Confessions of the Mommy Zombie

The gang is back together

2009-10-23T20:43:00.005-05:00

Today I had four children due to another day off of school. The morning was mellow. The lunch was loud but nice. Then the weekly outing to Java Train. All right kids let's go!

We have thirty minutes to get...

One diaper change.
One pair pants.
One shirt flipping.
Three sweaters.
Four socks.
Four jackets.
Two Tivas (Lili's shoe of choice).
Two Sneakers.
Eight gloves (not likely).
Two baby dolls.
Eight quarters.
One birthday present.
One umbrella to protect afore mentioned present.

Ta Da!

And now we need to walk four blocks without getting hit by a car or slipping on the slush.

Don't worry we made it.

Miss me?

2009-09-15T10:43:00.005-05:00

Sorry. August didn't go well. At all.

So this fall is the season of love. For those of you who don't already know I have two younger sisters. I also have two younger sisters that are getting married this fall. Jennifer will be getting hitched this weekend at Coffee Lake Farm to Matias. Raquel will be getting married in early November in Stillwater to Eric. This is all very exciting.

It also means lots of parties. The first of which was this past Sunday evening. Jenn's bachelorette party. The evening was fairly low key but absolutely fun! We went to the W hotel for drinks. Then to the 112 Eatery for dinner. Then on the town for a couple hours of good conversation and drinks. We made it back to the hotel had some za and crashed.

Here are some pics from the evening!

The leader.

The Group!

The family!

Yummy.

First and only round of shots for the night. Jag-Bombs to wake everyone up after a delicious dinner.

Having fun just like Mary!

Shauna and Jenn enjoying some tequila at Barrio.

Target Building, my favorite.

It's Official

2009-08-07T18:12:00.003-05:00

I am officially registered to bring three items to the State Fair grounds. I am bring the current kids project from below and the Totoro hat which still needs eyes. And my wicked sweater. I figured I might as well go for it.

Totoro.

Wicked.

A belated lesson for Sparky V

2009-08-06T20:47:00.004-05:00

I need more interesting things to write about. Here is a funny Addy anecdote. Followed by the knitting update.

Tuesday during the day Addy and grandma went to a zoo class at Como Zoo. Sparky themed. Yes, the same day Sparky V died my daughter learned about seal training with Sparky VI. So, in class one of the projects was a weaving/sewing project. They cut out a picture of a mommy seal and a baby seal and around the mommy seal there were holes. You then thread the yarn through the wholes "sewing" the baby seal near the mommy. It is important for baby seals to stay near their mommies. Grandma asked Addy to tell me, "What happens when baby seals go away from their mommies?" Addy answers in a gruff ominous voice, "They Die." Maybe she could have taught Sparky V a valuable lesson.

The dress is coming along. I still have a ways to go but I am confident I will finish I do need to register still. eeekkks!

WARNING: Knitting Porn

2009-08-04T10:31:00.002-05:00

I have decided to compete for The Yarnery's prize at the MN State Fair this year. They are awarding the overall winner in the children's wear category a $30 gift card. I went shopping yesterday and will now spend the next two weeks knitting like mad to create the winning item.

The pattern.

The yarn.

Recovery Through Work

2009-08-02T22:46:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was the big party. Then we spent a lovely evening on Bald Eagle (pictures to come) lake with the girls and friends. I was beat today. I had to work today. The benefit of working out of the house even for just a few days a week is that instead of getting juice boxes and numerous snacks for my own children through out the day I get to serve food to grown-ups and earn money while doing it. I tell this to the people I serve who assume I am still a student at the U or St. Thomas. Flattering yes. A dream yes. I then tell them I am a mom of two and serving them is like a vacation for me. They laugh and if they are really nice they tip me an extra couple of bucks. I will post boat pictures as soon as I receive them from the camera owner. I need to go to the yarn store tomorrow and settle on a State Fair project. I am cutting it super close this year. EEEEEK!

ona a day before the insanity begins

2009-08-01T16:11:00.002-05:00

All right here we go again. Evidently unless I commit to writing once a day I don't write at all. Here I am again committing to once a day for a month. Today is easy.

Livia turned 7 a few days ago and we had her party today. Pictures are below. And I will say this it was the most boring kid party ever. I am not being sarcastic or lying. I really think that everyone had not a horrible time but definitely not a good time. I am going to blame the wind and not my last minute planning. Sorry kids.

The Free Range Fim Festival has come again!

2009-07-22T21:36:00.003-05:00

I made it. I made it a whole year. And now as a reward I get to enjoy a kid-free weekend in a barn watching movies with others who like to watch movies. You should come. You would love it.

This summer has been flying by. Last summer I worked pretty much full time at Java Train. This summer I wait tables a mere three shifts a week and two of them fall in the evening. This means one thing and one thing only. The pool is mine, and I have the tan to prove it. I love going to the pool. I grew up with lakes.Lakes are fine, but the pool. Ah I love the pool. I know a lot of people hate pools because they are dirty and gross and all of the above and I don't know the details or want to know the details. All I know for sure is that when you leave the pool you do not find sand in places sand should not be for the rest of the day.

We have gone to the beach as seen below and we have indulged in the little kiddie pool for the extra children I manage during the week. Here are a couple shots of summer. A couple shots of a great summer.

And stay tuned folks, upcoming posts include Misty's second State Fair knitting competition and of course photos from Free Range. I am also toying with the idea of doing a post a day next month. September will be crazy. I think I will do it. I will decide for sure next week. All right enough thinking out loud. Enjoy!

Independence Day!

2009-07-05T23:38:00.004-05:00

A belated happy Fourth of July to everyone! We had a busy but very good day. The morning started out taunting us with rain but we powered through and put on our swim suits in hopes of sun. We arrived at Square Lake near Stillwater just in time for the sun and found friends awaiting with picnics and clear clean beach water. After several hours of good conversation and plenty of lake water we headed to meet the soon to be in-laws of Raquel. (Yes, my other sister is now engaged as well as the other. Congrats by the way!) After an short but enjoyable time we headed out to Bald Eagle for our second annual Brewer family 4th of July Celebration! A pontoon some mishap fishing and two hours of fireworks, what more could you ask for?

Here are some photos from the day, hope you enjoyed the fourth as much as we did this year! thank you to all of you out there who let us be a part of your holiday!

Momma Plays the Ponies!

2009-06-28T19:13:00.004-05:00

Today when looking for a nice family outing we knew one thing we needed to be outside. The weather was gorgeous. Sunny and breezy and perfect. we looked at berry picking but after last weekends adventures in the wilderness of Wrenshall Momma needed some city action. The horse race track it is then! This was our first time down to Canterbury, and it was a great time and affordable. Kids get in free and on Sundays there are free pony rides, free face painting and the sadest petting zoo I have ever seen. The kids loved it and Momma got to play the ponies. Here are some shots from the grand day out.

Sunset Poem by Livia

2009-06-11T11:11:00.004-05:00

"The sun is setting and the pond is waiting for the last drop of the sun." - Livia, age 6.75

The last day of school!

2009-06-10T10:21:00.006-05:00

Finally the school year has come to an end. There were sad "good bye"'s and there were happy "See you soon"'s. But the best part is that today there were no "What's for lunch?"'s, "Do you have your homework?"'s, or "No, it is too cold to wear a dress."'s. There were nine o'clock wake ups and ten o'clock pancakes.

I also get to have a break from one of my regular volunteering gigs for the summer. We tucked all the St. Anthony Park Elementary School Library books in for a short hot summer's dream. And it felt good to know they have survived yet another year of use.

I am also now the proud owner of a Second Grader!

To end the afternoon on a high note we headed over to Como Town for a couple of hours of free rides in honor of the end of the year! The good thing. Free Rides. The bad thing. Free rides. We managed to go on four rides in 2 hours that is how crowded it was. It was fun to see lots of friends and as you can see a fun time was had by all. Plus Billiam and I got to have some bonding time!

First Trip to Como Town this Season!

