Ranting Knitter

Okay, my mistake. I had the dates mixed up regarding Earth Hour. My deepest. Seriously. I could easily have looked at a calendar, but I had the utmost faith in the site I was reading. My bad…..

Did anyone honor Earth Hour? Just curious. I did…I was reading by candlelight; which was pretty cool, actually. Then again, I managed to stay up until 3am reading my book. I haven’t done that in ages! Felt good to be selfish for a night.

So tell me what you did while honoring Earth Hour.

Okay peeps. Here it is: Earth Hour.

The details: March 31, beginning at 8pm; shut off all electricity for one hour.

One hour!! Let’s do it!

After having just done my taxes, I realize I am getting a refund. A decent amount, though not as big as last year. Of course don’t ask me where any of that ‘more money’ went. I am still working on paying down debt. Thus, this refund is already gone - it will be used to pay off some debt.

As I was gathering my paperwork necessary for tax preparation, I came across this article. I never realized how taxes are truly bizarre . There are places to deduct gambling losses (I suppose the pro being that you claim the winnings). This got me thinking. I remember a few years back when people wished to claim weight-loss efforts on their taxes, but were denied. As well, those that made attempts to quit smoking were also denied any sort of tax deduction. How frustrating. And sad.

However, the Government is getting a tad better and allowing those that make green purchases to be claimed. Hybrid vehicles are the most popular, however, green improvements to homes is also seeing a rise in being deducted.

So why can’t we claim our gardens? We are not taxing the economy by purchasing and growing our own. We are showing that we are becoming more self-sufficient; something that seems more and more necessary as this economy begins to slowly unwind.

I really enjoy hearing stories such as this one. I also think the time has come for changes pertaining to more greener and cleaner productions to occur. I am quite relieved, actually, that Habitat for Humanities is taking such an initiative. And to discover that building a greener home that has also utilized recycled materials is an added bonus.

I like this type of story….a nice, happy ending for the Earth (which means, all of us).

Knitty is so great and wonderful. *SIGH* I could go on forever about the awesomeness of Knitty.

Here’s a start: pedicure socks. Now, please keep in mind, this was my second attempt at knitting socks (or quasi-socks). I had A LOT of fun with these. The first one was a bit to get used to, but with most socks (or any other knitting project), once you have the pattern down, you’re golden. There was no stopping me.

These were another Christmas gift that I did not finish on time. I started the first one and had it done prior to Christmas Day. For some reason, I lost steam and went on to other things (the Coffee Cozies, stay-tuned for those). These were for my sister. I did finish them (a month or so after Christmas). She loves them, saying they keep her feet nice and warm.

As for these cute pedicure socks, I used a different yarn than what the pattern recommended. Believe it or not, I did attempt to get gauge, but was not able to. I did my best with size 6, double-pointed needles. They actually came out really well. The next pair will be knit with size 5, though, I think I will love ‘em even more with the smaller needle.

This pattern originally called for two different colors, knit in stripes. I am not that gifted of a knitter to tackle that (or at least when I wanted to make them quick for Christmas, I didn’t want to try to figure out how to knit stripes).

What I REALLY loved about knitting these was making the heel! So awesome to do! I cannot rave about these enough. I will definitely be making myself a pair in the future.

Allow me to explain myself.

I have been doing a lot of blog reading about getting rid of clutter in your home and thus, your life. A good argument for those living clutter-free lives stems from the memories: they will always have the memory, not always needing the memorabilia to remind them of an event. Therefore, getting rid of memorabilia is okay, just tap into your mind if you want to recall the event.

What if I do not want neither the memorabilia nor the memory? They don’t tell you how to get rid of both.

Granted, the physical object is easiest and most apparent to rid of: throw it away! But short of getting a lobotomy, how do I get rid of a memory?

So far, I have found that there are two solutions: 1) keep your mind occupied to the point where it’s almost over-active so no stray thoughts will wander to memories and 2) make new memories from new events.

