Las Muertos.

Shakespeare in Love

Here's the pattern.....














It's called Shakespeare........and I fell so in love with knitting up this little goody that I will make myself one too.

Anyhow, this sweater is for my best friend Laura. No, I didn't keep it. Although beleive me, I was desperately tempted to. I also didn't knit it in the yarn shown on the pattern either. Instead, I chose Lana Grossa Royal Tweed in a brown. I was looking for a very fall autumn-y feel that matched the socks I just also finished knitting for her. I had a rocky start. Just a tiny mistake, really. Somehow, I forgot how to yarn-over. Uh-oh! (okay, big mistake as brioche is made up of lots of yarn-overs. But, once Kelle (the knitting wizardress) helped get me on the right track....I was up and running. Thank God for Kelle. What a gem.

Notice the chewed up corner on the top left corner of the pattern? FYI, this projectalmost didn't get completed....but thankfully I caught Moose (in the act) before he could do any real damage.


"Who Me? Us dogs always get blamed for everything, when all we wanna do is sleep in strange places."



Here is the sweater (in pieces) with me halfway through the front....















And Voila.....here it is two days later completed.







(Yes, I Rock)






And....they compliment the socks too, just as planned!















Monday afternoon I felt giddy while wrapping it all up very Pretty like......
and extremely releived to give my hands a break from knitting.






And Tuesday morning I went to the Post Office and sent it express mail overnight so that it could get there (Illinois) by today October the 18th.


Guess What? Yes, she received it today.... and loved it!!!!

It's always nice when someone appreciates all the hard work and love that is put into making their gift. In fact, when I was on the phone with her this evening. She said that she was wearing it and that it fit perfectly!

Eeks! I am beside myself with joy!

Coincidentally (and not at all related) today at SnB there was a discussion on gift giving. We all have slightly different views on it, but in my opinion.....I beleive that people give gifts (even when specifically asked not to) simply because it makes them feel so good in doing so.

I am reveling in my joy of successful gift giving.....and birthday remembering.

I DID IT !!!

Only my Stitch and Bitch Friends will understand when I say this! But I did it! Few thought it was possible....or should I say.... few said it was very ambitious of me to take on this project. But this only drove me to work harder. (I am a rebel by nature - I think they were using reverse psychology on me) Anyway, it took me exactly five days from start to finish. I had a couple of very long nights knitting brioche and frogging brioche and re-knitting brioche and re-frogging brioche ....and yet again re-knitting brioche. And when that was said and done, then I ended up having to drive out to St. Paul and purchase more of this glorious tweed because I was two skeins short. But BY GOSH DARN GOLLY.... It's done! And it's beautiful and I can't wait to post pictures, but I can't just yet.

Happy Birthday Laura on OCTOBER 18th!

The Birds and the Bees

A little boy goes to his father and asks "Daddy, how was I born?"

The father answers:

"Well son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway!
Your Mom and I first got together in a chat room on Yahoo. Then I set up a date
via e-mail with your Mom and we met at a cyber-cafe. We sneaked into a secluded
room, where your mother agreed to a download from my hard drive. As soon as I
was ready to upload, we discovered that neither one of us had used a firewall,
and since it was too late to hit the delete button, nine months later a little
Pop-Up appeared that said:


You got Male!"


(My Aunt Tiny e-mailed me this one.....I just couldn't resist.)

Yarn Store Treasure Hunt

This is my pathetic attempt to blog about the Yarn Store Treasure Hunt that took place here in the twin cities last month. I wanted to blog about it then, but woop-dee-doo...other things in life happened and I've finally just gotten around to it.

Aahhh.....I remember the day well. Saturday, October 7th, 2006. It was more fun than two gals are allowed to have on a one day road trip in the twin cities visiting 6 yarn stores, one coffee shop, a gas station, lunch at Frosts and a side trip into a cute little stationary store. Good times... Good times....
Amy drove....because well, I don't really like to. and also because I can't read a map as well as she can when lost and also because it is fun to joy-ride in her green vw bug....and also because well damn-it she's the one writing a guide book on traveling in Minnesota. She knows her way around these parts much better than I.




We feasted on lunch at W.A. Frost in St. Paul. It was delicious.



and this is what our desserts looked like. Isn't this just beautiful, people?



I could've sworn that I took more pictures that day. But I can't seem to locate them on my computer. But yes, besides all of the eating, and getting lost and getting a parking ticket and drinking mochas with "fun" on top. (that's whipped cream folks) we did manage to get around to all of the yarn shops and receive a charm at each one for participating in the treasure hunt. Whew!

When all was said and done......I came home exhausted and with all of this to show for our Girls Day Out....Road Trip.

Dog-gone Goofy!

FYI, If I am ever invited into your home, and I immediately kick off my shoes, start eating the food you have out, and dig through your cupboards for coffee cups and sugar, please don't be too alarmed. It only means that I feel completely comfortable and welcome in your home. And hey, If you have Dancing with the stars on the boob tube, well all the better. Here I am at Kelle's house doing just this.














I guess it's obvious that I enjoy my Knit Nights out. Although, I think Kelle's daughters may think I am a little bit goofy. Perhaps not at all how a guest in your home should act.

It's October already and the kids have been back in school for a month. Which means, I have been knitting much more than usual. I have two works in progress right now. Log cabin baby blanket..... and finishing up on best friends b-day present. Yes, that is TWO projects at once. ( I think that is called multi-taskin' y'all.) Now, I'm not gonna mention what Laura's b-day present is, but let's just say, that sending her flowers again this year for her birthday, and keeping this little knitted goody for myself instead, well that has been seriously contemplated. (no no Lisa! Get that evil thought out of your head) I can't screw up her birthday yet again. I am determined to get her birthday right this year! I do really hope she enjoys this though as much as I am enjoying knitting it, because working up this Merino from ArtYarns is (as Stitch and Bitch friend Beth so perfectly put it) it's like knitting with chocolate. A definite treat.

Hey, have you noticed that I haven't blogged in a very long time? I have only one thing to say about that.

MOOSE

Obviously, being the verbose person that I am, why limit the subject to only one word?

Moose. He has regressed. I thought he was potty trained (for the most part), but yesterday he peed indoors. 3 times. I really should be grateful that it was on the hardwood floors each time, but c'mon... Geesh! It's been a month since we've had him and I take him outside like every 30 minutes!

There is just no need for the pee.

and so, Byron and I sat him down last night and had a nice little chat with him, and I'm thinking that we may have gotten through, 'cause today..... Not a single accident so far.




"I'm sorry mom and dad, I'll try harder not to pee inside anymore."

Moose has also officially found his voice.....and (like me) is not afraid to use it. Man, he can really bark up a storm when so inclined. So yep, we'll be sitting him down again tonight for yet another lecture.

And so, I continue to use Moose as my constant excuse for not getting things done. Like blogging, and housework, and paying bills and the like. *wink*

Now, to address the rumors circulating about my transition from "normal person" into "Goofy pet owner." Yes, it's true. I've crossed the threshold. Which means,

1. There is little else that I talk about.

2. I'm quick to offer unsolicited advice on the right and wrong way to train your pup. Mine is the right way! (Regardless of the pee-fest in my house yesterday)

3. I use that downright goofy, high pitched baby talk to him and assume that he understands every single word I am saying.

AND

4. I Come up with cute nicknames that in reality aren't so cute. Like...."my little Moose-o-llini, or "There goes The Moose-inator" or "How's my little chocolate moose doin' today?

Yes, I have become that neighbor lady that I use to quietly make fun of in my old neighborhood back in California. I just can't help it. Moose is just a sweetie-pie. I am now part of the club....and if you are not part of the "goofy pet owner club", well then you just don't get it.

A tribute

I am so saddened by the death of Steve Irwin. I wasn't a huge loyal fan or anything, but he was such a very fun bloke that was hard not to like. My kids, when they were a bit younger, watched this crocodile hunter a lot on animal planet video tapes that my dad used to record for them and send to us B.C. (before cable) Well, before we had cable anyway.

Anyhow, I am surprised at how hard the news of the crocodile hunters death has hit me. I am still constantly thinking about it. About his wife, Terry and their 2 young children that he left behind. How incredibly sad.

Then the memory came to me. My son Ian (when he was 4 years old) wanted to dress up as Steve Irwin at Halloween. I probably didn't remember it right off the bat, because honestly it was a costume that I put the least effort into. I found it at Wal-mart for $9.99 and picked it up as just for dress up play. But he insisted on wearing it for Halloween. It was a short lived Steve Irwin phase he went through, but now that I think back... he was so in awe of the spitting cobras, and crocodiles that the fun Australian handled.

So in tribute to Steve Irwin. Here are a couple of pictures of my son Ian doing his best impressions of him.




















If you look closely you may notice on the back part of the words... Crocodile Hunter and logo, Hard to see, but it's there. I also sewed on a huge tarantula to his shirt. Notice the long snake around Ian's neck and the huge crocodile he is holding at his side.

It was a great costume, that got a lot of fun responses from other parents at the pre-school holiday parade.

Crikey!

Long Live Animal Preservation!

MOOSE

We've been impatiently, counting down the days and minutes and getting everything
ready for this moment. The day finally arrived on Friday. BTW, I am pretty sure that I am way more prepared for this family arrival than I ever was with my own three children. (Sad, I know)

So, without further delay, I am thrilled to announce the newest addition to our family.

MOOSE Dickinson

















But you can just call him MOOSE.

Moose is a Chocolate Lab and he was born on July 11th, but he was finally ready to be picked up and brought home with us on Friday at seven weeks old.

Oh, and he does have a middle name too. It's Todd. (named by our neighbor, whose first name happens to be Todd.
Coincidence? I DON'T THINK SO!

He answers to MOOSE.



homecoming was fun. We took turns holding him on the car ride and then when we finally got home, we played with him all around the yard.


The sight of a new puppy brought out all of our neighbors and their little ones to meet and greet. I think all the excitement wore out Moose, cause after a bit he just plopped down on the grass for a quick snooze.

















Oooh...Awwww.... isn't he just the sweetest thing?


and in knitting news.....I've started log cabin.
Inspired by Deb from Wound Too Tight.

Okay gotta go get some sleep. I'll be up in a couple hours with puppy. I'm on potty patrol tonight. (yawn)

Told 'ya So!

This evening I did the dreaded school shoes shopping for my youngest. We did end up finding two pairs of shoes over at Von Maur after much torture. I don't really want to talk about that, though. The most important thing is, is that we did what we set out to do.

Anyway, while there, Olivia wanted to ride the escalator up, and so we did. Many times. At some point, I noticed, in the Junior's section...IZOD shirts. Ohmigod, IZOD LACOSTE shirts are back. You know, ...the polo's with the alligator on it. Or is it a crocodile? Anyway, yes, IZOD shirts have made a comeback. Too Cute. What wasn't cute was the very unfriendly sales lady who corrected me when I pointed and called them IZOD's. "They are called Lacoste shirts", she says. "Yes, maybe nowadays" was my reply. oops and then I said it...oh no no no.....I actually said these 5 little words....."But back in my day"........"They were called IZOD. Yes, I actually said those five little words....("but-back-in-my-day") Sadly, they spilled out of me so quickly and naturally that I scared myself so, and found myself quickly trying to do the math in my head as to how many years ago 1984 was, when I had to have the IZOD as part of my wardrobe. But the young sales lady didn't let up. "Uh, No." She corrects me again. "They are called Lacoste shirts. ONLY Lacoste"

Normally, I'm not one to argue, but it is now 8:39 pm. I am tired. I've been up and down the escalator like 5 times now...I've just spent the last hour wrestling my seven year olds "happy feet" into about 10 pairs of quite sensible gym shoes. (None of which she was at all happy with) and to top it off. I am due to start my period. So seriously PMS'ing here friends. It didn't help either, that this waifish 20 something year old...looking all fresh and perky is trying to correct me, ME on fashion names from the 80's! I don't think so, little one.

Anyway, we talked it out, maturely.

I told her I was right and she was wrong and that hey, nowadays, she can call that stupid little crocogator whatever the bleep she wanted to, but I was gonna continue to call it IZOD!

So I came home and googled IZOD. and now I have closure.

Past, Presents and ........well....Bowling!

Lots of celebrating going on here lately. 10 days ago was my wedding anniversary and today is my birthday. Yep, I'm like 36 (or something like that) But, Whatever!

Let's face it, It's the presents that are the most exciting part of the whole birthday celebration right? Well, yesterday...the gift receiving began early as I opened my first birthday present. I got a call early in the day, from my Local Yarn store (coughknitwitscough) informing me that there was a gift there all ready for me to pick up from my mom and dad.

I was giddy all day long, waiting for Byron to get home from work so that I could finally go and see what it could be. Is it a book? Could it be some lovely malabrigo yarn, perhaps some needles or a felting kit?

Get this!

It turned out to be a $100.00 gift card!

Holy Moley Buckets of Yarn! I can get it all. The book, the yarn, the needles.

Ah - the gift card - such a great way to say "Happy Birthday Lisa!"

So, just imagine the size of smile that put on my face. Anyway, so mom and dad (who live in Nevada) are always talking about their ever increasing senile moments. Okay, I'm sorry, but (with all due respect to the parental units) I just don't buy it. Let's see....they remember my birthday still every year since like um 1970. (or some year like that) but Whatever! They remember the name of my Local Yarn Store.....AND they remember that I'm the daughter that loves to spend frivolously. Clearly they still got it goin' on.






















But what's up with those sideburns, dad?

Anyway, an awesome gift that my fellow knitter/Hooker friends can appreciate hearing about.

Speaking of hookers. I have decided to become one. (Sorry Kelle - the threats only make me want to rebel even further) So FYI mom and dad....this gift card could likewise be used to further my hookin' talents through classes. Oh, get your non-senile minds outta the gutter.....hooking? crocheting? What's the diff?

Thank You Mamma and Daddy!

Tonight, it will be dinner and bowling with Byron and the kids and then coming home for cake and ice cream and hopefully the opening of lots of presents.

Yes, there had better be presents!!!!!

Hot Stuff

Okay, so 14 years ago I had the choice of who I was gonna worship for the rest of my life. Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart, Byron Dickinson, or Limahl?












........Barry..........











...........Rod..........











.......Byron.........











.......Limahl.......

Oh c'mon you know Limahl! Um, lead singer of Kajagoogoo? Um, break away pop hit, "Too shy to shy hush hush eye to eye"? Surely that must ring some bells.