2009-06-05T21:32:00.003-05:00

Raquel and I took "girl mice from Cordurory who dances" to Como Town today. She rode the swings for the first time. I was terrified. She had a blast. The funniest part of the afternoon, well there were two. One. we were standing in line for the swings and a Hannah Montana song came on the sound system slowly but surely "girl mice from Cordurory who dances" started gyrating. Two. The whole time she was on any of the rides she was talking. And no one she knew was near her. She is crazy. Literally.

Auntie Raquel and "girl mice from Cordurory who dances" in line for the swings for the first time.

Buckled and ready.

Her as the popo.

The long awaited ride on Old Paint.

"Girl mice from Cordurory who dances" and I getting in line for the swings for the second time.

My Little Ladies

2009-06-05T11:15:00.003-05:00

Time, the deceiver. There are days that never seem to end. Days when the moment you open your eyes you anxiously wait to close them again. Some days go by at hyper speed. Days when you get only one out of the ten things you had to do done.

Years go by incredibly fast in retrospect. I keep track of time via my kids. I used to keep track by remembering where I was and what I was doing. But that has changed. Now it is the memory of diapers that tell me years have gone by. It is the memory of sleepless nights that remind me that years have gone by. I am not in the clear yet, but my little ladies ARE growing up. I am not sure I am ready for it. Only time will tell.

Wicked!

2009-06-02T17:39:00.003-05:00

Oh yeah I finished. Like for real finished. Like there are no hidden ends finished. It is done and wearable and warm and cozy and super cute.

As High As A Kite

2009-05-31T16:36:00.003-05:00

It was beautiful out today. It made me want to fly away.

My parents grew up in rural North Dakota. There isn't anything around but some phone lines and a shelter belt every 20 miles or so. What better place to fly a kite. I remember as a kid watching my dad and grandpa fly kites. They knew all kinds of tricks. We used to fly kites with my dad into our teen years when we had some land to enjoy.

A couple of years ago on our mommy & daddy get away to San Francisco we bought Livia a kite as a gift from the trip. Even in the city I am trying to relive the moments of wonder staring up into the sky squinting for the flutter of a kite tail. We flew kites this afternoon. It was fun and we only had one moment of panic. Today we decided what we really need is a trick kite. Then I will be able to relive the moments on the plains I remember most.

On the way.

A little tangled but not too bad.

Success.

Oops. Don't worry the wind blew it down for us.

Daddy knows how to fly a kite high. And away from trees.

A Weak End

2009-05-31T09:39:00.002-05:00

I fell off towards the end. I fell off due to two of the longest days. Among other things I worked 20 of the last 48 hours. Tired has a new meaning. And I am surprised to find out that May has 31 days.

I plan to keep up the posting. Not everyday but more than before. A lot more than before. I like taking the pictures. I like sharing something and often times nothing. I like the idea of you out there reading.

And if all else fails I have tons of unfinished knitting objects to blog for a lifetime. By the way I should have a Wicked with sleeves by the end of the day. And I will need it to stay warm at Free Range.

That First Grade Jump Rope Champion Belongs to Me!

2009-05-28T20:46:00.006-05:00

Today and tomorrow are track and field day at Livia's school. Today among other events like the ball throw was the jump rope competition. Livia won first place for first graders! I am so proud. Here is a picture of her and her ribbon as well as a preview of her skills. All the students were required to jump rope for 60 seconds. The one who endured was declared the winner. At least that is how I think she won. She is a little fuzzy on the details.

She did not win for defying gravity as seen here in the video. She won the traditional up and down kind of jump roping. I have to figure out how to change that.

Things That Scare Me

2009-05-27T11:40:00.008-05:00

I don't like scary movies. That is the obvious and I have some rational fears and some irrational fears. I have the classic fear of flying, which of course came from watching a horror film. I am fine once in the air it is during take off that I am pretty sure we are going to explode and all die a fiery death. Like I said I have rational and irrational fears.

Some other things that terrify me...

Lightening.

Beautiful, yes. Makes the grass greener, yes. Makes my heart beat quickly, definitely. I am pretty sure that it is out to get me.

Squirrels.

This is a newer one. I heard a radio story about a rabid raccoon attacking a woman and how it was relentless. Shortly after hearing this story a squirrel kept following me out side and I could have sworn it was after me. Plus they are twitchy, and city squirrels are bold.

Life Size Cardboard Cut-Outs.

Just look at them. They look like people but they are not people and when you are standing in line for candy at the theater it creeps me out.

And last but not least Christopher Walken.

Need I say more...

My green thumb is broken.

2009-05-25T16:17:00.003-05:00

I will prove it to you in a month when I take pictures of the garden. For now it looks like we are regular old gardeners. But beneath the dirt the seeds and roots are conspiring against us.

Captions will come later.

The Park

2009-05-25T10:59:00.004-05:00

The weather has been so nice this weekend we have spent lots of time outside. I missed the sun this last winter. I missed it a lot. I love the late sunsets. I love the warmth. This time of year I even love the sunburn.

We went to the park on Saturday afternoon. As any outing is it was a roller coaster of emotion. There are never enough swings. The monkey bars here are different. The slides are faster, or too slow. Then we settle into the activities that each individual park has to offer. Only to come crashing down with the words every kid hates. Five more minutes and then we are leaving.

Addy laments the swing shortage.

Liv mastered the monkey bars despite her first contention that they were not the same as the ones at school and therefore impossible.

Addy took to flying. She would crouch and roar and then throw herself off the edge.

P.S. This was supposed to be yesterday's post. Gardening is today's post. Here we come mother earth.

fun with real film, or at least the camera

2009-05-23T11:27:00.004-05:00

I like film. I like the grainy quality. I like the element of surprise. I like the idea of scarce resources.

I like this look.

This was taken with a digital camera through my film camera. I like this concept. I plan to experiment a little more with this. Thanks Ricki for the tip! I do need another two arms to hold the cameras right, but a tripod just might do the trick.

I like that this looks older than it really is. I love this building. I drive by it a lot and I always picture amazingly mundane but interesting movie scenes taking place here. I think it is the pay phone that seals the deal.

I will give you this though. I can't get this kind of color with film.

The Simple Things

2009-05-21T18:29:00.002-05:00

babies...

dessert...

knitting: haunted by UFOs

2009-05-20T13:54:00.005-05:00

This is relaxing. I enjoy this. I wish I could sit in my spot ALL day. But I can't I have various other things to tend to. Too many other things to tend to. Hence the reason I do lots of knitting and very little finishing. I just picked up a sweater that I have been meaning to finish since October. You may remember it...

Yep, Wicked is getting sleeves. My goal is to finish it by the time The Free Range Film Festival rolls around so I have something to keep me warm in the darkness of the barn while watching movies.

There are many other UFOs that haunt my knitting bags and boxes around the house. Too many to show to all of you, but slowly I plan to work backwards. Or tear them out and give Livia the yarn. She is learning to knit! I am too proud!

A flash back

2009-05-19T23:13:00.006-05:00

In search of blog fodder I dug into the depths of the basement. I found old photos. And now I get to bore all 9 of you with them. Yes I am pretty sure I am at nine people who read regularly instead of the mere five I had at the beginning of the month.

Yep, first day of kindergarten. Fall 1987 and Fall 2007.

I was in many a parade. This was not the year of the bikini team.

I have told all of you how I like beer right? Well here is why.

The Tenth Commandment

2009-05-17T16:25:00.004-05:00

Thou shall not covet your neighbor's wife or Pachinko machine.

I went to the wrong garage sale yesterday. That is for sure!

Aside from this awesome treasure I also covet the neighbor's homemade playhouse. The kids a had a great time eating lunch in it and playing. I miss my old playhouse from when I was little. This one is even cooler than that one.

Garage Saling!

2009-05-16T13:58:00.002-05:00

In Minnesota garage saling is an actual sport. I am sure it is elsewhere too. I am not good at this sport. For two reasons. One. I don't wake up on a Saturday before 8 o'clock. Two. I like stupid stuff not practical things. Today I found a few treasures. The girls each got 5 dollars to spend. Addy purchased a Littlest Pet Shop virtual pet, it is basically a tiny screen on a key chain that beeps and features a pixelated monkey for $2.50. And a pair of Princess pajamas for 25 cents. Livia hit the jack pot. She got a High School Musical poster for 50 cents, a High School Musical backpack for $2 and a beaded green coin purse for $1. My treasures were purchased for $3. The only bummer is that it was cold here today. Really cold and windy. I don't like the wind.