By keeping your mind over-active, there is no time, no room, to spend or waste on reflecting back. Obviously this has some consequences, as One needs realize who One is and where One is going with One’s life. Also known as coming to terms with One’s Self. I feel this may be accomplished by doing things (ahh, that physical state comes in again). By this, I mean, physically doing things that One has always wanted to do but never did. This may range from sky-diving to photography class to knitting to piano lessons. The new thing does not matter what it is, so long as it is accomplishing the task of keeping One busy. While engrossed in these new adventures, One learns a great deal about her/himself by being present in the moment. As a bonus, new memories come from doing new things (finally - a bonus!).

I realize that the old memories will never go away. After time they will subside and eventually become what I have dubbed Flashes of the Past. For instance, I could tell you I dated a guy in college, his name, and a bit of what he looked like. I could probably give you a gist of some feelings I felt during that relationship, though they have since subsided, and I realize that I would be guessing most of it. This is an accomplishment of losing a memory. However, I doubt I would be able to give you a full detailed description as to the ins and outs of this relationship. This just furthers that creating new memories definitely helps push the old ones out, or merely further represses them. (I mean this in a good way, as they will eventually be hard to remember; not all repression is evil).

The obvious finger-pointing belongs to Time. Time takes a bit to subside feelings and emotions no matter how joyful or painful. I slowly learned this over a few months; time has no sides, it just is. Instinct goes a long way; your gut tells you a lot of what you should do. The only way to truly be over old memories, that stir up old feelings, is time. And your gut knows when that has come; learn to trust your instinct more.

I continue to read my blogs on living a clutter-free life. I rather enjoy reading the story of others as they come to terms with this new life-style change. I gain perspectives and ideas as they relate to my life. My goal is to consider myself a person that lives a clutter-free life both physically and mentally. Obviously the physical aspect will be the most obvious. However, knowing within myself that I have resolved all matters (memories included) will only strengthen me for those situations and events that I truly desire and deserve. Leaving me with new memories.

The project du jour has lasted me some time. I have been lacking motivation to actually finish the damn thing. I think the issue here is my mind; it wanders. I think of all the other cool projects I could be working on. Socks are one of them. Alas, I remain diligent and almost force myself to finish this sweater. And it’s not like it’s a big deal: it’s a children’s sweater. And knit in a chunky weight with size 10 needles. Why am I complaining?

The pressure has since subsided. This sweater was to be a Christmas present for a good friend’s child. I never ended up seeing her around the holidays and therefore never ended up finishing the sweater (or even starting it for that matter). As luck would have it, I happen to see this friend on a daily basis now. The motivation has finally kicked in; I should finish it ASAP. Despite that winter is over - it’s the thought that counts.

Not to mention that I should get my shit together. I have always enjoyed being crafty. In particular, making gifts for those friends and family that will greatly appreciate them.

This sweater has become more of a reminder to finish project gifts on said time; preferably ahead of time. I promise myself that this year will be different. I have a huge stash and enough family and friends that will deplete it. I just need to remain diligent. One exception is making a baby blanket for another friend, I do have a few months. That will be the going project once this sweater is finished, hopefully, soon.

…for having been engaged and never married.

I need to write about this matter to get it off my chest; to process it. I know I am not a loser. I know that because I was once engaged I am not a loser or damaged goods, or anything of that sort.

Yet, there is still a part of me that feels that I shouldn’t have even gotten engaged. If I go that route, then I should add that I should never have let the then-boyfriend move in. But if I say that, then I should never have let the relationship make pretend it was something it wasn’t and allow it to go on for as long as it had.

I am not looking to point blame or admit fault or anything related to that. I merely needed to process this screwed-up mentality. I really need to forgive myself.

By doing so, I reassess the positives:
- I only ever want to be married once and forever and have a happy, successful, loving marriage that works both ways. I may now have this at some point, having to still say that I have never married.

- I realized that the relationship was neither healthy nor ever going to function properly and therefore, ended it before having gone too far (as in more years).

- I know more of what I don’t want. This works for the opposite, too: I realize what I do want.