And Yes, I know what your thinking right about now. "Lisa is soooo gonna be dead when her husband Byron see's this blog post with his "80's hair" on it for all to view. But ya see, that's where you are very wrong. Byron is "cool people" and it's because of his "coolness" (not to mention spiky-ness) that I said yes, when he asked me to marry him over a decade and a half ago. (Quick.....do the math.)

So.....Barry, Rod, Byron, or Limahl? Which is it gonna be? Difficult choice. Must do process of elimination.

First off, Barry. Although I love his music he is a bit goober-ish. Cross him out. Rod is already taken by my sister Andrea. (just kidding Andrea. (she hated me as a kid for endlessly torturing her for saying that she loved Rod Stewart and was gonna marry him when she grew up. Which, (for the record) she doesn't and never did! So cross Rod off the list. And Kajagoogoo? Oh my, can you GET any gayer than that? (not that there is anything wrong with that) but....Buh-bye Kaja. Naturally, I've narrowed my choice down to Byron.


Oh, but I had other options too of course.....I needed to compare 80's cool guy Byron to the other ultra 80's cool guy... Mr. "Original Miami Vice himself" Mr. Don Johnson.












...Don.....OR.....Byron....

Yup I gotta go with Byron on this one again. He is just exuding "coolness"
everwhere in this pic.

But the biggest test of all...
Could he measure up to "Teen Beat" heart throb Shawn Cassidy?






You Bet'cha he does!





Okay now your turn to guess. Who's who?

And so, that's the story on how I came to my decision on who to marry and grow old with.

His name is B.yron A.xel D.ickinson.

He's Cool and quiet. He's the Pretty boy next door type with an obvious wild side. (see hair pic above) He has a double peirced left ear. (ahem, no pic available at this time)

He's Suave and debonaire.





That's my guy.
Hot Stuff









And speaking of "hot stuff"
Wanna see what his choices in a wife were?

Yup, it was between.....

















Donna Summers












...........ME..........






OR





Lou Diamond Philips


I think we both made the wisest of choices. Whadd'ya think?
Happy 14th Anniversary Byron. I love you!

Kit's Knit Wear

Hi. Meet Kit.
Kit is Olivia's American Girl Doll (but shhhh don't call her a doll in Olivia's presence. Olivia chooses to beleive that Kit is a "real" girl. (I know, we'll work it out in therapy, later.) Anyway, Olivia takes Kit everywhere with her. Out to dinner, where we indulge her by asking the waiter for an extra chair in our party. To the park, where Kit actually gets some large motor skill play time on the monkey bars. And of course, when we are driving in the mini-van, it is imperative that we take extra precaution that Kit be strapped down in her own booster car seat at ALL times. Because heaven forbid (and heavy emphasis on the sarcasm here) if we get in a head on collision and end up with plastic doll (ahem, I mean, plastic girl parts all over the windshield.

Minnesota state law, ya know. Click-it or Ticket.


So with Kit being such a big part of our family since April, (when Aunt Erica sent her to Olivia for her birthday. - Let me just take a moment here now to Thank You ever so much again, Aunt Erica. (why yes, there is a hint of sarcasm there too) *winks*

Long story short...... Kit needed herself a hat to keep her ears warm in the winter. (Little hard to justify while it is 90 degrees out and like 60% humidity in the air...but I digress........It's a need, not a want.

Oh, and a party dress for Kit too is a Need, because Kit just luuuuuves to go to parties.

So, here are the newest additions to Kit's knit wear. All kidding aside, I have to confess that these were really fun to knit up for Kit. Deep down inside, I just love watching Livvie "play mommy" to that cute little Brat. (I mean doll)....(I mean girl)

Scattered? Unfocused? Who me?

I took this blog quiz via my friend Connies blog. All I did was type in my birthday and this is what I got back in return.

My Life Path Number is 5

Your purpose in life is to live life freely and collect experiences. You love life - new adventures, new people, new ideas. You are very curious, and you crave novelty in all forms. You tend to make friends easily, and you enjoy the company of all types of people. In love, you are fun and even a bit intoxicating. But you won't stick around for long. You are impulsive and spontaneous - which sometimes leads you to do things you regret. Sometimes you can be overindulgent with food, sex, or drugs. You have many talents, so many that you are often scattered and unfocused.

What Is Your Life Path Number?

MAN, DON'T I SOUND FUN?!

Eye Candy

CHRISTOPHER?




















or BRANDON?























Aww... so hard to decide.....they are both just SOOOO Pretty.

Relay Recap

I am still tired and a bit cranky because of my one nights' sleep deprivation, but I am deliriously excited too, because My team...."The Cure-Rageous Knitters" raised in total $2,789.00 for the American Cancer Society! Whoa pony! That's success right there folks.

Let's re-cap.

MY TOP 10 RELAY HIGHLIGHTS

NUMBER 10. A worm is NOT considered a bug. Oops, my bad. (you had to be there)

NUMBER 9. How my yarn saved my life. With help of course from Meleah's husband Troy at 6:30 a.m. It's Physics he says, that the plastics legs of my chairs will break off if I try to jam the mini-van hatchback shut with them still sticking out. So we tied the trunk down with yarn. Malabrigo to be exact. Hey, I was tired and just wanted to go home and crash.

NUMBER 8. Talking via cell phone to my best friend Laura while walking the survivor lap. She is my biggest supporter and she brought me to tears, reminding me not to minimize my cancer experience.

NUMBER 7. Realizing that being a survivor really pays off, you get lots of free stuff in your gift bag.

NUMBER 6. Feeling so proud when my husband erected our team banner that all of us worked so hard to knit a block letter for.






NUMBER 5. Watching one luminaria go up in flames on the track. And then realizing that coincidentally, it happened to be one in my honor. (boo-hoo *sniffles*) But I knew picking out our campsite next to the Eden Prairie Police and Fire Dept. would come in handy somehow. (besides, the gourney rides of course.)

Yep, that's my bag alright. Gone from "In Honor of" .......To "In Memory of" ....just like that. So So very sad.


NUMBER 4. Salsa dancing on the dance floor with Byron at Midnight. Hey, We definitely still got it!


NUMBER 3. Homemade baby diaper and frying pan for the scavenger hunt. It's true, knitters are a wild bunch of girls. Now, I've seen everything!


NUMBER 2. Walking hand in hand with Byron during the silence lap in memory of those for whom the luminarias were decorated for, and coming across one that was decorated in my honor from Jennifer Ficks son. It melted my heart completely.


AND THE #1 RELAY HIGHLIGHT

Doing the "Hey Hey we're the Monkeys" walk around the track at three o'clock a.m. may seem like a great and fun idea at first. (until, of course you almost pee your pants from laughing so hard) It definitely was a "Depends" moment.
















As you can tell it was a great time with friends getting together to stitch, bitch, eat and CURE-RAGEOUSLY walk for the cure of Cancer. I personally am looking forward to next year when I can do it all over again. I hope my team members feel the same, cause it wouldn't nearly be as much fun without the lot of them. Thanks to Joe and Hayley, Karen, and Beth and Katie, and all our friends and family who came out to relay with us. And to the gals who stayed all night long. Sue, Kelle, Brenda, Meleah, Christine, Ani, and Connie. Because of you, I was able to rest a lot!


And what would we have done without the donations. Thank you to all of our family, friends and neighbors who donated and so generously. I ended up decorating 127 luminarias for your loved ones and your love and support literally shone through when they were lit at the lighting ceremony. Thank you thank you thank you.

A huge hug and a thank you to Carrie over at Coldwater Collaborative for graciously and most generously donating lots of wonderful yummy yarn for door prizes to our team. Probably the biggest reason of all that most of the team stayed all night.














My friend Kelle (the knitting wizardress) couldn't have said it better than in her latest wonderful relay for life blog entry where she said

"I walk for the yarn"

No no no, oops that was me. Kelle said.......

"I walk in memory of those we have lost to cancer and I walk in celebration of those who have fought cancer and survived and I walk in hope of the complete annihilation of cancer in our lifetime. There doesn't seem to be one person that I have talked to that hasn't been or whose family hasn't been affected by cancer."


Now, How freaking poetic was that?

So start saving your pennies, cause I'll be doing it all over again next July.
I'm tired now. I'm off to bed.

Livvie's Love

I wanted to write a special post in honor of my daughter Olivia and her piano teacher, Miss Brenda. When Miss Brenda joined my Relay for Life team, she suggested to Olivia that she bead jewelry to sell as a fundraiser, and call it "Livvie's Love"
Olivia was so inspired by this idea. So, with tons of beads that Brenda had and we had at home and a small donation from our local beadstore, (Beadville USA) Olivia, with the help of a few neighborhood friends, was able to bead bracelts, chokers, earrings, zipper pulls, and anklets and go door to door the week prior to the relay, with her brothers to collect donations in memory of her Aunt Julianne and in Honor of Me, (her mama) for the American Cancer Society.

She was also so excited to attend the relay event and set up shop right in front of our campsite and sell her things with her teacher.

Get this! My little Livvie and Miss Brenda raised a total of $579.00 just from beaded jewelry donations alone.
NOW THAT IS INSPIRING! SHE IS ONLY 7.

GO LIVVIE! GO LIVVIE! GO LIVVIE! GO LIVVIE!
GO BRENDA! GO BRENDA! GO BRENDA! GO BRENDA!



Here's middle son, Ian, offering comedic releif in donating our money in exchange for gourney rides around the track. It all goes to the same cause.

GO IAN! GO IAN! GO IAN! GO IAN!





And Eric.... He helped out us Cure-Rageous knitters a bunch by walking/running 5 miles for our team that night. What a kid!

GO ERIC! GO ERIC! GO ERIC! GO ERIC!

I couldn't be prouder of my family right now.

i CAN actually knit!

Yes, it's been awhile since I've done anything remotely knitterly! But hey, I CAN actually knit!


















AND FELT!

















AND BLOCK!


















AND APPARENTLY ASK/BEG FOR MONEY. Which is something that I absolutely hate doing, but it's just for such a great cause.

I'm still prepping myself and collecting donations for next Friday's Relay for Life event. Thank you to everyone who has donated. It has helped so much. I promise to take pictures of the luminarias and the event and post them here, soon after I catch up on all my missed sleep next Saturday.

If you haven't yet donated and want to, there still is time. I am like this close to my team and personal goal. A $10.00 donation will buy a luminaria, which will be decorated (by me) and lit and displayed around the track of the field in honor or memory of someone you know that has been affected by cancer. Please consider giving. I am personally walking this year for my sister Julianne who died from a brain tumor at the age of 24 (when I was 17 years old) and for a family friend Jennifer who died two years ago from ovarian cancer. Surely, you must know someone who has been affected by cancer.

Click here to make a Donation to my personal page

It only takes a couple of minutes, but is so needed and so appreciated. Thank You!

The Cure-rageous Knitters

Walking and Knitting for a cure.

Last year I was invited to join a friends team and walk all night long in the American Cancer Association Fundraising event called Relay for Life. I found it to be one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences I have ever had. I walked in memory of my sister Julianne, and family friend, Jennifer Fick. Two Angels. Little did I know then, that I would be walking again this year, but this time as a cancer survivor.

The Relay is much more than a walk around a track. It is a time to remember those lost to cancer and celebrate those who have survived.

Wanting to participate again this year....and being team-less, I decided to start my own team. "The Cure-rageous Knitters." The event is being held here in Eden Prairie at the Central Middle School track on July 21st, 2006. That is next month, folks! Don't have much time here. I need your help.

Three ways you can help.

1. Donations to my personal page (however small) are so very welcome and so very appreciated.

2. Join our team and collect donations yourself and come out and have a great time knitting and walking all night long. The objective is to have at least one person from our team on the track at all times throughout the event. I will set up a tent for anyone needing to "rest up" a bit. Food and beverages are being donated all night long by local resturaunts and sponsors. If you don't knit, that's okay, come, walk, sit, chat, eat, whatever you want. It's all for a great cause.

3. Or Spread the Word. A link on your own personal blog, or a few e-mails really goes a long way.

Eeks.......This is going to be so much fun!

Go Grease Lightning......

My godson Jason and my son Ian doin' the We go together,
like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong,

Move over John Travolta. These boys are s-mo-kin'

And just for a big,huge gut wrenching belly laugh..check out my sisters and I sporting the poodle skirts our mom made us. Really now, these things weren't meant for middle aged gals, such as ourselves. Good thing we have good senses of humor.(Okay, I'll speak only for myself here.....my little sisters actually look pretty good.)

So you can tell I had a great time with my mom and dad and sisters and their kids visiting, before they headed on to our family reunion in S.Dakota. As mentioned, my mom made each one of us girls a poodle skirt to wear to the sock hop dance at the reunion. Yes, I come from BIG family. I decided not to attend the reunion this time as I thought it might be too soon post surgery for me. But it was nice that my mom made a skirt for Olivia and me anyway.

They all left Wednesday morning. Oh how I miss them already.





These cousins are like two peas in a pod.

Leave it to Beaver Land

Dear Dana, Mindy, Jill, Tara, Jeneen, Heather, Allison, Janet, Barb, Amy, Suzy A. and Suzie S.,

I just wanted to let you know that whenever I talk about Eden Prairie to my (out of state) friends and family....I always gush about the wonderful friends I have made here in Settler's Ridge. I am sure that they all think that I am just being overly dramatic the way I go on and on about how nice everybody is here and how we all watch each other's kids, about the really cool block parties we throw, the bon-fires with all the kids running around playing flashlight tag, all the G.N.O. (girls night outs) or mid-day margarita's at Dana's house (just for the heck of it) and so on and so on. But really, I am not being dramatic. I do live in June Cleavers world. ...and this letter is a testament to you.

Today I woke up, got dressed, let three complete strangers into my house (with their own rags and cleaning products, and went off shopping for the day. Yep, I went shopping! All day long! No, really. It was my day off. Get this.... Somebody else was cleaning my house besides me for once!

I came back after several hours to the most thoroughly clean and sweet smelling home. Not only did they do the regular cleaning, but they also cleaned all the baseboards, light fixtures, and blinds too! Thank you my dear friends for all chippin' in and hiring me maid services for a day. What an incredible treat....and really, this couldn't have come at a better time, because although I've been feeling so much better lately, I've also been feeling sorta frustrated over not being able to do all the things that really have needed to get done around here. (Notice, how shopping is never a problem, though.)