The bag I just thought the fabric was nice and it will be good to lug knitting around in.

I LOVE the cover art! And no I won't be reading the book. It is in German. I actually just noticed that while I was looking for the year it was published.

I like that kids toys and crafting things used to be made of sharp metal and include patent warnings on all sides of the box. I had no idea patent stealing was such a problem back in 1949.

A day in the life.

2009-05-15T21:45:00.003-05:00

Today was a busy day. I nannied my two add on children. Mia and Lily. I coordinated the volunteers and volunteered at the school BBQ from 10:45 to 1:15. My sister thankfully came with to help watch the kids. We came back tot he house for rest time. Then back to school to pick Livia up. Then to Java Train for treats of course. We then returned home. The extras left a few minutes before 7. The three of us still waiting for dad to come home decided to head out to dinner and wait for him there. He arrived after 8. Now they are being tucked in by dad and I am enjoying an adult beverage. Ready to collapse. Here are a few shots from the day. The sad thing is aside from the BBQ this is a normal Friday.

The ride to school.

The treat time after school.

There is always time for a little knitting. Cooper's Bird just needs some stuffing and a little finishing.

My Prima Ballerina

2009-05-14T22:58:00.001-05:00

Thanks dad!

Livia is the forth in from the end. Or the best one, either way you should recognize her.

girls play with girls

2009-05-13T11:02:00.003-05:00

All right this is a bold statement. I know. And I will say that I have heard stories and met kids whose best friends are the opposite sex. It happens, but not as often as the opposite happens. This makes me sad but for some reason it is the truth. Girls play with girls. Boys play with boys. Especially when they enter school. Livia used to be less discriminating than she is now. I get it. I don't like it. But, I get it. This does not mean that she can't or doesn't like playing with boys. Especially when one of mommy's good friends only has boys and that is her only choice. This is the result.

okay okay I know...

2009-05-12T15:03:00.006-05:00

I am trying. The late nights at work are not helping. Oh well. Today is brief. I found this on Kate's blog and I have to share. If you are looking for a good cry or a reason to knit a bird, today is your lucky day. I will post a picture of my bird when I finish it. Thanks Kate!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T18:21:00.004-05:00

I worked today. That wasn't so bad. It was an easy shift and I chose to work to help out another mom. I did enjoy a lovely banana pancake breakfast with the girls and my mom who coincidentally ended up staying with us this weekend for other things. The girls made cards. I have pictures below. They are adorable. Livia also made me a clay flower which she sculpted and painted herself.

Back to the notes. Addy's card you will notice has lines on it. This is all she draws. She doesn't draw faces or people yet. Just lines. She is over three. I wonder if this is normal. I remember Livia drawing faces on blobs at a younger age. I know they are all different, but...

Livia's letter/poem starts, "Dear Misty,..." no where in the note is it mentioned that I am her mother or that this is in honor of Mother's Day.

I thought about writing a spiel on how yet another consumer holiday arrives, and I still might, but the bottom line is that parents give up a lot for their kids. They deserve to be recognized. They deserve to be recognized everyday by a please or a thank you or an I love you. Today is the day you buy them things or even better make them things. But everyday I thank the gods for my mom, my step mom, and my mother-in-law. You have all helped me be a better person. Thank you!

The pictures may come tomorrow I am off to enjoy a quiet evening out with the dad.

the best 300 dollars I have ever spent.

2009-05-10T01:04:00.004-05:00

Today was Livia's ballet recital. This was the first for us on many levels. It was the first performance, it was the first time Livia got flowers just for her. It was the first time I sat in an audience on the verge of tears watching my own daughter. It was the first time I herded 9 pre-ballet kids (4-6 year olds) around for an hour and a half, including one trip to the bathroom. Herding cats. That is what it was like, cats in delicate costumes and flower pots on their heads.

It was amazing!

Pre-rehearsal entertainment.

Livia's best friend Isa was able to come and watch her perform. This is the only person Livia truly cared about. She looked for her the second she got off stage. Forget the great grand parents that were here from ND.

My Prima Ballerina. I am so proud!

Who says life isn't all rainbows and ice cream?

2009-05-08T22:10:00.006-05:00

This post is to prove all you naysayers wrong.

Livia and I were kindly invited to join family friends for an after dinner ice cream treat at Conny's Creamy Cone Wednesday evening. The sky looked a little ominous but we all decided to chance it and headed to the other side of the lake. At the last second I grabbed my camera to finish up a roll of film. I have been shooting random sites around town that I enjoy or wish I enjoyed more often. And they have to be photogenic too. I had decided Conny's fit the bill and there is a dive bar not too far from us called Ted's that also deserved a shot or two. Conny's first...

Rather photogenic don't you think?

As you can tell from the grin Livia is thrilled to get ice cream.

Just as we were leaving it started to sprinkle. It was about 7:39 p.m. We were driving west to get home and the sun was bright as day as the dark clouds loomed directly over us. I knew something magical was about to happen. We got to the corner and I had to make a U-turn to get into the dive bar parking lot. The second we face east both of us say "Do you see that giant rainbow?!"

The left half. I wish I had a wider lense.

The right half. I wish I had a wider lens.

It was beautiful. I still had a couple shots left to use up so we drove to a nearby cemetery to get some open space shots. Clouds began to cover the middle but it was still as clear as day and it wasn't raining where we were at.

Livia was of course in heaven.

This is the magical ball of light responsible for the beautiful display.

As a small aside, my sister graduated from college today. So there was lots of talk about what the future has in store. My advice. No matter what is going on around you or in you look for and enjoy the rainbows and ice cream cones. Congratulations Raquel!

Pooper = Hooper

2009-05-08T01:11:00.003-05:00

I am guilty. I love little kid poop jokes. I am sorry to disappoint all of you.

P.S. I will post again later today. I am tardy once again. Too many things to keep up with this week.

Lost Treasure

2009-05-06T21:35:00.001-05:00

I found something I consider extremely valuable, but first a confession. I am a holiday picture mom. I don't get the camera out on a regular basis. Only for special occasions. I envy parents and children born to photographers. The idea of having annual family photos as well as having the everyday moments is nice. This confession gets darker. I don't even get annual photos done of my kids much less all of us as a family. That said this is one of the reasons the photos below are so treasured. I know a lot of you have seen these already but I wanted to let all of you know how much value they have.

These photos were taken at a time in our lives when life seemed simple. We had survived an unplanned pregnancy, a shot gun wedding, and a move to the big city. We were ready for anything. I was in school. He worked nights. We rarely saw each other but knew that someday that would change. Shortly after these photos were taken I found out I was pregnant for the second time. A little nervous, but very excited. Two months after that I found out I had lost the baby. That is a whole other post, and my point is not to create pity, because I survived that, we survived that too.

My point. My point is that when I saw these photos I remembered what everyday used to be like. Everyday now is different. Everyday in two years will be different. I don't know which everydays will be better or worse. And to be honest it doesn't matter. Seeing these photos reminded me that time is moving too quickly and capturing the everyday is almost more valuable to me than the special moments. Those are the moments our brains remember. The moments when you got your first bike, or the best Christmas present ever. But crawling up on the coffee table while you thought mom wasn't paying attention, those are moments that get lost in the shuffle.

Read.

2009-05-05T21:33:00.003-05:00

I love to read. The last two days I have spent hours and hours inventorying books in the school library. Why? Two reasons. One, I couldn't find any other volunteers aside from the three that showed up yesterday to help, so I am stuck doing it for the rest of the week. Two, I dream of being the librarian. I love the idea of being a part of creating a life time enjoyment of reading for kids.

I finished my first chapter book by night light in the fourth grade. A little late I know, but this is the first I remember. Sweet Valley High of course. I remember being so proud there in the dark with my sisters sleeping all around me. Jr. High was not full of books. And then came my senior year of high school. My AP Lit teacher showed me that there are really good books out there, like The Memoirs of a Geisha. Since then I am hooked.

