Making an Effort

Hey, guys! Any readers still out there? Anyways, I'm going to be trying to blog more. Life is sort of settling down here. Monsterette and I got all moved in to our new place, and I really like it. The space is excellent, and it's mine, which is great. I lost my job about a month ago, and thank goodness for the extra money from my student loans, which has carried me up until this point. I'm still looking for another job, though- as most of us in the US know, the job market here pretty much blows. I had a good interview today, though, and am keeping my fingers crossed that I get it, because now I'm really struggling for money. The whole divorce thing is still wierd. We haven't filed yet, but getting there, working out all the stupid paperwork and stuff. Ex-Hubbster and I are on friendly terms, which is good. I'm dating again, but don't want to get too much into that here. But I'm happy, just incredibly stressed about life and money. I've had a few really bad points the last few weeks, but have struggled through them. Things are definitely hard, but looking better every day. One good thing that has come from all this is getting back in touch with my faith. I've been away from it too long, and getting active in it again has really brought my some much needed peace of mind. Knitting has been scarce, mostly because I'm still trying to get a routine down for my life, which is hard without a job. But I have been knitting. I'll try to take some pictures of stuff for you guys and get them up here. OH! And the Boyfriend and I went to Las Vegas, Nevada for Valentine's Day! It was my first time in Vegas- we had SO much fun! It was really great. I can't wait to go back. Maybe I'll post some pictures of that, too. I feel so disconnected from all you guys- all my far away friends, the people I love, but I really only have a connection with here and on Ravelry. I miss reading blogs! Please, leave me a comment or shoot me an email with what's been going on in your life. I miss my friends!! Oh, and Sarah, I AM working on the amigurumi. I feel SOOOOOOOOO bad about it. The guilt is killing me! I promise that I'll have them done before next Christmas. ;) Anyways, email me, write to me, comment to me, call me, something! I'm lonely!

Getting back to life.

Alright, I know it's been FOREVER, and I never did reply to some of your comments. Please know that even if I did not get back to you, I really appreciated all the support and everything that you guys poured my way. It really helped. Anyways, LIFE. I've been working full-time, and also still doing the full-time student thing, which keeps me busy enough. Throw in all the other chaos (being sick, a divorce, sick baby, driving all over the place) and life gets pretty hectic. I've been managing, though, but really, really busy. I've also found a GREAT place to live near Old Town Albuquerque, which is really awesome. it's affordable, and the perfect size for me and the Monsterette. On that note, things are kind of weird. I miss the stability of my life, miss being part of a family. It's odd to think that next weekend when I move into my new place, I'll officially be a "single mom." Well, the divorce isn't final on paper, but yeah. Still. Weird. I'm kind of struggling with it, but I really don't have any time to be stressed about it or dwell on it too long, which I suppose is a good thing. It sucks that I have pretty much lost half of my family and most of my friends- none of EX-Hubbster's family is talking to me AT ALL, and the few mutual friends that were hanging on by a thread after the divorce stuff came around have all disappeared into the ether. So I really appreciate the few friends I have left in town and around the world. Surprisingly, I have found a tiny bit of time to knit here and there. I've been working on a cute hat in colorwork, which I'm really enjoying. I'll try to get some knitting updates here soon- I would like to get the ol' blog dusted off and running again, if I still have any readers left. Once again, thanks so much for the support and well wishes and happy thoughts sent my way. Even if I don't have time to respond, know that it is very much appreciated, and I consider you guys my friends. Oh, and I haven't read a blog in MONTHS, so don't feel bad if you feel like I'm not responding or talking to you- it's not you. Really. It's me. Once the dust settles, I'll sit down and read blogs for two days straight and get all caught up on your lives. Miss you all!

Random Yarn P0rn

I got some good yarn from Tuesday Morning, of all places, a few weeks ago. (for those of You who don't know Tuesday Morning is a kind of discount store.) I picked up these three balls of Ella Rae Palermo for half price: It's 100% Wool. I just couldn't resist the beautiful pinks and greys together! And it's soft and smooshy. Yum! I also got this Laines Du Nord Cashsilk for over half off: Sorry for the kind of crappy picture on that one. This is a luscious blend of 50% extrafine merino, 25% silk, and 25% cashmere. YUM. And a gorgeous raspberry color I totally didn't do justice with my photo. I only got two balls, so only about 130 yards, but I think it'll make a very yummy neckwarmer, don't you? And really, folks, let's get some more questions for The Hubbster, please?! I guarantee it'll be frickin' hilarious to read his responses. He's a funny guy. And weird. Seriously, ask ANYTHING!

More Yarn and Other Stuff

A few weeks ago, I picked up some yummy orange Shibu silk from the clearance wall at the LYS: I just couldn't resist it, I loved the juicy colors and the soft rawness of it. I have no idea what I'm going to make with it, but I bet it'll be scarfy. Any ideas? I bet it drapes like a dream! Hubbster has kindly offered to be the subject of my blog for one day, so let's ask him all kinds of weird stuff! He asked that I give a little background so we don't get a bunch of the same questions over and over. So, here's the general dirt on The Hubbster: He's 34, and is currently working on his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. He loves painting, drawing, photography, reading, playing devil's advocate, discussing non-PC topics, and me. I told him that I would tell you guys you can ask ANYTHING, and he has to answer! And really, he's a funny guy, so this should be fun. Leave your question(s) in the comments, and I'll start making a list! You guys will also get the bonus of a few HILARIOUS pictures of him when I blog the answers. So go crazy! See you tomorrow!