But here's the icing on the cake. (as if that wasn't enough, eh?) While I was out doing my shopping thang (with not a care in the world, mind you).......the elementary school health room is desperately trying to get a hold of me to tell me that Ian is feeling very ill and should be picked up from school.......and of course, my cell phone is not charged..... (which I didn't realize at the time.... because why would I....I'm out shopping and "the people" are cleaning my house.

Needless to say, they never got a hold of me.....and didn't get a hold of Byron either. Who they do get a hold of, however, is my next door neighbor Tara. She went down to the school and picked up Ian (with her own two toddlers in tow) and played nurse-maid to Ian all day long. (while I'm out shopping) Now how is that for being neighborly? (I'll blog about my immense guilt another time.

Meanwhile ....back at the farm, I come home.... thinking I am Queen of my CLEAN castle, prop up my feet up and press play on my message machine. (okay, so I didn't really prop up my feet. (What? and get dust on my squeaky clean desk? Uh....I don't think soo!)

Anyway, bubble burst.
Back to Reality.
My Cue.......It's mommy time.
Go next door and get Ian.

Factoids. In the reality of "Beaver Land", June would've been cleaning her OWN home (in pearls).....would have picked up "the Beave" from school HERSELF, and never ever would've been out charging up a storm on Visa without asking Ward first. But what-ever! The point is .....here in my little world.....we all look out and (I believe genuinely care)for each other. I certainly can't think of any place on earth closer to the idea of "Leave it to Beaver Land" than here. Thank you so much dear friends. I look forward to when I'm able to repay all of your kindness and favors.

Love, LisaD.

p.s. Ian is feeling much better.

Twitterpated

HA! Look! My first rose has bloomed on the new rose bushes my husband planted for me last week. Yippee! I have roses again. If you don't remember the rose bush massacre of spring 2005, well then, let me refresh your memory. I killed them. Rather, I really should admit that I slowly dismembered 5 rose bushes branch by branch with the soul intent to maintain them, only to find out that these particular rose bushes that our landscaper planted were "maintenance free" bushes. Really now honey, something you could have mentioned to me, BEFORE I hacked them to bits.

And so.... my beautiful roses died (at my hands) a particularly gruesome death. I've mourned them all year long. ..... and the guilt. Oh, the guilt. Let's not even go there.

Nevertheless, to see life again outside of my bay window, renews my spirit. It is a sign that all is lovely again in my world.

AND......

My bunnies must be Twitterpated, 'cause they're multiplying like cr-a-zy!





I just can't help it, friends. I can knit and talk at the same time while making up these little cuties. They are absolute "no brainers" that make you smile when attaching the ears and tails on. In other words....instant gratification.

And here are some cute bunny butts for you. I pretty much stole this idea from fellow blogger knitter friend Connie Adorable.



***************** The Ends ********************

Meme

I've been tagged with this Meme by my friend Kelle of Knits and Giggles.

Seven Things to do before I Die:

1. ah, get a job I suppose.
2. Go back to Hawaii ....and snorkel on Hanauuma Bay, but with my children this time.
3. Take a short cruise.
4. Laser hair removal....so I'll never have to tweeze again.
5. Grow old gracefully.
6. Decide on window coverings for my kitchen nook. (it's harder than you think,
people.)
7. Knit an (heirloom worthy) family afghan.

Seven Things I Cannot Do:

1. Multi-task
2. Get through an episode of Oprah, without crying
3. Cook. I've even taken classes to learn. But, still I can't cook. (I think it's a
multi-tasking related thing)I can bake, though.

4. Look at yarn and not touch it, even if I know I am allergic to it and will sneeze
and eye-water for the rest of the day (and even the week perhaps) by doing so.

5. control my urge to dance when I hear either salsa or disco music.
6. feel comfortable wearing flip flops
7. Convince my husband to start making that dining room furniture that he has been
promising me for years now.


Seven Things That Attracted Me to My Husband:

1. His amazingly beautiful blue eyes
2. His neverending patience with me and with problem solving in general.
3. He is a humble genius.
4. He has an incredible respect for even the smallest of living creatures.
5. He use to be able to dance a pretty romantic Bolero. Probably still could.
6. Always sees the glass as being half full instead of empty.
7. And well, he loves me, so I gotta love that
about him, right?

Seven Books That I Love:

1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
2. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
3. Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
4. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
5. East of Eden by John Steinbeck (*gasp* shocking, I know)
6. Love is a choice by Hemfelt, Minirth, Meier (self-help)
7. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. (childhood favorite)


Seven Things That I Say on Any Given Day:

1. Sorry I'm late, but.....
2. Listen up kids, 'cause I'm only gonna say this once......
3. How many times do I have to tell you ..............??
4. "Make Good Choices!" (as I shoo my kids out the front door for school)
5. Are you serious!?
6. Where's the remote?....okay, and now who took the batteries out again?
7. Have I told you lately how much I love you? Well I do.

Seven Movies I've Loved:

1. Notting Hill
2. Dirty Dancing
3. Sixteen Candles
4. Anne Of Green Gables
5. The Color Purple
6. While you were Sleeping
7. The Full Monty

Now it's my turn to tag someone. Okay, Nysie...you're it!

Blogging bunnies

Okay, well I just loved my knitter friend Connie's post showcasing her adorable knitted bunnies sooooo much - that I had to just knit one up real quick for me. Here is mine. (which my little Olivia was quick to claim as her own)



And here are Connie's.

C'mon? Admit it. You think they are adorable too, don'tcha? and they are so easy to make. Just for you......

bunny pattern

So here I am, sitting at the computer.....the kids are all tucked in for the night and I hear crickets chirping outside my open windows. I love spring! I love everything about it here. I love that the weather reminds me of San Jose, I love the flowers that are blooming everywhere you turn...I love being surprised to see the occassional baby bunny or two chasing each other in the grass ....but I also love that at any given moment you can have severe thunder storms and buckets of rain falling when it was just sunny moments before. Unfortunately, this time of year doesn't last long. I am already dreading the start of mosquito season. And I fear they are going to be out in full force very soon. Which means only one thing.....I'll probably be regretting by seasons end that I hadn't bought stock in the "Deep Woods Off" Company.

And every year I vow to buy this t-shirt. Just because it makes me smile.

I am feeling so much better these past few days. My lymphedema seems to come and go, and at times can be painful, but for the most part I am feeling bendy again. I can tie my shoes and pick up things (like lego) up off of the floor and (ooh my favorite) watching the Roomba Robot vaccuum my carpet, while I sit back and knit bunnies. Hmmm, almost as satisfying as watching Byron do house work. Although with Roomba there is no nagging involved and completely free of self induced guilt.

Meals on Wheels

I have never eaten so well in all my life. It must be a Minnesota thing, cause people keep bringing me food. Take-Out, home cooked , baked from scratch, lots of yummy yummy culinary delights. It's all comfort food. My family is feeling so spoiled and well, yes (we admit) feeling a little pudgy too. My children are thanking me daily for having had gone through surgery. No, really, they are. They don't eat this well even when I am feeling my best. Everyone knows that I don't cook. (Not well, anyhow.) Thank you friends and neighbors for the wonderful 3 course meals you've brought for my family. You have helped us so much more than you can possibly imagine.

and speaking of food.....My friend Anne hosted a luncheon in her home for a bunch of knitting friends on Wednesday. It was wonderful. She made grilled pork and chicken, and salads and desserts and breads and raspberry jelly from scratch. It was so much fun and incredibly tasty and it was my first social outing since the surgery. Oh and hey.....did I mention that there was meat there? Yes, meat! So now you all can be rest assured that I am eating properly for a (vegetarian only through marriage) carnivore. Thanks Anne!

I have been busy this week knitting a Charlie Bear. As seen above (sitting) and below (standing.) Knitting is Pretty much the only thing I am allowed to do, since nobody will let me lift a finger around here. Anyhow, this little teddy was so much fun to knit. I am almost always inspired to knit teddy bears. The satisfaction of seeing their faces and personality come alive when piecing them together is indescribable. But I have to be careful and try not to get too attached as always there is someone for whom the bear is intented..... from the very first cast on stitch. In this case, Charlie Bear is named after the little boy it is going to. I'm comforted that Charlie Bear is going to a good home and will be loved.

It's the little things that matter..........

Okay, I know people are reading this blog since I always get huge e-mail response after I post.....and believe me.....I LOVE IT! Keep it coming........But, would it kill you to leave a comment here once in a while?

FYI, there is a section at the end of each post where you click on comments.....and beleive me....it is easy as pie and really not all that scary. You can even leave an anonymous comment if you'd like. Just a plain little "hi" is a great way to start. Or, "I liked that post", or "cool picture." I can also handle the not so nice comments too.....but like my mama always says, "If you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all."

Here is the part where I am gonna show off a little bit. I have received so many wonderful things from family and friends that I just want to parade it all for everyone to see. Thank you for the cards, the yummy meals and goodies, the phone calls and visits. The gifts, the flowers, and also all the playdates and childcare for the kids. You can't imagine how wonderful it makes me feel to know how much everyone cares.



This is from Olivia. She spent her tooth fairy money to buy me this bracelet from the gift shop at the hospital. Nana was with her and bought the matching daughter bracelet for Olivia - so that we could be twins. Olivia just loved that. As did I.

This lavender calla Lily is from Dana and the sweet little bird is from Barb. They are both such good friends and neighbors.





Dawn brought over these yummy treats. mmmm....mmmmmm.......good!

I received this Get Well Balloon with candy on it from little Blake who lives in my neighborhood. What a sweetie pie!


And here is the picture of the pretty bracelet that little Sofia brought me last week. Notice the poem on the inside lid of the box.


My Aunt Isabelle in Colorado brought me to tears when I received this bookmark inside a card that she sent with the simple yet powerful words on it.. "You Are Loved"



And last (but certainly not least) a huge thank you to my best friend Laura who spoils me rotten, not just now (when I've needed it the most), but all the time over the past 12 years since we began as pen-pals.

She has sent me handstamped cards (practically one a day) for the past week, and lots of care packages for my recovery.


Can you beleive that she made all of those cards from scratch? She is amazing!

Okay, a little break from pictures for now......there are many more to post though.......so stay tuned. Thank you all for everything. The smallest act of kindness means so much to me.................................

(............like leaving a comment here)*wink*

-lisaD.

Two Angels

My staples were removed today. a small milestone, but one that I am grateful for. This should help speed up my healing. But hey, listen....that's not all. It gets even better......

My pathology test results came back. They are all negative. And I mean that as - Negative in a positive way. In other words......No chemotherapy needed.
I am cancer-free.

....whew....

Perhaps I should be doing cartwheels right now.....(As if?)) but more than anything, what I feel today is complete emotional relief from the stress of what could have been. We all know this could have gone completely different.

I draw strength from two incredible women. They are all that I have thought of almost every single minute of every single day since I first talked with my doctor in late February. Julianne Romero and Jennifer Fick.

My sister Julianne, died from a very rare in-operable brain tumor at the age of 24. I was only 17 years old and she was my idol. I looked up to her in every way. She was gifted from birth with talent, beauty, smarts, immeasureable happiness and unparrallelled energy. She had her whole life still ahead of her and then suddenly had to deal with the reality of having to face death. Her joy, (up to the very end) - was her gift to everyone. She never let us see her suffer. I think it was her way of helping us cope with our grief after she passed.

I remember when I turned 25 years old and feeling guilty that I had lived longer than she had. Why did I get an extra year and she didn't? Nothing made sense.

The other, is Jennifer Fick. Someone whom I deeply regret not personally knowing better. She died two years ago from ovarian cancer. Her son and my son have been in the same classroom every year since first grade and I doubt that they have ever had lunch at school apart from one another. They are very close friends. And so through our son, Eric, we followed Jennifer's fight with cancer very closely. What an amazing woman. What an amazing family. How is one expected to face the reality of leaving behind a loving and devoted husband and two young children? She had to. And she did it with grace and courage. She did it with faith, and a sense of peace that surpassed all understanding. Remarkable.

No doubt that I have two angels looking over me.....and for them I am especially grateful today.

Oh Joy!

Hello. This is Lisa, and yes this is still my knitting blog. But since so many other things are going on right now with me.......I think all knitting related material is on the back burner for now. So, if you're here to see the lastest thing I've knitted or felted or hear about the newest technique I've mastered.....you better mosey on along to another blog ....'cause all you are gonna get here is my ramblings on and on about my most recent diagnosis with cancer and how I'm dealing. This blog is a good conduit for me.

Today I woke up feeling better. I've found my joy again. Yesterday, as you can tell from my last entry, I was rather quite emotional. I suppose it couldn't have helped much either that my mom and I watched the Oprah Anniversary DVD collection. I mean, you can pretty much always count on Oprah to make you cry.......but goodness all the big "Oprah" moments all rolled up into one day. Let me just say.....we were sobbing. And my mom and I are the first to admit that we are not pretty criers. So, we're thinking that we should probably stay away from Oprah for awhile.

I found this beautiful flowering plant on my doorstep on Friday morning. Isn't it gorgeous? It is from our friends, The Johnsons who live directly across the street from me. Furthermore, Mindy Johnson happens to have the most envy-able tulips (and landscaping for that matter)in all of Settles Ridge(our neighborhood) growing in her front yard. And that is my view every day. How lucky am I? Thank you Brian, Mindy, Ben, Taylor and Nick. *hugs*




This Wine Gift Basket is from my boss *wink* over at WineStyles Boutique. This is a thank you from her for helping out a little bit in her store and for getting things organized on her website. She so could have so done it all without me and I didn't even do that much, but look at all this great stuff. A bottle of Cabernet Zinfandel, Cabernet chocolate blueberries, a wine journal, and a pretty hefty Spalon Montage Gift Certificate. She is certainly one classy lady, a good friend, and the best next door neighbor anyone could wish for.



And my Dad sent me these. Anybody who knows me well, knows that daisies are my favorite flowers. (With Tulips coming in a very close second.) Thanks Daddy.

Emotional

I am very emotional today. I just realized something that I have been deny-ing. I've been diagnosed with cancer. (more on that later) It doesn't help that I have a fever either today which is probably what is making me feel achey and lightheaded and nauseaus, and why I probably can't control my tears. I am certainly at my worst. Not a pretty sight.

Little Sofia from next door brought me the prettiest little present. A beautiful bracelet with the words peace, hope and serenity on it. On the inside lid of the beautiful blue box, was this beautiful little poem.


Peace, Hope, Serenity

When life is stressful,
find your inner peace
When you feel discouraged,
Have hope
Combine the two
And serenity will envelope you.