In college I had a rule that I couldn't read homework in bed. I can't fall asleep without a book so this gave me time to read Harry Potter. I to this day love to get books as gifts. I also love having books to display. When I go to a persons house my favorite thing to do is look at their bookshelves. You can tell a lot about a person from what they have read. That is why my bookshelves are filled with a nice mix of fiction and nonfiction, easy reading and prize winners. I don't consider myself terribly well read, but I know what I like and I have read a lot.

Top five books:

Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and other poems by Tim Burton

Nothing profound but none the less books I have enjoyed, and I thank all the teachers, librarians, and friends who have made these five only a small portion of the books I have read.

I am late.

2009-05-05T01:39:00.003-05:00

But only by one hour and 40 minutes, please don't hold it against me.

Okay my excuse is my post. I am a waitress. Yes, I am that girl who magically appears with water at just the right time or callously forget to bring your check on time. I am her. And you don't know my name. I am only a number to you. If I am lucky it is 20 percent. If you are cheap it is 12 percent. I know that sounds harsh but I get paid minimum wage. I SERVE you. Does that make sense?

All right all the above said... I love my job. I mean it. I really do, I even like to think I am good at it. I like meeting all the people and making there time at the best burger place in town an enjoyable time. Please stop in and say hello. I love waiting on people I know!

Cheers!

P.S. I just got home. That is why I am late.

From Confessions of the Mommy Zombie

A birthday tribute...

2009-05-03T20:16:00.004-05:00

Today is my dad's birthday. So I thought I would take a moment to say a few words to you and him about him.

My parents divorced when I was younger so we didn't live full time with my dad for what now amounts to the majority of my life. This isn't good or bad it just is. I will say that I see my dad in retrospect. I do not remember details from the past. To be honest I don't remember a lot of things from my childhood. I have snippets. I don't know why this is. So, I see him from my current vantage point; 27, married, two kids and a growing interest in small town politics.

I have learned a lot from him. As every parent hopes for, but secretly fears, these lessons have been taken from both successes and mistakes.

The lessons...

Sometimes you need to give something up to move forward.

SPAM can taste good.

Kool-aid is no different than 100% juice.

Hauling wood in the snow can be more fun than you think.

Just because you disagree doesn't mean you can't talk about it. Or even argue about it.

Hard work is a way to create value.

Always call them "sir" and they will buy anything from you, or in my case tip you well.

Za, jo and qi are valid scrabble words that actually score points.

Love means something different to everyone and as long as you know what it means to you no one can tell you who to love.

These are just a few things. And I know there will be lots more to come. I wish you a very happy birthday Dad. Cheers!

Free Comic Book Day!

2009-05-02T15:04:00.004-05:00

Yippee two holidays right in a row! I plan to celebrate this fabulous holiday next year too. Who doesn't love going to your local comic book shop and finding it not only filled with people but also with people in costumes. Yes I said costumes. I told you this was a holiday.

The girls and I enjoyed traveling to a few different shops with Mike, Val, Annie and Mary Scott. Livia seems quite taken with comic books. I am too proud. Here are a few shots from our adventure with captions to boot...

The Source is a large comic book shop that is actually very close by. This was by far the most exciting location, with people, dorks, nerds, basement dwellers, The Flash, Poison Ivy, Super Girl, Spiderman and many more. Oh and lots of lines!

Photographic evidence of the attendees.

You can't tell here, unfortunately but Super Girl had the sexiest costume. Her entire torso was exposed when standing, and lets just say it was very long and lean. Not so sure the real Super Girl has a navel piercing but...

We all get our picture with The Flash. As you can see I am very excited about this.

Pablo asks The Flash if he is a monkey. The Flash says no and stands up to walk away.

The girls crack into their free comic books while waiting for Mike to purchase the not so free ones.

Big Brain. Not as many people which was nice and I will definitely be back their to get my The Believer fix.

Its on like Donkey Kong...

2009-05-01T15:03:00.002-05:00

All right I want to do this. I started this blog not even a year ago and already I have let my fan base down. No more I say, No more. This one is for you. All 5 maybe 6 of you. I will post every day for the month of May. I am not promising fail-safe entertainment, or even a remote sense of coherence with every post but I promise a post everyday.

Okay Day 1...

It is May Day. There was a time in my life when May Day was a fun and celebrated holiday. I miss it. I miss it more this year than before for a few reasons. The most glaring being that I had a falling out with the Easter Bunny this year.

Prior to delivering the children's requests to the Easter Bunny I went to Target to buy an egg dying kit. Upon close examination of the choices I was not only unable to find the best brand of dying kit, PAAS, but I was also unable to find anything other than a character based kit. So after letting out a few choice words in the aisle filled with other mothers and small children I grabbed one Hello Kitty and one Hannah Montana and stomped up to the cash register. Then off to meet with the Easter Bunny. Not surprisingly he wanted to meet at the Starbucks. That Bastard. Only to let me know that the baskets would be filled with plastic wrapped plastic toys with plastic eyes. I said, "you have got to be kidding me," and requested sidewalk chalk, lots of sidewalk chalk, which came in a cardboard box, and to top it off I demanded that he spread the good morals of WALL-E to my children by getting them the movie which comes in a cardboard box as well. Take that Mr. Bunny, and don't give me your bull shit lines about plastic being the only way to go next year.

So today I remember the tiny milk carton baskets made with love for my childhood best friend and the anxious car ride across town early in the morning to drop the baskets off before school. I remember setting it down on the doorstep full of giggles and quickly rapping my small knuckles on the door and sprinting the other way. I remember getting away. I remember the excitement. I remember the simplicity and genuine spirit of May Day 20 years ago. Today where ever you may be remember the simple things. Like the times you flew to the moon on a swing. It is spring. Spring is here and soon summer will fill the air the smell of bonfires and bug spray. Enjoy it.

the weekend.

2009-04-20T14:47:00.003-05:00

The girls and I headed up north for the weekend and got to see lots of family and had lots of fun. Check out the pics and watch out there is a surprise at the end...

Sexy...huh? That ones for you Jenn!

No, really, she is a little crazy...

2009-03-06T09:48:00.012-06:00

As many of you know, Addy is crazy. No, I mean it. I have proof.

In my hands I hold Addy's heart. Known to the rest of the population as a biker's blinking safety light.

Her heart is the newest edition to the various things I carry around in my bag when we leave the house. Along with her "slanky" (slinky) and occasionally Rowdy, her very uncuddly plastic yellow lab. She has so convincingly referred to this light as her heart that sometimes I wonder if she knows something I don't. And sometimes I am afraid of the responsibility of taking care of it.

Addy has been the most entertaining part of my life for the last 2 to 2 and a half years. She cried a lot when she was little. Now I like to think of her antics as my reward for not throwing her out the window when she was little.

I recently found myself wondering what my children will grow up to be like or do. This is a tough question because anyone who has had children knows how little control you really have over who they are and it is sometimes hard to give up on the dreams you have for them. Livia was going to be my artist. Now she loves science and math. I am happy to see that her almost obsessive ability to sit down and finish the task at hand won't be wasted on paint.

I think there are two possibilities for Addy. She will either be a crazy bag lady hanging out in Central Park all day and night or she will be an actress or some other creative type. Her brain is a mystery I am not sure I want revealed.

Either way I hope they both remember that dreams are what makes the world a better place. Without them we are all doomed.

Finding who? ...me?

2009-03-01T22:57:00.002-06:00

I am a busy person. I wait tables three shifts a week. I nanny two days a week. I am a mom of two. A wife of one. An involved parent at my daughters school. A freelance web designer. And a member of the District 10 Community Council. And... I think that might be it. Yep, that is it. Okay so amidst all of this I am me. Or at least I think I am.

I used to keep a journal. I used to blog a couple times a week. I used to find ways to think. Lately that has been lost. But I found a way and I recommend this to anyone and everyone.

Ask yourself questions and write down the answers.