Shitty.

Today I am having a really shitty day. No, I don't really want to talk about why. As a result, though, I'm way stressed out and destroyed the low-carb diet I've been doing by devouring a bag (a full-size one, even) of Chili Cheese Fritos and four ice cream bars. Now I'm suffering from not only the stress of a shitty day, but a sugar crash, general sickish feelings, and the guilt of totally failing my eating healthy. I choked down my disgusting can of V-8 juice this morning for NOTHING. I'm all bummed and mopey now, and don't really have the motivation to get done what needs to be, but I'll do it anyways, because I have to. And pr0obably continue to be crabby. and then maybe take a really long shower and cry for a bit. I'll most likely continue to be pissy and mopey until I get to leave for Stitch n' bitch tonight, which usually cheers me up. I fucking hate days like this.

Natural Cleansing

Since I made the switch to no 'poo, I've been reading the unsavory facts about some of the chemicals in every day things, like soaps and toothpaste. I've decided to make an effort to use all-natural products instead of the usual, which will hopefully reduce my family's exposure to these chemicals, and be better for the environment. My first major switches (not including shampoo, of course) are going to be toothpaste and soap. I'm not sure what I want to use for soap, and plan on testing a few bars from different places. I currently have an all-natural bar that was a gift that I'll try first. There's some all-natural soap available at my local grocery store, and I'd like to try something from Etsy sellers, as well. (I'm all about supporting a small, home-operated business.) I'll do reviews for the next few months, and let you guys know what I think. Who knows, there may be something AMAZING out there! I'm definitely open to more suggestions, and will be sure to try the ones you all have already suggested, as well. On that note, are there any natural facial cleansers or soaps you know of that would work well for my face? I've thought about trying the oil-cleansing method, but it seems so time consuming. Would love some alternatives!

'Poo Free, Day 7

No 'poo update time! I washed my hair on Sunday, and used 1/2 a teaspoon less baking soda, to see if it helped with the greasiness. It didn't. I think (HOPE) that my hair is going through and adjustment phase, because it's kind of gross. Not horrible, but not super pleasant. I'll be washing again on Friday, and we'll see how it goes after that. All in all, though, I'm happy with my decision to go 'poo free so far, and I hope it works out. I think it will. Since going 'poo free, I'd like to start going natural with my soap and toothpaste, as well. Thanks everyone who gave recommendations for this stuff! I've been looking into things, and I'll see how that goes, too. In knitting news, I FINALLY cast on for my second Jaywalker sock last night at Stitch n' Bitch. Yaay! I haven't been knitting as much because of the sewing, but I'm still doing it here and there. OH! If I'm going to switch to all-natural soap soon, I'd like to make some "soap socks", since it's typically in bars. Know of any cute patterns out there? What yarn would YOU use? I look forward to your suggestions again. You guys really do rock!

'Poo Free, Day 3

You guys had a lot of good stuff to say about the whole no 'poo method! Some of you had some questions, so here's some answers: Lauren asked: I guess I'm curious why only twice a month? Well, twice a month seems like a good, realistic goal. I know it doesn't sound like much, but I don't think people before shampoo was invented, did a lot of hair washing. I'll probably end up adjusting the frequency depending on how my hair is- maybe more washings in the summer, things like that. Sarah asked: What's your hair like normally? I have fine hair, but it's fairly thick. It's pretty much stick straight, and notoriously oily. I HAVE to wash it every other day, and even then, it's pushing it. For those of you who are more curious of the methods, this is the best resource I've found. Lots of info there! So, it's been two days since I've washed my hair. Yesterday I did rinse it out with hot water in the shower, which helped. It's greasy, but not as greasy as it used to get. I picked up a natural bristle brush, as well, to help distribute the oils from my scalp to the ends. Hubbster and I both thought it was a little dry after the first washing, so the next time, I'll be using less baking soda, to see if that helps keep it from drying out. Another odd side effect, which is kind of cool in a gross way: My pores on my scalp feel more open. I sweat more, and easier, than I used to, especially when doing something strenuous. It's a little weird, but not bad. Kind of makes me wonder what shampoo and conditioner was really doing to my pores! On another note, I'd like to start using natural soap, and possibly natural toothpaste. Do you guys use any of these, have any good resources or favorites, or places that you like to get these from?

Finally!

I'm sure you all have been waiting on bated breath for a Jaywalker progress picture, so without further ado, here it is: I've just completed the gusset decreases. Woo! It's coming along nicely, don't you think? I still love the colors, they definitely remind me of New Mexico. So, here I am, about to start the foot, and I'm having a dilemma. I'm not really sure how long the foot should be. Last time I knit socks, I misjudged this horribly. So, fellow sock knitters, How do you get your magic number for foot length? Where do you measure from on the sock? Where do you measure from on your foot? What the HELL am I supposed to do?! Ahem. Sorry. Side note: Thanks to those of you that left me well wishes when I wasn't feeling well! I feel all better now, and I can only believe that you guys sending good juju my way is what did it. Thanks friends!