What a tiny miracle that this came at the very minute that I needed it the most. It of course made me cry.....but a happy cry and I feel much better. I will post a picture once I down-load it.

I don't know how to thank everyone for all the wonderful sentiments, and gifts and love and support. So I will post pictures. Words don't seem enough. Thank you for everything.




Amy brought by knitting magazines! *smiles* and chocolate always helps....and the new yarn harlot book!












And here is the Joy of Knitting book, and the Joy of knitting companion book from my friends Deb and Carrie over at Coldwater Collaborative knitting store in Excelsior. Very cool.







Take a look-see at this pretty bouquet of flowers from Olivia's friend Brianna. How lovely they are to look at.

I have more pictures to post.....but I think I need to take a break for now.



Oh, but one more thank you before I go. A special thanks to my neighbor Jill for organizing meals for us. She seems to think of everything before I even have the chance to ask. And for the record, Byron is really looking forward to the meals. Thank You you have no idea how happy a simple meal for my family makes me.

Gratitude

When I went to bed last night I told myself..."Lisa, you are gonna feel better tomorrow already, damn-it! No matter what!"

Well, on the contrary, I woke up in a lot of pain and feeling very nauseaus.....and then these arrived.


Oh, aren't they lovely? This picture truly doesn't even do the beauty of these tulips justice. Thank you Doug and Tammy. You've certainly brightened up my day.

Then my new neighbor brought over this.......



Homemade Blueberry and banana bread. Yum-my! Thank you Jennifer.

and then this afternoon while sitting on my porch in my pajama's breathing in some fresh air, Mr. Postman delivered a small little package to me from fellow blogger/knitter friend Chris



Chocolate, tissue, cuticle creme, and check it out....a felted tulip kit. I can't wait to knit it up. Thank You!

So, it is the end of the day, and although I woke up feeling lousy....I am going to bed feeling loved and knowing that there is just so much to feel blessed and grateful
for.

My Perspective

I checked into the hospital on Monday morning. Surgery was scheduled to be about 2 hours long. It ended up taking about four and a half hours. My surgeon made three small laparoscopic incisions and was able to remove my left ovarian tumor. He said it was smooth and the size of a grapefruit. (Yep, no kidding.....the size of a freaking grapefruit .) I asked him to repeat that several times just to confirm that I was hearing him correctly. Anyway, He sent my ovary and affected filoppian (sp?) tube to pathology while I was still on the table, to have it tested. He seemed confident that it was benign and started to close me up. But the report came back from pathology that it was cancerous. I had to be reopened immediately with a large bikini line incision to dissect lymph nodes for biopsy. While doing that, I had the unexpected complication of excessively bleeding and lost a lot of blood which required a transfusion. After all this, I was stapled back together and was sent to recovery in stable condition. I felt pain and had lots of blurred vision and lightheadedness when I woke up. I felt very loopy on Tuesday and Wednesday. Then last night, they tested my hemoglobin and found it very low and gave me yet another blood transfusion. Upon receiving that, I felt much better. I was happy to be able to come home this morning. I didn't want to miss Olivia's school performance. She had a speaking part in her first grade play this afternoon.

Basically this is what I have or had (past tense possible) A very rare form of cancer known as Granulosa stromal cell tumor. Only 1 to 2 % of ovarian cancers presents in this form. So, if I am going to have ovarian cancer, this is the one to get. It typically is not a fast spreading cancer and is usually treatable with just surgery . I should not need any chemotherapy to follow up the surgery, but that will depend on what the lymph node biopsy results are. Hopefully I will get those results soon.

We, (as the doctor suggested) got very lucky. We were the only good news our oncologist Dr. Boente
got to deliver on Monday. There were many other families on the cancer care center floor with us that were not so lucky. For now....I am calling myself a cancer survivor. I 'm counting my many blessings. I am feeling very tired and sore. I have about 20 staples in my abdomen and a lot of bad bruising. One side effect of having the lymph nodes removed is that now I have what is called lymphnode edima. My left leg is swollen to twice the size of the other and is a wee bit uncomfortable to walk on. But they have given me some great drugs to help with recovery. My mom is here and has been a wonderful help to me and to Byron and the kids.

Thanks to everyone for your concern and thoughtfulness. Thanks for all the flowers, cards and gifts and for coming to visit me in the hospital or calling me there to see how I was doing. It feels so good to know that everyone cares so much. I'm feeling the love, people. Feelin' the love. Take Care

-lisaD.

The C Word

Well I can't sleep, so I thought I'd come downstairs and blog instead. Tomorrow is the dreaded day. Or rather, it all starts 6 hours from now. I have to be at the hospital at 6:15 a.m. Whu-h?? That's two whole hours earlier than my scheduled 8:15 surgery. Everyone knows that I live to sleep. I love my sleep. I need my sleep. So, why can't I sleep? Isn't it obvious....um yeah, I'm a little freaked.

Here's the plan. My surgeon will go in there laporascopically to remove my large left ovarian tumor. But first, he'll take a good look around and send a sample of it to pathology. If there is cancer present then he'll open me up and perform a complete hysterectomy. It won't come to that. (fingers crossed) The odds are all in my favor that this is benign. Still...I'm freaked. I just want it over-with already, for Byron and the kids sake. Understandably, it's taking it's toll on us all. Also, I'm sorta a little nervous that I will get there, (to the hospital) get all checked in, just to have them discover that my electrolytes aren't high enough and send me home with a rescheduled surgery date. That would really bite, and shouldn't be the case since I've been popping K-lyte tabs (gag) and drinking gatorade all day long.

Okay, so there it is in a nutshell.

Thanks for all of the good energy, vibes and prayers coming my way from all of my family and friends. You all know that I love the attention! Also, please add my Grandpa Romero to your good wishes list...he has just started kidney dialysis. I've been thinking so much about him and my Grandma lately. Oh how I miss them and the west coast....and my grandma's homemade beans and tortilla's and tamales. Ah yes, and another nice memory just popped into my head. Whenever I would leave my Grandma's house, she would always call out ....."Via Con Dios." (meaning...Go with God) What a nice comforting memory to end the day with. Time for bed.

(honk-shoo)

Stitch AND Bitch

I didn't go to Stitch and Bitch today. I was nearly all ready to go, but then lost all motivation while trying to pick out an unfinished knitting project to take. It's a daunting task for me. It needs to be a Can I knit this and talk at the same time, kind of project? They call it stitch AND bitch for a reason, right? I mean, just the name alone demands that you be a multi-tasker. Problematic for moi. I think they should change the name to Stitch OR Bitch. Then at least us multi-tasker challenged people would have a choice, right? Although I must admit, that given the choice, I'd probably just end up complaining about having to decide between the two. Hmmmmm......I wonder?..... Will the grass always be greener on the other side? (and just as hard to mow?)

Eating Cake

My Darling daughter turned 7 last week. She's my baby and she is growing up. hmmmmmmm. A little happy, a little weepy, a lot emotional. And we haven't even started talking about me yet. She's definitely got "high maintenance" written all over her. Wonder where she gets that from????? Ahem...

So, ever since my oldest son's first birthday, every year, my husband Byron has made a special cake for each of our three childrens birthdays. I bake the cakes - and then he stays up to all hours of the night artistically applying the frosting and embellishments so that the kids wake up on their birthday excited to look at Dad's edible creation. Warning: black frosting stains skin and teeth for about three days. Don't try this at home kids. So, here is the "Baby Bratz Dolls" cake he made. ('cause it's all about Bratz dolls these days) Side note here - I have a hard time digesting the baby bratz. The dolls, that is. Certainly not the cake.

Branching Out

Well here it is. My "branching out scarf." My very first lace project.This is obviously still a work in progress. Shortly after this picture was taken,I messed it up. Real bad. Tried as I did to make it right again, I only succeeded in

making it worse. So I took it over to my stitch and bitch girls and Meleah so selflessly used a good portion of her very rare (these days) knitting time to frog it back for me and Connie taught me how to insert a lifeline with the help of Christine's needle. Woo-wee! I am up and running with "Branching Out" again. Thanks girls. I used misti alpaca for this and yes although it looks amazingly like the Cashsoft Aran I used for Clapotis. It is not. And yes, this too, I am allergic. My curse in life. I'm destined to work only with acrylic yarns if I don't want to suffer. Ah phooey!

Aw.......I am so feeling the love.

Uber busy!

Well, I have been uber-busy. Okay let's just stop right there.

Uber?????

Hmmmmm...What does that even mean? I have been blogstalking lately and this word pops up a lot in blog land. It seems that you can put this word.....Uber.......in front of just about any word from the English language and all of a sudden the otherwise boring word becomes trendy and cool. Does Uber come from Super.. minus the S and flip the p upside-down? Let's try it out. I've been Uber busy......I've been super busy. I'm feeling uber cool today. I'm feeling super cool today. Barry Manilow is an uber goober. Nope doesn't work on that one. And why would it, Barry Manilow is not a goober. He IS however, uber cool.

So back to being uber busy. I have decided that I need to fill my days and evenings with lots of things to distract me from being worried about my up-coming surgery. First off, nothing says fun like a good old fashioned game of Scrabble. I am good at Scrabble. My husband and I opened a bottle of dessert wine last Saturday night from my friend Tara's new Wine Boutique in Chanhassen. It's right next to the movie theatre. It's called WineStyles. Go in there!!! They have lots of wonderful yummy wines in there. And if you know absolutely nothing about wine, even better....because it's catered to the person who knows little or nothing about wine. Go in, you'll thank me for it.

Anyway, we opened the wine and had at the Scrabble board. I won. My poor, patient and wonderful husband, I guess he didn't know the rules. Only knitting related words allowed this time. It's harder than you think, ya know? And If you are part of my Stitch 'n Bitch group.here is an extra little side game you can play. Try to find all of the following words and group member names.... Connie, Sue, Beth, Anne, Katie, Georgia, Kelle, Amy, Chris, Meleah...yarn, knitting, needles, stitchnbitch, frog, purl, felt, latte, cast, garter, merino, rip and extra credit for Mojitos.(which is not at all a knitting related word, but I plan to make it one really soon) Notice the dictionary there in the picture? Yes, we are serious scrabble players. (Aw shucks, I should've looked up the word uber while I had the dictionary out.)

And nothing says comfort like some good old fashioned Chocolate Chip cookies. Here I am baking "LisaD.'s Ultimate No Trans Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies."



I make the absolute best chocolate chip cookies in the world!! And because I am a generous person, I will share my recipe with you all.


LisaD's Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe:

3/4 cup crisco (the green label without trans fat)
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
2 table spoons milk
1 table spoon vanilla
1 egg
1 3/4 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Combine crisco, sugar, milk and vanilla in large bowl. Beat with mixer until well blended. Beat egg into mixture. Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Mix into cream mixture. Stir in chips. Bake for 10 minutes.

It's now time to confess. It isn't a LisaD. original recipe. Credit must go to Cousin Laura. They are actually called "Cousin Laura's Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies" and now that I think about it, it might just be a secret family recipe. (ssshhhhh - don't tell)

Speaking of Cousin Laura ...... look what she sent me. Here's a picture of the box.









and here I am opening it.










Oh, aren't they beautiful?









Some folks may even call them Uber-beautiful.







Laura knows me so well. I love daisy's. And these aren't just regular daisy's. These are Gerbera Daisy's. Like the mother of all daisy's, people. I feel so loved. They came so beautifully packaged with the vase and everything. Thanks girlfriend!

Just tryin' to keep super uber busy.
What about superbly - uberly? Does that work?

Save the Drama For Your Mama!

Blog Much? Talkin'to me? Nope. Not lately. When you're not knitting....there is not much to write about on the subject. However, I'll spare you the boring details as to why I am not knitting as obsessively as I was not too long ago, but rather will share with you my latest one act play.

Title: Original Idea's
by Lisa Dickinson
(A one act play between a mother and her son - based on true life events)

Cast of Characters
Eric - played by Eric Dickinson,a carefree and usually quiet-natured (almost ten year old) boy.
Mom - played by me. Enough said.

Setting
mudroom, kitchen and foyer ....Eric comes home from school on Tuesday and says....

Eric: "Hey mom, I've got a great idea.....there's no school on Thursday or Friday....I was thinking we could go to the Wisconsin Dells for a few days."

Me: "Ahh .... brilliant idea....but unfortunately, it's not in the plans for this week Eric."

Eric: "Why, mom?"... "Wouldn't that be like soooooo sooooo much fun?"

Me: "Oh yes, I agree--very fun, but not this week, hon."

Eric: "How 'bout next week?"

Me: "No."

Eric: "How about the week after?"

Me: "No."

Eric: What about the.....

Me: No.

Eric: (disrespectfully raising his voice) "Geesh, Mom! What's the use of having brilliant idea's if I can't even do them?"

Me: "Eric.... please go up to your room and calm down a bit."

Eric: (defiant) "NO!"

Me: " Um....Yes!"....(pointing up the stairs) "UP. NOW! MR.!!"

Eric: "FINE!...(as he stomps up the stairs you can hear him mumbling to himself) "No fair...Michael Rea gets to use all my cool ideas."

The End.

Credits
I wish to thank Eric's friend Michael Rea (Knit Think's son) for inspiring Eric's - um, not so original idea....and we'd like to add that we hope that he is having a lot of fun at the Dells this week.

I learned how to needle-felt. It is so fun. This here is my first attempt at it on my daughters little bag that I knit and felted from leftover scrap yarn. She absolutely loves it and even took it to Super Target with her this afternoon. She was very careful not to part with it, even for a second. We all know what happened the last time that she took a LisaD. original to Target now, don't we?
And Yes, I even needle felted her name on the bottom of the bag too, just in case. Looks like there is room there for a phone number, but hey, don't wanna get carried away or anything.

Here is the new happy owner showing off the other side of her bag.

Shoes

Yes, you have reached my knitting blog. However, this is obviously not going to be a knitting entry. Rather I will share with you my other passion. Ballroom.

I was going through some old boxes of stuff the other day, when I came across my old ballroom dance shoes. Well, they actually hit me square in the head. Bam! Whoa didn't see that coming. Hmm.... I haven't worn these in like ten years I thought to myself.....and there you have it.

I got all nostalgic.

Haven't thought much about it in a long time but here I was, standing in my closet, ankle deep in memories while trying to squeeze my bunioned dancer's feet into these tiny little rhinestone studded 3 inch heeled latin dance shoes. And (as if by magic) I was transported back to a time when I lived a life of glamour and invincibility. To a time, where my skills were appreciated and sought after. To a time in my life where I felt confident and indestructable. And most importantly, to a time when I was doing what I loved the most.