You may be surprised at what comes out. Ask yourself anything. Ask yourself, "If you could have Power, Money or Fame which would you choose? Why?" or how about "If you could meet one famous person who would it be and what would you ask them?" or even better "What is happiness?"

This sounds stupid and some of the questions will be meaningless, but you just might find something out about yourself that you didn't know before. Give yourself therapy if you don't have time for outside help. Trust me it helps.

Thank you...

wedding planning

2009-02-20T11:52:00.003-06:00

It is not my wedding. I already went through that. Thank god.

Let's just say it has only been a month and the fun has only just begun. I want to say something to all of you who are involved in any kind of wedding planning anywhere and at anytime.

To the bride and groom: It is your wedding.

To the others: It is not your wedding.

Does that make sense? Does everyone understand? Okay, good. Good luck!

Congratulations Matias and Jenn!

I got a package!!

2009-01-28T13:00:00.004-06:00

Thank you secret pal! I love all the goodies and the girls enjoyed there candy very much. I have the perfect plan for the gorgeous orange yarn! And that hand lotion is absolutely fabulous it is one of the best I have had in a while. Not oily but creamy! Thank you!

Designing Woman, Episode One

2009-01-07T09:12:00.004-06:00

I am trying something new. I am excited. I am clueless. I work online as well as play online and I pretend to be a designer of websites. I like doing it and I do an okay job but I prefer the building of a site rather than the designing. I am now going to pretend to be a knitting designer. Stand back, this could be dangerous.

The danger comes in two forms. One, I am already not a project finisher. This will exacerbate that problem due to the continual ripping out I have already done. Two, it takes focused time. I am short of focused time. Most knitting I can do I can do while watching TV or tending to children. Pattern creating does not allow for juice box interruptions.

There are also positive aspects. I will be using a lot of my stash and scraps to begin with, which is great for my wallet. I will be learning something new. And when it is all said and done I made something all by myself.

I have decided to start off with something easy or at least I think so. I am not diving into garment making. I am starting by creating a lace pattern that can be used to make a simple object like a scarf or a cowl.

So Step One: The chart. This is a work in progress but you may take a peek.

I was going to post a picture of what I knit up already, but I ripped it out last night to try a different repeat, so you will have to wait for more photos of the new adventure. Stay Tuned for Episode Two of Designing Woman.

A New Year, Another Christmas

2009-01-01T19:32:00.009-06:00

We are on the road. Well not right this second. Right this second I am trying to keep my eyes open after a wonderful rib dnner, present opening, a couple beers, a couple games of bananas, dessert, and a showing of toy story. We rang in te new year last night and didn't get home to bed until 2 a.m. Addy even made it through the late night and failed to sleep on the two hour car ride to northern MN. Tomorrow we head off to Fort Ransom ND and enjoy a weekend with even more family. I look forward to compleing at least one jigsaw puzzle and embarassng myself at the townie bar. It wouldn't really be Christams without rowdy drunkeness from at least one family member.

Here are some pictures from Addy's impomtu Brthday party at her favorite pub, The Blue Door Pub. She loved her obnoxious present that her parents gave her. Yes we actually bought it.

Addy wasn't the only one celebrating...

I am back. I am busy.

2008-12-17T13:22:00.002-06:00

It has been a crazy two weeks. I hosted two parties last weekend and spent the week before that preparing the house for company. It looks good. We have a Christmas tree and everything. I even hung art on the walls! For the first time since we moved in 4 years ago it feels like home.

Addy turned 3 last week. She is practically potty trained and even naps without a diaper. Not bedtime yet but soon. I have to go and buy a plastic sheet first.

Christmas is next week. I can't believe it and I still have quite a bit of knitting to do. I better do that now actually. Like I said I am back. But I am busy. I will post party picks when I get some!

Projects as Gifts

2008-12-03T22:15:00.004-06:00

I am doing a dangerous thing this year. I am committing myself to giving knitted gifts for Christmas. I am scared. I have a deadline. To top it off I have one baby shower before Christmas and one after that I am providing knitted gifts for. I can do this.

The baby stuff is a breeze. I am knitting one baby surprise sweater and one kimono style baby surprise sweater. For those unfamiliar with Elizabeth Zimmerman these sweaters are like origami. They are knit in one piece and then seamed at the sleeves. and even better they are garter stitch. so you just keep knitting with an occasional increase or decrease. Nothing to traumatic.

Christmas presents; I have a sweater in the works and then I have a few small gifts. I still need to buy yarn for a few of the projects but I am well on my way. The sweater yarn was a gift so I am good there. But I need some nice yarn for scarves and stuff like that. I will try and post pictures tomorrow after work and before the Land Use Meeting. Long live non-profit boards!

For those interested, the potty trainee had a successful day out of the house off and on in underwear. The torture is working my potty animal is coming to life right before my eyes! I just wish her constipation would go away. (If you have kids you are not afraid of the last statement, if you don't I apologize for the imagery.)

My Kind of Art

2008-11-30T12:13:00.007-06:00

My lovely sister sent me the best newspaper clipping I have ever seen! She was recently in California and while browsing the L.A. Times she found a gallery review for a show at the Laband Art Gallery by Stephen Berkman. Berkman makes ambrotypes which is one of the earliest forms of photography. The process creates a positive image on glass using the wet plate collodian process. If you are interested follow the above link to wikipedia for more information. The basic point is that these prints were used primarily for portraiture in the mid nineteenth century.

Berkman uses this process and makes images of the absurd, staging them in nineteenth century hair and dress and traditional ambrotype settings. On his website you can see examples of a series he did with Cro-magnon men. They are funny, absurd, and surreal because of the technique and our associations that go along with seeing the sepia images. One of the images they printed in the L.A. Times holds special meaning. It is an image of a woman knitting. I am knitter but more importantly it is what she is knitting that sparked such an interest in the artist.

She is knitting a condom.

I myself knit condoms, I prefer to call them cock socks.

I have knit them for a friend for his birthday for the last two years. When I finished the one above it had several tentacles hanging off the end and googly eyes. We call it a cock puppet because it a little short. The first one I knit was just plain. I was too concerned with getting the dimensions correct that I couldn't be distracted with decoration. I have to find a new idea for this year. He is an exhibitionist of sorts. Lets just say that he loves the gifts and they make for great entertainment at parties.

When I first saw the photo and all I had was the caption of the picture taken from the paper I was unsure whether the image was real or staged or what it was about so after a little digging I found out more about the artist. Discovering what i shared above. I have to say I love the idea of taking old and almost extinct artistic processes and using them to create modern art. I wish I could go to L.A. to see the show. Maybe it will travel, one can only hope.

Pie in the Sky

2008-11-26T14:51:00.007-06:00

I make the pie. I don't make the turkey. That would be bad. Trust me. The pie I can handle. The pie I like. My grandma taught me how to make a killer crust and I have always enjoyed baking. However, I don't do it often I don't have a dishwasher and the dishes never seem to go away so the thought of voluntarily making a sink full of dishes for something that is only going to make my ass bigger doesn't really sound fun. I do make pie for holidays and dinner parties and other fabulous gatherings. Thanksgiving I usually make a pie that morning but I work tonight until at 1 in the morning and I don't see myself being up for making pie in the morning plus we are going to the mother in laws and the oven will be busy. So today was pie day, and the best part is Addy slept through the whole thing! With the help of my new favorite Drive By Truckers song, My Sweet Annette, Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin and Market Pantry Salted Butter the pie is ready to be released to the pie heaven in the sky tomorrow afternoon.

The ensemble...

Various Stages of Pie Development...

YUM! And Happy Thanksgiving!

Hair!

2008-11-25T16:42:00.009-06:00

I am the oldest sister. I am the short hair sister. I am the rules don't apply to me sister. Especially when it comes to fashion and hairstyles. Don't believe me ask the pretty sister or the cute sister. Oh and I am the ugly sister. That is fine though, because I am also the big boobs sister (or at least I was before I breastfed two kids). I am not looking for sympathy it was just the way it was growing up.