- I understand how other issues seriously affect a relationship. Some examples: family, money/budgeting, work/job, job-related activities (holiday parties, picnics, and the like), big-ticket purchases (house, car, etc.), organizing an event together, and sharing goals, naming a few.

- Team-work must always be present and never falter.

- Take serious matters seriously. Have pow-wows often to re-group, re-center, and re-focus. Making sure we’re both on the same page is vital.

- Laughing is key. This goes hand-in-hand with having fun together. Good times are always great to reflect back on.

- Respect, trust, and love are either there or not. They are known from the start. They can only grow. I realize their importance for a sustaining relationship.

- Trust my gut. My gut is the only thing that will never let me down. And if it does or if I don’t listen to it, well, that was a lesson that I had to learn.

Though I gear these positives towards relationships, they have also allowed me to recognize the type of person I am. They have allowed me see what I am comprised of; who I am.

This leads me to a hurdle: what do I do with my supposed wedding ring? I’m open to suggestions. Do I leave it alone, packing it away to never be seen until I’m 50 and reflect back? Do I vow to marry my Self, taking on all the positives I have listed above; making the next man earn the right to take it off and replace it?

And yes, that is a picture of the actual ring. For the curious types the ring is pewter with a bit of gold in the middle.

You will have to bear with me (yet again, the theme at the moment) as I make serious attempts at posting knitting material. After all, it’s all in the name.

Notice how awesome my Fetching came out! I was THRILLED at knitting these. The pattern came from knitty. Diana first pointed them out to me, stating that she wanted to make them.

One night while at the Knitting Circle (KC), Diana was giving them a go. The pattern is a bit to get used to between the douple-pointeds and the cabling. (At least for those of us that have not really gotten used to doing these sorts of things, myself included).

Suddenly, while watching her intently, I made the decision that I would also give fetching a go. The next day I made a road trip north to a very cool yarn store to purchase the same yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran. Though I probably could have used one skein, proactive thinking forced me (a hard twist of the arm was done here) to purchase two. I ended up using a quarter of the second one.

The pattern is a bit to get used to when you are not accustomed to working with cables (this was also my first try at cables). But, once I started, I could not stop. I worked long and hard on these things - two days. I was SO excited when I finished the first one. These were great!

I made plans to make two more pairs as Christmas presents. Alas, mine were finished one year ago. Christmas has since come and gone and I have not made any other pairs. There’s always this year though…..

I am always a fun knitter: I don’t care upon mistakes, after all, it is hand-made. Not to mention that I enjoy tackling new things. I do appear to be a bit apprehensive at first, but that subsides and I am full-boar once I start seeing results and truly ‘get it.’ Then all I want to do is finish the damn things! That was so true in knitting these….they were a lot of fun!

So yes, I am here at work right now; working the infamous and often controversy Day Light Savings over night. Lucky for me, my night is cut by one hour and no decrease in pay. The time is passing by much more quickly because one hour is lost. Whooppee!!

Right now, I am anxiously anticipating my comfy bed with my dog curled up next to me, the two of us dozing off for a nice, long nap, lasting a good part of the day. I have a few hours for that yet.

No less, I have been wanting to begin blogging again on a regular basis, and thus writing. Alas, I have been stalled. The stall factor? I am unsure if it has been a matter of coming to terms with my own demons, or merely the concept of ‘where do I start?!’ My life has changed in rather significant ways.

The entire process has been interesting at best:
- I am not a loser for having been engaged and not married
- Addicts are not good for your Self
- Pets are a wonderful invention; they will never let you down or leave you
- Always know your Support Circle and fall back on it when you need to
- I can live without internet
- I am in a rather significant amount of debt
- I possessed a lot of crap/junk/shit
- My mind tends to wander in places it shouldn’t
- Knitting has never let me down.

Currently, I am unsure of how or where I would like to take this blog. I have a feeling it is going to be a culmination of material. There are a few items that I would love to discuss further. Of course feedback is always appreciated.

Bear with me. : )