Straight away, I knew what needed to be done. I threw on some work out wear and headed for my huge and (otherwise good for nothing) basement. In the back corner of my basement and away from all windows where I couldn't be seen, I cranked up the volume on my son's I-pod and had "at it" on the concrete floor. I tore it up....and I mean that in a good way. Okay, now I know that (sadly) I am not nearly as flexible as I use to be or as thin and energetic as I was back in my 20's but hey......I think I've still got it! Or at least part of "it." Funny, but it's true what I used to teach my own students. Learn your basics well, and you will never lose them. It's like riding a bike. And imagine, I am doing all this in the back part of my basement where I am supposed to head directly for in the event of a tornado.

Cuban motion.....rise and fall.......swivels and synchopated cha-cha rythmns. Hmmmm it's still all right here. A little older, slower and creakier, but still.......................

So back to reality now. Being a SAHM (Stay at home mom) everything always comes back around to relating to Oprah. (for me anyway) And this anecdote is no exception. Ms. Winfrey herself has a section in her magazine that is called.... What I know for sure. I've personally pondered this question many many times and always have had difficulty finding an answer that I was satisfied with. But today, I had my first Oprah "aha" moment. And here it is.

What I know absolutely for sure is that without Dance, I am incomplete. Dance is in my heart. It is my passion. Dance is in my soul. It is the one thing in life that I have a complete and absolute connection with. I will never be the best dancer in the world or the worse for that matter.......but without it, I realize I am not whole. Yes, I know..... total cheezy "You complete me" Jerry Maguire-ish here. but, hey I'm just sharin' is all...........

As a little girl I dreamed of only two things in life for myself. To dance......and to get married and have kids. I did the dancing. I competed. I was good. Really good. I got married. We had our three children. Life is good. Really good. I always knew that the lifestyle of a dancer/instructor wasn't conducive to raising a family, and so I chose to pack away my dancing shoes. If I couldn't give 110% to it then I'd give nothing at all. I realize that I have been cheating myself by not keeping it at least a little bit in my life.

I love this picture.


Even though I am very critical of my hand lines here and the goofy expression on my face, I love this picture because it represents the very brief time in my life when I had both Dance and Family. I've also just noticed that my mom is in the background taking a picture.I was three months pregnant here with my first son Eric. This was the last time I performed on a ballroom floor. Appropriately, I am "high" being raised up by one of my students. I've decided to call this picture. Past, Present and Future.

So was it coincidence that I happened to find my old dance shoes and pictures the same day that I was discussing life's passions (and Brokeback Mountain) over lunch with friends? Or was finding the shoes and pictures a disposition of providence? Either way, I will call it a good omen. I've decided that I need to reclaim that part of me that makes me feel so alive. And it best be soon, before another 10 years of non dancing passes me by.

What is it that you know for sure? What is your passion besides knitting? Please share. Nothing is TMI (too much info).

Vogue cabled sweater. 4 skeins at once. Yep....I rock!

Now, I'm Not One to Boast.....BUT

Now I'm not one to boast...BUT...... Aww, who am I kidding? Of course I am one to boast! I finished my sweater! Yippee! I love it. And here is the part in this entry where I will toot my own horn (again) I love it! (toot-toot) It fits perfectly. (toot-toot) I am proud to say that I modified the pattern (just a wee bit) in hopes that it would fit just the way I'd want it to....and guess what? after getting it all knitted up, blocked, peiced together and sewn up.....It does. (toot-toot-toot) Go Lisa! Go Lisa! Go Lisa! Go Lisa!

Altogethernow!

Go Lisa! Go Lisa! Go Lisa! Go Lisa! I can't hear you!

So, now what do I do with it? I can't wear it 'cause I am allergic. Well, I shouldn't. But guess what? I will.

Oh, I can't stop staring at it. I hardly believe that I created this masterpiece. My DH (darling husband) says that it looks professional. And he should know. He's a genius. Of course anyone who agress with him automatically gets bumped to the top of my "cool list."

Okay no one likes a gusher....and I just caught myself gushing again.

But you know what, I don't care! So, if you don't like boasters and braggers and show-offs and gushers then this isn't the blog for you. Buh-bye!


And off course I didn't need any help at all. (as she says facetiously)

roll credits

Thanks to Meleah for blazing the vogue sweater path and helping me so much with mine.

Thanks to Beth for answering my endless questions at SnB over the legality of straying off the path to add increases.

Thanks to Deb from Coldwater Collaborative who got stuck on the phone with me for quite awhile interpreting pattern instructions for me.

You Guys Rock.

Knitterly things......

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! What a wonderful holiday season it was. I spent the better part of today putting away my christmas decorations, but found it impossible to take down my tree. Maybe next week I will find the courage to part with it.

For Christmas, I decided not to ask for anything knitting related this year. Ya see, last year everything that I received was knitting related so I thought this Christmas I would ask for non-knit related gifts. Big Mistake. Santa actually read my wish list and didn't surprise me with even a single skein of yarn.

Thank God for good friends. Amy came through for me and surprised me with a couple of great gifts. (see picture above) The 2006 Pattern a day knitting Calendar. Score! ...and a beautiful skein of Vesper Sock Yarn. 440 yards of hand-dyed self-striping goodness from Knitterly things. I couldn't resist knitting myself up a pair of cozy socks right away.

And speaking of the KnitThink Diva herself.... Amy has also tagged me with the following little New Years questionaire. I feel obligated to respond (with such a nice gift bestowed on me and all)....So here goes..

*********************************************
*********************************************

1. What new knitting techniques did you learn this year? That would have to be twisting and dropping stitches on purpose. Oh and I can cable now too.

2. Which completed project from the last 12 months are you most proud of? The basket weave felted bag that I knitted for Tara. It took my "felting" to a whole new level. And I think it turned out beautiful.






















3. What was your biggest knitting disaster of the last year?














The Giraffe sweater that was to be a gift to Laura on her birthday. I decided (after nearly finishing it) that I didn't like it one bit. So, I ripped it all out and started a cabled scarf for her instead. The scarf turned out lovely. If only I had taken a picture of it.

4. Who or what has been the biggest influence on your knitting in 2005? My Mother in Law was the biggest influence on my knitting the first half of the year and the second half I was inspired by my SnB friends and knitting magazines.

5. What knit craze grabbed you this year? Let's see....I've felted 3 buttonhole bags, 4 booga bags, one large tote, one basket weave tote, 5 sophie bags and a cell phone holder that didn't turn out so well. Yep, I'd say felting was my big knit craze this past year.

6. New Year's resolutions: To exercise at least 5 days a week, not eat after 7:00 pm and try and have breakfast every single morning to help boost my metabolism. Oh was this question supposed to be knitting related? Oops!

7. In 2006 I will knit: The Vogue Cable Sweater...and hopefully be done with it by Valentine's day. A gift to myself.

8. I will learn to: Check guage properly....so that I can knit the Vogue Cable Sweater and other wearable articles of clothing.

9. To become a better knitter, I will: Try not to stick to the same old projects like socks and teddy bears and scarfs. Rather, I will venture out and try to tackle some new more challenging projects. Also,I will dedicate more time to blogging and blog stalking so that I have somebody to tag the next time I'm tagged with a questionaire such as this.


Happy New Year! Enjoy 2006!

Merry Christmas from Spike, Sugar Plum and Star.

A Beary Merry Christmas!

Oh goodness, I can't believe it has been a month since I've blogged. And that's because I have been knitting like a maniac to finish up my knitted teddy bears for my children in time for christmas eve. I finished just in the nick of time...bears clothed and all.

Anyway, my kids loved their bears, which I named Spike (obviously knitting while watching lots of Buffy episodes), Sugar Plum, and Star. and they are tucked into bed this very moment hugging them and wearing their new christmas p.j.'s and I am quite sure that they are dreaming of the sugar plums they are sure to get in the morning.

I am gonna miss working on these bears. They are just so fun and satisfying to make....and my little ones love them so much.....but it won't be long again till I am picking out the bears that I will knit for them next christmas! It's a great tradition. For now....I look forward to finally starting the vogue sweater that I have been wanting to knit for myself.

A Beary Merry Christmas to All!

If my head weren't attached.......

If my head weren't attached, I would most likely......

A. be considered a freak.
B. have the best darn excuse around for being so absent-minded.
C. leave it by accident on the table of a (not so local) coffee shop and somehow still manage to drive all the way home without realizing it.

or

D. All of the above

Although all of these choices would apply, still the best answer is C.
Let me explain....

For the past two Wednesdays I have left something behind at Stitch 'n bitch. The first week it was my wallet. Yes, my wallet. Luckily, the Stitch n Bitch girls had all their heads firmly attached and were able to rush it out to me before I left the parking lot.

Last week I left behind my clapotis. Clapotis (which, by the way) although strangely spelled, is not a female body part! and NO Clapotis is not a sexually transmitted disease! Clapotis rather, is a name (when pronounced correctly) sounds like.........Cluh-poe-tee. It is a french scarf. and here it is pictured in it's full Clapotis knitted glory.

Not my clapotis pictured of course....Because although, I did retrieve another pattern via the internet, and actually finished my clopotis....I just don't like the way it turned out. And am definitely not ready (at the moment) to post a picture of it.

(oh, and before I forget.... Thanks Sue for picking up my pattern and offering to get it to me)

So, with my head being detatched and all......imagine my surprise (after completing clapotis) when I finally woke up, smelled the coffee, and realized that here we are at the end of November. Where did the month go? The last thing I remember was sending my little ones off trick or treating.


"Clone Troupers" Eric and Ian. 'cause it's all about Star Wars.


And...."Spanish Princess" Olivia wearing the costume Nana made.

Okay, so it's the end of November and I am supposed to be looking forward to something. What was that again? No, not Thanksgiving. Because, really now, Thanksgiving is all about the food, and it's kinda hard to get excited in my house over Tofu-rkey. The excitement can only mean one thing. DISNEYWORLD!

Only two days left to go and then it will be vacation time. We leave on Friday. That is the day after tomorrow. YAY! Nine full days of Florida sunshine. I am soooooo looking forward to some tropical weather. Especially, since it has gotten so cold around here.

First we are going to Universal Orlando for four nights, where we will enjoy theme parks like Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World and to top it off, we are going to beach ourselves here at Discovery Cove for a day of swimming with fish and dolphins. Eeks! Can it get any better than that?

Then.......off to Disney World for four nights, where we will meet up with our best friends at the happiest place on earth to enjoy character meals and parades and many photo ops. It is gonna get magical real fast here y'all. (It better, 'cause right now I feel like crud. but, more about that later)

Okay, better sooner than later.

I woke up one day last week and could hardly move. My whole body was aching and my head was pounding, but those were the only symptoms. I went to my doctor. He referred me to an Orthopaedic Physical Therapist who put one of my ribs that was out of whack back into it's proper place. Of course I was thinking about Meleah who had just recently shared a similiar rib experience she had. A rib out of place! My God! Who knew that could happen? Okay, so now the pain in my chest is gone, but still my back and neck aches. I go back to the doctor. He draws lots of blood to run tests. Which, BTW, my on-looking children seem to find really fascinatating. (Yes, morbid. I know.) but now, I am considered "cool mom." And the doc sends me home with a prescription for pain pills and a recommendation for a couple of massage sessions at the spa.

Doctors orders honey..........gotta book the massages. Poor me.

Life is hard.... massages doled out by a young hunk named Michael.....and 9 days at DisneyWorld.

What more can a girl ask for? Besides, of course the obvious..... a permanently attached head. But, like that's ever gonna happen.

So bye for now.........I've got a 1:00 appt. with the masseuse.

Calling all Knitters! Calling all Knitters!

Please be on the look out for this handbag.















Knitted and felted by yours truly for my daughter Olivia. It is 8 inches wide by 6 inches tall. This mostly pink, with blueish-purple and yellow tiger-striped patterned looking bag with the handles twisted together and connected by using "the kitchener stitch" was last seen at the Super Target in Chaska, Minnesota. It did make it into the lost and found there after we left the store .....(turned in by a rather nice young cashier lady...who remembered my daughter paying for her candy out of it.) But when we went back to pick it up, it was nowhere to be found. I need your help. It has lots of sentimental value. Sentimental value for me....not my daughter. She could have cared less about this beautiful little Sophie bag that I made her from a $35.00 skein of merino wool yarn I bought last Mother's day at the Sheep and Wool Festival in Lake Elmo. (For more details on my visit there click here.)

Approach suspect with caution. I repeat. Approach suspect with caution. You will know it's my bag because it is one of a kind. Do not put yourself in harms way over it. Although, I would be quite flattered if anyone did to get it back for me. You may choose to give her/him my blog address so that they will know how to contact me and return it to its creator. You may choose to copy this picture and keep it on your person at ALL TIMES in the event of needing immediate proof. But whatever you do......and I repeat again..... YOU MUST NOT PUT YOURSELF IN HARMS WAY....(unless of course, you think it absolutely necessary)

A $35.00 LYS gift certificate will be awarded to the person who recovers any information leading to its retrieval. Thanks.....and spread the word!

The Knitting Princess and the 14 skeins of Pure Evil yarn

Once upon a time there was a Knitting Princess, who lived in a place that was similiar to the Garden of Eden. We'll call it Eden Prairie for now. This fairy princess was happy.......until one day she bought 14 skeins of beautiful Cashsoft Aran blue yarn at $8.50 a skein to make a gorgeous sweater for her best friends' coming birthday and well..........well.......

Ah, who am I kidding? I couldn't construct a clever lovely fairy tale if my very life depended on it.

Basically, I bought the yarn. I knitted about 70% of a sweater. Didn't like the way it was turning out, so ripped out the whole damn thing and thus decided that it absolutely IS okay to own (yet another) over-sized scarf that I probably won't ever even wear.

However, for those of you up for a really great (based on true life events) fairy tale about a knitting princess and an evil afghan......click here. I promise it to be a fun read by a REAL writer friend of mine.

Anyway, long story short. I had been working on this sweater here for my best-est friend. (only in blue) and I wanted it to be an extra special birthday gift because I failed to send her a present last year. Nope, not even a card was sent. C'mon people, reserve your judgements. You all know how it is. You can't think of the perfect gift to give to someone who really means a lot to you, and so you sit on it, and sit on it, and sit on it some more, thinking that an over the top idea will suddenly come to you in your sleep, or pop into your thoughts at the most unexpected time. Only, you wait, but it doesn't come and the further into the past the birthday gets, the bigger and better the gesture has to be in order to justify to yourself (not the recipient, of course) why it has taken you so long to do something so simple. Finally, you realize that the time limit to send a gift has expired. So, you decide to forget about it for now and vow to yourself that you will make up for the major oversight next year on her birthday.