So, growing up in a house full of girls when I began having kids I dreaded having boys. I don't know what to do with boys. What I have found recently is I don't really know what to do with girls either. Well at least girly girls. I have one girly girl and one copy cat girl so this is why we are late to school on any given day of the week. These master pieces take precious time and lots of tears. I feel bad for my dad who had to torture my sisters every once in a while with crooked braids and bad parts.

So as the "I don't care what I look like sister" I wait an incredibly long time between haircuts for someone with short hair. I got my hair cut today for the first time in 9 and half weeks. These are the results. I just got it cut no color the time of day is different so the color looks a little different in the photos.

Boring Knitting Survey

2008-11-25T11:18:00.004-06:00

I saw this list of knitting techniques on another blog. I haven't done a survey thing like this before but I was surprised at how many I had already done. I love knitting!

Green = "Been there, done that."
Pink = "Man I wish I had more time to try new things"
Gray = "Thanks, but no thanks."

Afghan
I-cord - well, not so much want to try, but will have to try when I start to make my felted bag.
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own hand-spun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Participate in an exchange
Scarf
Teaching a child/teenager to knit
American/English knitting
Knitting to make money
Buttonholes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on one or two circulars
Knitting with someone else's hand-spun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit - I have someone in mind
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener stitch
Knitted flowers
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn
Stuffed toys
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Free-form knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/arm-warmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an on-line knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

Finally a knitting post...

2008-11-24T17:20:00.004-06:00

I have been starting and restarting projects for the last 3 weeks. I finally finished one and here it is. I used my birthday yarn, Hand Painted Suri Silk from Misti Alpaca. It is really soft and so warm. Not itchy which is awesome because I knit the Fetching pattern from Knitty. They turned out really nice and I did it in a day and a half. I just might have to pump out a bunch of these for Christmas presents.

Washington D.C. or Bust

2008-11-21T16:34:00.004-06:00

I am going to the inauguration! I will be riding on a bus for 20 hours and then commuting from Baltimore to D.C. for two days of fun filled political soirees. I called my fabulous representative Betty McCollum and put my name on the list for tickets to the inauguration. I am so excited to be a part of history even if it is from a great distance.

P.S. You should come!

Pants, Playdoh and Pottying

2008-11-19T12:59:00.004-06:00

Pants. Everyone wears something to cover their ass. Everyone except Addy. I have asked her to keep her clothes on continually today to no avail. The minute I get a pair on her the next she is quietly putting them away in her room. She insists upon wearing socks and some kind of tappy shoes. At least I can hear her move around the house.

Playdoh died today.

Pottying. We continue the uphill battle of bladder control. Pooping is a little easier, but who cares if the couch gets wet or the floor or the dining room chair or the rug that ties the room together. All you need is a towel and then sneak quietly into the bedroom for a new pair of underwear. No one will ever know. Until... squish. I need to buy more socks.

Beer...mmmm

2008-11-17T09:51:00.005-06:00

I like beer. I serve beer. Lots of beer. At 2 bucks a pint how could you not serve lots of beer. St. Paul is a great place to get a good beer. There are several places in town that have a huge on tap selection and offer a lot of micro brews. I have been expanding my beer horizons since I started serving again. I used to drink Grain Belt Premium which is a local beer but a crappy beer. I am not saying it is bad to drink it is just nothing special. Then I discovered Summit. Summit is a larger local brewery and they have some really great beers. I am not one for dark beers I have however discovered that brown ales are really tasty. One of my favorite beers in town is Finnegan's Irish Amber which is a non-profit organization. Summit brews the beer and Finnegan's sells it and donates all proceeds to local charities. Very cool.

Places to check out next time you are in town and looking for a good beer:

The Blue Door Pub
The Muddy Pig
The Happy Gnome
The Bulldog (Lowertown)
The Glockenspiel

New Brewery to check out! Lift Bridge is a new brewery in Stillwater. They are putting out some great product and it has been really popular at The Blue Door. I highly recommend their Havestor it is a yummy pale ale.

I stopped at the Muddy Pig last night after work and enjoyed a Bell's Brown Ale, it was quiet there and my booth was open. cheers!

Rockin' in the free world...

2008-11-16T10:49:00.003-06:00

Man that was a good show. Last night I went to The Hold Steady and Drive by Truckers show at First Avenue. It was really great. Both bands looked like they were having so much fun on stage and then the encore. They had so much fun on stage together! They sang Rockin' in the Free World by Neil Young and everyone loved it. Great show. Wish you were there.

Two Days...

2008-11-14T08:44:00.004-06:00

That doesn't seem like a long time, but when you are sick that can be an eternity. There are other eternities that have been revealed to me lately too. Like potty training. That takes an eternity. And I think someone out there might agree that an eternity can be 17 days and counting.

Anyway, I do have strep just not the kind they test for immediately. The one they find in a two day culture. Thank the gods for antibiotics. I should be back to normal(a relative term here) by tomorrow morning. Just in time for The Hold Steady concert.

The time has come

2008-11-12T16:06:00.004-06:00

The device...

The tools...

The victim...

Day 1: I have had enough. Actually I have finally felt enough guilt over asking her to change her own pull up. Yes. She is ready. And now so am I. Today she has been wearing underwear all day and so far so good. No accidents (knock on wood). I have an extra 3 year old today and she too has been wearing underwear all day and no accidents there either. I have a feeling a flood is coming this is too good to be true. Tonight she will wear a diaper to bed, but in the morning when she goes to Grandma's while I work I will definitely be sending her there in underwear. I can do this I can do this I can do this. I will turn her into a potty animal!

Waiting...

2008-11-12T09:48:00.008-06:00

I am a waitress. I am the lady who runs back and forth from your table for one thing after another while your kids or husband or wife complain about the food or the music or the time. While I do this for your table I do it for 5 to 7 other tables at the same time. I love my job! I am totally serious! I meet a lot of cool people and I am really really lucky to get to work for small locally owned restaurants. I could never do chains I actually quit one of these locally owned restaurants because I thought they were and still think they are heading in that direction. But the national chains there is one major reason I would hesitate and that is the money. I make cash (which I claim as income and report to the IRS). I make good money, considering I do something that doesn't require a higher education. Don't get me wrong I have a husband who works really hard and makes more money than I do thank god and I only work three shifts a week. So I am not rich, but I like my job and I am rewarded for it because of all of you. So thank you, and please continue to tip your servers they work hard (most of the time).

Now to the point. When I work I come home and the next day I go to the bank and deposit the money to help pay the bills. But yesterday I got to go shopping! I rarely go shopping. I usually spend money on coffee and food, both things I like, but yesterday I got to go to a store I have only been to one other time and loved. I went to American Apparel. I bought a skirt and dress there last spring and saw a whole wall of different colored cotton scarves. I had to go back! I bought a super cute sexy shirt with buttons down the front and these two scarves. They are so soft and cuddly I had to share them with all of you. Pardon the tired eyes. Sleep is a treasure I am still seeking for a variety of reasons.

Blah again...

2008-11-10T15:17:00.004-06:00

I am sick again! I woke up Saturday morning and my throat was so swollen I could barely swallow. My fever broke in the middle of the night last night and the frequent doses of Ibprufen and Sudafed have kept my tonsils down to a reasonable size. And now I am off to work. You do what you gotta do. I promise I won't breath on your food.

Well, its not Strep. Yippee! However, the doc said what has been going around lasts about another week as a head cold. Poo on her! At least I got my flu shot.

Secret Pal 13 Survey

2008-11-09T20:30:00.004-06:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love Rowan! (but who doesn't) I like knitting with a lot of fingering, sport and dk weights that are wool or a cotton wool blend or cotton. That doesn't really narrow it down but in general I like yarn, but I tend to stay away from synthetic materials unless of course you are talking about Rowan Calmer.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a fabric wallet the folds up. I use circular needles for everything so they stay nice and compact when I remember to put them away.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I learned how to knit when I was about 11 or 12 in 4-H. I picked it up on and off and really got into it about 6 or 7 years ago know. I consider myself an advanced knitter. I have knit a variety of different things and I enjoy teaching and fixing other peoples problems, which has been something I learned because of all the mistakes I have made myself.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

No I don't, but that is a good idea...