Next year approaches quickly. You buy the yarn with Nov. 18th being the target date. You knit like a mad woman to finish it in time. November 18th....November 18th November 18th. In the mail at the latest by November 15th! It's starting to look a little somethin' like this














....and you don't especially care for the way the sweater is actually turning out, but it's okay. It's okay because it's a special sweater. A hand made sweater. A hand knit, first ever "Softwear by -lisaD." created with love, original sweater. Still knitting away while counting down....six weeks left.....5 weeks left .....4 weeks left.

With exactly one month left to go, a homemade card arrives from said best friend. It is a "Happy Fall" pumpkin extravaganza kind of card. It is gorgeous. A thank you call is placed via telephone to best friend. While on the phone with her, it is discovered (quite by accident) by the (calloused palmed) sweater knitter, that today, October the 18th, is in fact best friends' birthday. Not the 18th of November. but rather, the 18th of October. Oh Shit! I'm an idiot. No denying that the L in my name stands for Loser and not Lisa. Won't my mama be so proud of me?

I rant and rave and gush explitives profusely. .....and I start to unravel. The yarn. I start to unravel the yarn. Best friend deserves better than this pathetic and sad little wool number anyhow. Better do it fast.......If you unravel fast it won't hurt as much.

Maybe she'd like a scarf instead. Perhaps a cashsoft blue short-row knit extra extra extra long scarf for her birthday next year. In the very least, a card would be nice. A homemade handstamped extravagant (I'm making up for two years in a row) kind of card.

Okay, enough said.

Moving on....

Dear Rico,
I know that your 4th birthday was last April and your Baptism anniversary was in August, but please know that I haven't forgotten about you. Your handknit blue teddy bear is on its way.......(as soon as I finish knitting the ears on.)

Love from your Godmother,
-Nina Lisa


--------------------------

Playing Hookey

Does anyone remember when playing hookey from school was a fun thing? You feigned sickness just to lay on Grandma's couch watching t.v. all day and got pampered and got served hot soup and crackers. and cocoa. Oh how I remember the cocoa. (good times...good times)

Anyway, I recall specifically playing hookey from school for two days back in 1971 (oops, that would be '81) to watch Luke and Laura get married on General Hospital. I was only 11 years old and I was addicted to my grandma's "stories" as she called them. That will be 24 years ago this November 16 and 17th. Okay, so I needed the use of the internet to figure out those exact dates, but still I remember those two days with great fondness. Happy Early Anniversary Luke and Laura!







OHMYGOD!
CHECK OUT THAT 80's veil.








Being ill these days is absolutely no fun at all. For one, if you call in sick it usually means that you really are sick. Either that or your (ahem) six year old daughter is. So here I am calling in sick to my Anything Goes (knitting class) at Coldwater collaborative (taught by the amazing Deb) for two Mondays in a row now.

I am quite literally sick and tired of missing class.

The first Monday, my DD Olivia had a fever that quickly got passed around to..... um........ME!

And.....

The second Monday, my parents arrived mid-sneeze to visit from Las Vegas. (That actually, is the fun part of this anecdote.) It has been great having them here, despite feeling so ill. I really wanted to take my mom to SnB with me last Wednesday, but It was definitely not a healthy day for me. My fellow stitch 'n bitcher's will appreciate my thoughfulness in not making an appearance, as badly as I wanted to. I did, however, manage to take mamasita over to Dunn brothers and to about a half a dozen other twin city coffee shops to sip and knit. She loved it. While here in the southwest suburbs of Minneapolis, she has accomplished knitting a button hole bag, a booga bag and a sophie bag. Can you believe it? 3 bags in one week? For a beginner, she is so quick to catch on.

I am now healthy again and feeling great..... and tomorrow is Monday again. Yay! Class at 9 am????????
Nope. Mom and Dad need a ride to the airport at 9:30. (sigh)

So, on one hand, it will be a sad day. :-( It's always sad for me when family leaves, as we don't have any family here in Minnesota. But, in the other hand I will be holding my new and first ever pair of addi turbo circular needles. So,it may not be quite the manic monday expected after-all.
(as she squeals with delight)

Lazy blogger!

Yes, I am a lazy blogger. I haven't posted in hmmmm, well, in a long time. The good news is that I have been knitting. A Lot! I am working on this mega turtle-neck Giraffe sweater. It looks like this.......
I am, however, knitting it in a greyish blue color. The yarn is called cashsoft Aran by classic yarns.... and it it sooooo devine to work with, even though I am allergic. I shall overcome! It is 57% extra fine merino, 33% microfibre, and 10% cashmere. It's the cashmere that is killing me. This pattern takes 14 skeins. Eeks! I am almost done with the front Yay!

Also, I am taking a really great class over at coldwater collaborative on Mondays. It is called the Anything Goes class. I am learning to short-row knit trying to use up my three skeins of Noro silk to make a pretty cool looking scarf.I have my next class tomorrow, and feel a bit guilty that I haven't worked on it since the last class. But to figure out this pattern, it really does need my full undivided attention, and it has been a crazy week, so I will pick it up again at tomorrow's class. I was going to use the Noro for the clapotis, but decided on a different and softer yarn for that.

I missed SnB last week. I feel disconnected from my fellow stitch n bitcher friends lately. (*pout-sniffle*) My loss. With all three kids in school now, how is it that I still can't find time to do everything that I want to accomplish? I do plan on going to the next stitch and bitch though, AND I plan on bringing a guest. MY MOM! I am so thrilled that she and my dad will be visiting us for a whole entire week. They live near Las Vegas and haven't seen the kids in about a year. My mom has taken up knitting and is in the process of felting bags for gifts, and so I will be helping her with that.

I have joined a health club and have made it my mission to get healthy. Ick. Not nearly as much fun as knitting, but I think it's about time I start thinking about a healthier me. Anyway, while at the gym, it is not rare to find me knitting in the cafe, sipping a protein smoothie while trying to cool down post work-out, or just waiting for my husband and kids to get done with their activities on the weekends. While there, I find how amazing it is at how many people stop and ask me what I am working on. I was just there on Friday and met a very nice lady named Mary (a fellow knitter/felter) and invited her over to SnB. I hope that she decides to come, as she seemed like a really lovely person.

So, I've done my duty now, and I have blogged. Not so bad. I suppose I could do this more often. I am off now to accomplish everything else on my "things to do" list and cross my fingers that it won't be another long stretch till blogspot and I connect again.

Five Things

Ah, I've been tagged by Amy. A fun little blog game. Here goes!
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Ten years ago: I just found out I was pregnant with my oldest child Eric.

Five years ago: after just having our third child, Olivia, I remember driving my husband to the doctors to get a vasectomy.

One year ago: Had to leave stitch and bitch early to pick up my daughter at the bus stop at 11:40 a.m. daily.

Five snacks:
-----------------------------------
1. chocolate
2. tail mix but it has to have m&m's in it.
3. fruit
4. BBQ potata chips
5. Ice cream (but don't get that very often)

Five songs I know all the words to:
------------------------------------------------
1. Somewhere over the Rainbow. (because my son likes me to sing it every night to him at bedtime)

2. Favorite Things (Sound of music - Raindrops on roses and whispers on kittens one)

3. What a Feeling! (flashdance) by Irene Cara. Total 80's song.

4. Copacabana. Barry Manilow, of course. (Her name was Lola....she was a show-girl)
(my least favorite manilow song, but still I know every word)

5. I can't think of any more. It's very sad that I can't recall any words to any of the "cool" songs.


Five things I would do with $100 million:
-------------------------------------------
1. Buy lots of yarn.
2. Travel the world and give to the neediest places/people I encounter.
3. Give all my extended family and friends huge cash gifts.
4. buy a VW bug with a cute flower vase attached to the dash and drive it around when I am not playing cheuffer to my kids.
5. Hire a cheuffer to drive my kids around so that I can joy-ride in my bug all of the time.

Five places to run away to:
-----------------------------------
1. Anywhere with my husband.
2. Maui
3. Catalina Island (but only for 2 or 3 days)
4. Grandma Molly's house- she makes everyone feel better.
5. London

Five things I would never wear:
----------------------------------
1. Stiletto's. My feet just can't take that anymore.
2. a parachute. No jumping out of planes for me.
3. seriously big bell bottoms
4. a swim cap
5. head gear for braces. I'd rather live with crooked teeth.

Five favorite tv shows:
----------------------------
1. Friends
2. Oprah, when I get the chance to watch.
3. The office (BBC English Version)
4. Arrested Developement
5. Curb your Enthusiasm.

Five biggest joys:
----------------------------------------
Of course my children.....but other than that......

1. Knitting
2. Food. Mainly BBQ Ribs, Dairy Queen Blizzards, Chocolate. Specifically, See's Candy Bordeaux.
3. When my kids tell me that they love me.
4. Date night out with my husband
5. The movie theatre
(not necessarily in that order, though.)

Favorite toys:
-----------------------------------------
1. My new ultra mini, ultra cool canon digital camera. It does EVERYTHING!!!
2. My computer
3. Hand held electronic tetris game.
4. My knitting needles, of course.
5. Ink pads and stamps.


Five people I'll pass this on to:
------------------------------------
Sorry, but Amy already tagged all the blogger people I know.

Well, it's about time!

I am so long over due on posting. I have been trying to figure out my new ultra mini cool camera. Still can't figure out how to get the pictures off of it, but my DH can....and so that is one of the many reasons why he is so perfect for me.

Anyway, here is a picture of the basketweave purse pre-felted last week over at Dunn Bros.




And here it is after being felted..........



Yay! Didn't it turn out wonderful? I told Tara she would have it back by today....but with such a busy weekend.....(For example Dog Sitting Amy's angel doggies.) Here is a picture of Teddy "The wonder dog" sleeping with his tongue hanging out and his eyes wide open. Something that Amy failed to mention to me.......which freaked me out ahhhhh....justalittlebit.




Yes, Teddy is asleep. In fact, in a deep sleep. It took me a few minutes to figure out why he wasn't responding to me at all.....

Anyway, back to Tara's bag. I haven't even sewn in the snap yet....so hopefully, she won't mind waiting the extra day or two till I get around to doing that. Here is a picture with Tara modeling her newly felted bag.



Doesn't she look thrilled with it? No one can fake that kind of joy! I had so much fun working on this. I learned a lot of new techniques...and had the chance to play with some hardware ie: grommets and snaps. More fun than one girl is allowed to have. No, really.

Anyway, My DD (Olivia) asked me to show her where I go to stitch n bitch. So I took her to Dunn Bros. This is Olivia kicking my boot-ay at a game of Checkers. Yes, really. She is quite good. And a bit dramatic.



And as if I can't get enough of the coffee house scene. This is the newest project I am working on. I took this one this morning over at Carribou, while my husband and three kids were across the street getting "back to school" hair cuts.



Has anyone (I know) ever knitted with fabric strips? Very fun, indeed. And yes, that is a green tea in the background. Actually....a passion fruit green tea smoothie, to be exact. I don't think it was all that healthy, though 'cause it tasted way too good.

They're not wrinkles, they're laugh lines!

Okay, I am now officially 35. Yes, I realize I have been celebrating for several weeks, using my birthday as an excuse to buy lots of unnecessaries, but it all came to a climactic carnivorous orgy at Amy's house on the 25th (my b-day) with what had to be THEE absolute best baby back ribs I have ever had in my whole entire life. Now people, you may be thinking to yourself....."Oh Lisa is just saying that because she knows Amy will read this blog entry, and Lisa tends to be dramatic anyway!" but I shall and will challenge anyone who thinks they can come up with better ribs in the universe to step up and put your money where your mouth is, because I can prove Amy's are THEE best. (if she agrees to make more, that is?)

Anyway, we feasted on the ribs and corn drenched in butter(yum) outside on her deck, while our kids ate pizza inside. Then for dessert........a chocolate torte cake.
Ah.....life is sooooo good.

But there's more....Presents! Check out my stash from Amy!



All very fun gifts. Included, are as follows. A personal knitting journal, two "Slave to the Needles" comic books, (very cute) A Happy Birthday Girlfriend mini quotes book, 2 packs of ultra cool stitch holders, A very fun (stickwithit) Diva matchbook of sticky notes, and a gorgeous hank of Sari Silk (recycled yarn) from Nepal. tee-hee-hee. I am such a spoiled diva! I also received a very adorable card which didn't make it into the picture as it was on display on my butler pantry from the moment I got home.

Okay, so that was my celebratory birthday lunch. Another birthday down, what a great day! Now I can sit back, and soak it all in. Nope not yet, there's more. My DH came home from work with beautiful flowers and a marble cake. We were originally planning to go out for dinner, but I decided to pass since my tummy was still smiling from Amy's ribs. No dinner for me, but a piece of the cake topped me off for the evening.

My children gave me this, along with a $20.00 gift card to Dunn Bros for Stitch 'n Bitch.



Yes, and that is the sweater I am going to knit.

My husband surprised me with this super advanced ultra mini digital camera with which I took most of these pictures with.





My mom and dad sent me this.





and this beautiful personalized throw blanket.



Laura sent this gorgeous book of friendship quotes. It must have taken her forever to make it. The card she made me is on the left and the friendship scrapbook is on the right. Yep, that's Laura and I in the picture behind.






and my god-daughter Audrey, sent me this heavenly bath set from The Body Shoppe, wrapped in the loveliest and most unique of boxes.



The party is now over. but I am left feeling so loved and so blessed. Enough to last me a lifetime. (or in the very least, another year.) Thanks guys, for all the fun things.....and especially all of the time and effort you put into making my day so completely wonderful. It was a great birthday. I am 35! Yay! and in the words of Lauren Bacall I shall leave you with......."I am not a has-been. I'm a will be."



P.S. Vote For Pedro.....and your wildest dreams will come true.

Pathetic

Well, I went to stitch n bitch tonight. Lisa was working on her felted (basket pattern) purse for her friend/neighbor. It is actually coming along very nicely. I usually find it difficult to get much knitted at Snb with all the talking us gals do. But surprisingly I did get a lot done tonight. Most likely because of the fact that there was nobody there to talk to. Yup....I got stood up! Stood up no less, by the other ladies of the night. Those *Slucks!

Anyway, the cute blond hair and peircing blue eyed young man that works there at Dunn Bros. by the mall, was my eye candy for the evening, while I sat lonesomely knitting away in silence. He, on the other hand is probably thinking. "That green-tea drinking loser got stood up by the knitting ladies! How Pathetic!"

Ho...hum...

*sluck - an endearing title for someone who flaunts their sexy hand-knitted socks in public (aka - a sock slut)

ARRESTED DEVELOPEMENT

Okay, so my spending money (for yarns and other natural fibers and hobby related stuff) is in arrest for the time being.

Cue panic mode now. AAARGH!!!

Here's how it all went down a couple of days ago....when my Darling Husband (also known as D.H.) came out of the office, and in passing, on the way to dinner says to me (very sweetly)

DH: "Uh, dear? You may want to start thinking about either getting a job or stop spending money...."

me: (ears perk up, while trying to toss a salad for dinner- but nervously avoiding eye contact and looking desperately for subject change) "Hmmmm? what,dear?"

DH: "Ya know, a job?"

me:(someone get me outta here...and where's a screaming kid when you need one?) "Hmm? what, dear?"

DH: "A job. (lots of unnecessary sarcasm here) It's a place you go off to for a few hours, do a little work, make some money so that you can buy things with. Things like yarn, needles, yarn, clothes, handbags. and uh...hmmm..I dunno...... more yarn?"

me: "Oh yes, a job. I see....and what, exactly, is your point, dear?"

DH: "I think I just stated several points. Get a job....or stop spending. Pretty clear and simple, don't ya think?"

Me: "Hmmm...yeah....there's just one teeny tiny part I don't really understand."

DH: "Which part might that be?"

Me: "Um..............the not spending part. And as far as that job thingie goes...... Isn't that why you work....so that I can buy stuff? Okay, okay, I admit, I have been a little "buy happy" lately with all the shopping and buying of yarn and clothes and fun stuff just for me.....but c'mon....I haven't spent all that much....Have I?"

DH: "Well, if you've been on-line lately and checked your personal credit card account, then you'd probably know that you've spent $1,100.00 in just the last three weeks alone on fun Lisa-type stuff."

Me: "Eleven hundred dollars! NO WAY!!!!!"

DH: "Yes.Way."

Me: "GET OUTTA TOWN!"

DH: "Wish I could...but I can't afford to, now!"

(roll my eyes ....very funny...ha...ha)

Me: (while donning my best June Cleaver voice, I finally change the subject) "Okay Dear...and how was your day? Could you please pass the oil and vinegar? Dear? The oil and vinegar please? Hello? Are you there? Pay attention, Dear."

DH: "Nope, can't afford to pay that either."

Me: (mumble something like. "Oh, crap.")

So, I've been caught and I am pretty much screwed now. I do feel bad about it, but in my defense, I've discovered Noro. Who wouldn't go a little bit crazy over Noro wool and Nora silk. It stripes so gorgeously. I realize that nobody really needs 3 sophie bags, 2 booga bags and one extra large felted tote....but really now.

I don't know that I am all that ready for a job yet.....so, I guess I had better stop spending for awhile. Aint't that a shame? I am blessed with a happy and healthy family and a very very understanding husband who I love very much. So, yes, I do realize that things can always be worse than not being able to buy yarn. But back to my Darling husband..... Have I mentioned how wonderful he is and that he truly deserves the father and husband of the year award. He is my best friend and soul mate...and NO! I am not just saying all this in hopes of him reading my blog and seeing all the nice things I've said about him and deciding to advance me next months' yarn allowance. But a girl can still dream, right? *winks*

All dressed up in my newly knitted ribbon tank to go to my Grandma and Grandpa's 65th wedding anniversary mass and reception.

From Audrey's house in California

Here I am blogging from my God-daughters house in California. So far my trip here is going very well.....and I have been here for less than 24 hours and have already visited a local yarn store. It was to die for. My mom bought 7 skeins of cascade 220 so that she can make each of her sisters a sophie bag for their mother/daughter sister reunion next month. I'm thinking she may need my help to get them all done in time.

My beautiful tank and skirt

It's A Miracle

It's a miracle! Yes it is! I finished my ribbon tank! and with two days left to spare. I am planning on wearing it to my Grandma and Grandpa's 65th wedding anniversary this weekend in California.

It is pretty....but I can't take all the credit. Well I could ... But I won't.

There is thee most wonderful lady that works at Knit Wits in Chanhassen. She is not only a crocheting genius but also very very nice and generous. My new friend. Let me introduce you to Jodi.

Anyway.....I went in there yesterday to see if someone could show me how to crochet a border on my ribbon tank. I was not happy with my tank and really didn't think that anything could be done to it to make me want to wear it this weekend. But alas I ventured into the store with (in the very least) the intention of buying some Katia sock yarn.

Okay, so I go in....and Voila! My lucky day. Jodi happens to be the crocheting expert and happens to be working. I introduce myself and show her my dilemma. She, not only teaches me how to crochet (which BTW, I am still practicing) but upon realizing that I am on a time constraint, she offers to let me leave my tank and ribbon with her (to finish for me) while I go pick up my kids. Can you believe that? What an Angel! Knit Wits is not only the closest knitting store to me....but also has such awesome customer service.

Then I came back later (with all three kids in tow) and, Holy Buckets of Yarn....there is my ribbon tank hanging on a hanger on the wall right behind the cash register for like the whole world to see. There was even a spotlight shining down on it. (Okay, not really, but that's the way I choose to recall it) What a sight to behold! I hardly could believe that I, myself, had knitted 90% of that beautiful creation. It actually looked pretty. So...thank you Jodi! I absolutely can't thank you enough. *air kisses everywhere*

Fast forward to this morning.

I am at the mall to buy some girlie "unmentionables" and without any intention of stopping to look at or to purchase anything else. I walk directly into a clothing rack and accidently knock off a burgundy colored skirt. (yep, call me grace) I pick it up to put it back on the rack only to realize that it would match my tank perfectly. The skirt has a silky sheen to it just like the ribbon in my multi colored tank. It is meant to be. Not only is it in my size but also on sale. Marked down 40%. No way! Yes, way! This is even more perfect than the black skirt I was planning to wear with the tank. Of course, I now have a bruise on my right shoulder from running into the metal clothes rack. But really now, who's gonna be looking at that shiner when they won't be able to take their eyes off my lovely tank. Ee-Gatz!

Things are definitely going my way. (knock on wood) Gotta go....got a plane to catch.

My son (born to be wild) Ian on his new birthday present. It goes 20 mph. Eeks!

Socks for Grandma finally got sent off with a bar of pretty soap as well.

I love putting pretty little packages together. The high I get from sending them to surprise one unsuspecting someone is my drug of choice. This one happened to be sent to my mom. She loved it. It includes a pretty face cloth (hand knitted by yours truly), two bars of home made plumeria scented soaps (again by moi) and some bath fizzy balls. (not made by me). This was an especially fun package, because I got to experiment with my "Software by LisaD." labels. Yup, 'cause it's all about me. *wink*

The Best Of Me ............................. (Duluth)

Well leave it to me to screw up on the Duluth plans. I spent the better part of last night ironing the kids "nice clothes" for a reception up in Duluth for my cousin Jordan and his new wife Cara. They were married last October, but Cara's parents threw them this reception for those of the family members that lived here in the mid-west that weren't able to make it out to California for thier official wedding.

Anyway, I planned for the kids to change into their nice clothes in the car once we got close to Duluth. Last night, I laid out a lovely skirt and summer sweater set combo with heels and panty-hose for me. YES! Pantyhose! YIKES! Haven't worn those since Madame Butterfly. Anyway, I double checked the invite yesterday for the time that the "reception" started. Oops. not 5-9p.m. like I wrote down in my planner, but rather 1-5 p.m. Okay, no big deal right? We will just go a few hours earlier than planned.Glad I caught that in time. I got on-line to mapquest and printed out directions to the AmericInn (where I am assuming the reception is being held.) I assume this because there is an insert in the invitation with it's address and local directions.......and right above that it says in bold type. Jordan and Cara's Minnesota Reception.

Flashforward to this morning. First off....we get a late start........(I will take the blame on this too, as I had a hard time getting out of bed with having gone to bed so late from preparation the night before.)The one rather large glass of Pinot Noir didn't help much either So, instead of getting to Duluth and having lunch before the reception at 1:00 as planned......we will now go straight to the reception and cross our fingers that there will be food waiting for us there. All the while, I am thinking how strange to host a reception at the Americ-Inn and at such odd hours. Oh well..........

We are in the car and almost there with only about 1/2 an hour left of the drive and the kids are starving. We pull over at the DQ. Not much for Byron to eat here. So he decides on a Slushie. So do the kids. Meatless burgers and Slushies all around please. We decide to eat inside the Dairy Queen so that no one gets french fry grease on their good clothes in the car. All goes well, and even Olivia (who is known for several spills a day) manages not to even get a single drop of Catsup on her cute new little skort and blouse set. Whew.

We are back in the car and on our way again. We locate the Americ-Inn. And realize very quickly that this is not the kind of place that a reception would be held.....and there are like no cars in the parking lot.

Panic time. Did I read the invite wrong? Why am I sweating so profusely? I thought it was suppose to be cooler up north. Amy said it was supposed to be cooler up north. Ah damn ... What was I thinking in wearing support hose for? Ah yes, I did read the invite wrong. The reception is at Cara's parents house in Saginaw.....and the Americ-Inn is where out of town guests are encouraged to book a room. O.k. Fine, but where on earth is Saginaw? Thank God for cell phones. Anybody who really knows me knows that the number 9 on my cell phone hasn't worked since about a month after I got it last year. (I refused to take it back and exchange it....because after-all it was my fault that it wasn't working.) A word to all cell phone users out there. Always check your pockets before throwing your clothes into the washing machine. If the cell phone gets washed.....the nine WILL die. Of course the contact number given for the reception has a nine in it. So I call 411 instead and ask that they connect me. (411 is also the same number I would call in the event of an actual emergency- to patch me through to 911 (which is the only reason I have a cell phone in the first place- for emergencies. What-ever!

Yay! Finally the phone is ringing on the other end and Cara's mother answered. She gave us good and articulate directions on the phone. Of course.......I read those off wrong to Byron too and we took the VERY scenic route around Duluth. Heads up here....I should never be put in charge of navigation. Big mistake. Huge!

We finally get to Saginaw...and arrive at the party only 2 hours late. That's okay. We are there. We walk up a dirt path in the sweltering humid heat near Lake Carribou. Everyone else who is arriving or leaving this reception at this time are dressed in shorts and t-shirts. You know, BBQ attire. Of course I am innapropriately dressed and look like I am going to Trumps wedding reception. (minus the fur and diamonds) And.... My three children (for the first time in a long time) don't look orphaned, actually wearing nicely pressed slacks and slick combed hair.

We don't know anybody here. Except for my cousin. "Hey, Jordan." and his bride. ..."Hi Cara!" Hugs all around. We talk and sweat some more and the kids are complaining now of the heat. We get soda's (or pop is what they call it hear in the mid-west) from the coolers propped on the side of the house. That feels nice. I tell the kids that they can go to the car and change back into their play clothes. Hesitantly I say this because I foreshadow them going into the mini-van once again only to emerge out orphaned-looking again with mis-matched wrinkled clothing. Oh well.....with this heat....buh-bye vanity. In fact, I push my way to the front of my family and jump into the back seat first to strip off the panty hose. ahhhh. I'm free. So liberating. and then on goes the capri jeans and t-shirt and sandals. We are now all happy campers. Back to the reception and arriving like an entirely differnt looking family.

We sat and ate and talked and laughed. I met many wonderful new people. Cara's family is very nice indeed. Of course they are, why wouldn't they be,right? Cara is such a doll.

I was able to catch up a bit with my cousin Jordan. That was nice. We grew up together in San Jose and hadn't seen each other in a long time. I brought out my knitting and continued working on the sock that I had started in the car for the long drive. All was going well now. 'cause truly, I am the happiest when I am knitting away.

We left at 5:30 and decided since we were so close to Lake Superior that we would go and check it. This was so much fun as well. Walking along North shore reminded Byron and I of Monterey Bay in California. One of our absolute favorite places to get away to on weekends when living on the west coast. Anyway, back to Duluth.....We saw the lighthouses and had a nice dinner at Old Chicago and even walked across the bridge. (ah, what's the name of that bridge?) It's the one that elevates when boats go underneath it? Anyway, we all had so much fun even despite the blister on Olivia's heel from wearing her dressy shoes all day.

We all want to go back soon. It turned out to be a very fun and adventures day....and the reception for Jordan and Cara was a delight. Much more relaxed and comfortable than the anticipated dinner/dancing at the Americ-Inn would have been. Why I hadn't read the invite in it's entirety beforehand.... I will never know.

My three little treasures. E I and O.

Big Fun

You guys.....I am having so much fun. No really, I am. I have been a little slice of sunshine to be around these past few days. My sister and neice came to visit, and I hadn't seen them in like two years. Woo-wee. Nothing like sister bonding time. Besides the time when Amy and I went joy-riding down 101 last week, my feeling young and carefree like a teenage girl times, are few and far in between. Tonight, Drea,which is short for Andrea (my sis) and I are gonna L'oreal color out our gray and braid each others manes. Oh, how I love my sis. We can talk about anything. And she soooooo gets me. Audrey, (my niece and also my god-daughter) has grown so tall. She is 10 yrs. old. How did that happen? It has only been three years since I moved here from California and now it seems like I have missed out on so much. I am in the process of knitting her up the "knit for the cure bag" and will be done and hopefully will be able to felt it tomorrow. She has already asked me twice to teach her how to knit.....so as soon as we can catch a little break in our busy go-go-go schedule, I will sit down and dole out some lessons.

Today, we took a picnic lunch and hike in the nature preserve. It was so funny to see them freak out over the swarming mosquitos. Seriously, it brought back memories of when I first moved here to Eden Prairie. I hadn't ever even seen a single mosquito either before. I guess near the ocean, they just don't breed like here. Anyway, we sprayed on plenty of deep woods "off" and braved it like natives.

My neice, Audrey, has type 1 diabetes, so it has also been a huge learning experience watching her check her blood several times a day and giving herself insulin injections. My sister is amazing to be able to deal with this daily so optimistically . Anyway, the kids love having Auntie Drea and their cousin around......and I already know I will be crying a river inside when they leave in 6 days. But for now, I am going to concentrate on having some "Big Fun." and yes, that is also another Manilow song title. I can't help it!... but at least my little sis understands my obsession.