5. What's your favorite scent?

Sandlewood or anything Aveda, I have no idea what it smells like but it all smells good! No Vanilla please.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I do like sweets I am a chocolate caramel type of gal.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I know how to and enjoy sewing and other needlepoint activities.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I have mp3 capabilities and I like alt-country i.e. Old 97's, Neko Case, gypsy-like folk i.e. Devotchka, and bands like Coldplay, Rilo Kiley, and Arcade Fire.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I like pink and blue greens, not necessarily together, muted colors, not pastels but darker dustier shade of brighter colors like orange and pink.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

No pets to my daughters' shagrin. I have two young girls, 3 and 6. I have a husband who works a lot but still makes it home for dinner once a week and is home most weekends.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

I wear lots of scarves, and I live in MN so hats and mittens are a necessity 9 months out of the year. Ponchos...not so much. Shrugs...super cool!

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I like to knit almost anything. I do like knitting kids-wear and I like patterns that have a lot of texture or lace work, not necessarily delicate but something to keep me on my toes.

13. What are you knitting right now?

I am knitting a sweater called Wicked from Zypher Knits. A hat for my mother. A scarf for my daughter.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Handmade stuff is great!!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I knit exclusively on circular needles and I like bamboo or aluminum, not too crazy about the plastic ones.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

I have a winder and I con my husband into being a swift when I need one.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

This is embarrassing. I think I have a sweater that I knit for my oldest when she was 2.5 and have yet to sew it together for her 6.5 birthday.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?

We celebrate a secular Christmas at our house. We do the presents and the tree and all that jazz. My favorite holiday is probably Halloween, but I know a lot of people don't really consider that a holiday.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Not a collector. My kids collect toys. there is no room for anything I would like to collect.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I love Rebecca magazines, Rowan Books, any kind of cool kid patterns are always appreciated. I am also into a lot of vintage knitting books, actually come to think of it I have a small collection of vintage patterns from as far back as the '20s and '30s.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I need to learn finishing techniques like how to make the seamless seam and how to stitch a garment together. I have way too many UFOs that never see the light of day because I can't sew them together to a standard that I see as acceptable.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I know how to knit socks and I like too but I don't know if I would ever wear them. I am willing to give it a try though. My shoe size is women's 7-8.

23. When is your birthday?

October 7th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

I love Ravelry!! I am mommyzombie and would love to see you all there!

The future is snowy...

2008-11-07T18:57:00.005-06:00

Snow is hear! I am kind of excited. Kind of. I like that my kids get excited, I am sad that in the metro we don't get a ton of snow and when we do it is only white and pretty for a day and then all the traffic makes it dirty. I don't like driving in the snow. That won't be a problem for a couple of weeks hopefully. After last weeks unseasonably warm weather the ground is still pretty warm. Like I said I am kind of excited. I just hope it all disappears in March.

At least I finished some new winter gear. I got this yarn for my birthday and I love it!! It is really really soft and it is really wonderful to work with. I have more of it and look forward to making some matching mittens or something.

He Won!

2008-11-05T00:12:00.000-06:00

I am so excited! More tomorrow when I am a little more sober!

Happy Election Day!

2008-11-04T10:43:00.003-06:00

Vote! Please vote!

I am not a very patriotic person. I think there are a lot of things wrong with this country. But... Today is a day when I am proud to be living here and proud to participate. Today is a day when everyone has the chance to be truly patriotic and participate in a system that is unlike many others around the world. So, if you weren't planning on voting today I urge you to change your mind. Today is a chance for you to get your say. However small you think it might be.

I can't wait to sit in front of the TV all night long!!

Daylight Savings: Blessing or Curse?

2008-11-03T10:50:00.003-06:00

There was a time in my life when I looked forward to Daylight Savings Time especially in the fall. Fall behind. Spring ahead. I reveled in the idea of sleeping for an extra hour even though it made no sense. I enjoyed waking up and thinking that the world had paused for a whole hour to rest, to breath a sigh of relief. As I got older I realized that it was just a ploy to keep us more productive during the dwindling daylight hours of winter. That stung a little to realize that it wasn't as whimsical as I once thought, but now. Now having two children whose bodies don't adjust to an hour time difference for days, this is a curse. This morning everyone woke up right on cue. Oh wait, on last weeks cue. They were up and ready to go at 7 o'clock. We don't have to wake up until 8 to get to school on time. The hour I gained the other night was taken away from me this morning.

The other unbelievably disappointing aspect of Daylight Savings is that last night it was dark, I mean really dark, at 6 o'clock. It is always a long winter, but this winter is already too long. I need the sun especially this year. We are having Indian Summer here in the state of 10,000 lakes. This will get me through the week, but the dark will be back again tonight. I have to go and read the National Geographic article on "The End of Night: Why We Need Darkness" maybe they can shed some light on the subject. (that was really cheesy sorry...)

Fun-Hater

2008-11-02T22:58:00.002-06:00

I took this picture at the pumpkin carving party. It is really great, but I call it the fun hater because of course all Addy wanted was to go to Grandma's instead of run wild with the children. She toughed it out. I guess that's one way of coping; distraction.

Trick or Treat

2008-10-31T22:53:00.008-05:00

Halloween has been one of my favorite holidays since college. When I was younger I always felt strange or estranged, I think it was basically embarrassing. But as I have gotten older I love it. I love trying to think of really great costume ideas and the parties are usually amazing. Especially Val and Mike parties. I owe my affection for Halloween to them! Thanks you guys, for that and a lot of other things you have introduced me too.

Addy the Bumble Bee...

Livvy the Bride...

This is how I always felt on Halloween, Awkward...

But in the end it was always fun, and the loot was worth it. We have way too much candy!

Bedtime Made Easy...

2008-10-31T17:40:00.002-05:00

My child rearing dreams are slowly coming true. The older one now reads bedtime stories to the younger one. I love it! While I get the waters and turn off the lights and get the right music, The older one is taking over bedtime storytime! Now if only she would change diapers or better yet, potty train the little one. I will put that on her to do list.

Trouble...
I found a love note, and unfortunately it wasn't for me. This scares me, and her lips are huge. I don't know if you can see it in the picture but the jist of it is that Liv has drawn a picture of herself kissing a boy and professing her love to him.

Wicked

2008-10-31T17:31:00.007-05:00

This week has been long. Very very very long. I got vaccinated on Monday. Which was way better than Tuesday's disappointment. Wednesday I woke up feeling sick. I am getting the cold everyone has. So the last few mouth-breathing days have been long. The only good things have been that I have gotten a lot of work done. And a lot of knitting done too. I am practically finished with my Wicked Sweater. I cast off on Tuesday and then went backwards and recast off on Thursday before work. Now I have to work the sleeves and sew the pocket on. It fits well though and I still love the color!

Tuesday's Temporary Cast Off...

Thursday's Final Cast Off...

Falling

2008-10-28T11:52:00.004-05:00

Fall has been a time for lots of falling this year. The economy, the leaves, the temperature, and ... you know lots of stuff.

At least the leaves make for good photos. Thanks Miles Cooper!

Carve It Up! '08

2008-10-25T20:58:00.016-05:00

Tonight was the annual pumpkin carving party that our friends host. It is always a good time, lots of kids lots of adults and even more kids. It is a good time for the whole family, the beer helps. The show begins while the sun is out and we all mill around getting to know each other. The kids run around getting to know each other. Then the carving begins. Give the kids the marker and let them have at it. Then the real fun begins you pop the top, and the second you get them open your children disappear. Wait a second. That isn't how it is supposed to go. So, my method for coping is that if you won't scoop it I get to put whatever face I want on it. I am just glad this wasn't my first rodeo. I had done my research before I went anticipating being abandoned. Ready to get dirty and even more ready to create MY masterpiece. Oh excuse me, I mean masterpieces. Yes I got two pumpkins all to myself. I am happy with this years finished products.

I took pics of all the pumpkins. I might be missing a few due to my mediocre photography skills. Enjoy! And Happy Pre-Halloween!