My weakness is knitting these cute little bears.This beginner bear can be made up in an evening or two and kept on hand for a last minute gifts. Presently, I am working on the bear on the front cover of this Knitted Teddy Bear book for my dad for Father's Day. A wee bit more complicated.

The Sophie Bag. These little bags were fast and fun to felt. They only took one skein of yarn each.

My first felted project. A large tote bag made from cascade 220. This was super fun to knit.

Believe it or not, eating out at the BK lounge is a real treat for me. I am the only carnivore in a house full of vegetarians. Help! And Yes, I do realize that I am a total goober.

I made it Through The Rain

I found my mojo!!! It came in the mail AND, I am wearing it to the next Stitch 'n Bitch. Someone has selflessly sent me (all the way from Las Vegas, Nevada - you know who you are) her hat that says mojo on it. but now, sadly, she is without hers. Oh, the things we do for our kids, eh? Thanks mom,(oops did I say that out loud) Thanks, but I wish it could be that simple. Even though I hadn't felt at all like casting on and knitting something, (anything!) lately, (notice my use of past tense verbage, there?) I made myself read read read about knitting, in hopes of getting back that feeling again. With all my reading, I am now quite familiar with the SnB forums and I proudly proclaim to be an official blog stalker. Yes, so if you have a knitting blog, beware of me! I am gonna leave comments and don't say you weren't warned.

On Kelle's blog I took the (What kind of Yarn are you?) quiz and learned that I am mohair. Yes, you read that right...I am Mohair. A little LisaD. trivia here guys,.... I am allergic to mohair. This means what, exactly? I'm allergic to myself? Oh, it all makes perfect sense now. I am my own worst enemy.

Hey, and thanks for all the e-mails I've received back from you all saying...."Oh very funny blog entry Lisa." or "Tee-Hee, Ha-ha", or "Oh, you just crack me up, lise." I sincerely thank you, but I don't think you all realize just how serious my dilemma was here. I mean, I was in the depths of despair, on the verge of losing my creative mojo. Unable to even see the light. All hope was quickly fading away. It was like, like, well you know, feeling like you are a small bug in this big world about to be squashed under someone's chunky heel (of course all of this is happening in slow-mo) with literally no way of escaping the horror of becoming sidewalk paste. No, this is not me being dramatic, friends! My pain was real. Real. REAL, I tell you!!! (gasp, sigh) I mean I could've lost my clickety sticks diva chicks membership for good, here.

At any rate, I suppose it's that kind of feeling of being overcome with such sense of futility and defeat that only another Knitting Diva would fully comprehend. And so thank you Meleah, Kelle and Tipper for your nice words of encouragment and comforting comments and suggestions that you left, reassuring me that I was not going loopy (as I was convinced)......and a very special shout out to Amy for threatening (ever so nicely) to kick my butt in hopes of snapping me out of it. Only a really dear friend knows how to enforce a tough love intervention like that. I cherish you, dear friend/Diva chick. And to everyone else....well....Don't get so freaked out over posting a comment here once in a while, ok? Yeah, go ahead and make my day. I need the validation every once in awhile.


Okay, back to the rain. I found my way through it when I came across my Teddy bear knitting book (the one that got me hooked on knitting in the first place) and I am now inspired to make my dad a "Grandpa Bear" for Father's Day. (If you're reading this, Dad... act surprised when you get it in the mail,ok?) For me, all it took was one look at that bear book and I want to knit again. I need to knit again. I found my spark. Oh Joy! I can't stop smiling. I'm off to the store to buy some yarn...right now. Goodbye. iAdios! See ya later..alligator...I just need my keys and some money....and Uh-OH, Hmmm,I seem to be out of money.....can anyone spot me a fiver? Yeah, right.... Five bucks? Ha...LOL..not nearly enough for the kind of yarn I want...... BTW, have I failed to mention that I am also a yarn snob? But that dramatic soliloquy will be saved for another rainy day. Right now, I need a job! WILL WORK FOR YARN!

My lavender drop stitch scarf....made way back in April.

Socks for Grandma

Tryin' To Get the Feeling Again......

Aargh! I just realized (get this) that I am NOT a knitting diva. Boo (sniffle) hoo! I can tell you this with 95% accuracy because, in the last two weeks,(and because I am still 5% in denial) that I have only knitted one pair of socks. And to add to the shame of my knitting unproductiveness...those socks turned out to be too small for my daughters feet......

and so. my ego. deflates. Ouch.

I should've taken my MIL's own advice to perhaps hold off and not work this expensive stuff (the beautiful, aqua surf, reggia,striping yarn - hmmm yum) until becoming a better sock knitter. She was right again. Double Ouch.

I am. sufficiently. humbled.
BUT wait, here's the part where I try to justify my non-diva-ness.

My excuse:

I have been home in bed sick with the flu and a severe sinus infection...And when I say sick, I mean really ill. Dragging my ass outta bed only to shuffle to the bathroom or to ring the brass bell on my side table to alert my DH (darling husband) to bring nourishment, like pronto. (okay, so I made up that last part .......As if?)

Still, getting sick is not a problem for a TRUE knitting Diva. Which, I have claimed to be on several occasions. (now kinda embarrassed about that) Last year I spent $14.00 of yarn money to have "Clickety Sticks Diva Chicks" professionally decaled on my pajama top for daily affirmation. (yes the same shirt that I haven't changed out of in like um...7 days now. Ew..Ick.) Okay, so I am no longer a Diva. But, I refuse to give up my shirt! I prefer to remain 2% in denial (eek! The denial percentage is lowering) Somewhere in me there has to be true Knitting Diva potential, right?

Anyway, given the fact that I had an amazing amount of down-time at home in bed (every knitting mother of 3 kids's dream -minus the flu part) I was shocked to find that I didn't even have the energy to hold a pair of needles long enough to finish a single round. Or rather, I would've been shocked if I had had enough energy to be. C'mon people, catch up here....I was really really really sick.

But seriously now, a true knitting diva... (despite any problem and/or life threatening situation) would have been able to summon up enough inner strength to in the very least make a pillow out of all that beautiful merino wool that is hidden in the back of my (oops! I mean HER closet) that her DH doesn't even know exists, to prop up her ailing head. Not to mention that a knitting diva wouldn't be caught dead without her needles close by. No. NOT ME! Uh-uh. Actually,instead of me holding my needles, they were there to hold me UP. Yes, in the form of a bun on my head to keep my hair from falling in my face dangerously close to all the oozing snot. Who knew that dpn's could also double for hair pins? Oh, and BTW, thanks for coming to my pity party.

Daybreak! I am now on the right path to feeling much better. My energy level is up again :-) Yay! I can get back to knitting and felting and fondling skeins of yarn, reading about yarn, shopping on-line for yarn, etc, etc. Only one problem. And it's a doozy...I don't wanna. :-( No really,I just don't feel like knitting. No joke. No desire. None. Nada. Huh? Come again?... Sad to say it, but it's true. I've lost my mojo!! I don't even know what mojo is...but it sounds cool, and I am pretty sure that is what I have lost. Something is wrong with me. (sigh) Is this common among knitters? Am I the only one to suffer from it? Is there like an official term for it? ie; "Knitting burn-out syndrome" or something? because I have never heard of an obsessed knitter not wanting or in the very least feeling that driving inner need to constantly knit something. OR, even worse....maybe the spark has just worn off. Could it be that simple?

Not good. I need to get that feeling back again. Can anyone offer help, before I completely lose my internal battle and throw out my p.j.'s.

Llama Mama!

I went to the sheep and wool festival today in Lake Elmo with my DH and 3 kids. My mother's Day gift from them. No, really! All I asked for was for us all to take the 45 minute drive in to Lake Elmo and have a look around. I was curious to see how wool was cut off the animal and spun. I guess I was thinking it was going to be much grander than it was. In reality, it was much smaller scale than I'd imagined. I did have a good time though, that is until we got to the vendors and I started shopping....and then of course, that was when the kids started complaining about how hungry they were, or that they had to go potty, or I'm so bored, or my pinky toe on my right foot hurts. You know how it goes. So,needless to say, I didn't get much shopping done, but I did happen to buy a beautiful and expensive skein of merino and four sets of dpn's. I even found a size 0 that I had been trying to locate for some time now. The color of the merino I bought is called Piggy. Isn't that a cute name? I think I am going to felt my little Olivia a purse out of it.

OH and I almost forgot to mention that we nearly came home with a $50.00 Alpaca.(not a bad price for a llama, I thought.) Especially one that I could sheer yearly and make matching sweaters for the whole family out of for our christmas photo. Finally! a practical pet that the kids and I can agree on. But then I realized that our homeowners association may not be too happy with one of the resident's housing a llama on the property. "No, really, guys, it's a fancy breed of dog." A Happy Mothers day to all you llama mama's out there.

Manilow rocks

Ever since I was a kid and heard the song, Weekend in New England by Barry Manilow, I was hooked. YAY!! I'm finally out of the closet and boy does it feel good. I love Barry Manilow. No, I mean I really love Barry Manilow! It's not that I find him attractive or anything, in fact I actually think he is a total goober. But his voice.....ahhhh his voice. Is there anything more beautiful than a Barry Manilow song? He is a musical genius! Anyway, I listen to him every morning while getting ready for the day. I can't even pick a favorite because really now, don't they all sound the same. Aah,heaven. This isn't something that I will just admit to anyone, mind you. Well, at least not up until now, but I did let it slip out once that I am a Manilow fan to a neighbor friend .....and she, well, she laughed at me and said "Really? Barry Manilow? My husband and I think he is such a geek and call him Barely Man-enough." (giggle giggle tee hee) Now that was just hurtful! Whatever happened to "If you can't say something nice,........yadda yadda yadda???????
Any other knitter/Manilow fans out there?

Loss for Words

Religiously, and I mean every day, (sometimes twice a day) I read the Crazy Aunt Purl blog. If you haven't yet read it. You should! She is fantasticly hilarious. Anyway, I depend on her to make me laugh out loud every night right around 9:00 (beleive me, after trying to get 3 little ones to stay tucked in bed for the night...I am ready for a good chuckle) On the other hand I can get pretty down in the mouth if she hasn't posted anything new that evening. My point (and yes, I do have one) Is that I realize (while reading her blog) that I myself, don't have all that much to say. Now, my husband and children would tell you otherwise, but really.....when I log on to my own site here.....I am always at a total loss for words. This "blogging" stuff just may not be my cup of tea. Yes, I should be talking about my current knitting project........but HEY!I am still working on that stupid sock! Two weeks here to make one lousy pair of socks. Honestly Now! See, and now I don't feel any desire to talk about it any further. Someone said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Perhaps I should post one? Ahem......that was a question................

I'm a Frogging Expert!

I went yesterday to Stitch and Bitch at Dunn Bros. and had lots of fun. I do, however, find it very difficult to knit and talk at the same time. I have never been a very good multi-tasker. I sat there for nearly two hours and came home with less of a sock than I went with. How that happened, I'll never know. I honestly thought I was getting another sock accomplished. Anyway, I learned what "frogging" means (Thanks Amy) and realized that Frogging is my knitting strength. Yep, I am the frogging gu-ru. Uh-huh.... I can always find that silver lining. While at Dunn, Meleah helped me log onto TCSnB and post this blog site. (Thanks Meleah) This group of women are just so much fun......and helpful. It is wonderful to have such a great mix of new and experienced knitters coming together every couple of weeks to stitch and bitch.

Spring break is Over!

It was a good spring break. Gorgeous weather and active kids. My DD learned to ride her bike without training wheels. Woo-hoo.....and the boys? Well thier brains have officially turned to mush from all of the game cube and x-box they played. I was able to prune back all my rose bushes and also made way for my daylillies to start coming in. Yes, mom and dad (if you're reading this) I DID yard-work! MY DH took down the X-mas lights off the trees and house. Finally!...and I did manage to start knitting a new pair of socks, although I haven't gotten very far on them. It was a fun and productive week. However, I am thrilled to have all the kids back to school this morning. Really, I am. Tomorrow my little Olivia turns 6. What a big girl! It is hard to wrap my brain around her already being six years old. In her heart, all she really wants for her birthday is a pony or a little sister. She doesn't ask for much, eh? I wonder who she gets THAT from? But,in reality, what she's gonna unwrap is "The Chocolate Factory" as seen on t.v. and The Betty Crocker bake and fill set....Did I mention as seen on t.v. too) Thanks Nickelodian! So I am off to mall of America to find these things. They'll have em. They have everything there.

Yarn Utopia

I have found heaven here on earth. My friend Amy and her son, picked up my son and I this morning, and we all took a field trip to Yarn Cafe in Maple Grove. That store is incredible!!!!! The selection is awesome.....the food was good, and the atmosphere was fun and friendly....Aaah, knitters truly are good people. Our sons learned to cast on and even knitted a few rows. I went ga-ga over the floor to ceiling cubbies of every kind of yarn imaginable. I want a job there!!!! Which really says a lot about me ......because I haven't felt the need or want to have a paying job in nearly a decade. The only negative is that Maple Grove is just too far for me to travel to on a daily basis. Blah! Anyway, It was hard, but I managed to stay in control and only left with two skeins of some very soft merino wool in gorgeous variegated blue tones and one skein of decorative yarn to match. I've never tried to felt before, but I am looking forward to starting this small handbag for which this yarn is intended. (a side note to myself here.....don't lose the labels, Lisa!) Anyway, if ever there was a yarn utopia.....I have found it!

Last Week I Knit a Lavender Scarf

No big deal. Just a lavender drop stitch scarf in lavender ribbon. I don't even know the brand as I lost the label (it's becoming an unconscious pattern of behavior) .....and as soon as I figure out how to work the digital camera, I just may take a picture and post it to myself. Did I mention that it's lavender?

Today I knit a sock

It looks awesome. Actually, it was the mate to a sock I knitted last week. Why did I knit it? I guess I just wanted to prove to myself that I could.......Oh and I must like to make myself suffer, as I ripped out the toe several times before I got it just right. No pain, no gain. Presently, they are my favorite pair and the softest wear that my little piggies have ever experienced. Anyway, I can laugh at myself and my first entry on this blog and therefore won't dare hide any existing comments. I am learning quickly just what blogging is really all about. I try to remember that "When you're green, you're growing and ...when you're ripe, you rot. In other words.....I've still gotta lot to learn.