Vicious (Livvy's)

Hollow (Addy's)

Grand Finale!

Read and Knit!?

2008-10-24T14:13:00.009-05:00

I have been trying for the past few years to read and knit at the same time. I love both of these activities and I would love to do them simultaneously. So far I have figured out that I can read simple things like Harry Potter, and other good yet frivolous books, while I straight knit. Unfortunately straight knitting is often times a little boring.

Currently, I am working on a sweater where it is straight knitting for 11+ inches. I love the sweater especially because it is knit in the round and therefore practically ready to wear after cast off. I hate finishing. It is my weakest point. So my endeavor has been reading the Twilight Saga and knitting a sweater called Wicked. How much more fitting could that be. If you have yet to read the Twilight series I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Harry Potter, or Buffy, or Angel, or even Anne Rice. It is a teen novel but it is good and light and filled with vampires. And don't worry the teen angst flashbacks are survivable. Well I am off to try and finish The Wicked Sweater. Yippee for new clothes!

more fun with digital photos

2008-10-18T11:16:00.005-05:00

We have one of those indestructible Fisher Price digital cameras for children. Like I said in a previous post I find lots of pictures of the television on the camera. The I find the diamonds in the rough, the ones that I genuinely like. And then there are the faces. I love the faces! They never get tired of making faces. Both of them would prefer to throw a fit in front of a mirror just to take in the full effect of their drama. They probably wished they could video tape them and watch them to see which tactics were the most effective. Maybe that is what they discuss as they attempt sleep in the same room every night.

for the love of doughnuts...

2008-10-17T09:53:00.006-05:00

Pablo loves doughnuts. She loves them enough to tell them so. At breakfast the other day we asked her to eat or go and play. I said, "what are you going to do?" she said, "Enjoy!" and then turned to her doughnut and said "oooh I love you doughnut!" She doesn't even tell me she loves me, but food. No problem. I guess the food demands less than I do from her and is easier to commit to.

Another Pablo anecdote. We went to look into preschool programs. We talked to the 3 year-old program teacher. While I was writing down my info she was trying to talk with Addy. She introduced herself and then asked Addy, "What's your name?" Big mistake. She would not tell the teacher her real name. She said Tom, Karen, Jane, Pablo, Tasha, and finally I intervened and said, "Her name is Adeline and she likes to pretend." The teacher said I can tell. I don't think we will be going to preschool there.

Dinner for Two

2008-10-15T15:47:00.006-05:00

My birthday day was busy. I had a good day and a great night. But it was busy, and my husband played a small role. So on Friday he cooked me dinner and arranged a gathering at the new Pop! downtown St. Paul. A bunch of friends showed up and we had a grand ole time. Thank you for the great part II party everyone! These pictures are to prove to my sister and her boyfriend "the chef" that anyone can make food porn... Bon Appetit!

My Little Photographer

2008-10-08T11:00:00.004-05:00

Livvy can actual take pictures and they are actual fun to look at. Here are a few examples. I will say this I find lots of pictures of the TV which I think is hilarious, but every once in a while I find a shot that I totally love. No cropping was done this is what she took.

27 and counting...

2008-10-07T11:10:00.004-05:00

Today is my birthday. Today is a busy day. All the better ignoring the fact is best. I did get a wonderful gift from The Reasonable One, a.k.a. Livvy, I got a fabulous card with a poem in it and a bookmark. She also picked these fabulous flowers, my first present was very nice, and my second was really good too.

"Hi, my name is Misty, and I'm a knitter."

2008-10-05T11:12:00.010-05:00

Here is a shout out to all you fellow knitters who will hopefully find my blog someday. I have been knitting for 7 years. I learned how to knit when I was 10 in 4-H and then lost track of it until about 7 years ago. I used to read a lot more than I do now. After having my first kid I needed something to do and my neighbor across the hall in the best apartment building ever introduced me to a knitting that had nothing to do with washcloths. I had no idea that you could knit some of the things I have made. I love it!

I have tried to pass on the joy of knitting that I have via parties and now I host a knit nite at Java Train the 3rd Wednesday of every month. I love to teach people how to knit and to help them with the slip ups. The gods know I have had to correct so many of my own mistakes that it comes pretty naturally now.

I have to confess, I am a yarn snob. That is my greatest weakness. I enjoy the feel of good, and therefore expensive yarn. I shop pretty much exclusively at The Yarnery because they have a huge selection of Rowan that I adore. I have recently expanded my horizons and just bought yarn for a sweater from Knit Picks, this was much easier on my wallet and I have to admit I am very impressed! Well If you are on Ravelry I will see you around, and if you are a knitter you should definitely check Ravelry out it is a huge resource and a lot of fun.

Here is a glimpse of some projects I have completed or am in the process of completing.

Out with the Old, In with the New

2008-10-03T13:22:00.007-05:00

No this is not a political post, however it is rather symbolic. Today I am shedding an old chapter in my life. I bought new Chuck Taylors. This was a long time coming, but if you have ever broken in a pair of Chucks you now how hard it is to let go of them. On the way to the store I was thinking I have to get a size smaller because these ones are a little big, but when I tried on the same size at the store they were actually a little snug. And as you can see from the pictures below the old have definitely been stretched. I like the new ones and look forward to wearing them in.

The old...

The new...

Change is good!

Snack Machine

2008-10-01T18:36:00.010-05:00

They want to eat all day long but then when they are starving dinner is never enough. Addy is old enough now to navigate the pantry. This is expensive for two reasons. One: She is constantly coming out of the kitchen with something new to eat. Two: Half the time she spills the contents of various bags and boxes all over the floor. If we had a dog it would be next to Addy and fat all the time. The weather has gotten cold fast here in MN. The house is 63 degrees right now. It is warmer outside. Despite the fridged home I caught Addy in a mere tank top and "bumblebee tappies," those are the black dress shoes in case you didn't know.

"I need a snack."

After a please...

Dinner is going to become extinct.

An Inherant Fashion Sense

2008-10-01T14:48:00.009-05:00

If there is such a thing my kids don't have it. My mother would not be surprised. Lets just say I took to sewing my own clothes as a teenager and the fabrics were loud and the sewing was mediocre. They never had a chance really.

Weekends

2008-09-27T15:50:00.008-05:00

I remember a time when weekends used to be quiet and relaxing. A time when weekend days didn't begin until sometime after 10 a.m. Now, weekends are the things I prepare for all week.

Weekends are filled with two children who wake up at 8 o'clock sharp and demand made from scratch pancakes. Then soccer. Then lunch. Then if we are lucky a nap. We are rarely lucky. Then playdoh. Then painting. Then snack. Then the park. Then I go to work until 1 in the morning. And do it all over the next day, minus soccer, plus a fantasy football crazed husband. Either way you look at it by the time Monday comes around I am pretty sure I look something like this.

Dare I...

2008-09-24T17:41:00.021-05:00

I don't know if I dare to start doing this again. I will have more time on my hands during the day and the gods know I don't need a nap everyday! This might be good. This will be good. okay here goes.

Exhibit A :

This is Addy. Or as she prefers to be called Pablo. She wakes up every morning and the first thing out of her mouth is "good morning, I'm Pablo." We groggily respond, "good morning Pablo." Needless to say she will keep these posts interesting. She will be 3 in December and she never stops talking. The weirdest part is that she talks as clearly and fluently as a 4 year old. She has serious identity issues, which is unfortunate because I thought they got their issues later in life when we are too far away to get blamed for it. Not Addy she is already out to prove to the world that the Zomby Mommy is out for brains no matter how young the victim.

Exhibit B:

The Reasonable One. Livia. She is the exact opposite of Addy. It always works that way, doesn't it? She is 6 and enjoying her second year in school. She is smart and she is starting to grow a sense of humor. She is also a great big sister. and she takes after me in that she loves puzzles and knitting and reading and sewing. The things I have to say about her are things that terrify me, because she is already turning into the teenager that will hate me. That is my one regret about two girls. I will be the bad guy. It is the lot of a mother, I can only hope that eventually they won't regret turning into me.

The scary part:

They are in on it together.